Chapter 215
"Mr. Augustine, quickly open the door!"
Marvin halted on the stairs, turning to look at Pamela. "What did you say?" he asked, his voice exceptionally calm.
Pamela smiled. "Academician Augustine, don't you want Olive and Elvis divorced? We share the same goal and can cooperate perfectly to achieve it. Don't pretend; this is an opportunity not to be missed." This was her second attempt at collaboration.
Marvin's handsome face remained impassive. He said nothing, averting his gaze and continuing up the stairs. Reaching the third room, he opened the door and entered.
Olive lay on the large, soft bed, her black hair spread across the snow-white sheets. Seeing she was safe, Marvin breathed a sigh of relief. He knelt beside the bed, gazing quietly at her beautiful face. The mask obscured her features, but he vividly remembered every detail from when he'd removed it earlier.
He slowly raised a hand, stroking her face with his fingertips, feeling the smoothness of her skin, soft as a newborn's.
Olive’s body trembled, her eyes snapping open. A sharp pain shot through her neck, and anxiety filled her gaze.
"Olive, you're awake!" Marvin exclaimed joyfully.
Olive looked at him, unsurprised. "You're here. Pamela sent you, right?"
"You knew I'd be here," Marvin replied.
Olive sat up, caressing her neck. "I wanted to see what Pamela was up to, and if you and she were collaborating."
"You've suspected me for a while, haven't you?" Marvin asked, his gaze unwavering.
Olive nodded slowly. "It seemed more than coincidence—every time I'm with you, Pamela and Elvis arrive. You and Pamela clearly have a connection, but I couldn't confirm cooperation."
A smile touched Marvin's cold, black eyes. He'd known she would wake.
Olive's bright eyes met his. "Academician Augustine, I trust you. You and Pamela aren't alike."
She stood and headed for the door.
"Olive," Marvin said, quickly grabbing her wrist. "Pamela's right; this is the perfect opportunity. I don't want your trust, I want you." He bit his lip.
Olive stiffened, turning back to him. "Academician Augustine, I'm your sister-in-law!"
Marvin chuckled softly. "Only by name, isn't it?"
Olive's eyes narrowed. Their marriage wasn't legally binding, a fact she hadn't revealed. How did he know?
"Olive, I'll say it again: divorce Elvis and come with me to Imperial. I like you. I knew you were the one the moment I saw you on the street in Imperial two years ago. I've been searching for you since."
Olive lowered her head, then looked up. "Don't waste your time; I'm not worth it. I'll go to Imperial someday, but not with you. I don't need your protection."
Marvin studied her. "What if it were Elvis? Would you need his protection?"
At the mention of Elvis, Olive's heart skipped a beat. "Of course. And I wouldn't hesitate to follow him to Imperial."
Marvin clenched his fist. Her honesty stung. She didn't need his protection.
"Academician Augustine, I've always considered you a friend. Return to Imperial; otherwise, we won't even be friends. Although Elvis and I aren't legally married, we are, and we've done everything a couple should do."
Marvin froze, realizing Olive's decisiveness.
Olive pulled away and turned to leave.
"It's too late. Elvis is here," Marvin said.
Olive paused, considering this new development—Pamela's plan clearly involved Elvis.
Marvin watched calmly. "And I believe Pamela is quite fond of Elvis."
Ignoring him, Olive rushed to the door and ran out, colliding with Patrick. Old Mr. Hart's instructions made Patrick apprehensive at the sight of her.
Olive's bloodshot eyes fixed on Patrick. "Where's Pamela?"
"I think she just entered her room," Patrick replied.
A passing maid confirmed, "Yes, sir, Miss Pamela entered her room a while ago with President Augustine. They've been in there for some time."
"Oh. Elvis is here?" Patrick asked, surprised by his own arrival.
Olive shoved past Patrick, heading for Pamela's tightly closed door. She slapped, then kicked it. "Pamela, come out! Mr. Augustine, open this door!"
Patrick stared, amazed at Olive's warrior-like aura.