The crisp sound of Dustin’s glass hitting the ground echoed through the room. Its contents spilled to the ground. Lana stood there, perplexed and uncertain; her actions were instinctive and beyond her control.
Even Lana couldn’t understand why she impulsively reacted as Dustin was about to take a sip. At that moment, Lana and Matteo went pale, with beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.
The very scenario Matteo dreaded had now become a reality. Initially, he could have secured his family’s safety by sacrificing Dustin. However, his daughter’s actions ruined the entire plan. It would spell disaster for the Camron family if Scott knew about it!
“Ms. Camron, what was that about? The drink is spiked?” Dustin raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Lana swallowed hard. After a few seconds of contemplation, as if reaching a resolute decision, she urgently said, “Dustin, today is a setup. Someone spiked your drink; they intended to harm you. You need to leave now!”
With that, she grabbed Dustin’s arm, pulling him toward the door.
“Lana! Have you lost your mind?” Matteo slammed the table, shouting, ” Do you realize what you’re doing? Your actions could jeopardize the entire family!”
“Dad! I don’t care about that now. I just want Dustin to live. I can’t throw him into the fire!” Lana’s eyes welled with tears.
“If Dustin lives, we die. Don’t you understand? We have no choice!” Matteo roared.
“We can escape, leave Oakvale; maybe there’s still a chance for us,” Lana suggested.
“Don’t be naive! The Mosey family had their men watch us for a long time. Where can we escape to?” Matteo, frustrated, scolded. He hadn’t anticipated his daughter to be so infatuated with one man, even risking the entire family’s safety.
“I don’t know, I really don’t know. I just want to take Dustin away!” Lana cried. In her current state of turmoil, she had completely lost her composure.
“Lana! The family’s future can’t be decided by you alone! Regardless, Dustin must stay here today!” Matteo suddenly shouted.
Following his shout, a group of bodyguards rushed in and surrounded Dustin and Lana. As a precaution, he had made preparations. If Dustin drank, everything would be peaceful; if not, they would have to resort to force.
“Mr. Camron, what are you doing? What happened?” Dustin frowned.
“Dustin, I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to come to this, but for the safety of the Camron family, I have no choice.” Matteo looked conflicted.
“Mr. Camron, you can tell me if you’re facing trouble. I’ll help you resolve it. Why escalate it to this point?” Dustin said.
“You can’t solve this. Today, it’s either your death or our downfall. There’s no other choice. Take him down!” Matteo gritted his teeth and ordered.
“Stop! Everyone stop!” Lana suddenly pulled out a knife, holding it against her own neck. “Dad! I’ll die here with Dustin if you dare to act recklessly!”
“Y-You brat, what are you doing? Put the knife down!” Matteo was startled.
“Let us go, or I’ll die here with Dustin!” Lana, tearful, spoke with unwavering determination. She pressed the sharp blade against her skin, and a trickle of blood slowly seeped out.
“Lana, don’t do something reckless! It could cost lives!” Matteo pleaded urgently. She was his only daughter, whom he had pampered since she was young. His heart ached as he saw her bleed.
“Dad, I’m sorry. Your daughter is disobedient. Please allow me to be willful just this once,” Lana cried, tears flowing, yet her gaze remained resolute.
