Chapter 97

“Orson, it’s all my fault. I angered Mother, and my family has cut off my resources. I’ve been hospitalized,” Finnian’s voice said.

Odalys understood only upon hearing his voice. Orson had deliberately activated the speakerphone so they could hear Finnian.

“You deserve it. I can’t help you. If there’s nothing else, I have to go. I won’t help you with this,” Orson said firmly. He wasn't ostracizing Finnian; Finnian was simply unlikable. Finnian, though outwardly obedient, constantly tried to interfere in the Lark family's business, always failing.

“Orson, are you free tonight? Perhaps we could have a drink?” Finnian asked in a low voice.

They could faintly hear someone else speaking quietly beside him.

“Are you with the Bennett family?” Orson asked deeply. He knew Finnian had an ulterior motive. He wanted to test his guess about Finnian's companion.

“Hello, Mr. Lark, I’m Henry Bennett,” a voice said. It was Henry. His words instantly chilled Orson. Before Orson could speak, Henry continued, “I apologize for contacting you this way. I’d like to invite you for a drink.” His tone was humble.

“Just tell me what you want. I’m very busy,” Orson sneered. He looked down on Henry. Henry was a skilled businessman, but his methods were underhanded.

Henry fell silent for a long time. Then, “I hear the East District land is yours. I’m interested in cooperating. There’s much we could discuss.” He believed more benefits would secure Orson's agreement.

Orson retorted, “Why would I choose you, Mr. Bennett? The Bennett Group is near bankruptcy. Projects are stalled, artists are unemployed, and your cash flow is troubled. You're facing industry protests. What could I gain from working with you? My family has a longstanding friendship with the Stewarts. I can work with them; they have the resources to give me anything I want. What do you have to offer?”

Henry felt shame. He knew the Bennetts couldn't compare to the Stewarts. He'd hoped to get Orson drunk and secure the land, but Orson offered no such opportunity. Orson's disdain angered him. Henry gritted his teeth. “Mr. Lark, since your family has a longstanding friendship with the Stewarts, you should know my sister married into the Stewart family a few days ago. If anything happens to Percival…”

Orson looked up, his gaze meeting Percival’s, then resting on Odalys. She ate calmly, enjoying the pork ribs. The call didn't affect her appetite.

“Do you think your sister will control the Stewart family after Percival's death? As far as I know, Sophia is unmarried. Where did this marriage come from? Mr. Bennett, you’re not joking, are you?” Orson said pointedly.

Odalys glanced subconsciously at his phone.

Henry hesitated. “If Mr. Lark doesn’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. However, the Bennett and Stewart families have a marriage alliance. I initiated this collaboration…”

“Mr. Bennett, your surname is Bennett, correct?” Orson interrupted.

Henry nodded.

Orson asked sarcastically, “Percival married a Stone. Are you sure the Bennett family has an alliance with the Stewarts? Don’t tell me your entire family is Bennett, except your sister, who's a Stone. Your parents are both Bennetts?”

This stunned Henry. He didn’t know how to respond. Odalys's lack of connection to the Bennetts became clear. He felt restless and wanted to swear.

“Don’t bother me again. The East District land is mine. I work only with capable people. If the Stewarts can persuade me, I’ll consider it. Otherwise, give up,” Orson said, hanging up.

He tossed the phone aside, ate a piece of meat, and said, “He tried to use Odalys to force a collaboration.”

“Odalys, don’t fall for his tricks. Henry has a poor reputation; he uses people.” He feared Henry would target Odalys.

“My surname is Stone, his is Bennett. We’re not related. I wouldn't fall for his trap!” Odalys chuckled.

Orson gave a silent thumbs-up. “Good! Based on what I said, Henry will likely try to contact you, hoping you’ll pressure Percival. They don't want the land; they want connection to the Stewarts. The Bennetts have hidden their wealth. They want the money but fear Percival’s death will harm Sophia. They used you to replace Sophia, wanting the benefits without the risk. How shameless and selfish!”