Chapter 384: Slapping Him Hard

Marvin's announcement came not sooner or later, but precisely when Olive found herself in trouble. It was like a bomb detonating, sending the audience into a frenzy. “Academician Augustine, when did you break off your engagement? Now that Olive is famous, are you trying to protect her?” “Academician Augustine, are you saying this to vindicate Olive?”

Marvin met the camera's gaze unflinchingly. “Olive and I broke off our engagement a long time ago. It’s not Olive’s problem, it’s mine. I’ve moved on and have a new girlfriend.”

Whispers rippled through the audience. Gasps echoed as everyone stared at Marvin in disbelief. What was he saying? Olive looked up at him, bewildered. Why had he said that? He had risen to fame in Imperial at a young age, becoming a renowned physician. His cold, reserved demeanor and private life made him the object of affection for Imperial's elite women. He possessed an impeccable reputation, yet now, to shield Olive, he claimed infidelity and a new relationship.

“Academician Augustine, did you cheat while engaged?” a reporter asked, surprised.

“No!” Olive shook her head vehemently. “No, he…”

But she never finished. Marvin enveloped her shoulders, pulling her away before she could speak.

In the silver Maybach, Olive stared at Marvin. “Marvin, you shouldn’t have said that. You’ll be all over the entertainment news, fueling gossip. They’ll paint you as a handsome man with a spoiled personality.”

Marvin gazed straight ahead. “Olive, this is my business. Don’t worry about it.”

“No, Marvin, I’m not worth this. I’ll clarify things with the reporter…”

Marvin interrupted. “Olive, needless to say, I do have a girlfriend.”

Olive froze, then whispered, “Marvin, don’t. The more you do this, the guiltier I’ll feel.”

A melodic ringtone pierced the silence—his phone. He answered. Lily's furious voice exploded, “Marvin, where are you? Come home immediately. I need to talk to you.”

Marvin frowned. He cared little for others' opinions, but Lily was his mother—the woman who had birthed, raised, and loved him unconditionally. He understood her nature. She constantly compared him to his older brother, Elvis, wanting him to inherit the family fortune. This had led to his departure at a young age to pursue medicine. He couldn't abandon Lily, though. He knew his father and grandmother favored Elvis, the only son of the legendary Anabelle. Marvin's love came solely from his mother and his aunt, Anabelle, who was also very fond of him. He empathized with his mother; Anabelle was Lily’s shadow. Lily had lived for years as a widow, with only superficial relationships to show for her life. Her son was everything to her.

“Mom, I don’t have time now. I’ll be back tomorrow,” Marvin said, his brow furrowed.

This only inflamed Lily’s anger. “Marvin, you’re grown now! You don’t even listen to your mother? No matter what, you come home immediately!”

“I know. I’ll be back later,” Marvin replied before hanging up.

Olive realized that Lily had just learned about Marvin's actions. Though she disliked Lily, she acknowledged her as a good mother. Olive frowned. “Marvin, I’ll go back to the Augustine family with you.”

Marvin shook his head. “No need.”

“This concerns me too. Even if we’re no longer engaged, I need to clarify things with your parents,” Olive insisted.

Marvin nodded, then confessed, “You don’t have to say anything at the Augustine house. I’ll tell them, and Olive, don’t be ashamed of me. I’ve always loved you.”

At the Augustine house, Marvin and Olive found Alpha and Lily. Alpha’s expression was unreadable, but Lily’s was venomous. Seeing them, Lily stood, her gaze fierce. “Olive, is this nonsense between you and Elvis true? Marvin, are you lying about the girlfriend to protect her?”

Olive started to speak, but Marvin pulled her behind him. “Mom, what I said is true. I have a girlfriend.”

“Who?”

Marvin’s lips thinned. “If you want to meet her, I’ll bring her home tomorrow.”

Lily lunged forward, slapping Marvin hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed through the living room, leaving a red imprint on his cheek. Lily’s hands trembled, her eyes red with rage.

Olive stood. “Mrs. Augustine, this matter…”

“Enough!” Marvin interrupted. “Olive and I broke off our engagement. That’s all.”

“You…” Lily’s voice strained. “Marvin, come upstairs with me!”

Marvin released Olive, five red fingerprints stark against his handsome face. He said, “Olive, I’m going upstairs. Don’t say anything. Don’t wander. I’ll take you home later.”

Olive had much to say, but managed only, “Okay. I’ll wait for you here.”

“Okay,” Marvin replied, following Lily upstairs.

With them gone, only Olive and Alpha remained. Alpha didn’t intervene, simply gesturing towards the sofa. “Miss Hart, please sit.”

Olive sat opposite him.