Chapter 245: Olive, Don't Go

Olive's second poison test failed. She had already been poisoned by the flower's toxin; this was her third attempt. The poison rapidly spread, weakening her legs; she collapsed onto the carpet. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her vision blurring. Trembling, she grabbed the medical book from the table, turning to the final page. It contained an antidote and a mysterious ancient acupuncture method—a potential lifesaver, though normally a third exposure would be fatal. Olive and Marvin knew of the method but lacked the skill to perform it. She picked up a golden needle and inserted it into an acupuncture point, temporarily protecting her heart.

Just then, Elvis's low voice called from outside, "Olive?" He was searching for her. She quickly hid the needle and book, checking her reflection in the mirror. Pale as a sheet, she applied lipstick before going out. She spotted Elvis immediately. He had returned and couldn't find her, his tall frame hurrying through the corridors. One of his shoes lay discarded, unnoticed. "Olive?" he called again, louder this time.

Olive's bright eyes welled. If she disappeared, he would search the world, driven mad if unsuccessful. She couldn't abandon him; those left behind suffered most. Elvis had already endured his mother's unintentional abandonment; she wouldn't inflict that pain again. She chose to remain. "Mr. Augustine," she called softly, "are you looking for me? I'm here."

Hearing her voice, Elvis stiffened, turning and striding toward her.

Chapter 246: Olive, Bon Dia

"Olive, where have you been? I thought you were gone," he said anxiously.

Olive patted his face, as if he were a child. "Mr. Augustine, I didn't leave. Where were you?"

Elvis produced something he'd been concealing. "Olive, look." He held out a bird's nest containing three eggs. "Olive, haven't you always wanted a bird's nest? Let's hatch these together."

He had climbed a tree to get it. Olive felt a wrenching pain, a crushing blow to her heart. Elvis Augustine, the cold, powerful man, had humbled himself for her. Her hands clenched into fists. Alpha's life depended on her.

Noticing her lack of enthusiasm, Elvis asked, "Olive, what's wrong? Don't you like it?"

She nodded coldly. "No, I don't like it at all. I was joking. Why do you take things so seriously?" She knocked the nest from his hands.

Elvis froze, his face etched with disappointment. The atmosphere turned frigid. Knowing she couldn't stay, fearing she'd soften, Olive turned to leave. Elvis grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?" he demanded.

She blinked back tears. "Mr. Augustine, our agreement ends today. Stalking is shameful."

He seemed not to hear. "Olive, don't leave. Let's stay here forever. I haven't slept well without you. I'm getting better. Let's go to Imperial. I don't like it, but I will, with you." He was willing to return to Imperial for her.

Tears threatened to spill.

Chapter 247: Dave, Bund Ga

"That's different," Olive replied harshly.

Elvis held her shoulders firmly. "I'll tire of living here. I don't have the courage to spend my life with you. I don't want my world to revolve around you. I'm still young," she muttered cruelly, struggling against him.

He tightened his grip. "So, this honeymoon was just for your happiness? Just playing and sleeping with me? Now you're tired and want to leave?"

"Yes," she replied coldly.

Elvis stepped back, staring at her gloomily. Olive left. After two steps, his low, dangerous voice stopped her. "Stop!"

She turned, her eyes widening at the gun in his hand, pointed at her head.