Chapter 461

Orson's excitement grew. He leaped from the sofa, practically bounding toward Odalys, his hands shaking as he held his coffee cup.

"Odalys," he said, barely containing his enthusiasm, "Do you think Sophia's fake pregnancy—thanks to the pills you gave her—will trigger something in Finnian?"

Orson didn't know much about magic, but he had a good understanding of men and human nature.

"Isn't it a perfect setup? Windsor, Hannah, and Finnian will definitely have… different thoughts once they find out she's pregnant," Orson said, bouncing on his toes. "From a more sinister angle, some people try to control unborn children. These children, not yet born, lack developed human nature. Whoever raises them can influence them, fostering loyalty. At the right moment, they could even be manipulated into evil."

Such things happened in the past, though it's rarely attempted now. However, we can't rule out the possibility," Odalys explained calmly, her voice steady, as if this were commonplace.

Orson's eyes widened in realization. He set down his coffee cup, leaning in eagerly. His usual cold demeanor vanished; he looked like a fanboy desperate for more information.

"What if they end up killing Sophia?" Orson asked, his tone suddenly worried. "If she died, it would make things much less interesting."

"Over a decade ago, Sophia was brutally injured and given to the Bennett family for adoption. Someone has been magically protecting her all these years, indicating powerful support," Odalys said. "Currently, Sophia knows she's being helped, but she doesn't know why she was sent to the Bennetts. In other words, she's an unawakened puppet."

"Do you think her protector would allow anyone to kill her?" Odalys asked, her tone cold and matter-of-fact. "And with Windsor, Hannah, and Finnian so interested in the Love Spell, that's reason enough to use them. By tapping into their energy, we can discover who's behind the Love Spell. After that, we wait and watch."

Her analysis was calm and collected—remarkably so for the situation.

"True," Orson murmured, nodding. "Letting the prey come to us is the smartest move. It saves time and effort."

His eyes, glittering like stars, locked onto hers with unspoken admiration.

Percival's voice suddenly cut through the air, interrupting their conversation. "Come eat."

Odalys's stomach growled loudly in response. The mouthwatering aroma of food wafted into the room.

She hurried to the dining table, finding Percival had already prepared a feast: beef, sautéed shrimp, steamed crab, braised pork ribs, spicy-sour shredded potatoes, chicken, and a bowl of rich rib soup.

"So much delicious food! Did Dorian cook this?" Odalys asked, her excitement evident.

Percival watched her with a knowing smile. He handed her a plate and fork, serving her half a bowl of soup before pulling out a chair.

"No," he replied with a smile. "When I arrived, Freya and the others were filming. I assumed you were still sleeping, so I made you some food."

Odalys took a bite of the ribs, looking at him in stunned surprise.

"You made this?" she asked, incredulous. She'd assumed Dorian had packed it from the Stewart Villa.

"I thought you could use a good meal," Percival replied simply.

Chapter 461 (Continued)

Orson, who had been watching quietly, leaned forward, his chin propped in his hand.

"Odalys," Orson said with a grin, "You don't know this, but after you went out last night, Percival was so worried he nearly lost his cool. He was afraid you hadn't slept and that your body couldn't take it. So, first thing this morning, he rushed over here."

Before Odalys could react, he continued, "Once he found you asleep, he handled company matters in the car, then timed this meal perfectly."

Odalys felt guilty. She quickly served Percival some chicken.

"Thank you for the food, and I'm sorry for worrying you. You've worked hard," she said, smiling.

Percival accepted it with a quiet nod, clearly enjoying her attention.

Orson sipped his soup, his eyes narrowing as he watched them.

Percival spoke again. "Dangelo and Mr. Tillery have gathered the major families in Crownridge. They've laid out Oliver's actions and timeline."

"They're more vigilant now, worried Oliver might target their energy fields or people."

"Those with serious illnesses have been sent to the Lark family's doctors. Blood samples were taken last night. The results aren't in yet," Percival said, giving Odalys a brief summary. He was always transparent with her.

"Once the test results are in, we'll see if the illnesses share any pathogens," Odalys suggested calmly.

Percival handed her the files. As she ate, she flipped through them, absorbed in her reading. Percival silently served her more food, noticing when she was too busy to eat and gently lifting food to her lips. Odalys instinctively opened her mouth.

Orson watched, a strange sensation twisting in his chest. Seeing Percival feed Odalys so naturally was surreal.

"Some families still doubt Dangelo and Harvey. They're neutral, worried the Drake and Tillery families are using this to take over their companies," Percival continued.

Odalys glanced at the papers, circling a few names.

"Is it these families?" she asked.

Percival looked surprised. "How did you know?"

"I just had a feeling," Odalys said, smiling.

After finishing, she leaned back, satisfied.

"Would you like some fruit?" Percival asked attentively.

Before she could answer, he grabbed watermelon and peaches, setting them before her.

"There wasn't much fruit nearby," he explained.

"Thank you," Odalys said, feeling a flood of mixed emotions. Memories of the previous night—herself in a wedding gown at the Bridge of Sighs, walking hand-in-hand with Percival—flooded back.

Her heart tightened.

Percival's voice broke through her thoughts. "Don't think about it."

Odalys managed a faint smile, picking up a piece of watermelon. "That old tailor from the mountain village… his son died at the Bennett Villa."