"What bullshit!""Mrs. Lansky glared at her. "How can you compare that little bastard to my precious son? A strand of hair on his body is worth more than her life! "I'm warning you, grovel on your feet and apologize now! Or you won't like what's going to happen to you!" "Mrs. Lansky! Can you be reasonable? It's clearly your son's fault. Why should we be the ones to apologize?" Cecilia said with a frown. Without hesitation, Mrs. Lansky delivered a harsh slap across Cecilia's face. She yelled, "I told you to apologize, so just apologize! What's all this nonsense? If you challenge me again, I'll tear your mouth apart!""You—" Cecilia clenched her teeth, seething in anger. She didn't expect Mrs. Lansky to be so unreasonable. Not only did they refuse to apologize for their mistake, they even resorted to violence.They were being too much!"Don't hit my mum!" Haley stood in front of her mother with outstretched hands. She looked angry. "You're a bad person! An old witch! I'm
The unexpected scene shocked everyone present. Nobody could have predicted that someone would actually hit Mrs. Lansky's son.Everyone knew that Mrs. Lansky was infamous for being a tyrant in this area. Nobody dared to offend her. "Oh my God! My son!" After a momentary shock, Mrs. Lansky screamed. She rushed forward clumsily and wrapped the disoriented, chubby kid in her arms.The little kid now had a crooked nose and busted lips. His mouth was also covered in blood, with two front teeth missing. Half of his face was extremely red and swollen. "Son! Don't scare me like this! Wake up!" Mrs. Lansky was panicking and pinched his nose repeatedly to wake him up. It was only after he woke up that she calmed down slightly. However, very soon, her expression turned hideous. She screamed, "Who was it that hit my son? Who was it? Reveal yourself!" She turned around, looking like she was about to commit murder."It was me!" Dustin stepped forward with a dark expression. His gaze tu
The crowd pointed and whispered, astonished at Dustin's outrageous behavior. A simple apology would have resolved this matter. But now, it had escalated into a major issue. With Mrs. Lansky beaten up so badly, Dustin would probably end up with broken limbs. Worse still, he could be buried alive!Dustin delivered another slap that knocked Mrs. Lansky to the ground. He demanded, "Tell me, who exactly are you?"Mrs. Lansky's face was beaten up so badly that she felt dizzy and disoriented. She couldn't even tell left from right. "Stop it!" Right then, the kindergarten's headmistress pushed through the crowd in a frantic rush. Seeing Mrs. Lansky's swollen face, she was shocked and quickly helped her onto a chair. "Oh my, Mrs. Lansky! What happened to you? Who did this to you?"Mrs. Lansky's arm shook as she pointed at Dustin."How dare you!" The headmistress turned around and roared, "Who are you? How dare you lay your hands on Mrs. Lansky? Do you have any idea of the troub
Dustin's words were impactful! It left Mrs. Prewitt trembling as she alternated between anger and embarrassment.Some parents, whom Mrs. Prewitt had repressed in the past secretly applauded. They found immense satisfaction in this turn of events. They were happy she finally had a taste of her own medicine since she always looked down on them. "You impudent bastard! Just who the hell are you? How dare you lecture me!"Mrs. Prewitt fumed, and her temper flared. "Just you wait and see! "I will expel Haley from this kindergarten and blacklist her! I will make sure she will never get an education in her lifetime! I'm going to blacklist all of you!""Blacklist?" Dustin scoffed. He kicked Mrs. Prewitt down to the ground."Why don't you try? I'd like to see just how capable you are!"Mrs. Prewitt landed on her bottom. Scrambling to her feet, she yelled with a strained voice, "Security! Security! Where the hell are you? Come quickly!"After hearing her screams, two security guards
Mrs. Prewitt reminded him. "Jo?" After Vernon took a closer look, his eyes widened instantly. "W-What happened to you?""It was him … That bastard did this to me!" With a trembling hand, Mrs. Lansky pointed at Dustin. Vernon's gaze followed the direction his wife was pointing at. "It was you?" His expression turned dark. "You hit my wife?" he roared. "Yes, it was me." Dustin nodded and admitted to it plainly. "This bitch was being unreasonable. I was only teaching her a lesson.""You've got nerves! How dare you teach my wife a lesson?" Vernon had a dark and hostile look to him. "Why don't you tell me how you plan on dealing with this matter?" Everyone had to show him respect in this area. If Dustin dared hit his wife, he had to either have a powerful background or be a naive hothead.Before being sure of his identity, Vernon had left some room for negotiation. "If this bitch apologizes to us, I'll let today's incident slide," Dustin said impassively. "What? A
"Huh?" Mrs. Prewitt was in a daze, cradling her cheek and feeling utterly bewildered.Why did Vernon hit her when she was helping him? What on earth was happening?"What are you still standing there for? Apologize!" Vernon landed another slap across her face. He didn't dare provoke influential figures. However, he could easily control an insignificant headmistress. "I-I'm sorry … " Mrs. Prewitt was aggrieved as she gritted out the words. Although she wasn't sure what was going on, it was clear that this bitch was someone important. Otherwise, Inspector Lansky wouldn't have reacted that way. "Ms. Harmon, I apologize for not noticing you earlier." After punishing Mrs. Prewitt, Vernon was full of smiles. "May I know what brings you here, Ms. Harmon?""This is my man, and this is my goddaughter." Natasha didn't hold back her words. "Your wife assaulted my goddaughter earlier. "My man then assaulted your wife in retaliation to protect her. This is considered self-defense,
