It was 8:00 pm. Inside Rose Cafe, Dahlia was seated by the window. She had both hands wrapped around her cup of coffee. Her mood was heavy as she watched the rain fall outside. She looked exhausted.Since last night, she had been in a trance and felt dispirited. All she could think of was Dustin and their memories. She had tried so hard to mend their relationship. But whatever she did, it seemed to pull them further apart. She slowly realized that Dustin seemed to care less about her now. He no longer put her first and considered her feelings either. She was terrified at the thought that they had turned into enemies, especially after the decisive look he gave her last night.Just then, Dahlia heard the sound bell hanging at the door. She turned her head instinctively and saw a familiar figure enter. It was none other than Dustin."You're here." Dahlia's eyes lit up, and she appeared more animated as she stood up."What did you call me here for?" Dustin took a seat stoic
"Stop right there!" Dahlia caught up to him and grabbed his arm. "Do you have to be like this? Can't we have a decent talk?""I don't think that's necessary. I'm wasting my breath. Not to mention, I'm busy. Let's not waste each other's time any longer," Dustin said with little interest and headed straight for the door."You're not allowed to leave!" Dahlia suddenly hugged him from behind, holding him tightly. It was an extremely bold move coming from her, especially when she was usually aloof. "I'm not letting you go!" Still maintaining her tight grip, she rested her cheek on his back.She mumbled softly, "Consider me wrong this time, okay? I know I'm difficult sometimes, but I'll do my best to change. "If you say Gavin is the bad guy, then he's the bad guy. I won't see him ever again, alright? I'm terrified of losing you. Let's get back together, please. "I won't be stubborn anymore and won't hit you again. I swear. As long as you stay, I'll do anything you tell me to. "
Early the next morning, at Zephyr Lodge, Dustin sat on the rooftop and watched the sunrise. His expression was devoid of emotion. Since bidding farewell to Dahlia last night, he had been on the rooftop since midnight till the sun rose in the sky. His emotions gradually shifted from turmoil to calmness. After a night of deep contemplation, he found a newfound sense of acceptance and detachment. He would no longer be stuck in the past."Sir Rhys …"At that moment, Cornelius leaped onto the rooftop and reported, "I've received news that the Jade Maiden Scripture you are looking for has been located.""Oh? Where is it?" Dustin raised his eyebrow."A group of foreign merchants have it. We've contacted them, but they're unwilling to sell to us directly. They insist on meeting face-to-face," Cornelius replied. "A face-to-face meeting?" Dustin nodded. "Alright, go get Nikki. We'll go and have a look together.""Yes, sir." After Cornelius replied, he jumped down the roof again.
Nikki frowned, "What do you mean? You're not selling it directly to us?""Recently, I've received many inquiries about the Jade Maiden Scripture. I was in a difficult position and was unable to make a decision. "That was why I gathered everyone here to discuss the price collectively. It would be fairer this way," Samuel explained."Fair?" Dustin shook his head with a smile. "Mr. Franklin, you have a gift for words. You're raising the price without reason yet making it sound sophisticated."Gathering all the buyers to discuss the price collectively was an obvious attempt to start a bidding war. That way, the price of the Jade Maiden Scripture would surge dramatically. It was a cunning strategy indeed."You flatter me, mister. I'm a humble merchant who hopes to earn a little extra profit." Samuel continued to smile even when his plan was exposed. He was good at maintaining his composure. "Hmph! I hate people like you the most" Nikki looked at him contemptuously.Why couldn't
"Hey! I'm warning you, don't mess with me!" Julian took a few quick steps back in fear when he saw Dustin's threatening posture. He hadn't brought any bodyguards today; only a few pretty women came with him. It would be difficult for him to handle such a reckless fellow alone."Fellow guests. Please, calm down." Samuel noticed the tension in the air.He mediated the situation with a smile. "We've gathered here today for serious business. Let's not spoil the mood. Whatever it is, we can discuss things calmly while seated."‘’Alright. Since Mr. Franklin has spoken up, I'll respect that." Dustin nodded and settled back into his seat.Since they came for the Jade Maiden Scripture, it was inappropriate to fight now. He could deal with someone like Julian anytime he wanted, anyway. "Hmph! And here I thought you had the guts. But it seems like you're all bark!" Julian sneered. He assumed Dustin was hesitant to act because of his identity. "You dress up so shabbily, and yet you dar
Everyone glanced at Nikki, sizing her up. "Hmph! Do you think one billion is impressive? I'll pay 1.5 billion!" Julian raised the bid again. The Nicholsons may not have much of anything else, but they certainly had a lot of money. Not to mention, recently, he was in luck and earned a few billions. He had so much money now that he didn't know how to spend it."Two billion!" Nikki would not let up. The Jade Maiden Sisterhood had a budget of around five billion. As long as she could get the Jade Maiden Scroll, spending it all wasn't a problem. "My, my. Are you challenging me? I'm curious to see what you're capable of. Three billion!" Julian thundered with confidence.When he raised the price, several buyers gave up and left. Although the Jade Maiden Scripture was a precious treasure, it came with a major limitation. It was only useful for women. While spending a few hundred million to please their lover wasn't an issue, a few billion wasn't worth it. "Nikki, how much can y
Nikki was livid and glowered at Julian. She clenched her fists, almost losing her cool.While Dustin remained indifferent, it was like he was staring at a fool."Kid, get lost if you don't have the money. What are you standing around for? Waiting for someone to donate it to you?" Julian mocked."Hmph! You're humiliating yourself by going up against Mr. Nicholson.""It's embarrassing that you don't have ten billion!" The haughty women spoke out, and they looked at Nikki with disdain. It was as if money was just a number to them."All of you are too much!" Nikki seethed in anger and turned to Dustin.She asked him, "Dustin, how much money do you have? Lend it all to me. I will get the Jade Maiden Scripture today no matter what! I'm going to crush this guy's arrogance thoroughly!" "Money?" Dustin patted his pockets, then shook his head. "Sorry, I didn't bring any money. How about you, Cornelius?""Me neither." Cornelius spread his hands out. He only had a few pennies to his n
Julian glared at the masked men, displeased with them. In public, everyone always addressed him as Mr. Nicholson. The audacity of these masked men to address him familiarly by his first name!"So, you're Julian Nicholson." After the masked man confirmed his target, his gaze turned cold. The next thing they knew, the masked man lunged at Julian with a knife. The sharp blade sliced into Julian's abdomen, leaving Julian in shock. His eyes widened in disbelief. What on earth was going on? The masked man must be out of his mind to attack him without a word!"Ah—!" Julian screamed in pain. He staggered back, clutching his wound. He was terrified. "W—who are you?" "Your executioner!" The masked men approached Julian murderously."I've done nothing to offend you. Why do you want to kill me?" Julian broke out in cold sweat as panic overtook him. "I was paid to kill you. It serves you right for offending Mr. Huffner!" The leader of the masked men thundered. "I don't know any Pre