Chapter 599

Odalys remained silent, gazing at the ground.

“Odalys,” Callum called softly.

Odalys looked up, meeting his gaze for a long moment before speaking. “Do you know the implications of forcibly unlocking your memories through hypnosis? It could damage your brain and deplete your body. Not everyone can access their memories at will. Sometimes, forgetting is a survival instinct. Forgetting might be for the best; you don't need to force yourself to understand why. Everything happens for a reason; otherwise, you might die.”

“Percival may not have told you this, but if we hadn’t arrived that night, you and those guards would have been sacrificed. You were hidden in a water tank, almost suffocating.”

“You understand what being sacrificed means, right? Offered as a sacrifice while still alive?” Odalys stared solemnly.

Callum was stunned, utterly unaware. His lips parted, the yearning in his eyes vanishing.

Odalys continued, “If you remember, it could lead to death. Maybe you’re not afraid of death, but if your recovered memories become a tool for others to kill Percival, would you still want to remember? They want to sacrifice you because you and Percival grew up together. You know everything about him. Once they control you, Percival will surely die. Even if you want to kill him, he might not be able to bring himself to kill you. That's his burden to bear.”

“Some things take time, Callum. Percival is determined to protect you. I know you want to help him, but don't let impatience lead you into a scheme—otherwise, you might hurt him.”

Callum’s face paled, and he stood, despite his injuries, bowing slightly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Mr. Stewart never mentioned it.”

“I was too hasty, but don’t worry, I won’t let anyone manipulate me. Since I can’t remember, I’ll forget this and never speak of it again,” Callum said, panicked. He hadn't expected such gravity.

“Have you been looking for a hypnotist? The moment you seek one, you’ve fallen into someone else’s scheme. That hypnotist might be sent by the other party, and they could forcibly alter your memories, implanting false ones. It could make you doubt your life, even think Percival is using you, or that he saved you for ulterior motives. Brainwashing is something you’re familiar with, isn't it? Such tactics are common among the wealthy and powerful, like Sophia killing Blossom for the Tillery family's resources. Don't become Percival's weakness. If you fall into a trap and act against him, I’ll kill you,” Odalys said, rising slowly.

Callum listened, fear lingering. He wasn’t afraid of Odalys, but of his near-catastrophic haste. He realized his eagerness to find a hypnotist had blinded him to their potential unreliability. Everyone had selfish motives and weaknesses, easily exploited.

“Thank you for your reminder. Otherwise, I might have fallen into a trap,” Callum said, enduring his pain, hurrying to catch up with Odalys.

Odalys said nothing more. She knew Callum wouldn't betray them, but she needed to ensure his vigilance.

Chapter 399

“Rest well,” Percival’s voice rang out. Only then did Callum notice Percival’s arrival.

“Stop looking for a hypnotist. It might not even be important. Focus on the present,” Percival continued.

Callum nodded quickly, his face pale and thinner from his injury.

“Get some more sun.” Percival followed Odalys out.

Callum watched them leave, feeling touched. “It seems Mr. Stewart married well. Odalys is impressive. Fortunately, she’s not overly kind-hearted; otherwise, she’d hold him back,” Callum murmured. Odalys's words had struck him hard, indirectly reminding him of something.

“Callum, come here,” Evander approached with food, having changed clothes. He directed servants to set a table under a tree.

“Mr. Stewart,” Callum said, approaching despite his pain.

Evander produced a chessboard, gesturing to the opposite side. “Since you’re hurt, rest. I can’t go out either. Let’s play chess.”

“Okay,” Callum replied happily.

Evander moved his black piece, saying over coffee, “Odalys is straightforward. Don't take her words to heart. She means well.”

Callum understood. “You’re overthinking, Mr. Stewart. I didn’t take her words to heart. The more I see Odalys, the more I think she matches Mr. Stewart. They’re alike; intelligent and quick-witted,” Callum said.

Evander smiled. They played chess in silence.

Odalys walked toward the Stewart Villa, Percival quietly following.

“Are you mad I was blunt?” Odalys broke the silence.

Percival chuckled softly. “You only want what’s best for him; sometimes, the harsh truth is what he needs. Pointing out the dangers might prioritize his recovery. You saw he was overworking himself, affecting his recovery, so you deliberately said those things.”

Odalys meant well, something even Callum could see.

“But I wasn’t exaggerating,” Odalys added. “Not every hypnotist has good motives. Messing with Callum’s mind could destroy his confidence and ruin him.”

In this world, money could make anything happen.