Chapter 8 The Very Survival of the Dunns

• Noticing Alice's continued gloom, Zachary wiped the blood from his lip and continued, "Alice, are you worried about the Eastvale Ecological Project?
• "There's no need for concern! My dad has already reached out to Daphne from Alphacrest Group.
• "She mentioned that she might offer us a ten-billion-dollar stake in the Eastvale project.
• "When the time comes, I'll speak with Ms. West and arrange for us to give the Millers a 30% share of our portion.
• "As you know, Alphacrest Group primarily owns the Eastvale Ecological Project."
• Alice's eyes sparkled with interest in this information.
• Daphne from Alphacrest Group was a powerful figure, on par with Harmonfield's underground kingpin, Rygar!
• She was Alice's idol and represented the kind of woman she aspired to be!
• When Alphacrest Group first arrived in Harmonfield, Rygar attempted to stifle them.
• However, within a month, all his efforts were in vain.
• Instead, he had to personally apologize and agree to a truce.
• From that point on, Alphacrest Group rapidly ascended in Harmonfield, with Daphne becoming one of the most enigmatic and formidable figures in the city's business community.
• Alice asked, half in disbelief, "Mr. Gill, are you saying the Gills have really established contact with Ms. West from Alphacrest Group?"
• Zachary, momentarily taken aback, smiled and replied, "Yes, Alice. So, we don't need to worry about the Dunns. Robin is just a lowly pauper compared to us."
• The guests at the party were equally astonished by this revelation.
• Daphne from Alphacrest Group wielded immense influence in Harmonfield, despite her low profile.
• Her mysterious background commanded respect without the need for overt displays of anger.
• With such a formidable figure involved, the Dunns wouldn't dare assert themselves as the top players in her presence.
• To think that the Gills had managed to align themselves with her!
• It appeared that the Gills, as one of Harmonfield's leading families, still possessed significant clout.
• The Millers breathed a sigh of relief.
• Juliet, Alice's mother, who had been anxious, now felt a surge of excitement upon hearing this news.
• "Ms. West from Alphacrest Group is no ordinary person!
• "Zachary, the Millers are counting on your family.
• "Once we partner with Alphacrest Group, I'm eager to see how Robin will behave in our presence!"
• A smile slowly spread across Alice's face.
• She thought with a touch of cold amusement, Robin, you uncouth pauper, do you think you've achieved something by associating with the Dunns?
• How ridiculous!
• You'll never match up to Mr. Gill!
• Don't even think about being arrogant in front of me!
• I will eventually become a queen, like Daphne from Alphacrest Group!
• When that time comes, if you dare to ignore me again, I'll make you beg for mercy!
• ...
• Outside the Miller Group, Drake hurried to catch up with Robin and said respectfully, "Mr. Ramsey, may I ask that you join me in the car for a private discussion?"
• Robin stopped in his tracks.
• He had initially intended to decline, but seeing the earnest expressions on Drake and Shirley's faces, he reconsidered.
• He remembered how the Dunns had publicly supported him at the Millers' party, and Shirley had set aside her own dignity to declare her feelings for him.
• Their gesture showed a profound respect for Robin.
• While Robin didn't necessarily require such flattery, the Dunns' approach was undeniably heartfelt.
• "If it hadn't been for your intervention today, Mr. Ramsey, my beloved granddaughter could have been in serious danger," Drake said.
• "Mr. Ramsey, you're the Dunns' lifesaver. I'd willingly give you all the assets of the Dunns if it meant showing our gratitude.
• "From now on, Mr. Ramsey, you are our most honored guest. Feel free to take whatever you need from the Dunns' properties at any time, and all of us at the Dunns will follow your directives.
• "And," he added, "what my granddaughter expressed at the party wasn't just for appearances or to flatter you, Mr. Ramsey. It's a genuine sentiment, and I hope you will give it serious consideration."
• At this point, Shirley's blush had spread to her neck, and she shyly avoided meeting Robin's eyes.
• Robin gave a faint smile. "My previous help was purely coincidental. It was just a minor gesture."
• Drake stepped forward and bowed once more. "Mr. Ramsey, if I may, could you please stay a moment longer? I have one more request. Would you join me in the car for a private discussion? This matter concerns the very survival of the Dunns."
• Robin had initially planned to refuse and leave, but Shirley added, "Mr. Ramsey, those who kidnapped me are old enemies of the Dunns. They have returned to threaten us. We urgently need your assistance, or we may not survive this crisis."
• Robin frowned. "I ... don't want to get involved in your problems."
• Drake hesitated for a moment but then nodded reluctantly. "Mr. Ramsey, if you truly don't wish to help, I won't insist.
• "But it's snowing heavily tonight, and it's already very late. It would be best if you stayed with us at the Dunns' for the night and left tomorrow."
• Robin looked at the thick snowfall; finding a taxi would be nearly impossible. Old Fred's villa at Eastvale's Crescent Lake was quite far away.
• "Alright, then. I'll stay for the night," Robin said, begrudgingly agreeing.
• Drake sighed in relief and promptly invited Robin into his car.
• Drake took the front seat, deliberately placing Robin in the back with Shirley beside him.
• Inside the car, a pleasant fragrance filled the air.
• Robin couldn't help but glance at Shirley. It was hard not to be captivated by her presence.
• Despite the troubles of the world, Shirley seemed like a celestial being, untouched by earthly concerns.
• Fresh and pure, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
• Shirley's cheeks flushed under Robin's gaze.
• She was about to express her gratitude, but Robin leaned back and closed his eyes, appearing lost in thought.
• Noticing that Robin preferred silence, Shirley and Drake also fell quiet.
• After about ten minutes of driving, the car abruptly stopped on the snowy mountain road leading to the Dunns' villa.
• The slippery road had caused Drake's convoy of SUVs to collide with one another.
• "Mr. Dunn Sr., we're under attack by assassins hired by Norris!" Andrew, leading a group of bodyguards, quickly surrounded the car for protection.
• "There are about four armed assassins. Mr. Dunn Sr., we need to call the police for assistance!"
• Drake's face tightened with concern. "There's no time. Even if we call the police, they won't arrive in time to make a difference ... "