Chapter 260: Meeting at the Imperial Bar
Crystal sat in the passenger seat, watching Elvis as Olive disappeared after the luxury car departed. She bit her lip angrily. โElvis, I want to visit Mrs. Samantha today. Iโve developed a new recipe specifically for her.โ Crystal knew Elvis loved his grandmother dearly, so she planned to win her affection first. She believed in her skills as a nutritionist; she could surely adjust the recipe to suit Mrs. Samantha's tastes, bringing her closer to Elvis.
Elvis, having lost sight of Olive, nodded. โMy grandmotherโs appetite is worsening. I plan to hire a professional dietitian. Iโll call her first; if she agrees, Iโll take you.โ
โOkay,โ Crystal replied meekly, smiling.
Olive placed a call. After a moment, Mrs. Samanthaโs voice answered, โHi, Elvis.โ
โGrandma, howโs your appetite today? Crystal wants to visit and make you a new dish. Can we come now?โ
There was a pause. Then, Mrs. Samantha asked, โElvis, are you with Crystal?โ
Crystal quickly interjected, โYes, Mrs. Samantha. Elvis picked me up from school, and weโre coming to see you.โ
A moment of silence followed, then a refusal. โNo need. I ate well today, but Iโm sleepy. Iโm going to bed.โ The line went dead.
Crystalโs enthusiasm vanished. Even she could tell the old woman didn't want her company. She pouted. โElvis, did I do something wrong? I feel like since Mrs. Samantha went to Los Angeles seven years ago, she hasnโt liked me.โ
A flicker crossed Elvisโs deep, narrow eyes. His grandmotherโs reaction was unusual. He recalled her greatest wish: for him to marry and have children. Crystal's presence should have been welcomed, yet his grandmother was cold and dismissive.
โDonโt worry,โ Elvis said quietly, looking ahead. โIโll take you to see her another day.โ
Was he taking her home? Did he have no evening plans? โElvis, letโs have dinner together,โ Crystal suggested hopefully, her eyes expectant. She envisioned a romantic candlelit dinner.
โI donโt have time tonight. I have an appointment,โ Elvis refused.
โOkay, letโs make another date,โ she replied, disappointed.
Elvis took Crystal home, then went to the Imperial Bar with Phoebe. He did have an appointmentโRaven had arrived from Los Angeles.
In the luxurious bar, Elvis sat on a dark red sofa, glancing at Raven. โWhy Imperial?โ
Raven, still handsome, his gold-rimmed glasses reflecting his cold black eyes, replied, โA meeting. Iโll be back in two days. How are you?โ
Elvis took a sip of red wine. โIโm good.โ
โRumors say the Augustine and Robert families are getting engaged. Youโve been close to Crystal lately. Do you intend to marry her?โ
Elvis swirled his wine, then looked at Raven. โI was stabbed. Did you know?โ He couldnโt recall the event, which might have occurred in Los Angeles. Raven, his childhood friend, likely knew. Raven did, but he couldn't mention Olive Hart. He glanced at Elvisโs trousers. โWhat? Problems with Crystal?โ
Elvis kicked him.
Raven ignored the scuff mark on his pants, smirking. โSo itโs true. Donโt doubt yourself. Try another woman.โ
Elvis half-smiled. โWith your experience, it seems youโre not working for Jane, but satisfying your own needs.โ
Raven kicked back. โBetter than you. You have no desire now.โ
Elvis teased, โWhy so angry? North Paulo is collaborating with Fly Jewelry, and she hasnโt contacted you in ages. Look at your face.โ
The two began to scuffle, startling Peterson, who was even more shocked upon learning of his young master's stabbing and impotence. He quickly found Ray. โRay, a secret. The young master was injured, and heโs impotent.โ
Ray stared blankly. โYou know the young master's secret. Dead men tell no tales. Iโm considering silencing you.โ
Peterson remained silent.
The door opened, and Elvis emerged. โWhereโs Phoebe?โ
Peterson looked around, having no idea where Phoebe had gone. Elvisโs face darkened. โFind her.โ
Meanwhile, Olive, on a date, heard a familiar meow. Phoebe, recognizing Olive, ran to her, meowing excitedly. Olive, astonished, knelt and hugged her.
โPhoebe, itโs me! I missed you so much.โ
Olive stroked Phoebeโs fur. Phoebe meowed again, as if saying she'd missed Olive terribly and couldn't bear being separated, worried that Olive's man would be taken by other girls. Olive was overjoyed. She hadn't expected Phoebe to be at the Imperial. Had Master Augustine brought her?
A deep voice interrupted: โPhoebe.โ
Olive and Phoebe looked up to see Elvis approaching.