Chapter 102: I Won’t Leave You
Elvis lay still on the bed, but Olive could readily surmise the trauma of his childhood. She was particularly interested in his story, eager to understand his parents' relationship. Regardless of the details, Olive believed Elvis was a victim of their discord. Some people are healed by childhood; others, like Elvis, are healed from it throughout their lives. She felt sorry for him. Reaching out, she hugged his waist and nodded firmly. “Mr. Augustine, if you don’t leave, I won’t interfere.”
Elvis's strong arms tightened around her. As Olive drifted off to sleep, she heard him whisper, “Olive, I’ll definitely get better…”
At dawn, Elvis drove Olive to the Ivory Council. Once his Rolls-Royce Phantom disappeared from view, Olive entered the institute. Immediately, she sensed something was amiss. All eyes were on her, accompanied by murmurs and whispers.
As Olive entered the pharmacy, her phone beeped. A message from North appeared: “I guess it’s really hard for Olive to maintain a low profile.” The message included a link.
Olive clicked the link, which led to the institute's student group. The first post featured a photo of her and Elvis, with the eye-catching title: “Olive’s nightly meeting with Elvis Augustine, president of the Augustine Corporation. Is this cheating, or true love?” The photo showed Elvis hugging her in the Augustine Corporation hall. Olive recognized it instantly—the picture Divine had sent her.
“How did Divine’s photos get here?” she wondered. The poster was Divine's account. A frown creased Olive's face. The comments were harsh:
“Olive hooked up with Elvis Augustine, the CEO? Tell me this is a dream!” “How could our Ivory Council admit someone like Olive?” “So, Divine exposed Olive, despite being friends. Lol!” “Olive should be removed from our Ivory Council immediately!”
Olive understood; someone was deliberately publicizing her relationship with Elvis. She turned off her Wi-Fi, put her phone away, and calmly continued walking. Many eyes followed her.
“This Olive girl is thick-skinned. She’s still walking calmly after her secret’s out. How arrogant!” a student muttered.
“If I were having an affair with Elvis Augustine, I'd be even more arrogant!” another girl added enviously.
Divine pushed through the crowd. “Everyone, make way, please.”
Silence fell as the students anticipated drama.
“Divine, we support you! You did the right thing,” one student declared.
Pamela and Greg watched silently; the students' anger seemed sufficient to punish Olive.
Divine, having seen the post, rushed to the school. Ignoring the comments, she grabbed Olive’s wrist. “Olive, if I tell you I didn’t do this, would you believe me?”
Olive saw Divine's pale, disheveled appearance. “Divine, what’s wrong?”
Divine explained that Greg had abandoned her on the highway the previous night, stealing her phone. It had rained all night; she had a high fever.
“Greg made that account!” she accused, pointing at Greg, who remained unfazed.
Divine lacked evidence. Her fever made her seem less credible.
Greg smiled. “Divine, since you’re slandering me, I’ll tell the truth.” He walked toward Divine. Silence descended once more.
“You know I don’t like you and want to break our engagement. Yesterday, you begged me to reconsider.”
Divine was shocked. She hadn't realized he was so despicable. Since Divine clearly liked Greg, everyone believed him.
“The heart can be tricky, but give Team Leader Greg a break,” a male student suggested.
“Divine, after snitching on your friend, you framed Team Leader Greg? Pathetic!” another added.
Greg, the research team leader, had the upper hand. Divine was helpless and furious. Pamela simply observed the unfolding drama.