Chapter 64
Odalys took a sip of her coffee and gently tapped the photo on the table. "From these two photos, it's clear your mother was probably always overworking herself for her brother, worrying about him, and using the Stewart family's assets to support him."
She paused, looked up, and locked eyes with Percival.
"Many things in life are easily discernible on the surface. Your mother was dragged down by both of them, and by the time she realized her precarious position, your father was already in trouble," Odalys said with absolute certainty.
Percival remained silent. These were private, never-publicized matters concerning the Stewart family. Even distant relatives were unaware; the events were disgraceful and could harm their reputation.
"My father's deathwas it related to my uncle?" Percival's fingertips tightened. He gripped the table's edge with his large hand, as if trying to crush it.
"You could say that," Odalys said. "And your mother's illness is also connected to them. The poisoning you experienced is tied to your uncle," she added, leaning in slightly and pointing at him.
"But it's not a direct connection. Someone's been manipulating events behind the scenes, using your family to get close to you," Odalys continued. She spoke plainly, eschewing circumlocution. "Do you know why I was able to cure the poison in your body? Because it wasn't a regular drug. Someone used magic to introduce dark energy into your system. This caused your body to deteriorate during your illness. The poisoning went unnoticed; everyone assumed your illness hadn't fully healed. That delay allowed the poison to seep deeper into your blood."
Callum, standing aside, adjusted his glasses, quickly glancing at Percival. Percival remained still, a cold aura emanating from him as he slowly closed his eyes. He was trying to control his emotions; the bulging veins in his arms betrayed his suppressed rage.
"Someone used my uncle, using my mother's name to get close to my father, then targeted him, causing his deathand then tried to poison me?" Percival's voice was low, almost a growl.
Odalys straightened, took another sip of coffee, and fell silent.
He continued. "The goal was the Stewart family's wealth. My father is dead. If something happens to me, and I die from poisoning, my grandfather is too old; the fortune would end up in my mother's hands."
"And my mother spoils her brother so much," Percival said, a mocking laugh escaping him. "What a well-planned scheme. They could easily swallow up the Stewart family. It's quiet, smooth, and completely above board. Brilliant," he mused.
"You've suspected it all along, haven't you? You just lacked proof. If you hadn't been vigilant, you might not have survived," Odalys said bluntly.
As head of the Stewart Group, Percival wasn't easily manipulated. He appeared calm and composed—someone who always thought ahead, controlled situations, and never let anyone lead him.
"I had my suspicions," Percival admitted honestly. He opened his eyes, his gaze now deeper, filled with a new sense of respect. He never expected a twenty-year-old could see through everything so clearly and identify the prime suspect.
"Do you believe me?" Odalys raised an eyebrow. People usually found such a far-fetched story hard to believe, especially from someone so young. Most would question her abilities. After all, if she were truly capable, the Bennett family would have courted her, not discarded her.
"Of course, I believe you. If you could suppress the poison in me, you must have abilities others lack. Plus, you grew up with theology and understand magic; it makes sense," Percival said. A knock came on the door.
Callum opened the door to a waiter carrying their meal: seven dishes and a small cake in the center.
"Mrs. Stewart, happy birthday," the waiter said, bowing before leaving. Odalys was surprised and looked at Percival.
"Grandfather watched your variety show and learned it was your birthday. He wanted to celebrate with you, but he broke his leg. He specifically asked me to celebrate on his behalf," Percival said softly, picking up a fork and serving her food. "But I heard one shouldn't 'make up' a birthday; I'll just have a simple meal with you."
"Thank you," Odalys said, still surprised. They had little connection, yet Percival had taken the initiative. Even upon her return to the Bennett family, no one remembered or made up for her birthday.
"Let's call it even," Percival said. Odalys, picking up on his cue, didn't press. They ate in silence. Callum found an excuse to leave, leaving them alone.
After finishing, Percival cut a slice of cake and handed it to her.
"Recently, my uncle seems to have vanished. It's been difficult to find him. Do you have any way of tracking him down?" Percival asked quietly.
Odalys, taking a bite of cake, watched Percival thoughtfully refill her coffee cup. She took a sip and said, "There's no need to rush. As long as your condition is under control, he will definitely show up."
Her phone vibrated. She saw an unknown number, a smile deepening. She raised an eyebrow and glanced at Percival, then put her phone on speaker and answered softly, "May I ask who's calling?"
"Odalys, get out here!" Henry's furious voice boomed, his breath sharp and quick with anxiety. "Do you know you're married? And you're out messing around? If the Stewart family discovers your infidelity, the Bennett family is finished!"
Before Henry could continue, Sophia's voice cut in. "Odalys, why are you doing this? Even if you're lonely, you can't cheat in public! Apologize now, and we'll cover for you."
Odalys's smile widened. "Oh, and what's the condition for your cover-up?" she asked softly.
Sophia paused, then spoke arrogantly. "Our company's under pressure; someone's trying to bring down the Bennett Group. If you get the Stewart family to help us—transfer this year's best project to us—we'll keep your secret."
SEND GIFT