Chapter 579

Odalys frowned, puzzled by Selali's abrupt question. "Is it that men aren't allowed? Having one around would at least make things safer," she suggested.

Odalys considered this. Freya and Selah were celebrities, especially Freya, with her massive following. If anything were to happen, they needed someone to watch over them. With Percival around, troublemakers wouldn't stand a chance. There should be someone, at least, to ensure their safety. I may be organizing the night, but that doesn't mean I'll let my friends end up in harm's way. I can't bear the thought of an accident—it's better to avoid them entirely.

"You've thought this through," Selah said, nodding thoughtfully.

Soon after, Dorian brought out the dishes, and Evander waved everyone over. "Come on, let's eat," he called warmly. Just as everyone started gathering, Stellan and Francis arrived, perfectly timed for the meal.

After dinner, Evander froze mid-step on the staircase upon overhearing their plans to visit a nightclub. He seemed ready to speak, but Odalys quickly intervened. "Evander, don't forget today's plans," she murmured.

Evander mused, "Just the thought of Hannah pining over me is exhausting! Who would've imagined I'd still have women chasing after me at my age? Looks like I haven't lost my charm yet."

"Percival, look after Odalys and bring a few more people with you," Evander said firmly.

Selah, watching the exchange, sat frozen for a moment. She thought, 'Most elders would disapprove of young people going out, especially a daughter-in-law. Not only was Evander not upset when he heard, but he even asked Percival to protect her. This level of favoritism is beyond words!'

Selah tugged at Odalys' sleeve and leaned in, resting her chin on her shoulder. "Odalys, the Stewart family adores you."

Odalys chuckled lightly. "Your time will come. Just wait and see." Just then, her phone vibrated, echoing through the quiet villa. Odalys glanced at the unfamiliar number before stepping outside to take the call. A hurried voice came through the line.

"Ms. Stone, this is Zoe, Lee's wife," Zoe said anxiously.

Hearing the voice, Odalys immediately understood. She looked out into the night. The Stewart Villa was silent; the staff had retreated for dinner, and the bodyguards remained in the shadows. She pondered. The night breeze was chilly, yet she felt unusually clear-headed.

As she stood lost in thought, a coat was draped over her shoulders. Turning, Odalys saw Percival. He carefully adjusted the coat before stepping away, allowing her to take her call uninterrupted.

"Zoe, I know why you're calling," Odalys sighed. It had been over ten hours since Lee had gone missing.

"Ms. Stone, he's missing. They said there was a mudslide in that area. Do you think he could still be alive?" Zoe's trembling voice betrayed her fear, even though she didn't want to hear the worst. Yet, deep down, she needed to know what had happened to Lee. The police had just relayed the news: Lee had risked his life chasing a suspect into the woods when the mudslide struck. Strangely, the mudslide was localized, affecting only a small forest area. By the time the officers followed his trail, it was over. The scene was messy—trees uprooted, wild grass buried under debris, and the ground completely covered.

"Zoe, wait," Odalys said, her tone steady.

Zoe's worry was understandable. Lee's job as a police officer was always dangerous, and now he was officially declared missing.

"Wait? Alright, I'll wait," Zoe replied, her voice shaky and unsure.

Chapter 579

Every mission Lee undertook was perilous, but today felt worse. Zoe's eyelid had been twitching constantly, and she couldn't shake the unease in her heart. She thought, Was it because of what happened earlier? The attempted abduction of me and my child? Or something else entirely? She couldn't tell, but her chest felt unbearably tight.

"Zoe, take care of yourself and the little one. Get something to eat—you don't want the child to go hungry. Sometimes, taking care of yourself might bring unexpected hope. If you wear yourself out, you'll be the one who suffers later," Odalys said gently. "Women need to be kind to themselves."

Zoe seemed to snap out of her panic. "I'm sorry. I got too caught up in my worries. I'll make something for the baby now. I won't disturb you further. Thank you for what you did for me and my child today." Her voice broke with emotion before she hung up.

As the call ended, Odalys turned back toward Percival. He was dressed casually, his commanding aura subdued. Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, he seemed relaxed, his eyes closed as though resting. But he opened them at the sound of her approaching footsteps.

Under the dim light, his tall figure cast a long shadow on the ground. Odalys glanced at it, a playful grin forming as she raised her foot and stepped on it. When Percival shifted slightly, she followed, stepping on his shadow again. It was like they were playing a game. Percival watched as she focused intently on the shifting shadow, her playful movements light and deliberate.

His eyes softened, his affection almost overflowing. His body shifted slightly, teasing her into following. Just as she lifted her foot again to catch his shadow, she abruptly stopped.

"Percival," she called his name abruptly.

Percival stopped and turned back to her immediately. "What's going on?" he asked, concern lacing his tone, assuming she might be unwell.

She reached out and grabbed his arm, her expression tense, her emotions barely contained. "Do you think someone else's soul inhabits Windsor's body? Or could it be his own shadow instead?"

"I used to think his shadow might have replaced him—a complete exchange. But now, it seems more like his body is being controlled by someone else, as if another soul forced its way in and took over."

"What do you think it is?" Odalys asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She didn't have the answer herself.

Percival, far more composed, met her questioning gaze. "Isn't it possible that both could be true?" he said calmly. "If his shadow wanted to replace him and someone else's soul sought control simultaneously, they might have aligned. They could have shared the same goal and reached a consensus, working together to suppress Windsor's true self."

"I looked into Windsor three years ago. He was principled and decisive then, completely different from the rest of the Bennet family. His actions were swift and efficient—not the kind of person who would get entangled with someone like Sophia."

"And there's the matter of the Bennet family's legacy," Percival added. "The Bennet family's business was his inheritance. Yet he abandoned it and lived abroad for three years. The Bennet family was in ruins when he finally returned, but he didn't care about restoring its legacy. Instead, he kept entangling himself in constant disputes with Sophia and others."

"Such behavior doesn't reflect the image of a businessman. It's more like he's an entirely different person. Even now, with Oliver and Brandon..."