Chapter 423

Olive, I like you too. Elvis knew he was in a world he’d never known, a world belonging to her and Mr. Augustine. Her love for Mr. Augustine was evident; he remembered her chasing his car with such intensity when they first met in Imperial. He didn't know their history—their joys and sorrows, their tender moments and partings—and this ignited a mixture of fear, envy, and profound insecurity within him.

He lowered his head, his thin lips finding her beautiful forehead, pressing a tender kiss, lingering intimately against her soft skin. His insecurity stemmed not only from lost memories but also from the mystery surrounding her identity. His father had foretold her eventual disappearance, her return home, and her subsequent departure from him. And then there was Damien's cryptic message… It felt as though the peach blossoms blooming on her were guiding him, one bloom at a time. He whispered in her ear, “Olive, I like you too.”

Elvis went to a bar. The overweight owner, beaming excitedly, exclaimed, “Mr. Augustine, your presence graces our humble establishment! Please, have a drink on the house. I'll fetch our featured performer to entertain you!”

Elvis raised a hand. “No need. I’m looking for someone named Amelia Garcia.”

“Ah, President Augustine, excellent taste! Amelia's our star. Look at the stage.” The bar owner gestured.

Elvis saw a young woman, smaller and younger than Olive, perhaps eighteen, slender and dressed in a black, strappy dress. Her pretty face held a cool expression; her almond eyes were clear and indifferent. This was Amelia.

Her performance began. She picked up a guitar and played a lonely song. Her ethereal voice captivated the room instantly, silencing the chatter and drawing everyone's attention. Elvis found a seat. The bar owner, beside him, chuckled wryly. “Mr. Augustine, you admire Amelia? She's… difficult. She doesn't engage with patrons.”

“There are many beautiful women here,” Elvis replied. “Amelia is young, but possesses a truly remarkable voice. She’s drawn many customers.”

“Talent scouts and agencies constantly approach her,” the bar owner sighed. “But she refuses. Her brother has a heart condition, requiring extensive and costly treatment.” He paused, his voice heavy with sympathy. “Amelia’s life has been hard. She graduated high school, then had to work to support herself and her brother after her parents passed away.”

Elvis, having already researched Amelia, knew the bar owner’s words were true. After the song ended, he said, “I’ll wait for her in the private room.”

He settled into the luxurious room. Soon, footsteps approached, followed by the bar owner's voice. “Amelia, President Augustine is an important person; we can't offend him. If he wishes to see you, you must comply.”

The door opened, and the bar owner ushered Amelia in. She eyed Elvis with suspicion. “I’m not a prostitute.”

Elvis shrugged. “I know. This is a business proposition. Look at this.” He tossed a document onto the coffee table.

Amelia remained motionless. “Read it. You’ll like it. I’ve found a suitable heart for your brother. We can arrange a transplant immediately. Once successful, your brother can have a healthy life. Isn't that what you've always strived for?”

Amelia's pupils dilated. She snatched the document and read it quickly. The bar owner discreetly left.

Once finished, she looked up at Elvis. “What do you want?”

“Simple. I need you to approach a man and obtain a recipe from him.”

“Which man?”

Elvis slowly uttered a name, “Jean Paulo.”

Amelia’s expression shifted. “Jean is unwell, and very difficult.”

Elvis smiled faintly. “It depends on your perspective. From a woman's point of view… Jean is naive, having had no contact with women. He's easily swayed.”

Amelia lowered her eyes, then asked, “Do you want me to sleep with him?”

Elvis knew she was perceptive. Despite her youth, her life had taught her about men. He simply said, “I need the results. You control the process, but my time is limited. Five days.” He didn’t need to instruct her; she understood. Jean was a simple man, easily manipulated. “Five days is too short,” she replied.

“Five days. If you succeed, I’ll arrange your brother’s transplant, send him abroad to study, and give you a new life.”