The bodyguards pushed their way violently through the crowd, forcefully clearing a path.When they were finally done clearing a wide and clear path, Elena showed up looking like a princess.She was gorgeous, and the clothes she wore were expensive. Matched with her elegant bearing, it was clear that she was no ordinary person."Elena! You're finally here!"Sean's eyes instantly lit up when he saw her. He quickly went up to her and began groaning, "Look! Look at my face!"See what they've done to me! You must make them pay for this!"Elena reached out and held Sean's chin, turning his face this way and that. Her expression swiftly darkened. "Who was it? Who did this to you?"She had three criteria for her men. First, they must be handsome. Second, they had to be good in bed. And finally, they must be able to please her.Now that Sean's handsome face had been destroyed, it was almost like her personal property had been destroyed. She wouldn't take it sitting down."It was him!
"How dare you!""You arrogant bastard!"Sean and the rest of them were riled up by Dustin's words. He really had a death wish for being so rude to Ms. Forrest!"You … You asked me to get lost?"Elena had to take a moment to let Dustin's words sink in. After a while, she shouted in frustration, "You low-life peasant! You impudent asshole!"I'll teach you a good lesson today! Guards! Take him down!""Yes, Ms. Forrest!" The guards did not hesitate. They pulled out their moves to take Dustin down.As they collided, a few punching sounds were heard. Then, the men went flying. The guards who had rushed up to attack Dustin fell heavily to the ground, passing out on the spot.Everyone was shocked by what they saw.Everything had happened so fast that they could not even grasp what had happened.Elena had ordered her guards, and they went up to Dustin. But then, they ended up out cold on the ground. It took less than three seconds for all that to play out.They hadn't even wrappe
Dustin looked extremely pissed. He rarely treated women harshly. But since Elena was being a bitch, things were different.The crowd gasped when they saw Elena being slapped.Was this guy crazy? It was one thing to beat up the Forrest family guards. But he went and slapped Ms. Forrest, too?She was the eldest daughter of an esteemed family! How could he have slapped her? Did he not fear death?"How dare you slap me?" Elena roared as she cupped her stinging cheek. She stared at Dustin in disbelief.Nobody had ever dared lay a finger on her since she was born, much less slap her! It was humiliating!"Hey! Why do you lot keep repeating the same thing? Don't you have anything else to say?" Dustin had had it with them."I—I'll make you pay!" Elena shrieked before launching herself at Dustin."Elena! Calm down! Calm down!"Sean was startled. He immediately went forward and pulled Elena back. She was putting herself in danger by attacking Dustin!"That's enough!" A pretty woman
"What are you two whispering about?" Dahlia was confused by the woman in front of her. Why was she sighing and then giggling? Was she out of her mind?"Nothing, nothing. Perhaps I've mistaken you for someone else. I'm sorry."Natasha pursed her lips after she apologized.Well, Dahlia had lost her memories after all. Natasha couldn't be so petty as to make things difficult for someone who'd lost her memories, could she?"You're weird." Dahlia frowned. Though she did not know Natasha, she had an unpleasant feeling about her.She looked past Natasha and at Dustin. "Hang on … You look quite familiar. Have I seen you somewhere?""Hmm?" Natasha was immediately on guard when she heard that.Didn't Dustin say that she'd lost her memories? Could she have remembered him? Was she deceiving them?"You remember me?" Dustin was surprised."Oh, I remember now. You were the insurance agent." Dahlia immediately recalled where she had met him after giving it some thought. This man had gon
Dahlia was trying to mediate between them. All Dustin had to do was take the opportunity to apologize and make amends. He would be able to walk away with his life.Why was he so stubborn? Was his pride more important than his life? What was he thinking?"You made things very clear, and I understand what you're trying to say. But there's one thing that you all are mistaken about."I do not fear the Forrests. The Forrests are the ones that should be afraid of me," Dustin said impassively.The onlookers laughed when they heard what Dustin said."The Forrests should be afraid of you? Hahaha! Young man, are you out of your mind? Do you even know what you're saying?""You're just an insurance agent! How dare you act arrogantly? You think too highly of yourself!""How foolish and ignorant! It seems he still isn't aware of who he's offended and where he stands."The onlookers shook their heads as they criticized Dustin, looking at him like he was an idiot."What a stubborn idiot."
Natasha sat in the front passenger seat as Dustin drove them back. Cecilia and Haley sat in the backseat."Haley, if anyone ever dares to pick on you in the future, just tell me, alright? I'll deal with them for you. Got it?"Natasha pulled out a piece of wet tissue to wipe a dirty spot off Haley's face as she spoke."Okay, got it." Haley nodded. "Haley, how about I teach you martial arts from tomorrow onwards?"Dustin persuaded earnestly. "If anyone picks on you again, you can beat them up. You can even beat them up if you feel like picking on others.""Stop saying nonsense." Natasha rolled her eyes. "Martial arts training is tough. I don't want my baby Haley to be all worn out."Besides, is it appropriate for girls to beat other people up? Wouldn't it be better for her to learn drawing or playing an instrument?""There's nothing wrong with learning a little martial arts. Haley will be able to protect herself if she ever finds herself in a dangerous situation," Dustin expla
Cecilia's face was covered in blood, and her limbs looked misshapen. Her stomach must have suffered from the impact, too, as her water broke and she bled from her stomach."Cecilia! Haley!" Dustin shouted. They were both unconscious, and neither of them responded. He quickly got out of the car. There was a loud clanging sound as he yanked the deformed car door open and pulled Cecilia and Haley out. They were both heavily injured. Dustin had no choice but to perform acupuncture on the spot to stop their bleeding. He also used his true energy to keep their condition stable. He had to keep them alive."Sir Rhys!" Several of the Kirin Gang disciples rushed up to them.They were guards that Dustin had arranged to keep Natasha safe. They had always secretly followed Natasha, so they immediately exited their car when they witnessed the accident."Quick! Send them to the hospital immediately!"Once things were under control, Dustin swiftly carried Cecilia and Haley into the guards'
That night, Dustin and Natasha sat by Haley's bedside in one of the wards of East Swinton Hospital. Their hearts ached for her as they watched her sleep.She had just gone through an operation. All her injuries had been treated and bandaged. Dustin had even performed acupuncture on her to ensure that her blood circulation was fine.Though she was no longer in danger, the shock of the accident was still traumatizing for a five-year-old child."Don't worry, Haley will be fine." Dustin held Natasha's hand to comfort her."Those beasts! They didn't even spare the child!" Natasha hissed through clenched teeth, furious."I will get to the bottom of this. I will not let whoever is behind this off!" Dustin was dead serious.Whatever he did should not implicate those around him. They had crossed a line now that both Natasha and Haley were harmed.He would not go easy on wicked people."Natasha!" Hector and Ruth rushed in. They were distraught when they saw the bandage around Natasha's
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