Chapter 148

When all eyes fell on her, Julie was stunned speechless. She was only there for the show; why was she implicated in this mess?

"Tell us everything you saw, and don't hide anything, Julie," Florence ordered, crossing her arms. "I want to see how this punk argues his way out of this!"

"Yeah, Julie. Tell us everything on your mind. We must expose this punk's lies!" the Nicholsons agreed.

Before Julie could speak, she hesitated. Her reaction made the crowd think she was a loose cannon, especially Matt, whose heart pounded and cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Dustin's confession had already terrified him; if Julie also knew something and exposed him, he'd be ruined.

"I believe you know what happened best, Julie. Tell everyone the truth," Dustin added flatly.

"Stop this nonsense, Dustin! Save some face!" Dahlia chided, frowning.

"Don't be afraid, Julie. Your aunt will back you up," Florence said, suddenly protective.

"About last night" Julie began, trailing off. After a few seconds, she met everyone's gaze firmly. "Yesterday, I saw nothing and know nothing about what happened. All I knew was that Dustin beat up Ms. Hummer!"

Dustin froze. He hadn't expected Julie to completely reverse the story in front of so many people.

"Did you hear that, Rhys? This is the truth! I can't wait to see how you'll argue your way out of this!" Florence shouted, louder than before.

"Not only are you ungrateful, but you repay good with evil! You're shameless!" The Nicholsons shook their heads, staring at him with contempt.

The evidence was conclusive; no amount of arguing could save him.

Dahlia sighed, disappointed. She'd given him many chances to back down, yet he remained stubborn. It was as if he wanted this to happen.

"I don't think I've ever offended you, so why slander my name, Dustin? Julie's honesty cleared my name. Otherwise, I doubt I could recover!" Matt spat, feigning anger. He'd been on tenterhooks, but was secretly relieved.

"You know exactly what you did. Stop pretending," Dustin snapped, turning to Julie. "And you, I don't understand why you're lying. You know what kind of person Matt is. But if you insist on watching your cousin jump into a firepit, I've nothing else to say."

"Stop the nonsense! You hit Ms. Hummer!" Julie insisted obstinately.

"Rhys! Your plan to slander has failed, and now you're resorting to threats? Do you think we're afraid of you?" Florence shouted furiously.

"Stop this insanity, Dustin! Stop making a fool of yourself!" Dahlia cried, hoping he'd see the reality of the situation.

"Since you don't believe me, let's pretend I said nothing. I'm leaving," Dustin shook his head, refusing to argue further. He turned to leave. He hadn't asked for a reward or gratitude, but he felt disappointed by their response.

"Hold it! You slandered my name repeatedly and think you can run away without an apology? Aren't you being pretentious?" Matt demanded. He'd never liked Dustin, but maintained a gentlemanly facade. Now, he wouldn't let this go easily.

"Apologize to you? What makes you think you deserve it?" Dustin sneered.

"You're not leaving without an apology!" Matt growled, blocking the doorway, his gaze menacing. He'd practiced martial arts for years and thought subduing Dustin would be easy.

"Is that so? Then let's see if you can block my path," Dustin snorted, pushing past Matt and walking out.

"Thinking of leaving? I'd like to see you try!" Matt shouted in rage, grabbing Dustin's shoulder and shoving him. He thought he could teach him a lesson.

"You dare touch me?" Dustin said coldly, turning around. He slapped Matt hard, sending him flying. Two teeth flew from Matt's mouth.

"You assaulted someone in public, Rhys?" Florence gasped in horror. She hadn't thought Dustin would be so bold. "An animal! He's an animal!"

Chapter 148 (continued)

"Matt saved your life, and you did this to him! You're worse than a dog!" Everyone angrily cursed Dustin. Everything would have been fine if he hadn't touched Matt, but now everyone unleashed their verbal assaults.

"Are you out of your mind, Dustin? Why are you beating people up?" Dahlia scowled, helping Matt up. His embarrassment had turned to anger, resulting in a public beating—unheard of!

"He threw the first punch," Dustin retorted, grimacing.

"He merely grazed you. Why did you retaliate so harshly?" Dahlia probed, glaring icily.

"So, it's fine if he does it, but when I retaliate, I'm committing the greatest sin?" Dustin sneered.

"You're forcing a point! Apologize to Matt now!" Dahlia glared.

"What if I don't want to?" Dustin frowned.

"Then I'll make you!" Dahlia shouted, slapping him in a fit of rage.