An Understated Dominance - Chapter 95

“Duane, let’s get straight to the point,” Dustin said as he took a sip of his tea. “You said you found the Panax root. Where is it?”

“Since you’re so eager, I won’t keep you waiting,” Duane replied with a smile, clapping his hands.

A bodyguard walked in, carrying a wooden box. He placed the box on the table between Duane and Dustin. Slowly, Duane opened it. Inside was a dark yellow root, no bigger than a palm, with long roots. It was the Panax root.

“This really is good stuff!” Dustin exclaimed, examining the root closely. He looked thrilled. A 500-year-old Panax root was a rare treasure, and having it brought him closer to his goal.

“How do you like it, Dustin? Are you happy?” Duane asked, grinning.

“Of course I’m happy. Thank you so much,” Dustin said, reaching out to take the root.

Suddenly, Duane snapped the lid of the box shut.

“Dustin, what’s the rush? Let’s chat a bit more,” Duane said, holding the box tightly. It was clear he wasn’t ready to hand over the root just yet.

“Duane, what’s going on?” Dustin asked, narrowing his eyes.

“I’m very interested in your Gemiphen formula. Can you sell it to me?” Duane said with a faint smile.

“Duane, that’s not what we agreed on. According to our deal, I cure your ailment, and you give me the 500-year-old Panax root in return,” Dustin reminded him.

“Are you sure you remember it right? Yes, you cured me, but I also gave you the Hillview Hotel. You’ll have to trade the Panax root for your Gemiphen formula,” Duane replied.

“You sound like you’re trying to go back on your word,” Dustin warned, his expression becoming more serious.

The air was getting colder. Dustin had expected Duane to bring him the Panax root, but instead, he realized Duane had been focused on his Gemiphen formula all along.

“Dustin, let’s not put it that way. We both want something from this. If you’re not happy, I can offer you another thirty million in cash!” Duane said, holding up three fingers.

“I’ve told you before, my Gemiphen formula is not for sale. I will only trade it for herbs,” Dustin insisted.

“Come on, am I not trying to make a deal with you right now?” Duane replied, tapping the box between them.

“Duane, if people find out you’re not trustworthy, won’t you look foolish?” Dustin’s face was icy.

If Duane had approached the negotiation politely, Dustin might have considered selling him two packets of Gemiphen. But Duane’s method was foolish.

“So what if they find out? Who would believe you?” Duane shot back, his nervous smile not reaching his eyes. The Gemiphen formula was incredibly valuable. If he could get it, he could take control of the entire Anderson family!

“Duane, for Ms. Harmon’s sake, I won’t ruin our relationship. So now, you need to give me the Panax root,” Dustin said calmly, holding back his anger.

“And what if I don’t?” Duane asked defiantly.

“Then don’t blame me for taking it from you,” Dustin replied bluntly.

“Take it? Haha! If you can grab this box from me, I’ll give it to you for free!” Duane laughed. He had trained in martial arts for years and was a master. There was no way an amateur like Dustin could take anything from him.

“Alright! You said it!” Dustin said, moving quickly to reach for the wooden box.

Duane was ready for him. His hand tightened around the box.

With a swift motion, he turned his hand into a claw and grabbed Dustin’s arm tightly. The fight had started.