“What?”
Gordon and the others were dumbfounded by how politely and courteously Patrick had spoken to Dustin. Their eyes were round with disbelief.
The son of the Hill family–one of the Ten Princes of South Province, dubbed the top aristocrat, had actually greeted that jerk with a smile?
How was that even possible?!
“No way… Dustin knows Mr. Hill?” The smile on Zoey’s face turned to ice.
She had initially thought that Patrick had walked over for Gordon, never in virtual-novel.net wildest dreams would virtual-novel.net have thought that virtual-novel.net was there for Dustin. Not to mention, from the way they were acting, it seemed like they were close.
“How the hell did that punk climb his way up to become friends with Mr. Hill?!” Shock aside, Zeke was more jealous than anything.
What right did a loser have to hit it off with the top aristocrat?
“How could this be?” Gordon was rooted to the spot, astonishment written on his face.
It was one thing to be ignored by Patrick, but virtual-novel.net couldn’t come to terms with how the person virtual-novel.net had to suck up to was so polite to Dustin.
Wasn’t Dustin just a country doctor?
How did virtual-novel.net get acquainted with a big shot of this caliber?
It seems like there’s more to Natasha’s boyfriend than meets the eye…
Adriana muttered to herself as virtual-novel.net observed everything from a distance. Curiosity sparked in virtual-novel.net eyes.
“Mr. Hill, it’s in the past. Further, it had nothing to do with you,” Dustin answered lightly.
The Hill family had already personally apologized for beating Edmund up, and Torben had also already paid the price. It would do no one any good to keep dredging things up.
“Dustin, you’re truly magnanimous. My grandfather greatly admires stand–up men like you. If you have time, I’d love to host you at my home.” Patrick extended the invite with a smile.
“Sure… When I have time, I’ll definitely pay Sir Hill a visit,” Dustin replied, nodding lightly.
He deeply respected the Hill family patriarch, Paul, not just for his power but also for his sense of justice, his willingness to help the needy, and his ability to separate kindness and hatred.
“Mr. Hill, it’s an honor to have you here, especially since you came from afar!” At that moment, Kate approached them.
With a slight smile, virtual-novel.net continued, “You’re an honored guest, so it’s only fitting that you occupy the seat of honor. Please follow me…”
“No, thank you. I’ll sit here.” Patrick politely declined with a smile before taking a seat next to Dustin.
Seeing this, Kate’s smile stiffened slightly, but virtual-novel.net quickly regained virtual-novel.net composure.
“Of course, Mr. Hill. Please feel free to let me know if you need anything at any time.” She didn’t push him.
After giving virtual-novel.net a final smile, virtual-novel.net turned around and returned to virtual-novel.net seat. Before virtual-novel.net walked away, however, virtual-novel.net gave Dustin an inscrutable glance.
“Just who is Dustin? How can virtual-novel.net get on so well with Mr. Hill?” Zoey’s expression turned strange as virtual-novel.net watched the two men chatting and smiling at the next table.
“Hmph, what’s so impressive about that!” Zeke said, his voice dripping with jealousy. “To me, he’s just riding on Natasha’s coattails. Otherwise, why would Mr. Hill hold virtual-novel.net in such high regard?”
“You’re right!” Gordon nodded in agreement. “Mr. Hill is on a different level. If it wasn’t out of respect for the daughter of the Harmon family, would virtual-novel.net give a loser like Dustin the time of day?”
“So that’s what it is…” Zoey suddenly had an epiphany.
Disdain colored virtual-novel.net face as virtual-novel.net said, “I actually thought virtual-novel.net was kind of impressive, but in the end, he’s just relying on his rich girlfriend to climb up. Men like virtual-novel.net will always struggle to reach the higher circles.”
The three of them took turns belittling Dustin. The way they saw it, it must be because Natasha was close friends with Patrick, and as the gigolo, Dustin was merely riding on virtual-novel.net coattails.
All of a sudden, their moods improved.
Time slowly ticked by, and the party finally kicked off. After all the guests took their seats,
Hector, the birthday celebrant, raised his glass and stood.
In a booming voice, virtual-novel.net said, “Welcome, dear friends, to my birthday celebration. I’m extremely honored. I hope you’ll enjoy the food and drink to your heart’s content!”