The person he had arrested turned out to be the eldest son of the Rhys family, an existence that could shake the military effortlessly. "We … we're doomed …" Blood had drained out of Jade's face the moment she heard Dustin's real name, feeling unbelievably sorry for herself. She shouldn't have tried to avenge Joshua. There was no way a loser with broken arms and a shattered core was worth the lives of her entire family. "Jade Grant, this is what you fucking call a nobody?" General Jenkins spun around and shot Jade a vicious glare. "I never did anything to you, so why the hell are you dragging me into this mess?""I–" Jade was about to burst into tears. "How dare you trick me! You're dead meat!" General Jenkins roared before leaping toward Jade with his mouth wide open. Things became chaotic as he tore up the woman's face with his teeth. "Come on. Let's go have a drink." Dustin ignored them and left with Adam. …Meanwhile, inside the East Swinton Hospital ward, Dakota's fa
"Hello, is this Mr. Langford? Dahlia has something to say to you." Florence shoved the phone to Dahlia as soon as the call got through. "Dahlia? Let me know if you need any help. I'll definitely get it done if I can," a voice drawled. "It's me, Mr. Langford," Dahlia responded stiffly. "I'll get to the point. I have a friend who's in trouble and has been arrested by the military. I hope you can help me save him." "Arrested by the military? Your friend must be into hot water," Luis guessed arrogantly. "I wouldn't have turned to you if I had another choice," Dahlia responded tiredly. "What's your friend's name?" "Dustin Rhys." "Alright. I'll help you on one condition." "What is it?" "Treat me to dinner tonight," Luis responded frankly. "Um …" Dahlia stiffened, instantly understanding what he meant. "You won't refuse such a small request, would you?" Luis teased half-jokingly. "Of course not." Dahlia forced a smile. "It's nothing compared to what you're willing to h
"I was, but I'm already divorced," Dustin answered straightforwardly. "Aw, damn!" Adam grinned. "If that's the case, my sister finally has a chance! I'll be your brother-in-law soon." "Get lost!" Dustin rolled his eyes. "What kind of brother are you? Why would you throw your sister under the bus?" "She threw herself in!" Adam retorted in exasperation. "You have no idea how much she bugged me after finding out that you were still alive. She would have flown back for you if the war hadn't broken out at the border.""Has Scarlet been well?" Dustin suddenly asked. "You're still worried about her? That kid's been practicing martial arts since young, and with her talent, she's already a grandmaster. I can't even win against her anymore. Who would dare to cross her?" Adam responded nervously. All his life, Adam has only ever been afraid of two people–Dustin, the person who's been throwing punches at him since they were kids, and his sister Scarlet. He always lost his dignity when i
Dustin never expected to run into Dahlia there. Worse, she was accompanied by another man, and it seemed like those two were on a date. It irked him for some reason. He had just been captured by the military, his life in danger, but here Dahlia was, carefree and relaxed, as she went on a date with another man. It was clear that Dahlia didn't give a damn about him, and it made him feel like a fool."Do you know that lady?" Adam quickly caught onto the change in mood and asked. "Yeah. She's my ex-wife." Dustin answered bluntly. "Your ex-wife?" Adam's lips twitched. "Why don't we go somewhere else?" No one would be happy to see their ex-wife happily chatting away with another man. "Forget it. I didn't do anything wrong, so why should I be afraid?" Dustin lifted his glass to his lips and swallowed a mouthful of wine resentfully. Just then, Dahlia and Luis arrived on the second floor, and the woman immediately spotted the two men. "Dustin? What are you doing here?" she exclaime
"Just friends, eh? Then you won't mind going home with me right this instant!" Dustin snapped. "But …" Dahlia frowned and glanced at Dustin and Luis, troubled. Although she didn't have any feelings for Luis, the man had helped her, so it wouldn't be right to turn her back on him now. "What's wrong? You don't want to?" Dustin sneered. "Is this what you call an ordinary friend? How am I supposed to believe you?" Dustin couldn't believe that Dahlia was still hesitating. It seemed that he was even less important than her ordinary friends, and here he thought that their relationship had been improving. It must have been his imagination. "Forget it, Ms. Nicholson. You don't have to think about it so hard. We're nothing to each other now. Enjoy your meal. I'll be taking my leave." Dustin shook his head and turned around. "Wait for me." Grabbing two bottles, Adam hurried after Dustin. He didn't have any experience when it came to love, so he couldn't help Dustin. After stepping out
"Watch out!" As the truck headed toward them, Dahlia's immediate reaction was to push Dustin away, completely disregarding her safety. Realizing that she had nowhere else to escape to, she instinctively shut her eyes tightly. Right then, she came to a realization that it might not necessarily be a bad thing to die like this. At least he would remember for the rest of his life. As her eyes closed, a strong figure dashed forward and put itself in front of her. With an ear-splitting boom, a fist landed on the front of the truck, and metal bent under the force. The sudden opposing force upturned the entire truck, flipping it around, and the truck landed on the ground behind Dahlia with a crash, debris flying in all directions. "Are you okay, Dahlia?" Dustin drew his hand back and quickly surveyed the woman for any injuries before letting out a breath of relief. "What in the world happened?" Dahlia's eyes were opened wide as she gaped at the empty space in front of her before turnin
"What?" Joshua stared at his sister's body incredulously. He never thought that Dustin would be so ruthless, killing without warning. "Anything else you want to say?" Dustin calmly asked. "D-don't kill me! Please don't kill me!" Joshua fell to his knees, begging. "I was an idiot to offend you. Please forgive me. I swear I won't go against you ever again!" "You had your chance, but you didn't appreciate it." Dustin's face was void of any sympathy. "N-no. I do. I promise! Please! I'm still young. I don't want to die! Just let me go. I'll do anything you want. I swear!" Joshua began ramming his forehead into the floor. He wasn't able to win against Dustin when he was in peak condition, so why would he have a winning chance now? For Dustin, killing Joshua would be as easy as killing an ant. "I'm pretty sure that's not what you said just now." Dustin sneered. "Didn't you say that you were going to make me suffer like never before after you recovered?" "N-no, I didn't!" Joshua
"Well done. Well done, indeed!" Edwin laughed boisterously. "This Substratumis may be expensive, but it's definitely worth the price!" While he was still chortling away, another bodyguard rushed into the room anxiously. "Sir, something bad happened back home!" The guard fell to his knees, weeping. "What?" Edwin frowned. "We just received news from Swinton that Hummer Villa turned into a slaughterhouse last night. All of our fighters are dead, and Ms. Hummer and Mr. Hummer were both killed as well. The Hummer family is gone!" These words struck Edwin like lightning, and the Substratumis in his hand crashed to the floor, shattering instantly. "Son!" Edwin wailed mournfully, collapsing to the floor. The devastated man stayed on the floor for what felt like ages. When he finally staggered to his feet, he seemed to have aged ten years, looking extremely haggard. "Get ready. I want to head to Boulderthorn's branch right this instant!" Edwin seethed menacingly. He no longer had
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