Chapter 438 Percivals voice was calm , but his words sent a ripple through the air .
No one dares go near the Simpson villa to this day .
Every time Edie returns home , she has to report to the Simpson family first .
And when she comes back from there , her demeanor is always ..
off .
You might think its because she married into the Stewart family and started acting strange , putting on airs .
But in reality , its every time she returns from the Simpson family that her mood shifts so drastically .
Callum froze for a moment .
These were things he had never considered , things that had always stayed in the back of his mind but never fully examined .
After all , Edie was Percivals mother , and as a loyal assistant , Callum had never dared to question her behavior .
He had always assumed her eccentricities were part of the family dynamics .
But hearing Percival lay it out so plainly , be realized the truth So , Mr.
Stewart , youve suspected all along that she and the Simpson family are involved in something ? Callum asked , his voice thick with surprise .
He had no idea What he did know was that Percival and Edie had never gotten along .
There was always tension , with Percival keeping his distance , sometimes even manipulating her , but never confronting her directly .
Callum had always found it odd .
He and Orson had speculated , but both had been at a loss for answers .
I thought you were cautious of her because she was using the Stewart familys resources to prop up the Simpson family and disrupt the marker Plus , she always seemed indifferent to you and Exander , even cold at times .
Looks like Ive been blind to the bigger picture , Callum admitted .
scratching his head awkwardly .
Youre not blind , Callum , Percival said quietly .
Its just that I deliberately created an illusion .
The fewer people who know the truth , the better .
If she suspects anything .
Im not too worried .
But if my grandfather gets involved , things could get dangerous .
Now that shes distanced herself from the Stewart family , the public view of her is awful .
Even if she wanted to make a move against us , shed be unable to do so .
Callum fell silent , digesting the implications .
This place is heavy with negative energy .
The Simpson familys ancestral home is here , but this is also a burial ground .
I suspect the location itself has been tainted , Percival continued , his eyes scanning the fog around them .
He reached up , instinctively brushing his fingers against the red string wrapped around his wrist .
A gift from Odalys , made from thunderstruck wood , it was something he had always treasured .
The items comforting presence grounded him , as though Odalys herself were standing by his side .
You stay close to me .
Percival said , his voice firm .
No matter what happens , dont stray more than three steps behind me .
Callum nodded without hesitation , sensing the seriousness in Percivals tone .
Mr.
Stewart , Callum ventured cautiously , glancing at the red string .
TE this talisman can ward off evil , does that mean well be safe here ? Percival gave a small shrug .
Maybe .
But safetys never a g a guarantee in places like this They walked forward , and the mist grew denser with each step , thick and suffocating .
Percival swung his hand , dispelling the fog in an instant.
He looked at his wrist , startled by what he saw , The fog … it was fake Percival muttered , his voice edged with disbelief .
If the mist was an illusion , then everything they were seeing could be a facade .
They continued forward , but just a few steps in , they heard the unmistakable cawing of crows .
The creatures flapped their wings furiously .
swooping toward them .
Get lost ! Percivals voice boomed with authorit His deep , mugnetic voice sent the crows www.scattering in a frenzy , their screeching quickly fading into the distance .
Mr.
Stewart , our bodyguards are missing .
Their tracker signals have all gone dark , Callum reported , checking his phone , only to find the screen filled with blacked out locations .
1/2 12021 Chapter 138 d been Before he could react , Percival grabbed his arm , yanking him out of the way just as a massive stone hurtled toward where Callurn had standing The ground shook with a violent thud as the stone struck , splitting the earth beneath it .
Callum froze , his heart racing .
He drew his gun , scanning their surroundings , his senses on high alert .
Mr.
Stewart , this place is too dangerous Get back .
Percival ordered coldly .
Callum instinctively stepped in front of Percival , blocking him with his own body .
But just as he finished speaking , a cold hand rested on his shoulder .
His breath caught , and he looked down to see a pale , delicate hand brushing lightly over his shoulder .
The nails were painted a vibrant red , and the fingertips danced sensually across his skin Where are you going , handsome ? A womans sultry voice whispered in his ear .
His body stiffened with shock and anger .
He spun around , ready to lash out , only to find himself face to face with a stunning woman , her clothing minimal and seductive , her eyes gleaming with an unsettling hunger .
What the hell do you want ? Callum growled , shoving his leg toward her .
But before he could react further , she seized his leg , pulling him toward her .
She planted a soft kiss on his thigh , her hands teasing at the edges of her coat as she slowly disrobed , revealing a tight fitting tank top that accentuated her every curve .
How about this ? she purred , a wicked smile spreading across her face .
If you kill Percival , Ill be yours .
Callums heart raced .
The womans fingers grazed his abdomen before settling on his chest .
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead , but it was only when her body pressed against his , her lips brushing against his ear , that he felt the full weight of her threat .
Being someones subordinate isnt a good feeling , is it ? she whispered .
How about 1 kill him for you ? You can take his place as the Stewart familys heir .
What do you say ? Callums eyes narrowed , his grip tightening on the gun hidden at his side .
He didnt hesitate .
In a single , swift movement , he swung a heavy stone at her head .
To hell with your power games , he muttered , disgusted by the entire situation .
He was temporarily stunned by the sudden closeness and the overwhelming tension of the moment .
But the woman wasnt done .
Before he could make another move , she leaned in , exhaling a strange , sickly smoke directly into his face .
Callums mind went fuzzy .
He staggered back , but before he could react , his vision blurred and his body hit the ground with a sickening thud .
As he lay there , struggling to stay conscious , a gust of cold wind rushed past him .
Percival turned , his eyes narrowing as he noticed Callums sudden disappearance .
In the distance , a figure moved gracefully through the fog .
Her dress , almost ethereal , floated around her as she undid each piece with slow , deliberate movements .
Whos there ? Percival called , his voice cutting through the air .
The woman turned , her face a perfect mix of elegance and mystery .
Her features were delicate , her lips parted in surprise , and her wide eyes locked onto Percivals , innocent yet full of hidden intentions .
AD