An Understated Dominance - Chapter 292

In Park Place, Swiston, Jessica was relaxing when she received shocking news. “What? Joshua Hummer is dead, and his whole family was killed? They even burned Hummer Villa to the ground?” She stopped what she was doing, her mood changing instantly.

The Hummer family was one of the most powerful families in Swinton. They weren’t as strong as the Harmon family, but they still had significant influence, especially with help from Boulderthorn. Who could have the power to take down such a family?

“Do you know who did this?” Jessica pressed her guard for answers.

“The fire destroyed nearly everything. It will be hard to find out who started it,” the guard replied, shaking his head.

“If we can’t find the culprit, we’ll be in serious trouble!” Jessica frowned as she thought. Normally, she would feel happy about the Hummer family’s downfall. But everyone knew about the bad blood between the Hummer family and her daughter, Natasha, which made Natasha a prime suspect. Her biggest fear was that Boulderthorn would start investigating, complicating everything even more.

Just then, Natasha walked into the room in her silk pajamas. “What’s wrong?”

“Joshua Hummer is dead, and the whole Hummer family is gone! Edwin Hummer is still missing!” Jessica quickly explained.

“I already knew that. I’m not surprised,” Natasha said, stretching lazily.

“Wait, how did you find out?” Jessica asked, surprised.

“Dustin called me last night,” Natasha answered calmly.

“Last night?” Jessica paused, realizing something. “Are you saying he did it?”

“Yep,” Natasha nodded.

“Is he out of his mind? How could he kill Joshua Hummer?”

“Doesn’t he know that Joshua’s mentor is Clement Lincoln? Isn’t he worried that Boulderthorn might retaliate?” Jessica snapped.

“The Hummer family and I are already enemies, so I don’t think Dustin did anything wrong,” Natasha replied.

The truth was, she had been ready to stand up against them after hearing that the military had arrested Dustin. Luckily, he returned safely.

“He did nothing wrong?” Jessica frowned. “Natasha, do you even realize what you’re saying? Even your father is careful around Lincoln! If Lincoln wants revenge, Dustin won’t be the only one in danger. You could be hurt too!”

Boulderthorn was one of the strongest guilds in Balerno. The Harmon family wouldn’t be able to face them, especially not the guildmaster, who had power over more than ten thousand men.

To put it simply, without military support, no one could stop those fighters.

—

“Boulderthorn may be strong, but they aren’t above the law. They can’t just do whatever they want. Plus, did you really think the Hummer family would let us go if Dustin hadn’t killed Joshua? Since we are already enemies, the best move is to strike first!” Natasha explained calmly, having thought this through.

“I don’t care. Dustin is in serious trouble this time. If you don’t want our family to get involved, you need to cut all ties with him right now!” Jessica warned.

“That’s your plan? To cut ties with him?” Natasha scoffed. “Don’t forget, Dustin stood up to the Hummer family for me. Are you really asking me to turn my back on him?”

“Why not?” Jessica shot back. “Everyone has their value. Once they’re no longer useful, they should be discarded. You need to think about the bigger picture.”

“How could you say that? You haven’t changed at all, have you? You’re still so disgusting!” Natasha said with a sneer before turning to walk away.

“You!” Jessica shouted, her anger boiling.