Chapter 41 – 45
Chapter 41 – 45 An Understated Dominance
Chapter 41
As time passed, more guests arrived to give their congratulations. The entire venue was filled with people. A famous entertainer was also putting on a performance on the main stage. Below, the guests were talking and laughing over some wine.
“Dahlia, this is a nice place. You would be the owner in the future, right?” Florence glanced around, thrilled.
“Mom, I’m just partners with the Harmon family. I’m merely a secondary stakeholder even if we established a company together,” Dahlia explained.
“That’s good enough. Once we get on the same boat with the Harmon family, we won’t have to worry in the future!” Florence was delighted.
“Sis! Your career is booming right now. You must have made a lot of money, right? When are you getting me a nice car?” James smiled flatteringly beside her.
“I give you quite a lot of pocket money every month. Is it not enough?” Dahlia asked unhappily. She did not like giving handouts, even to her own brother.
“It used to be enough. But I’ve invested all my savings into Nolan Pharmaceuticals, so now I’m broke,” James said exasperatedly.
“Then you just sit and wait for the dividends,” Dahlia said dismissively. As she turned around, she caught sight of Dustin and Natasha out of the corner of her eye.
“You invited Dustin here? What a downer!” James followed her line of view and frowned.
“I didn’t,” Dahlia denied flatly.
“He came without any invitation? That’s so shameless!” James grimaced. Then his gaze landed on Natasha, and he immediately perked up. “Hey, who’s that beauty next to him? She’s stunning!”
“What beauty? She’s a vixen!” Florence continued rather calmly, “She was the one causing trouble at the Jackson Group, and I nearly slapped her!”
“It was her?” James‘ tone turned cold, and he spat, “Shit! Dustin is so heartless. How dare he bring this bitch to such an important occasion today? He’s such an eyesore!”
“Look, Dahlia, he’s finally revealed his true colors. It’s a shame. You were so nice to him, yet he’s so ungrateful, and even tried to ruin this occasion. I have to teach him a lesson today!” As she spoke, Florence got ready to confront him.
“Mom! Today is the opening ceremony, don’t cause any trouble!” Dahlia quickly grabbed her mother. She knew once her mother started making a scene, it would not end well.
“Hmph! I’ll let him get away with it this time!” Although Florence was very upset, she tried to calm herself down. No matter what, she couldn’t embarrass her own daughter.
“Dahlia, you’re here?” Chris brought Jeff and walked over with a smile.
“Here, I want to introduce you to someone.”
“This is Mr. Anderson’s son, Jeff!” Chris stretched out his hand as if he was presenting something valuable.
“So, you’re Jeff Anderson? It’s a great pleasure to meet you!” James immediately tried. to curry favor with him. This was Swinton’s most distinguished elite, and he had at much more respected status than him.
“I didn’t expect you to come, Mr. Anderson! The Nicholson family is honored!” Florence was smiling broadly.
Needless to say, Mr. Anderson’s son had to be some big shot.
“Nice to meet you, Jeff.” Dahlia smiled and greeted him warmly.
“You must be Ms. Nicholson. It seems the rumors are true, you’re really stunning!” Although he had never met Dahlia, he had heard of her. She was one of the Four Beauties in Swinton and a rising star.
Chapter 42
His dad had also warned him never to get involved with a woman like Dahlia Nicholson.
“You’re too kind.” Dahlia smiled politely.
“Dahlia, I have good news for you.” Chris suddenly changed the topic and said, “I heard from Jeff that even the Steel Lady will be present for today’s grand opening.”
“Oh?
Is that so? That would be perfect!” Dahlia raised an eyebrow in pleasant surprise. Previously, only the Harmons‘ general manager was present to sign contracts or discuss business matters. She had never met the daughter of the Harmon family. However, she had heard of Natasha before.
Ever since Andrew retired, she took over the entire Harmon family’s business unaided. She relied entirely on herself to build and flourish the Harmon family business to greater success. In a way, they were both very similar to each other. Dahlia even regarded Natasha as her idol.
Yet, it was a shame that she had never even met Natasha up to this day.
Now that she knew Natasha would be present today, Dahlia looked forward to it greatly. She was really interested in how this business prodigy carried herself.
“Sis! I heard that Natasha Harmon is one of Swinton’s Four Beauties. She must be very beautiful. Can you set me up with her after you get to know her?” James asked with anticipation.
