Chapter 47

“Mr. Harmon, I have another engagement. Please excuse me.”

After a few exchanges, Duane prepared to leave. He had come because of a renowned doctor, but he wouldn't stay long; it was a sham.

Natasha kindly reminded him, “Mr. Welch, I suggest you heed Mr. Rhys’s advice and remain in Swinton for a few days to avoid trouble.”

Duane responded thoughtfully, “Natasha, you needn’t worry about me. You should worry about yourself. Your engagement to Tyler Grant is imminent. I doubt a man like him would appreciate you being too close to other men.”

Natasha frowned. He had touched on a sensitive subject.

“It’s just an engagement. We’re not even married yet. At worst, I can break it off,” Natasha replied casually.

Duane was slightly bewildered. “Break off the engagement? That’s the Grant family you’re talking about. Have you considered the consequences?”

“What consequences? They can’t do anything to me,” Natasha said calmly.

“The Grant family might not, but I’m not sure about the one next to you. You know the Grant family’s methods. The closer you get to him, the more danger he’s in.”

Duane looked at Dustin; his implication was clear.

Natasha maintained an impassive face. “Hmph! I don’t believe Tyler would cause any trouble!”

Duane smiled and said, “I’m just reminding you. What you do is your decision.” He then left.

Andrew warned, “What Duane says is true. You’d better resolve this matter with the Grant family.”

Natasha nodded. “Grandfather, I know what to do.”

Although engaged since childhood, she had never loved him. How could she marry someone she didn't love? Besides, she despised arranged marriages!

A bodyguard entered and announced, “Ms. Harmon, Sir Hummer requests to see you.”

Natasha raised an eyebrow. “Edwin Hummer? I was just about to see him. I didn’t expect him to arrive first. Bring him to the lounge; I’ll be there in a second.”

“Yes, Ms. Nicholson,” the bodyguard replied, promptly leaving.

Natasha glanced at Dustin. “Mr. Rhys, I’m going to see what I can find out from Edwin. You can pretend to be my bodyguard and improvise.”

“Okay,” Dustin agreed, nodding.

Today’s ceremony was bait. Now that the prey was here, he couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

Three minutes later, Dustin and Natasha arrived at another lounge. Edwin and Fletcher were leisurely enjoying tea. Behind them stood a pair of twins.

Edwin immediately congratulated her, “Ms. Harmon, congratulations on your grand opening!” He seemed like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Natasha greeted him cheerfully, “Welcome, Sir Hummer. It’s a pleasure to have you here!” Although they were enemies, they had to maintain a cordial appearance.

Natasha looked toward Fletcher and the other two men. “I see a few new faces. Aren’t you going to introduce them?”

Edwin introduced them without hesitation. “Oh! This is an old friend of mine, Mr. Lawson. He helps me with my personal affairs. As for these two young men, they’re his apprentices.”

Natasha smiled. “So you’re Mr. Lawson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Edwin gave them a look, hinting for them to leave. “Mr. Lawson, I have something to discuss with Ms. Harmon. You can leave the room.”

“Yes, sir.”

(Note: I removed the seemingly extraneous "Today's Bonus Offer" and "CS CamScanner" markings. I also corrected a couple of apparent typos where words were partially obscured in your original text. If the obscured words were different, please let me know and I can adjust.)