Chapter 587 She deliberately quickened her pace , her laughter bubbling up as Percival kept striding behind her .
Odalys chuckled softly , clearly amused by the little game .
Percival didnt mind her antics .
Instead , he let her have fun until she finally staggered upstairs , Percival opened her bedroom door , watching as she stumbled inside and collapsed onto the bed ..
Let me know if youre not feeling well Percival said .
Odalys didnt respond .
She rolled onto her side and pulled the blanker over her head Percival remained standing by her bedside .
Quietly , he removed her shoes , shut the window , and poured a glass of water to leave on the nightstand .
Then , he silently left the room After lingering just outside her door , Percival opened it again to check on her .
Satisfied that she was sleeping soundly , he turned and headed downstairs .
Crossing the quiet , darkened grounds , he went to Callums quarters .
He opened the door without hesitation and stepped inside .
It was late , and Callum sat on the edge of his bed , reviewing some documents under the dim light of a bedside lamp .
Percival , why are you here so late ? Callum said , startled .
He moved to stand , but Percival waved him back down -Didnt I tell you to ou to rest ? Whats so urgent that it cant wait ? Percival asked , his voice calm but firm .
Callum looked sheepish , setting aside his papers .
I couldnt sleep .
Lying around all day doesnt help .
I thought Id review the upcoming quarters schedule instead , he admitted , removing his glasses and running a hand through his hair .
Hows the hand ? Any feeling in it ? Percival asked quietly Percival poured a glass of water and handed it to him .
His gaze shifted to Callums injured hand .
He thought , That hand was nearly crushed .
because he was trying to text me .
The thought lodged in his throat , but he swallowed it down .
Its sore , but thats a good sign theres still feeling .
Odalys said itll take time to recover fully .
For now , I can manage just fine using my left hand .
Callum replied with a small smile , lifting his good hand in a joking show of strength .
The Stewart family was known for its ambidexterity .
Everyone in its circle could write with both hands and shoot with precision , unlike most , who relied solely on their dominant hand .
Get some rest , Percival said .
If anything feels off , let Callum know .
Dont stay up late again tonight He pushed the documents out of Callums reach , making it clear the conversation was over .
Callum rubbed his nose and gave a reluctant nod .
Gor If youre bored , play chess with Dorian or have coffee with Evander .
Focus on recovering first , Percival instructed , watching Callums slight nod before handing him a glass of water .
Satisfied , Percival stood and left the room .
As he closed the door , he noticed a figure leaning casually against a shadowed corner .
The faint glow of a cigarettes ember and the quiet rise of smoke were unmistakable .
How long have you been standing there? Percival asked .
Without turning the figure Orson exhaled a long weary stream of smoke .
From the moment you went in .
He flicked a stray leaf off his shoulder and kicked a pebble away , his expression as unreadable as always What happened ? Percival asked , stepping closer .
He plucked the cigarette from Onsons fingers and extinguished it Finnians not going to make it through the night , Orson said quietly , his voice heavy .
Orson thought , Tin not doing this out of some s selfless compassion , but after more than a decade of seeing Finnian as a brother , its hard to ignore Chapter 587 that hes now facing a slow and painful death .
How about we go upstairs for a drink ? Percival offered Orson nodded slightly and followed him into Stewart Villa .
Their footsteps were synchronized , each maintaining a calculated distance It was second nature if trouble came from ahead , the one behind would have room to maneuver , a habit ingrained in families accustomed to a life of danger The house was silent as they made their way to the study .
Once there , Percival retrieved a bottle of vintage red wine .
He poured a glass and handed it to Orson Thank you .
Orson muttered , lifting the glass .
He glanced at Percivals shirt , noting the disheveled collar and missing buttons an unusual sight for someone who usually presented a meticulous image .
Did Odalys do that ? Orson teased Percival looked down as if noticing the state of his shirt for the first time .
He gave a slight shrug .
She mixed up her drinks tonight thought it was juice .
She got a bit tipsy and playful .
Orson listened , silently amused .
After taking a sip of his wine , a thought crossed his mind .
By the way , did you hear about Caspian contacting Elias in the East District ? Is the Bennett family teaming up with him ! Sure , the guys rich , but hes not exactly known for his business sense .
Orson asked , a faint hint of confusion in his voice .
It seemed that the Bennett family had been aiming to ally with influential families , but they ended up settling for Elias instead .
Eliass son passed away .
Theyre looking for someone to perform a posthumous marriage , Percival explained , his voice even .
The phrase sent a shiver down Orsons spine .
He rubbed the back of his neck , an uneasy feeling crawling over him as he quickly went around , turning on every light in the study .
Posthumous marriage ? Seriously ? With whom ? Other than Sophia , the Bennett family only has Hannah left .
I heard she was arrested after someone tipped off the authorities .
But shes supposed to be released tonight since theres no evidence of any transaction and no money changed hands Orson said .
Percival ran his fingers along the rim of his glass , gazing at the deep red liquid swirling inside .
The delicate are it formed caught his eye .
It seems the Bennett family wants to offer Sophia a posthumous marriage to secure funding from Elias .
Percival said thoughtfully .
He thought .
In the nightclub , everything became clear .
Windsor knocked Sophia out this was their plan from the start .
They adopted her in a rush , but once she became a liability , they were just as eager to exploit her .
Well , that sounds like quite the spectacle .
I think Ill go watch .
Orson smirked .
He tossed back his wine in one gulp and set the glass down with a heavy clink .
Then he glanced at Percivals injured leg .
Youre better off sitting this one out .
Ill give you a live report Im curious to see how they handle posthumous marriages these days , Orson added , a playful edge in his voice as he hurried toward the door .
Percival watched Orson leave before heading to his room .
After a quick shower , he emerged in a robe , towel drying his damp hair .
Water glistened at the tips of his dark locks , tracing a path down his chest and vanishing beneath the robe .
He walked toward the next room , pushing the door open to find the bed empty .
The only sign of occupancy was a rumpled blanket , and the room was quiet and still .
Where are you , Odalys ? he murmured , his brows knitting in concern .