Chapter 63

“No! That’s impossible!” Dahlia thought. She rejected the idea the moment it surfaced. Besides his good looks, Dustin was unremarkable. There was nothing special about him.

Mason, on the other hand, had not only inherited Sir Spanner’s position and authority over the Drey Group, but he also commanded hundreds of henchmen. Why would he be intimidated by a small fry like Dustin?

She must be delusional.

Mason’s kicks and punches rained down on Mr. Chansey relentlessly, causing him to spit blood. Seeing no alternative, and fearing Dustin’s wrath, Mason brutally beat Mr. Chansey.

“I’m sorry, Sir Zims, I was wrong! Please stop, I beg you, please stop!” Mr. Chansey cried out between gasps.

Mason stopped only after glancing at Dustin and seeing his calmer demeanor. He considered himself lucky to have a scapegoat; otherwise, he would have been in serious trouble.

“A fat lot of good apologizing to me does! If Ms. Nicholson doesn’t forgive you, you won’t see tomorrow!” Mason scolded harshly.

“I’m terribly sorry, Ms. Nicholson! I was wrong, it was all my fault. This will never happen again. Please forgive me!” Mr. Chansey begged for forgiveness, on his knees, his arrogance vanished.

“That’s enough. Don’t ever let me see you again!” Dahlia said icily.

“Yes, I’ll leave immediately!” He nodded incessantly and dashed for the exit, not even pausing to retrieve his shoe, which had fallen off.

“My apologies, Ms. Nicholson. The blame is mine. He offended you because I haven’t disciplined him properly. I will reflect on my mistakes.” Mason offered an apologetic smile. He was shrewd. Knowing Dustin always kept a low profile, he didn't blow his cover.

“How fair and just you are, Sir Zims. I’m impressed,” Dahlia smiled faintly.

“Oh no, I’m only doing what’s right,” Mason replied, his conscience uneasy.

“Hmph, at least you know your place!” Matt announced haughtily. “Had Dahlia been harmed in the slightest today, I wouldn’t have let you off the hook!”

“No, I wouldn’t dare,” Mason replied with the same apologetic smile. He had no idea who Matt was, but seeing him with Mr. Rhys, Mason knew he wasn’t someone to be trifled with.

“Take your men and leave. You’re an eyesore!” Matt said condescendingly.

Mason dared not retort. He briefly glanced at Dustin before departing. His lackeys quickly dispersed.

“Once again, Matt saves the day!” Florence’s eyes lit up. “Dahlia, did you see that? Wasn’t Sir Zims cocky earlier? But once he saw Matt, he was practically wetting his pants! That’s how powerful the Laneys are!”

Her words sparked realization in the crowd.

“No wonder Sir Zims was terrified. We have a big shot here!” “I wonder who that attractive man is. It’s amazing how he scared Sir Zims off like that!” “He’s handsome and powerful. How does one even resist a man like that?”

Several women in the crowd fawned over Matt’s charm.

“The Laneys are, after all, a powerful noble family. I think we have a say in what happens around here. Dealing with a mere thug is no big deal,” Matt said, feigning modesty.

“It’s no big deal to you, but it definitely wouldn’t be easy for some people.” Florence glanced at Dustin and said cynically, “Hey Rhys, Matt just saved your life. Aren’t you going to thank him?”

“Why should I thank him?” Dustin was bewildered.

“Why? Well, had Matt not dealt with Sir Zims, do you think you could have gotten out of this unscathed?” Florence asked, crossing her arms.

“First, I didn’t need his help. Second, he had nothing to do with my escape,” Dustin said.

“Hmph! How stubborn!” Florence continued disdainfully, “Matt just saved you, and not only are you unappreciative, but you’re also boasting shamelessly. Have you no conscience?”

“Precisely! What’s wrong with him? That is so rude!” “He’s not even thanking the person who saved him! Should have left him to fend for himself!”

Several girls were outraged by Dustin’s perceived ingratitude.

“Forget it, it’s a small matter. Let’s not make a fuss,” Matt said magnanimously, waving his hand.

“Oh, Matt, you’re too kind! Ungrateful bastards like this one deserve to suffer!” Florence was indignant.

“I simply saved him for Dahlia’s sake,” Matt smiled slightly, turning to Dustin. “Speaking of which, I should be thanking you. Thank you for taking care of Dahlia in my stead for the past three years.”

Matt’s words, though seemingly thankful, carried a different meaning. He was staking his claim on Dahlia.

“Well, if you’re thanking me, why don’t you kneel before me? That’s not too much to ask, is it?” Dustin challenged.

Matt was speechless. His eyes narrowed slightly. “I was just being nice. Does he really think I’m that easy?” he thought.

“Hey Rhys, I’m warning you, watch your mouth!” Florence fumed.

Dahlia remained silent, but her brows furrowed. She thought Dustin had gone too far. After all, Matt had rescued him. Even if ungrateful, he should have been polite.

“Dustin, you won her hand back then because I was abroad. But now that I’m back, you won’t have a chance,” Matt said, lowering his voice as he approached Dustin.

“Is that so? I beg to differ,” Dustin shrugged.

“You should know your place. You and I are in entirely different leagues,” Matt straightened his suit, looking down his nose at Dustin with scorn. “Can you even begin to comprehend how vastly different our social standings are? Everything you can't even dream of having is within my grasp. That’s the difference between us!”

He spoke so quietly only they could hear.

“I don’t know where you got your inflated ego, but if there’s one thing you should know, it’s that you don’t mess with me.” Dustin’s face remained emotionless.

Matt snickered. “Very well, we shall see.” He reached to pat Dustin’s shoulder, then hesitated, slowly retracting his hand as if the touch would soil him. The gesture was deeply humiliating.

“Alright, alright. Let’s not waste time with him. How about I treat you to a meal at Hillview Hotel to celebrate your return?” Florence suggested, smiling.

“I would be honored.” Matt’s innocent facade returned, a smile plastered on his face.

“Come on, let’s go then.” Florence led Dahlia away without another word. Dahlia turned to speak to Dustin but couldn’t find the words.