Chapter-77
After Dustin's Identity was revealed, Duane gave up resistance. His eyes were lifeless as if his soul had left his body. Duane knew that he was a goner. No one would save him, nor did they dare to.
"Take him away!" Hunter ordered his men to bind Duane up. Despite knowing the truth, Duane could never leave Azkaban. There was only one way to leave. That is, being carried out for cremation after death.
"Stop right there! What are you doing? Leave that man alone!" At that moment, Oliver appeared with his two female bodyguards and approached them aggressively.
Initially, he hadn't planned on getting involved. However, Duane was such an incompetent Idiot! How could he lose the fight? Oliver was forced to intervene before that knucklehead got himself locked up.
At any rate, Duane was still of some use to him. He had to ensure Duane's safety before he got his hands on the precious gemiphen.
"You have nothing to do with this. Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong." Hunter warned in a cold tone.
"Too bad, I insist. What are you going to do about it?" Oliver stuck his hands in his pockets and walked up to Dustin with a swagger.
"Are you one of Duane's men?" Dustin asked nonchalantly.
"Duane? With his ability, he could only be my underling! However, I have a business deal with him. Without my permission, no one can take him away. While I am still being nice, release him immediately!" Oliver retorted proudly with his nose in the air.
"What if I refuse?" Dustin asked.
"You refuse? Punk, don't you know who I am? Don't you know who my father is? How dare you talk back to me? Are you looking for death?" Oliver glared at him contemptuously.
"I couldn't care less about who you are, or who your father is. It's best for you to stay out of this and let us deal with Duane," Dustin replied nonchalantly.
"Have you gone crazy? Emma, Anna! Break this punk's legs. Let's see if he could continue speaking in such a condescending tone while kneeling on the ground!" Oliver smirked.
"Yes, sir!" The two female bodyguards behind him rushed toward Dustin simultaneously. Flanking him on both sides, they poised to strike Dustin's knees with the intention of incapacitating him.
There was no hesitation in carrying out Oliver's orders. With that, Dustin did not hold back. He made the first move and slapped both of them on the cheek. They staggered backward, stunned by the force of the heavy blow.
"You!" Cradling their swollen cheeks, they tried to draw their swords in retaliation.
Before they could do that, Dustin kicked them in the stomach and slapped them on the other cheek as well. The two bodyguards teetered as stars circled above their heads.
"Punk, you need to be taught a lesson! How dare you engage in a sneak attack?" Oliver was burning with anger. He rushed forward to land a punch on Dustin's face.
It was obvious that he was a martial artist. His fists were fast, sure, and accurate. However, Dustin wasn't impressed. He caught Oliver's fist and twisted it.
Oliver's arm was displaced from its joint as he screamed in misery. Before Oliver could catch his breath, Dustin followed up with a punch to his abdomen. Oliver was thrown back a few feet away and landed heavily on his back. The impact caused Oliver to throw up, and he vomited all over himself.
"Sir!" When they saw Oliver injured, the female bodyguards anxiously ran up to defend him.
"Kill him! I order you to kill him right now!" Oliver held his stomach and roared with a ferocious expression on his face.
"There is no mercy for those who hurt our boss!" The female bodyguards drew their swords and prepared to light.
"Nobody moves!" Suddenly, Hunter shouted and pulled out his gun. The bodyguards were startled by Hunter's threat and froze in place. They did not dare to move a muscle.
"Bastard! Don't you know who I am? How dare you point a gun at me?" Oliver stood up; his face livid.
"I'm Oliver Williams, a member of the Boulderthorn guild. Moreover, my father is the second–in–command!"
"Boulderthorn guild?"
When Oliver revealed his identity, Hunter's expression grew serious. As the best guild in the South, Boulderthorn has significant influence in Swinton. Even Edwin, the wealthiest man in Swinton, was only a normal member of the Boulderthorn guild. This showed how strong and powerful the guild was!
"What, are you scared?" Oliver cackled mockingly as everyone remained silent.
"Now that you know who you are up against, kneel down and beg for forgiveness Immediately. Otherwise, I will slaughter you and your entire family!"
What was the use of having guns or being a good fighter? These were all pointless as compared to the support of the Boulderthorn gulld. With a single word, he could destroy them all like ants. This was the power of influence and authority!
"Boulderthorn, is it?" Dustin was still unfazed after hearing Oliver's threat.
"What if I kill all three of you right now? Then no one would know what had happened here."
"Kill me? How dare you!" Oliver widened his eyes. "If you touch even a strand of hair on my head, I assure you that your body would be blown up into pieces."
"Since you threatened my family, what's there to be afraid of? An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." Dustin shrugged nonchalantly.
Dustin's words made Oliver step back in fear, as he was unprepared for a fight. It would be troublesome if Dustin decided to follow through with what he said.
"I'm going to remember this, punk! I'm not done with you!" Seeing as the situation was unfavorable, Oliver and his bodyguards left in a hurry with their tails between their legs.
A wise man knew better than to fight when the odds were against him. With his noble status, it wasn't worth it to put his life on the line.
"Mr. Anderson, what do you know about Boulderthorn?" Dustin asked as his gaze trailed after them.
"Boulderthorn guild has been expanding rapidly. With their reputation in the world of martial arts, they were set to be the best guild in the South. Their members are widespread in every possible field, which allows the guild to spread its influence far and wide. In addition, I heard that Boulderthorn is planning to open a branch in Swinton. That man's father, Mr. Williams was sent here as a representative for the new branch," Hunter reported in a low voice.
Dustin nodded in acknowledgment and turned around to leave. That person must have had something to do with the Boulderthorn guild, right?
At the Nicholson villa.
