Chapter 1331 Deal of No Deal?
An hour later, at the Dragon and Phoenix Teahouse.
Sebastian sat on the second floor near the window, sipping tea while watching the bustling crowd on the street below.
The teahouse had several tables occupied, but unlike its usual lively atmosphere, today it felt rather somber.
All the patrons were focused on their tea, with no exchange of words.
"Steward, the kid is here," said Lenny, who stood behind.
Sebastian glanced down, and he saw Dustin making his way through the crowd, strolling casually as if he had no worries in the world.
"Hmph! He dares to come alone? Truly fearless like a newborn calf," Lenny smirked.
He lifted his teacup and finished it in one gulp.
"Thud, thud, thud..."
Soon, heavy footsteps echoed through the teahouse.
Dustin climbed the stairs without any hindrance and, after scanning the room, went straight to the table where Sebastian and the others were seated, taking a seat across from them.
" Sebastian, we meet again," Dustin said with a smile, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"Dustin, I heard from Lenny that you want to discuss business with me. What exactly do you want to discuss?" Sebastian maintained a polite tone.
Being the steward of the Stratford family, he wasn't a fool. If there were matters that could be resolved with money, it was better than resorting to conflict.
"Of course, it's about the recipe for Jade Dew Ointment," Dustin got straight to the point.
"Oh?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "It seems Mr Rhys has had a change of heart. Go ahead, what's your price? As long as it's reasonable, I'll do my best to meet it."
"I don't want money. I just want you to follow this prescription and obtain some herbs for me," Dustin said, placing a prescription on the table and pushing it over.
The prescription listed various precious herbs, totaling over twenty different types, including Ice Heart Lotus, Dragon Blood Ginseng, and Golden Marrow Jade.
The reason for listing so many was to divert attention.
The Stratford family had a century-long tradition in medicine, and their influence and connections spanned the entire country. There was no one in Willowbrook who could gather the three main ingredients for the Bone Cleansing Pill as quickly as the Stratford family.
This was Dustin's primary reason for coming to negotiate.
"Let me see which herbs are on this list," Sebastian picked up the prescription and examined it closely. His smile froze, and he quickly furrowed his brow. "Mr Rhys, most of these herbs are top-grade spiritual herbs, and some are even supreme-grade. Each one is worth a fortune. Asking me to gather all of them is quite an unreasonable request."
"Sebastian, your Stratford family is a prominent name in the world of medicine, and your resources should make it feasible. It shouldn't be an issue for you," Dustin sipped his tea, enjoying its pleasant aroma.
"Is it not an issue?" Sebastian's eye twitched as he struggled to control his frustration. "Mr Rhys, your appetite is truly enormous. The value of these herbs far exceeds that of the Jade Dew Ointment recipe. I cannot meet your demands."
This guy! To gather all these herbs would likely deplete half of the Stratford family's wealth.
He's really pushing his luck.
"Sebastian, the Jade Dew Ointment recipe is our family's greatest treasure. Swapping it for a few herbs is a fair trade in my opinion," Dustin insisted.
"How can you call these 'a few herbs'? These are clearly twenty to thirty spiritual herbs!" Lenny's tone involuntarily rose.
It would be one thing if they were common herbs, but these were spiritual herbs, and many of them were top-grade or even supreme-grade. Any one of them would be enough to secure a person's wealth and fortune for a lifetime.
Chapter 1332 We Meet Again
"Sebastian, it seems you're genuinely interested. How about this, I'll take a little loss and round it up for you. I'll just need the first twenty spiritual herbs, deal?" Dustin made a face as if it pained him.
"Twenty herbs won't do!" Sebastian said sternly.
"Well then, what's the most you can offer?" Dustin tried to compromise.
"One herb," Sebastian raised a single finger. "I can only give you one!"
"One herb?" Dustin furrowed his brow. "Sebastian, are you joking with me? Is this how you negotiate? Bargaining shouldn't be this one-sided, right?"
"Your Jade Dew Ointment recipe is worth no more than one top-grade spiritual herb, and that's my bottom line," Sebastian was starting to lose his patience.
If Dustin had asked for some money, Sebastian could have made a decision. But now, he was making unreasonable demands, treating him like a fool.
"Well, if you aren't interested, I believe someone else will be," Dustin said, putting away the prescription and preparing to leave.
