Chapter 30

“Do you have a plan in mind, Mr. Rhys?” Natasha asked.

“I need to get a clear understanding of the situation first. I hope you don’t mind if I ask you some questions,” Dustin said, clearing his throat. “Where did you go today, and did you meet anyone there?”

“I met Edwin today. We talked about work, and he asked about a partnership, but I rejected his offer,” Natasha answered truthfully.

“I see. Did you drink anything he offered you?”

“Of course not. That man has been eyeing my family business for ages. I’d never let my guard down around him.”

“Then it’s really strange how you got drugged, sis,” Ruth interjected.

“Truly,” Natasha said, rolling her eyes.

“When you two met, did you smell or touch anything in particular?” Dustin asked.

“Now that you mention it…” Something suddenly dawned on Natasha. “When I stepped into the place, I did smell something. I didn’t pay much attention because I thought it was just perfume. But then, after a while, I started feeling dizzy. My body felt oddly warm, too. Good thing I left soon after that. Who knows what could have happened if I had stayed longer?”

“It seems like that fragrance is the problem,” Dustin concluded.

“What’s next, Mr. Rhys?”

“Ambergris residue was found on your skin earlier. It must have been the main ingredient in the fragrance used to drug you.”

“So what? We still need to track down the person who made the drug,” Ruth huffed, crossing her arms.

“Ambergris is a rare substance, so our target pool is quite limited. We can look at recent buyers and narrow down our search from there,” Dustin replied.

“Good plan. I’ll have someone get to it right away!” Natasha agreed. With her family’s influence, this could be settled quickly.

“I trust my work here is done, Ms. Harmon. I’ll take my leave now.” Dustin stood up.

“One more thing!” Natasha stopped him. “Why don’t you join us for dinner?”

“Thank you, but I… already have plans tonight.”

Natasha gave him a curious look. “It can’t be with your ex-wife, can it, Mr. Rhys? Don’t you find me attractive? Hm?” She arched her body.

Dustin froze. “U–uh…”

“Hahaha, alright, I’ll stop teasing you,” Natasha giggled. “I won’t make you cancel your plans. But before you go, here’s a token of my appreciation.”

She gestured, and a servant arrived with an elegant box.

“I hope you can make good use of these wines, Mr. Rhys. I’ve had them in store for quite some time,” Natasha beamed, handing him the box.

“You have my thanks, Ms. Harmon.” Dustin accepted the gift; it was certainly more than a trinket.

“See Mr. Rhys out, Ruth,” Natasha called.

Ruth, though reluctant, escorted Dustin to his Lamborghini. Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Henry Nicholson, Dahlia’s grandfather.

“Hey Dustin, are you up for lunch today?”

“Thank you, but I already have plans today, sir.”

“You still need to eat, don’t you? Dahlia should have cut you some slack. I’ll make sure to tell her about this!” the old man grumbled.

“It’s just personal business, sir, nothing to do with Ms. Nicholson.”

“Alright, enough defending her. I know how you are, and I’m sure this is because of her. Don’t you worry; I’ll make sure to confront her about this. We’re family, and family needs to spend time together.”

“Uh… sure, I guess,” Dustin reluctantly agreed.

In the three years since marrying into the family, only this old man had treated Dustin like his own. That was why Dustin respected and cared for him deeply. But they wouldn’t see each other again for a long time. So let this meal be their final goodbye…