Chapter 103

“Stop this right now!” a loud voice boomed. A group of men in suits, heavily armed, filed into the room.

“Who are you? How dare you enter the interrogation room without permission! Are you starting a riot?” Mr. Gardner screamed, his fury evident. He was consumed by rage, consumed by the single thought of tearing Dustin to pieces. Anyone who stood in his way would become his mortal enemy.

“Mr. Gardner, what an honor!”

A gorgeous woman in high heels stalked into the room, the crowd parting before her like the Red Sea.

“Natasha?”

Mr. Gardner’s face fell; the burning rage in his eyes died down. “You’re lucky, Dustin. Your girlfriend is here to save you,” Dahlia said sarcastically, a mixture of relief and annoyance evident. As Dustin’s ex-wife, she resented owing another woman a debt. Unfortunately, Natasha was Dustin’s only hope.

“Ms. Harmon, why are you here at the police station this late at night with your men? What’s the meaning of this?” Mr. Gardner stepped forward, attempting to block their path.

“Hmph! Are you seriously questioning me? You brought people in without a fair trial. Is this how the police investigate crimes?” Natasha scoffed.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Mr. Gardner mumbled.

“You don’t understand? Fine. I’m here to demand Dustin’s release. Let him go immediately before I make you regret it!” Natasha demanded.

“Let him go? This man is a wanted criminal with concrete evidence against him. Are you going to make me release him? Are you above the law?” Mr. Gardner declared righteously, ignoring the fact that Dustin had just beaten him senseless. Offending Natasha was a small price to pay for revenge.

“How dare you talk to me about the law! Your hypocrisy is astounding. It would be child's play for me to expose your dirty tricks. Let him go, or face the consequences!” Natasha threatened.

“Natasha, don’t push me!” Mr. Gardner warned, his expression darkening.

“I know the Harmon family is influential, but I have my rights! This is my territory, and that man is a criminal under my jurisdiction. You have no right to interfere!”

“If Ms. Harmon doesn’t have the right, how about me?” Hunter entered with his own men, his imposing presence causing the others to instinctively step back.

“What? This kid knows Mr. Anderson?” Draco paled in shock. He hadn't believed Mr. Gardner, but seeing it with his own eyes confirmed the gravity of the situation.

“Wow, even Mr. Anderson is here. Natasha must have called him to save you. Seems like she really can’t live without you, huh?” Dahlia’s sarcasm dripped from her words.

“Mr. Anderson, why are you here?” Mr. Gardner frowned. Natasha was bad enough; Hunter added to the equation made things potentially explosive.

“If I hadn’t shown up, would you have listened to reason?” Hunter retorted angrily.

“Mr. Anderson, I told you on the phone. Give me time to investigate. If there’s a mistake, I’ll release him immediately,” Mr. Gardner tried to weasel his way out.

“I have no time for your excuses. Let Dustin go, now!” Hunter ordered impatiently. The police inspector's corruption was notorious. Waiting for the investigation to conclude would likely mean Dustin's death.

“As an inspector, my duty is to capture wanted criminals and protect the peace of the city. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my actions,” Mr. Gardner defended himself.

“Mr. Gardner, I’m giving you one last chance. I’m warning you; let him go immediately, or you will die a painful death!” Hunter pressed.

“Mr. Anderson, are you threatening me? Don’t you know the consequences of going against the police?” Mr. Gardner narrowed his eyes.

“I don’t care. If you won’t let Dustin go, I will tear this building down!” Hunter retorted.

Mr. Gardner’s face twisted with rage. He hadn’t expected such obstinacy from Natasha and Hunter. Why were they going to such lengths for a nobody like Dustin? Didn't they know Mr. Granville was his father-in-law? What was wrong with them?

“Mr. Anderson, don’t blame me for not warning you. You barged into the interrogation room without permission. If Mr. Granville finds out, you’ll be in serious trouble!” Mr. Gardner quickly invoked his father-in-law's name.

“What the hell!”

Hunter lost his patience and punched Mr. Gardner in the face. “I asked you to release him immediately. What’s with all the excuses?”

“You—How dare you hit me?” Mr. Gardner cradled his burning cheek in disbelief. He was Mr. Granville’s son-in-law and a police inspector; they should have known better than to provoke him! Were they defying Mr. Granville?

“What’s wrong with hitting you? Another word, and I’ll put a bullet through your skull!” Hunter drew his pistol and pressed the barrel to Mr. Gardner’s forehead.

“Wh—What are you doing? Stop this!” Cold sweat beaded on Mr. Gardner’s forehead. He never expected Hunter to pull a gun in a police station. Had he gone mad? Wasn't this blatant disregard for the law?

“What the hell? When did Mr. Anderson become so rash?” Natasha thought, shocked by the gun. Hunter was always calm and collected. What was wrong with him today? He had lost his temper, slapped, and threatened a man at gunpoint. Even if his son had been kidnapped, Hunter wouldn't normally overreact like this.

“I’m going to count to five. You will bear the consequences if you still refuse to release Dustin!” Hunter warned, his face impassive.

“Mr. Anderson! I’m Mr. Granville’s son-in-law! Are you going to defy him?” Mr. Gardner screamed in terror.

“Five, four.” Hunter began counting.

“Hunter! What’s wrong with you? If you dare to touch a hair on my head, Mr. Granville will never forgive you!” Mr. Gardner’s legs trembled.

“Three, two, one!”

(Note: The "Today's Bonus Offer" at the end appears to be unrelated to the story and was removed.)