Chapter 145
“Enough! Now’s not the time for blame. We’re in a difficult situation, so we need to help each other and weather this storm together, not attack each other!” Old Mr. Nicholson yelled, witnessing Florence’s rage.
“Easy for you to say. This is the Hummer ban. We could all go bankrupt in a few days and lose our homes in Swinton!” Florence snapped.
“That’s right! If Dustin hadn’t stirred up trouble, the Nicholsons wouldn’t be in this mess,” James said, gaining agreement from the others.
“What’s going on, Dustin? Explain yourself,” Dahlia said, offering him a chance.
“Tina was unruly, so I put her in her place,” Dustin replied bluntly.
“See? He beat her up first, instigating this whole thing! He’s to blame for the ban!” Florence shouted.
“You’re a thorn in our side, Dustin! Explain yourself!” someone yelled.
“We should kidnap him and give him to the Hummers to appease them!” another suggested.
A clamor erupted; many favored kidnapping Dustin.
“Dustin, you’re impulsive! Do you know who Ms. Hummer is? Do you understand the trouble you’ve caused?” Dahlia scoffed.
“So I should’ve watched you get beaten and humiliated?” Dustin sneered.
If Florence and the others didn’t understand, but Dahlia still blamed him, he’d feel his efforts were wasted.
“Don’t twist my words! I’m saying consider the consequences! You got us in trouble and damaged your reputation!” Dahlia retorted angrily.
“I get revenge on anyone who crosses me,” Dustin said coldly.
“He’s still stubborn! Hand him over to the Hummers!” Florence urged, gesturing to two younger Nicholsons.
They grabbed Dustin’s shoulders. “Cooperate, or face the consequences!”
Dustin was about to retaliate when Julie burst in, panicked. “The Hummers are here to kill us!”
Chapter 145
“What?!” A collective gasp filled the room.
The family ban was bad enough, but they never expected the Hummers to be so cruel.
The Hummers were knocking. Were they trying to corner them?
“It’s over! We’re dead!”
“How could this happen? Why can’t the Hummers give us a break?”
Panic erupted. People jumped to their feet.
“It’s all that bastard’s fault!”
“Right! The Hummers are here for Dustin. Let’s hand him over!”
Everyone glared at Dustin. Sacrificing him seemed the best option.
As the uproar continued, a group of Hummers entered. Tina, in a wheelchair, led the way, followed by representatives and bodyguards.
Tina looked weak; her eyes were half-closed, her hands and feet were in casts, her face bruised and swollen, almost disfigured. Those unfamiliar with her would barely recognize her.
“Ms. Hummer?” The crowd gasped.
The Nicholsons stared, shocked at Tina’s condition. They knew she’d been beaten, but not this badly. Her face was swollen, resembling a pig’s head. They couldn’t believe the spoiled Hummer heiress had survived this. Had Dustin gone too far?
“D-Dustin… did you beat Ms. Hummer this badly?” a Nicholson asked shakily.
“Rhys! Admit everything and don’t drag us into this!” Florence cried, sweating nervously.
The situation was worse than she’d imagined.
James went straight to the point. Taking three steps forward, he fell to his knees with a loud “thud,” sliding forward a few inches.
“Ms. Hummer, this isn’t our fault! Dustin Rhys beat you. If you want revenge, take it out on him. Spare our family!” James pleaded desperately.
Secretly, most Nicholsons approved. They admired his humility and responsibility, considering him one of the good ones, someone who would rush into danger. They believed the family would thrive with him.
“Huh?” A collective gasp came from the Hummers.
Seeing James kneel, some Hummers exchanged bewildered glances. Shouldn’t they be apologizing?
“I suppose you’re mistaken?” the Hummer butler asked, perplexed. This wasn't in his predictions.
Before he finished, James assumed the butler wouldn't let them go. He flailed his arms. “Someone! Bring Dustin! He'll beg the Hummers for forgiveness!”
“I’ll do it myself,” Dustin said, shrugging off the two men and stepping forward.
“Everyone! That’s him! He beat her up!” James shouted, pointing at Dustin.
Seeing this, the Hummers’ expressions changed dramatically. They all fell to their knees with a loud “thud.”