Chapter 191

Elvis galloped away, feeling immensely proud. His Olive was amazing! He grabbed his phone, dialed Olive's number, and, while waiting for the connection, glanced through the bright glass window. He saw many people leaving the Ivory Council.

Dean Sebastian and Marvin walked together, saying nothing; as national academicians with unparalleled medical talents, they lacked a common topic. Everyone else chattered happily. Even Director Hudson, usually strict, had shed his disciplinary armor, joining the students in laughter and conversation.

Elvis watched quietly from his car. The students were elated. Olive, however, was being gently persuaded by Divine to attend the dinner party, a prospect Olive resisted.

"Divine, you go ahead. I'll head home; my husband will pick me up soon," Olive said.

"No!" Divine protested, gripping Olive's hand. "Olive, it's your night! Everyone's happy because of you. Why leave?"

Olive started to reply, but her phone rang—it was Elvis. She answered.

"Hello, Mr. Augustine," Olive murmured with a smile.

Elvis, gazing at Olive through the window, whispered, "Mrs. Augustine, congratulations."

"Thank you," she replied shyly, clutching the phone. "Mr. Augustine, where are you?"

Before Olive could respond, Divine announced loudly, "Mr. Augustine, the dean invited us to a dinner party. Please let Olive come; she'll be back tomorrow morning."

"Divine!" Olive quickly covered Divine's mouth.

Frightened, Divine hid behind Dean Sebastian, peeking out to wink playfully at Olive. Olive chased after her, but Marvin's tall frame blocked her path, causing her to stumble into his arms. Olive's eyes welled. Marvin gently touched her forehead.

"I'm sorry, are you alright? Does it hurt?"

From the car, Elvis watched calmly, his fingers curling around the phone. His lips tightened into a cold, unhappy line, his sharp eyes fixed on Marvin's hand.

Olive quickly stepped back, avoiding Marvin's touch. She rubbed her forehead, muttering, "It's fine, it doesn't hurt."

Marvin lowered his eyes. "Sorry."

Divine ran over and rubbed Olive's forehead. "Your life shouldn't revolve around Mr. Augustine. You need your own friends."

Overhearing, Dean Sebastian asked, "Olive, aren't you going to the dinner party?" The students eagerly awaited her answer. Embarrassed, Olive held the phone to her ear. "Mr. Augustine, can I attend the dinner? I'll be back tomorrow morning."

Seeing Olive's predicament, Elvis replied, "It's alright. I have work to do. Have fun, okay?"

"Thank you, Mr. Augustine," Olive said, hanging up.

Elvis remained in the car. Two girls approached Olive and Marvin. "Hi, talented Olive and Academician Marvin! Can we have a picture?"

The students pushed Olive forward. She nodded. The photographer urged them closer, their bodies brushing. The picture was taken.

Elvis watched, his grip on the steering wheel tightening until his veins throbbed. He disliked the physical contact between Olive and Marvin. He didn't want Olive to continue the party. Her beauty and Marvin's proximity made him insecure. He could only watch.

Elvis closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to control himself. He accelerated, the Rolls-Royce Phantom speeding away. Soon, Olive disappeared from the rearview mirror.

He regretted coming to the Ivory Council, fearing what Olive and Marvin might do. He imagined them at the dinner party, perhaps drinking, the alcohol lowering inhibitions. Would they hug? Kiss? He shuddered at the thought.

He berated himself. Was this how he treated the woman who loved him? Yet, he couldn't control his jealousy. He was sick.