Chapter 90
Evander sat in his wheelchair, his sharp black eyes terrifyingly dark. "It seems I've been too kind all these years," he said coldly. "Someone dared to target the Stewart family. Do they think they can control us just because we keep a low profile?" His large palm gripped the armrest tightly. Odalys's gaze softened.
Evander said forcefully, "Liute girl, don't be afraid. I will handle this. I won't let it affect you or Percival. But not many people know about your wedding yet. I'm afraid your identity can't be made public for now. Otherwise, they'll target you. Just relax; I'll take care of it." His entire body emanated a dignified, domineering aura that made others hold their breath.
Odalys was surprised. She had initially thought Evander and Percival were using her as a pawn, intending to abandon her once Percival recovered. She hadn't expected Evander to include her in the Stewart family's future plans. This puzzled her, especially considering the Benneu family's past treatment.
Percival, thoughtful, looked at Odalys. "If they try this again, trapping Grandpa in the house, is there a way to help him?" he asked. He knew his limitations regarding magic; bodyguards would be useless in such a situation.
After a long silence, Odalys said quietly, "I'm not sure if this is right, but go to the tree in front of the house. Check the left side for loose soil. If there is, dig down ten inches and see what's there."
Percival nodded gravely. "I'll have some coffee with Grandpa. I'll be back soon," he said hoarsely, his emotions evident.
Evander watched Percival leave, a trace of shock flashing in his eyes. "Girl, you're impressive," he said incredulously.
"What?" Odalys asked, puzzled.
Evander laughed, his serious expression gone. He pushed a pastry toward her and poured her coffee. "My grandson is stubborn. He doesn't listen to anyone, not even me. But he listens to you." The more he looked at Odalys, the more pleased he became. He hadn't expected to find such a treasure by arranging this marriage. This puzzled Odalys even further.
"Grandpa," she asked quietly, "why did you want me to marry Percival?"
Evander fell silent, gazing thoughtfully at the pond. After a while, he said, "Percival has been plagued by illness for years. No medicine could cure him. About seven months ago, I dreamt he'd be cured if he married. At first, I dismissed it. But a few days ago, his illness worsened. The Lark family said he wouldn't last a month. Then I remembered the dream. I didn't care if you were willing; I needed to protect the Stewart family bloodline. I proposed it to the Bennett family, and they agreed. We seemed to hit it off immediately. I didn't expect you to know medicine. Percival is better now. You're our blessing."
Evander, a lifelong soldier, had seen battles and death. He'd faced near-death experiences without shedding a tear, yet speaking of Percival brought him pain. He'd always been troubled by his family's misfortunes, regretting his inability to prevent their suffering despite his kindness.
"You had a dream that said marriage would help Percival recover?" Odalys frowned, sensing something was amiss. This coincidence seemed too improbable.
Evander hastily nodded, noticing Odalys's frown. His heart sank. "Girl, do you think something's wrong?" he asked quietly.
"There's something off," Odalys said. "It's too much of a coincidence. The dream, the Bennett family bringing me home seven months ago They didn't announce it publicly, but offered me when you asked for their daughter's hand in marriage. To outsiders, it's Sophia, but they gave me to Percival instead."
Odalys took a bite of pastry. Her words made Evander's expression change. He hadn't considered it deeply before, but now he saw the problem.
"How could the Bennett family have the same idea as me? Did someone manipulate them? Or were we manipulated?" Evander asked hoarsely. He was a strategist, aware of his limitations, but he hadn't considered this possibility. He felt some people had stopped taking him seriously after his long absence from the public eye.
"Maybe I'm overthinking it. Maybe it was a coincidence," Odalys said quietly. It was just speculation, after all.
Evander slammed the armrest, clearly angry. "How can there be such a coincidence? Besides, Percival told me how the Bennett family treats you. Don't worry! You're one of us now. If they dare to bully you, they'll face our wrath."
At that moment, Percival returned, solemn, holding something mud-caked, wrapped in red cloth. The color indicated it hadn't been buried long.
"What is this?" Evander's face twitched.
Percival placed the item on the stone table. "I dug it up by the old tree. The red cloth suggests it wasn't buried long."
Evander reached for it, but Odalys stopped him.