Chapter 126: Transformation

Pamela returned to the room, opened a drawer, and retrieved a jade pendant. Elvis had given this pendant to Olive six or seven years earlier, but Pamela had seized the opportunity to steal it.

The memory of that day flooded Pamela's mind. Olive had rescued Elvis from a blizzard, taking him to a cave for shelter. Derrick and Gabriella were there, as was Pamela herself. She recalled Derrick's angry departure, Gabriella's pursuit, and Olive's subsequent exit to find help.

After Olive left, Elvis's men arrived. Highly trained and respectful, they escorted Elvis to a convoy of luxury cars. Pamela noted the license plate; it was an imperial vehicle.

Her heart pounded. She realized Olive had unwittingly saved a wealthy man. Before leaving, Elvis had given Olive the jade pendant, promising to find her. Olive had placed the pendant in a drawer and locked it. Pamela had stolen it and claimed it as her own.

She returned to the rescue site, waiting for Elvis. One day, a luxury car arrived, and she introduced herself as his rescuer. To express his gratitude, Elvis offered her three wishes.

Olive remained completely unaware. She didn't know the man she saved was Elvis, nor did Elvis know that the girl he'd been obsessed with for years was Olive.

Yet, fate seemed to orchestrate events. A prearranged marriage inexplicably returned Olive to the country to marry Elvis.

Pamela clutched the pendant. She hadn't lost. She was still Elvis's savior. She and Elvis had agreed he wouldn't reveal her role in his rescue; she hadn't wanted anyone to know.

Pamela believed Elvis wouldn't tell Olive about the incident years ago. Since they didn't recognize each other, her secret was safe. She knew Elvis hadn't forgotten that night; while devoted to Olive, he harbored a tenderness for the girl who'd saved him. Olive had, in effect, made him fall in love with her twice.

Pamela felt a strong hold on Elvis. As long as she possessed his pendant, he wouldn't neglect her. She still had a chance.

The Ivory Council

Greg's expression was grim. He knew Olive was Mr. Augustine's bride. The news had spread throughout Los Angeles like wildfire.

Several colleagues discussed it.

"Some time ago, the institute's group posted that Olive had an affair with President Augustine. I didn't expect they were legally married!"

"Olive's become a celebrity! You should have seen the millions pleading for a live stream."

"I saw it too. The spotlight's now on Pamela. The internet's ridiculing her. All that talk of being Elvis's beloved was a fantasy."

Mention of Pamela silenced Greg's colleagues. Everyone knew of his interest in her. A hush fell over the hall, punctuated by students' muffled laughter.

An energetic, attractive girl entered, capturing everyone's attention.

"Wow, she's beautiful!"

"Look at those legs!"

Greg looked up, instantly captivated. The girl wore an outfit similar to their uniform—a light blue shirt and a black skirt. He liked beautiful women, and his eyes were drawn to her slender legs. Pamela was usually elegant and dignified, but this girl's energy and prettiness were hard to ignore.

She was quickly surrounded.

"Divine, you've changed! You're so beautiful, I didn't recognize you!"

The girl turned—it was Divine!

Divine laughed. "Please, don't exaggerate. I've just lost weight through diet and exercise. No surgery."

She hadn't just lost weight; she'd lost a significant amount, transforming into a striking beauty. Her previously lovely face was now oval and elegant.

Greg stared, stunned. How had she become so beautiful?

"That's Divine?"

"It's been ages since she was at the institute! She's lost so much weight!"

Divine was soon surrounded by admiring colleagues.

"Divine, have you seen Team Leader Greg?" a student asked.

Divine and Greg's eyes met. He wondered why she hadn't lost weight sooner; perhaps he wouldn't have been so drawn to Pamela.

"Did she lose weight for me?" he mused. "What if she confesses her feelings? How do I choose between her and Pamela?"

Divine licked her lips and murmured, "Team leader? Last I checked, Director Hudson relieved him of that position."

Greg felt a chill run down his spine.

Divine walked past him, saying, "Oops, no time for dogs." She glanced at her watch and left.