Chapter 585

Freya remained frozen as another figure rushed in. Selah, seeing Percival's profile, quickly covered Freya's eyes. "Children shouldn't see this," she said. "Go ahead, Mr. Stewart."

Odalys, startled by the noise, turned. The suite door was already closed, and Percival was no longer brushing her hair. He shrugged. "Still in the mood to continue?"

"Not anymore." They had only come to witness the Bennetts' humiliation. With the spectacle over and everyone gone, there was no reason to stay.

Odalys picked up a drink and drained it, noticing a burning sensation a moment later. She sniffed the glass, frowning. "Wait, was this alcohol?" she asked, incredulous.

Her eyes widened, her throat burning, her mouth parched. Percival, noticing her empty glass, poured her water. "That was Francis's drink. He poured it earlier—why didn't he take it with him? I thought it was juice," Odalys muttered, her expression sour. The fruity aroma had fooled her.

Percival watched her drink the water, then gently pressed his palm to her forehead. "Do you feel okay? Dizzy? Should we try to make you throw up?"

"It's fine," she said. "It was only a sip. I don't feel anything."

Odalys stood, set down the glass, and walked toward the door. She felt energized, a surge of vitality coursing through her.

Outside, Selah released Freya after closing the door. Freya's eyes sparkled. "Was Mr. Stewart stroking Odalys's hair? I didn't know he could be so gentle."

Freya thought, I might have seen more if Selah hadn't barged in. Selah rolled her eyes. "They're a real couple. If he weren't tender, she'd have left by now."

"Shh, let's sneak another look. Maybe he'll kiss her this time," Freya whispered, nudging Selah as they crept toward the door.

Freya cracked the door open, but it swung fully open before she could properly peek. Percival loomed in the doorway, his sharp eyes sweeping over them.

"What are you two doing?" he asked, his voice deep and dry.

Freya froze, meeting his intense gaze and shivering. "Uh… my stomach hurts! Selah was helping me," she stammered, clutching her abdomen.

Selah quickly added, "Yeah, she must have eaten something bad. I'll take her to the restroom. You two carry on."

Percival watched them retreat, exasperation creasing his forehead. Even if I were blind, I'd know they'd just been caught spying, he thought.

Odalys leaned out, grabbing his sleeve. "Where are you going? Wait for me!" she called, hurrying after them.

Percival followed, descending to the nightclub floor. Silence fell. Conversations stopped, eyes turned their way, some averted in unease.

Whispers arose: "Who is that?" "Shhh, I heard it's Percival." "Wasn't he supposed to be dead?" "What's Percival doing here? Could it have something to do with Henry?" "Hey, Freya and Selah are there too!" "Wait, it's Odalys! She's incredible! If I'd known she was upstairs, I'd have asked her to read my financial future."

Some onlookers whispered excitedly, others openly admired her. "Odalys, could you tell me about my love life?" "I'd like to know about my financial future!"

A group surged forward, led by a middle-aged man, Elias, identifiable by his thinning hair, missing teeth, and ruby necklace.

"Sorry, she's had too much to drink," Percival said smoothly, slipping his arm around Odalys' slim waist.

Though Odalys had only had a small amount of alcohol, she felt perfectly clear-headed. As Percival guided her out, they passed Elias. Odalys stopped, looking him in the eye.

"You should head home," she said bluntly. "If you don't, your mother's going to die."

Elias froze. The comment rattled him. Whispers followed: "What did she just say?" "Someone's about to die?" "I heard she never makes that remark unless it's serious." "Where's his house?"

People rushed to follow Elias, emptying the nightclub. Even some of Freya and Stellan's fans joined the chase. The club owner was left stunned. "What the hell happened to my club?" he muttered, his heart aching at the deserted dance floor. Have my performers lost their appeal? They're not even as popular as a few celebrities and star readings? he thought, but didn't dare say it aloud.

Meanwhile, Percival carried Odalys, noticing her unsteady steps. As she fell against his chest, her cheek brushed his, and she felt his heartbeat.

"Huh, what's this? It's vibrating," Odalys murmured, pressing her hand to his chest. She tugged his shirt, revealing his chest. She stared, slightly dazed. "Percival, you've got so much hair," she murmured, her gaze fixed on him. Women's skin was typically soft, but Percival's was exceptionally well-kept. His muscular body held a different appeal. She leaned closer, instinctively swallowing hard.