No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 733

Dustin's gaze was icy. "Of course."

If it hadn't been for him, Felicia would have split from Conrad, and Dustin was certain he would have had his shot.

Deep down, he always blamed himself for being just a step too late. If he had returned earlier, arrived at the moment when Felicia and Conrad were having issues, maybe Ernest wouldn't have come into the picture.

But life doesn't entertain 'what ifs,' and he had missed his opportunity, allowing Ernest to slip in.

"I'm surprised and honored to be considered important to Mr. Wagner," Ernest said, his words subtly cutting.

Dustin curled his lip. "Let's skip the pleasantries and get to the point."

"What point?" Ernest continued to act nonchalant.

"Ernest, I know why you're pretending, but you need to understand you're no longer with the Brigade. You know the saying, 'A king without a kingdom has no power.' Plus, getting involved now only endangers you and those around you," Dustin laid it out, his words carrying an unmistakable threat.

Ernest dropped the facade, seeing that Dustin was here to negotiate, not cause trouble.

"Yeah, I've left the Brigade, yet you all still can't let me go, pulling me into this mess. How could I not play along?" Ernest's response drew a faint smile from Dustin.

That smile was because Ernest had admitted his role.

"Dragging you in wasn't about your identity," Dustin retorted.

Ernest nodded slightly. "You dragged me in hoping to eliminate me. Little did you expect my other identity to become your problem."

Ernest wasn't just any retired soldier; he had been secretly dispatched to the Brigade to combat international crime, staying undercover for three years until his retirement.

Had it not been for Felicia's predicament in Houston, had Dustin not enlisted Henrik for the job, Ernest wouldn't have mobilized those under the Brigade's command, nor would his identity have come to light. Dustin scoffed, "So, you're saying we stirred up a hornet's nest ourselves."

Ernest remained non-committal, prompting Dustin to clarify, "Tell me, what will it take for you to stay out of this? Money... or someone?"

That 'someone' referred to Felicia.

"Do you think I'm short on cash? As for 'someone..." Ernest's gaze lifted, revealing a love bite at his jawline left by Felicia.

Dustin's forced smile vanished, his expression turning cold. "Ernest, you must realize that persisting in this only harms Felicia."

He was using Felicia as leverage.

Ernest nodded slightly,

acknowledging Dustin's

ruthlessness. Then he asked,

"Dustin, you don't really love Felicia. You're pursuing her, fighting over her, just to prove you're no less than Conrad, to show you can win her over."

Dustin's face darkened. How could Ernest claim he didn't love Felicia? He loved her deeply, more than he could express. Ernest's denial of his feelings for Felicia hit a nerve. "You're in no position to judge my affairs."

"But your affairs have dragged me in, especially when they hurt the woman I love," Ernest countered without yielding.

Their conversation reached an

impasse, but Dustin managed a laugh. "Brigade folks are tough, alright. But remember, Ernest, you've rally

left the Brigade. Even if you cove

them, it's out of loyalty. Do you think they'd choose you over their interests?"

Ernest remained unfazed. "Why don't you put that to the test, Mr. Wagner?"

The standoff continued until Dustin broke the silence. "I know you've gathered a lot of evidence. What will

it take for you to hand it over

Ernest remained silent, prompting Dustin to add, "Give me the evidence, and we'll reset everything, no hard feelings."

"And if I refuse?" Ernest stood his ground.

Dustin's gaze sharpened. "What do you think?"