Chapter 122

"Are you saying you called the president of the Excelsior Group to help the Langley Group?" Dustin asked, a teasing tone in his voice as he fixed his gaze on Devon.

Devon's face froze. He reasoned that Dustin couldn't possibly know the Excelsior Group president personally, and relaxed. "Yes! I owe him a huge favor; he agreed to help the Langley Group!"

Dustin laughed. "Then I'll have to ask him myself if that's true"

Shock rippled through the room.

"You know the president of the Excelsior Group? You're lying!" Christian scoffed. "Who do you think you are? He's incredibly influential. You couldn't possibly know him! You're acting so amazing; your nose is growing with every lie!"

"Kid, your lie is too obvious," Derek growled. "You're trying to impress everyone, but you're utterly skill-less. David, your family must be blind! How could you consider giving Simone to him?!" Margot sneered.

Seeing everyone on his side, Devon felt confident. "You doubt me? Fine. Since you claim to know the president, call him. I'm the second son of the Aquila family; I wouldn't lie. Ask him now! If you can't prove it, you've wasted our time!" he shouted, pointing at Dustin.

All eyes turned to Dustin. He smiled, pulled out his phone, scrolled to "Duke Mortimer," initiated a video call, and held up the phone.

"You're actually calling him? That's dedication to a lie aren't you worried about embarrassing yourself?" Christian scoffed, a hint of grudging admiration in his voice.

"Mr. Mortimer is a busy man; he never accepts video calls. Even a voice message would go to his assistant," Devon cackled, unconcerned. He was certain Dustin didn't know Duke.

A beep. The call connected. Duke's face appeared on the screen.

"Mr. Fox, what do you need?" Duke looked nervous, initially assuming a request. Seeing Simone and the others, his demeanor shifted to more casual. (Dustin had previously asked him to keep his "King of Hades" identity secret.)

Shock registered on everyone's faces. Dustin knew Duke, and he'd even answered a video call! How could someone of Dustin's apparent status be in contact with Duke?

Chapter 122 (continued)

Devon's face stiffened. He couldn't believe it. Duke was so busy he wouldn't even take calls from family. Why was he making an exception for this "piece of trash" from the Wyatt family? And Duke's initial nervousness…

Dustin turned his phone toward Devon. "Mr. Mortimer, you know Devon Aquila."

"I've heard of him," Duke replied indifferently.

"Mr. Devon claims he asked you to come to Rivenesco to collaborate with the Langley Group," Dustin stated.

Devon's face flushed crimson.

"He asked me?" Duke scowled, his voice sharp. "Mr. Devon, you think you can order me around?"

Cold sweat beaded on Devon's forehead. The Aquila family was powerful, but Duke headed the Mortimers—on par with Devon's grandfather. Devon lacked the authority to command him, and his family had warned him repeatedly to avoid antagonizing the Mortimers, whose influence far exceeded outward appearances.