An Understated Dominance - Chapter 70

Florence and James sat by the window, still grumbling about Dustin.

“Can you believe that an incompetent fool like Dustin is the owner? What is wrong with the world?” James complained loudly.

“He’s nothing but a leech! If Ms. Harmon hadn’t recommended him, he wouldn’t have this chance!” Florence snapped back.

James’s face twisted with jealousy. “Exactly! Once Ms. Harmon loses interest in him, he’ll be tossed aside like trash. Let’s see how cocky he can be then!”

“Dustin is just a freeloader. On the other hand, Matt is the real deal. He’s young, talented, and smart!” Florence praised Matt enthusiastically.

“What a shame. If Matt hadn’t gone abroad for school, he would have been my brother-in-law by now!” James added, trying to flatter him.

“Right! Just so you know, Dahlia has really missed you since you left!” Florence jumped in.

“Mom! Where did you get that idea?” Dahlia frowned, annoyed.

“I’m just saying the truth! If Matt hadn’t gone overseas, you wouldn’t have ended up with Dustin!” Florence insisted.

Before Dahlia could respond, Matt interjected, “Okay, let’s move on. We should eat before the food gets cold. It’s really good here.”

Florence and James fell silent and started eating eagerly.

“James and I are going to get some groceries. You two can take your time,” Florence said, suddenly stopping her meal and sharing a knowing look with James.

“Oh, yes! I’ll go with Mom,” James replied, and they quickly left the table.

Clearly, they were trying to give Dahlia and Matt a moment alone.

Once they were gone, Matt turned to Dahlia. “I’m really sorry for leaving you without…”

“I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. Please give me a chance to make things right,” Matt pleaded.

“It’s all in the past now. You don’t need to worry,” Dahlia replied casually. She had moved on from Matt a long time ago and didn’t care much anymore.

“That’s great to hear. You’ve really matured since we last met,” Matt said with a charming smile.

“Excuse me, I need to use the washroom,” Dahlia said, lightly patting her lips before getting up from the table.

As she walked away, Matt watched her with a sly grin. He pulled out a small packet of white powder, poured it into Dahlia’s wine, and swirled the glass.

Meanwhile, the restaurant manager saw everything that Matt did. Without wasting time, he went straight to Dustin’s booth to tell him about Matt’s plan.

“He spiked her drink? Are you sure about this?” Dustin asked, his brows furrowing in concern.

“Yes, I saw it with my own eyes!” the manager confirmed.

“Who would have thought he would show his true colors so soon?” Natasha said, narrowing her eyes.

Duane chimed in, “Dustin, you can’t let this go. Do you want me to teach him a lesson?”

“No, I’ll take care of it myself.” Dustin stood up and left the booth right away.

Just then, Dahlia returned from the washroom. Matt handed her the glass of wine. “Dahlia, this is a token of my apology. Cheers!” he said, smiling.

“Okay, but after this drink, I need to head home. Tomorrow will be busy at the office,” Dahlia replied, sounding a bit resigned.

“Sure, we can leave after this,” Matt said, not pushing her further. He quickly drank his own glass.

Just as Dahlia was about to take a sip, Dustin’s voice called out.

She paused and turned to him. “I wouldn’t drink that if I were you.”

“What do you mean?”