Chapter 98

Nighttime in the interrogation room of the police station. Dustin and Dahlia sat back-to-back, bound to chairs in the center of the room. The air was cool and damp, and darkness shrouded them completely. They felt an invisible weight on their shoulders.

“My bad, I didn’t mean to drag you into this mess,” Dustin said.

“They claimed you stole some valuables. Is that true?” Dahlia asked, cutting to the chase.

“What do you think?”

“You don’t look bold enough for that, so my guess is someone’s framing you. Does this have anything to do with the Cobra?”

“The Cobra is merely a pawn. The mastermind is Duane Welch.”

“Duane Welch? Are you talking about Sir Anderson?” Dahlia was dumbstruck. “Weren’t you on fairly good terms with him? Did you offend him? How?”

“I punched him,” Dustin admitted flatly.

“What?” Dahlia choked, struggling to remain calm. “You… you dared hit Sir Anderson! Are you out of your mind?!”

Sir Anderson wasn't just anyone—he was like a brother to Mr. Anderson and a member of the prominent Welch family of Millsburg! He was someone even the vicious Cobra would kneel to. Yet Dustin had dared to strike him—the epitome of digging his own grave!

“He hit me first. I only hit back in self-defense,” Dustin said, unfazed.

“You act too rashly!” Dahlia fumed. “Who do you think Sir Anderson is? Do you think he’s someone you can afford to offend? One order from him could wipe you off the face of the earth!”

“Since I’ve already offended him, there’s nothing left to do but go with the flow,” Dustin shrugged.

“Easy for you to say, but do you think you can handle this?” Dahlia’s patience was wearing thin. She asserted, “You better find a way to call Natasha later. She’s the only one who can save you now!”

As the words left her lips, she felt a bitter taste in her mouth. Although she wouldn’t admit it, she couldn’t compare herself to Natasha in terms of family background.

Suddenly, the metal door creaked open, interrupting their conversation. A man with a rotund beer belly appeared in the doorway and entered the room. He sat down and flicked on the bright desk lamp.

The glare made both detainees instinctively squeeze their eyes shut.

“So, you’re Dustin Rhys or something,” hissed the fat man maliciously.

“Yes,” Dustin said, squinting until his eyes adjusted to the light.

“Do either of you know who I am?” the man asked.

“No clue.”

“Then allow me to introduce myself. I’m Gardner, the inspector here. I’m nicknamed Heinous Hades by many!” The fat man lifted his chin proudly.

Dahlia’s heart sank. Having spent a significant portion of her life in this field, she’d heard that nickname before. He was a man of barbaric cruelty, always eager for the blood of his next victim. Any offender who fell into his hands could only pray for a merciful outcome. They were in grave trouble.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Gardner. We’ve heard a lot about you.” While Dahlia anticipated the worst, Dustin remained remarkably calm.

“Great! Since you’ve heard of me, I assume you’re familiar with my methods. I recommend you cooperate. That’s your only hope of leaving here alive!”

The inspector lit a cigar, put it in his mouth, and took a deep breath.

“Mr. Gardner, what do you need my cooperation for?” Dustin asked calmly.

“You stole some valuable items, and the law can sentence you to prison. However, I’m giving you a chance to settle with the original owner. If we reach an agreement, no charges will be pressed.”

“Mr. Gardner, you must be mistaken. I didn’t steal anything. The Panax root belongs to me,” Dustin rebutted politely.

“Hey! Kid! Are you sure you know what’s happening?” The fat man snorted. “Does it matter whether you stole it or not? Once you step foot in my territory, I make the rules. If I say you stole it, you stole it. Do you understand me?”

“Mr. Gardner, isn’t your approach to this case a little unreasonable?” Dustin frowned.

“Unreasonable? Haha. My methods couldn’t be more reasonable!” snarled the fat man, a sinister smirk spreading across his face. “Now, you both have two options: reach a deal with Sir Anderson, or spend the rest of your lives in jail!”

“Can I choose neither?” Dustin asked.

“Hey! I’m trying to have a peaceful discussion. Be sensible and choose an option, or you won’t have it easy if you cross me!” Hostility flashed in his eyes.

“Are you trying to threaten me?”

“What if I am?” the inspector sneered. The cigar hung from his lips as he continued disdainfully, “I know you have some fight in you, but even superpowers won’t help in my territory! Besides, need I remind you that your gorgeous girlfriend will be very popular in prison! Even if you don’t care about yourself, you should think of her! That is, if you can bear watching the other prisoners…ravage such a delicate beauty!”

Dustin’s expression hardened. Murderous intent filled his eyes. “If you dare touch her, rest assured that nothing but death awaits you!”

Dahlia, though stunned by his aggression, felt a warmth spread through her chest.

“Haha! You can barely stand up for yourself, and you’re trying to threaten me? If you have any sense, hand over the Panax root and call it quits. Otherwise, you can’t blame me if I throw your beloved in prison! Think it over. You have thirty minutes. I’ll be back hoping for a positive answer.”

With a grotesque grin, Gardner left, the door slamming shut behind him. The room plunged back into darkness.