Chapter 8
Odalys’s phone rang again, the tone sharp and grating. She scowled at the screen, her finger hovering over the block button. But after a momsent hexicanon, she answered.
Before she could speak, a shrill, cutting voice burst through the line “Odalys Stone? Who the hell do you think you are, ignoring my calls you think. just because you mumed into the Stewart family, you’re suddenly untouchable?”
“Don’t forget, without the Bennett family’s help, you’d still be a nobody. We gave you this opportunity, and you should down well be grateful, she continued, her words sharp enough to draw blood. “Now, listen up. Your brother has a project that needs funding.
“You’ll get the Stewarts to invest 250 million dollars. Did you hear me?”
Odalys froze for a moment, disbelief thickering across her face. The audacity left her momentarily speechless..
It had barely been four hours since she’d severed ties with the Bennetts, and now they were demanding she squeeze money out of the Stewart Family
250 million. Hannah made it sound like pocket change.
“Mrs. Bennett Odalys said finally, her voice cold enough to frost over. “If I remember correctly, we’ve already cut ties. What makes you think I mar you anything let alone convince the Stewart family to invest in your ridiculous project?”
Her tone sharpened, every word precise and biting. “And let me be clear–I’m with the Stewart family nose. If you have any sense, you’ll stay the hell out of my way.”
Normally, Odalys wasn’t one to lash our, but Hannah had pushed her too far.
“You ungrateful little brat!” Hannah screeched, her voice climbing to a pitch that could shatter glass. “You think you can talk back to me just because you’ve grown some wings! Don’t forget your brother got you that spot on the variety show!
“Do you know how hard it is to get into a program with A–list stars! We gave you that opportunity! If you keep this up. I’ll make sure you’re blacklisted in the industry. Let’s see how far you get without us.”
Odalys let out a short, cold laugh. Her lips curved into a mocking smile, dimples softening her otherwise sharp expression. She turned slightly. letting the breeze from the open window lift her hair, her eyes glinting with amusement.
“Blacklist me?” she said, her tone light, almost amused. “Go ahead. In fact, don’t bother waiting–Im not going to tomorrow’s taping anyway.”
The silence on the other end was deafening, then came an eruption of furious yelling. Odalys could faintly hear other voices in the background, likely her family scrambling to figure out what went wrong. They’d clearly expected her to fall in line, not flip the entire table.
“You’re going, and that’s finall Hannah barked, her voice trembling with rage. “And bring back the wedding gifts you took this msoming!”
There it was. The real reason for the call. Hannah might’ve pretended the investment was the priority, but it was the wedding gifts that had her truly losing her mind.
After realizing the value of the items Odalys had taken–worth a staggering 300 million dollars–they’d decided they couldn’t let her keep them. Those gifts weren’t just about money–they were leverage
If the Bennetts could tie those gifts to the Stewarts, they’d gain status and open doors they’d never been able to touch before.
The Stewarts were a global powerhouse, their connections a golden ticket in any circle. The Bennetts wanted that ticket desperately, but they weren’t willing to sacrifice Sophia, their golden child.
“Wedding gif” Odalys’s voice turned icy, her smile growing colder. “Sure. Come and get them yourself”
Before Hannah could respond, Odalys ended the call with a flick of her finger. She stared at the phone for a moment, her face calm but her chest tight
For all her outward indifference, Hannah’s words had struck a nerve. The betrayal and entalement of her so–called family left a bitter taste, a reminder that they’d only ever seen her as a pawn.
“If they want a fight, I’ll give them one,” she muttered, her voice firm, Kising to her feet, she quickly got ready, her every movement sharp and deliberate. She wasn’t going to let the Bennens have the last word..
As she descended the grand staircase, Dorian appeared, his posture straight and professional.
“Mrs Stewart, are you heading our?” he asked respectfully. His tone held a new layer of caution, born from witnessing her suppress Percival’s poison
Chapter 8
earlier
If she could save him, she was no longer just a Stewart by marriage–she was a potential savior for the entire family.
