Chapter 110

North stared at Pamela blankly. "The Red Villa's ghost husband is sitting beside you!" he thought.

Olive regarded Pamela with bright, piercing eyes. "Pamela, you seem deeply interested in my husband at the Red Villa."

Pamela's expression changed dramatically. She hadn't expected such a direct attack. How could she be interested in the old man?

"Olive, I have no interest in your husband whatsoever. I know you dislike me, but you can't ruin my reputation," Pamela protested, aggrieved.

Olive's red lips curled into a hint of mockery. "Oh, is that so? If you have no interest in my husband, then stop asking questions that don't concern you. Keep your mouth shut."

Pamela's face paled. She turned to Elvis. "Mr. Augustine…"

Elvis lifted his head, his deep, narrow eyes meeting Olive's through the smoke. Olive's heart skipped a beat; she knew Pamela was here to verify whether she and Elvis had truly broken up. He showed no overt emotion at her apparent evasiveness, but a slight frown creased his brow.

Seeing the tension between Olive and Pamela eased her slightly. Harry, observing with keen interest, noted that his brother's bride was far more beautiful than Pamela.

The atmosphere grew awkward. Harry interjected quickly, "Everyone, let's play cards. North, Olive, join us."

Olive remembered a previous traumatic card-playing experience and declined hastily. "I don't know how to play."

But North seized her wrist. "Olive, you'll never learn if you don't try! Come on." He pulled her to the poker table.

Elvis also joined the game, sitting opposite Olive. Pamela quickly moved to sit beside him. Though Olive's plan had been to feign a fight, Pamela's proximity to Elvis ignited a spark of jealousy.

"The first round begins!" the game's host announced, then noticed Olive's furious glare at Elvis. "Olive, are you shooting laser beams at President Augustine?"

Elvis glanced at his card, then back at Olive.

Olive arched a delicate eyebrow, returning his gaze fiercely. "I'm a nine. My turn, Mr. Augustine!"

Pamela, beside Elvis, couldn't bear to watch. She didn't want Olive and Elvis at the same table.

Elvis turned to her with a gentle gaze. "Pamela, please get me a pack of cigarettes." It was perhaps his warmest look yet, sending a thrill through her. Before leaving, she gave Olive a triumphant glance.

After Pamela left, Elvis turned back to Olive. He slowly played his card – a ten. He'd won again.

The game's hosts erupted in laughter. "Beautiful Olive, President Augustine has won. He can make a request."

Olive stared at him, deflated. "I admit defeat. I don't know what President Augustine wants. I can buy him cigarettes too, if he wishes."

Elvis leaned back lazily. Olive knew he relished this. She kicked him under the table. He remained impassive, his eyes fixed on her.

One of the bosses intervened, "Mr. Augustine, I think Olive is embarrassed."

Elvis's eyes softened. In a low voice, he said, "Then I'll request something less difficult. Olive, call your husband."

Olive's eyes widened in shock. Although he was her legal husband, she was unprepared. Elvis was clearly teasing her. She quickly stood, muttering, "Bathroom."

The bosses protested, "Didn't Olive say she'd accept defeat? Why are you running away? She's banned from future games!"

Elvis watched her disappear, slowly chewing on his lower lip. After she left, he followed. Seeing the dwindling interest, North stood. "Since President Augustine and Olive are gone, I'll play."

"North, we dare not play with you! Who will you blame if you lose?"

North sighed and shook her head. "Are you underestimating me? I'll own my losses."

"Everyone in LA knows Boss Raven spoils you. He'll pay if you lose," one boss said, the other nodding in agreement. A low…