Chapter 578

The image of Henry being sold flashed in Odalys' mind, darkening her gaze. “How about you come with me tonight?” she leaned in, suggesting. She wasn't entirely familiar with the intricacies, but having Percival and the others provide cover might simplify things later.

Upon hearing her invitation, Percival's eyes brightened, as if a flicker of life had been rekindled. His expression revealed a joy he couldn't quite conceal. Odalys didn't understand this sudden shift in his emotions.

“Okay,” Percival replied, his voice tinged with bitterness. She shoved the cash back into his hand. “Keep this for now. I’ll go check on Evander downstairs.”

As she hurried out, Percival stood holding the two stacks of cash. Watching her leave, he chuckled softly, almost inaudibly. He thought, Did I overthink this? She’s always been so carefree, and here I am, being overly sensitive. I’m even embarrassed by these ridiculous thoughts. After all, he was in charge of the Stewart family, yet felt strangely secure around her. In matters of the heart, however, he lacked confidence.

“Odalys,” he called softly. The lingering warmth of her touch seemed to remain on his fingertips. A smile played on his lips as he placed the money on the desk, sat on the couch, and resumed working through the files. This time, though, his mood was different. He worked faster than usual, and the entire room felt energized; even the plants seemed to perk up.

Downstairs, Evander sat on the sofa, sipping coffee. Before he could put it down, he heard running footsteps. Looking up, he saw Freya and Selah rushing down.

“Evander!” Freya exclaimed, leaping onto the sofa and hugging his arm. She was visibly excited. “I heard Hannah tried to seduce you. Did you have any past interactions with her?”

“You’re lucky you didn’t go,” Freya began, then paused, realizing she'd said too much. She clamped her mouth shut, words tumbling out before thought.

Evander's hand trembled as he held his coffee. His voice, shaky with surprise and frustration, betrayed his unease. “You know about this? Who told you?” At his age, he hadn't expected to be embroiled in rumors, especially ones Freya and Selah knew about. He felt his reputation threatened.

Freya laughed awkwardly, attempting to backpedal, but before she could, Evander firmly grasped her. Despite his age, he still possessed considerable strength.

Noticing Freya's silence, he turned to Selah, who stood quietly nearby. Selah cleared her throat. “Evander, we were filming at the hotel today. Odalys stopped by for dinner, and Hannah had a room next door. She didn’t close the door properly…”

“We saw her calling you, and then the police came,” Selah continued, barely suppressing her laughter. This is too funny, she thought. Watching Evander squirm is actually kind of amusing. He’s not like the typical elites; he looks serious, but he doesn’t make you feel intimidated.

“Odalys saw it too?” Evander's hand trembled more, and he quickly took another sip of coffee as if the action could steady him.

“We were all there,” Selah added softly.

With a loud thud, Evander slammed his cup down, crossing his arms. He shot a sharp look at Freya and Selah, his expression serious despite his age. “As a man of integrity, gossip doesn't tarnish my reputation,” he said firmly. “The Stewart family has never been afraid of slander.”

“Hannah tried to take me down. She was likely trying to ruin us, but thankfully, I’m not easily swayed by such things.” He straightened, his posture proud.

Freya quickly nodded, suppressing a grin. I knew Evander cared about his reputation, but I didn’t expect this much, she thought.

“I can see that; otherwise, you wouldn’t have personally called the police,” Selah nodded in agreement.

Evander straightened his collar, his movements slower as he rose. “You all understand things well, and you haven’t misjudged me. If you had, the reputation of the Stewart family would have been ruined.” He quickened his pace and walked toward the kitchen.

After Evander entered the kitchen, Freya turned to Selah, her voice low. “Did you see that? Evander’s quite a character.”

Selah could contain herself no longer, bursting into laughter.

When Odalys came downstairs, she heard their laughter. Curious, she quickly descended. “What’s so funny?”

After they shared the events, Odalys laughed too. The three settled onto the couch, chatting casually. As Odalys recalled Percival handing her the money, she turned to them and asked, “By the way, do you guys know what happens in a nightclub?”

“Do they still require tips?” Odalys asked, her curiosity piqued. Some clubs or karaoke places do have tipping practices, but seeing Percival hand me sixty thousand dollars, it’s clear the experience is more extravagant than I imagined.

“Well, it’s a place where men go to meet women, and some wealthy women go looking for men. If they’re happy with the person, they pay, take them to a private room, and there’s even an auction. When someone new arrives, people get curious, so they want to join in. The owner will put them up on stage and auction off their first night. It’s similar to how courtesans were auctioned off in the past. The highest bidder gets to be with them,” Freya explained casually.

Odalys listened, doubt crossing her face. Freya quickly raised her hands, her face innocent. “What are you looking at me for? I didn’t…”

Selah immediately shook her head. “I didn’t either. I don’t have the money for that.”

Then, her gaze locked onto Odalys. The air grew tense, even Freya seemed nervous.

“Odalys, you invited us out tonight and said you’d cover all the costs. You’re not planning to go there, are you? You and Mr. Stewart just started seeing each other, so be careful—don’t let him get the wrong idea,” Selah said, her tone filled with concern. Most men wouldn’t want their partners going to those kinds of places, she thought. Not only are they considered inappropriate, but the people who frequent them often don’t hold back.

“Huh! He won’t get the wrong idea. I’m taking him with me; we’re going together tonight,” Odalys responded.

Selah stared, dumbfounded. “You told him you’re going to a nightclub, and you want him to come with you?” Her heart raced in disbelief. Most people would go secretly, Selah thought, maybe with their best friends, just to check out some handsome guys. If couples found out their partner went, they’d probably end up arguing. Some even break up after getting caught sneaking out just to mingle. But here she is, inviting Percival to go with her openly?