Chapter 213: He Doesn't Want Her Anymore

Today was supposed to be a day of rejoicing; Olive hadn't expected her grandfather's poisoning, and the reunion to become a farewell. All the joy Olive exuded instantly vanished. She held the old man's hand, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Grandpa, please don't leave. Please, you're my only relative," Olive pleaded, sniffing sadly.

Mr. Hart patted Olive's hand comfortingly, then turned to Patrick. Patrick knelt with a thud.

"Olive is the young mistress of our family. The entire Hart family must obey her, including those in Imperial City, your uncle, and everyone else. After I pass, someone from the Hart family must go to Imperial. I demand you do not go, for you are not promising," Mr. Hart stated, his voice filled with finality.

Patrick had never imagined his father's last words would be a condemnation. Mr. Hart slowly closed his eyes, releasing a deep breath.

"Grandpa," Olive whispered, her vision blurred. Patrick bent his head and wept at Mr. Hart's bedside.

Olive sat in the ward, her eyes red and swollen. Mr. Hart's passing extinguished her last hope in Los Angeles. North handed her a cup of warm water.

"Olive, the old man passed away peacefully. You're allowed to grieve. But the most important thing now is to find his killer," North advised gently.

Olive wiped her tears. She couldn't agree more. She still had much to do. She turned to Patrick, who was also weeping.

"I'm not your biological daughter, am I? Why didn't you tell me?" Olive asked calmly.

Patrick sighed and wiped his tears. Olive felt a sudden sense of relief. She'd never understood Patrick's lack of affection; it turned out she wasn't his biological daughter. Unfortunately, she didn't know who her real father was.

"Are there Hart descendants in Imperial?" Olive asked.

Patrick pondered. "I don't know much. Dad never mentioned them. But I do know our Los Angeles branch is just that—a branch. The main Hart family resides in Imperial City. We haven't had contact in years, likely due to your mother's orders."

Olive nodded. She'd thought her grandfather's awakening would reveal the truth, but her confusion had only deepened. She couldn't fathom her mother's nature; so many mysteries surrounded her.

"Who was looking after Grandpa when he was taken from the Hart home? The last time I saw him, he hadn't been poisoned. The poison was administered recently."

"Pamela. Pamela took care of him," Patrick replied. After a moment, he stood, looking at Olive in shock. "You suspect Pamela poisoned my father?"

Olive pressed her lips together. "It's not suspicion, but certainty. Grandpa was murdered by Monica and Pamela."

"Impossible! Don't say that!" Patrick protested. "They didn't poison him! You claim they pushed my dad down the stairs ten years ago, and I still don't believe that!"

North, who had been silent, added, "That mother and daughter are vicious. Now, with no evidence, all they have to do is deny everything."

Olive gritted her teeth, anger surging. She was convinced Pamela had seen Mr. Hart showing signs of recovery, prompting the poisoning. With Mr. Hart dead, they could relax. Patrick, blinded by his love for Monica and Pamela, refused to believe they were murderers.

"I won't believe you unless evidence is provided. Don't worry about them. Mr. Hart is dead. Let's prepare for his funeral," Patrick dismissed her.

"Stop!" Olive half-shouted.

Patrick turned. "What's wrong?"

Olive stood. "Grandpa's death must be kept secret for now—"

"What?" Patrick exclaimed. "The man is dead! What are you trying to do?"

"Monica and Pamela thought poisoning Grandpa would bury their secrets forever. I want you to see the demonic people you've been living with," Olive explained patiently.

"What do you intend to do? The man is dead!"

"Tomorrow's your birthday, right? I'll come over, and you'll celebrate and announce to them that Grandpa is awake."

Patrick scoffed. "You want me to cooperate? You're ridiculous! I won't—"

"Patrick!" Olive interrupted coldly, her eyes fierce.

Patrick was stunned; he'd never seen this side of Olive.

Chapter 213: He Doesn't Want Her Anymore

"Patrick, have you forgotten your father's last instruction? You must obey me. I'm not negotiating, I'm informing you. Use your Oscar-winning acting skills to execute this," Olive ordered, her breathing heavy.

Patrick sighed. "Yes, I understand. You don't have to be so fierce. I promise to cooperate."

"Good! Go now. Don't let them know the truth. I'll stay here and watch over Grandpa," Olive waved him away.

Patrick nodded and left. North looked at Olive. "Olive, I didn't expect Patrick not to be your father. What are your plans?"

"North, after Monica and Pamela, I'm going to Imperial. I feel something there calling me."

"Olive, what about Mr. Augustine? You haven't been married long."

At the mention of Elvis, Olive's eyes clouded. He didn't want her anymore.