Chapter 72: Olive Wins

Pamela's eyes narrowed. This voice was so familiar—it was Olive. She quickly scanned the room. Olive, wearing a red sweater with lantern sleeves and black skinny pants, entered through the front door, drawing everyone's attention. She had arrived, as promised.

"Olive, why are you here? I heard the Ivory Council Institute didn't accept you," Pamela said softly.

Olive clutched her small bag, her red lips curving upward. "Pamela, who said I wasn't accepted?"

Pamela turned to Greg, who stepped forward, glaring at Olive with disdain. "Olive, how could our institute admit someone who only graduated from high school? Leave now, or I'll call security. The entire internet and L.A.'s socialite circle were betting against you. Even though the Ivory Council is secluded, the news has attracted many researchers; they're already taking videos and pictures."

A vicious glint appeared in Pamela's eyes. "Olive, you came here on your own initiative, didn't you?" She approached Olive, taking her small hands. "Olive, I know you dislike me and misunderstand me, but you shouldn't have broken into the institute to prove me wrong. This upsets many people. Let me take you home, okay?"

Greg, convinced Pamela was too kind, could only admire her. He interjected angrily, "Pamela, Olive is targeting you, trying to ruin your family. Don't be so kind to her!"

Pamela gazed at Greg tenderly; he seemed aggrieved and pitiful. Olive laughed, looking at them both. "Pamela, you're so charming. You just joined the Ivory Council, and you already have another admirer."

Pamela started to speak, but Hudson Donald, the Ivory Council director, approached. He was in his mid-thirties. "Greg, what are you doing here? As team leader, shouldn't you be attending to your duties?" he reprimanded coldly.

Greg quickly explained, "Director Hudson, I was about to report this. This girl, Olive, broke into the institute and disrupted our work. I was about to escort her out."

Pamela believed Olive was doomed. Many researchers were still filming. If Hudson embarrassed Olive, the public would be satisfied. "Director Hudson, Olive is my sister. Though she's acted poorly, I hope you'll forgive her. I'm willing to accept any punishment on her behalf," Pamela declared, readily playing the righteous role.

Hudson regarded Pamela with appreciation. He favored obedient, high-achieving children. He said warmly, "Pamela, welcome to our institute. We've placed you under Greg; he'll help you integrate."

After Hudson spoke, the dean, Paul Richardson—an academic genius—appeared, making Pamela's heart skip a beat. She nodded, replying, "Thank you, Director Hudson. I understand and will work hard to meet your expectations."

"Great!" Hudson muttered, then frowned at Olive. "Olive, apologize to Mr. Hudson," Pamela urged.

Olive remained motionless. She withdrew her arm from Pamela's hand, meeting Hudson's gaze. "Director Hudson," she stated crisply, "Olive is reporting for duty. I'm here to join the Privy Council."

Pamela was shocked. She expected Olive to show humility and flee, but Olive spoke confidently to Hudson.

Director Hudson was surprised. He glanced at the admission list; Olive's name wasn't originally there, but it had appeared the previous night. He disliked applicants lacking academic qualifications or medical experience. He coughed lightly. "Olive, I don't know why you were admitted, but anyone here to joke around and not learn will be dismissed immediately."

Olive smiled and nodded. "Understood, sir."

Hudson's gaze fell on Olive's beautiful eyes; he found them captivating. He frowned. "Olive, trying to gain favor from your superiors is useless. You're in the internship program. I've assigned you prescriptions; I want to see your performance."

The medical pharmacy was complex, with countless herbs and medicines. Hudson expected Olive to argue, but she nodded, "Okay, Director Hudson."

He adjusted his lips and asked, "Olive, do you know the differences between herbs? As the largest institute, we have about ten thousand different medical materials—animal, mineral, and herbal substances. You must master them all. I give you three days. I'll interview you openly in the pharmacy. Fail, and you leave immediately. Understood?"

Pamela and Greg stared in shock. Olive's admission was crazy, but the director's instructions were even more insane.