An Understated Dominance - Chapter 175

After a stormy event, the Harmon family’s press conference went well. In contrast, the Hummer family’s press conference ended badly.

The launch of Immortunol hurt Eternumax’s sales significantly. Compared to a new medicine that worked better and cost less, Eternumax was seen as useless.

The Hummer family couldn’t sell Eternumax at all. They ended up with a lot of unsold products that were going bad. Edwin’s careful plans turned out to be a total failure.

While this setback didn’t shake the Hummer family’s strong foundation, it still caused them considerable losses.

After the press conference, Dustin was getting ready to leave when Ruth stopped him at the door.

“Dustin, I need a favor from you,” she said.

“What is it?” Dustin asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m going to a reunion with some classmates later. Can you come with me and be my bodyguard?” Ruth said directly.

“The Harmon family has plenty of bodyguards. Why do you need me? I’m not interested,” Dustin replied.

“None of those guys are as good as you! Honestly, there’s a guy in my class who’s really annoying and keeps trying to date me. I told him I have a boyfriend, but he doesn’t believe me. That’s why I need you there,” Ruth explained, pouting.

“So, you just want to use me as an excuse? That makes me even less interested,” Dustin shrugged.

“Come on! I thought we were friends. You won’t help me with this little thing? Where’s your loyalty?” Ruth said, looking displeased.

“What are you talking about? Don’t say things like that!” Dustin’s expression changed as he glanced around nervously.

“Don’t pretend you don’t care,” Ruth said, pressing on.

Ruth crossed her arms with a smug look on her face. “You didn’t hear me!”

Dustin opened his mouth to explain, but Ruth cut him off. “I don’t care! If you don’t help me, I’ll tell my mom!”

“What?” Dustin replied, alarmed. “Okay, okay. I’ll keep you company. Are you happy now?”

He was surprised that this little girl would threaten him like that. He couldn’t help but admire her determination.

“That’s more like it!” Ruth smirked and pulled Dustin out the door.

They were at the Phoenix Karaoke in a private room that evening.

Sheila sat on the sofa, resting her chin on her hands and looking bored.

In front of her, a group of young men and women were singing and having a great time.

“Hey Sheila, you said you were bored at the villa. I took a big risk to bring you out, but why do you still look so down?” Claudia, sitting next to her, asked, puzzled.

Sheila used to be lively and cheerful, but ever since her illness was cured, she had been acting strangely. For the last couple of days, she had no appetite and seemed to be lost in thought.

“Maybe my body hasn’t fully recovered yet,” Sheila replied lazily.

“Is that really it?” Claudia said, looking skeptical.

“Can I ask you something?” A young man suddenly chimed in with a bright smile. “Did you tell Ruth about this gathering? I haven’t been able to reach her lately.”

“Of course I did. We’re good friends, so I wouldn’t leave her out,” Sheila nodded.

“That’s great! It’s been a while since I’ve seen Ruth. I wonder how she’s doing?” The young man smiled, relieved.

“Nigel, I think you should give up on Ruth. She’s not interested in you,” Sheila said bluntly.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Maybe one day Ruth will see how I really feel,” Nigel replied, undeterred.

“True feelings? Nigel, you seem to have a new girlfriend every month. You change girlfriends more often than people change clothes,” Claudia said with a smirk.

“Claudia! That’s ridiculous. I’m a loyal person!” Nigel replied, looking embarrassed.

“Alright, fine! You’re loyal, you’re not a playboy,” Claudia said, not wanting to argue further.

Her main concern was protecting Sheila, not getting involved in the love lives of young people.

Just then, the door to the private room swung open. Ruth, dressed elegantly, walked in, followed closely by Dustin.

“Ruth, you’re finally here! Come, have a seat!” Nigel exclaimed, clearly excited as he poured her a glass of juice.

“Dustin?” Sheila suddenly stood up, her eyes wide with surprise.

Claudia was taken aback by Sheila’s sudden burst of energy. What was going on?

Sheila was looking at Dustin, who was standing in the doorway. Claudia frowned. Did Sheila have feelings for him?

“Dustin, what are you doing here?” Sheila asked happily, almost ignoring Ruth.

“Ms. Murray?” Dustin replied, surprised. He hadn’t expected to see her here.

“Do you two know each other?” Ruth asked, her eyes darting between them in shock.

“I got sick a couple of days ago, and Dustin was the one who helped me!” Sheila said with a sweet smile.

“Is that so? It seems like you two are destined to meet again!” Ruth smiled knowingly.

“Yes, it must be fate!” Sheila agreed, her earlier boredom forgotten.

“Ruth, who is this guy? I don’t think I’ve seen him around before,” Nigel said, narrowing his eyes at Dustin, clearly unimpressed.

The atmosphere was charged as the two beautiful women focused their attention on Dustin.

Ruth was being very affectionate with Dustin, and this made Nigel feel jealous.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce him. This is my boyfriend, Dustin,” Ruth said, lifting her chin with pride.

“Boyfriend?” Nigel’s expression changed, and he looked upset.

Sheila, who had been happy just moments before, now felt disappointment and sadness wash over her. She couldn’t believe that her good friend had already claimed Dustin for herself.