"Hold on!"
Sebastian slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "Kid! Did I say you could leave?"
"What? Does the steward want to keep me here for tea?" Dustin asked as he turned around.
"To hell with your tea!"
Sebastian was furious, picked up his teacup, and with a loud crash, he smashed it onto the floor.
In the next second, the entire building was in motion.
The people who had pretended to be drinking tea earlier all retrieved weapons from under their tables and rushed over in a frenzy.
In a matter of seconds, Dustin found himself surrounded.
About fifty or sixty people blocked the hallway.
"Kid! You think you can just come and go as you please?!" Sebastian stood up abruptly, finally dropping his pretense and said fiercely, "You have two choices now: either hand over the Jade Dew Ointment recipe, or I'll beat you half to death and force you to give it up!"
"Sebastian, if a deal can't be reached, let's part ways in good faith. Turning to violence, doesn't that make you no different from a gang of bandits?" Dustin looked around calmly.
"Stop wasting your breath! If you don't hand over the recipe, you won't leave this Dragon and Phoenix Teahouse!" Sebastian shouted.
"Oh, really? Well, then I'll give it a try. How much does the Stratford family weigh?" Dustin sneered.
"Sebastian, this kid can fight, be careful," Lenny timely reminded.
"So what if he can fight? I have fifty to sixty experts here. Each of them could drown him in their urine!" Sebastian glared, eyes fierce. "What are you waiting for? Attack!"
"Stop!"
Just as the Stratford family's enforcers were about to rush forward, a shrill shout suddenly echoed in the hallway.
Following that, a beautiful and tall girl, accompanied by two burly bodyguards, stormed into the crowd aggressively.
Anyone in her way was kicked aside by the girl.
"Who dares..."
Sebastian was about to scold her but then saw the girl's appearance. He immediately panicked and put on a smiling face, rushing forward, "Isn't this Miss Isabela Torby? What brings you here?"
"Smack!"
Without a word, the girl slapped Lenny in the face, scolding him, "Hey! You dog lackey! You dare to touch my friend? Are you tired of living?"
"What?"
Sebastian was bewildered, clutching his burning face and looking confused. "F-friend?"
"Little Physician, we meet again," the girl turned to Dustin, smiling sweetly with a touch of playfulness.
"It’s you."
Dustin quickly recognized her.
The girl was none other than Isabela, the wealthy heiress he had saved yesterday – Isabela Torby.
Chapter 1333 The Lifesaver
"Little Physician, how do you feel? Surprised?" Isabela smiled and said, "I saw you on the street just now and felt a sense of familiarity. I didn't expect it to be you. We didn't have a chance to properly thank you last time. So, this time, I insist on treating you to a meal."
"Miss Torby, there's no need to be so polite; it's just a small favor," Dustin nodded politely.
"Miss Torby, do you... know this kid?" Sebastian asked tentatively.
"Smack!"
Isabela Torby raised her hand and slapped Sebastian again, scolding, "Nonsense! This Little Physician here is my lifesaver. How dare you lay a hand on him? Are you tired of living?"
"Lifesaver?"
Hearing this, Sebastian shivered and his legs went weak. He had thought Dustin was just an unknown figure, at best proficient in medicine and some martial arts. He hadn't expected that there was a wealthy heiress like Isabela Torby supporting him. He had made a big mistake.
"What are you still standing there for? Quickly apologize to the Little Physician, or I'll make you regret it!" Isabela glared.
"Yes, yes, I'll apologize right away," Sebastian nodded and bowed profusely, then hastily retreated.
"Stop!"
As he reached the hallway, he was halted by Isabela Torby's commanding shout, "After you return, tell the Stratford ‘young master’ that sooner or later, I'll make him regret this!"
Lenny agreed, still smiling nervously, and then made a hasty exit with his group.
Even among elite families, the power of the Torby family overshadowed that of the Stratford family. Even the young master of their own house showed great respect when encountering this willful young lady. As an external affairs steward, Lenny was even less significant.
"Little Physician, how are you feeling? Did you get hurt?" Isabela Torby turned back, her smile back in full bloom.
"I'm fine, thanks to your timely arrival," Dustin smiled.