Over in a high-end restaurant, several well-dressed young people gathered together. They chatted as they sipped on some wine."Dahlia, I really envy you for being favored by Sir Mosey. Congratulations on becoming his goddaughter!"A young lady dressed in red smiled brightly at Dahlia, appearing very enthusiastic.She was Elena Forrest, the eldest daughter of the Forrest family. The Forrest family was one of Oakvale's eight great families."I heard that Sir Mosey has been in a war for many years and has no kids. You must be extremely talented and kind for him to take you as his goddaughter," a vain-looking man said with a smile. The man was Sean Hoovey, Elena's boyfriend. He was a smooth talker who charmed his way through life."Dahlia, why don't you tell us how you got to know him?" Elena could not contain her curiosity. Sir Mosey generally avoided crowds and was a very reserved person. He was rarely ever seen around large groups of people. Hence, it was shocking to hear tha
Half an hour later, as Elena was still chatting with Dahlia, she received a call.Upon answering it, she heard Sean's sobbing."Elena … I've been beaten up. Quick, get some men here to back me up. The bastard is wild!""What? Even you were beaten up?" Elena frowned. "What happened? Didn't I send two bodyguards with you?"All her guards were carefully picked. No regular thugs would be able to mess with them.“They weren't much help at all! They were beaten up within seconds! Even I was implicated!" Sean sounded indignant."Didn't you make use of the Forrest family name?" Elena asked."Of course I did! But that only got the rascal beating us up even worse!" Sean cried out amidst sobs."What? He carried on even after knowing you were related to the Forrest family?"Elena was infuriated. "How dare a mere thug behave so arrogantly? Stay there! I'll be there in a bit!""Okay. Hurry! I'll try my best to hold him back," Sean said."Ms. Forrest, sounds like you're in a bit of trouble. Do you ne
Austin's words were strong and commanding, each one landing like a thunderclap.Warrick felt the weight of his presence. His brow furrowed for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. He glanced at the so-called evidence on the floor, showing no sign of panic or guilt. Instead, he said indifferently, "Your Highness, these dead men were nothing more than ants. Is this really worth making such a fuss over? I doubt you haven't killed anyone before."As the old saying went, the higher one climbed, the heavier one's purse. Warrick had clawed his way up, risking his life at every step for the sake of rising above the masses. Everyone had their own desires—some sought fame, others fortune. Some were greedy for money, some for power, and others reveled in the adoration of the masses. To achieve those things, one inevitably had to engage in shady dealings. It was an unspoken rule among officials, and Warrick saw nothing wrong with it."Ants?" Austin sneered. "Without these 'ant
The ashen-faced Huxley was dragged away. With his crimes exposed, his fate was sealed. His entire family would be implicated, and their assets would be seized.Those guilty would be punished, and even those who had merely benefited from his corruption would be held accountable. To put it bluntly, Huxley's entire family was about to be annihilated.Austin issued his next order once the bloodstains were cleaned up. "Axel, it's time to bring in the mastermind."With Huxley dealt with, the next step was to confront Warrick. Unlike Huxley, Warrick wouldn't be easy to deal with. After all, he commanded a large number of troops. If backed into a corner, he could become a major threat."Understood!" Axel responded respectfully, then turned to his subordinates. "Gather more men and come with me."Warrick had earned his prestigious position through years of fierce battles. On the battlefield, he was a one-man army, a warrior capable of taking on thousands. His strength was beyond what mos
"You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?" Austin barked."Your Highness, please let me explain…" Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic."This is a lie. Someone's trying to frame me! I've always followed the law—how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?""The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still trying to weasel out of it?" Austin shot back. "Looks like you won't confess until death is knocking at your door."He raised his hand and ordered, "Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary—let's see how long he keeps up this act.""Yes, Your Highness."A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, "Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake."His voice cracked as he continued, "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my y
Night had fallen. Austin sat in the meeting room, quietly reading a book as he waited for the results of the investigation.After successfully turning Percival against his allies, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered solid evidence of Warrick and Huxley's crimes.For years, the castle had turned a blind eye to their shady dealings. After all, corruption among officials was nothing new.But this time was different. The two had secretly orchestrated Jovian's murder, a direct challenge to the authority and dignity of the royal family. Such defiance couldn't be ignored. If Austin didn't set an example, others would surely follow."Your Highness!"Axel burst into the meeting room, panting heavily. He had clearly run the whole way to avoid any delay.Austin set his book aside and asked calmly, "Well? How did it go?""Your Highness, we've completely shut down all of Warrick and Huxley's illicit operations. Every hidden network they had built over the years has also been d
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere