An Understated Dominance - Chapter 154

“Venomous curses? How do you know about them?” Claudia asked, looking confused.

“I know a bit,” Dustin replied with a nod.

“Only shady people learn about venomous curses. That means you’re not a good person! Who are you?” Claudia lifted her sword and aimed it at Dustin.

“Claudia! What are you doing? He’s our savior!” Sheila quickly stepped in front of Dustin to protect him.

“Move aside, Sheila. This man seems suspicious, and I need to investigate him,” Claudia said, her eyes shining with determination.

“Before you investigate me, maybe you should check your own head,” Dustin said, rubbing his temples.

“Curses can actually be used for healing! Sure, many villains misuse them, but not everyone is bad. It all depends on the user’s character. Plus, the martial arts families aren’t as innocent as you think. They commit crimes like pillaging, corruption, and worse!” Dustin added.

“Stop talking nonsense! You’re just trying to argue!” Claudia shot back.

“Arguing? Look at you! Do martial artists like you treat their saviors with such disrespect? Are you really going to bite the hand that saved you?” Dustin chuckled.

“Y-you…” Claudia struggled to find a response.

“Claudia, stop blaming him! If he were really bad, why would he save us?” Sheila frowned, defending Dustin.

“Who knows? Maybe he has a hidden agenda!” Claudia insisted, but her voice was calmer now. She realized that she wasn’t making a strong case.

Just then, a loud car horn blared outside the medical center. Over ten Hummer vehicles pulled up to the entrance.

As the doors swung open, a crowd of bodyguards poured out.

they’re surrounded the center quickly.

“Finally, the support team is here!” Sheila laughed happily.

“Sheila! Claudia! Are you alright?” A handsome young man entered the room.

He was tall and strong, with a sharp look in his eyes. He had an air about him that felt important.

“We’re fine, thanks to this man who saved us,” Sheila replied cheerfully.

“Oh, really? Sheila, remember that you can know a person’s face but not their heart. Be careful around strangers when you’re out,” Xavier Horst said, eyeing Dustin critically.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Sheila frowned.

“Nothing, just some advice,” Xavier replied with a smile.

He signaled to his team to clean up the area.

“Sheila, we should hurry home. Aunt Lily is waiting for us,” Claudia urged.

Even though the support team had arrived, it still didn’t feel completely safe.

“Thank you so much for your help. I’ll make sure to repay your kindness. Goodbye for now,” Sheila said warmly to Dustin as she turned to leave.

“Miss, your chronic illness has been under control for a long time, but it might flare up soon. You should get it treated early to avoid serious complications,” Dustin said suddenly.

When he touched her arm, he noticed her skin was cooler than normal. He guessed that her illness wasn’t a simple one.

“Hmph! That’s nonsense!” Claudia scoffed.

“Thank you, I will be more careful!” Sheila smiled brightly and waved goodbye.

Xavier felt a twinge of jealousy seeing Sheila be so friendly with Dustin.

Once Sheila was in the car, he glared at Dustin. “Just a word of advice for you, stay away from Sheila if you know what’s good for you.”

“What’s good for you! Otherwise, be ready for the consequences!”

With that, he walked out of the center. In his mind, people like Dustin didn’t deserve to speak with him.

“What a lunatic,” Dustin muttered as he poured himself another drink.

Later that evening at Fallridge Haven, Sheila was having dinner with her parents. She excitedly recounted her day’s adventure.

“Dad, Mom, you won’t believe it! That man was incredible. With just two flicks of his wrist, he defeated all the bad guys!” Sheila animatedly described what happened, even acting out a scene for them.

“Really? I never thought a small place like Swinton could have such a talented young man. I’d love to meet him someday,” her mother, Lily Doyle, said with a warm smile.

Her father, Caden Murray, slammed his hand on the table. “Hmph! How dare you disobey me! Didn’t I warn you? You mustn’t go exploring without permission! You were lucky nothing terrible happened. You could have been hurt or worse!”

“Dad, it was just an accident! Those bad people were sneaky. They poisoned us and attacked when we weren’t ready, which is why Claudia got caught. Otherwise, I would have been fine!” Sheila pouted.

“In the martial arts world, winning is all that matters. No one cares about honor in a fight! And you are not allowed to leave Fallridge Haven without my permission!” Caden said, still annoyed.

“Okay, okay. I won’t go out anymore. Please don’t stay mad at me!” Sheila said, trying to be charming.

“That’s better. I’ve had enough of this for today. Go lie down on your emerald bed. You need some rest!” Caden ordered.

“Okay.” Without saying anything more, Sheila hurried off to her room.

Because of her illness, she and her…

Every year, Lily’s parents traveled to Fallridge Haven to help her regain her health. Once she felt better, they would return home.

One day, Caden asked, “Lily, when will the Gozoraberry arrive from Stoneray Valley?”

“I think it will be here soon. Why do you ask? Is it urgent?” Lily replied, curious.

Caden’s expression turned serious. “Sheila’s illness is getting worse. The sunburst emerald bed at Fallridge Haven isn’t helping as much anymore. We need to find other solutions.”

Lily frowned. “How can that be? Isn’t she getting better?”

“Try not to worry,” Caden said, forcing a smile. “I asked Malcolm Shane, the miracle doctor, to look at Sheila. When he arrives, he should have some ideas on how to treat her.”

“Let’s hope so,” Lily said, nodding thoughtfully.

She had watched her daughter struggle with a rare disease all her life, and it seemed impossible to cure. This time, she truly hoped for a full recovery.