"Since we have some fate, how about this? Let me treat you to a meal!" Isabela suggested as she started to lead Dustin downstairs.
"Miss Torby, I appreciate the offer, but I actually have a favor to ask of you," Dustin suddenly said.
"Oh? What is it?" Isabela Torby asked curiously.
"I heard that the Torby family has a Dragon Blood Ginseng. I'm wondering if it's real or not," Dustin inquired.
"That seems to be the case," Isabela Torby nodded thoughtfully.
"To be honest, I urgently need that Dragon Blood Ginseng for a life-saving purpose. If possible, I would like to purchase it at a high price," Dustin went straight to the point.
He had been thinking about how to obtain the Dragon Blood Ginseng from the Torby family through various means, but now, an opportunity had presented itself.
"Hey! It's just an herb, no need to pay for it. I'll give it to you directly!" Isabela Torby was generous.
"Miss Torby, the Dragon Blood Ginseng is very valuable. I can't accept it for free. Buying it with money would be more appropriate," Dustin insisted.
"Don't be so formal. Since you saved my life, I'm returning the favor. Let's go, come with me. I'll give it to you right away!" Isabela said, taking Dustin's hand and leading him to her car.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Dustin didn't want to refuse. About half an hour later, the car stopped in front of the Torby family's mansion.
They got out of the car, and Dustin followed Isabela into the Torby family's estate.
The Torby family was grand and luxurious, resembling a palace in the prime location of Stonia Willowbrook. It was easy for newcomers to get lost in this vast mansion.
Dustin and Isabela entered the garden, where a somewhat portly middle-aged man was instructing a group of servants in meticulous gardening.
"Randolf, come over here for a moment," Isabela waved to the middle-aged man.
Chapter 1334 Bring the Ginseng Over
"Miss, what are your orders?" The head butler Randolf approached with a beaming smile.
"I'm asking if we have a Dragon Blood Ginseng in our family," Isabela said.
"We do indeed. It's currently stored in the treasury," the head butler replied honestly.
"That's good. Fetch it for me immediately," Isabela instructed.
"Why do you need it, Miss?" The head butler inquired cautiously.
"Why do you care? I have my reasons!" Isabela replied impatiently.
"Miss, to be honest, this item is in Master's collection. It shouldn't be used without his permission," the head butler lowered his head.
"Just get it for me, and I'll talk to Grandfather about it later," Isabela insisted.
"This... it seems a bit irregular," the head butler hesitated.
"Hey! You dare to defy me?" Isabela glared and kicked the head butler's buttocks.
"Please wait a moment, Miss," the head butler sighed in resignation and left in haste.
"Dustin, please have a seat and enjoy some tea while we wait for it," Isabela said with a smile, leading Dustin to a nearby pavilion.
About ten minutes later, the head butler returned, but this time, he was accompanied by a woman in her thirties.
The woman was dressed in a red cheongsam, with delicate features, a voluptuous figure, and long black hair coiled elegantly behind her head, exuding an air of grace and nobility.
As she walked gracefully, her two long and shapely legs were faintly visible through the slit in the silk dress, displaying a lingering charm that defied her age.
"Isabela."
A clear and cold voice emanated from the lips of the beautiful woman.
Isabela trembled all over and turned stiffly, her face revealing a hint of guilt. "Mom... why are you here?"
"If I hadn't come, wouldn't you have caused a commotion at home?" Sophia Torby spoke calmly.
"How could that be? I'm always well-behaved," Isabela forced a smile.
She was fearless in front of anyone except her own mother. Although her mother had never scolded or hit her, she would inexplicably feel nervous every time she saw her.
"Just now, I heard from Randolf that you wanted Dragon Blood Ginseng. What are you planning to do?" Sophia asked.
"It's nothing, Mom," Isabela replied, her eyes shifting to give the head butler a stern look. She then smiled awkwardly and said, "My friend urgently needs Dragon Blood Ginseng to save a life, so I wanted to help him."
With a wave of her hand, she introduced Dustin, "This is my friend, the Little Physician. He saved my life when I almost drowned last time and pulled me back from the brink of death."
"Is that so?" Sophia's gaze turned to Dustin. Although she appeared calm, there was a hint of scrutiny in her eyes, the gaze of an upper-class person assessing someone beneath them.
