“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 her wildest dreams would she have thought that he


    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 be 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 he couldn’te to terms with how the person he had to suck up to was


    so polite to Dustin.


    Wasn’t Dustin just a country doctor? How did he 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 she observed everything from a distance. Curiosity sparked in her 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, she continued, “You’re an honored guest, so it’s only fitting that


    you upy 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 she quickly regained herposure. “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 him


    a final smile, she turned around and returned to her seat. Before she walked away, however, she gave


    Dustin an inscrutable nce.


    “Just who is Dustin? How can he get on so well with Mr. Hill?” Zoey’s expression turned strange as she


    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 him 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 he give a loser like Dustin the time of day?”


    “So that’s what it is…” Zoey suddenly had an epiphany. Disdain colored her face as she said, “I actually


    thought he was kind of impressive, but in the end, he’s just relying on his rich girlfriend to climb up. Men


    like him 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 her 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 ss and stood. In a booming voice, he said, “Wee,


    dear friends, to my birthday celebration. I’m extremely honored. I hope you’ll enjoy the food and drink to


    your heart’s content!”Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.