Chapter 99

Sophia’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. She nodded and said, “Two days ago, my brother and I saw Odalys having dinner with a man. His car had a license plate that… Henry, do you think it was Percival?”

“Don’t forget, he’s dying. How could he take Odalys out to dinner? Besides, Odalys isn’t exactly likable.”

“She just married him! Why is Percival so protective of her? He even hit us with his car for her!”

She’d been in the hospital for two days, unable to make sense of it. She feared that if Odalys truly won the Stewart family's favor and Percival didn't die, Odalys would have gotten away with it. She was reluctant, but more than that, she was afraid. The more she thought about it, the more afraid she became.

Henry said quietly, “Besides Percival, no one else dares to drive a car with that license plate. I’ve had someone investigate, but we can’t find anything about this man’s background, or the Stewart family either.”

“I don’t know much about Percival now, only that he’s terminally ill and doesn’t have much time left.”

Sophia tightened her grip, nervously looking at Henry. She whispered, “Henry, what if he’s not dying of an illness? What if it’s a cover? He wants to confuse everyone, to lower their guard against the Stewart family. Maybe it’s a business tactic? Then Odalys would be…” Sophia trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Lately, Odalys seemed more confident. Sophia couldn't help but wonder if Percival was truly ill.

“This news can’t be fake,” Henry insisted.

Sophia tried to ask further, but his gaze stopped her. She instinctively turned and saw Finnian staring at her. She quickly flipped her hair.

Henry nodded politely at Finnian. “I’ll go out now. Goodbye, Mr. Lark.” Finnian offered no help, leaving Henry unhappy. He didn't fall out with Finnian, though; he might need him later.

“Alright,” Finnian replied quietly.

After Henry left, a strange silence fell over the ward.

Sophia gestured towards the unfinished food. “Do you want to eat some?” she whispered.

“No,” Finnian quickly shook his head.

Since arriving at the hospital last night, he'd been trapped in the elevator on his way out. He vaguely heard Sophia talking to a man, calling him lucky. Finnian studied her thoughtfully, trying to see through her.

“Thank you for last night. If you hadn’t gotten someone to rescue me from the elevator, I’d have been trapped much longer.” Finnian glanced at her subconsciously. He suppressed his displeasure and asked suspiciously, “How did you know I was trapped?”

He’d already left; his phone had no signal, and the alarm was broken. Yet Sophia knew exactly which floor he was on and even got someone to open the elevator. Finnian was very puzzled. He sensed something was wrong, but couldn't pinpoint it.

“When you left, I followed you. I had something to tell you, but you took the elevator. I felt the elevator shake a few times, then stop. I realized something was wrong and got someone to check,” Sophia replied smoothly.

Finnian was unconvinced. The corridor was empty when he left; he hadn't seen her following. He’d been talking to Henry; Sophia was in the ward. Even if he’d left, she wouldn't have known. Her explanation only deepened his suspicions.

“What did you want to talk about?” Finnian suppressed his doubts and asked quietly.

(Second Half)

Sophia sat on the edge of the bed, looking at him with a complicated expression. “I know your Odalys. I don’t understand why she’s been playing hard to get with you.”

“Two days ago, my brother and I saw her dining with a man. They went to a private restaurant; bodyguards prevented us from entering.”

“I was puzzled, so I followed her. I wanted to see if she’d been tricked. Then that man drove recklessly, nearly hitting my brother and me. Our car was dented.”

Finnian frowned, clearly skeptical.

Sophia insisted, “You don’t believe me? It was the day your incident trended! The day it was revealed I booked a room with you. If you don’t believe me, I’ll get someone to check the security footage.”

“Do you have connections? Check the surveillance cameras near that restaurant; you’ll see.” She wanted to damage Odalys's image in Finnian's eyes. She couldn't let Odalys get close to any wealthy family. When the Stewart family's situation worsened, she could push Odalys into desperation.

“Tell me the time and place,” Finnian said hoarsely. He still couldn't believe Odalys was dating someone. Percival couldn't possibly have taken her to dinner. Even if he liked her, he was dying. Everyone knew this.

“The First Restaurant, Treasure Street. Around 1:00 PM,” Sophia immediately provided the details.

Finnian's frown deepened. He knew that restaurant; ordinary people, let alone someone like Odalys, couldn't afford it. This was absurd.

“Check the surveillance cameras. Treasure Street, First Restaurant. Around 1:30 PM, the day before yesterday,” Finnian instructed his assistant.

After hanging up, he was restless, his mind filled with Odalys luring him to the hotel and using Selah to attack him. His chest heaved as he struggled to understand her sudden hostility. They’d clearly been together.

Sophia said, “Don’t be too sad. She was probably tricked by a man. Many men target younger women; they think they're naive and easily manipulated.”

“And my sister probably needed money. She’s desperate, afraid of having no one to rely on if the Bennett family fails. I understand her.”

Finnian looked at her, then quickly averted his gaze.

His phone vibrated. He answered quietly, “How is it? Did you find the footage? Send it to me. And check the man’s identity.”