Chapter 20: A Swimsuit Photo

Ten years ago, Olive and Derrick were inseparable; therefore, everyone knew Olive had been betrothed to Derrick.

“It’s ridiculous to see someone treat my discarded toy as a treasure,” Olive muttered, walking past them. “But I still wish you both well—you deserve each other.”

Olive’s comparison of Derrick Domino to a discarded toy froze the smile on Gabriella’s face. She wasn’t sure whether to be proud or offended.

Derrick, though clearly upset by Olive’s words, feigned indifference. He pulled Gabriella into his arms and acted coy.

“Isn’t Olive pathetic? She doesn’t even have a car,” Gabriella suggested. “Should we give her a ride?”

“Hey! Get in the car! Gab said we’d give you a lift!” Derrick called, catching up to her.

“No, thank you,” Olive replied, stopping.

Feeling like a princess with Derrick at her side, Gabriella turned to her father. “Dad, I offered Olive a ride, but she refused.”

Patrick, especially since Gabriella’s fiancé was from the affluent Domino family, responded calmly, “Olive, get in the car. Don’t waste Derrick and Gabriella’s time!”

“Olive, this is the Royal Star Hotel. You won’t find a taxi here. Go with Derrick and Gabriella,” Monica added, looking smug.

Olive smiled at their condescending attitude. She glanced at Gabriella and said, “Even though I can’t afford a fifty-thousand-dollar check, I can get around.”

Gabriella’s expression changed. She knew Derrick and her parents would be furious if they learned she’d offered a man fifty thousand dollars to be with her. She admitted to herself that she’d been fascinated by Olive’s gigolo, but she’d liked Derrick since childhood and vowed to marry him to become wealthy. Derrick Domino was her ultimate goal.

Gabriella took Derrick’s hand. “Let’s go,” she said, knowing better than to upset Olive, who knew her secrets.

The Royal Star Hotel manager approached, politely asking, “Excuse me, who is Miss Hart?”

Everyone was shocked. The Royal Star Hotel was owned by the Augustine family, the wealthiest and most reclusive family in Los Angeles.

“Hello, manager. This is Miss Hart,” Monica quickly said, pulling Gabriella forward.

“Yes, manager, this is Miss Hart. Is there anything you need?” Patrick added, as everyone stared at the manager.

The manager nodded to Derrick. “Good evening, Sir Derrick.”

Calm and composed, the manager fixed his gaze on Gabriella. “Excuse me, miss, are you Miss Hart?”

Gabriella, thinking of the price she’d paid to attract the manager’s attention, glanced proudly at Olive, smoothed her dress, and said sweetly, “Hello, manager. I’m Gabriella Hart.”

“Gabriella Hart?” The manager shook his head. “I’m sorry, I’m looking for Olive Hart.”

Looking for Olive? The expressions on everyone's faces were one of stunned disbelief.

Olive shivered. She hadn't expected to be the one the manager sought.

“Manager, are you mistaken? This is Gabriella Hart. Why are you looking for Olive?” Monica asked quickly.

Ignoring Monica, the manager approached Olive. His polite expression became even more respectful. “Are you Miss Olive Hart?”

“Hello, sir. I’m Olive Hart. Are you looking for me?”

The manager smiled. “Miss Olive, since a taxi isn’t convenient, we’ve provided a car.”

A Rolls-Royce Phantom sped toward them. The manager respectfully opened the rear door. “Miss Olive, please…”

A top-of-the-line luxury car had come for Olive?

Olive looked suspiciously at the manager, but he smiled reassuringly. “Mrs. Hart, don’t worry; you’ll be taken to the Red Villa.”

Olive, somewhat convinced, nodded and got into the car. It sped away.

The manager watched the car disappear before returning to his post.

Gabriella stopped him hastily. “What’s going on?”

“I’m sorry, this is our CEO’s personal matter. I can’t say,” he replied, returning inside.

The onlookers were stunned. “Patrick, didn’t Olive just return from the orphanage? How does she know the Augustine family CEO?” Monica snorted.

“She hired a gigolo, and now she knows the CEO? Her seduction skills are impressive. She takes after her mother,” Monica sneered. A slap landed across Monica’s face.

Stunned, Monica stared at Patrick, whose face was clouded with anger. He gritted his teeth. “Look at yourself first! Do you deserve to judge others?”

Monica was speechless, and even Gabriella was startled by her father’s reaction. Derrick watched them indifferently, his gaze drifting to where Olive had left.

The Rolls-Royce delivered Olive to the Red Villa. She updated North on the events.

“You’re saying the Augustine Corporation CEO drove you home?” North asked, intrigued. “Something like that,” Olive replied, removing her shoes.

“How many new lovers do you have?” North asked.

Olive, pondering her connection to the Augustine CEO, suddenly remembered something she’d ignored: Augustine! Elvis was an Augustine!

North, likely shocked, didn’t immediately reply. Two minutes later, she texted, “Send me a picture—the one from the hot springs, in your swimsuit.” Why?

Despite her doubts, Olive opened her gallery and forwarded the picture. A few seconds later, realizing she hadn't received a response, she checked and discovered she’d sent the photo to Elvis!