Chapter 11

Olive! Call your husband!

North stared at Pamela, dumbfounded. "The Red Villa's ghost husband is sitting beside you!" North thought, yelling inwardly.

Olive, her eyes bright and crystalline, looked at Pamela. "Pamela, you seem deeply interested in my husband at the Red Villa."

Pamela's expression changed dramatically. She hadn't expected Olive's direct attack. How could she be interested in the old man?

"Olive, I have no interest in your husband whatsoever. I know you dislike me, but you can't ruin my reputation," Pamela said aggrievedly.

Olive raised her red lips, a hint of mockery in her eyes. "Oh, is that so? If you have no interest in my husband, then stop asking questions that don't concern you. Keep your mouth shut."

Pamela's face paled. She turned to Elvis. "Mr. Augustine…"

Elvis raised his head, his deep, narrow eyes looking at Olive through the smoke. Olive's heart skipped a beat. She knew Pamela was verifying whether she and Elvis had truly broken up. Elvis showed no emotion at her evasiveness, but a slight frown creased his face.

Seeing the tension between Pamela and Olive, Pamela felt a little better. Harry, keenly interested, observed Olive, realizing his brother's bride was far more beautiful than Pamela.

The atmosphere grew awkward. Harry quickly intervened, "Everyone, let's play cards. North, Olive, join us."

Olive, remembering a traumatic previous card game, hastily declined. "I don't know how to play."

However, North grabbed her wrist. "Olive, you'll never learn if you don't try! Come on."

North dragged Olive to the poker table. Elvis followed and sat opposite Olive. Pamela quickly joined him. Although Olive's plan was to pretend they were fighting, Pamela's proximity to Elvis made Olive genuinely jealous.

"Okay, the first round begins. Deal the cards," the game's boss announced. He noticed Olive's furious glare at Elvis. "Olive, what are you doing? Shooting laser beams at President Augustine?"

Elvis glanced at his card, then looked up at Olive. Olive raised a delicate eyebrow and glared back. "I have a nine. My turn, Mr. Augustine!"

Pamela, beside Elvis, could no longer watch. She didn't want Olive and Elvis at the same table.

Elvis turned to Pamela with a gentle gaze. "Pamela, please get me a pack of cigarettes."

This was perhaps his warmest look yet. Pamela's heart fluttered. Before leaving, she gave Olive a triumphant look.

After she left, Elvis looked back at Olive. He slowly played his card—a ten. He'd won again.

The two game bosses erupted in laughter. "Beautiful Olive, President Augustine has won. According to the rules, he can make a request."

Olive stared at him, deflated. "I admit defeat. I don't know what President Augustine wants. I can buy him cigarettes, if he wants."

Elvis leaned back lazily. Olive knew he was enjoying this. She kicked him under the table. He remained impassive, his eyes fixed on her.

"Mr. Augustine, I think Olive is embarrassed," one of the bosses said.

Elvis's eyes softened. In a low voice, he said, "Okay, something less difficult. Olive, call your husband."

Olive's eyes widened in shock. Although he was her legal husband, she was flustered. Elvis was clearly teasing her. She quickly stood, muttering, "Bathroom."

The bosses shouted, "Didn't Olive say she'd accept defeat? Why are you running away?! She's banned from future games!"

Elvis watched Olive disappear. He slowly bit his lip.

After Olive and Elvis left, North stood up. "Since they're gone, I'll play."

"North, we dare not play with you. If you lose, who will you blame?"

North sighed and shook her head. "Are you underestimating me? I'll take my losses."

"Everyone in LA knows Boss Raven spoils you. He'll pay if you lose," one boss said, the other agreeing.

A low-pitched voice… (The passage ends abruptly)