Chapter 541: Mom Loves Me So Much

Elvis intended to remove Lil’ Nathan from the mansion and prevent Olive from seeing him again. Olive frantically shook her head, whispering, “Don’t…” But Elvis turned and left, heading straight for Nathan’s room. Olive’s extremities went cold. Nathan was her firstborn. Having not raised him since infancy, she felt immense guilt, cherishing every moment with him and dreading any separation. Where was Elvis taking him? Olive leaped out of bed and ran from the room.

By then, Elvis had already carried Lil’ Nathan out. Nathan had awakened from a nap, rubbing his sleepy eyes, still unaware of the unfolding events. Elvis carried him downstairs, exited the villa, and headed toward the Rolls-Royce Phantom. “Nathan!” Olive cried, giving chase. But Elvis’s pace was relentless; Olive couldn't keep up.

Lil’ Nathan gradually understood the situation. He pushed against Elvis, silently pleading, “Dad, put me down.” Elvis remained unyielding. Nathan reached for Olive, emitting a strained sound: “Ah… a a!” This was his first word. Olive’s lashes trembled; her eyes filled with joy. She hadn't expected such a breakthrough.

Elvis thrust Lil’ Nathan into the back seat of the car, then took the driver's seat and started the engine. Olive ran to the car, reaching for the window, but Elvis coldly averted his gaze. She feared frightening Nathan with her distressed state and avoided any public declaration of their relationship in front of him. Nathan’s sensitive nature demanded such caution; she couldn’t bear to inflict lasting trauma. She leaned against the car window, forcing a smile. “Nathan, you and Dad go ahead. Be good, eat well, and sleep well, okay?”

Inside the Rolls-Royce, Nathan tried to open the door, but Elvis had locked it. Sensitive to the tension between his father and Olive, he sensed impending separation from her. He tugged nervously at Elvis’s sleeve. Elvis’s face hardened. “Nathan, I’ll say this once. Sit still!” Lil’ Nathan’s eyes welled up at his father's harsh tone, and he could only gaze at Olive through the window.

Seeing Nathan’s tear-filled eyes, Olive’s heart ached. “Nathan, don’t be afraid,” she said firmly, reassuringly. “I’ll come find you soon. Wait for me.” Elvis sped away. Olive called after them as she chased the car. Lil’ Nathan, eyes brimming with tears, leaned against the window, tracing Olive’s face on the glass with his pinky finger.

Elvis glanced in the rearview mirror; Olive was gone. He lowered the window for some air when a childish voice reached his ears. “Daddy…”

Elvis froze, his eyes fixed on Lil’ Nathan’s reflection. He knew Olive had cared for Nathan, but this unexpected address stunned him. Lil’ Nathan’s voice was immature yet sweet. “Nathan, since when can you speak?” Elvis asked. Lil’ Nathan, now back in his composed, three-year-old CEO persona, responded calmly, “Talking is easy. It depends on whether I want to. I chose not to, but I could.”

Elvis' eyes glinted. “Little rascal, you’ve been hiding this. You’re asking for trouble, aren’t you?” The Augustine family's concern over Nathan’s inability to speak, including consultations with psychologists, had all been a charade. He could talk, but he hadn't wanted to.

Lil’ Nathan’s face remained impassive. “Because I knew if I could talk, Mom would leave me.”

The word “Mom” made Elvis study his son for the first time, truly acknowledging his son’s resourcefulness. “Nathan, what else do you know?”

Nathan produced a document. “Dad, Olive Hart is my mother. I had a DNA test done the day she came to kindergarten.” Elvis’ eyebrows shot up, realizing the extent of his son's cunning. “Nathan, you’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Your mother would be furious if she knew you lied.”

Lil’ Nathan disagreed. It wasn't easy pretending. He endured daily interactions with toddlers at kindergarten, patiently listening to childish lessons. Without Olive, he wouldn't have stayed long. He feared scaring her away. But when Olive was mentioned, his cold demeanor softened. “No, Mom loves me so much.” Elvis didn’t contest this; Olive’s devotion to Nathan was undeniable.