"Dustin, don't you think you went overboard just now?" Eleanor said with concern etched across her face. "What if you'd actually hurt Ezra?"She winced as she inspected the red marks on Ezra's neck, then turned to Dustin, demanding an explanation."Overboard?" Dustin chuckled with a wry smile. "Ms. Welch, let's get the facts straight. Ezra was brandishing a knife at me, and I only defended myself. So, who crossed the line here?"Eleanor's expression froze as she tried to clarify, "Well, Ezra wasn't really planning to harm you. He was just trying to intimidate you, so why did you overreact?"Dustin's eyes remained cool and distant as he replied with a touch of sarcasm, "So, it's all my fault? I overstepped, played your bodyguard, instigated this brawl, and took a bottle to the head?""I-That's not what I mean!" With guilt written all over her face, she admitted, "I know smashing a bottle on your head was a mistake, but I freaked out! I was worried you might hurt Ezra, and I j
Ezra smirked as he watched Dustin leave the restaurant. "Did that sore loser really think he stood a chance with Eleanor? He thought too highly of himself!"He pondered, his thoughts flowing naturally. "No matter how hard he tried to get closer to Eleanor, it only took a bit of my sweet words to win her back. That's the difference between us."Eleanor gazed at Dustin's retreating figure, her expression a mix of confusion and disappointment. She'd always believed Dustin liked her, which is why he'd gone to such great lengths to help her. But his nonchalant exit without even a backward glance left her wondering. "Is he heartbroken or just playing hard to get?"She mused, "Dustin, I thought you were a good person, so I wanted to bring you into my world and help you achieve great things. I never expected you to be so oblivious to what you're missing." You've missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a beautiful life. It was your choice, and I gave you the chance, but you di
The next morning, Dustin sat cross-legged in a guest room at the Welch residence, deep in meditation. A brisk knock on the door abruptly shattered his peaceful moment."Who's there?" Dustin asked as he slowly opened his eyes."Dr. Rhys, it's me, Feiver. I've brought your breakfast," a familiar voice from the other side replied."Alright," Dustin replied, getting up to answer the door.Fifteen-year-old Feiver, a humble orphan and a housekeeper in the Welch family, stood outside with a finely crafted food container. He had been taking care of Dustin since his arrival the day before. He was always ready with a cup of tea and a friendly word."Thank you for your hard work," Dustin said, stepping aside to welcome Feiver inside."No trouble at all," Feiver responded with a respectful nod. He placed the food container on the table and unveiled the morning meal. "Dr. Rhys, today's breakfast is quite a feast," he explained as he revealed each dish."The first dish is a Spicy Shrimp C
Dustin smiled and encouraged, "Go on, don't be shy."Feiver hesitated, holding onto his plate and avoiding eye contact."You're still growing, and you're way too skinny, bud. You've got to eat more," Dustin said, adding food to Feiver's plate.Feiver mumbled a reluctant "thanks". His smile was strained, revealing his nervousness."'Not hungry? Maybe it's not to your liking? No worries, try the shrimp or the beef stew." Dustin added more food to his plate, playing the role of a doting father. "Okay, Dr. Rhys, you shouldn't worry about me. You should eat, too!" Feiver trembled with the plate in his hand as he tried to avoid eating. "I'm not hungry; you go ahead," Dustin smiled."I-I'm not hungry either," Feiver stammered, trembling occasionally. "That's fine; think of it as a tasting session. Go ahead, dig in." Dustin nodded. As Feiver refused to eat, Dustin suddenly joked, "Why? Do you think I've poisoned the food?" "Wha—?" Feiver paled, and he managed a forced smile, bea
With a swift, ruthless swing, Feiver's head parted from his body, thudding to the floor and rolling like a soccer ball. His saucer-wide eyes showed his disbelief. He never imagined that his life wouldn't be taken by Dustin but by his foster father.Joaquin, the Welch family butler, was actually Feiver's foster father. When Feiver had nowhere to go, Joaquin rescued him, bringing him into the Welch family and giving him a place to stay. He had always been grateful and dutiful.So, when Joaquin instructed Feiver to poison Dustin, he didn't hesitate. Feiver felt it was time to repay the kindness he had received. To gain Dustin's trust, he even risked his own life, completely willing to sacrifice it.But now, he was betrayed by the man he considered as family. It was the reality that he couldn't wrap his head around."What?"Dustin furrowed his brow upon seeing Feiver's lifeless body. He fixed his gaze squarely on Joaquin and asked calmly, "Mr. Yaxley, care to explain what's goin
Dustin asked politely, "Mr. Welch, I've heard that your father has awakened. Is that correct?" "Yes, my dad has indeed woken up, but he's still weak. His mind is somewhat clouded. I believe he needs some time to rest," Alistair replied. Dustin reassured him, "No worries, those are just some aftereffects. He'll be back on his feet in no time." Changing the topic, he continued, "Now, Mr. Welch, about our deal. You promised me the Emerald Corolla and the Iceheart Lotus. When can I get them?""Well …" Alistair exchanged a glance with those beside him and hesitated.Joanne quickly interjected, "Dr. Rhys, we have no intentions of going back on our word. However, it might take a while since we're swamped with other things, and your request isn't our top priority.""Mrs. Welch, it seems you had a different stance when we made the deal." Dustin shook his head. "Precious herbs are rare and can't be easily acquired. We'll notify you when we have any information. Your patience will be a
"What's this? You want to do this the hard way?" Dustin scanned the Welch family members and smirked. "I've saved your daughter, handed over the formula, and pulled Mr. Welch Senior from the brink of death, all for the Welch family. And yet, you're turning on me now. "If word gets out, what will that do to your family's reputation?"His words sent a shiver down Alistair's spine, and the others squirmed. Alistair had orchestrated the poisoning to protect his family's reputation as a backup plan in case things went south. But with Feiver dead, openly confronting Dustin posed a risk of leaving themselves vulnerable. The reputation of the Welch family would be tarnished if it became known that they had committed murder and repaid kindness with enmity. After careful consideration, Alistair ultimately chose to step back for the time being"Joanne, what's running through that mind of yours? Dr. Rhys has done us a great favor. How can you be ungrateful?" Alistair scolded his wife
"Call for help right now! I'm on my way!" Dustin said urgently before hanging up the phone. He floored the gas pedal and raced toward Harmony Healers.With no time to waste, he ran the red lights, zipping like a lightning bolt. A drive that usually took 20 minutes became a ten-minute drive instead.When he arrived at the scene, the fire department was still on its way. Harmony Healers stood engulfed in a furious blaze. The first floor was gone, and the flames were creeping up to the second floor. Despite neighbors helping with water buckets, their efforts felt like a drop in the ocean. At this rate, the fire would reach the third floor in less than five minutes!"Quick! We need more help!" Brooke shouted, holding a fire extinguisher in his hand and spraying it frantically. His clothes were in tatters, his face smudged with soot, and he had burns on his skin. He looked absolutely worn out."Dr. Busch! Is Mr. Shaffer safe?""Cinna is still inside, and the fire has gotten out of