Chapter 14 by Marina Vittori
An Understated Dominance
âWe were chosen?â Dahlia was shocked. She couldnât believe his words. The general manager wasnât talking about her place on the candidate list, but was referring to their appointment as the Harmon familyâs partner! Theyâd even skipped the final assessment. What was happening?
âDid you mean what you said?â Dahlia questioned tentatively.
âOf course. If you donât believe it, you may come to our office tomorrow to sign the contract. I have other things to attend to, so Iâll hang up now.â After saying a few words, the general manager ended the call.
Dahlia on the other end was feeling both astonished and delighted. Never had she expected things to go so smoothly. A few moments ago, the Jackson Group was just about to get removed from the candidate list but in the blink of an eye, they had become the Harmon familyâs partner. Everything was happening too abruptly.
Of course, it mustâve been due to Chrisâ help that she was able to make it this far. The Nolan familyâs influence was surprisingly impactful. Only a phone call was needed to change the Harmon familyâs mind.
âMs. Nicholson, what happened? Did the Harmon family change their mind?â Lyra asked.
âYes.â Dahlia nodded and flashed a rare smile. âThe general manager of Harmon Group called me just now and said Iâm chosen to become their partner!â
Lyra cheered. âOh my god! I knew you could do it!â
âItâs all thanks to Mr. Nolan. This wouldnât have happened without his help,â Dahlia said gratefully.
âThatâs right! Mr. Nolan is indeed the greatest. He solved our problem with just a few words!â praised Lyra.
âYouâre exaggerating. It was my father who did the favor,â Chris replied with a smile. Although his words sounded humble, the smugness on his face was unconcealable. In fact, he was also somewhat surprised by the news. Since when did his father work so efficiently?
âDustin, did you see that? This is the difference between you and Mr. Nolan.â Lyra turned to look at Dustin and remarked mockingly. âMr. Nolan can easily secure us the position as the Harmon familyâs partner with a word. What can you do?â
âDonât say that. At least, heâs good at sucking up to people,â Chris added with a chuckle.
âHmph, what else can he do? Heâs an absolute good-for-nothing.â When Dustin didnât retort, Lyraâs arrogance was boosted and she continued, âItâs a pity that the bitch isnât here to see how useless the man she chose is.â
âAre you done talking? Move out of the way if you are, donât block my view,â Dustin uttered indifferently.
âWhy? You canât stand it when we said only a few words? If you have half of Mr. Nolanâs capabilities, would you be afraid of others calling you out? Youâre hopeless.â Lyra sneered.
âOh? Then, tell me, what is Chris capable of?â Dustinâs expression became solemn. He might prefer to be low-key, but he wouldnât tolerate anyone who insulted him. He wasnât a saint, after all.
âMr. Nolan made us the partner of the Harmon family through a simple phone call. If this isnât capability, I donât know what is,â Lyra answered while staring down at Dustin condescendingly.
âHow are you so sure that it was him? What proof do you have?â Dustin countered.
âWho else if not Mr. Nolan? Itâs definitely not you. I mean, look at your terrible attitude!â Lyra snorted coldly.
âHey, Rhys, what makes you think that the Harmon family would suddenly change their mind if it wasnât because of me?â Chris asked haughtily.
âThatâs right. The truth is right in front of you. Why canât you just admit it?â Lyra echoed.
âDonât get too conceited. If I were you, I would go and confirm the truth myself before thanking the wrong person,â Dustin said, expressionless.
âFrom what I see, youâre just jealous of others because of your incompetence,â scolded Lyra.
âWhatever floats your boat.â Dustin shrugged it off.
âRhys, you wanted proof, right? Fine, Iâll give it to you!â Chris sneered as he pulled out his phone to call David again, âHey, Dad.â
âWhat is it this time?â David sounded annoyed over the phone.
âNothing. I just wanted to know how did your talk with Old Mr. Harmon go.â
âWhat talk? Iâm still in a middle of a meeting. I donât have the time to help you with your nonsense. Donât ever bother me over stuff like this again!â
âWhat?â Chris was caught off guard when his father hung up the phone angrily. The smile on his face had stiffened. Instantly, his intention to boast about his capability was shattered. If his father didnât help him, then who did? Could it be a coincidence?
âMr. Nolan, what did your father say? Letâs hear it,â Dustin said with a fake smile. As he was seated right behind Chris, his keen ears could pick up everything David had said on the phone. He didnât even need to listen to their conversation to know what was going on. Chrisâ stupefied expression was self-explanatory.
âMr. Nolan, donât hesitate to tell us. We should let this bastard understand that he could never compete with you!â Lyra prompted.
Meanwhile, Chrisâ eye twitched. He pretended to be calm and replied with a dismissive smile, âWhatâs there to tell you about? My father has confirmed that he made a request to the Harmon family and helped us big time. Otherwise, Dahlia wouldnât have qualified to be their partner!â
Hearing this, Dustin frowned deeply as he didnât expect Chris to be so stubborn. How could he lie in front of everyone?
âDid you hear that, Dustin? I told you so, but you didnât believe it. What do you have to say now?â Lyra barked proudly.
âWould you believe me if I told you that Chris is lying?â Dustin questioned back.
âDustin, thatâs enough!â At this moment, Dahlia couldnât stand it anymore. âCan you drop with your act for once? I know that youâre jealous of Chris, but you canât just slander him! Is it so difficult to admit heâs good?â Dahlia stood up and yelled, a hateful look on her face.
Initially, she didnât wish to argue with Dustin. However, seeing how obstinate he was behaving, she really couldnât bear to watch any further.
âJealous? Slander?â Dustin paused, feeling slightly taken aback. âSo, thatâs the kind of person I am in your eyes?â
âLook at yourself. Am I wrong?â Dahlia retorted. Her question rendered Dustin speechless.