Chapter 96

Percival drove back to Stewart Villa. Odalys remained silent, thoughtfully gazing out the car window.

She said, "Percival."

"Yes?" Percival replied softly, glancing in the rearview mirror. He saw her looking at him.

"I'm a little curious. Why must it be me?" Odalys asked quietly. She couldn't understand. She wanted to perform a star reading, but couldn't do so for herself; it was against the rules. Besides, she might not be able to predict her own fate due to a… (the text cuts off here, it was likely referring to a 'bias' or similar word).

"There's no need to think about it. Live a good life now. Leave the rest to me," Percival said, smoothly maneuvering the car.

Odalys leaned against the window, her thoughts drifting back to her previous life. The Bennett family had recorded a video of her while she was naked, after which she died. She wondered if Percival had also died. She thought, He was probably dead. Otherwise, why am I here, reliving this?

"Callum went back by himself?" Odalys was startled, realizing Callum was missing. He had vanished from the moment they arrived at the Stewart Mansion.

Percival said calmly, "I had Callum run an errand. He'll be back later."

Odalys was silent, perhaps from exhaustion. She fell asleep in the car, only waking when she vaguely heard Percival's hoarse voice.

"We're here," Percival said deeply.

Odalys sat up, recognizing the villa. She jumped out, carrying her bag inside.

"Welcome back," Dorian greeted her, rushing forward. He saw the bodyguards unloading numerous items from the SUV. His eyes widened. "These are amazing! Mr. Stewart clearly has a high opinion of… what's this?" He opened a box, revealing gold jewelry. Dorian's heart pounded.

"Mrs. Stewart, come look!" Dorian exclaimed.

Odalys yawned and turned. Seeing the jewelry, she nearly dropped. "Why… gold jewelry?" she asked incredulously.

"Probably a gift from Mr. Stewart," Dorian said happily.

Percival entered, removed his coat, and gave it to a servant before approaching. He looked at the jewelry. "Since Grandpa gave it to you, keep it."

"There are so many," Odalys gasped. Several boxes were completely filled.

"I'll help you carry it up," Percival said, picking up a box and heading upstairs. Odalys followed. He placed the jewelry in her room on the coffee table. "Rest. Orson will be here later. Dinner with him tonight?"

Odalys nodded. "You can arrange it."

Percival added, "He's interested in medicine, and might ask you questions. You don't have to be polite; we grew up together."

Odalys stared at the jewelry, dazed. She checked her phone; Evander had messaged: [Are you home?]

Odalys replied: [Yes. Why so much jewelry?!]

Evander replied: [These were left by my wife. She wanted to give them to Percival for his marriage, but didn't make it. I decided to give them to you. Do you like them?]

Odalys had mixed feelings. [Thank you, Grandpa.] She closed the box, realizing its surprising weight.

At 6:30 PM, Orson arrived in a Maybach, carrying food.

"Dorian!" he called.

Dorian approached. Orson handed him the food. "I bought barbecue. Prepare it; I'm drinking tonight."

Dorian smiled, "Mr. Lark, these go well with alcohol, but Mr. Stewart already prepared food."

Orson saw a large spread. "These aren't his favorites. Is this for Odalys?" He examined the dishes. "He doesn't eat much since his illness, rarely greasy food."

"Most dishes are for Mrs. Stewart," Dorian confirmed.

"I understand," Orson said, secretly stealing and eating a prawn. He saw Percival and Odalys. Stunned, he quickly wiped his hands. "Just testing it!" he stammered, embarrassed. He glanced at Odalys.

"Hello, Mr. Lark," Odalys greeted politely.

"Hello, Odalys," Orson replied, relieved.

"Let's eat," Percival said.

They sat down. Dorian poured wine, but Orson substituted a different drink. "Rare meal with Odalys; no alcohol," he explained.

His phone vibrated. He frowned. "Why are they calling me?"