Chapter 576

“I discovered that the man named Simpson’s listed home addresses all originate from the same nonexistent location,” Callum explained. “I checked; the place doesn’t exist. I even asked some older residents, and they confirmed it was never there. The address is fake.”

“But what’s even more alarming is that the women who were scammed—their partners also share the same fictitious hometown. It all points to a single perpetrator.”

“They’re targeting emotionally vulnerable individuals, sharing one key characteristic: their astrological signs,” Callum continued.

He carefully lifted his leg, revealing a layer of artificial skin. With a sharp tug, he peeled it off, exposing a waterproof synthetic material beneath, indistinguishable from real skin. As he tore it away, a piece of paper fell out, which he handed to Odalys. “Mrs. Stewart, take a look at this,” he said, his tone focused.

“These astrological signs are mostly from July, with a few from early April,” Callum noted.

Odalys glanced at the signs, her brow furrowing. “They all have negative astrological signs,” she observed.

Callum continued, “I investigated further. I found that these women, like Francis, were orphans—without parents. It all started to click. The women attending those high-society training classes all had negative astrological signs and no parents. And the men who deceived them were also parentless.”

Odalys fell silent.

“I kept digging. That night, after dinner, everything seemed normal at first. But soon, one by one, everyone started leaving. It was only around 10 PM, but the usually bustling street was deserted. The restaurant owner vanished. We realized something was wrong and tried to leave, but the food appeared to be poisoned. Our phones died, and we couldn't call for help. We attempted to drive to the police, but we drove into a fog and lost consciousness. I didn’t regain full consciousness until I was severely injured, nearly dead. By then, it was too late. I had everything prepared, even drafted the message, but I couldn't send it,” Callum said.

He thought, My hand still hasn’t healed. I’m not sure if it will fully recover. The damage is severe.

“Don’t think about it now. Just rest and focus on getting better. The important thing is that you’re here,” Percival said.

Callum remained silent, feeling the weight of the situation. The sense of something crucial missing was overwhelming.

“Mr. Stewart, I feel like I’ve forgotten something important. I asked the others, and they can’t remember either—not the most critical part,” Callum said, his voice desperate. “We need to meet this Simpson,” he added, his tone shaky.

He thought, The closer we get to the truth, the more frustrating it becomes that my memory failed me at the most crucial moment.

“Don’t rush it. If you can’t remember, leave it for now,” Percival advised.

Percival and Odalys’ presence calmed Callum somewhat, but the unease persisted.

“I’ll handle the rest,” Percival added.

Odalys remained silent, observing Callum. After a moment, she said, “Let me see your hand. I want to check the injury.”

“Alright. Thank you, Mrs. Stewart,” Callum replied.

Odalys examined his hand, then relaxed her grip. “You two continue talking. I’ll head to my room and shower quickly,” she said before leaving.

Once she left, Callum looked at the door, feeling a slight unease. He turned to Percival and asked, “Mr. Stewart, is everything alright between you and Mrs. Stewart? It feels like there’s some tension.”

“Am I too old?” Percival asked, his voice low.

Callum blinked, surprised. His exaggerated reaction caused facial pain, and he winced.

“Mr. Stewart, you’re in your twenties, and Mrs. Stewart is only twenty. There’s barely an age gap. You’re not worried about her age, are you?” Callum asked, alarmed.

He silently prayed, What if Percival ruins this after finally escaping his workaholic ways? He used to be all about work, with no regard for relationships, but after meeting Odalys, he started to change. What if he goes back to being single? That would be disastrous.

“Don’t worry. It’s not that I’m bothered by Odalys,” Percival replied, concerned. “I just fear she might think I’m too old for her, or that I lack passion.”

Callum was taken aback. Is this something I should be hearing? This is completely different from what I imagined.

“Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart doesn’t seem like someone who seeks excitement. Besides, you two get along well, right? Maybe you’re overthinking things,” Callum said, reassuringly.

Callum was anxious, sweating. A work-driven, single-minded president was easier to manage than a lonely one. If Percival stayed single again, it would be far easier, and work would feel much lighter for everyone!

“Yes,” Percival nodded.

After discussing work, Percival instructed the staff to prepare restorative drinks for Callum before heading to the main villa. Returning to Stewart Villa, he passed Odalys’s room. He paused, hearing soft music. Remembering how tired she must be, he withdrew his hand and went to his study instead.

The desk was cluttered with unfinished paperwork on real estate and land deals. He sat down and worked, losing track of time.

Meanwhile, Odalys finished showering and was drying her hair. Stretching and yawning, she accidentally kicked something under the bed. Groaning, she said, “Who put these suitcases under my bed?”

Crouching down, she pulled out three heavy suitcases. A knock came at the door. “Come in,” she said.

Freya and Selah rushed in, excited. Seeing Odalys struggling with the suitcases, they leaned over curiously.

“Odalys, what’s this?” Freya asked.

Selah tugged at a suitcase. “What is this? It’s so heavy!”

“Help me pull them out,” Odalys said.