Chapter 763

He spat out a mouthful of blood.

Olive smiled mysteriously. “I have an idea, but I still need your help, Grandma.”

Mrs. Samantha patted Olive’s small forehead, a gesture signifying, “You’re so smart and cute.”

“Olive, hurry up. I’ll listen to you,” Mrs. Samantha said impatiently.

Olive took Mrs. Samantha’s hand. “Grandma, we shouldn’t rush. I just heard Reuben say you’re not having dinner tonight. I know you’re worried about Uncle Augustine and Aunt Bounty, but your body isn’t made of steel. You’re the mainstay of the Augustine family; you mustn’t fail. I still need your help, so go eat, Grandma. I’ll tell you my idea when you’re full.”

Mrs. Samantha laughed, stroking Olive’s long hair. “Olive, I’m counting on you.”

“So, will you have dinner?”

“Yes, I will!”

Olive smiled, gently resting her head on Mrs. Samantha. Wearing a skirt with curving edges, she stood calmly and intelligently beside Mrs. Samantha, smiling serenely at the ups and downs of the Augustine family over the past thirty years. She said softly, “Grandma, trust me. Everything will be okay.”

Mrs. Samantha, startled, straightened her back and nodded. She knew her position in the family was gone. Now, with someone to take her hand, the heavy burden of the Augustine family was lifted. She had waited for this for many years, knowing Olive would surpass her.

Alpha slept soundly, waking the next morning with a splitting headache. He hadn’t slept well; his mind had been racing. Now, his head throbbed as if struck by a hammer.

In the bathroom, he felt an itching in his throat, a sweet sensation he knew well. His heart disease was worsening, his health failing. He feared his time was running out.

His will was already written, so he had nothing to worry about in that regard. The Augustine family had Elvis and Olive; they would not crumble without him.

His only concern was Anabelle. Regardless of their history, he had held her and cherished her for years. What would become of her future if he died? Wouldn’t it be better if they were buried together?

He desperately wanted to see her, to see her one last time.

He took his car keys and left. He knew Anabelle had gone to an apartment last night; Elvis owned considerable property, and would certainly have arranged accommodations for his mother.

He drove to the apartment building, then called Anabelle. The melodic ringtone echoed unanswered.

She didn’t answer. He assumed she was still angry. After all, he had twice wronged her; forgiveness wouldn't come easily.

He sighed. It was his fault. With some sincere effort, he could win her back. He reached for the driver’s door handle…

Then he froze. He involuntarily glanced up and saw a familiar figure through his windshield—Anabelle, just around the corner. She wasn't at home; she had just gone downstairs.

Moments later, he saw another familiar figure: Marcus. Marcus, arrived in Imperial from Greenland, stood downstairs with Anabelle. The sight stopped him from opening the car door. His narrow black eyes fixed on the pair.

He couldn't hear their conversation, but Marcus had his arm around Anabelle; they stood on the street, embracing.

Alpha’s pupils constricted; the corners of his eyes reddened. His hands clenched the steering wheel, the blood vessels in his palms throbbing violently. Marcus was a constant source of pain, a thorn in his side. He ached to separate them, to make Marcus vanish.

After a long moment, his grip loosened. He felt that familiar sweetness in his throat, followed by a mouthful of blood spraying from his mouth. Bright red blood splattered his shirt, fingers, and car, still warm.

He gave up. He had forced Anabelle to marry him; she had never loved him, not even a little. He finally understood.

He wiped the blood from his lip, stepped on the accelerator, and sped away. He left.

At that moment, a long luxury car approached from the opposite direction. Olive sat in the back, her bright eyes watching Alpha drive away, then turning to Anabelle and Marcus.

“Miss, he must be heartbroken. He’s chased her for years; he’s exhausted,” Reuben said.

Olive thoughtfully touched her chin. “Then let’s change things. Let’s have Aunt Anabelle pursue Uncle Augustine.”

Reuben stared in disbelief. “How…?”

She smiled, her voice calm and clear. “Reuben, how’s the task I gave Grandma?”

Reuben responded respectfully, “Miss, since taking over, Old Madam has been tirelessly working, inviting Imperial’s most eligible ladies for her selection. It’s just… Miss, why are you choosing these ladies? Young Master called, thinking you were forming a harem for him.”

Elvis had indeed thought so, carefully considering the candidates for this “harem.”

Olive blinked. “Tell him next time he calls that these beauties aren't for him… but for his father!”

Reuben gaped in astonishment. She… she was choosing concubines for her father-in-law!?

Olive’s clear eyes remained fixed on Anabelle and Marcus. She pursed her lips. “Elvis is such a poor boy. His father wants to remarry, and his mother does too. There’s no way for him to live well…”

Reuben’s forehead beaded with sweat. “Young lady, please don’t scare me. Where will this lead?”

Olive mysteriously curled her lips. “Let’s go back.”