Chapter 149

“Slap!” A sharp sound echoed as Dahlia’s hand landed heavily on Dustin Rhy’s face. The excessive force tore open her recently healed wounds, causing fresh blood to stream down her fingers.

Dustin touched his burning cheek and remained motionless, his expression neutral. He could endure misunderstandings and contempt, but he refused to accept being slapped by his ex-wife on behalf of another man.

“Why? Why do you insist on being this way?” Dahlia said through gritted teeth, her eyes filling with tears, immense disappointment washing over her. She couldn't comprehend Dustin's transformation. He was close-minded, jealous, a gossipmonger, even repaying kindness with cruelty. All manner of negative traits seemed concentrated in him. She intended the slap as a wake-up call.

“Hmph. Want to fight, kid? Aren’t you a little young for that?” Matt sneered, witnessing their confrontation. Despite missing two teeth, he felt a sense of triumph seeing Dahlia defend him.

“That was a good slap! He deserved it!” Florence cheered, her eyes shining.

“Right! If you don’t teach him a lesson, are you even human?” James echoed.

“Ha—” Dustin sighed wearily after a long silence. Married for three years, they had barely quarreled, let alone fought physically. This would be the first and last time.

“That slap was for everything I’ve done to you. From now on, we owe each other nothing,” Dustin said quietly, taking a deep breath before calmly turning to leave. There was no anger, no complaint—only quiet indifference.

“Huh?” Dahlia gasped, staring at his retreating back, speechless.

Just then, a knock sounded. It was Mr. Fletcher, who had left earlier, returning.

“Huh? Where’d Mr. Rhys go?” he asked, scanning the room.

“Why are you looking for that punk, Mr. Fletcher?” Florence asked, surprised.

“Sir Hummer wants to mend the rift between the Hummer family and Mr. Rhys. He specifically asked me to deliver a gift,” Fletcher replied.

“A gift?” Confusion rippled through the group.

“Are you kidding, Mr. Fletcher? That punk deserves a gift from Mr. Hummer himself?” Florence exclaimed incredulously.

“Why wouldn’t he? He’s the reason the Hummers lifted the ban against the Nicholsons and issued the apology,” Fletcher replied, dumbfounded by their reaction.

“What?” A collective gasp filled the room. Disbelief was palpable.

They hadn’t misheard, right? Dustin, the man they’d scorned, had saved the Nicholsons and forced the Hummers’ apology? How was this possible?

“Y-you’ve got to be joking, Mr. Fletcher? Dustin saved us?” Florence asked, wide-eyed, struggling to believe it.

“Who else?” Fletcher asked seriously.

“No, impossible! Wasn’t Matt the one who helped us? How could it be that trash, Dustin?” James shouted, shaking his head violently.

“Matt Laney? A washed-up family member? Clearly not enough to impress the Hummers,” Fletcher scoffed, disdainfully eyeing Matt.

Every head turned to Matt. His cheeks flushed crimson, the atmosphere thick with awkwardness. His reaction confirmed Fletcher’s words.

“How could this be? Could I have misunderstood him?” Dahlia murmured, a bolt of realization striking her.

She immediately rushed out, chasing after Dustin. At the gate, she saw him about to enter his car. She grabbed his sleeve.

“Dustin! Wait. I misunderstood. I was impulsive. I had no idea you did all this for us, especially carrying that burden. But why didn’t you explain? You saved everyone, why didn’t you clarify?” Dahlia cried, biting her lip, her face contorted with pain.

“What was the point? When have you ever believed me?” Dustin retorted, shaking his head. His disappointment was profound.

“You should have told me! How could I believe you if you don’t tell me anything?” Dahlia complained angrily.

“I don’t care if you believe me anymore. We’re done. Let go of me,” Dustin retorted, forcefully breaking free. His gaze felt alien.

“What do you want from me, Dustin? Can’t you stop being impulsive? Can’t you reflect on your actions? You beat up people who disagreed with you. If not for luck, would you have escaped unscathed? All I ask is for you to be more mature and sensible. Am I wrong to want that?” Dahlia shouted, her emotions erupting.

“Yeah, you’re right. I deserved that slap, didn’t I?” Dustin said coldly.

“You—” Dahlia started, then stopped, speechless.

“You’ve always been arrogant and self-righteous, Dahlia. You never admit your mistakes first. You need to think things through, do a little background check. But you prefer inaction, listening only to what you want to hear. That’s why you have zero faith in me.

You’ve lived in your bubble, shutting out anyone who tries to get close. I tried, but I’m done trying. This is the last time I help you. I wish you well.”

Dustin got in his car and sped off. Dahlia stood as if struck by lightning, silent for a long time.

“I’m sorry… so sorry! I had no idea things would turn out like this! I just wanted you to succeed. My only wish was for you to get ahead in life. I had no idea you suffered so much. I was wrong; I was wrong all along! From our divorce until now, I was wrong! I told you no one would make me fall in love again, but… there was someone there all along.

And that person was you! But do you know why I let you go? Because, Dustin, can’t you see? I’m still hopelessly in love with you?” She admitted painfully.