Chapter 124

It was only after Devon Aquila's expulsion from the Langley house that the family finally recovered from their shock. Their faces hardened. Devon, the second son of the Aquila family, had been Margot's ideal son-in-law, a wealthy prospect who could elevate their social standing. But Dustin had ruined everything.

Margot, furious but fearful of the Hell Guard, dared not openly confront Dustin. Instead, she unleashed her anger on Simone and her family.

"Simone," she demanded, "Are you going to marry Devon or not? Marry him, and you remain part of this family, treated well, celebrated for your success. Refuse, protect that worthless trash, and side against the Aquila family, and you're disowned! All of you!"

Simone and her family were stunned by Margot's cruelty. They hadn't expected such ruthlessness in pursuit of family ambition.

"I've made my offer. Choose wisely," Margot said coldly. She knew David valued family approval; this pressure was calculated to force their hand, pushing them toward Devon and away from Dustin. Dustin, seething, was ready to attack Margot. He'd already warned them, yet she persisted, forcing Simone's hand. Was she ignoring his threat?

Before Dustin could respond, David spoke, his face etched with pain. He sighed. "I once craved your approval above all else. I worked tirelessly to please you."

"Obey me, and your status will rise," Margot said darkly.

David shook his head. "I was wrong. You're heartless, self-serving. Why should I strive to prove myself to you?!"

The Langley family's expressions froze.

"If we must choose between you and Dustin, we choose Dustin," David declared firmly. Simone, Camille, and Monique echoed his resolve.

Margot's face flushed crimson with rage. The other Langleys were incredulous. They hadn't anticipated David defying disownment to stand with Dustin. Was he an idiot? Could he not see what was best for himself and his family? Even Dustin was surprised. Simone and her family valued their relationships above all else.

"Say that again!" Margot snarled.

"We choose Dustin!" David repeated without hesitation.

"We choose Dustin!" Simone, Camille, and Monique shouted in unison.

Margot's face turned a furious purple; she appeared on the verge of a heart attack.

"David, you ungrateful monster!" Derek yelled. "You don't even listen to your own mother!"

The other Langleys joined the chorus of outrage, but David and his family remained steadfast. Dustin was overwhelmed. He'd never felt so valued, so fiercely defended. They'd chosen disownment to protect him.

"You insolent brats!" Margot sputtered, rising from her seat, her cane raised in fury.

Chapter 125