Chapter 73

"What do you think?" Percival asked hoarsely.

Orson narrowed his eyes. He couldn't answer.

Percival slowly stood, positioning himself before Orson. "Odalys went to the suburbs today. After she returned, Finnian came back distraught. Then, the Bluetooth stereo in front of the Bennett Group was revealed," he said thoughtfully.

Orson gasped, whirling around in shock. Following Percival, he said, "So, Odalys asked Finnian to expose himself? How did she do it?"

Orson had already admired Odalys's medical knowledge. He hadn't expected this.

"I don't know," Percival said deeply, admitting his guess was based on coincidence.

"Mr. Stewart," Dorian knocked and entered, carrying a CT scan. "Mrs. Stewart is amazing! She prescribed me medicine. After two doses, my kidney stones were crushed and expelled—it's almost gone," he said softly. Hospitalization, testing, surgery, and observation would have been necessary otherwise. Odalys had solved his problem simply.

"Percival, when Odalys returns from filming, can you ask if she'll work at my hospital? I'll make her director. What do you think?" Orson asked excitedly. He needed to tell his grandfather; he valued medical talent.

"If you want her to go, you talk to her," Percival waved dismissively, clearly uninterested.

Orson listened, timid. The image of Odalys killing a wild boar flashed in his mind, sending a chill down his spine.

"I'll talk to my grandfather first," Orson said. He'd previously yearned to question Odalys's medical skills, but her temper frightened him. Even after seeing her on the variety show, his fear remained.

"In the future, whatever she needs, do as she asks. If I'm not around, she can make decisions for this house," Percival instructed Dorian.

Dorian nodded vigorously, clearly a fan. "Yes. I'll go. Mrs. Stewart went downstairs; I think she wants to eat," he said, hurrying out with the CT scan.

Percival checked his watch. "Tell Callum to transfer the East District land to you. Use it to bid and see if you can uncover the person behind the Bennett family," he said quietly.

"Why give it to me?" Orson asked.

Percival paused, turning back. "Do you think the Bennett family would dare bid against the Stewart Group?" he asked, frowning.

Orson chuckled. "You're right. No one dares. But are you sure someone's backing the Bennett family?"

Percival walked out. "Half a year ago, they brought Odalys home and imprisoned her, waiting for the Stewart family to propose marriage. The Bennetts aren't that ambitious. Few dare scheme against the Stewarts. They've been suppressed but remain unconcerned, suggesting a backup plan," Percival said hoarsely. The Bennetts were more complex than they appeared; their scheme was long-running.

"I'm curious. They're so ambitious, why didn't they push their beloved daughter's marriage? Why the one they dislike?" Orson mused.

"They're testing the Stewarts' limits. And they want to see when I die," Percival said, leaving.

Orson turned to Callum. "Callum will transfer the land," Callum stated, exiting with his tablet.

Orson followed. Downstairs, Odalys sat reading a magazine.

"Hello, Odalys," Orson greeted nervously, more afraid than ever before.

"You are?" Odalys looked up, her gaze lingering meaningfully. Orson shivered.

"Orson Lark. Percival's friend. My family has practiced medicine for generations. I treated him. I heard your skills surpass mine. I hope we can discuss medicine," Orson said respectfully, nervously wiping his sweating hands.

"Alright," Odalys replied curtly, returning to her magazine.

Orson stammered, "Alright, I won't disturb you," and left.

Odalys looked at Percival, who held a fruit plate. "Why is he so afraid of me?" she wondered.

Percival said hoarsely, "He's probably never seen a woman before."

Odalys suspected patronizing but lacked proof.

"Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, it's time to eat," Dorian announced.

Percival gestured. "Let's eat."

Odalys joined them. The table was laden with her favorite dishes.

"I heard your grandfather broke his leg?" Odalys asked.

Percival replied quietly, "He was afraid the servants would neglect you, so he rushed over to help and broke his leg."

Odalys nearly choked.