Chapter 56: Hidden Secrets

Olive pursed her lips. "Pamela, did you know I've been thinking of you every day for the past ten years?"

"Of course I believe you," Pamela replied. "I also know you'll return one day, Olive, so I haven't slacked off these past ten years. I've worked hard to improve myself."

As L.A.'s number-one socialite, Pamela was beautiful and possessed a lovely voice. Even when she said, "I'll send you to hell," her gentle smile was unsettling.

Olive gazed at the dazzling dawn outside the window. "I came from the abyss," she said slowly. "I've never feared it. You, however, have lived in heaven for the past ten years. My farewell ten years ago was my greatest kindness to you."

Pamela was silent for a moment, then hung up.

Olive put away her phone, stood up, and headed to the shower. She had to admit that, although Monica had birthed a scoundrel like Gabriella, Pamela was a formidable rival.

The memory of Pamela's humility ten years ago was vivid. Back then, Olive and North were best friends. Pamela often stood secretly in the corner, admiring them. When invited to play, she nervously tugged at her clothes, shy and timid. Olive and North would chat and laugh, while Pamela quietly hid.

Olive felt Pamela's high-ranking position was disadvantageous to her.

North had disliked Pamela since their teenage years. She'd warned Olive that Pamela was trouble and advised caution. But Olive considered Pamela a good friend and had no doubts. Her trust led her into an abyss.

Olive stayed home that day, gardening with the old lady. At noon, she checked social media: Pamela was trending.

Pamela had released a public statement regarding recent family events: "I heard the bad news and rushed back to L.A. My mother was wrong. I'm not asking for forgiveness, only for another chance at life."

A photo accompanied the post—Monica, lying in an intensive care unit bed, looking sad and sorrowful.

Olive chuckled. Pamela's post was masterful, portraying innocence and filial piety.

Over the past ten years, Pamela had cultivated a devoted following. Though not in the entertainment industry, she had over eighteen million followers—mostly ardent fans.

Olive didn't leave Pamela's timeline. Within ten minutes, the post had a million likes. The comments poured in:

"Goodness, Pamela, we're here for you." "It must be hard to have such parents." "Our prayers are with you." "Anyone else notice strange things started happening to the Harts since Olive's return?" This comment was quickly flooded with agreeing replies. "OMG! You hit the nail on the head!" "Her whole family crumbled after that girl came back." "I suspect her next target is our Pamela." "She better not touch Pamela. I'll forget the law and kill her myself."

Pamela had always been hailed as a medical genius, graduating first in her class with highest honors.

Public opinion swiftly shifted due to Pamela's post.

Olive wasn't surprised. Her return had indeed caused an uproar in the Hart family. She and North had used social media to overwhelm Monica.

Olive checked her own account: eight hundred thousand followers. How could she compete with Pamela's eighteen million?

Within seconds, Olive's inbox filled with threatening messages:

"You suburban bastard, leave this city!" "You plotted against the Harts. You're poisonous!" "Touch Pamela, and you're dead."

Then, a message from North: "Olive, you're under attack."

Olive replied, "North, I told you not to underestimate Pamela. She's scheming and ruthless. Her medical aura is her greatest weapon."

"True," North replied, "but since your return, Pamela's medical skills have skyrocketed. She's been featured on countless media outlets, hailed as a genius."

North and Pamela were both hugely popular.

Olive stared at North's message. She knew of the Palace of Medicine.

Olive gave North a thumbs-up. North replied, "Are you hiding something?"

In the hospital, Gabriella saw the shift in public opinion. She rushed to Pamela, "Sis, you're amazing! One post, and you completely crushed Olive!"