Chapter 47: South and North

"This time, I don't think she'll show her face again. Derrick will definitely marry me—I see myself marrying into the Domino family," Gabriella began, envisioning her future. Monica hugged her.

"Gabriella, don't worry. With your mother here, no one can take away your happiness," Monica reassured her.

Gabriella nodded, then said, "By the way, Mom, Olive's my father's daughter after all. Do you think Dad will help her?"

Monica sneered. "Even if Olive were killed, your father wouldn't be sad."

"Why, Mom? I think Dad likes Olive's mother, but why doesn't he like Olive?"

Monica twisted her lips. "My child, don't worry about adult affairs, okay? Don't ask about this again."

Gabriella noticed Monica's secretive demeanor. Although curious, she obediently fell silent. Thinking of Olive's current predicament, Gabriella smiled with satisfaction.

Gabriella returned to her room. Soon, Patrick arrived. Monica noticed his gloomy expression; he had obviously learned about the situation. She knew Patrick well: feudal, pedantic, and obsessed with maintaining a clean reputation. She relaxed, walking over to unbutton his suit.

"Patrick, what's the matter? Who made you angry?"

"It's Olive," Patrick uttered angrily. "She was with other men. Her nude photos are all over the internet. People are trashing me."

"I heard," Monica said. "I've always said Olive has a messy private life. Now this is hurting our family's reputation. We need a solution, and quickly."

"I tried calling her, but she didn't answer," Patrick replied.

Monica thought, Of course she wouldn't answer; she's probably still in bed with those men.

"Patrick," Monica said, "Since Olive had the audacity to do this without considering us, we should cut ties immediately. Tomorrow, we'll hold a press conference."

Patrick pondered her suggestion, then nodded. "Okay, you arrange it."

At Augustine Corporation, Raven entered Elvis's office. Andrew poured him coffee. Raven took a sip, then looked at Elvis.

"Elvis, the internet's exploded. Everyone's trashing you. Aren't you worried?"

Elvis remained focused on his document. His lips murmured, "She doesn't want my interference. She thinks I disrespect her choices. Let her do as she pleases."

Raven's brow furrowed in shock. Elvis's phone beeped—a message from Olive, the only person he regularly chatted with. He opened it, seeing a picture of her in a swimsuit.

"Can you stand it?" the message read.

Elvis replied, "Do you want me to come take a look?"

After several minutes, she replied, "I'm sure you're stunned."

Monica swiftly arranged a lavish press conference, attracting all the LA media. Public opinion had exploded overnight, yet Olive remained missing. The reporters clamored for an interview; Monica's press conference was perfectly timed.

Suppressing her pride and malice, Monica appeared onstage with Patrick. Gabriella watched from the crowd. As soon as they appeared, the reporters bombarded them with questions.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hart, do you know where Olive is?" "She caused this scandal. Is she too ashamed to show her face?"

Monica coughed lightly, speaking in a sad tone. "Everyone, please. We don't know where Olive is. She's cut off contact. Although she's our daughter, what she did was terrible. We're deeply disappointed."

Patrick's expression was cold and indifferent. "We know nothing about the photos and will not be held responsible. I have a very important announcement." He paused, meeting their expectant gazes. "What she did is humiliating. I publicly declare that, effective immediately, Olive is disowned and no longer part of our family."

An uproar followed. "Disowned? Really?" "She deserves it!"

Monica remained silent, a vicious smile spreading across her face as she witnessed the public's contempt.

Suddenly, a reporter shouted, "Olive! She's appeared!"

"What? Olive? Go online! Los Angeles's number one beauty, North, is live!"

Gabriella was stunned. She quickly checked her Wi-Fi. Within minutes, North's page was trending. North was live, with Olive, at the beach. North explained that her best friend was visiting from New York.

Gabriella scrolled through the comments. Netizens were comparing the leaked photos to Olive, now happily enjoying the beach.

"Shit, it wasn't Olive in those nude pictures. But the resemblance is striking." "Olive is far more beautiful than that girl."