Chapter 31.

Dustin drove over to the Nicholsons' home at noon. The

villa was in a secluded neighborhood, with flowers and hedges decorating

the front yard. Dahlia was right outside. Dustin tried to avoid her but

was still spotted. "Stop right there! I need to talk to you!" "What is

it?" Dustin asked. Their backs were to each other as they spoke. "I

haven't told Granddad about our divorce because of his condition." "Do

you think we can keep him from finding out?" "I'll find a chance to tell

him after, just not today." "Alright. Anything else?" "Nope." Dahlia

turned and went inside the house without another word. They never once

looked at each other, acting like complete strangers. Dustin took a deep

breath and went in as well, wine in hand. The living room was filled with

people, including most of the Nicholsons. Only John, Dahlia's father, was

absent, still outside on his trip. Yet someone was sitting in his usual

seat this time, an outsider too–Chris Nolan. "How rude to have us elders

wait on him like this," Florence jeered, her expression mean. "Shh, Mom.

He might get upset and hurt you!" James chirped loudly. He hadn't let go

of what had happened yesterday. The bruises were still visible on his

face. "Alright, now that everyone's here, let's have dinner." Henry

Nicholson announced, beaming at Dustin. "Come and sit beside me, kid."

"Sure." Dustin smiled in return and helped the old man to his seat. James

scowled, his eyes burning with jealousy. "Kiss–ass!" He had never

understood why his grandfather doted on Dustin. James was the old man's

grandson by blood! "Come, let us all drink!" Henry toasted. "Granddad,

look at this." James pulled up a decorated box of wine. "Chris brought

this beautiful wine over, a fine Grand Cru from La Romanee Conti. We

should all toast with this!" "La Romanee Conti? That's a really expensive

vintner, no?" "Yes, it is. It was 100 thousand dollars a bottle!" Chris

boasted. "What? 100 thousand dollars a bottle?!" everyone exclaimed in

shock. The sky–high price had been way beyond their expectations. The

Harmons were pretty well–off, but even they hadn't had a chance to try

something this expensive. "Why'd you spend all that money on this, Chris?

It's too much, no?" Florence questioned, though pride laced her tone.

After all, Chris was her first choice for a son–in -law. "100 something

thousand isn't much. I have another barrel of this at home, so please,

you all enjoy," Chris grinned like a cat that ate the canary. The pride

was evident on his face, however. "Mr. Nolan, you're really generous."

"Yeah, we're really in for a treat tonight!" The family began praising

Chris for his wine, feeding his ego further. "Hey, boy, look at how

sincere James is. His wine costs 100 thousand dollars. But what about

yours, hm? You bought them from the dollar store, didn't you?

Cheapskate!" Florence sneered and even kicked James in the calf. "Why

don't we have a look?" James proposed with a conspiring smile. He swiftly

opened Dustin's box of wine.