“Yeah! James is no longer young. It’s time to discuss his marriage. If he can get to know Ms. Harmon, it’s fine even if he took their last name instead!” Florence immediately lit up.
“Mom! What nonsense are you saying? Why would Ms. Harmon ever set her eyes on James?” Dahlia said harshly.
“Hmmm, I disagree. What’s wrong with James? He’s young, muscular, and handsome. It’s more than enough for Ms. Harmon!” Florence boasted.
“That’s right! Look at my muscles! Women go crazy over them!” James flexed his biceps confidently.
Dahlia was speechless as she watched them. She was starting to regret inviting them here.
“Ms. Harmon is already taken. We can stop daydreaming about it,” Chris interjected.
“Does that mean I don’t have a chance?” James continued dejectedly, “Who’s the lucky. bastard to get Ms. Harmon’s attention?”
“I don’t know. We’ll find out soon.” Chris smiled.
“Huh! I really want to see if he’s as handsome as me!” James was quite irked.
The performance on the stage had ended. The host took the stage, and the crowd quietened down.
“Welcome, everyone! The grand opening has officially begun! Now, please give a warm welcome to Ms. Harmon!”
As the host gave the introduction, the guests gave a round of applause..
“She’s here! Ms. Harmon is here!” Chris and the others immediately perked up and turned toward the stage, their eyes filled with excitement.
“Is she finally revealing herself?” Dahlia mumbled eagerly.
A young and stunning lady slowly took the stage under the watchful eyes of everyone else.
Three beams of spotlights instantly focused on her. However, everyone was dumbfounded when they saw her.
“It’s her?”
Chapter 43
“How can it be her?” Dahlia was shocked when she saw Natasha on the stage.
Her face was filled with astonishment. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect that the Ms. Harmon she longed to meet was her rival!
“Mom, isn’t this that bitch? Why is she on the stage?” James widened his eyes, unable to react otherwise.
“This can’t be? She is Ms. Harmon?” Florence was so shocked her tongue was tied and her lips quivered.
She couldn’t believe the woman she thought was a vixen was the Harmon family’s daughter!
“Why? Why is it her?” Chris looked as if he had been struck by lightning, his face was as pale as a sheet of *paper, and his eyes filled with disbelief. He never imagined the woman by Dustin’s side was Swinton’s business prodigy! Her mere existence is unparalleled to others.
Cold sweat dripped down his forehead as he thought of his actions before. What should he do? He seemed to have offended Natasha.
“Chris, have you met Ms. Harmon before?” Jeff was quick to notice something was odd.
“I’ve… met her, and we had an altercation.” Chris swallowed hard as he was obviously nervous.
“You dared to offend Ms. Harmon? You really have guts!” Jeff gave him a thumbs–up mockingly.
Natasha did not get to where she was today by being kind and forgiving.
“Jeff! I was careless before and offended Ms. Harmon. Can you put in a good word for me?” Chris suddenly became nervous and grabbed Jeff’s hand.
“Chris, I really can’t help you out with this. You should pray!” Jeff shook Chris off and left. He wasn’t crazy enough to get on Ms. Harmon’s bad side because of someone so insignificant.
“I’m done for.” Chris’s face turned to ash as he watched Jeff leave. It would be fine if Natasha were forgiving and let it slide. But if she were to seek revenge, she could destroy him with just a word!
At the same time, others in the crowd were shocked as well. “Mr. Lawson, didn’t you say Natasha would come begging after being poisoned? Why does she look fine?”
Edwin’s face darkened as he watched the slim figure on the stage.
“That’s weird. She should not be able to fight it. Could it be that someone had given her the antidote?” Fletcher narrowed his eyes in surprise.
“Huh! Is this the allegedly cureless poison?” Edwin was very dissatisfied. He knew something was wrong from the moment he received the invitation. Now that he had seen Natasha in excellent health, he knew his plant had failed.
“Sir Hummer, accidents happen. No mere doctor is able to cure my poison unless she had someone special by her side.” Fletcher said, deep in thought.
“Someone special? Who?” Edwin furrowed his eyebrows.
“Sir Hummer, did you notice the young man standing next to her before?” Fletcher pointed toward Dustin.
“Do you mean there’s something particular about that guy?” Edwin followed his gaze.