"I am Dustin, a junior. I greet Auntie," Dustin stood up and greeted politely, his demeanor neither servile nor overbearing.
"So, you're the one who needs Dragon Blood Ginseng?" Sophia asked in a calm tone.
"Yes, it's me," Dustin nodded.
"You saved my daughter's life, and I'm very grateful," Sophia said, glancing at the head butler before saying, "Randolf, bring it over."
"Yes," the head butler replied and left again.
"Thank you, Mom!"
Isabela's face brightened, thinking that everything was settled.
However, when the head butler returned with the item, Isabela's smile froze, and Dustin couldn't help but furrow his brow.
Chapter 1335 Making a Trade
The item brought by the head butler was a box of gold bars. In the sunlight, they shone brilliantly, radiating a dazzling golden glow, more visually striking than mere money.
"Dustin, this is a token of appreciation from our Torby family and also a reward for your treatment of Isabela," Sophia said calmly as she glanced at the gold bars.
"Mom, what do you mean by this?" Isabela asked with a hint of dissatisfaction.
"Our Torby family never owes anyone any favors. Dustin saved you, so I'm repaying him generously with money. It's only natural," Sophia said indifferently.
"Mom, you... you're being too heartless," Isabela said angrily.
She couldn't believe her mother was treating her life like a business transaction.
"If he saved your life, I would naturally value your life. However, the value of his contribution is far from enough to exchange for Dragon Blood Ginseng," Sophia replied calmly. "He saved you as a doctor, and I'm paying him a fee for his services. That's it. We shouldn't mix business with emotions. Do you understand?"
"Mom! You... You're really heartless," Isabela exclaimed in anger.
She hadn't expected her mother to treat her life as a mere business transaction.
"Auntie's reasoning makes sense," Dustin suddenly spoke up. "However, I am in urgent need of Dragon Blood Ginseng. I hope Auntie can help me, but of course, I won't take it for free. I can pay with money or exchange it for something. I hope Auntie can consider this."
"You're a clever one," Sophia nodded, her tone still calm. "You can have the Dragon Blood Ginseng, but you must provide something of equivalent value."
"What does Auntie need?" Dustin inquired.
"I heard that you can make a medicine called Jade Dew Ointment, which has miraculous effects in rapidly healing wounds. Is that true?" Sophia asked.
Since her daughter's incident, she had been investigating various aspects, including Dustin, who had come to her attention unexpectedly due to the Jade Dew Ointment.
"I didn't expect Auntie to be so well-informed," Dustin raised an eyebrow in surprise but quickly nodded. "Yes, I can indeed make Jade Dew Ointment. However, the side effects are significant, and it cannot be produced normally."
"Since you are a doctor and knowledgeable in pharmacology, it shouldn't be too difficult for you to improve it, reducing the side effects," Sophia said, her gaze slightly meaningful.
"If the side effects are reduced, the effectiveness of the medicine will be greatly compromised," Dustin replied without concealing the truth.
Facing someone as shrewd as Sophia, it wasn't easy to deceive her.
Moreover, he had his own requests and couldn't afford to be dishonest.
"If you need to reduce the side effects, how much of the effectiveness would remain?" Sophia inquired.
"Approximately thirty percent," Dustin replied honestly.
"Thirty percent? That should be sufficient," Sophia nodded. "I am quite interested in your Jade Dew Ointment. If you provide me with the improved formula, I will give you the Dragon Blood Ginseng in return. How about that?"
"Auntie, this formula is a family heirloom and cannot be sold," Dustin shook his head.
"Everything has its corresponding value. Besides, you're not selling it; you're making a trade. Dragon Blood Ginseng is a treasure used to save lives, and I believe your ancestors wouldn't blame you for this," Sophia said calmly.
"This..." Dustin pretended to hesitate for a moment before making a decision. "Auntie, I can provide you with the formula for Jade Dew Ointment, but one Dragon Blood Ginseng is far from enough. I would need two more spiritual herbs in addition."
"Oh? What else do you need?" Sophia narrowed her eyes slightly.
Chapter 1336 An Outright Extortion
"Ice Heart Lotus and Golden Marrow Jade," Dustin named the medicinal herbs.
The Torby family's influence was slightly superior to the Stratford family's, so as long as they were willing to make an effort, they should be able to find these two rare herbs.
