Chapter 196 – 200
Chapter 196 – 200 An Understated Dominance
Chapter 196
“H–how could you order them to smack me?” Morgan cradled his face in his palms as disbelief consumed him.
“Not only did I get them to hit you, I’m throwing you out too! As of this moment, you are no longer vice president of the company! Natasha said bluntly.
“Natasha Harmon! This is too much! I’ve slaved my ass off in the company all these years, and you’re laying me off all because of this scoundrel? How won’t sit well with the rest of the employees? You dismiss my effort and labor! Are you not afraid that this
“What? Is that a threat? Do you think that you are in a position to threaten me?”
Natasha laughed mockingly. “Let me be honest here. I’m not only going to fire you, but I’m also sending you to prison today! I have records of all your dirty deeds, which I’m sure are enough to keep you in there for a lifetime!”
“Natasha Harmon! How dare you! I have the support of your cousin, Quentin Harmon!” Morgan shouted loudly. though he was trembling within.
“Quentin Harmon? Hah! Why don’t you get him to come here now? See if I’ll cut him any slack?” Natasha threatened him domineeringly.
Quentin, who had just set foot through the door, heard that and immediately retraced his steps. Damn it! He dared not mess with her when she was already angry!
“Natasha Harmon, you can’t do this! I-
“Shut up!” Natasha lifted a hand and delivered a slap to his face so strong that his nose started to bleed. “I’ve given you your chance, but you didn’t take it. Guards! Tie them up and send them to the police station!”
Following her order, several security guards came and tied Morgan and Mr. Marcs up.
“Ms. Harmon, I was wrong! Please, give me another chance! I’ll never do this again!” Morgan finally lost his composure when he saw where things were going. He fell to his knees and started begging.
“Yes, Ms. Harmon, we were just momentarily taken over by greed. Considering how we’ve labored for the company all these years, could you please forgive us this once?” Mr. Marcs was so terrified that he was in tears.
Even Mr. Finn, the person on whom he relied to support him, was going under. How could he, a mere manager. put up a fight against Natasha?
“Mr. Rhys, I’m terribly sorry! I was rude and ignorant, please, have mercy on us and let us go!” Morgan saw how Natasha was ignoring them, so he quickly changed his target and turned to beg Dustin.
“What?” Julie and Matt watched the proceedings with their mouths agape. The vice president of Harmon Pharmaceuticals was on his knees, begging for forgiveness from a worthless piece of trash? How humiliating!
“It’s too late to repent now! Take them away!” Natasha signaled to her guards. They were both quickly dragged away. Their cries and shouts for forgiveness fell on deaf ears.
Natasha’s swift and decisive course of action caused the crowd to look at her in awe. She was impressive and domineering, truly deserving of her title of the Steel Lady.
“Dustin, I’ll leave the rest to you. I’m taking this opportunity to rid the company of anyone else bearing ill intentions. I don’t want an insignificant employee of the company to ruin our reputation.” Natasha gave Dustin a heads–up and proceeded to leave with her men in tow. It was a critical moment for the company, so she would not allow anyone to jeopardize them from the inside.
After Natasha left, all eyes were on Dustin. In the end, Mr. Rhys was the one with the power to decide who the company’s rights would go to.
“Rhys! Why didn’t you help plead for Mr. Marcs?” Julie confronted him, looking dissatisfied.
“He stole what he was supposed to guard and sold substandard products in secret. He deserved everything. that he got today. Why should I help him?” Dustin asked calmly.
“He’s a close friend of mine! You could easily have helped him! Why didn’t you? Do you even have an ounce of empathy for others in you?” Julie glared at him.
“He’s your friend, so what’s that got to do with me? In fact, what do you even have to do with me?” Dustin said.
“You’re my ex–cousin–in–law! Even if not for my sake, you should have helped him for Dahlia’s sake! Why are you so cruel?” Julie said brazenly.
“Haha! So you do know that I’m your ex–cousin–in–law? If my memory serves me right, not only did you not help me when I was accused of theft earlier on, you even stepped out to vouch for those who slandered me.
Why didn’t you think about how I was your ex–cousin–in–law then?” Custin snorted.
Julie’s face flushed instantly. She found no words fit to clear herself of her actions.
Chapter 197
“Alright, alright. Let’s put all those behind us and talk business, shall we?” Matt stepped in to smooth things over. “Dustin, let’s be professional here. I’m really interested in the company’s rights. Here’s a million–dollar check. I’d like to buy an allocation for the rights.”
“A million dollars? Do you take me for a beggar? Dustin found it ridiculous.
