Chapter 268
In the VIP lounge of the hospital. Percival stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, gazing out at the bustling cityscape. The bright sunlight hit his
face.
“It looks like something’s happening after all. Orson wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Orson had just returned from a quick shower and was now watching the scene unfold on the screen.
Percival turned around, his eyes landing on Hannah’s figure as she appeared on the large TV screen. After being pushed out by Caspian, Hannah entered Edie’s hospital room alone.
Orson began. “Percival, you were right. I had the hospital take in members of the Bennett family and arranged for them to stay next to your mother’s room. If they knew each other, they’d inevitably run into each other.
“Didn’t expect Hannah to be an old acquaintance of your mother’s. And that when Odalys was little, your mother’s deal with the Bennett family led to Odalys being kicked out.”
Orson furrowed his brows in confusion. “But why would she make the Bennett family kick Odalys out? Odalys was just a little kid back then, only three or four years old. Why target a child like that?”
Percival’s voice was low and heavy. “Edie and Hannah go way back. In fact, when Odalys was young, it was a deal between Edie and the Bennett family that led to Odalys being expelled.
“And to help her brother, she drugged my father. She wanted to marry into the Stewart family to support her brother. My father’s death is tied to her brother.”
“Maybe…” Percival trailed off, his gaze turning icy as he stared at Edie on the monitor.
His voice grew even colder. “Odalys might have been in the way of her plans, so she suppressed the Bennett family, forcing them to mistreat Odalys. She even had them kick her out in the dead of winter, hoping to let the cold kill her.
“But Odalys ended up being taken in by her master and brought to the mountains.”
That was Percival’s guess, and it was the only explanation that made sense so far.
Orson spoke quietly. “If it’s like you said, then as long as Odalys is alive, she can save the Stewart family, and also destroy your mother’s plans. Your mother must have known that Odalys‘ existence would ruin her schemes, so she had to get rid of her.
“But she never expected that years later, the Bennett family would want to bring Odalys back.
“They knew Edie feared Odalys, so the Bennett family deliberately went against her. That’s why they didn’t want Sophia to marry into the Stewart family. They were protecting her. They feared that if Sophia did marry into the Stewart family, your mother would kill her.”
“So, they ended up marrying someone your mother hated to you, as a way to use it to negotiate with the Stewart family?” Orson clapped his hands together as if a lightbulb went off in his head. “That makes everything clear.”
Orson continued to speculate. “The Bennett family is selfish, and Hannah didn’t want to be pushed around. In the end, she took a bold move and brought Odalys back to marry you, to intimidate Edic.
“So when the police called to have the Bennett family pick Odalys up, they refused. That means they knew Odalys wasn’t dead, but your mother didn’t have a clue. They’ve been hiding this from her, keeping it as a trump card?”
Percival pressed his lips together tightly, his eyes locked on Edie’s figure. She had just taken the medicine package Hannah gave her and tucked it into her bag.
“It’s a shame she thought she could use the Stewart family’s influence to get away with all these dirty deeds. Now she’s even trying to use my grandfather for her own benefit. It’s unbelievable. Two crazy women.” Percival couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
He had never imagined that a woman would go as far as trying to manipulate Evander.
They actually wanted to drug Evander and have his child, thinking they could carry on the Stewart family’s bloodline.
“Send me this video, Percival said in a low voice.
Orson quickly pulled out his laptop and after a few moments of typing, sent the video to Percival. Without a second of hesitation, Percival immediately forwarded it to Evander.
Percival wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could keep things hidden. He certainly didn’t believe he could stop everything on his own. It was best
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Chapter 268
to let Evander know, for his protection.
“You’re just going to let Mr. Stewart know like this?” Orson asked, a bit surprised.
Percival gripped his phone tightly, his tall frame leaning back against the chair. He took a sip from the coffee beside him, his fingers, long and elegant, gripping the cup’s edge.
“Grandfather has the right to know. And only he can prevent things from happening,” Percival said.
He then took out his phone and dialed Callum.
“Callum, it’s me.” Percival took another sip of coffee before speaking in a gravelly voice. “Pass it down. Strip my mother of any control over the Stewart family’s assets.
“She is no longer allowed access to any Stewart properties, estates, businesses, or stores. Furthermore, no one, guards, servants, or employees, are to take orders from her.
“The Stewart Villa and the Stewart mansion, she is prohibited from entering. If she tries to force her way in, tell the guards they are allowed to injure her on the spot, as long as they don’t kill her.”
Percival’s deep voice resonated in the lounge, and Orson held his breath, fully aware of the gravity of the situation.
Percival continued, “Also, inform all the banks to immediately unlink her from any accounts tied to the Stewart family. She’s not allowed to charge anything to the Stewart family cards anymore.
“Have the Stewart Group’s official website issued a statement severing all ties with Edie, making it clear that she is no longer a member of the Stewart family. Anyone caught working with her privately will bear the consequences, and the Stewart family will take no responsibility.”
Each of Percival’s commands startled Callum.
After hearing the orders, Callum repeated them and asked, “Mr. Stewart, are you sure?”
“Yes. Do it right now,” Percival replied, his voice gravelly.
In the past, Percival had refrained from taking action against Edie because she was his mother. He’d let her have her way, covering for her in everything.
But now, he knew Edie had been behind Evander’s leg injury.
Though he didn’t have concrete proof regarding his father’s death, Percival suspected she was involved.
And Edie had certainly been behind Odalys‘ mistreatment and abandonment.
A person so cruel didn’t deserve to be a mother. ‘I’ll never acknowledge this madwoman as my real mother again. I’ve tolerated enough of her behavior, he wondered.
“Understood.” Callum hung up the phone and immediately set the plan into motion.
Orson brewed more coffee and brought it over, refilling Percival’s cup. He stared at Percival thoughtfully, his eyes sparkling. He spoke quietly. “You’re worried about Odalys, right?”
Percival remained silent.
“Today’s the opening of Odalys‘ company. People have been sending flowers her way. Why don’t you show some support?” Orson asked in a low voice.
In fact, Percival had been keeping an eye on Odalys‘ situation.
“She doesn’t like all that superficial stuff. Besides, if I show up, it’ll just cause trouble for her. Right now, rumors are spreading that I’m dead. It’s better for her to distance herself. That way, no one will target her, and it’ll keep her out of harm’s way,” Percival said in a low tone.
Orson took a sip of his coffee, then leaned against a nearby counter.
He looked Percival up and down, noting how well he was recovering. Orson said softly, “Honestly, last night, I didn’t think you’d make it.”
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