Chapter 88

Percival fell silent. "Got it," Odalys murmured. He turned and walked out.

Percival remained rooted to the spot, shivering as if he'd stepped into an icehouse. He wondered, Was something wrong with the coffee my mother made?

Adam's apple bobbed, and Adam clenched his fists. After a while, he walked toward Odalys's bedroom.

Odalys had just rushed back, proceeding directly to Percival's bedroom without returning to her own. Upon entering, she was dazzled by the gold on the coffee table.

"What is this?" Odalys gasped.

Thinking she'd seen wrong, she rubbed her eyes. Neatly arranged gold bars sat on the coffee table.

She quickly approached and picked one up. Each bar weighed at least a pound, and there were at least 200 of them.

The weight of the gold bar in her hand startled her. Only the sound of heavy footsteps behind her brought her back to the present.

Odalys turned, gold bar in hand, to see Percival standing nearby. She pointed at the bar incredulously. "Are these for me?"

"Yes," Percival replied softly.

She hastily set down the gold bars, retrieved a suitcase, and began stuffing the bars inside. Once full, she locked it, carefully slid it into a wardrobe, and covered it with clothing.

Percival chuckled hoarsely at her cautious actions. "If you like them, I'll bring more next time."

"There's no need," Odalys quickly closed the wardrobe door. Her expression turned serious. "I won't accept this for free. You must have something to ask of me. Tell me."

Receiving the gold, she seemed to radiate happiness, even humming a little tune. A faint smile played on her lips, and she exuded an aura of pure joy.

"My grandfather broke his leg. Since you know traditional medicine, are you willing to help him?" Percival asked softly.

Odalys readily nodded. "Sure."

Percival was surprised by her immediate agreement. After a moment, he said, "Then we'll go after breakfast."

"Okay," Odalys murmured.

Percival turned and left. Once alone, she quickly retrieved the suitcase and stared at the gold bars. "So many gold bars! Master, I'm rich!" she whispered.

While her previous wedding gifts were worth over $300 million, she would have to return them to the Stewart family. These gold bars, however, were Percival's payment—hers to keep.

With this thought, she chose an outfit and went to the bathroom. After showering, she donned a black suit, grabbed her bag, and went downstairs.

"Mrs. Stewart, breakfast is ready," Dorian said, approaching her.

He led her to the dining room. "Mrs. Stewart, I took the medicine this morning. I feel much better."

"Remember to stop after three days. Too much is bad for your health," Odalys cautioned. "Don't take the medicine after three days."

Dorian nodded eagerly. "Yes, I'll stop then."

As he finished, Percival descended the stairs, dressed in black trousers and shirt, casually adjusting his sleeves. He was visibly surprised by Odalys's black attire.

"Mr. Stewart," Dorian greeted him. Percival nodded curtly and joined them at the table.

After breakfast, Callum drove them to the Stewart mansion. Odalys and Percival sat in the back seat, lost in thought, gazing out the window.

Percival broke the silence. "There's no need to be nervous. My grandfather likes you very much."

Odalys replied, "If he didn't like me, would he let me marry you?"

Callum chuckled, but quickly suppressed his laughter upon seeing Percival's intense gaze in the rearview mirror. He focused on the road. At that moment, Odalys's phone vibrated.

It was a message from Freya. Odalys had left so quickly that morning that Freya and Selah, having just woken, had sent a message to check on her. Odalys replied: "[I had something on this morning, so I didn't wake you up.]"

Freya sent an OK emoji and added, "[As long as you're fine. You scared me. I thought you were kidnapped. Did you see the news? Finnian seemed to have gone to the hospital last night. He was trapped in the hospital elevator in the middle of the night. When he was rescued, he was unconscious and hospitalized.]"

Selah sent a screenshot of the trending topic.

Odalys clicked on the link, raising an eyebrow. Most people were avoiding the Bennetts, yet Finnian had actively sought them out.

Freya typed: "[He is so unlucky. First, he was beaten up by you, then, he was locked in an elevator. He's something else]" Clearly sarcastic.

Selah laughed. Odalys read the messages and closed her eyes.

At 12:30 PM, the Porsche stopped outside the Stewart Mansion, an antique courtyard house that seemed to transport them back in time. The hundred-year-old tree in front symbolized the family's illustrious history.

"Is Odalys here?" An old voice called out.

An elderly man in a gray suit, propelled in a wheelchair by a bodyguard, smiled upon seeing Odalys.

"Quick! Set off the fireworks!" Evander Stewart commanded. The bodyguard lit the fireworks.

Crackling sounds filled the air. Servants covered their ears, some approaching to greet Odalys: "Hello, Mrs. Stewart."

Percival guided Odalys inside. She stopped abruptly, staring intently at Evander. Seeing his smile, he exclaimed, "Serve all the delicious food!"

Percival turned to her. "What's wrong?" he asked hoarsely.

Odalys looked at Evander with a complicated expression, her gaze lingering on his leg. "Did your grandfather break his leg hurrying to see me?" she asked softly.

"That's what he told me," Percival replied gravely, sensing something amiss.