“Hey! Are you saying that a million dollars is too little? Aren’t you getting greedy?” Julie protested indignantly.” Just because the Harmons‘ gave you a prescription formula, you think that you can flaunt your authority? You only have authority because you are affiliated with the Harmons!”
“Dustin, let’s cut to the chase. Name your price: how much will it take for you to give me the company rights?” Matt tried his best to stay calm.
“No amount of money will be able to get you that. A person of your character is simply not qualified to obtain the company rights for Immortunol Dustin flat–out rejected him.
“What? You’re rejecting money?” Matt narrowed his eyes.
“Well, it depends on the source of the money. Yours come from unsolicited sources, and I don’t like that.” Dustin turned his nose up at Matt’s offer.
“Dustin! You’re going overboard!” Matt’s expression clouded over. “I’m giving way to you and letting go of past grudges, but you better not overstep your boundary and stand in the way of my money!”
“That’s right! It’s your honor that Matt is interested in having the company rights for Immortunol! Don’t be ungrateful and shameless!” Julie boasted arrogantly.
“Are you threatening me?” Dustin lifted a brow.
“That depends on how you see it. It could be a piece of advice as much as it could be a threat!” Matt said in a low voice.
“I don’t care if it’s advice or a threat. I stand by my words. No way in hell are you getting the company rights!” Dustin said it plain and clear.
“Rhys! Are you really hellbent on crossing me?” Matt gritted his teeth; his gaze was as cold and poisonous as a serpent’s.
“So what if I cross you? Do you think I’d be afraid of you?” Dustin scoffed.
“Alright then, just you wait!” Matt glowered at him before making his way out.
“Rhys! What good will it does to burn bridges? You’re just lucky that you got the prescription formula. Don’t get all cocky thinking you’re all that. You’re only making things difficult for yourself by going against Matt! You despicable person! All you do is rely on others! Just you wail, Rhys! You’re going to get it!” Julie was just about to leave after she ran her mouth berating Dustin, when several police officers came in.
“Are you Julie Amberson?” The leader asked.
“So what if I am?” Julie shot them a dirty look.
“We just received a report that you are in league with Morgan Finn and Harvey Marcs for selling drugs in private. We have concrete evidence. You’ll need to come with us.”
“Hey! What nonsense is that? When have I sold drugs in private?” Julie was terrified.
“Still denying, are we? Harvey Marcs has just pointed you out as the mastermind!”
“N–no way! That’s not possible! How could Harvey point me out? You must be mistaken!” Julie shook her head vigorously.
“Come with us, and we’ll find out if we’re mistaken. Bring her away!” The leading officer could not be bothered to waste more time with her. He gave the order to have Julie cuffed and brought away.
“I’m innocent! This is an injustice! Matt! Save me, Matt!” Julie was utterly flustered. She cried out desperately for help, but there was no one there to help her. Matt had hidden away the moment he sensed trouble. He wasn’t about to get himself involved. He did not expect Mr. Marcs to push the blame on Julie.
Chapter 198
An hour later, James burst into the Nicholson manor hurriedly. “Mom! I’ve got bad news! Julie’s in big trouble!”
“Trouble? What trouble?” Florence was enjoying her tea and responded slowly.
“Matt just called to tell me that Julie’s been sent to jail!” That was a shocking piece of news.
“What?” Florence sat bolt upright when she heard that. “How did that happen? Why would Julie suddenly be locked up?”
“Matt said that Julie went to the Harmons to buy something called Immortunol, and she got into some sort of conflict with Dustin. Somehow, Julie ended up detained for stealing drugs, James explained.
“Stealing drugs? No! That’s impossible! Julie might be spoiled, but she would never commit thell!” As Florence spoke, she suddenly seemed to catch an important piece of information, “Hang on, did you just say that Julie had a conflict with Dustin, which was why she got caught? Could it be possible that the worthless piece of trash pulled a dirty trick on her?”
“That’s right! That’s what Matt said too!” James nodded. “That rascal has been resentful towards us all along.
This time, he must have framed Julie up to seek revenge for his personal grievances!”
“That monster! Has he no conscience?” Florence was so furious that she slammed her hand on the table. She spat her words through clenched jaws. “The Nicholson family has been nothing but kind to him, but not only is he not grateful, he repays our kindness with enmity. He’s nothing but a treacherous beast who betrays people who showed him kindness!”
“What do we do now, Mom?” James asked.
“We have to use our connections to bail Julie out!” Florence was flustered. Julie was her only niece, and she doted on her so.
“Mom, it seems like the only person who can help us now is Matt,” James said solemnly.
Matt rushed in hurriedly right then. From the looks of it, he had already been running around trying to help Julie.
Florence immediately went up to him and started pleading when she saw him. “Matt, you’ve come at the right time! Julie’s been apprehended and you’re the only one who can save her now!”
