"Did you mean what you said?" Dahlia asked tentatively.

"Of course," the general manager replied. "If you don't believe me, you can come to our office tomorrow to sign the contract. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll hang up now." He ended the call.

Dahlia was astonished and delighted. She never expected things to go so smoothly. Moments ago, the Jackson Group was about to be removed from the candidate list; now, they were the Harmon family's partners. The change was incredibly sudden.

She knew she owed it to Chris. The Nolan family's influence was surprisingly powerful; a single phone call had swayed the Harmon family.

"Ms. Nicholson, what happened? Did the Harmon family change their mind?" Lyra asked.

Dahlia nodded, a rare smile gracing her lips. "Yes. The Harmon Group's general manager just called and said I'm their chosen partner!"

Lyra cheered. "Oh my god! I knew you could do it!"

"It's all thanks to Mr. Nolan," Dahlia said gratefully. "This wouldn't have happened without his help."

"That's right! Mr. Nolan is incredible! He solved our problem with just a few words!" Lyra exclaimed.

Chris smiled, his humility unconvincing. "You're exaggerating. My father did the favor." Even he was surprised by his father's efficiency.

Lyra turned to Dustin mockingly. "Dustin, did you see that? That's the difference between you and Mr. Nolan. He secured us the partnership with a single word. What can you do?"

Chris chuckled, adding, "Don't say that. At least, he's good at ingratiating himself."

Lyra's arrogance grew as Dustin remained silent. "Hmph, what else can he do? He's a good-for-nothing. It's a pity that [Dahlia's name] isn't here to see how useless the man she chose is."

Dustin responded indifferently, "Are you done? Move if you are; you're blocking my view."

"Why? Can't handle a few words? If you had half of Mr. Nolan's ability, would you be afraid of criticism? You're hopeless," Lyra sneered.

Dustin's expression turned serious. He was unassuming, but he wouldn't tolerate insults. "Oh? Tell me, what is Chris capable of?"

Lyra answered condescendingly, "Mr. Nolan made us partners with a phone call. If that isn't capability, I don't know what is."

"How do you know it was him? What proof do you have?" Dustin countered.

Lyra snorted, "Who else? Definitely not you. Look at your terrible attitude!"

Chris asked haughtily, "Rhys, why would the Harmon family change their minds if not for me?"

Lyra echoed, "That's right. The truth is obvious. Why can't you admit it?"

Dustin remained expressionless. "Don't get too conceited. I'd confirm the truth before thanking the wrong person."

Lyra scolded, "You're just jealous because of your incompetence."

Dustin shrugged. "Whatever."

Chris sneered, pulling out his phone. "Rhys, you want proof? Fine. Hey, Dad."

David's annoyed voice came through the phone, "What is it this time?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to know how your talk with Old Mr. Harmon went."

"What talk? I'm in a meeting! I don't have time for your nonsense. Don't bother me with this again!" David hung up angrily.

Chris's boastful smile vanished. If his father hadn't intervened, who had? Could it be a coincidence?

Dustin, seated behind Chris, had heard the conversation. Chris's stunned expression said it all. He feigned a smile. "Mr. Nolan, what did your father say?"

Lyra urged, "Mr. Nolan, tell us. Let this bastard understand he can't compete with you!"

Chris's eye twitched. He feigned calm. "What's to tell? My father confirmed he requested the Harmon family's help. Otherwise, Dahlia wouldn't have qualified."

Dustin frowned; Chris was lying.

Lyra barked triumphantly, "Did you hear that, Dustin? I told you so! What do you say now?"

Dustin asked, "Would you believe me if I said Chris is lying?"

Dahlia, unable to bear it any longer, stood and yelled, "Dustin, that's enough! You're jealous and slandering him! Is it so hard to admit he's good?" She glared at him.

"Jealous? Slander?" Dustin was taken aback. "So, that's how you see me?"

Dahlia retorted, "Look at yourself. Am I wrong?" Dustin was speechless.