"Young man, you have quite the appetite. Both of these herbs are invaluable treasures. You're asking for three precious herbs in exchange for your formula. Isn't that a bit greedy?" Sophia frowned slightly, showing some displeasure.
"Aunt, I dare not say much about other things, but my Jade Dew Ointment formula is definitely worth it. The profit it will bring to the Torby family will far exceed the value of three herbs," Dustin assured her.
"Is that so?" Sophia fixed her gaze on Dustin, trying to glean something from his expression.
There was no evasion or guilt in his demeanor, just calmness.
At least it proved that he was not lying.
"Alright, I'll trust you this time," after a few seconds of contemplation, Sophia finally nodded. "Leave the Jade Dew Ointment formula, take the Dragon Blood Ginseng with you, and give me some time to obtain the other two precious herbs. Once we have them, I'll have someone deliver them to you. How does that sound?"
"Agreed!" Dustin readily accepted.
"Randolf, bring the Dragon Blood Ginseng, and also, get some paper and a pen," Sophia instructed.
"Yes," the steward nodded and quickly left.
Before long, he returned, carrying a jade box carefully and placing it on the table in the pavilion. He also prepared paper and a pen.
Dustin approached, opened the jade box, and saw a Dragon Blood Ginseng inside.
The ginseng was about the size of a palm, with a dense and round body, tightly packed skin with fine wrinkles, and densely packed roots that spread out like hair.
With just a slight whiff, a unique fragrance could be detected.
"It truly is a treasure!" Dustin's eyes lit up.
With his perception, he could clearly sense the rich spiritual energy stored within this Dragon Blood Ginseng.
"The Dragon Blood Ginseng is here; now, write down the formula," Sophia reminded.
Dustin nodded and didn't waste any time. He immediately wrote down the modified Jade Dew Ointment formula, word by word.
Although the efficacy was greatly reduced after the modification, it still had miraculous effects in treating external injuries, far surpassing Healwell Clinic's Golden Wound Medicine.
Once it was introduced to the market, it would undoubtedly bring substantial profits to the Torby family.
"Aunt, here's the formula; please take a look," Dustin handed over the written prescription.
"Hmm... it's good," Sophia examined it carefully and nodded in satisfaction.
With her keen eyes, she couldn't detect any issues for now.
Of course, she was confident that Dustin wouldn't dare to deceive the Torby family.
"Aunt, I urgently need two more herbs to save a life. I hope you can help with that," Dustin clasped his hands.
"No problem. As soon as there's news, I'll notify you immediately," Sophia said calmly.
"Thank you, Aunt," Dustin sighed with relief.
With the support of the Torby family, he believed that it wouldn't take long to locate the whereabouts of the Ice Heart Lotus and Golden Marrow Jade.
"Alright, the deal is done, everyone's happy. Little divine doctor, let's go!" Isabela didn't want to linger any longer. She bid her farewells and pulled Dustin away.
She still had some resentment towards her mother's behavior.
"Madam, Ice Heart Lotus and Golden Marrow Jade are not ordinary items. Should I contact the Stratford family to use their connections?" the steward cautiously suggested.
"No need for that trouble. I wasn't planning to give them away anyway," Sophia replied nonchalantly.
"Huh?" The steward was momentarily stunned, not fully comprehending.
Was she going back on her word?
"For an unknown junior to demand such a high price in front of me, isn't that a bit too greedy?" Sophia's gaze turned cold, her tone still calm. "Randolf, find a few fighting experts outside and have them take back the Dragon Blood Ginseng from Dustin. This treasure can't be given away to outsiders at such a low price."
"I understand," the steward's face froze.
This wasn't just going back on her word; it was outright extortion.
Indeed, trying to take advantage of the Torby family often led to unfavorable outcomes.
Chapter 1337 Arranged a Marriage
"Little divine doctor, I'm sorry,"
At the entrance of the Torby family's mansion, Isabela wore a remorseful expression. "Originally, I should have given you this Dragon Blood Ginseng. I didn't expect my mother to intervene and ruin my good intentions."
"Miss Isabela, you don't need to blame yourself. If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have obtained the Dragon Blood Ginseng, and I wouldn't have been able to strike a deal with your mother. The outcome is already the best for me," Dustin smiled.
