Chapter 12 Earlier that morning .
Dorian had witnessed her single handedly stop the poison from spreading in Percivals body .
In that moment , he realized- Odalys was no ordinary woman .
She had some serious skills .
As long as he listens and takes the herbal baths every night , there wont be any problems she said softly , her voice calm but 1 sure .
When she stepped into the dining room , the sight of the lavish spread took her by surprise .
The slow cooked pork ribs were so tender they practically fell off the bone , the spicy crab smelled absolutely mouthwatering , the garlic butter lobster glistened like it came straight out of a food magazine .
In the seven months she had been back at the Bennett family estate , most of her meals had been leftover scraps .
She often came home late to find the family had already eaten .
It hadnt bothered her in the mountains , but seeing a meal like this now made her feel conflicted , the emotions .
swirling in her chest .
Is everything alright , Mrs.
Stewart ! Not to your liking ! Or are you allergic to seafood ? I can remove it and prepare something else , Dorian asked , noticing her staring at the food .
No , its perfect Odalys said quickly , placing a reassuring hand on his arm .
These are all my favorites .
I was just … lost in thought Dorian relaxed , sighing in relief .
He ladled soup into her bowl and handed her a pair of chopsticks , his voice full of concern .
Good to hear .
If you ever have any preferences or restrictions , feel free to let me know .
Thanks , she replied softly .
Dorian stepped back , allowing her to eat in peace .
She finished the meal alone , the servants quickly clearing the dishes afterward .
She stood by the window , lost in her thoughts for a moment , before grabbing her purse and heading out .
After finishing her errands , she wandered down the busy , neon lit streets , her mind heavy with thoughts .
Odalys , a voice suddenly called out behind her .
n and turned to see Finnian standing there , breathing Before she could react , a hand grabbed her arm with surprising force .
She winced in pain an heavily , his eyes locked on her with a sharp , intense gaze .
Let go she said coldly , pulling away .
Finnians lips tightened into a thin line , his handsome face twisted in anger.
When she tried to free herself , instead of letting go , he just tightened .
his grip , trying to force her into submission .
But Odalys wasnt having it With a swift motion , she wrenched her arm free and pushed him away effortlessly .
She turned to face him , her eyes as cold as ice , sending a chill down his spine .
He frowned , confused and rattled by her sudden shift .
When did she started looking at me like that he wondered .
How long are you going to drag this out ? You blocked my number .
Trying to get my attention , huh ? Let me tell you something this playing hard to get crap doesnt work on me , Finnians voice was low , but there was an edge to it .
With a sharp slap .
Odalys silenced him .
The sound echoed through the street , leaving him standing there in shock , his cheek stinging from the impact .
He stared at her , unable to believe what had just happened .
A smirk curled at the corner of her lips as she sized him up .
What , did your mom forget to give you a decent face , or are you just that obsessed with controlling me with all your manipulative bullshit? You think you can lecture me ? just because youre a bastard from the Lark family ? Odalys words hit him like a slap , each one cutting deeper than the last Finians lips trembled , his fury rising up like a tidal wave .
He couldnt believe she was using his illegitimate status to attack him .
But what hurt even mer was the way she suddenly turned on him .
so defiant now .
All I asked was for her to take her sisters place- hed always been so compliant before , so he couldnt figure out why she was being so d what the hell is her problem he thought .
Tie Fannian hissed , fury practically radiating off him .
You wanna talk to me like that ? Then dont even think about coming crawling back when your change your mind .
I wont have anything to do with you , not now , not ever Just as he was about to turn and walk away , Odalys suddenly grabbed his arm .
He jerked to pull away , but she tightened her grip , her fingers digging Finnian Lark shoot her a look of disdain .
I told you already .
Theres no chance in hell were getting back together Finman she snapped , her voice icy , her anger rising You sneak into my life in the middle of the night to harass me , think you ran Chapter 12 just waltz off like nothing happened ? Her words rang out loud and clear , and Finians heart skipped a beat .
Hed gone to great lengths to stay low hat pulled down low , mask covering his face hoping no one would recognize him .
But now , she was practically shouting at the top of her lungs in front of everyone .
He tried to pull away , but it was like trying to break free from a vice grip .
Pedestrians stopped , eyes shifting their way .
Curiosity lit up the crowd Let go of me ! Now ! Finnian growled , panic creeping into his voice .
If anyone figured out who he was , his entire career his reputation would be m ruine You better explain yourself right now , Odalys demanded , her voice rising in fury .
What do you mean , agree to what you said ? You want me to be your girlfriend ? Im so done with your obsessive bullshit ! Someone help me ! Call the cops Odalys screamed , her voice deliberate and low enough to make her sound like a victim With the mask and sunglasses , no one could tell who she was , but as soon as she yelled , the crowd started to gather .
Everyone wouldnt want to watch a creepy guy harass a woman at midnight .
This is harassment ! one woman shouted .
Ugh this guys a total creep another muttered .
Some women started whispering and pointing at him .
Odalys saw the crowds reaction and , with a sudden move , let go of his arm .
Just as Finnian thought hed escaped , she slapped her hand behind his head , knocking his hat off and yanking the mask off his face .
Finnian froze , staring at her in shock .
The smirk on her face made his blood boll .
He couldnt believe it hed come here to talk to her , and now she was trying to destroy him .
Hed never imagined she would go this far just to ruin him .
In a blind panic , Finnian grabbed his face and turned to run .
But just a few steps later , a woman Asshole The ice cream slid down his hair , and Finnian could feel his blood pressure rising .
He was losing threw a an ice cream cone at his head , shouting .
Even though he was an illegitimate son , hed always been a fan favorite .
But now , Odalys had made him into a total joke like a rat scurrying through the street .
Furious , he covered his face and bolted , his steps fast and frantic .
The more he thought about it , the angrier he got .
By the time he reached his car , he glanced around , but Odalys was gone .
Shed played him drew all the attention to herself so she could slip away without anyone noticing .
Realizing this , Finnian clenched his fists and grined his teeth .
Odalys Stone , you conniving bitch .
Youve always liked me , havent you ? If you cant have me , youll destroy me instead ? Well , not on your life .
He was fuming , every inch of him seething .
He slammed his fist onto the seat His phone suddenly rang .
He glanced at the screen , and for a moment , his anger softened just a bit .
Sophia , Finnian muttered , his voice flat but trying to sound less tense .
On the other end of the line , Sophias voice was shaky , clearly upset .
Finnian… where are you ? Why havent you been answering ? Is it because I asked my sister to murry in my place ! Are you mad at me ! Finnian froze ze , quickly checking phone .
Two missed calls from Sophia .
Hed been too busy dodging angry pedestrians to notice .
Whats there to be mad about ? he replied , forcing a calm tone .
It was only fair that she filled in for you .
And anyway , its just for a month .
Once that guys gone , shell be back at the Bennett family .
Its no big deal .