Chapter 716: Los Angeles—Where the Story Begins

Naomi reminisced, saying, “Big brother, you were in a coma in the snow, so cold you froze, your breath weak. I dragged you to a nearby cave, lit a fire to keep you warm.”

“But the temperature was so low, your lips turned dark. I took off my shirt and hugged you tight. We huddled together that snowy night. I spoke constantly, encouraging you: ‘Big brother, you must persevere.’” Elvis listened silently. Years ago, when Pamela found him with the jade pendant, he hadn't suspected her, so he hadn't pressed her for details. Now Naomi's narrative echoed his memory; every scene, every sentence was true.

“Then, big brother, when you woke up, you gave me this jade pendant, saying you would return for me. You said you definitely would find me…”

“But I've waited many years, and you still haven't come. I still wear the jade you gave me, cherishing it. My greatest wish is to reunite with you, big brother.”

Naomi looked at Elvis with tear-filled eyes, her affection evident. Her gaze seemed captivating.

Elvis remained impassive, calmly replying, “Then stay here for now. Take care of your health.”

That was all he said. Naomi felt a pang of disappointment. Elvis was astute, and her attempts at a softer approach—repeatedly employing charm—failed to elicit a response. She couldn't read his thoughts.

“Big brother, did Sis Hart misunderstand? I think she dislikes me,” Naomi said aggrievedly. Referring to Olive, Elvis’ handsome brows softened. “Don’t appear before her again. I will calm her down, I will definitely reassure her.”

Naomi froze.

“She doesn’t like you right now, so don’t upset her. And stop calling me brother.” Elvis turned to leave.

Naomi stood frozen, her face pale. She hadn't anticipated such indifference and coldness after her performance.

Damn it!

In his office, Elvis sat while Peterson presented a sealed portfolio. “Sir, all the details of Naomi’s life are here.”

Elvis swiftly reviewed the contents. “Sir, are you doubting Naomi? The reports say she didn’t lie.”

Elvis noted the information. Naomi seemed blameless, yet a nagging doubt persisted.

That year had been calamitous for the Augustine family. His mother had jumped from the Red Velvet Room's platform into the river and vanished. He’d been distraught at her funeral, subsequently committed to a mental hospital.

Two years later, he was released. On the way to Los Angeles, he was hunted again, trapped in the snow, nearly dying.

These events, seemingly coincidental, formed a chain linking him to the Augustine family's fate. The family had been suffocated by misfortune.

Elvis sensed a powerful, unseen manipulator behind it all. The evidence pointed to Naomi as his rescuer in the snow, yet a voice insisted otherwise.

What did her reappearance portend?

Elvis' lips curled into a dangerous arc. Though his doubts remained, the forces arrayed against him were stirring. He would observe quietly.

His gaze fell on a photograph—the scene of his ordeal, his encounter with the girl. His eyes narrowed as he examined it closely.

“Sir, what is it?” Peterson asked softly.

Elvis murmured, “This place… it feels familiar. Like a memory from the past.”

“Sir, take your time.”

Elvis closed his eyes, then shook his head. “I can’t pinpoint it, but it feels very familiar, like… a place I’ve been.”

The photo depicted the countryside where Olive grew up, though far from her childhood home. Four years prior, gravely ill, Elvis had been brought there by Olive, only to be taken away by Alpha. Those had been their sweetest moments.

Peterson said, “Sir, this is Los Angeles. You met both that girl and Miss Hart here; Los Angeles is where it all began.”

Elvis recalled his first meeting with Olive on a Los Angeles train, pursued by a business rival who felt like a stranger. The encounters with the girl and Olive felt fated, orchestrated by unseen forces. Los Angeles—the start of every story.

He placed the photo in a bottom drawer. “Don’t tell Olive about that girl. It will upset her.” He’d previously told her Pamela saved him, and she'd been jealous. That girl remained a tender spot in his heart, though it now belonged to Olive.

Olive’s jealousy was a fearsome prospect. He couldn't risk further upsetting her.

“Understood, sir.”

Olive returned to her apartment. Sadie announced, “Rory Louie’s whereabouts have been found.”