An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori Chapter 1330
“Master Brooke, Dustin, we’ve found you.” At that moment, Cody and Harper walked in through the door.
“Hmph! You’re here to take advantage of us again!” Harper grimaced and shot Dustin a scornful look. She couldn’t shake off the events from last night. Her resentment toward Dustin and his collusion with Lana was still fresh in her mind.
“Dustin, I heard you were almost robbed last night. Are you alright?” Cody asked with a concerned look.
“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Ostrower. They were just a bunch of petty thieves. I didn’t take them seriously,” Dustin replied.
Dustin suddenly changed the topic and asked, “By the way, Mr. Ostrower, how did you know I was almost robbed?”
“Huh?” Cody’s expression froze, but he swiftly regained his composure.
“Oh, I have a well-informed network. In this part of South City, hardly anything can happen without me getting wind of it.”
“I see.” Dustin chuckled with a knowing look. He had been wondering who might have taken an interest in Enchanting Elegance last night. It now seemed quite likely that Cody was involved.
However, he had no intention of exposing him. After all, a hypocrite like Cody could turn out useful in the future.
“Dustin, Enchanting Elegance may be a treasure, but it’s also a burden. Given your current status, you won’t be able to hold onto it for long,” Cody said meaningfully.
“Oh? Is that so? What would you suggest I do?” Dustin probed.
“It’s quite simple. The sooner you sell it and get it off your hands, the better.”
Cody added seriously, “You should give it to me if you trust me. I’ll get someone to auction it off for you and make sure you get a great price for it.”
As long as he had the painting, he would be the one to determine the final selling price. How would a country bumpkin like Dustin know how much it was worth anyways?
“An auction, you say? Let me think about it.” Dustin pretended to consider it. “Don’t dwell on it too long. Every minute you have your hands on it only puts you in more danger. I’m advising this for your own good!” Cody urged somewhat impatiently.
Dustin was about to say something when his phone rang. When he answered, he heard Ziggy on the other line.
“Hey, brat! Didn’t you want to meet up with Mr. Swanson? I’ve arranged it for you. Come on over if you dare!”
“What did you just call me?” Dustin’s voice grew colder.
“Br-” Ziggy was about to curse at him when he was reminded of something. His voice faltered as he stammered, “B- Buddy, you wanted to negotiate, right? Mr. Swanson has invited you to meet at Goldcrest Lounge. Please come over soon.”
“Goldcrest Lounge, was it? Alright, I’ll be there in an hour.”
After hanging up, Dustin turned to Dr. Brooke and said, “Dr. Brooke, I have some matters to attend to. I’ll be taking my leave. Let me know when you have any updates.”
“Alright! Brooke nodded.
“Dustin, I heard you mention that you’re heading to Goldcrest Lounge?” Cody asked. “That’s right. What’s the matter?” Dustin responded with a sidelong glance.
“Do you know that Goldcrest Lounge is the Welch family’s territory?” Cody asked again.
“Of course, I do. I’m going there to negotiate with Zion. Some matters are best resolved early to avoid trouble,” Dustin replied casually.
“Dustin, you’re being naïve!” Cody slapped his thigh. He cautioned, “The Welch family is greedy and has been eyeing the Dew Balm formula the entire time. If you go alone, you’re sending yourself into the lion’s den.”
“No one knows who the lion is yet.”
Dustin remained calm. “Dustin, if you insist on going, I won’t stop you. However, to be safe, I strongly suggest you write down the Dew Balm formula and entrust it to us.
“If the Welch family can’t get their hands on the formula, they definitely won’t hurt you, either.” Cody was quick to come up with the idea.
Since he couldn’t get his hands on Enchanting Elegance, getting the Dew Balm formula was a good alternative.
“Mr. Ostrower, how thoughtful of you. You’re always looking out for my best interests,” Dustin said sarcastically.
First, he wanted Enchanting Elegance, and now he was after the Dew Balm formula. This son of a bitch was exceedingly greedy.
“Come on, we’re friends. It’s only natural to help each other out. Just wait a moment; let me get you some paper and a pen.
“You can write down the formula, and I’ll keep it safe.” After saying that, Cody dashed downstairs eagerly. Two minutes later, when he returned upstairs with some paper and a pen in hand, Dustin was nowhere to be found.
