The Humiliated Son-in-Law Who Ruled the Island

Chapter 008

Simon pressed Dilan relentlessly. "I see. Now that the truth has been exposed, this waste of space is speechless, clueless as to how to explain himself, isn't he?"

"What?"

"Angry now that I've called you out?"

"Burning with rage?"

"You're about to face the wrath of everyone who trusted you, everyone you deceived!"

"If you're even half a man, stop hiding!"

In an instant, Dilan was fully exposed to everyone's gaze. The humiliation Dilan had inflicted on him earlier was now being returned tenfold.

Hide? When had Dilan ever thought of hiding? Why waste time refuting each of these accusations one by one?

While Dilan hadn't anticipated Simon's sudden outburst, he was inwardly grateful. With so many people present, each harboring different thoughts, he was unsure of their true loyalty. This incident provided a perfect opportunity to weed out those who wished to leave, lightening his burden.

Otherwise, how long would he have to cater to these "rich young ladies"? So, instead of anger, Dilan felt gratitude towards Simon. Without him, how would he have known these three had grown resentful?

Before Dilan could offer an explanation, Trey stepped forward. "Simon, is there any point in slandering him like this?" Trey said coldly. "We've all seen what Dilan has done. Building the shelter, catching fish—it's all been for our own food and lodging. Anyone with eyes can see what's going on. Where's this talk of revenge coming from?"

"I think you simply can't stand to see others doing well!"

"The main players haven't even spoken, and the dogs are already barking?"

Simon disregarded Trey completely. "Whether or not he's treating them like monkeys is for them to decide!"

"The one with real questions to answer is you, Trey!"

"Me?" Trey frowned. "I'd like to see how you can drag me into this."

"I've been doing the same things they have."

"And how else would you gain their trust?" Simon sneered. "It's because of you, Mr. Hughes, that they're willing to join this loser's camp, to be played like fools!"

"Ask them how many are here, doing these degrading tasks, because of you?"

"How many are here following this loser because they trust you, Mr. Hughes?"

"And now you're leading them into a trap?"

"You've taken the lead, so even if they have doubts, they dare not speak up." Simon's gaze sharpened.

"I say, you and this loser were in cahoots from the start!"

"Using your reputation, Mr. Hughes, to get them to join you. Your goal is to hoard the supplies, to treat these people like monkeys. What you're doing now is just a show."

"Trey, Trey, I never imagined that even now, with lives at stake, you'd still resort to these business tactics on those who trust you."

"Have you considered how they'll see you when they learn the truth?"

"You've truly opened my eyes!"

"Shameful!"

"You—" The situation had spiraled beyond Trey's expectations. The restless crowd grew larger, and his anxiety was palpable.

"Slander!"

"Slander?" Simon scoffed. "You know in your heart whether it's slander or not!"

"If what I'm saying isn't what you're planning, why are you so eager to jump out and defend this loser? Why are you so nervous?"

"You…"

"I'll say it again: their choices are their own!"

Seeing more people swayed by Simon's words, Trey felt like he was suffering in silence. Simon had clearly considered all angles, including Trey's involvement. If Trey hadn't stepped in, Simon wouldn't be so confident.

Dilan hadn't expected Trey to speak up for him. As far as he could recall, they had little interaction. Touched as he was, Trey's defense was weak. He'd been verbally demolished by Simon in a single exchange, leaving Dilan to clean up the mess.

"You…"

"You're truly something!" Before Dilan could speak, Ashley stepped forward.

"We've never forced anyone to do anything. Everything is a choice. Where does this 'monkey business' come from?" Ashley's sudden appearance surprised everyone.

*Touched!* Dilan felt a surge of gratitude. His wife clearly cared for him and was willing to speak up.

"Don't forget who bandaged your wounds when you were injured."

"And you!" Ashley pointed at a young woman. "If Dilan hadn't pulled you from the sea, you'd probably have drowned. And now you're here insulting him?"

"Saving you was hardly worth it!"

"From the beginning, Dilan made it clear: those willing to work could join us, and we'd share what we gained. Those unwilling were not forced."

Ashley remained assertive. "We never pressured them to choose anything. I truly wonder if you even used your brain before making these accusations!"

She turned to the accusers. "Think for yourselves! When did we ever force you to do anything?"

A young woman named Alina timidly spoke up. "I believe Dilan. He's a good person. He wouldn't lie to us."

Her few words silenced the noisy crowd. Just as Ashley had said, Dilan had given them a choice. They had been manipulated by Simon.

"I just don't understand what kind of spell this loser has cast on you. So many are speaking up for him." Simon, having anticipated Trey's involvement, had also factored in Ashley.