To exchange a torn formula for three precious herbs was definitely a favorable deal.
"Do you really think so?" Isabela's spirits lifted.
"Of course," Dustin nodded with a smile.
"Hehe, little divine doctor, you really suit my taste. You're a friend I'm keeping!" Isabela laughed, revealing her two small tiger teeth. "You haven't had lunch yet, right? I know a restaurant with excellent food. Let's go together and have a taste!"
With that, she pulled Dustin into her car.
"Madam, there's a call..."
At this moment, a cell phone rang suddenly.
Isabela answered and a deep voice quickly came through.
"Miss, we've got the results of the investigation you requested. Young master from the Stratford family did indeed go to a hotel with a female celebrity a few days ago. Based on the surveillance footage, their behavior was very intimate. It seems to be that kind of relationship."
"Beast!"
After hearing this, Isabela was furious, almost smashing her phone. Her pretty face was filled with resentment. "This scumbag, he kept saying he wanted to change his ways, but it turns out he's still entangled with that vixen. Does he really think I don't exist? I'm going to castrate him for sure!"
She suddenly pulled out a short knife from somewhere, unsheathing it to reveal a sharp blade.
"I'm asking you, where is that Dominic right now?" Isabela shouted into the phone.
At this moment, she had transformed from her previous sweet image into a fierce tigress.
"Miss, Dominic Stratford is currently at the Imperial City Club, having a gathering with friends," the voice on the phone replied.
"Driver! Go to the Imperial City Club immediately!" Isabela hung up the phone and shouted.
The driver didn't dare to say more, stepping on the gas pedal and heading straight to their destination.
Isabela gripped the short knife tightly, trembling with anger.
Gradually, her anger was replaced by sorrow.
Her beautiful eyes turned red, tears welling up.
"Miss Torby, what's going on?" Dustin asked cautiously.
Isabela turned away, wiped away her tears, and her voice quivered as she said, "Two years ago, my parents arranged a marriage for me with Dominic from the Stratford family. At first, I didn't agree, but later, Dominic pursued me aggressively, using sweet words, surprises, and gifts. Gradually, we became a couple.
However, not long ago, I discovered that Dominic was a scoundrel. He frequently fooled around with other women, so I broke up with him in anger. I originally thought that as long as he admitted his mistakes and sincerely repented, I would give him a chance. But this guy is two-faced, saying one thing to my face and then going to a hotel with that vixen. I don't understand why he's treating me like this. What did I do wrong?"
As she spoke, Isabela choked up.
She had treated him with sincerity, but in return, she received a wolf's heart and a dog's lungs.
"Miss Isabela, it's not your fault. It's Dominic who can't appreciate your worth. A man like him is not worth your time, and letting go of such a person is the wisest choice," Dustin comforted.
Dustin is willing to help you, do you want him to stay and protect you or something else?
Chapter 1338 The New Boyfriend
Dominic, the playboy extraordinaire, was the kind of guy who couldn't change his ways.
Luckily, Isabela caught on early. They haven't tied the knot yet, or it would have been a major regret.
"I know I should let go, but I can't bear to!" Isabela, with her two adorable front teeth, exclaimed indignantly. "He dared to treat me like this, and I won't let him off easily. I want to make him regret it, I want him to understand that losing me is the biggest loss of his life!"
"What do you plan to do?" asked Dustin.
"He wants to find a woman, right? Well, I'll find a man. I want to drive him crazy, make him green with envy!" Isabela sniffled a bit and suddenly fixed her gaze on Dustin. "Hey, Little Miracle Doctor, from now on, you're my boyfriend, and I'm going to assert my dominance right in front of him!"
"What?" Dustin's face froze. "Miss Isabela, you're not joking, are you? We've only just met."
"What's wrong with just meeting? Do you think I'm not good enough for you?" Isabela pouted.
"Miss Isabela, I already have a fiancée," Dustin said with a wry smile.
He knew full well that this girl was only saying these defiant words to get back at Dominic.
"So what if you have a fiancée? You're not married yet, right?" Isabela grabbed Dustin's hand and said somewhat stubbornly, "I don't care. You must agree! At least, today, you have to play along with me and make Dominic jealous!"
"Okay, I can help you, but let me be clear in advance, it's just acting, please don't take it seriously," Dustin said, feeling a bit troubled.
