"James, I'm giving you three seconds to apologize to Caitlyn!"Dustin slowly got to his feet, his expression dark."Apologize? Who the fuck do you think you are? As if I'm going to apologize just because you asked me to. Not to mention, isn't she just a stupid bitch? So what if I hit her? What are you doing to do about it? If you're going to keep yapping at me, I might even hit you too!" James yelled; his expression was ferocious."You dimwitted fool!" Dustin snorted humorlessly, launching a kick at James' abdomen.The latter let out a pained cry as he flew a few feet backward. His entire body was curled up into a ball as he rolled backward.At first, Florence was utterly dumbfounded. Then, her eyes flared with rage, screaming as she pounced at him, "How dare you hit my son?! You ruthless animal, I'm going to teach you a lesson!" She started to scratch and hit him, throwing out moves like it was a catfight."Get off!"Dustin's body shook, and an invisible force pushed Florence
Dustin finally let out the grievances that he had bottled up for a long time."You ... That's bullshit!" Florence did not believe it in the slightest. Her tone grew even shriller as she screamed, "As if you had the capability to help us! My daughter's achievements today are all thanks to her own excellence! It has nothing to do with you! Also, don't think you're all that. You had to rely on a woman to climb your way up to where you are today! If Ms. Harmon hadn't protected you, the Hummers would have slaughtered you long ago! So don't feel too happy now. Ms. Harmon will kick a useless gigolo like you to the curb sooner or later. And when the time comes, you'll become the public enemy!"Hearing these words, Dustin simply shook his head and laughed.Sure enough, there was no point in saying all those things. These people wouldn't believe it at all.In the Nicholson family's eyes, he had always been nothing but an incompetent average Joe.Of course, he didn't care."Alright, I don
The video on James' phone showed Dustin getting violent.First, he kicked James, then he pushed Florence aside, causing her to fall onto the floor and bang her head against the door.Finally, it ended with Dustin slapping James twice.The start and end of the video had been edited out, and there was no audio, only images.After watching it, Dahlia was frozen.She couldn't believe it before, but the video was right here; she had to believe it."Dahlia, you saw what happened, right? This is proof that he beat us! Mom is already getting old; she can't handle that piece of trash's beatings! We already went to the hospital to get checked out. The doctor said that her concussion is so severe that she might develop Alzheimer's disease! Not to mention, she even broke a few bones. She'll have trouble looking after herself in the future. Dahlia, do you still want to believe such a savage?!" James spat through gritted teeth, looking downtrodden and furious."Why? Why would he do that?" Dah
"You don't have anything else to say? I knew you were lying! Why? How did you turn out this way? Why do you have to push my boundaries over and over again? Must you keep causing trouble until we turn against each other?" Dahlia's face was full of disappointment, and she felt disheartened."It's not that I've changed, but you've never believed in me, whether it was before or now. Since you won't believe me anyway, then there's nothing to talk about. I'll figure out a way to repay you for what you did for Gregory." As soon as Dustin finished speaking, he hung up.Could things go back to the way they were before?No, it was impossible.This was his answer to her question last night."Dustin, what do you mean? Are you trying to cut ties with me? You ..." Dahlia still had more to say, but the line had already gone dead.Dustin's indifference and coldness felt like a knife in her heart.She couldn't understand why the two of them couldn't get along peacefully. Why must they hurt each
Dahlia frowned slightly, slowly coming back to her senses. Looking at Florence hop around energetically, she was astounded. "Mom, I thought you said you broke your hands and feet? How can you still stand?""Huh?" Florence's face froze, and she forced a smile. "When I saw Julie, I got a little too emotional and temporarily forgot about the pain. I should lie back down and get some rest right away."With that, she limped to the bed.But those horrible acting skills fooled no one."Mom, are you actually fine and were just pretending to be hurt in front of me?!" Dahlia's face sank."How can I be fine? Didn't you see how Dustin hit me? Ouch … My head is starting to hurt again!" Florence held her head and began to put on a show again."You said you have a concussion and broken limbs. Well, where's the case file from the hospital? Show it to me!" Dahlia demanded."Well …" Florence and James both looked at each other, speechless.Seeing their reaction, of course, Dahlia caught on."So
"D—Dustin Rhys? How could it be him?!" After learning the truth, Florence and the others looked at each other for a while, disbelief written on their faces.Never in a million years had they considered that it wasn't Matt who saved Julie, but the person they had dubbed ungrateful.This was simply a slap in the face!"So Dustin never framed Julie in the first place, and it was you guys … purposely slinging mud at him?" Dahlia stood rooted to the ground, expressionless.Her face was as white as a sheet."W—who slung mud at him? I bet he's feeling guilty because he knows what he did wrong, so he's trying to make things up to us!" Florence insisted stubbornly.She was used to bossing people around; of course, she would never admit that she had gotten the wrong idea about Dustin.That would be too humiliating."Mom, things have already come to this, and you still want to justify yourself?" Dahlia bit her lip. Even her heart was clenching."How am I justifying myself? If that Rhys b
"Young man, I advise you to consider this carefully. I do not like to be rejected. If something catches my eye, I'll do anything to get it." Phineas began to ramp things up. "If you agree, then not only will you get the money, you'll also become a friend of the Laney family. If you ever run into trouble, our family will help you. Conversely, if you turn me down, you'll become an enemy of the Laney family. You have to decide for yourself whether you want to be our friend or foe."Dustin couldn't help but laugh when he heard that. "I don't like to be threatened. If you're going to speak like that, then we can only be enemies.""Hm?" Phineas' face darkened."Punk, are you sure you want to do this?""Of course." Dustin nodded."Hmph! Don't think you can go around fearlessly because you have the Harmons backing you. To tell you the truth, I have a hundred ways to deal with small fry like you. If you're going to remain stubborn, I don't mind playing this game with you," Phineas threat
After hanging up, Dustin began to clean the medical center with Caitlyn.Although she didn't let out a word of complaint, Dustin could tell that the death of her pet cat had taken a huge toll on her.Her eyes were constantly red, and she was trying her hardest to cry without making a sound.This young woman had had such a tough life that she lived so pitifully and carefully that she didn't even dare to cry.She was such a good kid that it tugged at Dustin's heartstrings.The two of them worked together for a long time before the medical center was finally clean.After a few moments, a silver Bentley pulled up at the entrance.The door opened, and Natasha got out of the car, dressed in a red dress."Ms. Harmon?" When Caitlyn spotted Natasha, she immediately greeted her."Come on, Caitlyn, I've told you many times that you don't need to be so formal with me. You can just treat me as your sister." Natasha smiled, patting Caitlyn's head."Okay." Caitlyn nodded obediently, but it
"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
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W