"Or is he now hiding behind a woman?"

"Don't forget, she's his wife. They're clearly in cahoots."

"If they hadn't rescued you in the first place, how could they control you and treat you like monkeys?"

"This only proves they planned this on the ship!" Simon leered at Ashley's chest. "Besides, can you trust someone who disowns her own mother?"

"You're the one who went back on your promise to me on the ship."

"You've already deceived me emotionally. What's so unbelievable about deceiving them now?" Simon's eyes were filled with greed. Ashley had been his for the taking, but Dilan had interfered, letting a cooked duck fly away. Now, he would spare neither Dilan nor Ashley.

"Shameless scoundrel!" Ashley seethed.

"Of course," Simon said lecherously, "if you change your mind now, I'm still willing to reconsider. Just don't expect as much as I initially promised."

"Dream on!" The calmed crowd erupted once more. They increasingly believed something had happened between Ashley and Simon.

"I'll be damned!" This was the last straw.

Dilan admitted, Simon had surprised him. He clearly had some skill to reach his current position. But insulting his wife was unforgivable.

"Finally come out from behind your woman?"

"No longer hiding?" Simon had been waiting for this. "Or have you run out of places to hide and decided to explain yourself?"

"Hide my ass!"

*Hide my ass?* Dilan's opening line stunned Simon. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

Both Simon and Trey's lips twitched. Dilan was truly one of a kind.

Simon's face darkened. "Resorting to insults now that you have no excuses?"

"Damn right I'm insulting you!"

"What kind of man bullies a woman?" Dilan's temper flared. "Do you think everyone's like you, a petty villain who can't stand to see others happy?"

"Judging others by your own low standards."

"Do I need an excuse to deal with you?"

"Do I need to list all the dirty deeds you've done?"

"Planning to rescue people as revenge while still on the ship?" Dilan launched into a tirade.

"If I had the ability to see the future, would I have boarded your damned ship and ended up here?"

"Instead of reflecting on your own mistakes, you're here causing trouble?" Dilan slapped his own face. "Aren't you ashamed?"

Dilan's barrage of words left Simon speechless and fuming. Trey watched in astonishment. Dilan's words were truly vicious, leaving Simon no chance to retort.

*Ruthless! Too ruthless!* But Trey found it immensely satisfying. Hadn't Simon come looking for this?

"After all this, you still haven't given us an explanation!" Simon said through gritted teeth.

"Do what you want!" Dilan realized Simon was truly dense.

"If you're here for a tongue-lashing, I'll gladly give you one every time I see you." Dilan was tired of explaining.

"I'll say it again: those who want to stay can continue working!"

"Those who want to leave can get lost."

"But let me warn you, if you leave now, don't come crawling back begging!"

"No, Dilan," Trey hurried forward. "We're on this island. There's strength in numbers. If they leave, it'll put us at a disadvantage."

"It's fine," Dilan waved him off. "Let them go."

"You can keep the person, but not their heart."

Trey wanted to say more, but seeing Dilan's expression, he held back.

"What are you all waiting for?" Simon seized the opportunity. "If you stay here catching fish, who knows when you'll eat. Are you all still hungry?"

"I have coconuts and wild fruits prepared over there. Everyone's welcome!" He gestured towards piles of coconuts and fruits.

Starving and exhausted from their labors, several people rushed towards Simon's offerings. Among them was the young woman Ashley had reprimanded, the one Dilan had rescued.

In an instant, the numbers on Dilan's and Simon's sides were nearly equal. The remaining people were either those Dilan had saved or those loyal to Trey. Simon knew swaying them further would be difficult. He had achieved his goal.

As for Dilan's insults, he would find a way to retaliate. He had many more plans to make Dilan suffer. This was just the beginning!

"A loser will always be a loser!" Simon couldn't resist one last taunt. "You won't utilize available resources. Not everyone will be fooled by you."

With that, Simon turned and left.

"Don't let the door hit you on the way out!" This was all within Dilan's expectations. Among the five who left were those he had saved. If they wanted to leave, there was no point in forcing them to stay.

The remaining people continued working according to Dilan's instructions, quickly filling the vacant positions.

Only Dilan, Ashley, and Trey remained.

"I can't believe there are such ungrateful people," Trey sighed. Dilan's voice followed.

"Human nature."

Ashley's face was grim. "What are you going to do next?"

"Don't worry," Dilan's eyes fell on those gorging themselves. "They'll regret it." A smile played on his lips.

*Regret?* Seeing Dilan's confidence, Ashley held back her questions. It had been a long time since she'd seen this look in his eyes.

This time, Ashley trusted Dilan!