Chapter 53: Druged (wine)
Chapter-53
Seated by the window, Florence and James were still cursing Dustin.
"Who would have guessed that an incompetent like Dustin could be the owner? What has our world come to?" James complained loudly.
"He is nothing but a leech! If it weren't for Ms. Harmon's recommendation, he would never have this opportunity!" Florence snarled.
James had a look of pure jealousy on his face. "That's right! Once she loses interest in him, Dustin will be discarded like rubbish. Let's see how arrogant he can be!"
"Nothing will come out of being a freeloader like Dustin. Conversely, Matt is the epitome of a real man. Not only is he young and talented, he is also an intellectual!" Florence praised Matt effusively.
"What a pity. Matt, if you hadn't gone overseas for your studies, you would have been my brother–in–law by now!" James tried to butter Matt up.
"Absolutely! Just so you know, after you left for your studies, Dahlia has been pining after you for a long time!" Florence chimed in as well.
"Mom! Where did you get this idea?" Dahlia frowned in annoyance.
"I'm telling the truth! If it weren't for Matt going overseas, you would never have married Dustin!" Florence said stubbornly.
Before Dahlia could retort, Matt cut in, "Alright, alright. Let bygones be bygones. We should have our meal before it gets cold. The food here is delicious."
Florence and James shut up and tucked in voraciously.
"James and I are going down to get some groceries. The both of you can take your time." In the middle of the meal, Florence stopped eating and gave James a knowing look.
"Oh, yes! I'll accompany Mom." James understood his assignment, and they left the table quickly. Clearly, they were trying to give Dahlia and Matt some private time.
After Florence and James left, Matt spoke up, "Dahlia, I am very sorry for leaving you without any warning. It's all my fault. Please give me a chance to redeem myself."
"It's all in the past now. You don't have to be concerned," Dahlia answered nonchalantly. She had moved on from Matt long ago, so she couldn't care less.
"That's great. You have grown more mature since the last time we met." Matt shot her a charming smile.
"Please excuse me, I need to go to the washroom." Dahlia patted her lips gently and left the table as well. Staring at her shapely figure, Matt gave an evil smirk. He took out a small packet of white powder, poured it into Dahlia's wine, and swirled the glass.
Coincidentally, the restaurant's manager witnessed everything Matt had done. Without further delay, he quickly went to Dustin's booth and divulged Matt's evil plan.
"He spiked her drink? Are you sure?" Dustin's brows furrowed together when he heard this.
"Yes, I'm positive. I personally witnessed it!" the manager affirmed.
"Who would have expected that he revealed his true colors so quickly?" Natasha narrowed her eyes.
Duane spoke up. "Dustin, you should not let this slide. Do you need me to teach him a lesson?"
"No, I will handle this myself." Dustin got up and left the booth immediately.
At that moment, Dahlia had returned from the washroom. Matt passed her the glass of wine. "Dahlia, this is a token of my apology. Cheers!" Matt lifted his glass with a smile.
"Alright. After this drink, I need to go home as tomorrow will be a busy day at the office," Dahlia said with resignation.
"Sure, let's make a move after this." Matt did not pressure her further and downed his drink.
Just as Dahlia was about to take a sip, Dustin's voice stopped her.
"I would not drink that if I were you."
"What?"
Dahlia looked over her shoulder and saw Dustin walking toward her. "What do you mean?"
"Your drink has been drugged. You would be in danger if you had drunk it because it renders you defenseless," Dustin warned.
"Drugged?" Dahlia frowned and turned to Matt, whose expression stiffened for a split second. However, he composed himself immediately.
"Dustin, you must be sorely mistaken," Matt said coolly.
"You would know best whether I am mistaken," Dustin retorted coldly.
"Dahlia, do you really think that I'm such a malicious person?" Matt asked with a disarming smile.
Dahlia was taken aback by the sudden question. After some deliberation, she asked, "Dustin, do you have any evidence to support your claim?"
"The restaurant's manager saw what happened. He could be my witness," Dustin answered.
"That's right! It was clear as day. He spiked your wine with some powder!" the manager pointed an accusing finger at Matt.
"Everyone knows that both of you are in cahoots with each other. It would be impossible for me to deny it." Matt shook his head, acting aggrieved.
"Dustin, do you have stronger evidence for your claims? Do not judge someone based on unfounded accusations!" Dahlia had a serious look on her face. Based on her knowledge of Matt, he wasn't someone who would do such a thing.
"I already have a witness backing me up. What evidence do you need? Would you rather believe him over me?" Dustin frowned, anger building up within him.
"I…" Dahlia didn't know what to say. Matt was from the noble Laney family. As an aristocrat, it was unthinkable that he would carry out such a vile act. However, Dustin seemed so sure of himself. He wouldn't lie either. At that moment, she didn't know who to side with.
"Dahlia, Dustin seems to have some prejudice against me. That's fine, I can prove my innocence. Didn't he claim that I drugged your drink? Let's exchange drinks," Matt said. He took Dahlia's wine glass and downed the contents.
This simple action wiped away every doubt from Dahlia's mind. If he did drug her drink, he wouldn't have drunk it himself.
"Dustin, I don't remember doing anything to offend you. Why are you hellbent on insulting me like this? If you have a grudge against me, I sincerely apologize," Matt said personably, tilting his head.
With his charm and courteous words, Dahlia was convinced that Matt was every inch a gentleman.
"Dustin, what do you have to say for yourself?" Dahlia turned to Dustin, her eyes boring into him.
"If I'm not mistaken, he must have taken the antidote prior to this." Dustin was adamant.
"Nonsense!" Dahlia's expression was dark. "Dustin, you are going too far! Matt has proven his innocence. Why are you still being so difficult?"
"I'm telling the truth."
"Well, I just think that you are making up stories!" There was a hint of anger in Dahlia's voice.
Evidently, Dustin felt hostility toward Matt. However, that was no reason to drag Matt's name through the mud. It would be wrong to do so!
"If you still don't believe me, then check his pockets. There must be some evidence of white powder on him!" Dustin tried turning Matt's pockets inside out to prove his point, but this was the last straw for Dahlia.
"That's enough!" Dahlia splashed the rest of the wine on Dustin's face. "Have you not done enough damage for one day? Why are you as stubborn as a mule? Being a gentleman, can you not be so petty? If you are jealous of Matt, upgrade yourself and compete on the same level. Don't use despicable tricks or baseless arguments to ruin his reputation. Your actions will only make me think that you are pathetic!" Dustin was dumbstruck by Dahlia's words.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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