Chapter 108: Let's Quarrel

What?

Mr. Henry turned his head and looked at the lemon tree in the back garden. He was an old man, most afraid of sour things, lemons topping the list.

"Young master, how about I kneel before you?" Mr. Henry requested, his hands trembling. He turned to Mrs. Samantha, silently imploring her help. Mrs. Augustine subtly signaled him to remain calm.

Mrs. Samantha, addressing Elvis kindly, said, "Elvis, dear, Uncle Henry is too old. How can you ask him to eat half a lemon tree?"

Elvis glanced at his grandmother. "I forgot Grandma likes lemons too. How about you eat half the tree, and Uncle Henry the other?"

Mrs. Samantha tapped the table powerlessly. "Henry, this is your fault. As adults, we take responsibility for our actions. The lemons are yours."

Mr. Henry stood speechless and defeated, his feet wobbling as he prayed for a change of heart from Elvis.

Olive took a deep breath, tugging at Elvis's sleeve. "Grandma, Uncle Henry, Elvis is only joking. Right, Mr. Augustine?"

Elvis stared into Olive's dark eyes. Olive blinked repeatedly, seeking his agreement.

A frown creased Elvis's face. Not wanting to lose her chance, Olive stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. His eyebrows relaxed.

To claim credit for Olive's efforts, Mrs. Samantha murmured to Mr. Henry, "It'll be alright, okay?"

Mr. Henry, previously quivering, vowed to always stay close to Olive, recognizing her unique ability to calm Elvis.

Olive moved away, saying to the old lady, "Grandma, I'll be upstairs."

Mrs. Samantha waved happily. "Bye, Olive."

Olive headed upstairs. "Grandma, I'll be upstairs too," Elvis muttered, following suit.

Mrs. Samantha laughed. "Sure, you both can go ahead."

Elvis entered the room and saw Olive packing medical books. "Mrs. Augustine, are you going somewhere?"

"Mr. Augustine, I wanted to discuss something with you," Olive said, pausing. "I'll be sleeping at the research institute from now on. I know Pamela will be watching for any signs of conflict, so I want to give her a show."

Elvis, unbuttoning his shirt, stopped. He walked over, scoffing. "Do you need money?"

Olive blinked, feigning incomprehension. "What?"

"I know I'm silly and sweet," Elvis chuckled.

Olive stood tall, eyes fixed on him. "You're extraordinary. I'm certain thousands of girls are fascinated by you."

Elvis shook his head slightly. "How are you planning on giving Pamela a show?"

"Mr. Augustine, I just need your help for a little while." Olive moved closer, pressing against him.

Elvis swallowed hard, anger evident. He roughly pushed her onto the bed. "What help do you need?"

He glared. "Mrs. Augustine, I don't like you associated with anyone, not even Uncle Henry. Let's make our relationship public. It's time you bore my name!"

Olive's heart pounded. Their marriage was initially a hidden contract.

She nodded vigorously. "Yes, it's time."

Elvis climbed onto the bed, pulling her into his arms. He kissed her, but Olive pushed him away and ran from the room.

She walked out of the Red Villa, the cool evening air a welcome relief on her hot face. She was ready to return to the institute.

Some celebrities, the same group who'd been with Pamela at Kissland, approached her. "Yo, isn't that the internet celebrity, Olive?" the tallest one began. "Olive, are you okay? Don't you have to serve that old man tonight?" another mocked. "Where's President Augustine? Oh, don't tell me he kicked you out!" The third one added, laughing.

They deeply envied Olive, knowing everyone expected her dismissal. She decided to play along, adopting a saddened expression and starting to walk away.

They began to taunt her further, but then saw Elvis approaching. His cold gaze silenced them, and they fled.

Olive froze. She'd asked him to pretend they were fighting. Why was he following her?

Without looking back, she quickened her pace. After a distance, she turned, shocked to find him trailing behind. She glared, signaling him to go home.

He clasped her wrist. "Get in the car, I'll take you to the academy."

Olive winked, indicating the watching celebrities. When he didn't comply, she shook off his hand.

In an instant, he grabbed her shoulders, pressing her against a lamppost. "Mr. Augustine, what are you doing? We're fighting, don't you get it?" Olive reminded him nervously.

Elvis stared into her eyes. "Hush, will you?"