“That’s right. This man has a steady hand and good control of his breath. He looks like he practices medicine,” Fletcher said, nodding his head.
“Is he difficult to deal with?” Edwin took a closer look. He didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. He’s nothing but a gold digger.
“He’s a small fry not even worth mentioning.” Fletcher was very confident.
Chapter 44
“Okay. Deal with him quickly. I don’t want any further accidents!” Edwin’s expression softened.
“Don’t worry, Sir Hummer. My two boys will take care of it without a hitch!” Fletcher smiled faintly. He took out his phone and sent a text message.
In contrast to the commotion offstage, Natasha remained very calm. “Welcome to our company’s grand opening ceremony.”
Natasha held the microphone, her eyes sweeping across the room. Her domineering aura, along with her cold and sharp eyes, were all fitting for her position as a beautiful business prodigy.
“Everyone knows the Harmon family has made a new partner. From today onward, a portion of the Harmon family business will be handed over to said partner.” She looked around and continued,
“I believe everyone is curious as to who this partner is. Don’t worry, I’ll reveal the answer soon! Now, let us give a round of applause and invite Ms. Nicholson onto the stage!”
As she finished, Natasha started to clap. Soon after, thunderous applause followed.
“Dahlia! You’re up!” Florence quickly nudged the woman next to her.
Dahlia immediately came back to her senses. Although she was shocked about who Natasha was, she did not have a choice but to proceed now. She took in a deep breath and pretended as if nothing had happened as she walked up the stage.
“Wow! It’s another stunning lady? We’re really blessed today!”
“Both are equally beautiful but with a different flair. I’d be willing to give up ten years of my life just to have both of them in my arms!”
“Shit! What man is worthy of such women?”
As Dahlia approached the stage, there was instantly a stirring in the crowd. Natasha was striking enough, but Dahlia’s presence made the crowd even more excited. It was such a rare occurrence to be graced with the presence of two beautiful ladies.
“We meet again, Ms. Nicholson.” Natasha reached out her hand with a smile.
“I didn’t expect you to be the president of the Harmon Group.” Dahlia shook her hand politely, a bewildered look in her eyes. She should’ve known earlier.
Such a beautiful and elegant woman with the surname Harmon who had happened to appear two days before the charity ball. If she connected the dots, this woman must be none other than Natasha Harmon.
However, she did not come to this conclusion because she had been clouded with emotions.
Or rather, she never believed Dustin would be involved with such a reputable family.
“It’s not too late to get to know each other.” Natasha beamed. “Oh, right. We still have a bet, don’t we?”
“That’s right.” Dahlia nodded calmly.
“Do you still think you can win?” Natasha raised her chin defiantly.
“I believe I can, if you don’t intrude.” Dahlia’s gaze was filled with determination, and she did not back down. She had always thought of Natasha as her adversary. Now that they met, she could have a worthy challenge.
“Don’t worry, I won’t help him. Besides, he doesn’t need my help. Truth be told, he is much more capable than us!” Natasha smiled.
“Love is blind. There’s no lie in that.” Dahlia smiled faintly.
“It seems like you don’t believe me. If that’s the case, time will tell.” Natasha smiled, not wanting to explain any further. She believed that one day Dahlia would understand.
“But, by then, it would be all too late.
Chapter 45
The two women were chatting eagerly on the stage as if they were old friends.
However, only a few would realize these two were locked in rivalry. Just like two beautiful roses competing. Both were beautiful yet filled with prickling thorns.
Dahlia did not feel inferior or dejected, although Natasha had a prestigious background. In fact, it made her more motivated to compete! She had always held herself high and did not give up easily. No matter what difficulties she faced, she would overcome them! It didn’t matter that Natasha was known as Swinton’s business prodigy. One day, she would be equal to her, or she might even surpass her! 1
“I believe everyone has witnessed Ms. Nicholson’s charm! Next, I want to introduce another young man. Not only did he save me, but he also helped out the Harmon family a lot. He is undoubtedly the Harmon family’s savior!”
The crowd stirred again once she finished. Everyone looked at each other with awe and curiosity. Who on earth would Natasha call a savior?
“Chris, could you be the savior she means?” Jeff muttered coldly. In his opinion, only an outstanding young man like Chris could fit Natasha’s description.
