Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:46 | Report Abuse

In the elevator, Dustin stared at the crystal necklace dejectedly. Even though he had expected it, he was still sad that his marriage had ended just like that.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:47 | Report Abuse

He had once thought that happiness was simple, meals on the table, cheerful days, and simple pleasures.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:47 | Report Abuse

Now, he found out that normalcy was a sin. It was time to awaken from this prolonged daydream.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:48 | Report Abuse

Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking him out of his trance. When he picked up the phone, a familiar voice came from the other end.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:48 | Report Abuse

"Mr. Rhys, I'm Hunter Anderson from the Swinton Group. I heard that today is your wedding anniversary with Ms. Nicholson, so l've prepared a gift for you. I'm just wondering if you have any time today?"

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:48 | Report Abuse

"Thank you for your kindness, but I'm afraid we won't need the gift any more," Dustin said.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:49 | Report Abuse

"Why?"
Hunter was taken aback. He could sense something wrong.
"Is there anything else you'd like to talk about…

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:50 | Report Abuse

Hunter was taken aback. He could sense something wrong.
"Is there anything else you'd like to talk about, Mr. Anderson?"

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 12:50 | Report Abuse

"Actually, yes, there is." Hunter cleared his throat awkwardly. "I've got a friend who contracted a strange illness. He's seen a lot of doctors, but none of them could do anything about it. I was hoping that you could help."

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:01 | Report Abuse

"Mr. Anderson, you know my rules."
"Of course I do! I'm sincere in my request. My friend owns some canscora, which I remember you were looking for. I'm sure he'll be willing to part with it if you help him," Hunter said.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:02 | Report Abuse

"Is it true?" Dustin asked seriously.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:02 | Report Abuse

"Yes, it is!"

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:03 | Report Abuse

"Alright, if that's so, then I'll be willing to take a look." Dustin immediately agreed to the request.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:03 | Report Abuse

He wasn't interested in money or jewels, but rather some rare plants, as he needed them to save lives.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:04 | Report Abuse

"Thank you, Mr. Rhys! I'II send someone to pick you up immediately!" Hunter smiled in relief.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:05 | Report Abuse

As the president of the Swinton Group and one of the Mighty Three of Swinton, Hunter acted exceptionally timid in front of Dustin.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:06 | Report Abuse

"Great, one more down, five to go. I should have enough time," Dustin muttered to himself. His mood was lifted a little by this news.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:06 | Report Abuse

Economy now… is not good

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:32 | Report Abuse

With a ding, the elevator doors opened. As soon as he stepped out of the building, he saw two familiar figures walking toward him. It was Dahlia's mother, Florence Franklin, and her brother, James Nicholson.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:34 | Report Abuse

"Mom, James, why are you here?" Dustin greeted.
"Did you and Dahlia get divorced?" Florence did not waste any breath.
"Yes, we did." Dustin gave her a forced smile.
"It's not Dahlia's fault, it's mine. Don't blame her."

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:35 | Report Abuse

He intended to end his marriage on a pleasant note. However, hearing this, Florence snorted coldly.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:36 | Report Abuse

"Of course it's your problem. I know my daughter well. If you hadn't done anything wrong, why would she divorce you?"

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:37 | Report Abuse

Dustin was stunned. What was this? Victim blaming?
"Mom, you know how I've treated her over the past three years. I'm pretty sure I'm never done anything to betray Dahlia's trust in me," Dustin said.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:37 | Report Abuse

"Who knows what you've done behind us?"
Florence snorted again. "My daughter was right to divorce you! Look at yourself. She's clearly out of your league!"

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 13:38 | Report Abuse

"Mom, don't you think you're going too far?"
Dustin frowned.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:52 | Report Abuse

If he hadn't helped the Nicholson family three years ago, they wouldn't be where they were today.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:53 | Report Abuse

"Too far? So what if I am? Am I not speaking the truth?" Florence crossed her arms.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:53 | Report Abuse

"That's enough, Mom, stop wasting time with him." Suddenly, James stepped forward.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:54 | Report Abuse

"Listen here, Rhys. I don't care whether you divorce my sister or not, but you're giving me all the money you got from her."

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:54 | Report Abuse

"Money? What money?" Dustin was flabbergasted.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:54 | Report Abuse

"Stop feigning ignorance! I know that my sister gave you eight million dollars as alimony!" James said coldly.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:55 | Report Abuse

"That's right! That's my daughter's money. You have no right to take it! Give it back!" Florence stretched out her hand in demand.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:55 | Report Abuse

"I didn't take any money from her," Dustin denied.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:57 | Report Abuse

"Don't waste time! Who would pass on eight million dollars? Do you take us as idioxts?"James did not believe him.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:57 | Report Abuse

"Rhys, you'd better be tactful and give us the money. Don't make me angry!" Florence warned.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:57 | Report Abuse

"You can call Dahlia and ask her if you don't believe me." Dustin did not wish to explain himself any further.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 16:58 | Report Abuse

"What now? Are you threatening us? Listen here. No matter how much you beg, l'm not letting you leave with a single cent of ours!" Florence snarled.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:00 | Report Abuse

"Mom, he's too dense for this. Let's just search his pockets!" James said impatiently. He dove straight into Dustin's pockets. Florence followed suit.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:00 | Report Abuse

"Mom, do you have to do this?" Dustin frowned.
He hadn't expected to be accosted by the Nicholson family so soon after the divorce. They were really merciless.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:01 | Report Abuse

Florence spat on the ground in disgust. "Who are you calling Mom? Watch your mouth. Who do you think you are?" As she spoke, she continued searching through Dustin's pockets. After some time, they didn't find what they wanted from his pockets.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:02 | Report Abuse

"Did he really not take any of the money?" James said, displeased.
Suddenly, he spied the crystal necklace around Dustin's neck and pulled it off roughly.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:02 | Report Abuse

"Isn't this my sister's necklace? Why is it with you? Did you steal it?" James demanded.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:03 | Report Abuse

"This is the Rhys family heirloom. Give it back!" Dustin said, his expression darkened.
He wouldn't take any money, but he would not leave his mother's keepsake.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:04 | Report Abuse

"A family heirloom? Does this mean that this is valuable?" James'eyes lit up.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:07 | Report Abuse

"Stop there!" Dustin grabbed James'wrist. "Give me back the necklace!"

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:07 | Report Abuse

"Ouch! That hurts! Let me go!" James felt great pain in his wrist.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:08 | Report Abuse

"Give it back," Dustin repeated dangerously. "I'd rather throw it away than give it back to you!"

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:08 | Report Abuse

Seeing that he had no chance of freeing himself from Dustin, James threw the necklace onto the ground. With a crisp clink, the crystal necklace broke into several pieces. Dustin blanched. This was the only thing he had to remember his mother by.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:09 | Report Abuse

"How dare you lay your hands on me! I'd rather break it than give it back to you!" James said as he rubbed his sore wrist.

Posted by Zuliana > 2023-12-21 17:10 | Report Abuse

Dustin clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles popped. His eyes were red with anger.
"How dare you!" Unable to hold in his anger anymore, Dustin punched James in the face.
James was slapped so hard that the spun back uncontrollably before falling to the ground. He was so dizzy that he couldn't stand up.