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Florence and the others present were stunned into silence as they took in Dustin’s righteous speech. Their faces were etched with disbelief. How dare he humiliate the highly respected third matriarch of the Nicholsons in public!
“You… insolent brat! You? Teach me a lesson? Do you know I can bring your family to ruins with just one word?” Gloria cradled her burning face as she screeched in anger, losing her previous dignified elegance.
“You can try.” Dustin showed no signs of fear.
“Hah!” Gloria exclaimed in anger before dissolving into scornful laughter. “Oh, Florence, what a great family you have. I came all the way here to Swinton just to elevate your family to a higher status. And yet, you’re not only ungrateful, but you dare rebel against me? I believe this letter of appointment would have better use for another person! Since you’re not interested in assuming the role of Chairman at Cardinal Group, I’ll have the family patriarch revoke the appointment.”
As Gloria pulled out her phone, Florence panicked and fell to her knees with a thud. She begged, ” Madam Gloria, let’s not be rash, shall we? This punk has nothing to do with us. You can’t put the blame on us for his actions.”
Dakota interjected, “Don’t listen to her nonsense, Grandma! This guy is their son–in–law!” “Ex–ex–son–in–law! They got a divorce a long time ago!” Florence corrected her vehemently.
“Hmph! No one cares about your complicated relationships! Since he’d already married into the Nicholsons, he’s a part of your family!” Gloria continued with a dark expression, “Your family had better give us a satisfied response; otherwise, we are no longer family!”
“R–right! I’ll have him apologize immediately!” Florence nodded incessantly and turned toward Dustin. She bellowed, “Rhys! Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and get on your knees!” “You can kneel all you want. I’m not about to indulge her,” Dustin said lazily.
“D–did you hear that? Did you? This brat has no manners!” Gloria was irritated to her core.
“Bastard! I told you to apologize!” As Florence erupted in fury, she stood up and was about to land a heavy slap when Dustin grabbed hold of her hand.
He gritted his teeth and said coldly, “Don’t involve me in your buttering–up scheme!” He threw her aside forcefully.
Florence staggered back two steps, almost losing her balance. Her anger reached a tipping point. Wow! Did you just lay your hands on me? Dahlia! Look! This is the kind of man you love!” “Enough!” Dahlia shot up and glared at Gloria and her group.
“Madam Gloria, I’m not sure about your purpose for visiting. If you’re here for a serious matter, please get to the point. I believe it’s pointless if you’re just here to show off your authority.” Even though Dahlia was grateful for the opportunity, that didn’t mean she would let them walk all over
her.
“Dahlia Nicholson, how bold of you! How dare you use that tone with Grandma?” Dakota reprimanded her severely.
Dahlia replied calmly, “What’s wrong with my tone? I’m just asking for an explanation. If the family patriarch thinks I’m not fit for the position, I have no qualms for him to revoke the appointment.”
“You …” Dakota was about to start a new tirade when Gloria raised her hand and interrupted her. “Alright, since you wish to discuss serious matters, we’ll follow the usual discourse!” Gloria backed off at the mention of the family patriarch, but her expression remained hostile.
“Even though the family patriarch has appointed you the chairman of Cardinal Group, there’s a condition. You have to prove you have what it takes to assume control of Cardinal Group.”
“And how should I do that?” Dahlia asked.
“It’s simple. The company is in the midst of an important expansion and is in urgent need of funds amounting to one billion. You’ll pass the test once you manage to secure one billion in
investments.”
“One billion?”
