Chapter 60

Dahlia struggled to pull away, her face as red as a tomato. Beads of sweat trailed down her body, and her sultry eyes seemed capable of burning holes into Dustin’s skull. He’d just applied ointment; why the embarrassed look?

“Haven’t you seen enough? Get out!” she screamed, pulling the blanket higher. Her slender waist and upturned hips were quite a sight.

“Just apply this ointment for three to five days, then your scars will disappear,” he said bluntly, setting down the ointment before sheepishly leaving the room.

About ten minutes later, Dahlia emerged fully clothed. Compared to the raging, ashamed woman moments before, she was her usual cold self, pretending nothing had happened.

“Lend me your phone. I have a call to make,” she ordered, rushing to him as he sipped chicken soup, her hand outstretched.

He handed over his phone without hesitation.

“What’s your lock screen password?” she asked.

“Your birthday,” he replied without looking up.

Her lips twitched upward briefly before resuming their usual composure.

“Hmph!” she pouted, feigning disdain.

Unlocking his phone, she first called her family to update them on her whereabouts, then dialed Lyra.

“So good to finally hear from you, Ms. Nicholson! Where have you been for the past two days? No updates at all?” Lyra asked anxiously.

“Something came up, so a few things had to be put on hold. How’s the company doing?” Dahlia asked.

“The new company is doing well, especially with the Harmon family’s backing. Everything’s in order. However, the Jackson Group ran into some trouble these past two days,” Lyra explained.

“What kind of trouble?” Dahlia asked, uneasy.

“We’re having trouble recouping funds; several partners haven’t repaid their share, so the company couldn’t break even. It’s a good thing you still have that $80 million reserve fund—just enough to save the company,” Lyra chuckled.

“Reserve funds?” Dahlia frowned. “I’m afraid that money is gone,” she admitted.

“Gone? What do you mean, gone?” Lyra spluttered.

“I trusted the wrong person. I was fooled by Chris,” Dahlia answered honestly.

She gave Lyra a quick rundown of events. Upon hearing the end of the story, Lyra exploded. “That bastard Chris! How dare he cheat us when we trusted him! Let’s get him arrested!”

“There’s no point. He’s probably fled the country,” Dahlia sighed.

“What should we do, Ms. Nicholson? The company has no liquidity; it’ll be hard to operate normally.”

“I’ll think of something…” Dahlia trailed off.

“Oh, right, don’t we still have the Harmons? As partners, they can definitely help if you call them,” Lyra suggested hurriedly.

“The Harmons?” Dahlia asked, her brows furrowed. She would have considered it before learning about Natasha, but asking for help was now impossible. Dahlia had her pride; she absolutely refused to bow down to Natasha Harmon.

“I’ll take care of this. You go handle other matters,” she directed. After a few more words with her secretary, she hung up.

“What’s this about the company being in trouble?” Dustin asked, looking up.

“Drive me to Eastern River Bank. I have something to do there,” she ordered without explanation.

“Your wish is my command,” he said, nodding before finishing his soup in one gulp.

He drove them to the bank. Dahlia was ushered into a private office; Dustin waited outside.

“Oh? Ms. Nicholson from the Jackson Group? What brings you to my office?”

A balding man with a large head and ears sat inside. His eyes lit up upon seeing her.

“Mr. Chansey, my company has capital turnover problems, so we need a loan at the same interest rate as before,” she explained concisely.

“A loan? How much?” he asked, stroking his chin. His lecherous eyes scanned her.

“$80 million,” she answered without flinching.

“Heh, you know this isn’t a small sum,” he said with a pained expression.

“This isn’t our first time working together, Mr. Chansey. You know my company’s standing,” she retorted.

“I’m afraid it’s no longer a matter of credibility, but my mood, Ms. Nicholson,” he said slowly.

“What do you mean?” she asked, puzzled.

“We’re both smart, so I’ll be blunt. I’ve liked you for some time. I’m proposing that if you sleep with me for one night, whether it’s $80 million or $300 million, I’ll lend it to you!” he leered.

“Do you have any idea what you just proposed, Mr. Chansey?” she shot back, her brows furrowed.

“I said what I said. Your company’s in crisis and needs money fast. I doubt you can survive without my funds,” he said amusedly.

“Are you threatening me?” she asked, her expression darkening.

“No need to phrase it like that. Think of it as a mutual exchange. You want my money, and I want you for one night. If you satisfy me, I’ll lend you the money. Mutually beneficial, wouldn’t you say?” he said, spreading his hands.

“You’re absolutely shameless!” she snapped. She stood to leave.

“You’d better stay put!” he bellowed. “The minute you step out, I’ll blacklist you! Good luck finding another bank in Stonia willing to lend you funds! You’d better listen to me!”

“I refuse to make such a dirty deal, even if I’m short on cash! Furthermore, the sight of your pig face makes me want to vomit!” she spat coldly.

“What the fuck did you just say to me?!”

He leaped from his seat, yelling. “For a married woman, you sure act like a virgin! You should be glad I laid eyes on you! How dare you turn me down! I can bankrupt you with one call!”

“You? Bankrupt me? I’d like to see you try,” she snorted, unafraid.

“Fine! Since you’re so sure of yourself, don’t blame me if I use a few tricks! When the time comes, I’ll have you sucking on my toes!” he bellowed.

“Go to hell!” she yelled, throwing a cup of hot coffee in his face. The scalding liquid made him shriek; his face turned bright red. He truly looked like a pig roasting on a spit.