Matt sighed heavily. “Mrs. Nicholson, I’ve been asking around; Julie has been pointed out as the mastermind behind the theft. The Harmons won’t let her off easily. From the way things look right now, Julie might be sentenced to prison for around eight to ten years.”
“What?” Florence was so startled that she nearly lost her footing. “Julie is just a dainty little girl who’s never been through any hardships! How could she possibly survive eight to ten years behind bars? Please, Matt!
Think of something! You must save her!”
“Mrs. Nicholson, based on the severity of the issue, I need to get my father to help out with this,” Matt said with a shake of his head.
“Anything will do! We’ll forever be indebted to you if your father can get Julie out of there!” Florence looked at him expectantly.
“I’ll give him a call to see what he says about this.” Matt pulled out his phone and gave his father a call.
After a brief conversation, he ended the call and said with a troubled expression. “Mrs. Nicholson, my father has agreed to save Julie on one condition.”
“And what condition is that?” Florence asked.
“According to my father, Dustin has the prescription formula for Immortunol. If you can get the prescription formula from him, then not only will my father be able to save Julie, but he will also give you thirty thousand dollars as a reward!” Matt’s offer was shocking.
“Thirty thousand dollars? Do you mean it?” Florence’s eyes lit up.
“Of course! My father never backs out on a promise.” Matt nodded.
“That’s no problem at all! It’s just a prescription formula, isn’t it? I’ll go get it right away! That worthless man would never dare to reject me if I asked for it!” Florence was roused. Not only would she be able to get Julie out of prison, but she would also get a large sum of money out of it. What an enticing deal!
“Alright, then I’ll be waiting for your good news. Mrs. Nicholson.” Matt smiled.
“James! Get a few men and come with me!” Florence ordered and stormed out the door.
Chapter 199
At noon, after settling the issue with the dealer, Dustin returned to Peaceful Medical Center.
However, as soon as he walked in, he realized that there was an additional person there–an 18–year–old girl with a sweet face.
Her hair was tied in a ponytail, and she was dressed casually. She was cleaning the medical center, and sweat poured down her face from how hard she was working.
Meanwhile, Gregory was passed out on a recliner, snoring in his sleep. He was covered in a blanket, which was rare.
“Mr. Rhys, you’re back?” When the girl saw Dustin, she immediately stood up straight and greeted him, looking nervous.
“Who are you?” Dustin found the situation rather strange.
“I’m Caitlyn Lawler. Ms. Harmon sent me here to take care of Mr. Jones,” the girl replied, nodding her head in greeting.
“A–are you of age?” Dustin was a little taken aback. He thought Natasha was going to send a middle–aged housekeeper, not a young teenager.
“I am! I’m already 18 years old!” Caitlyn nodded her head fervently.
“Miss, I still think you’re too young. At your age, you should be in school.” Dustin shook his head.
It was just a casual statement, but after Caitlyn heard it, she actually fell straight to her knees.
“Mr. Rhys, I’m begging you to not fire me! I’m very capable. I can do laundry, cook, and clean. No matter how tiring or tedious the task may be. I’m willing to do it. Don’t be fooled by my thin figure: I’m actually very strong. Not to mention, I eat very little, so I definitely won’t be a burden to you!”
“Huh?” Dustin was stunned by the sudden outburst. She was fine earlier, so why was she on her knees right now?
“Mr. Rhys, I’m begging you! If I do anything poorly, you can scold me and hit me as you wish. I can take anything. So please, don’t fire me!”
As she spoke, she smacked her head on the floor over and over again. After a few harsh knocks, her forehead. began to bleed as her skin scraped the hard floor.
“Foolish girl, what are you doing?” Dustin was shocked at the scene before him.
He immediately helped her up and comforted her. “I wasn’t trying to fire you, I was just worried that the work would be too hard on you.”
“It’s not hard at all… Caitlyn shook her head profusely.
With teary eyes, she said, “It would be the blessing of a lifetime to be able to serve you and Mr. Jones. I’m not afraid of hard work. If you don’t mind, Mr. Rhys, then I am willing to become your laborer!”
“Caitlyn, is there something that you’re too embarrassed to share?” Dustin tried asking.
“Nothing of that sort. It’s completely voluntary on my part.” Caitlyn explained hastily.
“I was orphaned when I was young. It was Ms. Harmon who saved me and helped me survive this long. I dare not ask for too much; all I want is to be able to repay Ms. Harmon. I’m very stupid; I don’t know anything but hard labor. I hope you won’t detest me for it, Mr. Rhys.”