“Yes,” Odalys replied, her tone clipped but calm. “I need to visit the Bennett family. Arrange a car for me” Public transportation wasn’t an option, of course, not for the Stewarts young madam.
“Right away. Mrs. Stewart, Dorian said with a bow. He moved quickly, ensuring that the newest, most luxurious car in the garage was brought around. The Stewart family spared no expense, even for a short trip.
Minutes later, the sleek, limited–edition car pulled up to the estate’s entrance. As soon as Odalys stepped into the car, the driver headed straight for the Bennett residence.
Inside, the house was buzzing with laughter and lighthearted chatter. When Odalys walked in, she was greeted by the sight of Sophia clinging to Atlas’s arm, pouting like a spoiled princess
“Alas, I want more!” Sophia whined, drawing out her words like a child angling for candy.
Atlas chuckled indulgently, like her antics were the highlight of his day. He patted her head affectionately and grabbed a tissue to dab at the corner of her mouth.
“Alright, one more,” he said softly, picking up a strawberry and holding it to her lips. He even wiped the juice off her chin with practiced care.
“You’re the best. Atlas,” Sophia said with a wide, sweet smile, her eyes practically sparkling with admiration.
At that moment, Hannah Bennett walked in carrying a plate of steaming pumpkin soup. She beamed at Sophia like she was looking at her pride and joy. “Sophia, sweetheart, come drink this. I made is just for you–it keep your strength up.”
Sophia wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Mom, I don’t want it. What if it makes me fat! I have to keep my figure! After the variety show, I’m going straight into filming,” she said, crossing her arms like a child refusing her vegetables.
Hannah wasn’t about to let her off the hook. She blew gently on the soup and brought the bowl closer. “Don’t be silly. That show must’ve worn you our. If you don’t take care of yourself, where will you get the energy? Just drink it, okay?”
Before Sophia could argue, Hannah’s gaze landed on the doorway. Her smile vanished instantly, replaced by a scowl as her eyes locked on Odaly
With a loud clunk, she slammed the plate onto the coffee table. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the cheery atmosphere like a knife. “So, you finally decided to come back? Did you bring the wedding glis!”
Sophia jumped up from the sofa, her bare feet hitting the floor as she rushed outside to check. Her gaze darted around the driveway, but all she saw was the sleek luxury car parked at the entrance–no gifts in sight.
“Odalys, where are the gifs?” she demanded, her voice trembling with barely contained anger. “You didn’t bring them back? Weren’t you just a stand–in bride? How could you keep our family’s wedding gifts for yourself?”
Her eye
reddened as she stared daggers at the car. That car, still unreleased and ridiculously expensive, had Odalys’s name written all over it. “Why does she get everything she thought bitterly. It should all be mine!
“What the hell are you playing at Odalys?” Hannah snapped from the sofa, her sone dripping with condescension. She straightened her posture, clearly trying to assert some kind of authority, but her words only carried disdain.
Odalys didn’t respond. Her eyes narrowed, cold and calculating, as they locked on Hannah. Without a word, she began walking toward her with measured, deliberate steps, the soft click of her heels echoing in the suddenly tease roum
Hannah instinctively shrank back, her earlier confidence visibly faltering Atlas, sensing trouble, stepped forward, his face darkening as he moved to block Odalys’s path.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, his voice low and hard.
“Move,” Odalys said, her voice so cold it sent chills down his spine.
When he didn’t move fast enough, she didn’t hesitate. Her knee shot up, slamming into his stomach with a brutal efficiency that left him winded.
Atlas stumbled back, landing heavily on the sofa with a loud grunt, one hand clutching his abdomen as pain twisted his features,
Odalys didn’t even spare him a glance. Her focus remained locked on Hannah, who was now pale and visibly panicking.
are you doing. Odalys?” Hannali samunered, her voice shaky and desperate, “Don’t you dare touch me, or I swear-
“What are
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Chapter 8
Before she could finish, Odalys reached out, her hand snapping forward to grab the necklace broke, the wound ringing mit like a slap
SEND GIFT
