Chapter 146

“Huh?!” James’s jaw dropped as he looked at the Hummer family representatives kneeling before him. Everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Who would have thought the high-and-mighty Hummer family would ever kneel to them? Had these mega-bigshots ever been this humble? What was wrong? Were they sick?

“What’s happening? Didn’t the Hummers come to retaliate? Why are they kneeling?”

“What are the Hummers doing? This isn’t some kind of reverse psychology tactic, is it?”

“Something’s fishy. I think this is part of their plan!”

The Nicholsons continued to stare at the kneeling Hummers. Far from happy, they were terrified. Some of them even stumbled as time passed; the scene was too overwhelming. To think a mega-bigshot would kneel to them? They couldn't imagine it in their dreams.

“Forgive me, Ms. Nicholson. The Hummers were at fault last night. We are here for the young lady to offer her sincere apologies in person. I hope you can forgive us,” Fletcher said, taking the lead and immediately kneeling with utmost sincerity.

“Our sincere apologies, Ms. Nicholson!” the Hummer representatives shouted, all kneeling in unison, seemingly unconcerned about their reputation.

This dumbfounded the Nicholsons. It was true! The Hummers were apologizing. But why?

“W-why are you… What is going on, Mr. Lawson?” Dahlia stammered, so agitated she got out of her hospital bed. Weren’t they here for revenge? Why were they kneeling to her?

“The Hummers aren’t unreasonable. We admit our mistakes, so we hope you can forgive our trespasses, Ms. Nicholson,” Fletcher replied, his head bowed.

“What are you talking about, Mr. Lawson? Please get up! I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding. We’d be glad if the matter were dropped entirely. Why else would we accuse the Hummer family?” Florence apologized profusely, smiling broadly as she regained her composure.

“Yes, she’s right! Please get up, Mr. Lawson!” The Nicholsons were still in shock.

To them, the Hummers’ willingness to drop the matter was a huge relief. They never would have dared to force an apology.

“As long as you refuse our apology, we’ll continue kneeling until the end of time, Ms. Nicholson,” Fletcher insisted stubbornly.

“Please get up, Mr. Lawson. Let’s pretend this never happened,” Dahlia spluttered, at a loss for words.

Tina, though at fault, had suffered more severe injuries than Dahlia. While Dahlia expected to recover in three to five days, Tina might be bedridden for a month. This is why Dahlia was speechless when she heard Tina, a member of the usually pigheaded Hummer family, would apologize.

“Thank you, Ms. Nicholson, for your kindness!” Fletcher exclaimed joyfully, bowing before gesturing for the Hummer representatives to rise.

“This is great. It was a misunderstanding. We should be fine now,” Florence sighed in relief. She didn't know what had happened, but they’d navigated the crisis unscathed.

“That’s right! Peace and harmony bring wealth!” James grinned, despite being drenched in cold sweat.

Just then, Dustin spoke, “Wait a minute. Tina beat Dahlia up, so she should apologize too.”

The crowd erupted. Some Hummer representatives exchanged worried glances. The Nicholsons froze. Was the man insane? The Hummers had dropped the matter; why was he courting death? He'd caused a huge disaster, and now he still wanted an apology? The audacity!

“Rhys! Have you been kicked in the head by a donkey? If you don’t know what to say, shut up!” Florence barked, fearfully.

“You little shit! If you want to die so badly, keep us out of it!” James cursed, wanting to fight.

“Some balls you have, Rhys! The Hummers let you off, and you dare say that? Do you want to die so badly?”

To them, Dustin was a lunatic. Both parties had reconciled; why stir up trouble? What if this angered the Hummers? Who would take the fall?

“Isn’t it right to seek an apology from someone who beat you up? Am I wrong?” Dustin asked plainly.

“Shut the fuck up, Rhys! You’re a nuisance! You’re going to get us killed!” Florence jumped up and cursed.

“Dustin! Please stop,” Dahlia pleaded, breaking out in a cold sweat. She hadn’t expected such outrageous words in their current predicament.

“Fine. I’ll shut up. I’ll leave it to you,” Dustin said, retreating to a corner.

“I think his brain is fried, Ms. Hummer. Please ignore him,” Florence apologized quickly, fearing she’d offend the Hummers.

“Yes, yes! This guy’s a psychopath. He no longer deals with the Nicholsons,” James said, feigning humility.

Instead of relief, the Hummer representatives looked gloomy. After Fletcher whispered to Tina, who was nearly paralyzed in her wheelchair, Tina gritted her teeth and croaked,

“I’m sorry… it was all my fault.”

Silence fell. Florence and the others were shell-shocked. Had the spoiled young Hummer, the one who called the shots in Swinton, actually apologized?