Chapter 23: The Man She Saved

Who was that woman? Elvis was a mature man; it was his personal phone. Was she his lover? Why were they together? The questions overwhelmed Olive. "What is my relationship with Elvis, and why would I need his help?" she wondered. She was merely a contract wife; it was unsurprising he had a lover. Abandoned at nine, she'd learned independence. Apart from North, she'd never truly trusted anyone, fearing betrayal. She'd pushed people away, but Elvis had forcefully entered her life. In a short time, he'd breached a decade-long wall, making her dependent. Dependency, once habitual, bred weakness.

Olive's hands and feet were cold. Calming herself, she texted Derrick: "See you tomorrow night!"

In the presidential suite, Public Relations Director Rita Donaldson stared strangely at Elvis's phone. Andrew Peters entered. "Director Rita, who authorized your entry into the CEO's room? And why did you answer his call?"

Rita tapped the documents. "Secretary Andrew, I brought the documents for the CEO's review."

"The CEO dislikes people entering his room or touching his belongings. Next time, give them directly to me. Leave now."

"Yes, Secretary Andrew."

"Who called?" Andrew asked.

Rita shook her head. "I don't know. The caller hung up without speaking."

Andrew dismissed it. "Let's return to work. The CEO is leaving soon."

"But, Secretary Andrew, why the rush?"

"Rita, focus on your job."

"I'm sorry," Rita replied, exiting.

The next day, Olive rang Derrick's doorbell. He opened it; she entered, and he closed the door.

"Derrick, where's Aunt Rebecca? Prove you're telling the truth. Call her; I want to hear her voice," Olive demanded.

Derrick dialed a number, handing the phone to Olive. Aunt Rebecca's voice filled the air. "Hello, young master? When will I speak with young miss?" Aunt Rebecca still called Olive "little miss," a detail that stung. Olive's eyes reddened. Everyone had changed, except Aunt Rebecca.

"Hello, Aunt Rebecca, it's Olive."

"Little miss, is it really you...?" Aunt Rebecca coughed violently. Olive knew her aunt's health was failing.

Olive held the phone, trembling. "Aunt Becca..."

Derrick snatched the phone, hanging up. "See? I told the truth." He approached Olive, who backed away.

"Don't come closer. Our deal is: you give me Aunt Rebecca, and I'll sleep with you."

Derrick frowned. "Olive, weren't you aware of the bid? Now you're begging me to give you Aunt Rebecca!"

"Derrick, you didn't understand the deal! Now you're begging me to sleep with you!"

"Olive, where's your confidence?"

Olive sneered. "You slept with Gabriella last night, yet called me to sleep with you. Your dissatisfied face is my greatest confidence."

Derrick glared. "That's it for today. Bring Aunt Rebecca, and we'll talk." Olive turned to leave.

"Olive, don't force me!" Derrick grabbed her wrist.

Olive, prepared, swung her bag into his face. "Derrick, how dare you say I'm forcing you? Ten years ago, you testified against me, and now you're using Aunt Rebecca to force me? Are you worthy of my mother's love?"

Derrick froze under Olive's furious gaze. After a moment, he placed his hands on her shoulders. "I understand you don't want to sleep with me, but I don't understand why not with other men."

Olive calmly replied, "When was I with another man?"

Derrick hesitated. "Oh, you think no one knows? I went to the suburbs that winter to find you. I searched all night. Gabriella told me you and a man were in a cave. I even saw you sleeping together!"

Olive understood. The man had been stranded by the snow. She'd sheltered him in the cave. Gabriella had fabricated an affair, and Derrick believed her.

Olive pushed him away. "I have nothing to say. Give me Aunt Rebecca, and we'll have our trade. Think about it." She left.

Back at the Red Villa, North was furious about Olive's story. "How old were you? Why are these people so depraved? But Olive, do you still remember the man you saved?"