“Huh?”Mrs.Prewittwasinadaze,cradling her cheek and feeling utterly bewildered.Why did Vernon hit her when she was helping him? What on earth was happening?


    “Whatareyoustill standing there for? Apologize!” Vernonnded another p across her face.He didn’t dare provoke influential figures. However, he could easily control an insignificantheadmistress.


    “I–I’msorry…“Mrs. Prewitt was aggrieved as she gritted out the words.Although she wasn’t sure what was going on, it was clear that this bitch was someone important. Otherwise, Inspector Lansky wouldn’t have reacted that way.


    “Ms. Harmon, I apologize for not noticing you earlier.” After punishing Mrs. Prewitt, Vernon wasfull of smiles.


    “MayIknowwhatbringsyouhere,Ms.Harmon?”


    “Thisismyman,andthisismygoddaughter.”


    Natashadidn’tholdbackherwords.“Yourwifeassaultedmygoddaughterearlier.


    “Mymanthenassaultedyourwifeinretaliationtoprotecther.Thisisconsideredself–defense,


    don’tyouthink?”


    “Huh?”Vernonwastakenabackandnoddedimmediately.


    “That’sright!Itwasinself–defense!Itwasmymistake.Ialmostapprehendedaninnocentman.My wifewasinthewrong.I’pologizeinherstead.I’llmakesureshebehavesfromnowon.


    “Apologize?”


    ThecrowdhadstrangeexpressionsastheywatchedVernonbeoverlypolite.Nooneexpectedthe


    usuallyimposingandarrogantInspectorLanskytohavesuchahumblesidetohim.


    Whoexactlywasthisbeautifulwomaninfrontofthem?


    “Idon’twantyourapology.Shehas toapologize,”Dustinsuddenlyspoke.


    “You’re right,mister.Theoffendershouldbetheoapologize.”Vernonforcedasmileandhelpedhiswife,whosefacewasbruisedandbattered,up.


    “Youassaultedsomeoneearlier.Hurryupandapologize!”


    “Apologize?WhyshouldI?”


    Mrs.LanskypushedVernon awayandcursedathim,“Youcoward!Yoursonandwifearebeing


    man?”


    “Shutit!”Vernonredather.


    “ThisistheyoundyoftheHarmonfamily.Watchyourwords!”


    “Sowhatifshe’sfromtheHarmons?DoyouthinkI’mafraid?”


    Mrs.Lanskyhadahideousexpressionasshesaid,“NevermindthedeclineoftheHarmons.Even


    iftheywereintheirprime,Iwouldn’tbeafraid!


    “Don’tforget,mybrotherisahigh–rankingofficialinOakvale.HowcantheHarmonseven


    “Y–You…Canyoustoptalking?”Vernonwaspanicking.Herepeatedlysignaledhertostop.


    Onthesurface,thatlittlebrother–inwofhisheldanofficialpositioninOakvale.Butinreality,


    hewasnothingmorethanafreeloader.


    Hereliedonawealthyyoundytosecurehiscurrentposition.Hewasevenoftenunting his


    influence.


    Oncehelosthis backing,hewouldendupintrouble.


    Ultimately,trueskillswereneededtohavstingsess.Relyingonlooksandconnections


    wouldn’tgethimfar.


    “I’llsaywhateverIwant!”Mrs.Lanskyputherhands onherhips,lookingamess.


    “Sinceyou’reacoward whowon’tstandupforus,I’llgetmybrothertoteachtheseidiotsalesson!


    ”


    “That’senough!Don’tmakethingsworse!”Vernonwasgettingaheadache.


    “I’mgoingto makeitworse!I’mnotafraid!”Mrs.Lanskyignoredhispleasandtookoutherphone.


    Shestartedtomakecallsaskingforhelp.


    Aftershehungup,sheissuedafinal threat,“Stayifyoudare!Thefirsttoleaveisacoward!”


    “Alright,I’llwait.I’mcurioustoseewhoyoucansummonhere,”Natasharepliedwithanicyre.InOakvale,thereweren’tmanyofficialswhowerehigher–rankingthanhergrandfather.