Chapter 875: The Incident Three Years Ago

"Dwayne, I've called the police. It's over," Ashley said, her voice sharp as ice.

Both Ashley and Ethan stared at Dwayne with glacial contempt, their eyes reflecting a hatred so intense it seemed they wished a thousand tortures upon him. Such a monster deserved worse than even that.

The hatred was mutual. Ethan's earlier words had fallen on deaf ears—Dwayne remained convinced that all his misfortunes stemmed from Ethan's existence.

"You call me greedy, Totti?" Dwayne spat, glaring at Ethan. "What about you? Would you survive in the real world without your royal privileges?"

Ethan looked down at him coldly. "Survival of the fittest has always been nature's way. Only weak men blame society for their failures. Even without my title, I'd thrive."

His confident assertion, bordering on arrogance, was truthful but only fueled Dwayne's jealousy and hatred.

"Weak man? You may be strong, but you're still blind to what your father does behind your back. Having a father like yours is its own kind of misery."

Ethan's brow furrowed. "Enough! Stop slandering my father!"

Dwayne's lips curled into a sinister smile. "King Garrett's secret activities—you know nothing about them, do you? Your family's prosperity was built on others' suffering."

Ethan's frown deepened. Suddenly, he recalled Kelsey's words during her video recording at the hillside villa.

"Watch your accusations, Dwayne," Ethan warned.

"I'm not making this up. Three years ago, the national outbreak—" Before he could finish, police officers arrived on the scene.

"There he is! Take him in!" one officer called out.

As an officer approached with handcuffs, panic flashed across Dwayne's face. He struggled desperately. "Let me go! I can't go back to that hellhole! Totti, make them release me, and I'll tell you everything about Garrett's dirty secrets!"

Ethan's face darkened as he struck Dwayne hard across the face. "Shut up! He's delusional, officer. Nothing but lies come out of his mouth. Take him away."

Only Ethan knew the truth—for a moment, he had genuinely feared Dwayne might reveal damning evidence of Garrett's crimes.

As the officers prepared to escort Dwayne away, Molly intervened, "Wait! Officers, please give us some time before you take him."

The police exchanged confused glances.

Molly turned to Ashley. "Ms. White, may I have a word?"

Ashley looked at Ethan, who appeared concerned. She smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, darling. I'll be right back."

Once they were alone, Molly explained, "You mentioned that both you and King Garrett received Hex worms from him."

"That's right," Ashley confirmed. Though Dwayne hadn't admitted it, the evidence pointed clearly to him.

"Normally, I would use my special technique to remove the Hex worm, but it poses risks to both of us," Molly explained.

Ashley's expression changed instantly. "If it's dangerous for you, then forget it!"

Molly felt touched by her concern despite their brief acquaintance.

"That's why we need the person who controlled the Hex worm to remove it," Molly continued, her gaze shifting toward Dwayne. "I need to ask the police for a few hours before they take him away—just until we've removed the Hex worms from you and King Garrett."

After considering this, Ashley agreed. "I'll discuss it with Ethan and the police."

As Ashley walked back, Dwayne continued his frantic shouting: "Let me go! Garrett is the real villain! The bacterial outbreak three years ago was his and Kelsey's doing!"

Ashley froze mid-step.

She remembered that time, before her memories returned, when she lived at the Grayson Mansion with Atticus and the children. That bacterial outbreak had claimed countless elderly and young lives, plunging the nation into grief.

Their remote location had spared them, but the news images of suffering had haunted her. Why would Dwayne connect this to Garrett? Was he lying to escape punishment—or telling the truth?

The mere thought of doubting Garrett filled her with shame. Wasn't she falling for Dwayne's manipulation?

Looking at Ethan, she recognized the conflict in his expression. She took his hand. "Darling, Dwayne is clearly desperate to escape justice. He's making wild accusations."

"King Garrett is beloved by everyone in Gold Valley District. He's been a good father to us both. We shouldn't question his character based on the words of a man like this," she added.

Ethan's troubled expression cleared. "You're right, love. We can't trust anything Dwayne says."

After explaining Molly's request, they convinced the police to grant them time. Just then, a royal car arrived.

Garrett and Doris emerged hand in hand, looking deeply in love. "Ethan! Ashley!" they called from a distance.

Ashley and Ethan exchanged smiles. "Looks like they've reconciled," Ashley observed.

Ethan sighed. "If we can remove the Hex worm, things will be even better."

Ashley said, "I called him to come here since Ms. Sullivan is present. We can remove both Hex worms now."

As Garrett and Doris approached, Garrett's expression transformed from warmth to ice upon seeing Dwayne. When he heard Dwayne mention "three years ago," a murderous glint flashed in his eyes.