Chapter 97.

"I'm just trying to remind you to think twice before you

act. Just because you have support from the higher- ups doesn't mean you

can run amok." With a solemn look, Dahlia added, "Dustin, you must

realize that your worth has to be backed by ability. Currying favors with

powerful people can propel you to greater heights, but it won't last

unless you can prove you're a person of high caliber. So don't think

you're all high and mighty- consider this a lesson from me." Dustin

snickered upon hearing this. "How can you be sure that I'm currying

favors with the powerful?" "Is that not the case? If it weren't for Ms.

Harmon's reputation, would the Cobra have let you go so easily?" Dahlia

didn't hold back with her remark. "Whatever you say. I know that,

whatever I do, I'm nothing but a useless prick in your eyes," Dustin

sneered as he shook his head. First impressions truly were tough to

change. Even with the evidence in front of their eyes, some people would

simply refuse to believe it. They preferred scouring for excuses in an

attempt to consolidate their prejudices. "Oh, Dustin, don't be

disheartened. Keep your dignity and utilize your capabilities to carve

out your own career and legacy instead of being a lazy bum who leeches

off others," Dahlia urged in a deep voice. "So what if I'm a bum?

Catching easy fish is also a skill. It just means I work smart," Dustin

shrugged. "You…" Dahlia was starting to get annoyed. She had put sincere

effort into trying to talk sense into him, but her advice seemed to fall

on deaf ears. Not to mention the fact that he did not appear ashamed of

his behavior at all. It was apparent that there was no saving some people

from their stubbornness. As the two went back and forth, a few patrol

cars pulled up and blocked the intersection. The doors of the patrol cars

swung open, and several uniformed police officers stepped out and

approached them swiftly. "We're looking for Dustin Rhys," said one of the

police officers. "That's me." Dustin responded, "Is something wrong,

officer?" "We just received a report that you've stolen some valuable

objects. Please come with us!" shouted the officer. "Stolen? Officer,

there must be a misunderstanding." Dustin declared, squinting his eyes.

"Alright, may I ask what's inside this box?" "Panax root." "Then that

proves it! Come with us immediately for further investigation!" The

officer said little more as he handcuffed Dustin. "Officer! What exactly

is going on?" exclaimed Dahlia, as she rushed forward, the color drained

from her face. "Who are you?" asked the patrol officer. "I'm his friend,"

she replied. "Hmph, suspicious! You could be an

accomplice. Take her away as well!" In one swift movement, the officer

clicked a pair of handcuffs around Dahlia's wrists. This incident left

everyone at the scene stunned. "Officer, this has nothing to do with her.

It's all me," said Dustin with a frown. "He's right, he's right! This is

all Dustin's doing. It has nothing to do with my daughter! If you want to

arrest him, then do that! My daughter has done nothing wrong. She's

innocent!" pleaded Florence. "That's right, officer! My sister is

innocent. She's a kind soul!" James exclaimed, panicked. "We'll find out

if she's innocent once the investigation is over. Take her away!" barked

the police officer. With a single command from the squad leader, Dustin

and Dahlia were escorted into the police cars. ""Wait!" Matt stepped out

from the crowd and began, "I'm of the Laney family of Millsburg. Please

cut us some slack and let…" "Any more nonsense, and you'll all be coming

along!" snapped the officer. His cold glare silenced Matt instantly.

There was nothing anyone could do as they watched Dahlia leave with them.

"It's over! Goddamn good–for–nothing Dustin, getting my daughter in

trouble!" cried Florence as she stomped the ground in distress. 1 "I

don't give a damn if he digs his own grave, but to drag Dahlia with him?

What a bastard!" James scowled with resentment. "Now's not the time for

this. Quick, we need to think of a way to save Ms. Nicholson!" said Lyra.

"You're right! We have to find a way. I know a friend who works at the

police station. I'll give him a call at once!" "I know a relative who has

connections with some police officers of higher ranks. I'll find out if

he can offer us any help." Suddenly, the air was filled with the excited

chattering of everyone in the group, gathering assistance from anyone

they could think of.