Dahlia was seen walking into the banquet hall slowly, dressed in a black evening gown. She stood out among the crowd, looking beautiful with her tall stature and poise. The moment she entered, she captured the attention of most people. There were looks of astonishment, delight, envy, and admiration. Some looks were even filled with desire. "Dahlia, I shouldn't have come with you. I put so much time and effort into my look, but everyone's attention is on you. It's like I don't exist." Julie looked upset. She expressed her frustration in a hushed tone. Hoping to catch the attention of prominent officials at the party, she meticulously planned her makeover. She also spent a fortune on her outfit. Her gown cost a hundred thousand dollars, while her jewelry was worth millions. Yet, she had become Dahlia's accessory as she stood beside her, going unnoticed. Julie wasn't ugly, but Dahlia was just too pretty. Dahlia overshadowed all women. It seemed like only Natasha could rival her
Dahlia frowned deeply, her face full of worry. "That won't do. I need to save him!" She turned around as if ready to leave the party immediately."Dahlia!" Julie grabbed her arm and tried to reason with her, "Just how are you going to help? Azkaban has the tightest security there is. No one is able to leave after getting in. If you try anything recklessly, you might get into trouble yourself!""What should I do then? I can't just let him face those charges." Dahlia was anxious. She was aware that Azkaban was a dangerous place. The longer someone stayed there, the more they would suffer. "Don't worry just yet. Isn't Mr. Killian here?" Julie turned her attention toward Gavin and said, "Mr. Killian has wide connections and is a prominent figure. It should be easy for him to get someone released from Azkaban.""Mr. Killian?" Dahlia's gaze landed on Gavin, full of hope."Azkaban is considered a no man's land. Even the military doesn't have a say in that area." Gavin rubbed his chi
Julian was surprised when he saw Dustin walking through the doors. "No way, they released him that early?" Julian had thought Gavin was just joking. He didn't expect him to actually send someone to get Dustin out. The problem was Gavin had used his connections to send Dustin to prison. And now Dustin was somehow released. It seemed like some kind of joke. Even if he wanted to impress the ladies, he didn't have to make it that complicated. "That's weird. How did he get out?" Gavin frowned slightly, equally astonished. He knew very well that he never instructed his men to contact Azkaban's warden. The timing didn't add up, either. Dustin must have been released much earlier. The most puzzling aspect was that Azkaban was notorious for being a one-way journey. How could someone so insignificant manage to escape? Did a powerful figure help him out? "Mr. Killian, you're incredible! You got Dustin released with just a simple call." Julie gave him a thumbs up, her expression fill
Gavin Killian was the young master of the Killians from Oakvale. He was also a military general who had an enormous influence in Millsburg. Dustin could lose his life for raising a hand against such a prominent figure. "Dustin, you ungrateful brat! Mr. Killian should have just let you rot in Azkaban!" Julie was furious at Dustin for repaying Gavin's kindness with enmity."How bold. Do you know the consequences of hitting me?" Gavin rubbed his burning cheek as his expression grew dark. He had never been slapped in public, ever. "So what if I hit you? You imprisoned me. That was a well-deserved slap," Dustin spat out coldly. Dahlia frowned. "Nonsense. It was clearly Mr. Killian who saved you!" "He saved me? Hah!" Dustin scoffed. "He was the one who put me in there. I wouldn't have ended up inside if it wasn't for his scheming.""I don't understand what you mean." Gavin narrowed his eyes."Do you not understand, or are you pretending not to?" Dustin sneered. "Did you think you
"What?" Dustin touched his burning cheek. He looked at Dahlia in disbelief. He never imagined she would slap him in public for the sake of someone she had just met. It felt like a stab to his heart. "I …" Dahlia was at a loss for words as she looked at her hand. Regret had filled her immediately after the act. The situation was urgent, and she had acted on impulse. Gavin was a powerful general in the army, and Dustin would have faced dire consequences if he had hurt him."You actually hit me?" Dustin furrowed his brow. "You hit me for a stranger?""Dustin, calm down. I did it for your own good," Dahlia tried to explain."Calm down?" Dustin's lips formed into a wry smile. His disappointment was evident in his eyes. "Dahlia Nicholson, how am I supposed to calm down? I made myself very clear. Gavin set me up and is playing the good guy in front of you. Can you please open up your eyes and look clearly?" Dahlia's frown deepened. "Enough! Mr. Killian is a righteous person. He cou
At that moment, a group of heavily armed soldiers stormed into the hall. They carried loaded guns and exuded a menacing posture. They had Dustin surrounded as soon as they entered, pointing their barrels directly at him. Ready to shoot on command. "Mr. Killian, don't hurt him!" Dahlia cried out."Since Ms. Nicholson has spoken, naturally, I'd have to give in." Gavin smiled as he wiped the blood off the corners of his lips. He waved dismissively. "Back off, let him go.""Yes, sir!" The soldiers answered and dispersed into two teams. Their movements were organized, and they were clearly well-trained. Dustin turned around and glanced coldly at them before walking straight out the door. When he left the hotel, a light drizzle started to fall. The cold wind brought a chill, mirroring his current emotions. At that moment, a silver Bently screeched to a stop at the entrance. Natasha got out of the car, her expression evident with joy. "Dear, are you all right? I was so scared when
Natasha was seething with rage. She knew how sincere Dustin's feelings were for Dahlia. It even made her envious.But Dahlia not only took it for granted, she also resorted to violence. How could she be so foolish? Natasha had reached her limit today. Dahlia could raise her hand against anyone but her man. "Forget it, Natasha. Let's go. I have nothing else to say," Dustin said impassively. "Hmph! Reflect on your actions!" Natasha sneered and got in the car before speeding away. "How did it come to this? How?" Dahlia muttered to herself as she watched the tail lights disappear. She was lost and disoriented. Although she acted impulsively earlier, she was just preventing Dustin from making another big mistake. Why did nobody understand her? What exactly did she do wrong? "Dahlia, what are you doing out here? It's cold. Let's go back in." Julie had rushed out after her. She wrapped a coat around her to keep her warm. "Julie, do you think I was wrong?" Dahlia asked, still look
The red handprint on Dustin's cheek hadn't faded away. Dustin smiled as he replied, "No.""Your cheek might not be hurting, but your heart is hurting, right?" Natasha raised an eyebrow. "Since it's come to this, you should just let her go. Why torture yourself like that? I'll take care of you instead. Wouldn't that be great?""I'm a grown man. I can't just rely on a woman for a living, don't you think?" Dustin scratched his head."So what if you rely on a woman for a living? That takes skill too!" Natasha extended a slender finger and raised Dustin's chin. She smirked and teased, "Besides, with your looks, it'd be a waste not to rely on a woman. You're just my type. Why don't you clean yourself up tonight and warm up my bed?The corners of Dustin's lips twitched. Why did it feel like a pervert was flirting with him?"How about it? Have you made up your mind? Are we going to your place or mine?" Natasha smiled at him seductively. Dustin wanted so badly to taste her rosy lips.