He never thought Natasha would say such a thing. Examining her more closely, he saw her beauty was unlike Dahlia's. She was sensually alluring, like Aphrodite, and her smile was breathtaking. In short, she was a natural femme fatale, captivating men with her enchanting charms.
"Why are you so shocked? I'm just teasing," Natasha laughed heartily, her breasts heaving as she looked at Dustin. He struggled to tear his gaze away from her voluptuous figure. The more he looked, the harder it was to avoid staring.
"Mr. Rhys, back to business. I need another favor," Natasha's expression turned serious.
"What is it?" Dustin asked.
"All my bodyguards are at the hospital, leaving me unprotected. After this incident, another attack could occur at any time. I hope you'll be my bodyguard, protecting me 24/7," Natasha said earnestly.
"Personal bodyguard?" Dustin raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Harmon, wouldn't it be safer for you to stay somewhere secure?"
"Impossible, Mr. Rhys. The Harmon family is hosting a charity dinner tonight, and as the main organizer, I must be present. What if someone causes a scene? A damsel like me would be defenseless. Besides, who would bring you the canscora if something happened to me?" Natasha blinked innocently.
"Well…" Dustin hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, I'll protect you."
It was a hassle, but he had to do it for the canscora. Nothing could go wrong until he obtained the herb.
"Thank you, Mr. Rhys," Natasha offered a sly smile. Truthfully, she was more interested in the bodyguard than the protection itself.
…
Evening at the Mirage, Swinton's most prominent club, arrived. The building, as large as a hotel, was inspired by Victorian architecture, featuring gabled roofs, large bay windows, and ornate sculptures. The interior mirrored this grandeur. Outside, vast gardens, vineyards, and a man-made lake surrounded the club.
A black Benz pulled up to the Mirage. A stunning woman in a black evening gown emerged, her flawless skin and long legs drawing immediate attention. Her elegant movements and striking features captivated everyone present; she outshone every other woman there.
"What a beautiful woman! Is she a famous actress?" "Her beauty is unbelievable!" "Isn't she the president of Quine Group? One of Swinton's Four Beauties!"
People at the entrance whispered, marveling at Dahlia's beauty, yet none dared approach, intimidated by her presence.
"I've never seen anything so grand! The designs and sculptures are breathtaking!" Lyra exclaimed as she exited the car.
"The Mirage is a Harmon family establishment; the design and quality are exceptional. Invitations are extremely difficult to obtain," Dahlia observed. Even by her high standards, the Mirage was in a class of its own.
"Dahlia, there you are!" A young man in a suit and glasses approached. It was Chris, the second son of the Nolan family.
"Mr. Nolan, are you also interested in the charity dinner?" Dahlia greeted him.
"Not just any charity dinner. This one's organized by the Harmon family—who wouldn't be interested?" Chris replied with a smile.
The Harmon family was one of the "Mighty Three," Swinton's top three most influential families. Their wealth and power were unparalleled. Many would eagerly sacrifice much for the chance to simply enter the Mirage, let alone attend a Harmon family dinner.
"Mr. Nolan, is that all you're interested in?" Lyra smirked knowingly.
"Of course I have ulterior motives. I'm here to help both of you," Chris chuckled.
"Help us?" Lyra was confused.
"I heard the Quine Group is shortlisted to partner with the Harmon family. It's not easy, especially for Quine Group. I'm here to put in a good word for you, significantly improving your chances of signing a contract!" Chris boasted confidently.
"That would be wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Nolan!" Lyra was delighted.
A partnership with the Harmon family would elevate Quine Group's reputation, and Lyra's status as president's secretary would rise considerably.
"You're welcome. Considering my relationship with Dahlia, it's no trouble at all," Chris winked.
"Of course, we're practically family," Lyra returned the gesture.
Dahlia hadn't heard their conversation. Her gaze was fixed on a luxurious car in the distance, a man silhouetted beside it.
"Could that be Dustin?"
Recognizing him, Dahlia remembered the fight and her guilt. Seeing him there, she decided to address the misunderstanding. She approached, intending to speak—
Then she stopped. Beside Dustin stood a striking woman in a fiery red dress, her tiny waist and alluring curves accentuated by the garment. Her porcelain skin and captivating features radiated an aura of regal nobility, like a queen gracing her subjects.