Dahlia Nicholson and Dustin Rhys Novel
Chapter 1140

Chapter 1140 Deceptions and Lies

"What... What did you say?"

Shiela was utterly bewildered, struggling to grasp the situation. "You... You kidnapped me? Is this some kind of sick joke?"

"That's correct, we all deceived you," Nakamura admitted bluntly. "But you can attribute it to your own naivety. You lacked the discernment to separate truth from falsehood. A few casual remarks, and you took them to heart. Utterly gullible!"

"So... I misunderstood Dustin? I misjudged him?" Shiela quivered, tears brimming in her eyes, overwhelmed by profound regret.

She had never anticipated that the reality would be so different. She had believed that her cousin wouldn't deceive her, that her closest friends wouldn't betray her trust, and that Dustin was genuinely up to no good. Yet, Nakamura's recent revelations made her suddenly realize that everything she had believed was a fabrication.

Garrett had duped her, her closest friends had lied to her, and only Dustin had been sincerely attempting to rescue her, to assist her. But she not only failed to recognize it but had even attempted to expel him from her household.

What had she been thinking? How could she have been so misled, so foolish?

"Why? Why did you all deceive me?" Shiela turned her gaze toward Chase and Vivian, her expression marked by doubt and bewilderment.

She couldn't fathom why her closest friends would deceive her.

Under the weight of Shiela's accusatory stare, Chase, Vivian, and the others lowered their heads, their silence speaking volumes. They hadn't anticipated Nakamura's brazen challenge to the General's Residence, which had shattered their carefully constructed facade.

"Dustin, I'm so sorry... I never expected things to turn out like this," Shiela said to Dustin amid the onlooking crowd, her cheeks continuously wet with tears. She felt ashamed, full of regret, burdened with pain, and deeply self-reproachful.

She had always despised those who repaid kindness with malice, yet she had become one of them.

"Madam Shiela, this isn't the time for such words. Our immediate concern is to ensure our survival," Dustin replied, shaking his head gently.

He harbored no resentment toward Shiela, but their friendship could never be the same again. Some wounds were irreparable.

"Dustin, Brother..." Shiela attempted to explain but found herself at a loss for words. She could keenly perceive that his gaze had shifted, becoming unfamiliar and devoid of its former warmth.

"Enough! Stop chattering here. Call everyone to drop their weapons immediately, or I'll kill her!" Nakamura impatiently threatened, pressing his blade against Shiela's wound, causing blood to drip ominously. "Hold it! I caution you not to make any rash moves! If my daughter is harmed in any way, I promise you'll meet a horrific demise!" Caden thundered.

"Now, I have the hostage. I dictate the terms. I'll begin counting to three, and if you don't lower your weapons, I'll sever her arm first!" Nakamura threatened once more.

"Old man Yamamoto, if your grandson dares to harm my granddaughter, even if I have to stake my life, I'll kill him!" General Murray declared sternly.

"Old friend, your own life is hanging by a thread, and you're still concerned about so much?" Yamamoto sneered.

General Murray, despite his grave injuries, maintained a watchful stance, apprehensive that Nakamura might make a rash move.

"Three..." Nakamura began counting.

"Wretch! You dare!" Caden shouted.

"Two..." Nakamura remained undaunted.

"Caden, release the Dragon-Binding Rope for me, and I can rescue your daughter," Dustin suddenly interjected.

Previously restrained by the Dragon-Binding Rope, he couldn't move freely unless he resorted to forcefully activating his secret technique, rendering escape nearly impossible. "You? What makes you believe you can rescue her?" Caden furrowed his brow.