Chapter 574

Orion was stunned, swallowing his coffee in one gulp. “When did Percival become so weak?” Orson muttered. “A little leg injury, and now he can’t even walk? I remember the last time he was covered in blood and still stormed back to Stewart Villa without a word.”

“Is he trying to use this as a tactic to impress someone? With his abilities, he should be able to walk without a hitch, even with an injury like this,” Orion said, confused.

Before he could finish, someone kicked him in the waist. “Who the hell—” Orson grunted in pain, turning to glare. He saw Clarence standing behind him, removing his white medical coat. “Percival knows when to play it smart—why can’t you be?”

“Clarence, I’m not incapable,” Orson said, stunned. He hadn’t expected to be scolded and told he was incapable for no reason.

“You’re capable, but how could you misunderstand him? He’s just having a normal conversation with Mrs. Stewart, building their relationship,” Clarence replied, annoyed.

Orson rubbed his sore waist and quickly moved to support Clarence. “Clarence, Finnian was captured. I led the team to take him, and after Odalys treated his wounds, he came into contact with water today, and his skin started to rot. He’s probably not going to make it.”

Orson hadn’t wanted to tell his family, but Finnian was part of the Lark family. He felt it important to inform Clarence. Clarence fell silent upon hearing the news.

“Clarence,” Orson said, his voice full of concern. Clarence had once treated Finnian like his own grandson.

“If he’s dead, then so be it,” Clarence said, his voice strained. “He was nothing but trouble. He thought he could team up with Sophia to scheme against Odalys—he was never a good person. In the past, we were naive, believing he was innocent. We tried to protect him, but he conspired with Sophia. We once thought he was under Sophia’s spell. But then we realized he was never truly part of the Lark family. He’s just like Hannah—manipulative and scheming against us. The worst part was him trying to harm you, trying to replace you. He deserved what happened.” Clarence’s voice trembled with emotion.

Orson felt a pang of sadness, but Finnian was no longer his concern. He had severed ties with him long ago.

“You should talk to your parents about this later,” Clarence continued, his frustration evident. “They need to understand the consequences of taking in someone with such a cruel, poisonous heart. Otherwise, they’ll keep playing the fool and taking in others’ problems.”

Because of this, Clarence had entrusted all the assets of the Lark Group to Orson. As for his disappointing son and daughter-in-law, he no longer cared to be involved.

“Understood,” Orson replied, helping Clarence toward the office. After only a few steps, Clarence suddenly spoke. “I heard about Hannah being caught today. I also heard she was trying to seduce Evander?”

“Sounds like it,” Orson replied, awkwardly scratching his nose.

Clarence shook his head. “At her age, still getting that kind of attention!”

“Clarence, are you jealous!” Orson blurted out.

Clarence raised his hand and gave him a sharp smack. “I’m old. What would I be jealous of? I wish I could live longer and help you out. If I die, and the entire Lark family is left on your shoulders, who knows what’ll happen?”

At the mention of death, Orson fell silent. He instinctively supported Clarence, and though Clarence didn’t say anything, he knew Orson was a good grandson—the only one he was genuinely proud of.

“I heard from Evander about what happened in the outskirts today. The Bennett family set up a scheme to take down Odalys. It looks like Odalys is standing in the way of someone else’s agenda. You must remember, the Lark family must stand with the Stewart family, no matter what happens. We can never back down. Without the Stewart family, the Lark family wouldn’t last.”

“You and Percival grew up together. Now that the Bennett family is going after Odalys, it’s a direct challenge to the Lark family. You did the right thing by shutting them out before.”

“Pass the word: no more selling medicine to the Bennett family. Not even something as simple as cold medicine. Anyone who dares to sell to them or give them anything will be blocked by the Lark family,” Clarence commanded.

Orson quickly nodded. “Yes. I’ll send the message right away.” It was what he had planned to do.

“Go ahead,” Clarence replied. “I’m heading to the Stewart family for dinner tonight. I heard Odalys is going home, and I will join in on the fun.” Clarence grabbed his phone and headed out, eager to laugh at Hannah's predicament.

“Clarence, I’ll drive you,” Orson offered, grabbing the car keys and following.

Meanwhile, Odalys helped Percival down the stairs and opened the passenger door. She guided him into the car, then reached over to fasten his seatbelt. As she leaned over him, her hair fell across his face and shoulders. A few strands caught on his fingers as he gently played with them.

“Odalys,” Percival murmured, his throat tightening as he instinctively called her name.

Odalys finished fastening the seatbelt and, hearing him, looked up in confusion—only to meet his deep, dark gaze. The intensity in his eyes made her freeze.

“What would you like to eat tonight?” Percival asked, breaking the tense silence.

Odalys closed the car door and walked to the driver’s side. “I won’t be eating at home tonight. I just told Freya and the others I’m taking them to the nightclub.”

Percival frowned. “You’re going to the nightclub?”

Odalys laughed. “Of course! It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to spend money. Besides, Freya and the others rarely have rehearsals tonight, so we made plans to hang out.”

“Well, will you invite me too?” Percival asked, his gaze lingering on her with quiet longing.

Odalys turned to him, puzzled.

“I mean, I’d like to join you. Would you take me along?” Percival added, lightly rubbing his fingers together. He thought, This is the first time I’ve shamelessly asked someone to invite me. Usually, people ask me to join, and I’ll always turn down such places. But now, I want to follow her, see what she enjoys, and understand what she likes to do.