An Understated Dominance - Chapter 98

It was nighttime in the police station’s interrogation room. Dustin and Dahlia sat back to back, tied to their chairs in the middle of the room.

The air was cool and damp, and the darkness wrapped around them like a heavy blanket.

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess,” Dustin said first. “They say you stole some valuables. Is that true?” Dahlia asked directly.

“What do you think?” Dustin replied. “You don’t seem like the type to do that, so I guess someone is trying to frame you. Does this have anything to do with the Cobra?”

“The Cobra is just a pawn. The real mastermind is Duane Welch.”

“Duane Welch? You mean Sir Anderson?” Dahlia was shocked. “Weren’t you on good terms with him? What happened?”

“I punched him,” Dustin said simply.

“What?” Dahlia gasped, trying to stay calm. “You hit Sir Anderson? Are you out of your mind?”

Sir Anderson wasn’t just any person; he was like a brother to Mr. Anderson and a member of the powerful Welch family in Millsburg. Even the tough Cobra would back down from him. Yet Dustin had dared to strike him, which felt like digging his own grave.

“He hit me first. I just defended myself,” Dustin said, looking unfazed.

“You’re being reckless!” Dahlia exclaimed, her frustration rising. “Do you know who Sir Anderson is? One word from him and he could make you disappear!”

“Since I’ve already offended him, we have to deal with it now,” Dustin said with a shrug.

“It’s easy for you to say, but do you really think you can handle this?” Dahlia’s patience was wearing thin.

“Find a way to call Natasha later,” she said firmly. “She’s the only one who can help you now!”

As she spoke, a bitter taste rose in her throat. She wouldn’t admit it, but she felt small compared to Natasha’s strong family background.

Just then, the heavy metal door creaked open, interrupting them. A man with a large belly walked in and took a seat. He turned on the bright desk lamp, and the sudden light made both of them squint.

**Chapter 98**

“So, you’re Dustin Rhys,” the chubby man sneered.

“Yes,” Dustin replied, continuing to squint until his eyes adjusted.

“Do you know who I am?” the man asked.

“No idea,” Dustin said.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Gardner, the inspector here. People call me Heinous Hades!” He puffed out his chest proudly.

Dahlia’s heart sank. She had heard that name before. Gardner was known for his cruelty and was feared by many. Anyone who fell into his hands was in serious trouble.

“We’ve heard a lot about you, Mr. Gardner,” Dahlia said, trying to keep her voice steady.

While Dahlia braced for the worst, Dustin remained surprisingly calm.

“Good! Since you know my name, you must also know how I operate. I suggest you learn your place and cooperate. That’s your only chance of leaving here alive!”

Gardner lit a cigar, placed it between his teeth, and took a deep puff.

Dustin took a deep breath and asked calmly, “Mr. Gardner, what do you need my cooperation for?”

Mr. Gardner replied, “You and your friends stole some valuable items, and the law can send you to prison. But I’m offering you a chance to fix this with the original owner. If we come to an agreement, no charges will be filed.”

“Mr. Gardner, you’re mistaken. I didn’t steal anything. The Panax root belongs to me,” Dustin said politely.

“Hey! Kid! Do you even know what’s going on?” the fat man interrupted, snorting. “It doesn’t matter if you stole it or not. Once you’re in my territory, I make the rules. If I say you stole it, then you stole it. Do you understand?”

“Mr. Gardner, isn’t your approach a bit unreasonable?” Dustin frowned.

“Unreasonable? Ha! My words are perfectly reasonable!” the fat man sneered, a sinister smirk on his face. “Now, you have two options. One, make a deal with Sir Anderson. Or two, spend the rest of your life in jail!”

“Can I choose neither?” Dustin asked.

“Hey! I’m trying to have a friendly discussion here. You better make a smart choice, or things will get ugly for you!” His eyes flashed with hostility.

“Are you threatening me?” Dustin replied.

“What if I am?” Mr. Gardner sneered, a cigar dangling from his mouth. “I know you’ve got some strength, but even superpowers won’t help you in my territory! And let me remind you, your beautiful girlfriend won’t do well in prison either! Even if you don’t care about that…”

“Keep her in mind!” Gardner sneered. “If you can bear to watch as the other prisoners hurt such a delicate beauty!”

Dustin’s eyes hardened with anger. “If you touch her, you’ll only find death waiting for you!”

His fierce words shocked Dahlia, but they also warmed her heart.

Gardner laughed. “You can barely stand up for yourself. And you think you can threaten me? If you’re smart, you’ll just give me the Panax root and walk away. Otherwise, don’t blame me if I lock your beloved up! Think it over. You have thirty minutes to decide. I’ll be back, hoping for a good answer.”

With a twisted grin, Gardner turned and left, slamming the door behind him. The room fell into darkness again.