An Understated Dominance - Chapter 35

“What did you say?” Chris asked, shocked.

“I said I’m not interested in a business that’s about to go bankrupt,” Dustin replied firmly.

“Bankrupt?” Chris couldn’t believe it.

Everyone was silent, taken aback by Dustin’s claim. “How dare you! That’s nonsense!”

Chris quickly defended his company. “Nolan Pharmaceuticals is making profits every day and is thriving. How could we go bankrupt? Stop spreading fear!”

Dustin shook his head. “Only you can say if it’s fear-mongering or not. But I have news that Nolan Pharmaceuticals will be investigated for selling counterfeit drugs. It’s only a matter of time before you go bankrupt.”

“Counterfeit drugs? Investigated?” The room was now filled with confusion.

All eyes turned to Chris.

“Nonsense! All of it is nonsense!” he shouted.

“Dustin, stop spreading these rumors. Nolan Pharmaceuticals follows the law. How could we be under investigation? I could sue you for defamation!” Chris threatened, though inside he was panicking. The truth was, Nolan Pharmaceuticals was indeed under investigation and facing bankruptcy soon. He had planned to take the company public to raise money for himself.

But how did Dustin know about the investigation when it hadn’t been made public?

“Dustin, what nonsense are you talking about? How can a successful company like Nolan Pharmaceuticals go bankrupt?” Florence asked sharply.

“Exactly! Everyone knows that Nolan Pharmaceuticals has valuable assets and is doing great. Stop lying!” James added.

It was clear they were skeptical of Dustin. The Nolan family had a long-standing reputation in Swinton, and they were well-respected in the community.

“It can’t be true,” Dustin thought as he listened to the conversation around him.

“It’s true! Nolan Pharmaceuticals is going under, and that ‘capital increase and share expansion’ is just a scam to take people’s money!” Chris shouted.

Chris had even asked Mason to lend him money, clearly worried about the company’s investigation and looming bankruptcy.

“That’s ridiculous! I just wanted to help because we’re friends. If you don’t want my help, that’s fine, but how can you say such things about me? What’s your agenda?” Chris yelled.

“Mr. Rhys, it’s okay if you can’t help us. But why make things difficult when Chris is just trying to assist? You’re being really sneaky!” someone chimed in.

“Exactly! He’s just jealous of Chris and trying to ruin him!” another person added.

“Dustin, you’re so low!” shouted someone else.

The crowd began to turn on Dustin, siding with Chris, who was wealthy and influential. They were quick to believe him over Dustin.

Dustin frowned as he watched the scene unfold. He had only tried to help, but it seemed like no one would listen to a man without money or power.

“Dustin, do you have proof that Nolan Pharmaceuticals is going bankrupt?” Dahlia asked suddenly. She had invested eight million dollars and needed to be careful.

“I don’t have proof, but what I said is true. You can check for yourself if you don’t believe me. The information is out there,” Dustin replied coldly.

Dahlia’s face fell at his response. Did this mean he was just making things up? She had high hopes for him, but now she felt let down.

Accusations were flying. It seemed like Dustin’s jealousy had turned into something much darker—hatred.

“Everyone,” Chris began, “Dustin is accusing me of being a swindler. So, let’s just forget about the shares, or I might end up taking advantage of everyone.”

Seeing the moment was perfect, Chris pretended to be the victim in this situation.