Seeing the person in front of him look so terrified and pitiful, Dustin let out a sigh. He couldn’t help but feel pity for her. She was at the peak of her youth and knew how to tug on people’s heartstrings.
“Caitlyn, since you want to stay, then stay,” Dustin responded in a gentle voice.
“Thank you, Mr. Rhys! Thank you!” Caitlyn got on her knees and began bowing again, knocking her head on the floor once more.
Dustin instantly pulled her to her feet. Feigning sternness, he warned, “Caitlyn, you may stay, but we must set some rules. From today onward, you’re not allowed to kneel before anyone!”
“Okay, I’ll remember that!” Caitlyn promised cheerfully.
“From today onward, you belong to the Peaceful Medical Center. If anyone dares bully you, you just have to tell me.” Dustin said, smiling softly.
“Okay!”
“Alright. Go get some rest; you don’t need to work now.”
“Okay” Caitlyn nodded again. Despite agreeing, she still didn’t dare remain idle and continued to wipe the tables and clean up the medical center instead.
Dustin felt helpless, but he didn’t stop her.
Chapter 200
Dustin knew that Caitlyn deeply lacked a sense of security.
If he asked her not to do anything, she would feel even more lost.
At that moment, his phone rang.
When he picked up the phone, he heard an unfamiliar voice. “Hello, is this Mr. Rhys? I’m the new chief inspector from the investigation bureau, Aspen Cruiser.”
“Oh, it’s you, Chief Cruiser. Is something the matter?” Dustin was surprised.
“Here’s the deal. We just arrested a suspect named Julie Amberson. According to our investigation, she was your sister–in–law, and she’s involved in the theft of Immortunol. I wanted to ask if you wanted to take her case.” Aspen asked tentatively.
“It’s fine. This has nothing to do with her,” Dustin replied.
Although he didn’t like Julie, he wouldn’t stoop so low as to use his power for his personal revenge and send her to jail.
“Alright, I know what to do now. Enjoy your day, Mr. Rhys.”
Dustin said nothing as he hung up. Then, he took out an ancient text and began to leaf through it.
It was an old habit of his. Whenever he had some free time, he’d pick up a book to read.
Suddenly, there was a furious shout from outside. “Dustin, get the fuck out here now!”
Soon after, Florence stormed inside, accompanied by James and a few other thugs.
“Did you need something from me?” Dustin raised his head to level her with a look.
“You inhumane animal! What did Julie ever do to you? How dare you try to get her in trouble?” Florence screamed as soon as she stepped through the door. “You’re truly devoid of a conscience, you pathetic, shameless, ungrateful, degenerate animal!”
“Mom, since when did you know so many adjectives?” James was taken aback.
She didn’t even graduate from middle school, but she sure knew how to give a good scolding.
“Is that the point? Florence turned her head and glared hard at James. Then, she wiped her head and looked back at Dustin. “Rhys, I bet you have nothing smart to say anymore! I knew you were guilty from the start!”
“I don’t know where you heard this unfounded rumor from, but Julie’s arrest has nothing to do with me. She was the one who made friends with the wrong crowd,” Dustin said, unfazed by her accusations.
“Bullshit! Do you think that it’ll blow over if you keep denying it? I’m warning you, if something happens to Julie in there, you’ll never hear the end of it from me!” Florence warned through gritted teeth.
“Did you come here just to tell me this?” Dustin was expressionless.
“Of course not! The reason we graced you with our presence is to ask you for the formula for Immortunol!”
James declared.
“That’s right! For getting Julie into trouble, you must compensate us. I order you to hand us the formula!” Florence demanded arrogantly.
“The formula for Immortunol?”
Dustin lifted a brow. “Sorry, I can’t give it to you. It now belongs to the Harmon family.”
“I don’t care! You have to give us a copy today!” Florence commanded unreasonably.
“Exactly! If the Harmon family can have it, then so can we. If you hand us the formula, we won’t hold the past against you!” James yelled.
“I told you, I can’t give you the formula. If you’re here for this, then please leave.” Dustin tried to chase them out of the medical center.
“Bullshit! You have to give it to us today, no matter what! Or else, don’t blame us if we do it the hard way!” James threatened. an evil glint in his eyes.
Seeing the situation turn sour, Caitlyn immediately stood in front of Dustin, shielding him. “Y–you’re being so unreasonable! Mr. Rhys has already said he won’t give it to you. If you keep insisting, I’ll call the authorities!”
Although she was shaking from fright, she didn’t retreat.
“Where did this bitch come from? Get the fuck out of the way!”
Angered, James gave Caitlyn a harsh slap, and the latter fell to the floor.
Her pink cheek began to swell.
“Hmm?” Dustin’s expression darkened.
An indescribable anger began to boil inside of him.