"I'm not drinking that. Get lost." Dustin's words were short and sweet, but he brought a deathly hush over the hall. All eyes were on Dylan the moment he entered. There were numerous people present who would do anything to gain his favor, so when they witnessed Dylan offering Dustin a drink, the onlookers, including Zoey, Gordon, and Zeke, were astonished. Jealous, even. It was definitely something worth bragging about to have someone like Dylan offer you a drink. However, they had never expected Dustin to actually turn him down and even arrogantly dismiss him. What was the meaning of that? Was Dustin really so full of himself? "What did you just say?" Not only were the onlookers surprised, but even Dylan couldn't believe his ears. He was a Harmon, a high-ranking commander in the Dark Panther Cavalry, and a future general! No matter where he went, people would fawn over him and go out of their way to please him. Just a smile from him could make someone's day, so shouldn't regular p
"Whoever wants the drink can have it, but it's not going to be me." Dustin remained unfazed by the comments and derogatory remarks hurled his way. "Well, that's not up to you!" Dylan's expression turned cold. "Boys, make him drink it!" "Yes, sir!" The two adjutants immediately went up to Dustin, ready to force the drink down his throat. "Buzz off." With two backhanded slaps, Dustin sent the two adjutants sprawling on the ground, blood streaming from their noses and their teeth broken. They scrambled to get back up but failed miserably. "Holy shit! The guy's getting violent!" The onlookers were startled and enraged by what they saw. Assaulting military personnel was a major offense, and when the situation called for it, they were authorized to use their guns. "You've got a death wish, you bastard!" Dylan finally had it when he saw the two adjutants being slapped. He swiftly threw a punch at Dustin's face. As a high-ranking commander of the Dark Panther Cavalry, it went without
"He spiked the wine?" Everyone looked at Dylan in shock. If that was the case, then it would make sense for Dustin to refuse the drink. "You—What nonsense!" Dylan had a sinking feeling, but he forced himself to appear composed as he roared, "Do you know who I am? Why would I spike your drink? You're dragging my reputation through the mud!" He had no idea how Dustin could tell that the wine had been spiked, but there was no way he was going to admit to doing it. "That's right! My cousin offered you a drink, and you not only turned him down, but you even accused him of such dirty tricks? You truly are cunning!" Kate feigned anger. "Hah! I think someone's just here to cause trouble!" "What a heinous crime to slander a military officer!" "We should just kick him out! He's despicable!" In a clamor of voices, the crowd accused and scolded Dustin. With their preconceived notions, they clearly believed Dylan more than they did Dustin. "Dustin, do you have any proof for claiming t
"That's it?"Natasha was extremely displeased. Naturally, she wasn't willing to swallow her anger when her man was being mistreated. "Natasha, let's look at the big picture. Why don't you sit down?" Hector gave her a look. Then, he led the others to sit at the tables allocated for the Harmons. The ten tables at the very front of the ballroom were designated for the core members of the Harmon family as well as the other bigwigs in the family. The regular guests were relegated to the back. "Darling, I'm sorry for the injustice. I'll definitely find an opportunity for a payback!" Natasha said through gritted teeth. "It's nothing but a petty issue. Don't worry about me. Go and keep your father company." Dustin smiled lightly. Her saying that was already good enough for him. "What, you don't want to sit with me?" Natasha raised an eyebrow. "No, guests shouldn't sit with the stars of the evening. I'll just sit here. Not to mention, sitting too close to Dylan might invite trouble.
Meanwhile, at the Grants' mansion, Tyler sat in the study, quietly poring over war strategy books. He gave each and every word on the page his undivided attention. Suddenly, there was a series of knocks on the door."What is it?" Tyler asked without turning his head."Mr. Grant, the big day has arrived. We should head out," an elderly voice said from outside the door.Tyler set the book down and got to his feet. After straightening his clothes, he opened the door and walked out. An aged servant stood outside the door, waiting for him with his head bowed."How are the Harmons reacting?" Tyler asked with an indifferent look. "The Harmons haven't started preparing for the wedding yet. Instead, they're throwing a birthday party," the man replied."Birthday party?" Tyler's mouth twitched. "Is that supposed to put pressure on me? How amusing." "Mr. Grant, should we fetch the bride another day?" the man asked tentatively. "Since the engagement is today, it can't be changed. We'll
"She's right!" Zeke added. "Rhys, here's a word of advice. You'd better leave Natasha as soon as possible, or you'd just be humiliating yourself!"Dustin wasn't bothered enough to entertain them. He simply minded his own business, sipping at his drink. Yet, his lofty attitude pissed them off even more. "Hpmh, weren't you acting all cool earlier? Has the cat got your tongue? That's all you're good for," Zoey said with a cold laugh. To her, it was obvious that Dustin was feeling ashamed of himself. "Let it go. Let him keep some of his dignity, or you'll back him into a corner," Gordon teased with a smile. Dustin was just a brute who knew a move or two; he really didn't think too highly of him.At that moment, Zoey seemed to have noticed something. She pointed at the door and asked, "Hey, who's that? He's really good-looking and even has a certain air about him." The others turned their heads to look, and their gazes fell upon a handsome man walking inside, holding a folding fan.
"What?" Gordon and the others were dumbfounded by how politely and courteously Patrick had spoken to Dustin. Their eyes were round with disbelief.The son of the Hill family—one of the Ten Princes of South Province, dubbed the top aristocrat—had actually greeted that jerk with a smile?How was that even possible?!"No way. Dustin knows Mr. Hill?" The smile on Zoey's face turned to ice. She had initially thought that Patrick had walked over for Gordon; never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that he was there for Dustin. Not to mention, from the way they were acting, it seemed like they were close."How the hell did that punk climb his way up to become friends with Mr. Hill?!" Shock aside, Zeke was more jealous than anything. What right did a loser have to hit it off with the top aristocrat?"How could this be?" Gordon was rooted to the spot, astonishment written on his face. It was one thing to be ignored by Patrick, but he couldn't come to terms with how the person h
"Now, I'd like to propose a toast!" Hector raised his glass, swept his gaze over all the guests, and downed his drink.In response, everyone stood and raised their glass to toast in return.After some small talk, it was time for the gift-giving segment. "Mr. Harmon, here are some golden horses that I forged with my own hands. I wish you nothing but success in life!""Mr. Harmon, this crystal necklace once belonged to an ancient king. I hope you like it." "Mr. Harmon, this painting is an authentic masterpiece by Pikasso. It's truly a priceless treasure. That being said, I wish you the best of health and a lifetime full of smiles ahead!" One by one, the guests stepped up with their gifts in hand, offering their heartfelt birthday wishes. There were numerous rich and respected people among them, and this gift-giving segment was also a subtle display of comparison and competition. The one with the rarest and most expensive gift got to show off. They could display their power and