Chapter 594

“This posthumous marriage incident resembles the debutante training class incident, and Edie’s last name is also Simpson,” Odalys quietly observed. They had been so focused on the Simpson family that they’d overlooked Edie. “Edie could be manipulating everything,” she deduced.

Percival remained silent, considering Edie’s strange behavior over the years. He felt it was within her capabilities. “So Edie wants Callum dead. Perhaps because he’s about to expose her secret, or maybe because he works for me and she wants him eliminated,” Percival speculated.

Orson nodded. “That’s possible. After all, you were both investigating those training programs; further investigation would inevitably reveal her connection.”

Odalys, her mind racing, said, “Edie likely sent Rafael to the Film Capital to harass Freya—a test. Unexpectedly, Rafael died, and the investigation implicated Edie. She married into the Rennett family, and Brandon moved into the Bennett Villa. Though seemingly unconnected, they might share a goal.” She felt certain of her hunch.

“I investigated. Edie periodically returns to the Simpson family, then disappears, always reappearing from somewhere else. She may have assumed different identities and gone to that village,” Percival said.

Orson, rubbing his wrists, said, “Didn’t you bring Rafael and Brandon to Crownridge to draw out those behind them? It’s been so long, and no one’s moved. If it’s Edie, it all fits. She poisoned you; she lives with the Stewarts. That village poison was clearly intended for you. Brandon and Rafael are her henchmen.” His excitement grew with each word.

They’d seemingly put the matter behind them after leaving the village, with so much happening in Crownridge. Hearing them, Elias stood and approached. He saw figures in the shadows, but before he could see clearly, Orson dashed forward, circled behind him, and threw a stone. Elias cried out in pain. Before he could turn, Odalys struck him with a brick, knocking him unconscious. Onion, fueled by revenge, landed two hard blows, ensuring they weren't fatal.

“I’ll handle the surveillance footage,” Percival said. He copied the footage of Sophia’s murder and sent it to Odalys, then erased all traces of their presence, including Orson’s attack.

Chapter 391

Afterward, they went outside to their car. Odalys said, “No wonder that snake suddenly appeared in Crownridge. I couldn’t understand its purpose. It didn’t attack anyone.” “But it will appear when it senses danger. It's from the giant python; it's psychic. The python can’t leave the village, so it sent this one. When it returns, I’ll speak with it.” Its inaction was unusual, given its sudden arrival. Snakes were notoriously vengeful.

Percival’s phone vibrated. Orson, about to start the car, stopped. He was curious. An eerie silence filled the car. Orson remained silent, not daring to interrupt. Both he and Odalys looked at Percival.

“Okay, I understand,” Percival said after the call. He quickly accessed his email, opened a message, studied it, and handed his phone to Odalys. Orion, anxious, turned to look, but his view was blocked.

“Let me see,” Odalys said.

Percival said, “I sent someone to investigate two days ago. It’s confirmed Edie’s ‘disappearances’ were attempts to escape the Stewarts’ control, under the guise of visiting the Simpsons. She assumed a different identity and traveled to that mountain village. Each time she returned, she used a commuter train, avoiding suspicion.”

“No one would suspect Edie riding the commuter train. She’s always been so proud, living extravagantly with the Stewarts.”

“The woman whose ID Edie used is in Crownridge. Henry’s former assistant, who worked for the Bennetts. After the Bennett Group collapsed, she disappeared.”

Odalys stared, disbelieving. “Henry’s assistant! No wonder Henry and Edie ended up together—Edie had a spy at his side!”

Percival continued, “Windsor’s secretary’s last name is also Simpson. After Windsor left the country, that secretary disappeared. He’s likely working for Edie, explaining her past erratic behavior. Her attacks on Freya might have been a diversion. She wanted to appear jealous and powerless, while secretly building influence.”

Orson’s palms were sweating. “That’s terrifying! I didn’t take Edie seriously. I thought she was promiscuous. She had an affair with Henry, throwing herself at him despite the Bennetts’ fate. And after the marriage, she shamelessly demanded a billion dollars as her retirement fund.” He hurriedly took out a cigarette but left it unlit, remembering Percival’s instruction not to smoke around Odalys.

“Aren’t you surprised, Odalys?” Orson glanced at her, his curiosity growing.