Mr. Nelson and General Sweeney, since Mr. Cain has failed, it falls to you now," Margaret said icily. The defeat of Lannopolis's strongest fighter was inconsequential. She wasn't even particularly surprised; sending Victor had been a test. His failure, however, was irrelevant. Capturing Dustin would have simplified matters, but Victor's lack of success didn't alter her plans. She never had much faith in him; he was all muscle, lacking the strategic thinking of Richard and Nathan. Richard represented power, while Nathan commanded military might. Raw fighting ability alone wouldn't suffice.
"I'm sure you know what to do," Margaret said, her tone unchanged.
"Don't worry, ma'am," Richard and Nathan replied, saluting. They had already been briefed: if Dustin didn't comply, persistent pressure was the answer. Richard and Nathan led police and military personnel into the West family villa, accompanied by the mini-laptop linking Margaret and Amara.
Victor, a glint in his eye, lingered. He was eager to witness the confrontation, anticipating a compelling spectacle.
The villa's occupants offered no resistance as the group marched to the living room, where Dustin sat calmly, observing them. Richard and Nathan were influential figures in Lannopolis: Richard wielded the most power, while Nathan, a three-star general, commanded significant military forces and could mobilize the entire army with a single order. The situation transcended a simple power struggle; it had escalated considerably, silencing the West family.
"Dustin Fox," Richard said indifferently, gesturing for someone to activate the mini-laptop. Margaret and Amara's video appeared.
"Dustin Fox, you're arrogant and disrespectful of the law!" Amara declared, her haughty scorn mirroring her demeanor during his time at the Wyatt family villa.
Dustin merely smiled, offering no response.
"Tell us where you've taken Elisa and Bianca!" Amara demanded.
Dustin remained silent, not even deigning to look at her. Her fury intensified.
"Dustin, do you remember me?" Margaret asked grimly, her gaze unwavering.
He grinned. "The Winter family matriarch. Powerful, I presume. How could I forget?" he replied mockingly. Margaret's annoyance was palpable.
"I haven't time for your games. Tell us where Elisa and Bianca are. Refusal means I'll level this place and kill everyone here!" she threatened.
He remained unmoved by her threat, unconcerned and unafraid.
"If you possess such power, Mrs. Winter, I suggest you use it," Dustin said with a sly smile.
Margaret's eyes narrowed, her fury unmistakable. This was unlike the Dustin she remembered – the subservient, stuttering man who had shown her great courtesy during her visits to the Wyatt family, always fearful of offending them.