Chapter 54 (+25 Bonus)

"Ms. Langley, it's a shame we didn't meet sooner," said the handsome young man, Michael Carson. "I'm from the Carson family of Central Harbor. Would you add me on Facebook?" His wealthy background was evident; most women found him irresistible.

Simone looked shocked. "The Carson family of Central Harbor?" she exclaimed, surprised. The Carsons were one of Lovellia's most powerful families, far surpassing those in Rivenesco. Nevertheless, Simone refused. "I'm sorry, but my friend list is full."

Michael and his friends froze.

Simone took Dustin's hand. "Let's go, Dustin."

Undeterred, Michael raised a hand to block their path. "Ms. Langley, it's always good to have more friends…" The more Simone rejected him, the more determined he became.

Dustin's gaze sharpened. "Get out of the way!"

The three young men's faces darkened. Already displeased by Simone's rejection, they were infuriated by Dustin's bluntness.

Michael glared icily at Dustin. "What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly." The Carson family's wealth in Central Harbor allowed them to look down on even Rivenesco's elite. This "random trash" clearly didn't understand the consequences of his actions. One of Michael's companions snarled, "Hey, punk! Say that again if you dare." The other added, "How dare you talk to Michael that way? You want to die?"

Dustin smirked, gesturing for Michael to approach.

Michael scoffed, confident Dustin couldn't harm him. But as Michael moved closer, Dustin's hand shot out, gripping Michael by the neck and lifting him off the floor. Michael's eyes widened in surprise as he struggled and kicked.

"You bastard! You're nuts!" Michael yelled.

Michael's two companions were stunned. "Let go of Michael!" they shouted, rushing at Dustin.

Dustin's leg moved swiftly. The two men crashed to the floor, groaning in pain.

The commotion silenced the hall. People craned their necks to see what was happening. "Isn't… isn't that Michael Carson from the Carson family of Central Harbor? I can't believe someone attacked him…" someone whispered, astonished. "Who is that man? Isn't he afraid of the Carson family?"

Simone was taken aback. "Dustin… don't do this. It's not worth it…"

The Carson family was one of Lovellia's most powerful families, far exceeding those in Rivenesco.

Dustin said coldly, "These scoundrels deserve punishment for even trying to approach you!" Murderous intent gleamed in his eyes.

Michael, gasping for air, was both scared and furious. No one in Central Harbor dared defy him; he couldn't believe someone from insignificant Rivenesco would dare. "Let go of me, or I'll kill you!" he spat.

Dustin grinned, loosening his grip. Michael landed on the floor, thinking Dustin was intimidated. Before he could shout again, a foot landed squarely on him, sending a mouthful of blood flying. His face paled.

"Michael!" his terrified companions cried out.

Michael looked near death, horrifying onlookers. They were amazed by Dustin's fearless defiance.

Backstage, Clara, the star of the art exhibition, was calmly attending to matters. News of the incident twisted her face with rage.

"That wretched Dustin! How dare he attempt to murder Mr. Carson?" she seethed, losing her composure. She rushed from backstage toward the commotion.