Chapter 431
“Odalys,” Caspian said urgently, his tone despietate. “Do you realize that the Bennett family is falling apart? Can you help us out, just because we’re
family?”
He rushed to catch up as she turned to leave. Odalys stopped in her tracks, giving him a cool glance that spoke volumes.
As she had suspected. Caspian was asking for something. The Bennett family never did anything without an ulterior motive.
The felt it every time I go home, Caspian continued, his voice dropping. “It’s like there’s a clark, oppressive force in that house. I can’t sleep; I wake up from nichtmares, feeling like there’s something unclean there. Allas and I decided–we can’t go back.”
He hesitated for a moment before lowering his voice even further. I heard you can draw talismans. Can you make a couple for us?”
He stared at her, hope in his eyes, waiting for a response. Odalys didn’t say a word, just looked at him, making him feel a prickling unease crawl over his skin.
“Caspian stood there, heart pounding, as though waiting for her to pass judgment.
Time seemed to stretch on endlessly. His pulse raced. But somehow, standing in front of Odalys gave him an odd sense of security, as if the dark weight that clung to the Bennett family had lightened just by her presence.
“No.” Odalys replied, her voice cold and final.
Caspian froze, momentarily stunned. He had expected a refusal, but this? She had the gall to say “no” so bluntly.
“But…you’ve dealt with unclean things before,” he stammered. “Didn’t you help the Tillery family get rid of all that? You even saved Stellan’s parents from a disaster. You can do it. Why won’t you help us? We’re your family–your brothers!”
His desperation was evident, and Odalys wasn’t moved in the least. She turned slightly, her gaze as sharp as a blade.
“You never saw me as your sister before,” she said, her tone icy. “All you ever did was oppressi
s and suppress me. You never once acted like a brother. And now you want to come to me for help! You think because I know magic, you can just ask me to save you?” Her words were laced with disdain. “You’re mistaken We, the people from the Tillery family, don’t let ourselves be morally manipulated. We do things on our own terms, however we
Without another word, she turned and began walking away with a confidence that made Caspian feel like the ground was slipping beneath his feet.
“Odalys,” he called out, his voice trembling.
The panic in his chest was real now. If she didn’t help them, they would be in deep trouble–he could feel it. The dread from last night was still fresh in his mind.
Just as he thought all hope was lost, a voice interrupted him. “Caspian.”
He froze, turning around. To his surprise, standing not far away was none other than Harvey Tillery, his calm demeanor striking in contrast to the chaos that was swirling around.
Harvey looked immaculate in a gray leisure suit, his gold–rimmed glasses gleaming, and his hair neatly combed back.
The air around him seemed to shimmer with an aura of power and authority–his every movement radiating the unmistakable confidence of someone who belonged to an elite family.
“Mr. Tillery Caspian’s face lit up with hope.
Last night, he’d contacted Harvey and Dangelo, seeking their help. To his surprise, Harvey had appeared in person today.
Atlas, still reeling from Odalys’s harsh words, remained rooted to the spot. It wasn’t until Caspian tugged at his sleeve that he snapped out of his
trance.
“Did you reach out us last night because you need something?” Harvey asked, his voice quiet but firm.
Caspian hesitated. He could sense that Harvey and Dangelo had just finished discussing something important.
The Tillery family considered Odalys an ally–perhaps even a savior–and they wouldn’t just stand by if something happened to her.
“Mr. Tillery.” Caspian said, a bit more composed now, “You see, Odalys is becoming quite a sensation. I’m worried she might get hurt, and I was hoping you could, maybe… secretly look out for hert After all, she doesn’t really have any powerful connections in the Stewart family yet. We care
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Chapter 131
about her, and we know you’ve had dealings with her in the past. We heard she saved your daughter once–so surely, Mr. Tillery, this small favor won’t be too much to ask, right?”
Harvey didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable,
“At that moment. Dangelo appeared, wearing a hospital gown. Despite the incongruity of his attire, the man still exuded an undeniable air of authority
“What’s going on? Has something happened to Odalys?” Dangelo asked in a low, steady voice.
He stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Harvey. The two middle–aged, mature men exuded a powerful aura, one that instantly pressured Caspian, leaving hin breathless. Even Atlas, who had been seething with anger just moments ago, now seemed tense and uneasy
Although he had never directly dealt with the Bennett Group’s business, Caspian knew exactly who Dangelo and Harvey were. They were influential figures in Crownridge, people who held immense power and respect
The Tillery family, though they had cleaned up their image, still had vast, wild connections in the underworld. On the other hand, the Drake Group was a business empire capable of crushing the Bennett family. There was no comparison Caspian couldn’t help but feel anxious. How could he not
“Dangelo, you’re here at the hospital too? Seems like a coincidence, Caspian said, his voice lowered.
He was careful, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
Standing before him were two men who, with just a few words, could change the face of the entire Bennett Group,
Even
if the Stewart family didn’t get involved, these two could give a mere nod, and the Bennett Group would rise again.
And Caspian? He could kick Henry out and take control of the Bennett Group himself. With that in mind, he figured he might as well leverage Odalys‘ connections
After all, they were family–there was no need for pretense.
“It is quite a coincidence. Otherwise, how could I have overheard the argument between you two and Odalys just now?” Dangelo said nonchalantly, throwing Caspian a brief, calculating glance.
In an instant. Caspian’s confidence crumbled. He felt his heart race, and his head dropped as shame washed over him.
“Rumor has it the Bennett family has allied with the Simpson family through marriage, Dangelo said, his words dripping with subtle menace. “Henry and Edie are married, but the Simpsons have yet to show any support for the Bennett family. And now, Edie’s distanced herself from the Stewart family and joined the Bennett family. You’re trying to involve Odalys in your problems–don’t you think that’s a bit much?”
Caspian’s knees nearly buckled from the pressure. Sweat was beading on his forehead.
Harvey added, his voice cold, “We’ve heard about Edie’s misdeeds in the Stewart family–how she stirred chaos. And now, Odalys is married into that family, and you want her to secretly help you behind Percival’s back? Don’t you think that’s interfering in a marital relationship!” Caspian swallowed hard. He was beginning to regret this whole mess. His plan had backfired.
Dangelo’s voice dropped even lower. “So, you contacted us to ask us to meddle in private matters of the Stewart family? Isn’t that a bit much?”
Harvey chimed in, his tone almost mocking. Are you under the impression that we can use our power to push around a young girl‘ Odalys is just twenty years old. How could we possibly make things difficult for her?”
Caspian’s heart sank
They weren’t just talking about the matter–they were defending Odalys, subtly accusing him of trying to bully her.
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