Harper and Cody exchanged bewildered glances, completely thrown off by Ethan's strange behavior. They silently questioned, "Is it really wise to respond to hostility with kindness? Are those high-society types really willing to risk their honor?"Dustin smiled faintly. "I've patched things up with the Langford family. Let's put our issues on the table." Harper and Cody couldn't help but notice that Dustin's smile seemed rather insincere.Cody tried to lighten the mood. "Dustin, this mess isn't my doing. I'm a victim here, too. I've been waiting by the door, worried about your safety." But deep down, he couldn't help but think, "This guy's nuts! He even dared to face off with Hugo. I'd be in for trouble if I crossed him."Dustin added, "We can deal with our stuff later. Right now, I need to talk to her." He pointed toward Harper through the car window.Growing anxious, Harper urged, "Cody, let's get out of here, now!""You want to run?" Maximus snorted. He punched through t
Don't pick a fight you can't handle."Think fast. If you don't spill the beans, I'm going to use this poison for your extreme makeover." As he spoke, Dustin unscrewed the bottle. He held it threateningly over Harper's head."No, please! Don't mess up my face!" Harper's legs turned to jelly as tears streamed down his face. She pleaded, "Okay, okay, I'll talk. Just put that thing away!""It would've been easier if you'd started with that," Dustin said, putting the bottle away. After all, someone like Harper never changed unless she was backed against the wall.Harper gasped for air and composed herself. In a shaky voice, she began, "The story about Cinna goes back a few years. "One day, a stranger suddenly showed up at our door and chatted with my grandpa. I overheard a bit through the door. "It turns out this stranger is the one who saved Cinna ten years ago.""Wait! Wasn't it Dr. Busch who saved Mr. Shaffer?" Dustin interjected."This stranger brought the critically inj
The following morning, Dustin was in a cozy, secluded villa. He sat on the bed with his legs crossed, focused on his training. When the sun rose, he slowly opened his eyes.His martial arts cultivation was ascending at a breathtaking pace. He didn't need to work hard and train, empowered by the Celestial Pearl. The Celestial Pearl automatically helped him to absorb spiritual energy, constantly improving his powers. The better his natural talents, the more powerful the Celestial Pearl's effects.In less than a month, Dustin was close to becoming an ultimate grandmaster. He could break through to the next level anytime. Still, he chose to be patient and focus on building a solid foundation. After all, he had half a year left before his decisive year-long agreement with Nestor ended.Suddenly, his phone rang, and he retrieved it from beneath his pillow. Brooke's voice on the other end sounded urgent. "Hey Dustin, I've run into some trouble. I need your help."Dustin asked in c
"Mr. Welch Senior seems stable for now, but this bizarre sickness has us scratching our heads. I'm sorry to admit, I can't help much," Brooke sighed.Alistair implored, "Dr. Busch, you're one of the best doctors in South City. Please find a way to heal my Dad, and don't worry about expenses. We will do whatever it takes to get him back on his feet.""Mr. Welch," Brooke replied gravely. "The symptoms your father is displaying don't seem like an illness to me. It looks like he's bewitched.""Bewitched?" The word left the Welch family members bewildered. Hearing this from a doctor sounded absurd."Dr. Busch, what do you mean by that? Please explain?" Alistair probed.Brooke clarified, "When I say 'bewitched,' I'm referring to practices like witchcraft, sorcery, dark spells, and the like. "My knowledge in these areas is limited. I mainly read about it from books, so it's just a guess.""You mean something like voodoo and dark spells?" Alistair furrowed his brow. He wouldn't bel
"Wow! That's amazing! He could make the paper crane fly?""Is this the occult expert they were talking about? This is truly impressive!"The display by Theodore left the Welch family in awe. They'd only heard about such things in stories but had never seen them in real life."What do you think? Now, do you believe in Sir Crane's abilities?" Ezra said proudly."Wow, that's what you call a true master!" Alistair exclaimed with a newfound respect. He thought, "If Dad is truly under some sort of spell, then only someone with extraordinary abilities could cure him.""But it's just a simple trick, really, nothing much," Theodore remarked casually, appearing humble."The crane trick we just saw is just a small part of his skills. Sir Crane has more in store for us. Let's eagerly await the next performance," Ezra added."That's great." Alistair nodded with a smile. "Eleanor, you don't need to worry. With Sir Crane here, Grandpa will be fine."Ezra smiled smugly. But Eleanor responded
Ezra's brows furrowed as he looked at Dustin bitterly. "Ah, so you're Dustin," Alistair said, recognizing Dustin. After all, the recent family event, especially the Dew Balm formula debacle, was still fresh in his mind."Mr. Welch, I heard that your father is suffering from hysteria. Would you mind if I take a look?" Dustin offered with genuine concern.Alistair eyed the young Dustin skeptically. "You?" He thought, "Dr. Busch may have recommended you, but you don't exactly strike me as an expert.""Dustin, that's kind of you, but we already have Sir Crane helping us. No need for you to trouble yourself," Joanne interjected."Did you hear that? With Sir Crane here, we don't need you," Ezra added with a sneer."Young man, don't play around when a person's life is at stake. It's no time for you to fool around," Theodore warned sternly."Dustin, let it be." Brooke shook his head. He knew that saying anything now wasn't wise."Very well. Since Sir Crane is so confident, I won't i
"Oh my God! Mr. Welch Senior is finally awake!""Wow, that occult expert lives up to his name!""Just one talisman, and voila, the magic happens!"Surprisingly, Theodore's talisman worked like a charm, and Welch Senior's eyes snapped open. The Welch family members couldn't contain their joy and amazement.Ezra chimed in with a smug grin, "Haha! See? I told you the occult expert I brought over wouldn't disappoint." Alistair nodded in agreement, "Sir Crane, your occult skills are truly incredible. We are genuinely impressed.""Absolutely remarkable, Sir Crane!" The Welch family members were in awe, looking at Theodore with respect. Theodore's extraordinary abilities shattered their preconceptions and shed light on the power of occult techniques. "Well, punk, are you impressed?" Theodore sneered at Dustin arrogantly. Even though they were knowledgeable in the same field, he viewed Dustin as inferior to him.However, Dustin cautioned Theodore, "Sir Crane, just be careful. I hav
Theodore's demeanor had taken a dramatic shift from his earlier arrogance. "Doctor! Where's the doctor? Get me some bandages!" He cried for help, terrified.Alistair, Brooke, and the others exchanged perplexed glances at Theodore's frantic behavior. This wasn't what they had expected at all. What happened to the occult expert's dignified image?"He's mad! Mr. Welch Senior is insane! He bit my ear off and ate my flesh! Why on earth isn't he tied up?" Theodore shouted as he received medical treatment."Sir Crane, I mentioned earlier that my dad tends to become aggressive due to his strange illness," Alistair explained."Aggressive? This goes beyond aggression. It's outright cannibalism!" Theodore's composure was falling apart."Sir Crane, you've been injured. How about taking a breather?" Ezra cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable. He had brought Theodore here to win the Welch family's favor and strengthen their relations, not to create an embarrassing spectacle."Oh, what