Chapter 717: Beauty is the Original Sin

Olive raised her bright eyes. “Where is Rory now?”

“After Bounty’s accident, Rory was devastated. He left Imperial, yearning for a different life. Eventually, he found himself in a mountain community, where he’s been teaching for thirty years.”

Olive sighed softly. Once, the elegant Louie son and the Augustine daughter seemed destined for each other, a match made in heaven. But their enduring affection proved no match for Anabelle’s allure. Rory abandoned his wife and children, a tragedy of his own making.

He must be heartbroken, having refused to return to Imperial. The once prominent Louie son relinquished his wealth to become a mountain teacher. Whether he can find redemption remains unknown.

“Sadie, prepare yourself. Tomorrow, I’m flying to the mountains to find Rory.”

“Princess, why don’t you let me go?”

Olive shook her head. “If you can’t bring him back, I will.”

Olive frowned, confessing in a low voice, “Sadie, this trip is necessary, but I have a bad feeling. It’s raining, the wind is fierce. A storm seems to be brewing for the Augustine family.”

“Princess, what do you mean?”

“Principal Bounty’s mental health is precarious. I fear something will happen while I’m gone. I’m leaving a golden pill. If anything happens to her, Sadie, have her take it. I’ll return quickly.”

Sadie accepted the pill, but protested, “Princess, Mr. Augustine picked up a young girl from the roadside and kept her. He cheated on you. It’s unforgivable. You’re too good for them, always putting the Augustine family first. Princess, I feel so sorry for you!”

Olive pursed her lips. “Sadie, Mr. Augustine isn’t who you think he is. Rest assured, nothing will happen to him or that girl. He hasn’t told me, but I suspect he has a reason for keeping her.”

Olive looked out at the rain, the early autumn chill seeping in. “I sense a tumultuous autumn. The thirty-year feud between the Augustine family and their rivals will unleash another storm. This time, no one will escape.”

“Mr. Augustine and I have weathered many storms, faced countless obstacles. But as I said, even if the years are wasted, I will spend them with him. I trust him.”

Sadie was shocked. In her heart, Olive was always the best.

Olive turned. “Sadie, bring me the phone. I’ll call Aunt Anabelle.” “Okay,” Sadie quickly obeyed.

Olive dialed Anabelle’s number. Anabelle and Alpha were scheduled to file for divorce today, but Bounty’s unexpected appearance disrupted everything. Anabelle was taken away by Alpha and hasn’t returned.

It was late. Would Anabelle stay at Alpha’s tonight?

The phone rang unanswered, then a cold voice announced, “Sorry, the number you dialed is temporarily unavailable.”

Anabelle wasn’t answering. What was she doing? Olive frowned.

“Princess, Alpha took Aunt Anabelle. He’s protected her for years; she’ll be safe with him,” Sadie offered comfort.

Olive shook her head. “Sadie, you say Alpha has deeply loved Anabelle for years, but why did she jump from the Red Velvet room?”

“Well…”

“Because he doesn’t know how to love. She didn’t teach him. They were wrong from the start.”

Sadie was stunned; she didn’t understand. Olive didn’t want her to. This trip to see Rory worried her, not only for Bounty but for Anabelle as well.

Anabelle was unreachable.

Olive opened a messenger group titled “Happy Family.” She was the admin; Nathan, Levi, and Ivy were the members.

Olive messaged, “Darlings, I have a long business trip tomorrow, and a mission for you.”

Nathan: “What mission?”

Levi: (Emoji with multiple question marks)

Ivy: “Please tell me.”

Olive: “Nathan, while I’m gone, Aunt Bounty is your responsibility. She adores you; take care of her.”

Nathan: “No problem.”

Olive: “Levi, you were raised by your grandmother, whom you loved dearly. Protect her in any emergency.”

Levi: (Emoji of a nodding man)

Ivy: “Mom, Mom! My brothers have missions, what about mine?”

Olive: “Ivy, just take care of yourself.”

Ivy: “Huh, not fun. You despise me!”

Olive smiled. “Honey, this is my first time away. After I leave, this house is yours. Guard our home and wait for my return!”

Anabelle sat in Alpha’s luxury car, the quiet opulence feeling claustrophobic. She tilted her head to look at him. Alpha’s hands gripped the wheel; his handsome face was impassive, yet his brow was heavy, hinting at coldness. Anabelle knew him better. He loved Bounty, his sister.

“What did Bounty tell you?” Anabelle broke the silence.

Alpha glanced out the window, his expression unchanged. “Can’t you guess?”

Anabelle’s face was pale. “Alpha, no matter how many times I explain, you won’t believe me. I have nothing to do with Rory Louie. Before that night, I hadn’t even spoken to him…”

“What do you mean?” Alpha interrupted, a cynical curve to his lips. “Do you mean you’re innocent? He liked you; it’s not your fault you’re beautiful?”