Chapter 144: He Won’t Come Back Tonight

To Olive, the issue was simple. She didn't understand everyone's intense reaction. The old lady was momentarily stunned, but quickly accepted the situation. It was delicate, but after careful consideration, she decided to address it calmly. She patted Olive's hands lovingly. "Olly, you've surprised Grandma. Is there anything else you're hiding?"

Olive replied coquettishly, "Grandma, I barely know Principal Bounty. I didn't accept her offer, so I don't know much about her. Yes, there are other things, but I don't think they need mentioning." The old lady knew there was more. Mrs. Samantha instantly saw Joyce's resemblance in Olive. She squeezed Olive's hand, admiringly. "A fifteen-year-old postdoctoral student? No wonder my Bounty likes you."

Turning to Elvis, she said sharply, "Elvis, you're lucky Olive's such a good girl. Treat her with far more care." Olive looked up at Elvis, who was unbuttoning his cufflinks. Their eyes met, but he quickly looked away. "Grandma, I'll go to the study and work on some documents," he excused himself, heading upstairs.

Watching him go, Olive muttered sullenly, "Grandma, I'll go upstairs too."

"Of course, dear. Have a shower, then come down for dinner," the old lady replied warmly.

Elvis sat, smoking a cigarette, documents scattered on his desk. After finishing, he stood and left the room, pausing silently outside the door before returning for his coat. The old lady, in the living room, stopped and looked at him. "Elvis, where are you going so late?"

He lowered his eyelids. His voice, devoid of emotion, replied, "Something urgent at the company. Grandma, I won't be back tonight."

"Not coming back? Have you told Olive?"

Elvis pursed his lips.

"Did Marvin have a crush on Olive?" the old lady asked.

"Not sure, but I think so."

"Marvin's arrogant. If he pursued Olive, he genuinely likes her. I can't blame him; she's beautiful." Elvis checked his pockets for his keys, wanting to end the conversation. "Grandma, I have to go to the company."

"Elvis," the old lady called. "Olive is a good girl. Don't leave her alone. Love and marriage require effort from both sides. Olive never despised your illness; she's worked hard to make you happy, to help you become a better person. If you lose Olive, you'll never find another like her."

Elvis stood by the door, unmoving, before finally leaving. The old lady sat on the sofa. Mr. Henry, the butler, whispered, "Madam, the situation is precarious. If the Augustine family learns Olive was Marvin's fiancée, many will try to take her from Elvis."

The old lady hugged Phoebe, stroking her fur. She snorted, "Don't worry, I won't fail. I know what to do." She added to herself, hugging Phoebe, "Marriage is for two people. As long as they don't let go, no one can break them up. If they let go, no one can save them."

Mr. Henry pondered her words as Elvis's door creaked open, revealing Olive descending the stairs. Phoebe leaped from the old lady's embrace to Olive's feet. Olive squatted, hugging Phoebe. "Phoebe, did you miss me?"

The old lady smiled. "Olive, are you hungry? Let's have dinner."

Olive, fresh from a shower, her long black hair damp, was without her mask. "Grandma," she said, gazing at the study. "Could you wait a little longer? Mr. Augustine hasn't come down yet."

"Elvis left. He has urgent business at the company. He won't be back tonight," the old lady explained.

Olive's eyelashes fluttered. She hadn't known he'd left. Hugging Phoebe, she lowered her head, feeling sad. What had angered him? Was he still suspicious of her and Marvin? Nothing had happened between them.

The old lady patted Olive's shoulder. "Olive, love requires getting along, and marriage requires adjustment. Elvis is a lonely person. Do you know what he needs most? Tonight, you looked so radiant, it made him insecure. He wants to hold you close, but he's afraid of hurting you."