Chapter 601

“Besides, my master raised me and saved my life, not the Bennetts. Don't think I'm unaware of your intentions. You wanted me as a substitute bride, didn't you? Your motives were selfish from the start. You hoped I'd die in Sophia's place. As a child, my parents abandoned me so Sophia could take my place!”

Odalys slowly turned, fixing him with an icy stare. “I already saved you from disaster when I returned to the Bennett family. If I hadn't given Hannah that necklace, you'd be ruined. You've enjoyed over half a year of glory thanks to me—more than enough repayment for any so-called debt. I owe you nothing more,” she scoffed.

Every word pierced Henry's heart. His lips moved, but no rebuttal came. Conceited as he was, he knew Odalys spoke the truth. He'd heard Hannah mention the necklace; even Oliver coveted it. Recently, he overheard Hannah and Oliver discussing it. They believed possessing the necklace—no matter the cost—would secure the Bennetts' future, even stealing Odalys's luck. The necklace's power was immense; it could accomplish anything. Therefore, Hannah still wanted Odalys dead. Much as he wished to deny it, Henry couldn't deny Odalys's decisiveness.

“Mr. Bennett,” a bodyguard stepped forward, producing a stack of money and pressing it into Henry's hand. “Mr. Stewart thanks you for coming. This—three thousand dollars—is a thank-you gift.”

The amount was neither excessive nor stingy. Henry held the money, feeling uncomfortable. In the past, he would have scoffed and refused it, calling it an insult. Now, he barely had three thousand dollars to his name; he could hardly afford gas.

“Thank you,” he said, ultimately accepting the money. Clutching the cash, he confirmed it totaled over three thousand dollars. His fingers trembled, his emotions a chaotic mess. He stared blankly at the money, lost in thought.

Not long ago, he’d contacted an old friend, hoping to rebuild his network—someone he'd often helped. Instead, the man had thrown him out, humiliated him, and even doused him with cold water. Henry had given up hope in connections and his once-powerful network. Since losing his position, he couldn't scrape together thirty dollars. The three thousand dollars was a lifeline.

“I’ll take the money,” Henry said, his voice hoarse. He spoke toward the Stewart Villa before pocketing the cash, getting into his car, and lighting a cigarette. “Henry, I never expected a day when I’d be grateful for three thousand dollars,” he mocked himself. His life had plummeted since marrying Edith. Not only was his reputation ruined, but the Bennett family had gone bankrupt. Carefully separating the money, a note fell out. His eyes widened; he quickly picked it up, his fingers trembling as he unfolded it. After reading it, he lit a cigarette, burned the note, started the car, and sped away.

Inside the Stewart Villa, Percival stood with his hands behind his back, coldly watching Henry drive away before looking away expressionlessly.

“Mr. Stewart, I’ve given him the money,” the bodyguard reported.

Percival nodded slightly, and the bodyguard returned to his post. Odalys strolled casually, bending to pick a flower. She rubbed it between her fingers, inhaling its fragrance. Her mood seemed unaffected by Henry’s words.

“Windsor returned yesterday, but unfortunately, that old man from the mountain village reverted him to his original state. Now, he’s been replaced,” Odalys told Percival.

From her words, Percival seemed to guess why Henry sought Odalys.

“Windsor asked Henry to pass a message to you?” Percival asked.

Odalys nodded and repeated Henry’s message.

“So, he implies they abandoned you to protect you? Had you remained with the Bennetts, you’d have died?” Percival frowned.

Odalys nodded.

“Do you believe that?” Percival asked.

Odalys chuckled, tossing a petal into the pond. She watched a goldfish nibble it. “Then they could have given me to an orphanage or quietly sent me home. Anywhere would have been better than abandoning me in the snow on a snowy night. What if I’d encountered bad people or traffickers? What if some old bachelor took me home as his wife? How could I possibly escape at such a young age? Moreover, I was wearing a thin, short-sleeved shirt. I almost froze to death. If they wanted me to live, even if they didn’t give me away, they could have at least given me a coat, right? Or are you telling me the wealthy Bennetts couldn’t spare money for a winter jacket? Funny how, in all these years, not a single warm coat ever appeared in my closet. Someone who wants you to live will always find a way to protect you. But someone who wants you dead will always have excuses to justify their cruelty. I’m no saint, and I certainly don’t believe in those fake sympathetic looks. Even if Windsor regained clarity and told Henry those things, it’s just a reminder of the past—nothing more. If everything he said is true, why didn’t he say it in the private room last night? Why did he wait until he was in danger before telling Henry to relay the message? He’s most likely realized the situation isn’t in his favor, and I might be the only one who can help him. He’s appealing to my kindness so I’ll help him get rid of his replacement and return to normal. Simply put, he wants me to help him.”

“If he’s truly back to normal, don’t you think he’ll act like Hannah? Once they realize I’m useful, they’ll exploit me. Hannah proved that when she realized the necklace could save her life. She plotted to steal it without hesitation, even if it meant hurting me.”

Odalys was no fool. Having been unloved for so many years, her mind was sharper than average.

“Fortunately, you’re clear-headed,” Percival said. He’d worried for a moment that Odalys had been moved by Henry. If she started pitying the Bennetts, it would bring endless trouble and might even crush her.

Odalys chuckled. “Do I seem like a kind woman? Unlike you, I wouldn’t bother giving Henry money. Besides, who knows what else that money hides!” She raised an eyebrow.

Without waiting for Percival, Odalys walked toward the Stewart Villa.