An Understated Dominance - Chapter 271

Dahlia caught up with Dustin at the hospital entrance and tugged on his arm. “Hey! Wait up! You’re walking too fast. I almost couldn’t catch you!”

“I’m sorry. I just can’t deal with your relatives. You should get another doctor to handle them,” Dustin replied coolly. He really didn’t want to talk to the two difficult women.

“Did I make you treat Aunt Jane? Why are you being so sensitive?” She rolled her eyes at him.

“Honestly, I thought…” he started but paused, unsure how to explain.

“What? Did you think I’d force you to bow down to them?” she scoffed.

“No, not at all.” He smiled sheepishly, feeling a bit awkward about her new, more understanding attitude.

“Okay. I know they can be tough. Just try to stay away from them in the future.” She gave him a kind reminder. “They come from a wealthy and powerful family in Glenstead. Even Natasha Harmon couldn’t help you if you get into trouble with them.”

“Really? They sound impressive, then,” he said, smiling casually.

“They are impressive! The three powerful families in Glenstead have a long history, going back centuries. They’re well-connected in the military, government, and business—just like everyone says!” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I was planning to bring you along to impress them, but I didn’t know you’d already clashed with them. You’ve missed a chance to get ahead!”

“No thanks. I’m not interested in that opportunity,” he replied with a shrug.

“Hmph! It seems like you don’t appreciate my help!” She rolled her eyes at him again, though this time it was a little playful.

“Hey! Dustin Rhys! Stop!”

Dakota burst into the room, out of breath and soaked in sweat. “My mom just coughed up blood! You need to go check on her right now!” She had raced up the stairs to catch up to Dustin instead of taking the elevator, which explained her panting.

“Isn’t this the same person who swore she’d never ask for my help, even if she had to jump off a building?” Dustin teased.

“Stop joking around! Just do what I say!” Dakota shot him a fierce look. “If you help her, I’ll forget about that slap I owe you, and I’ll even give you a chance to get closer to my family.”

To Dakota, this was a rare opportunity for someone like Dustin Rhys, who she considered unimportant.

“Thanks, but I’m not interested,” he replied nonchalantly.

“Dustin Rhys! Think about it. Not everyone gets a chance like this! You should feel lucky I’m offering it to you!” Dakota tossed her hair back, acting like the spoiled princess she was used to being, always expecting attention and praise.

“No, that’s too much of an honor,” he said, refusing her without a second thought.

“Don’t get too full of yourself! I wouldn’t have asked if you weren’t at least a decent doctor. Don’t be delusional!” She glared at him.

“Then you should leave. I won’t see you out,” he shrugged, showing he didn’t care.

“You—” Dakota felt her anger rising at his stubbornness. If they were in Glenstead, she would have made sure he faced serious consequences. “Dustin Rhys, what will it take for you to help us? If you want money, just say so!” she snapped.

“You want me to save your mom? I will, but only if both of you apologize to me. I need handwritten apology letters!” he said calmly.

“An apology? You must be joking!” Her anger flared even more at his demand.

“Who do you think you are? You can’t ask us for an apology!” The Nicholsons were aristocrats, far removed from the lowly peasant class that Dustin Rhys belonged to. There was no way Dakota, from the noble family, would give in to his demands.

“If you won’t apologize, then let’s just drop it. Just make sure you find a better doctor for your mom,” Dustin said, not caring about their threats.

“You don’t need to intimidate us! With our connections, we can hire any skilled doctor we want! I’m giving you a chance to make things right, but if you don’t take it, don’t be surprised when I make you pay!” Dakota shot back.