CHAPTER 2
823 Words
In the elevator, Dustin stared at the crystal necklace dejectedly. It was time to awaken from this prolonged daydream.
Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking him out of his trance.
A familiar voice raised, "Mr. Rhys, I'm Hunter Anderson from the Swinton Group. I heard that today is your wedding anniversary with Ms. Nicholson, so I've prepared a gift for you. I'm just wondering if you have any time today?"
"Thank you for your kindness, but I'm afraid we won't need the gift any more," Dustin said.
"Why?"
Hunter could sense something wrong.
"Is there anything else you'd like to talk about, Mr. Anderson?"
"Actually, yes." 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."
"Mr. Anderson, you know my rules."
"Of course! 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.
"Is it true?" Dustin asked seriously.
"Yes, it is!"
"Alright, then I'll be willing to take a look." Dustin immediately agreed.
He wasn't interested in money or jewels, but rather some rare plants, as he needed them to save lives.
"Thank you, Mr. Rhys! I'll send someone to pick you up immediately!" Hunter smiled in relief.
As the CEO of the Swinton Group and one of the Mighty Three of Swinton, Hunter acted exceptionally timid in front of Dustin.
"Great, one more done, five to go. I should have enough time," Dustin muttered to himself. His mood was lifted a little by this news.
With a ding, the elevator doors opened. As soon as he stepped out of the building, he saw two familiar figures walking to him. It was Dahlia's mother and brother, Florence Franklin and James Nicholson.
"Mom, ..." 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. Don't blame her."
However, hearing this, Florence snorted coldly.
"Of course it's your problem. I know my daughter well. If you hadn't done anything wrong, why would she divorce you?"
Dustin was stunned. What was this? Victim blaming?
"Mom, stop wasting time." Suddenly, James stepped forward. "Listen, Rhys. I don't care whether you divorce my sister or not, but you're giving me all the money you got from her."
"Money? What money?" Dustin was flabbergasted.
"Stop feigning ignorance! My sister gave you 8 million dollars as alimony!" James said coldly.
"That's my daughter's money! Give it back!" Florence stretched out her hand in demand.
"I didn't take any money from her," Dustin denied.
"Do you take us as idiots?" James did not believe him.
"Rhys, you'd better be tactful. Don't make me angry!" Florence warned.
"You can ask Dahlia if you don't believe me." Dustin did not want to explain himself any further.
James dove straight into Dustin's pockets.
Florence followed suit.
"Mom, do you have to do this?" Dustin frowned.
Florence snorted disdainfully.
"Who are you calling Mom? Who do you think you are?" As she spoke, she continued searching Dustin's pockets.
After some time, they didn't find what they wanted.
"Did he really not take it?" James said, displeased.
Suddenly, he spied Dustin's crystal necklace and pulled it off roughly.
"Isn't this my sister's necklace? Why is it here? You steal it?" James demanded.
"This is the Rhys family heirloom. Give it back!" Dustin said, expression darkened.
"A family heirloom? Does this mean that this is valuable?" James'eyes lit up.
"Then it can be your repayment for these three years that you've been living with us. Let's go!" Florence gave her son a look and prepared to leave.
"Stop!" Dustin grabbed James'wrist. "Give me back the necklace!"
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 pieces. Dustin blanched. This was the only thing he had to remember his mother by.
"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.
Dustin clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles popped. His eyes were red with anger.
Outburst, Dustin punched James in the face.
James was punched so hard that he spun back uncontrollably before falling to the ground. He was so dizzy that couldn't stand up.
"Let me teach you manners!" Dustin grabbed him by hair and lifted him. Then, he punched him several times.
James' face soon turned distorted from the punches.
"How dare you hit my son!" Florence screamed as she tried to help her son.
"Get away!" Dustin turned and glared at her. The glare was so intense that Florence froze in her tracks.
- Writer