“Chris, I didn’t know you were so important to the Harmon family! Congratulations!” Florence smiled brightly, immediately thinking it was Chris.
Chris was speechless. The corners of his mouth twitched as he didn’t know how to react. He was nothing.
How could he be the Harmon family’s savior? He wouldn’t need to face bankruptcy if he were so capable.
“Could it be him?” Chris suddenly thought of someone but quickly dismissed the thought.
No! It wasn’t possible! How could a useless nobody be a savior to the Harmon family?
Under everyone’s anticipating eyes, Natasha paused before saying, “Alright, I won’t beat around the bush.
Now, let’s give a warm welcome to Mr. Rhys!”
Natasha waved her hand, and a spotlight shone on Dustin. Everyone’s gaze immediately turned over.
“Dustin? How could it be him?” James was at a loss for words when he recognized who it was. His mouth was agape in shock.
“It can’t be! The Harmon family’s savior is that trash, Dustin?” At this moment, Florence was also in a state of shock. Her impression of Dustin was someone insignificant and weak. He wasn’t capable, nor did he have a good background. How could he have become the Harmon family’s savior out of the blue?
“How? How is it him?” Chris gritted his teeth, his hands balled into a fist. Rather than shock, he felt more jealous and frustrated.
How? How had that trash catch Natasha’s eye?
Was he worse than Dustin? In terms of looks, he was better looking. In terms of money, he was the richer. His family background was also far superior to Dustin’s. He was more capable and excellent in every way.
However, though that woman could recognize a gem, she had gone for some cheap guy.
Why was that so?
Chris’s face was clouded with hatred and resentment.
“It really is him.”
As the lights shone on Dustin, Dahlia was surprised and puzzled. She also felt an Inexplicable surge of emotions.
However, Dustin wasn’t happy to be the center of attention at all.
“What is this woman thinking? She didn’t mention that I had to be on stage.” Dustin furrowed his eyebrows, unable to make sense of her actions. After a moment of hesitation, he made his way up.
Murmurs went through the crowd.
“Who is this? I’ve never seen him.”
“I heard he’s Ms. Harmon’s boyfriend. She wants to take the opportunity to give him some publicity in this opening ceremony.”
“Ha! So he’s just a gold digger!”
The crowd started to speculate and discuss. Obviously, many looked down on a man that depended on a woman.
“I’m very grateful to Mr. Rhys. He’s also the Harmon family’s savior. I hope everyone will get to know him better in the future.” Natasha smiled and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Her gaze fell on Dahlia at the same time, as if to assert dominance.
Dahlia didn’t even flinch and remained composed. She even raised her chin provokingly as if to say Natasha could pick up after her trash.
Thus, the two women began another battle. Neither wanted to step aside, their gaze burned into each other.
At this moment, Dustin realized something was wrong.
When had the two of them gotten into a dispute? Weren’t they partners? Why did it seem as if they were more like rivals?
After a few seconds, they looked away at the same time–They were evenly matched.
“Ms. Nicholson, I look forward to working with you.” Natasha reached out her hand once again.
“I look forward to working with you too,” Dahlia replied with a smile.
“Sorry, but I’ll have to pass the company matters to you now. Dustin and I have something urgent to do. Please, excuse us.” Natasha smiled and led Dustin down the stage with her arms around his. Dustin never uttered a word up till this moment.
He was just an ornament.
“Ms. Harmon…” As they came down, Chris approached to say a few words.
However, Natasha didn’t even look at him and spat, “Get lost!”
Chris froze when she spoke. His last strand of hope fizzled up in flames. He knew Natasha would not let this slide easily. He even started to suspect that the Harmon family was behind the investigation into his company.
“These bastards! Since you’re so merciless, I won’t make it easy for you either,” he thought. He glared at them and left.
“Dustin!” Dahlia tried to chase him down. Her gaze was fathomless, shining as if she wanted to say something.
“Go ahead, Mr. Rhys. I’ll wait for you in the lounge.” Natasha smiled and let go of him. This was because she was confident in herself.
“You wanted to see me?” Dustin slowly turned around.
“I wanted to ask if the Harmon family choosing me as their partner had anything to do with you,” Dahlia clarified without skipping a beat. This matter had been on her mind ever since she found out who Natasha was.
Now that she knew Dustin’s standing in Natasha’s heart, she was starting to have greater doubts.