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Betrayed, Yet Bound To The Billionaire - Betrayed, Yet Bound To The Billionaire by Grace Madeline - Chapter 226
Author: Novels Audio
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Chapter 226 Rafaels gaze grew dared , his eyes wide with a sort of naive , foolish clarity .
The confusion in them deepened as he stared at her .
family ! Odalys bent down to meet his gaze , her voice low but cutting Wasnt it you who killed that She continued , her words hanging in the air like a thunderclap .
Do you remember how they died ? Do their injuries remind you of the ones you carry ! Rafaels body stiffened at her words .
The impact was like a bolt of lightning striking the very heart of his mind .
Injuries ? Rafael murmured softly , as if trying to grasp the meaning of it .
Then , as if struck by a sudden thought , he spun around and bolted toward the edge of the village , heading straight for the small woods .
As he fled the door of the house behind him creaked open The elderly man and his son stepped out , spotting Odalys and the others .
They were about to approach , but stopped when Odalys gave a slight nod of her chin , signaling them to follow .
Whats going on ? Orson asked , his brow furrowed in confusion .
Odalys ignored him , her eyes already focused on the fleeing Rafael .
Despite his age , he moved quickly , his strides long and sure , disappearing from their sight in mere moments .
That mans injuries ….
They look like blood that just wont stop bleeding .
Percivals voice resonated , his tone deep and steady .
His words made both Callum and Orson pause in shock .
They turned to him instinctively , finding his expression thoughtful , almost contemplative .
It looks like the poison Ive been suppressing inside me ..
but its different somehow , Percival added , his voice trailing off .
Maybe this is what Odalys was talking about the poison Ive been suppressing suddenly stirring , growing more restless the closer I get to this place , Percival said .
Orson , following Percivals line of thought , began to piece things together , So , the source of all of this … could be here ? A cold shiver ran down Orsons spine as he took in the quiet village .
His unease grew , Whether it is or not , well know soon enough .
Odalys doesnt act without reason , Percival replied , his tone full of trust in her .
There was a subtle admiration in his voice , an almost protective quality that suggested to Orson that Odalys was someone he deeply respected .
Callum , equally eager , added , Lets see for ourselves .
The group quickened their pace , following Odalys toward the woods .
They came upon Rafael , who was kneeling in the dirt , his hands frantically digging at the ground .
How could it not be here ? I swear it was right here ! Rafael mumbled , his voice breaking He dug deeper , the dirt flying as he scraped at the earth , going nearly 2 feet down before stopping , panting , a look of confusion on his face .
It has to be here , he muttered again , eyes wide and frantic .
Just as his words faded , he looked up and froze , seeing Odalys and the others standing nearby .
His body tensed , as if realizing something .
He shot to his feet , glaring at Odalys , Did you deceive me ? Before he could say anything further , the sound of police sirens cut through the air , and Rafaels face turned pale .
He scrambled to get up and run , but it was too late.
Police officers surged forward , surrounding him .
Let go of me ! You cant arrest me ! Rafael screamed , thrashing against their grip , but his wrists were quickly cuffed .
The leading officer stepped forward , showing his badge .
Rafael , youre under arrest for murder , arson , and kidnapping We have the evidence .
Youre going with us ? unable to comprehend .
Wheres your evidence ? Rafael collapsed onto the ground , his body shaking as he stared at the officers , unable to he demanded , but his protests were ignored as the officers dragged him away .
As they walked toward the police car , the officer exchanged a few quiet words with Percival .
Then , with a respectful nod , he turned back to the task at hand .
1/2 6:26 PM c Chapter 226 Rafael still struggling , twisted in fear and desperation .
His voice broke out in a furious shout , Who are you ? Who the hell are you ? But before he could say more , his mouth was silenced , and he was dragged into the car Orson stood there , still rubbing his wrist in confusion .
What now ? he asked , his voice laced with unease .
Odalys glanced at the spot where Rafael had been digging , then picked up a nearby hoe and began to dig herself .
Percival , Callum , and Orson quickly joined her .
Moments later , they uncovered a blood red soil , as though something had soaked into the earth itself , staining the ground with a horrifyingly vivid color What is this ? It s smells … like blood , Orson muttered , leaning in to sniff the air , his face contorted with disgust .
The pungent , iron rich smell hit him like a wall , and he quickly stepped back , recoiling .
Odalys dropped the hoc , gesturing to the elderly man who had followed them .
Look at this The old man hurned over .
His face drained of color when he saw the red earth beneath them .
He whispered , his voice trembling .
How could it be like this ? This is a forbidden practice of our village , the old man continued , his voice shaking with fear .
Orson and Callum exchanged a look of confusion , then watched as the old man collapsed to the ground , overwhelmed .
Whats going on ! Callum asked , unable to keep the curiosity from his voice .
Odalys stood silently for a moment , her gaze complicated as she studied the blood soaked earth .
The smell of death and decay was overwhelming .
She quickly turned away , covering her nose .
This village … they live by fabric , weaving clothes for generations , she began , her voice q quiet but firm .
But the raw materials they use are a secret .
That secret is what made their craft so highly regarded .
And once people became wealthy , they wanted to control the demand for these goods .
So they turned to dyeing , mixing the raw materials with human blood .
They added poisons , creating substances that were incredibly toxic , yet also deeply intoxicating She paused , looking at the red earth with a grim expression .
They infused the fabrics with these poisons .
The scent of the fabric would make people hallucinate , even hurt themselves.
And if the poison wasnt used on fabric … ..
Odalys took a deep breath , her voice low and steady .
If it was buried in the ground , over time , the rain would carry the poison through the earth .
and into the water sources .
Anyone near here would die without a doubt .
Percival , ever the observer , was quiet for a moment .
His gaze lingered on the earth beneath them , his brow furrowing in thought .
Why here ? he finally asked , his voice quiet , but edged with suspicion .
Odalys looked around at the silent woods , the isolation of the village settling in .
Because they wanted to control the people here .
This place is remote , so even if people die , no one would come to investigate .
The people here are skilled .
Their work is sold to the wealthiest across the country .
If something went wrong , no one would think to trace it back to this village Orson , however , focused on something more sinister .
You said this poison causes hallucinations , even self harm ? Odalys nodded , her expression darkening .
Many people in the area have died of leukemia , or suddenly developed cancer , and no one knows why .
It might be linked to this … this poison Percival narrowed his eyes as he looked at the bloodstained earth , his mind working They targeted the rich .
If someone suddenly falls ill , no one would think to check for poisoning .
leukemia theyre diseases people ung else.