Chapter 77: Late Night Kiss

Elvis pulled Olive into his arms and hugged her passionately. He knew he would always remember this night. Though Olive was young, she had just promised to always protect him. Elvis smiled tenderly and whispered, "Okay," in her ear.

Olive felt his embrace was too tight. She pulled back slightly, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek. Elvis reciprocated, kissing her hair.

Olive's stomach rumbled, reminding her of the noodles she'd borrowed. Elvis left her side, opened the passenger door, and retrieved a bag. "The chef made you tacos, a cobb salad, and a pastrami sandwich. Eat now."

Olive, delighted by the delicious aroma, accepted the bag he offered. Inside were various desserts: chocolates, cake, juice, and candy.

She opened the orange juice, took a sip, and closed her eyes, savoring the taste. A small stain appeared on her lips. "Mr. Augustine, do you want some? It's delicious."

"Wipe your lips," Elvis said, pointing to the stain.

Olive stuck out her tongue, attempting to remove it. "Is it gone?" she asked.

Elvis chuckled, reached out, and gently grasped the back of her neck. He lowered his head and kissed her lips. Pulling away, he whispered seductively, "I feel like kissing you again and again; the juice on your lips is so sweet." His hands trailed down to her backside, gripping it firmly as he kissed her fiercely.

The next two days remained hectic for Olive; Greg still made her clean the institute. Today was Director Hudson's evaluation. Hudson demonstrated his seriousness by arriving very early at the pharmacy. He searched around, but couldn't find Olive. His expression turned serious.

"Divine, where's Olive? Doesn't she know what day it is? I'm here, but she isn't. Does she value her position here?"

Divine's palms sweated. "I haven't seen Olive today."

Greg glared at Divine, sneering angrily. "Divine, why are you lying? Tell me where Olive is."

A researcher mumbled, "Director Hudson, I think Olive was afraid, so she ran away."

Another added, "True, Olive realized she couldn't pass the test, so she took the easy way out." The crowd erupted in laughter.

Pamela, the Ivory Council's new treasurer, stood before them. She approached Hudson. "Director Hudson, I think Olive is just nervous. But if she doesn't show up, it's fine. We don't need to make things difficult for her."

Greg interjected, "Pamela, you're always so kind, but Olive doesn't appreciate it. The Ivory Council is a reputable institute. If Olive ran away, she'll be sanctioned, blacklisted." The consequences were severe, so Pamela prayed Olive hadn't left.

To maintain her amiable reputation, Pamela feigned panic. "Director Hudson, is it really that serious? I think Olive is just being a little naughty…"

Before she finished, a clear, sleepy voice interrupted, "Who's arguing so early? Don't disturb my sleep."

Everyone was shocked. It was Olive. Divine rushed to the sound, opened the curtains, and revealed Olive asleep on a bench.

A hushed voice muttered, "Gosh, so she didn't run?" Another added, "What the hell is she doing?"

Olive shifted comfortably and continued sleeping. Divine gently tapped her shoulder. After a few seconds, two researchers more forcefully roused her. "Olive! Wake up! Director Hudson is here!"

Olive's eyes fluttered open. She heard Hudson's reprimand. "Olive, you're still sleeping? Have you forgotten what day it is?"

The drowsiness left Olive's eyes. She stood quickly, looking at Hudson like a child who'd misbehaved. "Director Hudson, I'm so sorry. I didn't get enough sleep…"

"Enough!" Hudson interrupted. "Olive, I don't want to waste any more time. I'll start the evaluation now."

"Okay, sir," Olive replied, her eyes fixed on him.

Divine glanced at Olive, her heart pounding as she prayed for her. Hudson sat near Olive. He began, "Olive Hart, which cabinet contains echinacea?"