Everyone was amazed to see Dahlia return home safely.
"Dahlia, you are finally home! I was so worried about you!"
"Sis! Are you alright? Have you been bullied in the interrogation room?"
Florence and James fawned over her eagerly. Since they received news of Dahlia being detained by Mr. Gardner, they had been extremely worried for her safety.
They've used up all their connections and spent a ton of money trying to get Dahlia out. However, there was no reply. They were at a loss for what to do.
Just when they had given up, Dahlia unexpectedly returned home on her own.
"Mother, I'm fine. Sorry for making you worry." Dahlia smiled. She was a little spooked by everything that had happened today. Fortunately, she managed to return home safe and sound.
"It's all Dustin's fault. If it weren't for him, you wouldn't have been captured as well!" Florence muttered angrily.
"Mother's right! That shameless man is always doing sneaky things! Sis, you should stay away from him to avoid getting caught up in his crimes!" James chimed in.
"Actually, this incident has nothing to do with him. He was framed by someone else." Dahlia tried to defend Dustin.
"How is it possible? If he is truly innocent, why was he arrested?"
"Yeah, why would they frame him instead of anyone else? This could only mean that he has bad character!"
Florence and James complained one after another with disdain. Dahlia could only sigh in resignation.
"If it were up to me, I would choose Matt. When he heard that you were detained, he went around looking for help to bail you out. A gentleman like him is rare nowadays!" Florence changed the topic.
"That's right! Sis, if it weren't for Matt's help, you might still be stuck in jail!" James agreed enthusiastically.
"Matt? Are you sure that it was his doing?" Dahlia said, surprised.
"Who else could it be? He and the Hummer family go way back. He must have asked for Sir Hummer's help to get you out," James mused.
"I see, I thought…" Dahlia trailed off.
She was a bit puzzled regarding Mr. Granville's appearance. From Natasha's expression, she seemed just as surprised as Dahlia to see Mr. Granville there.
By the looks of it, it must be Matt who had requested help from the Hummers family. Sir Hummers was one of the Mighty Three. It would not be surprising if he had connections with Mr. Granville.
"Dahlia, last time Matt managed to retrieve the large sum of money we had lost; now he got you out of the interrogation room. You need to show some appreciation. Your cousin, Julie, will be here tomorrow, why don't you invite Matt along and spend the day together?" Florence asked expectantly.
"Let's see if we have the time." Dahlia squeezed out a forced smile. Whenever Matt's name was mentioned, she was reminded of another person.
...
The next morning, at the Peaceful Medical Center.
"Let's eat!" Dustin shouted from the ground floor while setting up the table for breakfast.
"I'm coming! Why are you in such a hurry?"
After a moment, a one–eyed old man limped down the stairs with a walking stick.
"Hey, punk! Where's the alcohol?" He demanded angrily.
"No alcohol for breakfast. Have some soup." Dustin gave him a bowl of chicken soup.
"I'm not going to eat if there's no alcohol!" The old man threw a tantrum.
"Suit yourself." Dustin paid him no mind. He sat down and started eating his breakfast. The old man couldn't hold back any longer as Dustin was about to finish the food.
"Geez, what a rude young man!" Lifting the bowl, he swallowed the soup in large gulps.
"Here, this is the Panax root you asked for. Keep it safe." After breakfast, Dustin placed a box made from cedar wood on the table.
"Oh, did you manage to obtain another precious herb? You are really efficient!" the one–eyed man exclaimed in surprise.
"I need another four herbs; hopefully, I can collect them all in time." Dustin muttered.
"These things can't be forced. Leave it up to fate," the old man said casually. For an elderly person like him, each day was like a gift. A silver Bentley stopped at the entrance of the medical center, interrupting the conversation.
A gorgeous, alluring woman got out of the car and walked up to them.
"Wow, what a beauty! She has curves in all the right places! Punk, aren't you divorced? Don't you want to take her as your wife?" The old man cackled gleefully.
"Shut up, old man!" Dustin glared at him and stood up to greet Natasha. "Ms. Harmon, why are you here?"
"What? Am I not welcome?" Natasha smirked.
"Of course not. Have a seat." Dustin pulled out a chair for her.
"You must be Old Mr. Whiskey? I've heard that you love alcohol; that's why I brought some homebrewed ale as a gift." With a smile, Natasha placed two bottles on the table.
"I'm satisfied as long as I have some alcohol! A glass of well–brewed ale is as valuable as liquid gold!" The one–eyed man beamed with joy. He was just complaining about the lack of alcohol. This was exactly what he needed.
"If you like, I can send alcohol to you every day." Natasha chuckled.
"You are such a thoughtful and considerate young lady, much better than that Dahlia girl!" The one–eyed man grinned from ear to ear.
"Punk, you are so fortunate to have met such a wonderful woman like Ms. Harmon. You have to cherish her!"
"Take your alcohol and go away!" Dustin complained in annoyance.
"Alright, alright. I'm going upstairs to drink on my own. I don't want to be a third wheel here." The old man carried both bottles and went up the stairs.
"Ms. Harmon, I apologize on behalf of that old man. He could be rude and ignorant." Dustin smiled sheepishly.
"I don't think he said anything wrong. Are you offended?" Natasha raised her eyebrows.
"No." Dustin shook his head.
"That's alright, then." Natasha chuckled.
"That reminds me, I've gone through so much trouble to help you escape from the interrogation room. How are you going to repay me?"
"Can I treat you to dinner?" Dustin asked hesitantly.
"That's too predictable." Natasha rolled her eyes.
"Well, what do you want in return?" Dustin asked in confusion. Without a word, Natasha closed her eyes. She pointed to her pouty red lips and motioned for Dustin to kiss her.