What Mr. Yaxley had brought was a box of gold bars. They sparkled brightly under the sunlight, creating a visual impact more stunning than money ever could."Dustin, here's a token of appreciation from the Welch family. Take it as your payment for saving Eleanor," Joanne said calmly as she glanced at the gold bars."What is the meaning of this, Mom?" Eleanor pouted in displeasure."The Welch family never owes favors. Since Dustin saved you, it only makes sense that I reward him handsomely," Joanne said matter-of-factly."Mrs. Welch, I did not save Eleanor for money." Dustin shook his head."What? Is this too little for you?"Without saying anything else, Joanne gestured to Mr. Yaxley. "Joaquin, bring out another box." "Yes, Ma'am." Mr. Yaxley promptly turned to leave."Mom!" Eleanor couldn't keep it in any longer."Not everything is about money! What the miracle doctor needs is the Dragon Panax! He needs it to save lives, not some useless gold bars!""The Dragon Panax?" Joan
"The Iceheart Lotus and the Emerald Corolla," Dustin listed the herbs he needed.The Welch family was a notch above the Swanson family in terms of power and influence. As long as they put some effort into it, they should be able to get their hands on those herbs."Young man, you've got quite the appetite for good things, haven't you? The herbs you mentioned are precious herbs that are extremely valuable! Aren't you a bit greedy to be asking for three precious herbs in return for a formula?" Joanne's brow knitted together in displeasure."I can't say the same for other formulas, Mrs. Welch. But the formula for Dew Balm is definitely worth as much. The profit it can bring the Welch family certainly exceeds the value of those herbs," Dustin guaranteed."Is that so?" Joanne's gaze on Dustin was sharp as she tried to read his expression.However, there wasn't a hint of guilt in his eyes. He simply looked back at her boldly. And that was enough to tell Joanne that he wasn't lying. "
"I'm sorry, Dustin," Eleanor remorsefully said when they reached the gates. "The Dragon Panax should have been a gift. I didn't expect my mother to pull something like that and ruin my plan.""There is no need to apologize, Ms. Welch. Without your help, I would never have obtained the Dragon Panax, nor would I have been able to strike a deal with your mother. "This is the best outcome I could have asked for." Dustin chuckled.It was not a loss for him since he got the three precious herbs in exchange for a mere formula."You're alright with this?" Eleanor perked up."Of course." Dustin nodded, smiling."Hehe! I really like you, Dustin. You're a friend I'd like to keep!"Eleanor smiled, showing off her dimples. "You haven't had lunch yet, have you? Come on, I know a restaurant that serves really good food. Let's go!"With that, she dragged Dustin into her car.Just then, her phone started to ring. As she answered the call, a deep voice was heard saying, "Ms. Welch, we've got
Ezra was a typical player who would never change his ways. Eleanor should consider herself lucky for discovering his true colors before they got married. Otherwise, it would have been too late."Of course, I know that I should let go. But not without making him pay first!" Eleanor gritted her teeth, full of resentment."How dare he treat me like this? I'm not letting him off easily! "I'll make him regret messing with me! I'll make him understand that losing me is the biggest loss of his god-damned life!""What do you have in mind?" Dustin questioned."Since he's cheating on me with other women, I'll get myself a man. I'll humiliate and piss him off!" Eleanor sniffled. All of a sudden, her gaze landed on Dustin. "You'll be my boyfriend from now on, Dustin. I'll show him that he isn't the only one who can mess around!""What?" Dustin was startled. "Are you kidding, Ms. Welch? We barely know each other.""So what? Do you think I'm not good enough for you?" Eleanor huffed."I'
When the door was kicked open, everyone was stunned and instinctively looked over.A fashionably dressed and sweet-looking Eleanor stood at the door. She walked in with an air of indifference. Dustin trailed in behind her casually."Eleanor?""Ms. Welch?"When they saw who it was, everyone's expression changed. Especially Ezra, who immediately withdrew his hand from the lady's waist as if he was electrocuted. Then, he stood up and forced a smile. "Eleanor, why are you here?""What, you can be here, and I can't?" Eleanor glanced at the lady before fixing her gaze on Ezra.Though she had mentally prepared herself, it still angered her to see the cheating couple behave so intimately."Sure you can! But why didn't you tell me beforehand? I could have made arrangements for you," Ezra said with a smile."No need. I'm just here to have a look."As Eleanor spoke, her gaze trailed over to the lady on the couch, who looked nervous. Eleanor asked casually, "Who's this beside you? I
The most infuriating thing was that Eleanor showed up in front of Ezra and her friend with benefits! That was a blatant provocation!"Eleanor, why have I never met this best friend of yours?" Ezra took a deep breath to suppress his anger."Do I need your permission to have friends now?" Eleanor asked flatly. "Besides, you have some girl friends whom I've never met before, too.""I—" Ezra wanted to retort but found nothing he could say. He knew what this was about now. This woman was intentionally pissing him off to get back at him."What a rare occasion that we're all gathered here today, Eleanor. Here, have a drink."Seeing that things were starting to look ugly, Sheehan forced a smile and tried to diffuse the situation."I don't drink." Eleanor refused frostily."Oh, that's alright. You can just have some fruit juice, then. Anything that suits your taste."Sheehan chuckled deferentially before turning to give a waiter some orders. A while later, the waiter returned with a
"Dustin, they're planning something. You can just ignore them," Eleanor swiftly advised Dustin against it.She had volunteered herself because she was sure Sheehan wouldn't dare try anything dirty with her. But if it was Dustin, she couldn't be sure that they wouldn't make a fool out of him."Don't worry. I know what I'm doing." Dustin smiled at Eleanor before looking at Sheehan. "How should I assist you, Mr. Crock?""It's easy. I need a drop of your blood and a few strands of your hair. After that, just wait for my cue." Sheehan grinned."Sure." Dustin nodded and pulled out a silver needle to prick his index finger. Then, he squeezed a drop of his blood into an empty glass.Next, he plucked a few strands of hair and dropped them into the cup. "Will this do?" he asked."Yes, this will do." Sheehan grinned impishly and gave Ezra a look.Ezra nodded with a smile and relaxed on the couch, looking like he was ready to enjoy a show. He knew very well what Sheehan was capable of
"Don't worry, Eleanor, we're just having fun. We won't do anything to him," Ezra soothed."Hmph! You'd better not!" Eleanor frowned but held herself backShe was just worried that she might hurt Dustin if she acted rashly."Hey Crock, is he truly under your control now?" one of the ladies asked."Of course!" Sheehan grinned arrogantly. "He's nothing more than a walking corpse now. He doesn't feel pain and won't have any memories of what's happening."He will do whatever I ask without questioning and never remember doing it after this.""Really? Well, can you get him to hit himself, then?" the lady asked eagerly."Sure." Sheehan smirked as he turned to Dustin and ordered, "Now, slap yourself across the face with your hand.""Sheehan! You—" Eleanor was just about to stop them, but Dustin had already lifted his hand. Then, under the astonished looks of everyone present, he slapped Sheehan.The slap sent Sheehan staggering backward. He felt the world spinning, and blood bega