Chapter 40

Timothy had arrived. Everyone's heart leaped into their throats. Dressed in shiny leather shoes, a black suit, and sunglasses, he appeared imposingly at the private room's door. Dozens of men in black suits stood respectfully behind him.

"It's over!" Dakota's head buzzed.

Caspian rushed to Timothy and bowed. "Boss!"

Caspian's subordinates also bowed, their faces reverent. Timothy hummed, nodded slightly, and asked in a deep voice, "Who beat you?"

"Him, Boss!" Caspian pointed at Cameron, who sat on the sofa. Dakota stood before Cameron. Despite her fear, she bravely explained, "Mr. Dashner, this has nothing to do with Cameron. Please let me explain."

Timothy frowned. "Oh?"

Dakota's face paled as she continued, "Mr. Dashner, my friends and I were celebrating a birthday when your subordinate, Lord Caspian, barged in and caused a disturbance. He even attempted to—"

Caspian interrupted, "Boss, don't listen to her nonsense! We were collecting protection fees. This drunk woman accosted me. Her boyfriend then hit me with a wine bottle." He pointed to a head wound. "My injury was caused by him!"

Caspian's subordinates corroborated his lie.

"Mr. Dashner, they're lying! The situation wasn't like they said!" Dakota pleaded, appealing to her friends. "They can vouch for me! Ask them!"

The frightened girls pointed at Cameron. "Her her boyfriend attacked Lord Caspian!" They dared not offend Caspian.

Dakota was speechless; her friends had betrayed her.

Caspian added, "Boss, this woman's boyfriend caused trouble, and now she's deceiving you!"

Dakota anxiously explained, "Mr. Dashner, I wasn't deceiving you! This mark on my face is from Caspian slapping me. Cameron isn't even my boyfriend!"

Timothy interrupted impatiently, "Enough. Stop talking. I don't care what happened between you. I only want to know if my subordinate was injured by your friend."

Dakota trembled. "Yes, but—"

Timothy's tone was oppressive. "I've heard enough. If he did it, he'll pay the price." (He knew Caspian was likely at fault, but he wouldn't allow outsiders to discipline his subordinate.)

Caspian chuckled smugly.

Timothy's imposing aura caused Dakota to stumble back into Cameron's arms. Cameron stood, his gaze arrogant. Timothy snorted coldly, eager to see who dared harm his subordinate.

(Note: The sentence in parentheses was added for clarity. The promotional text at the end was removed as requested.)