Chapter 433

“You haven’t contacted her in over twenty years, and suddenly you reappear. Now we’ve had a fling—it’s clear we both got what we needed.” Henry stated plainly. Edie’s face darkened.

She had thought Henry was easy to manipulate, but under his gaze, her confidence wavered. Today, Henry felt like a completely different person. Was he pretending before, luring her into a trap? Or had he been hiding his true self all along?

“I’ll make time,” Edie said stiffly, her voice sharp. She slammed the car door, turning on her heel and striding away without looking back.

Henry sat behind the wheel, absentmindedly tracing yesterday’s wound—a bruise inflicted by both Edie and Quinton. He spat out the window, cursing, before picking up a leaf and tossing it aside with an angry flick.

“Mom, it’s me,” Henry said, dialing his phone. He listened for a moment before replying, his voice growing colder. “I’ve had people tailing Dad. Just as you suspected, something’s off. Ever since he came back from overseas, he’s been a completely different person.”

“These past three years, he lived abroad, not returning until now. Now he’s back, trying to divorce you and deliberately sleeping with Sophia.”

“He has an agenda. Whether he’s really Windsor or not doesn’t matter. Since he’s back in Crownridge, I’ll make sure he pays the price.”

“Don’t worry, the Bennett Group will never fall into his hands.” Henry ended the call with finality, leaving no room for negotiation. His eyes flashed with cold determination—a look only someone in power could possess.

Since Sophia’s scandal and the variety show’s failure, the Bennett Group had been spiraling downhill, seemingly irreversibly. Now, though outwardly united, the family was like a house of cards, ready to crumble. Edie’s hasty marriage, the Simpson family’s strike, Windsor’s return and divorce—everything seemed coincidental, yet pointed to something more sinister, a plot that had caught him off guard.

After hanging up, Henry drove off, his mind racing through a hundred scenarios.

Across the street, at a smoothie shop, Odalys rested her cheek on her hand, sipping lemon water, her gaze following Henry’s departure before turning her attention back to Orson.

“Finian has his eyes on Henry,” Orson said, taking a sip of his coffee.

Odalys ran her finger around the rim of her glass, picking up a slice of lemon and biting into it. The bitter taste spread across her tongue.

“The more chaos within the Bennett family, the better. They’re so suspicious of each other now, especially with Windsor’s divorce. Henry’s not letting go of the Bennett Group, so he’ll definitely want to kick Windsor out.”

“Now, it’s up to Windsor—whether he’s a man or a ghost. If the Bennett family remains divided, the conflict will bring out the people hiding in the shadows.”

“Who was it that suggested the Bennett family get rid of me, either by sending me away or killing me, and then adopt Sophia to pave the way for her? If I can uncover that person, the real show will begin,” Odalys said sharply.

Orson’s fingers twisted nervously. Although they sat casually drinking coffee, he couldn’t shake the discomfort he felt around Odalys. Something unnerving about her presence persisted.

“Odalys, Percival went to the Simpson villa. Do you think he’s in danger?” Orson asked, his curiosity bubbling up despite his anxiety. He knew Odalys had a knack for magic—she often foresaw things before they happened.

Orson held his breath, waiting. When Odalys finally stopped drawing circles and slowly stood up, he released his breath.

Chapter 433 (continued)

“After gathering all the patient data from the high-society families, send us a detailed report. Also, keep an eye on Edie. Find out what she wants from the Bennett family.”

“And find a way to get her alone with Windsor. Make Hannah jealous. When two old friends start to doubt each other, it’s bound to drag out more secrets,” Odalys continued, her voice low and calculated.

“Sophia was able to pressure Edie into setting the fire on me, which means she’s listening to Sophia. Doesn’t that strike you as odd? Edie definitely knows more than she’s letting on.”

It was as though someone was using sleight of hand to obscure the truth, making it impossible to see what was really happening. The situation felt clouded, like an intricate web someone had woven in the background, and Odalys wasn’t about to dig too deep—she preferred to wait and let her enemies expose themselves.

“Got it,” Orson replied, nodding quickly.

Odalys began to walk away, but after two steps, she stopped and turned back.

“I’ll handle Percival’s safety. Don’t worry about him. Your only task is to keep your eyes on Edie. Also, find Oliver. We need him,” she said firmly.

Orson, who had been preparing to pay the bill, noticed something strange. The spot where Odalys had been drawing circles on the table… was it changing?

“What… is this?” Orson muttered in shock. He quickly stood up, moving to her seat and bending down to inspect the table. What had been a vague circle was now a clear drawing—something resembling a map.

Orson’s throat tightened as he stared, utterly stunned. He hadn’t expected a random doodle to turn into something so intricate. It was like a map, with unmistakable details. He quickly pulled out his phone, snapping a picture before wiping the water stains away, acting as if nothing had happened. He paid for the drinks and rushed out of the cafe, his mind racing.

“Odalys really is incredible,” Orson muttered under his breath. Being around her always felt suffocating, but he knew it was a blessing to be on her good side. If anyone else had to deal with her, they wouldn’t last a second. Not because she was scary, but because she was too clever for anyone to keep up with. She made men hesitant to get too close.

He grinned, his handsome face lighting up as he casually whistled and headed for his car. He was just about to start the engine when his phone vibrated. Seeing Percival’s name on the screen, he quickly picked up.

“Orson, it’s me,” Percival’s voice came through, sounding strained.

“Did you make it to the Simpson villa? I just met with Odalys. How’s everything there?” Orson asked, barely able to contain his excitement. He wasn’t usually a gossip, but now, he couldn’t help but want to share everything.

“The Simpson villa doesn’t exist. It’s deep in the mountains, an abandoned graveyard—like a mass burial ground. You need to get someone to protect Odalys, right now,” Percival said urgently.

“I don’t know what’s coming, but everything feels off. I’ve got the feeling that someone’s setting a huge trap—one that’s meant for her.”

“What?! Odalys just left,” Orson said, his voice shaking. He had never heard Percival so frantic before. His own heart began to race. If Odalys was in danger, he couldn’t afford to waste another second.

The final lines are illegible and have been omitted.