Chapter 135: Picking Up Mrs. Augustine
Bounty pursed her lips. "No need," she said. "I was afraid you were busy."
Elvis raised a slender finger and unbuttoned his suit. His handsome face remained indifferent. Mr. Henry, the butler, respectfully offered him a warm, damp handkerchief. Elvis exuded the aura of a powerful businessman.
Bounty was no ordinary woman. She hadn't forgotten her past misfortune, a reason for her dislike of Elvis, her nephew. However, she couldn't deny that Elvis had perfectly inherited the Augustine family's business acumen.
As the eldest son, Elvis had used a large sum gifted by his grandmother to launch several successful crude oil businesses. Within months, they flourished, yielding massive profits. Seeing his son's business aptitude, his father entrusted him with several challenging projects. As expected, Elvis managed them flawlessly, quickly becoming a business genius. Bounty remembered that he'd built his empire independently, without family assistance.
Elvis closely resembled his father, the business magnate. He'd inherited not only his father's business skills and handsome features but also his calm, reserved demeanor. He wiped his hands with the handkerchief, narrowed his eyes, and fixed his gaze on Bounty.
"I'm never too busy for my aunt," he said. "I hope you'll stay in LA for a while. I'll have my secretary clear my schedule, and show you around."
Bounty quickly shook her head. "Elvis, don't bother. I came to LA for something, and your brother is here, too."
Elvis furrowed his brow. "Marvin's in LA?"
"Yes, I called him. He's late. Kids these days! Let me call him again." Her eyes softened as she spoke of Marvin, a love not evident when she spoke of Elvis.
Bounty pulled out her phone, but the villa door opened, and a handsome figure appeared—Marvin.
Bounty's eyes lit up. "Marvin! Why so late? Come here!" She opened her arms wide. He strode toward her and embraced her briefly.
"Marvin, greet Grandma," Bounty said, releasing him.
The two Augustine brothers, Elvis and Marvin, were both proud and talented, possessing a cold, commanding presence. Marvin approached Mrs. Augustine, his gaze briefly meeting Elvis's. "Grandma, brother," he said.
Elvis looked at Marvin. "When did you arrive? Why didn't you visit?"
Bounty interjected, "He just got here and leaves for Canada soon."
Mrs. Samantha smiled warmly. "Everyone, let's relax and chat. We haven't been together like this in a while." Bounty and Marvin sat on the sofa. Bounty broke the silence. "Elvis, Marvin's of marrying age, but he's very…reserved. My sister-in-law is anxious. I know a talented doctor, and I'm throwing a party for them to meet. I think they'd be perfect!"
Old Mrs. Samantha, having already orchestrated Olive's engagement to Elvis, her favorite grandson, instead of Marvin, was thrilled. "That's wonderful, Bounty! You always make excellent choices. I'm sure she'll be a perfect match for Marvin!"
"This doctor is exceptional. She entered a top medical college at thirteen, earned a double master's at fifteen—a record! I invited her to Holy Nile Academy, but she declined to stay close to home. She's brilliant and has a wonderful character."
"Amazing! She sounds perfect. I won't attend the party. Elvis, please go for me and give me your feedback."
Mrs. Samantha didn't truly care about the girl's qualifications; she just wanted it to be anyone other than Olive. She'd never felt guilt about stealing Marvin's intended bride for Elvis, believing Olive's original betrothal was to Elvis anyway. Still, she remained wary, fearing the consequences if the family discovered her actions. She’d also protected Olive’s background. She trusted Bounty to make the right choice for Marvin.
Elvis nodded. "Grandma, I'll attend. I'll update you afterward."
"Thank you, dear," Mrs. Samantha replied.
Elvis glanced at his watch. "Aunt, Marvin, you can stay for dinner. I'm leaving."
"Elvis, where are you going so late?" Bounty asked.
"To pick up my wife," he replied softly.
Marvin stared. Upon hearing "my wife," he looked up sharply.
"Elvis, I heard you're married, and your bride only finished high school," Bounty said, frowning.
"She's just from an orphanage. She lacks experience," he explained.
Old Mrs. Samantha intervened, "Bounty, what do they say about love? You just don't understand, do you?"