"No problem!" Isabela immediately brightened up.
She couldn't wait to see Dominic's frustrated face.
...
At this moment, in the VIP room of the Imperial Club.
A group of young men and women were gathered together, enjoying drinks and chatting.
Among them, the leader of the group was none other than the young master of the Stratford family, Dominic.
Dominic was tall and handsome, meticulously dressed, and his hair was impeccably styled.
From the outside, he truly fit the description of a dashing and charming young man.
Sitting beside him was a stunning woman, with a hot figure and exceptional beauty.
She wore a tight red dress, her long legs crossed, exuding a graceful and seductive charm that was extremely enticing.
"Dominic, you're already engaged, aren't you? And here you are openly bringing another woman. Aren't you afraid your future wife will get angry?" teased a chubby man.
The man's name was Darian Mystborne, the eldest son of the Mystborne family in Willowbrook. In this circle, he was second only to Dominic in status.
"Hah! That hag, I lost interest in her a long time ago. She's completely devoid of any feminine charm. If it weren't for the family's arranged marriage, I wouldn't even bother with her," Dominic said with a look of disdain.
"Dominic, Isabela is a famous beauty in Willowbrook. Many men have been admiring her for a long time. You're really not appreciating your good fortune!" Darian chuckled.
"You like her? Then she's yours! I'm done playing with her anyway," Dominic said, raising his chin.
"Dominic, you're truly magnanimous. If I have the chance, I'd really like to see what it's like to be with the Torby family's heiress," Darian said with a lecherous grin.
Just as they were chatting, there was a loud "bang," and the door to the VIP room was kicked open.
Chapter 1339 Male BestFriend?
As soon as the door swung open, everyone in the room paused and instinctively turned their gaze toward the entrance.
There, in stylish attire and a sweet demeanor, walked in Isabela, wearing an expression of indifference. Following closely behind her was the casually strolling Dustin.
"Isabela?"
"Miss Isabela?"
Upon seeing the newcomers, the whole room's atmosphere shifted. Especially Dominic, who immediately withdrew his hand from the waist of the woman in the red dress, as if he had been shocked.
He then stood up and forced a smile. "Isabela, what brings you here?"
"Why, can you come, but I can't?" Isabela first glanced at the woman in the red dress and then fixed her gaze on Dominic. Despite preparing herself mentally before coming, seeing the intimate appearance of this couple made it difficult for her to suppress her anger.
"Of course, you can come, but you could have let me know before you did. That way, I could have made some arrangements for you," Dominic said with a smile.
"No need for the trouble; I'm just here to take a look," Isabela replied casually. She then cast a glance at the visibly nervous woman in the red dress on the sofa and said, "Who is this person beside you? I can't help but feel like I've seen her somewhere."
"Oh? You mean her?" Dominic replied while giving a signal to Darian, who was sitting nearby.
Darian, after a moment of confusion, quickly understood and came to the rescue, saying with a smile, "That's right, that's right, sister-in-law, let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Charlotte Beaumont, she's from the entertainment industry."
"Hello, sister-in-law," Charlotte quickly stood up, forcing a smile.
She had heard about the fiery temper of Isabela, the young miss of the Torby family. It was well-known that provoking someone of her stature would lead to trouble.
"Darian's girlfriend, why is she sitting next to you?" Isabela questioned.
"Oh! I just happen to be a fan of Charlotte, so I was asking her about some things related to movies. We were just having a chat, and then you walked in," Dominic explained with a smile.
After a few words of explanation, Dominic turned serious and said, "Isabela, you don't suspect me, do you? I swear by heaven and earth, I've changed my ways, and I would never do anything to hurt you."
"What you do is none of my concern; I came here just to join the fun," Isabela replied, her face cold. She took a seat on the empty sofa nearby.
The people around them instinctively moved a bit farther away. Even a fool could tell that Miss Isabela was in a bad mood.
"Isabela..."
Dominic approached, thick-skinned, and sat down next to Isabela. "What's wrong with you today? If you're not feeling good, shall I accompany you for a walk?"
"Stay away from me!" Isabela glared, making Dominic retreat a bit.
