"You're right. I'm despicable, while Chris is a hero. I slandered him. Are you happy now?" Dustin said self-mockingly. It was pointless to defend himself; trust was already broken.
"What's with your attitude? Are you saying I'm accusing you?" Dahlia frowned.
"Not at all. I'm to blame for badmouthing a good person," Dustin replied curtly.
"You're so stubborn!" Dahlia's anger flared. She never expected this spiteful refusal to admit his mistake. Was this his true nature, revealed after their divorce?
"It's all right, Dahlia. Don't get so worked up," Chris said, his kindness seeming affected. "Dustin must be doing this because he's jealous of my closeness to you. I don't blame him. Everyone makes mistakes."
"Do you see how forgiving Chris is? That's the difference between you and him!" Dahlia spat, disgusted.
"I'm not arguing if that's what you think," Dustin replied coldly.
"Hmph, I bet it's because you feel guilty," Lyra commented disdainfully. "People like you are detestable. Why pretend when you're clearly not up to it?"
Tired of the bickering, Dustin stood and left.
Just then, a man with curly hair entered, wearing sunglasses and smoking a cigar.
"Damn, what a lively atmosphere!" Edward grinned, surveying the scene. His eyes fell on Dahlia, a momentary daze giving way to a fiery gaze. "Tsk, tsk. Looks like my lucky day. Another stunning woman!" He licked his lips, approaching immediately. "Hey, beautiful. Have we met?"
Dahlia ignored him.
"Fate, I'd say. Come have a drink with me?" Edward invited.
"I'm not interested," Dahlia rejected flatly.
"Money can buy interest," Edward said slyly, stroking his chin. "Let's be direct. Sleep with me, and I'll pay you whatever you want."
"Get lost," Dahlia growled.
"Oh, feisty. I like it!" Edward laughed, reaching for her.
Dahlia slapped him. A bright red handprint appeared instantly on his cheek.
"You you dare slap me?" Edward touched his burning cheek, his gaze darkening.
"What are you going to do about it? What an uneducated prick," Dahlia said impassively.
"Bitch! You're asking for trouble!" Edward's anger boiled over. He raised his hand, but Chris shoved him away.
"Fucker, you dare act up here? Want a beating?" Chris glared. How dare this bastard flirt with his woman?
"You'll regret this!" Edward bellowed.
"Bring it on. Show me what you've got!" Chris taunted, waving his hand.
"Go to hell!" Edward threw a punch. Chris dodged it, countering with a blow that sent Edward staggering back, blood trickling from his nose.
"Want to fight? Wrong guy!" Chris scoffed.
"Mr. Nolan, you're awesome! That thug deserved it!" Lyra exclaimed.
The guests applauded, boosting Chris's ego. This felt incredible.
"Bastard, do you know who I am? You dare hit me?" Edward seethed.
"I couldn't care less. Get out, or else!" Chris barked.
"You've got guts. Don't run when I come back!" Edward left. Chris sneered. "What a fool. Acting tough in front of me?"
"Mr. Nolan, I didn't know you were so strong! You beat him with one punch!" Lyra gushed.
"Haha, I can beat ten like him!" Chris laughed. His workout routine had paid off.
"Thank goodness you were here. We'd have been in trouble."
"Don't worry. Call me if you need protection," Chris boasted, seizing the opportunity to show off.
"Ms. Nicholson, that's a real man!" Lyra said sarcastically, glancing at Dustin. "Not someone who runs away from small problems. How useless."
Dahlia was filled with disappointment. Dustin had remained idle, offering no help. Anyone else would have intervened, even a stranger. His uselessness was glaring, especially compared to Chris.
Suddenly, commotion erupted. Edward returned, even angrier.
"What? Another beating?" Chris stepped forward, his heroism faltering as he saw Edward's burly bodyguards.
This cleaned-up version corrects grammar, punctuation, and improves sentence flow. It also replaces some informal language with more suitable alternatives for a narrative.