"He spiked the wine?" Everyone looked at Dylan in shock. If that was the
case, then it would make sense for Dustin to refuse the drink.
"You What nonsense!" Dylan had a sinking feeling, but he forced himself t
o appear composed as he roared, "Do you know who I am? Why would I spike
your drink? You're dragging my
reputation through the mud!" He had no idea how Dustin could tell that th
e wine had been spiked, but there was no way he was going to admit to doi
ng it.
"That's right! My cousin offered you a drink, and you not only turned him
down, but you even accused him of such dirty tricks? You truly are cunni
ng!" Kate feigned anger.
"Hah! I think someone's just here to cause trouble!"
"What a heinous crime to slander a military officer!"
"We should just kick him out! He's despicable!"
In a clamor of voices, the crowd accused and scolded Dustin. With their p
reconceived notions, they clearly believed Dylan more than they did Dusti
n.
"Dustin, do you have any proof for claiming that Dylan spiked the wine?"
Hector asked.
"Exactly! Don't go around making accusations without any
proof!" Some of the Harmons were indignant.
"You want proof? It's simple." Dustin picked up the glass of wine and pla
ced it in front of Dylan. Since you claim that you didn't spike it, why d
on't you drink this to prove there's nothing wrong with the wine?"
Dylan's face fell. He would make a mess of himself if he drank that.
"Why should he? Just because you say so? Who do you think you
are?" Kate defended Dylan.
"That's right! Who do you think you are? And what right do
you have to make me drink it?" Dylan challenged.
"Oh, so you dare not drink it then?" Dustin sniggered.
"If the wine hasn't been spiked, Dylan, then what's
the harm in drinking it?" Natasha had a slight smile on her face. She cou
ld tell from his reaction that Dylan had indeed spiked the
wine, but Dustin saw through his tricks at once, and that was what gave
rise to the conflict between them.
"We
believe in you, Mr. Harmon! It's just a glass of wine. Drink it and show
him!"
"That's right! Prove it to him that you have done no such thing! Put him
to shame!"
"Yes, Dylan, drink it! We're all rooting for you!"
The crowd began
cheering Dylan on, acting like they were all that righteous.
The corners of Dylan's lips twitched as he sweated profusely. With so man
y
eyes on him, he'd raise suspicion if he refused to drink the wine, but if
he did, he'd lose control over his bowels and make a
fool of himself. He'd be in such a terrible mess. Caught in a dilemma, he
had no way out of the predicament. He had only intended to teach Dustin
a lesson. Who'd have guessed he'd put
himself in such a difficult position?
"Alright, alright! Let's not cause a scene here!" Noticing that something
wasn't right, Trent called out to the crowd to defuse the situation. "To
day's a special day. Let's not spoil it over some petty issues! Please be
seated, everyone. The banquet will start shortly!"
The crowd quietened down upon hearing his words. Most of them who had the
ir wits around could already guess the truth behind
the whole debacle. However, out of respect for the Harmon family, they ke
pt quiet and feigned ignorance.
"Consider yourself lucky, you bastard! I'm only letting you
off the hook for Uncle Hector's sake, as it's his birthday celebration to
day!" Dylan spat menacingly before he turned and took his seat. He thanke
d his lucky stars
that his Uncle Trent came out at the right moment to smooth things over,
sparing him from an embarrassing situation. But despite
the circumstances, he still had to gain an upper hand over Dustin.
The disturbance was finally brought to a halt
by Trent's interference. However, Natasha was left disgruntled. "Dad, Dyl
an was obviously the one who started it. Are you just going to let it sli
de?"
"We have more important matters to deal with
today. We cannot afford to mess
up now," Hector said gravely as he shook his head. Of course, he
could tell what had transpired, but at this point, they were banking on D
ylan's position to put pressure on Tyler, so he could not tell Dylan off
even if he was at fault. At the moment, it was crucial for
the family to stand united.