"Hmph! I want to go shopping, and there are plenty of people who would love to accompany me. I wouldn't dare to bother you." Isabela said, her face still cold. She then turned to Dustin, smiled sweetly, and patted the seat next to her. "Mr. Rhys, come, sit here."
Dustin, feeling helpless, had no choice but to sit down as she had instructed.
On the left was Dominic, on the right was Isabela, and the three of them now resembled a sandwich cookie.
"Isabela, who is this person?" Dominic asked with an unfriendly expression as he examined Dustin from head to toe.
Initially, he thought Dustin was Isabela's bodyguard, so he didn't pay much attention to him.
But now, it seemed that their relationship wasn't so simple.
"Oh, this is Dustin, my male best friend," Isabela introduced with a smile.
"Male best friend?"
As soon as he heard this, Dominic's expression immediately darkened.
What kind of nonsense was "male best friend"? Wasn't that just a euphemism for friends with benefits?
These days, it was impossible for men and women to have a purely platonic friendship.
Chapter 1340 A Magic Show
What infuriated him the most was that this despicable person had the audacity to bring his fling right in front of him, blatantly provoking him!
"Isabela, I've never seen this male best friend of yours before," Dominic took a deep breath and managed to hold back his anger.
"I don't need your permission to make friends, do I?" Isabela replied nonchalantly. "Besides, haven't I not met some of your female friends?"
"Well..."
With just one sentence, Dominic was rendered speechless. He had figured out that this woman was deliberately trying to provoke him.
"Sister-in-law, it's rare for everyone to get together like this. Come on, let me raise a toast to you," Darian quickly tried to defuse the situation with a smile.
"I don't drink," Isabela replied coldly.
"No problem, no problem, you can have juice instead. As long as sister-in-law is happy," Darian said with an awkward smile, immediately summoning a waiter to bring a variety of fruit juices.
"Mr. Rhys, come on, have some juice," Isabela picked up a cup of red fruit juice and handed it to Dustin, personally feeding it to him, appearing very considerate.
The sight of their intimacy made Dominic grit his teeth.
While he could flirt around outside, it didn't mean he could tolerate being cuckolded. Regardless of the circumstances, Isabela was still his fiancée, and flaunting affection with another man in his presence was a blatant insult to him.
"Damn it! Touching my woman? You've got some nerve!"
Dominic stared fiercely at Dustin, his eyes seeming like they could devour him.
But out of consideration for Isabela, he couldn't lose his temper and had to endure it.
"Just drinking seems a bit boring," Dominic suddenly thought of something and spoke up. "Darian, didn't you learn some mystic arts? I heard they're quite amazing. Why don't you use this opportunity to perform for everyone? Spice things up a bit?"
In the past, Darian had spent a significant amount of money to learn peculiar skills from a mystic arts master for the sake of pursuing women. He had learned techniques such as hypnosis, controlling people's actions, and even using love potions.
For instance, he once met a chaste woman in a bar who refused to yield, but after Darian worked his magic, she transformed into a passionate lover.
Now, he planned to use Darian's abilities to make Dustin embarrass himself.
"Dominic, my skills are rather trivial and not suitable for public display," Darian modestly replied.
"It doesn't matter; just consider it a magic show. It'll be fun for everyone," Dominic gestured with his eyes.
"All right, since you're all interested, I'll show you," Darian quickly regained his composure and smiled. "But my performance requires someone to cooperate a bit. Anyone willing to volunteer?"
"As for me, I'm willing to cooperate," Isabela volunteered confidently.
"Sister-in-law, the mystic arts I've learned can't be used on women," Darian shook his head.
"Mr. Rhys, are you up for it?" Dominic glanced at Dustin with malicious intent. "As a newcomer, how about giving everyone a chance to get to know you?"
"Are you saying it requires cooperation?" Dustin asked.
"Yes, Mr. Rhys, rest assured, there's no danger," Darian smiled insidiously.
"Yes, we're all excited to see it. Let's have some fun together. You wouldn't deny us that, would you?" Several young men and women chimed in.
Their eyes carried a playful tone.
They naturally understood that Dominic and Darian were up to something.
"Very well, since you're all so interested, I'll play along," Dustin said with a faint smile. He then quickly finished the cup of juice.
Ten years had passed, and it seemed that these rich kids of Stonia had forgotten the shadow of being manipulated by Logan.