Chapter 10: Gritting His Teeth

Olive was sent to an orphanage at nine. She harbored no further expectations for her so-called father, Patrick. He remained the Patrick she knew: obsessed with medicine, and most enamored with money and fame. Pamela was his favored daughter; Olive, merely a tool.

“Okay, Dad,” she replied.

“Olive, your marriage is a source of joy for us. Your ailing husband will soon pass, and we'll find you a better match,” Patrick said, his tone softer than usual.

“Okay, Dad. Thank you.” Olive hung up, switching off her phone. She closed her eyes, clutching Elvis tightly. A profound sadness washed over her. She longed for the normalcy of a loving family, a simple, peaceful life. She curled into his arms; his embrace was firm and warm, a shield against any storm. Her head rested on his chest; his rhythmic heartbeat instilled a deep sense of security.

Though she'd expected sleeplessness, in Elvis's arms, she slept until dawn.

Elvis opened his eyes slowly, his gaze filled with questions. Years had passed since he'd slept naturally until dawn. He blinked, trying to pull Olive closer. He sensed her lingering fragrance and the warmth of her presence. But she was gone.

Chapter 10: Gritting His Teeth

Drowsiness dispelled, Elvis lifted the quilt and rose. Henry, the butler, entered the study, a beaming expression on his face. “Young master, are you awake? I didn't want to disturb you while the young mistress was leaving. I let you sleep. It's been so many years, young master, and you woke naturally. Even Mr. Aiden couldn't achieve that, but Miss Olive did. What powers does she possess?”

Henry found it incredible. He knew his young master's condition; he'd worried when Olive had entered the study. Now, he could only express gratitude.

“Where’s Olive?” Elvis asked.

“Young master, Miss Olive said she had matters to attend to and would return in the evening.”

“Did she say where she went?”

“No, sir.”

“It’s fine.”

Elvis returned to his bedroom and showered. Removing his shirt, he noticed a small, deep tooth mark on his shoulder in the mirror. He recalled the force of her bite.

Elvis didn't go to the company that day, working in his study instead. In the evening, he glanced at his watch. Seven o'clock; she hadn't returned. He checked his phone; no calls or messages. A slight unease settled over him. His phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

“Hello?” he answered.

Chapter 10: Gritting His Teeth

“Second bro, long time no see!” Harry Heaven’s voice boomed. “Heard Grandma married you a bride. Addicted already?” he teased.

Elvis frowned impatiently. “I’ll hang up if you keep talking nonsense.”

“No, no! Come out, bro! Raven’ll be there too. Kiss Land bar; we’re waiting.”

Kiss Land bar.

Elvis sat on a VIP sofa, a cigarette between his fingers. Smoke obscured his handsome features.

Harry Heaven poured him wine. “Bro, what’s wrong? You’re just smoking. Upset about something?” He gestured to a woman beside him. “Bro, this is Kiss Land’s top pick. Clean. I reserved her for you. Krystal, pour my bro some wine.”

The bar was a place where men could choose any woman they pleased. There was no shortage of beautiful women, and the clientele were all high-rollers, money flowing freely.

Krystal's pretty face lit up with a smile. Elvis, in a simple black shirt and pants, possessed undeniable charm. She would spend the night with him, even without payment.

Krystal picked up a glass, smiling sweetly. “Sir Augustine. Would you like some wine?”

Elvis smelled her perfume and recoiled, muttering, “Stay away from me.”

Krystal’s face flushed crimson.

Harry quickly dismissed Krystal. Once she was gone, he said, “Bro, you’re really not interested in women.”

Chapter 10: Gritting His Teeth

“Elvis, I heard the Harts married their daughter to you. Olive Hart, right?” Raven asked, sipping his wine.

At the mention of her name, Elvis’s eyes snapped to Raven. Raven, equally handsome, wore gold-rimmed glasses. He sipped his wine, his gaze fixed on something. “Who’s that?”

Elvis turned, recognizing Olive. Beside her stood Ronald, the portly CEO.

“Shit!” Harry slammed the table, standing up. “Bro, why is Olive drinking with that old man? She dares to cuckold you!” He grabbed a bottle of wine. The Heaven family’s crown prince was Los Angeles’s biggest bully. “Don’t worry, bro. I’ll get revenge for you!”