Chapter 435 Onon tried to dodge , but instinct only allowed his body to fall backward .
He watched , helplessly , as the knife came down on his wrist .
Shit Onson cursed , barely able to stop himself from shouting .
His body hit the ground with a heavy thud .
It felt like his foot had kicked something , and suddenly his phone flew out of his pocket , colliding with the incoming knife with a loud clang .
Orsons eyes widened in surprise .
He saw the blade hit his phone and drop to the ground , landing between his legs .
His gaze didnt move from the sharp knife , but his eyes were glued to the phone , still glowing , the screen displaying the very sketch Odalys had absentmindedly drawn on the table earlier when they were having coffee , She had doodled it casually as she spoke , and after she left , he had snapped a photo of it before heading out .
His mind raced .
Trembling fingers reached for the phone , his heart pounding .
What happened ? Evanders calm voice broke through the tension .
He had heard the noise and came rushing out .
Seeing Orson on the ground with the phone between his legs , and the knife struck into the screen , Evander stepped forward , his heavy boots sounding solid against the floor .
Orson handed the phone over wordlessly .
Evander took it his hands rough but steady , and stared at the glowing screen .
He didnt even need to look twice .
Tsnt this the same mark from Odalys room ? he asked .
What mark ! Orson asked without thinking though deep inside , he had already started to piece things together .
He may have been young , but he wasnt naive .
From the moment he couldnt get the candles to stay upright , to when wax had burned his hand , and then the near miss with the cleaver , it all suddenly made sense .
The phone flying out of his pocket had saved him , but more than that it was the image on the screen, the same one Odalys had drawn .
At first , Orson had thought the sketch was simply a hint for him to go look for Oliver .
But now , it seemed like that sketch might have saved his life .
He remembered Percivals words : Odalys does nothing without reason .
Now , Orson was beginning to understand exactly what Percival meant This drawing is a bit rough , but look at the bottom corner .
This pattern , when I brought fruit to Odalys room , there was a picture on her bedside table that looked just like this , Evander pointed out If Evander hadnt seen it before , he might have overlooked the connection .
Orson recounted the whole sequence of events , and Evander listened with a thoughtful look in his eyes .
So , Odalys must have sensed I was in danger , Orson said , his voice softening as realization dawned .
She tried to save me without saying a word She must have drawn this picture to catch my attention .
If I took a photo of it , it meant I would survive the danger .
But if I had just walked away without noticing my hand would have been sliced off Orsons voice almost cracked with the weight of what he had narrowly avoided .
I almost lost my hands … and with it , the entire Lark family legacy .
My line , my familys future all of it , gone .
He still couldnt quite believe it It felt almost like some kind of dark omen .
At that moment , Evanders phone buzzed .
The name Odalys flashed on the screen Orson and Evander exchanged a quick look , their expressions filled with unspoken understanding .
Evander picked up the call Grandpa , is Orson alright ? Odalys voice came thr through , sounding calm but with a hint of concern .
The question left both of them in Munned silence , Evander and Orson locked eyes .
Orion had never been n more amazed and unnerved by how deep Odalys foresight seemed to No worries .
He just tripped , and his phone got broken , Evander replied , his voice steady , though his heart was still racing .
1/2 Chapter 435 Odalys , did you know something would happen to me today ? Orson finally blurted out , his voice desperate to know the truth .
He could no longer hold it in .
If he didnt ask now , he would be suffocating with unanswered questions .
Yes Odalys answered , her voice quiet but assured , The silence in the room thickened .
Orson grabbed the phone from Evanders hand and put it on speakerphone .
His voice shook slightly as he asked , So.
Odalys , was that picture you drew meant to test whether Id notice it ? He swallowed hard , his nerves still taut .
What if I hadnt looked at it ? What if I just left ! The question hung in the air , heavy with consequences .
If you truly cared about the Stewart family , and the matters weve discussed , youd have noticed the drawing and been interested .
If you just walked away , it would mean you only care about yourself and overlook the important details .
Ive seen your grandfather , and Ive seen your faces .
Orson .
The Lark family isnt at its end .
The Stewart family and the Lark family have been allies for years .
Your familys fortune will see you through this danger .
But you need to go to my company and find Evander , Odalys said , her words wrapped in wisdom .
And lighting candles for your ancestors counts too , she added quietly .
Orsons head was spinning .
It was all coming together the candles , the picture , the phone , the near death experience .
Sometimes , the smallest actions could have monumental consequences .
To others , lighting a candle might seem like an insignificant gesture , but for those who understood , it was a life saving act .
People called it superstition , but the ones who experienced it knew it was real So if I hadnt taken the photo ? If I hadnt gone to find Evander ! If I hadnt lit the candles … today , I would have lost my hands , right ? Orson could feel the cold sweat soaking his back His voice shook as he asked , the fear creeping in .
Yes , but I knew you wouldnt ignore it , Odalys replied , her tone reassuring .
Everyone has their own karma , something that others cannot interfere with .
If a calamity is survived , there will be blessings ahead .
But once people interfere .
things may take an unexpected tum .
Thats why I couldnt be upfront with Orson about what happened earlier Odalys spoke quietly , her voice laced with an almost philosophical calmness .
Yes , she nodded in response to Orsons question , confirming his suspicions .
I wasnt just having coffee with you to pass the time , I was buying us some time while keeping an eye on Henrys car Orson , who had been under the impression that their meeting was a simple casual coffee , sank heavily to the ground in shock .
He hadnt expected so many layers to the situation .
This is your karma , Orson , Odalys continued with a calm , almost detached tone .
You have to face and bear it .
I cant warn you , nor should 1.
If I had told you outright , you might have avoided the calamity , but it would have come back to you double .
The next time you face such a trial , it could be even worse , potentially even overturning your entire life .
Thats how karma works .
She paused and gave a small , reassuring smile , her eyes softening as she looked at Orson youre fortunate , she added , so youll be fine .
You dont have to worry about it too much ? with gratitude .
If not for her , he would never have come here .
He wouldnt have lit the candles .
Thank you .
Odalys , Orson said , his voice cracking w He might have… He glanced at h at his wrist , where a perfect scar would have been if not for the intervention of fate .
He shuddered .
That knife was so close .
No need to thank me , Odalys said , and with that, she hung up .
Ono jock .
Bi le ? he figure r ple ,