Chapter 10 Atlas held Sophia projectively , his sharp ears catching the heated conversation between his older brothers .
Without hesitation , he stepped in Are you serious , Henry Shes just acting out .
A good smack will fix that attitude .
And who gives a damn if that chauffeur works for the Stewarts ? She just married in .
You think theyre gonna throw their weight behind her ? Adas snapped , his voice filled with irritation .
And lets be real , he commoed , his anger bubbling over , that guy is on his last legs .
When hes gone , whos gonna care about her ? Bringing her back here was already a huge favor , and this is how she thanks us ? Disrespecting Mom and Sophia ? Un fucking believable .
His fists clenched as Odalyss defiant stare flashed in his mind .
That look in her eyes so unwavering , so sharp sent a chill down his spine She used to hang on his every word , always so pliable , but now she had the gall to fight back and humiliate him in front of everyone Heary Bennet , calm and composed as always , cut in before Allas could rant further .
Enough , Allas .
Even if were going to deal with her , today is not the day .
If that chauffeur spreads word of what happened , well be the ones in trouble , not her .
Even if the Stewarts dont retaliate , this could blow back on us in other ways .
His tone was measured , his words heavy with logic .
As the heir to the Bennett Group , Henry had learned to think strategically .
He didnt act on impulse , he calculated every move .
But , Henry Sophias soft voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes .
She crouched down to pick up Henrys broken glasses , but her fingers brushed against a shard of glass .
ALT she gasped , quickly pulling her hand back .
Blood welled up on her delicate fingertip Her tearful gaze turned to her brothers , her lip quivering .
This is all my fauli , she whispered , her voice trembling .
If only Id married into the Stewart family instead , none of this wouldve happened .
She can hate me all she wants , but why does she have to hurt you and Mom ? Her voice grew softer , her tears falling steadily as she stared helplessly at the blood on her finger , her pale face tinged with vulnerability .
Dont cry , Sophia .
This has nothing to do with you its all on Odalys Atlas mittered , his tone surprisingly soft as he moved closer to her .
Quick , grab a bandage another voice chimed in , as the brothers fussed over her .
OUL Meanwhile , Hannah kat frozen on the sofa , staring blankly at the door where Odalys had stormed out .
She looked like a shell of herself , her gaze empty and unfocused The memory of Odalys ripping the emerald perdant from her neck replayed in her mind like a broken record .
Without it , Hannah felt a cold emptiness creeping through her , leaving her drained and despondent Mom , are you okay ! Henrys sharp eyes caught her pale face , and he walked over quickly , worry etched across has brow Hannah blinked , finally tearing her gaze from the door .
She hates us now , doesnt she ? she murmured .
She even took the wedding gifts with her .
What if she refuses to help us ? What if she wont use her position in the Stewart family to bring us resources ! Henry frowned deeply , her words tugging at the edges of his already growing headache .
Earlier that day , during what should have been a routine business negotiation , everything had fallen apart .
A single phone call to the other party had turned the deal on its head .
Henry couldnt shake the feeling that someone was targeting the Bennett Group , pulling strings to cut them off Over the years , the Bennetts had made plenty of enemies , but no one had ever moved so openly against them until now .
We cant let her keep the gifts , Arlas said , his anger flaring up again .
Three hundred millsın dollars worth of assets , and she thinks she can just walk away with it ! Odalys doesnt deserve any of it ! Those gifts were meant for Sophia Caspian , who had been silent until now , finally spoke , his voice cold and razor sharp .
Didnt Henry already secure her that spot on the reality show ! Once shes on that island , Athas , you know what to do .
His words hung in the air like a dark cloud , heavy with implications .
No one protested .
Their silence spoke volumes it was as good as an agreement .
Sophia lowered her gaze , hiding the faint , cruel smile that rugged at her lips .
Everything was playing out exactly as shed planned .
The chaos shed orchestrated was moving forward , one step at a time .
Meanwhile, on the king , winding asphalt road leading to the Stewart estate , a sleek black car cruised under the shade of ancient trees .
Their branches , thick and sprawling seemed to whisper secrets of a bygone era 243 PM Chapter 10 At the end of the road stood the Stewart familys timeless courtyard , its elegant design .
Outside , willow branches swayed gently in the breeze , rasting long shadows over a bubbling brook that wound its way under arched stone bridges .
The moment the car door swung open , a servant immediately bowed low with a respectful tone .
Odalys nodded lightly , her steps graceful as she entered the courtyard .
Every servant she passed greeted her with genuine deference , a stark contrast to the haughty attitude shed been subjected to at the Bennett family home .
She made her way across the courtyard quickly , spotting Dorian hustling about , but there was no sign of Percival .
That was when it hit her the chauffeurs earlier comment about the Mr.
Stewart asking you in come back for dinner was just a clever excuse to get her back here .
A wave of relief washed over her Leaving the Bennett family felt like a weight had been lifted from her chest .
Her mood lightened instantly , and she felt a sense of freedom she hadnt realized she was missing .
The Stewart mansion , located in the southern part of the city , was surrounded by fresh , clean air .
As she was about to head upstairs , she heard the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps approaching behind her .
She turned around quickly to see Percival , tall and imposing , walking toward her from the door .
He wore a blue shirt and well tailored trousers that showed off has broad , muscular frame .
His sleeves were rolled up , revealing arms that were strong and toned , the veins standing out a clear sign of someone whod spent years working Come here .
Percivals voice was deep , low , and commanding .
Odalys rassed an eyebrow , falling in step behind him as he led her toward the back garden In the garden .
Percival opened a suncase and pulled out a selection of herbs , carefully placing them on a sandalwood table .
These are all rare herbs , over a hundred years old .
I found half of what was on your list .
The rest might take a few more days to arrive .
Odalys stepped closer , clearly impressed .
She looked over the herbs some of the rarest , most sought after materials she couldve hoped for .
She carefully picked up a piece of herb , inhaling its scent with a smile that almost seemed to glow No rush , she said , closing the suitcase and standing up .
Tm shooting a variety show tomorrow , and I probably wont be back for a couple of weeke Percival watched her closely , his gaze lingering on the way she handled the herbs .
It stirred something in him , an unspoken emotion he couldnt .
quate place .
Her casual words broke his train of though Youre doing a variety show ? he asked , a litde incredulous .
Yeah Odalys replied , her voice soft .
After a brief pause , she seemed to realize something , quickly adding But dont worry .
Ill mix these herbs for you .
Just soak them for half an hour every night , and itll slow down the poison for now .
Once Im back and the rest of the herbs are here , I make the pills .
She spoke clearly and confidently , without any boastfulness or showiness .
It was simply her way of solving a problem .
There was something abour her calm assurance that made him trust her more .
So , this variety show did the Bennett family se set it up t for you ? Percivals voice was laced with suspicion after hearing her explanation .
According to Callums investigation , the Bennett family had been treating her like free labor no salary , no respect .
She barely had any real roles , mostly minor parts that no one cared about If the Bennett Group was actually trying to promote her , they sure wouldnt be treating her like this .
Even an outsider could see through their scheme .
Yeah Odalys chuckled dryly .
I signed an eight month contract , and theres only half a month left .
They set up this variety show for me , so I have no choice but to go.
If I bail , Ill have to pay a penalty Percivals face hardened at her words , his eyes darkening as he processed what she said .
The coldness in his gaze made her pause for a second .
Do you want me to take care of it for you ? he asked , his voice low , almost dangerous .