Chapter 72

Dustin was stunned by Dahlia's hurtful words and furious outburst. Wine spilled down his cheeks and onto the ground. He was miserable. His hope for improved relations had been wishful thinking; there was nothing left between them.

"What? So you thought I was falsely accusing him?" Dustin's brows furrowed as he stared at Dahlia. "Am I that despicable in your eyes?"

"Yes!" Dahlia blurted, immediately regretting it. She couldn't take it back; her pride wouldn't allow it.

"Finally! You've spoken your true thoughts." Dustin wore a disappointed, wry smile. "I overstepped. Who knew you still had feelings for Matt after all these years?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Dahlia frowned.

"Am I wrong? You said you wouldn't contact him again. Yet, here you are, having wine with him. Aren't you being hypocritical?"

Dahlia was about to explain when Dustin interrupted. "Maybe you weren't worried about Matt drugging your drink. Perhaps you hoped he would, giving you both an excuse to get together again. Am I right?"

Dahlia was stunned. Her face was a mix of disbelief, disappointment, and regret. She never imagined Dustin would say such things. Did he truly think so lowly of her? After three years of marriage, there wasn't a shred of trust left.

"Dustin! I'm utterly disappointed in you!" Dahlia gritted her teeth, struggling to control her emotions as she walked away.

Dustin remained rooted to the spot, anger and hurt washing over him. Matt approached, his charming smile replaced by a smirk.

"Dustin, everything you said was correct. I spiked Dahlia's drink and drank her wine to destroy the evidence. I took the antidote beforehand," Matt whispered coldly. "But it doesn't matter. Who would believe you now? Dahlia's smitten with me, and she'll support me. Nothing you say will change that. Burning with anger and frustration? Your hands are tied. In fact, thank you for strengthening our relationship with this incident. She'll fall for me soon and willingly sleep with me. Don't worry, once I'm tired of her, I'll return her to you." Matt threw back his head and cackled maliciously. His true colors—cruel and sinister, like a venomous snake—were revealed, a stark contrast to his earlier gentlemanly demeanor.

Burning with anger, Dustin cracked his knuckles, resisting the urge to punch Matt as he left. Dahlia was obviously still in love with Matt. Even if his intentions had been good, Dahlia didn't need his help; his actions were only a hindrance. Logically, Dustin could understand this, but he couldn't help being aggravated by their relationship.

"Mr. Rhys, what happened?" Natasha and Duane emerged from their booth.

"Forget it. I was poking my nose where it didn't belong," Dustin said mockingly.

"Matt's notorious for sowing discord," Duane said. "Don't let him affect you."

"The problem isn't Matt, it's Dahlia," Dustin shook his head. Changing her mind would be useless if she remained obstinate.

"Dustin, don't get hung up on a woman! It's no big deal; women are easy to find," Duane said confidently. "As long as you're rich, they'll flock to you. Shall we get down to business?"

"What business?" Dustin tilted his head.

"The Gemiphen!" Duane smirked. "I've tried the miracle pill; a single pill is worth a fortune! You need herbs; let's work together. I'll handle the business; you give me the prescription. We split the profits. What do you say?"

"I'm not changing my mind. I'll help, but you must give me rare herbs in exchange for the prescription. Otherwise, it's a no," Dustin shook his head.

"Dustin, it'll take time to get the herbs. Can't you be more flexible?" Duane pleaded.

"Let's talk after you have them," Dustin remained firm.

Duane frowned at Dustin's resolve. This young man was stubborn. He'd wanted a smooth partnership, but it wasn't going as planned. He'd need to use some of his other tricks.

"Ms. Harmon! Bad news!" A suited bodyguard rushed into the restaurant.

"Yes? What is it?" Natasha asked, surprised.

"Ms. Ruth has been kidnapped!" the bodyguard reported.

"What?" Natasha's expression darkened. "I instructed you to protect her! How could this happen?"

"We were secretly watching her. She escaped and went to a private party. By the time we arrived, she was gone!"

"Do you know who's behind this?" Natasha frowned.

"Sir Hummer. The kidnappers left a ransom note, instructing Mr. Rhys and you to meet at Hummer Villa."

"Edwin?" Natasha gritted her teeth. He'd gone too far!

"Contact the Harmon family. I need strong backup! Since Edwin wants a fight, I'll give it to him!"