Harper and Cody exchanged bewildered glances, completely thrown off by Ethan’s strange behavior. They silently questioned, “Is it really wise to respond to hostility with kindness? Are those high-society types really willing to risk their honor?”
Dustin smiled faintly. “I’ve patched things up with the Langford family. Let’s put our issues on the table.”
Harper and Cody couldn’t help but notice that Dustin’s smile seemed rather insincere. Cody tried to lighten the mood. ” Dustin, this mess isn’t my doing. I’m a victim here, too. I’ve been waiting by the door, worried about your safety.”
But deep down, he couldn’t help but think, “This guy’s nuts! He even dared to face off with Hugo. I’d be in for trouble if I crossed him.”
Dustin added, “We can deal with our stuff later. Right now, I need to talk to her.”
He pointed toward Harper through the car window. Growing anxious, Harper urged, “Cody, let’s get out of here, now!”
“You want to run?” Maximus snorted. He punched through the car window. Then, he forcefully yanked the steering wheel and sent it flying and crashing into the Langford residence wall. Cody stared at his now-wheel-less car, nearly in tears. He muttered, “My brand -new car!”
Harper was equally stunned and struggled for words. She wonders if anyone could really tear off a steering wheel like that.
With a stern expression, Dustin turned to Harper. “Harper, I rarely resort to violence against women, but your actions tonight have been infuriating.
“You lured me out with a phone call, only to spring a trap with Cody. I might be dead now if it weren’t for my luck.”
Harper, not one to back down, retorted, “Why blame me? I have done nothing wrong. It’s your fault!” Dustin sneered in response. “My fault? Someone like you defies reason, and I’m not here to argue.
“I just want to know one thing: What’s the story behind Mr. Shaffer? If you tell me the truth, I can pretend nothing happened.”
Harper, trying to be difficult, turned her head away and challenged, “Why should I tell you?”
Dustin replied with a cool smile, “If you don’t, I’ll make you disappear from the face of the Earth.”
Harper threatened, “You-How dare you! I’m not someone to mess with. Lay a finger on me, and you’ll regret it!” Dustin turned to Maximus and calmly instructed, “Show her what we’re capable of.”
“Sure thing.” Maximus grinned widely, reaching inside to grab Harper’s hair and forcefully drag her out of the car.
“Ah! Let go! Let go!” Harper struggled and screamed but couldn’t escape Maximus’ firm grip.
With a sinister smile, Dustin took out a green bottle. He held it in front of Harper and said, ” I’ve got a bottle of poison that can make your skin ulcerate, your muscles rot, and ensure they never recover.
Think about the consequences if it spills on your face.”
Panicking, Harper exclaimed, “Rhys, don’t do anything rash! I’m Dr. Busch’s granddaughter!”
Seeing Dustin’s lack of response, she immediately turned to Cody for help. ” Cody! Help me, please!”
“Dust-” Cody wanted to say something but, with one stern, silent glance from Dustin, held his tongue.
He couldn’t help but think, “Dustin is too ruthless.”
