Chapter 518: He Has Autism
An hour later, a click announced the opening of the closet door. A sliver of light seeped in, revealing Elvis standing there, observing Olive curled in a corner. Olive pushed herself up, her white hands bracing the wall. Her face was dry, devoid of tears. Looking at Elvis, she calmly asked, “Are you okay?”
Elvis sneered. “That was fun. We’ll do it again soon. Miss Hart is welcome to stay and watch.”
Olive, her hands still supporting the wall, slowly walked out. The room was strewn with Hazel’s and Elvis’s clothes; the evidence of their encounter was undeniable. Hazel, still in the room, was dressing, her fingers fumbling with her nightdress straps. She was sweating, seemingly exhausted. Turning at the sound of approaching footsteps, Hazel looked at Olive, her earlier arrogance replaced by weariness.
Olive, wanting no further involvement, left. Hazel, meeting Elvis's gaze, understood. The moans, the entire act, had been a performance for Olive. Elvis watched Olive’s retreating figure. “I hope you understand,” he said.
“Yes,” Hazel nodded.
“Get out,” Elvis commanded, his tone devoid of warmth. Hazel, not daring to hesitate, quickly gathered her clothes and fled.
Elvis locked Olive in the closet and feigned sex with Hazel. Regardless of his actions, it remained a matter solely between him and Olive; everyone else was an outsider. Following a psychologist's advice, Elvis enrolled Nathan in a private kindergarten. The psychologists considered Nathan exceptionally intelligent, yet he resisted their attempts at treatment.
Elvis personally drove Nathan to school, touching his son’s head. “Nathan,” he said, “listen to your teacher and behave. I’ll pick you up later.” Nathan, carrying his small backpack, nodded. Mr. Lucas, from the kindergarten, greeted them, taking Nathan’s hand.
“Mr. Augustine, don’t worry. We’ll take excellent care of him.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lucas. I’ll keep in touch regarding Nathan’s situation,” Elvis replied.
Mr. Lucas waved goodbye, taking Nathan to his class. The other children immediately surrounded him. “What’s your name? You’re beautiful, prettier than some girls! Let’s be friends. My name is Earl.” Nathan, inheriting his parents’ striking features, attracted the children's attention, yet remained indifferent.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Lucas introduced a woman. “Miss Hart, this is your class. We need love, patience, and tolerance. This new boy, Nathan, requires special attention.”
Olive, having learned of Elvis’s decision, had proactively applied for a teaching position. Since their parting at the Emperor’s clubhouse, she had only sought to see her son. Seeing Nathan, her heart softened. He was different from Levi and Ivy. Three years had passed since his birth; this was the first time she had properly seen him. She had longed to know if he even missed her. Now, gazing at his face, she saw a reflection of Elvis's reserved temperament.
Mr. Lucas then explained, “Nathan is three, but doesn’t speak. He's indifferent and doesn't play with others. He has autism.”
Olive trembled, shocked. “He has autism and can’t speak?”
“Yes, Miss Hart,” Mr. Lucas confirmed solemnly. “He has a high IQ, but unfortunately, a psychological condition.”