“So, Uncle Duane, what do you think of Dustin’s medical skills? Are you impressed?” Natasha asked with a smirk, evidently proud. After all, this was the man she had taken a liking to.“Who knew that a single pill could work such wonders?” Duane’s eyes lit up as he said. “Rhys, may I know what this pill is? Can I have a few more? I’ll pay for it. Just name your price!”“This is Gemiphen. It's a confidential prescription. And because the ingredients are too valuable, the pill that you just had was my only one,” Dustin replied, aloof.“That’s okay, just sell me the prescription then.” Duane was not one to give up easily. He was a tycoon in the medical industry. He knew how immensely precious such miraculous medicines are. If he could manufacture them in bulk, he would have struck gold!“I told you, the prescription is confidential. There’s no way I’m selling it.”Dustin stopped himself before he continued, “Of course, if you could find me another rare herb, I can give you the prescription
“Are you kidding me? Five million dollars for Deluxe VIP?” Astonishment was written all over James’ face.“Exactly! This is daylight robbery!” Florence flew into a rage to cover up her embarrassment. She was lucky she drew her card back in time, or she would have maxed out on her card.“These are rules set by our proprietor. If that’s too much for you, you can opt for the regular VIP.” “And… how much would the regular VIP cost?” Florence probed.“A deposit of one million dollars will make you a regular VIP,” the waiter informed them.“One million? That’s not much better!” Florence frowned. “We’re just here for a meal. It won’t cost so much. Can’t you just let us in? I’ll make sure you get handsomely tipped!” Had she known that Hillview Restaurant charged such exorbitant prices, she would never have chosen to go there in the first place!“I’m sorry, but we only serve VIPs.” The waiter put on a professional smile. “Hey! Why are you so inflexible? Get me your manager! I’ll talk to him p
“What? He’s the owner?!” James was stunned by the twist in events. He couldn’t believe his ears.“You must be joking! How could he be the owner of this restaurant?” Florence exclaimed in disbelief.“Why would it be impossible? I have never seen such arrogant and snobbish patrons as the two of you. How dare you try to make a scene here?” The restaurant manager replied in disgust. Earlier, he had seen Duane, the preceding owner, handing over ownership of Hillview Hotel to Dustin in the private booth.“This can’t be! Dustin is as poor as a church mouse. Where did he get the money to buy a restaurant?” Astonishment was written all over James’s face.“That’s none of your business. The only thing you need to know now is that the restaurant belongs to me. I have the authority to kick you out instead,” Dustin answered calmly.At this, the expressions on both their faces turned black with anger and humiliation. They had planned on upstaging Dustin by shoving their privilege as a Gold VIP
Seated by the window, Florence and James were still cursing Dustin.“Who would have guessed that an incompetent oaf like Dustin could be the owner! What has our world come to?” James complained loudly.“He is nothing but a leech! If it weren’t for Ms. Harmon’s recommendation, he would never have this opportunity!” Florence snarled.James had a look of pure jealousy on his face. “That’s right! Once she loses interest in him, Dustin will be discarded like rubbish. Let’s see how arrogant he can be!” “Nothing will come out of being a freeloader like Dustin. Conversely, Matt is the epitome of a real man. Not only is he young and talented, he is also an intellectual!” Florence praised Matt effusively.“What a pity. Matt, if you hadn’t gone overseas for your studies, you would have been my brother-in-law by now!” James tried to butter Matt up.“Absolutely! Just so you know, after you left for your studies, Dahlia has been pining after you for a long time!” Florence chimed in as well.
Dahlia looked over her shoulder and saw Dustin walking toward her. “What do you mean?”“Your drink has been drugged. You would be in danger if you had drunk it because it renders you defenseless,” Dustin warned.“Drugged?” Dahlia frowned and turned to Matt, whose expression stiffened for a split second. However, he composed himself immediately.“Dustin, you must be sorely mistaken,” Matt said coolly.“You would know best whether I am mistaken,” Dustin retorted coldly.“Dahlia, do you really think that I’m such a malicious person?” Matt asked with a disarming smile.Dahlia was taken aback by the sudden question. After some deliberation, she asked, “Dustin, do you have any evidence to support your claim?”“The restaurant’s manager saw what happened. He could be my witness," Dustin answered.“That’s right! It was clear as day. He spiked your wine with some powder!” the manager pointed an accusing finger at Matt.“Everyone knows that both of you are in cahoots with each other. It
Dustin was stunned by Dahlia’s hurtful words and furious outburst. Drops of wine rolled down his cheeks and to the ground. He was in a miserable state. Apparently, it was wishful thinking that their relationship had improved. In actual fact, there was nothing left between them. “What? So you thought that I was falsely accusing him?” Dustin’s brows were deeply furrowed as he stared at Dahlia. “Am I that despicable of a person in your eyes?”“Yes!” Dahlia blurted out. She felt a tinge of regret immediately. Yet, she could not take her words back now. She had too much pride for that.“Finally! You have spoken what you truly thought of me.” Dustin had a disappointed look on his face as he put on a wry smile.“I have overstepped my boundaries. Who knew that after so many years, you still have feelings for Matt.”“What nonsense are you spouting?” Dahlia frowned as well.“Am I wrong? You said that you would not contact him anymore. Having said that, here you are having wine with Matt.
The next morning, they met at Java Joys. When Dustin entered the cafe, he noticed a burly man standing beside Natasha. His bulky muscles rippled under his clothes, and his knuckles were covered with calluses. This man was obviously an experienced fighter.“Mr. Rhys, sorry to bother you. I owe you one.” Natasha walked up to Dustin.“It’s all right, I don’t mind helping out a friend in need. Besides, they had even specified my name in the note. I have no other choice.” Dustin smiled wryly.Edwin’s men had left a ransom note which had his name on it. He was to go with Natasha to save Ruth.“Mr. Rhys, let me introduce you to Stephan Chapman, one of the best fighters from the Harmon family.” Natasha pointed toward the man standing in silence.“Mr. Chapman, a pleasure to meet you.” Dustin nodded in acknowledgement.“You’re Dustin?” Stephan sized him up. “Was it you who took Liam and Noah Asher down?” “In a way, yes.” Dustin nodded again.“What do you mean, in a way? Don’t give suc
“Mr. Chapman, what are you doing? Why did you interrupt?” Natasha frowned in annoyance. She hadn’t even made her decision, but Stephan had accepted the challenge without consulting her. He was overstepping his boundaries!“Ms. Harmon, there’s nothing to be afraid of! I’m sure I can handle anything they throw at me,” Stephan said confidently. He was utterly unaware of his mistake.“What if we lost the death match? Have you thought about the consequences?” Natasha narrowed her eyes.“You must be joking! It’s impossible that they will defeat me. Just watch, I’ll put on an amazing performance later!” Stephan patted his chest assuredly.“Ms. Harmon, there are only two choices. You can either pay the ransom with half of your business, or you bet on the deathmatch with all your assets at stake,” Edwin repeated his conditions.“I will accept the death match. However, let my sister go first,” Natasha said coldly. Even though she knew that she was walking into Edwin’s trap, there was nothin