Dustin kept dialing and making calls while he drove. However, no matter how many times he dialed, Dahlia never answered. For some reason, Dustin was anxious. It felt as if something important was slowly slipping out of his grasp. He stepped on the accelerator and headed straight for Nicholson Villa. Ever since they got divorced, he'd never set foot in that place again. But at that moment, he couldn't care less. After he arrived, he rushed to the entrance, ringing the doorbell and pounding on the door persistently."How rude! Can't you knock gently?" Following the annoyed voice, the door opened."Dustin? What are you doing here?" Florence frowned, looking upset.Dustin went straight to the point. "Where's Dahlia? I need to see her!" "Hmph! What makes you think you can just barge in here to see her? Get lost!" Florence responded harshly. She was about to close the door as she spoke when the door was blocked by a foot. With a solemn expression, Dustin said, "I know Dahlia is in
"Some things are better discussed in person." Dahlia shook her head."Fine. I'll give you three minutes. Break it off cleanly." Without another word, Florence went to stand by one side. After all, tomorrow, their family would move to Stonia and live the life of the wealthy. By then, a lowlife like Dustin would never have the chance to see her daughter again."Didn't you say we'd never have anything to do with each other? Why are you here?" Dahlia looked Dustin straight in the eye. Dustin responded seriously, "I've found out the truth. I know Luis forced you into this, but you don't need to get married to him. I can solve all your problems!" Dahlia was momentarily stumped before she put up a polite smile. "I don't know where you heard that, but I'm getting married to Luis on my own accord. I wasn't forced, but thank you for your concern."So what if he knew? It wouldn't solve anything. Her marriage to Luis was a strategic union between the Langfords and the Nicholsons. Anyone w
The next morning, at Empire Hotel. A grand wedding was in full swing.The union of the two prominent families had caused a sensation throughout Swinton. Countless businessmen, wealthy individuals, and high-ranking officials arrived with great anticipation. Hundreds of luxury wedding cars were parked at the hotel square, occupying almost every available space. The entire street had also been cordoned off specially for today's wedding ceremony. Dressed in his groom's attire, Luis personally welcomed the guests at the entrance of the lobby. Of course, he only greeted those who held status and influence, while the ordinary guests were attended to by his men."Mr. Langford …" At that moment, Wilson walked up to him and said in a hushed voice, "There's a turn of events. Dustin's not dead yet, and the assassins I sent out are all missing.""What did you say? What's the point of me hiring you if you can't handle a small matter like this?" Luis frowned."I'm sorry. I underestimated that p
"Here comes the bride!" The officiant announced.Amidst enthusiastic applause, Dahlia walked in. She looked gorgeous in a beautiful white gown and took her place at the altar on stage. "Oh, my God! The bride is so pretty. She looks like an angel!""They look so good together. They are truly a match made in heaven!"Following her appearance, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively as the crowd looked on in admiration.The ceremony officially began with Dahlia's parents, John and Florence, seated in the front row alongside Luis' fourth uncle. Seeing the both of them standing at the altar together, Florence couldn't hide the smile on her face. All her hopes and prayers for her daughter to marry into a wealthy family were finally materializing. While John wore a smile, his eyes betrayed a complexity of emotions. Despite his prolonged absences, he had a basic understanding of what went on at home. As for Luis' uncle, he had an impassive expression right from the start, not showing m
"I'm here to … steal the bride!" Dustin's every step resounded through the entire hall like a loud bell; his footsteps could be heard over the quiet hall.The crowd had their eyes wide open, and their expressions were filled with shock. Nobody could have imagined that someone dared object to the union between the Langford family and the Nicholson family."Oh my goodness! Who is this punk? He dares disrupt the wedding? Does he have a death wish?""You have to give him credit for being so brave. He actually dared to provoke the two powerful families!""Interesting. This is definitely interesting. Seems like a good show is about to start!"After a momentary silence, the crowd erupted in frenzied discussion, pointing and gossiping incessantly. "Dustin?" Staring at the familiar face, Dahlia’s expression revealed how happy she was. However, that happiness was quickly replaced with worry.Although she was grateful and touched, she knew his actions would bring about a disaster. By d
It was humiliating not only to him but to the entire Langford family!"Dahlia Nicholson! If you dare elope with him, you'll be the Nicholson family's enemy!" Jane and Dakota stood up in fury, screaming at the top of their lungs."Dahlia, please don't act recklessly! Once you leave with that trash, our family is done for!" Florence screamed in panic. Once they humiliated the Langfords, they weren't just losing out on wealth, their whole family would be annihilated!"Mom, I …" Dahlia wasn't able to continue."Don't worry. I'm here." Dustin tightened his grip on her hand and scanned his surroundings. He declared in a loud voice, "Nobody is stopping me from taking the bride away today! Anyone who is dissatisfied can come for me!" The moment Dustin said that, the crowd erupted in an uproar."Oh, my God! This guy is so cool! He'd fight the world for the woman he loves.""If only a guy loved me that much, I'd be happy my whole life!""He's cool, all right. But too bad he'll be paying a heav
Because of Maximus' appearance, the situation turned against the Langford family. While a few highly-skilled martial artists from the Langford family were eager to take action, they were cautious, afraid of hurting Luis. "Both of you should leave first. Leave this place to me, Dustin," Maximus said confidently. After the battle at Mount Halgue, he'd finally achieved divinity, and his skills improved tremendously."Leave?" Luis sneered. "Where do you think you can hide? Even if you survive today, you will never escape our wrath!" Dustin was about to leave when he heard Luis and stopped in his tracks. Turning around, he asked coldly, "Are you threatening me?""So what if I am?" Luis laughed diabolically. He had no qualms about confronting Dustin. "I don't know how you met this friend of yours, but if you think he can go up against me single-handedly, then you're too naive for your own good.""Do you really think you're that powerful?" Dustin questioned him."Against you? Abso
"But—" Dahlia wanted to say more. "Just go. I'll be distracted if you're here," Dustin interrupted.Left with no choice, Dahlia bobbed her head in agreement helplessly in the end. Since things had come to this point, there was no turning back. As long as Dustin could come back unscathed, she was willing to give up everything and roam all over the world with him.After making sure that Dahlia had left safely, Dustin's gaze scanned around the place and then fixed on the Nicholson family. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and leave!""Let's go."Dakota and Jane exchanged a glance. Then, they turned around and left on the spot. Dahlia's breach of promise had caused the Langfords to have a fallout with the Nicholsons. If the latter continued to stay there any longer, trouble might land upon them."What a jinx! Look at what you have gotten us into!" Florence stomped her feet in anger before fleeing away.Now that the wedding ceremony had been ruined, the Nicholsons' dream of li
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