An Understated Dominance - Chapter 46

“I don’t get what you mean,” Dustin said, keeping a straight face and pretending to be clueless. He didn’t like to take credit for anything he had done. After everything that happened between them, he hoped they wouldn’t have to interact anymore.

“Are you sure it wasn’t you?” Dahlia asked, still unsure. “Ms. Nicholson, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. How could someone as useless as me help you?” Dustin replied, his tone cold.

“Maybe I was wrong,” she said, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “Why would you help me? We’re not together anymore, and you’re not capable of doing so anyway.”

“As you said, I have no money or power. I’m nothing compared to Chris. Is there anything else?” Dustin kept his expression blank.

“No. You can go back to Ms. Harmon,” Dahlia said with scorn. “Alright, excuse me,” Dustin replied, not wanting to say anything more. He quickly walked after Natasha, who was deliberately moving slower.

“Mr. Rhys, it seems Ms. Nicholson still has some feelings for you,” Natasha teased.

“Feelings?” Dustin laughed mockingly. “It’s enough that we haven’t turned against each other.”

“You can never really know what a woman is thinking. There might be things even she hasn’t figured out,” Natasha said with a smile, trying to change the subject. “By the way, you mentioned you still need some rare herbs?”

“Why? Have you found them?” Dustin’s interest sparked.

“Not yet, but I know someone who can help. He comes from a family of doctors and collects valuable herbs. He might have what you need,” Natasha explained.

“Oh? Who is it?” Dustin asked eagerly.

“Follow me and you’ll find out,” Natasha said, keeping the details to herself. She took Dustin’s hand and led him to the lounge on the second floor. Inside, there were two men. One was Natasha’s grandfather, Andrew Harmon, and the other was a big, burly man.

Dustin walked into the room and noticed a man who looked much older than him. The man was dressed in a tight suit that showed off his muscles and had a calm expression on his face. It was clear he was someone special.

“Mr. Rhys, you’re here! Please, have a seat!” Andrew eagerly waved him over as soon as he entered.

“How are you feeling, Old Mr. Harmon?” Dustin asked politely.

“Much better, thanks to you. Without your help, I might not be here,” Andrew replied with a smile.

“It’s nothing,” Dustin said, trying to downplay his role.

“Mr. Rhys, I want to introduce you to someone,” Natasha said, pointing to the other man. “This is Duane Welch, a medical expert from Millsburg. He has a lot of experience and can help you with any medical questions.”

“I’ve met you before,” Dustin acknowledged Duane.

“I didn’t expect to meet someone so young. I wonder if he’s really qualified,” Duane said, sizing Dustin up with a skeptical look. He had come to see a well-known doctor in Swinton and was disappointed to find a young man.

“What a waste of my time!” he thought.

“Mr. Welch, you can’t judge someone by their appearance. I’ve seen Mr. Rhys in action; he’s just as skilled as other experienced doctors!” Natasha defended Dustin.

“Is that so? If he’s that good, let’s see if he can diagnose my condition,” Duane said, preparing for an evaluation. It was clear he wanted to make things tough for Dustin.

“There’s no need for that. I can tell what illness you have just by looking at you,” Dustin replied calmly.

“Just by looking?” Duane was taken aback. “Are you joking? You think you can diagnose me with just a glance? Even the senior doctors in Millsburg can’t do that!”

Dustin shrugged. “I can’t speak for others, but I can.”

Dustin looked at Duane with confidence. “I can see what disease you have.”

Duane laughed lightly. “Oh really? What have you diagnosed?”

Dustin took a deep breath before answering. “You have a weak pulse and often feel breathless. Your chest is infected, and with your previous injuries, you are now terminally ill.”

“Terminally ill? That’s absurd!” Duane chuckled coldly. “Young man, I’ve lived an active life and my body is strong. I take plenty of supplements. I’m practically invincible to illness! How can you say I’m terminally ill? It’s a joke!”

“You may look healthy on the outside, but the real issue is inside. You should stop taking those supplements; they could make things worse. If your condition worsens, it will be too late,” Dustin warned.

“That’s ridiculous! I’ve been taking those supplements for 40 years and I’m fine! Are you saying they don’t work?” Duane was clearly upset.

“I’m just giving you a heads up. If you keep this up, you could have a thyroid infection in three days,” Dustin advised.

“You’re not fooling me! I’ve dealt with many scammers like you!” Duane replied dismissively.

“Mr. Welch, you should listen to Dustin. He’s a skilled doctor,” Natasha gently reminded him.

“Natasha, I think you’ve been tricked. I know my body well. I’m not sick at all. He’s just trying to scare us!” Duane insisted.

“Since you don’t believe me, how about we make a bet?” Dustin suggested.

“What’s the wager?” Duane asked.

“It’s simple. If your illness shows up in three days, you let me choose anything from your collection of valuable herbs.”

“Fine! But what if I’m perfectly fine?” Duane challenged.

“If you’re fine, you can come to the Harmon…” Dustin began.

“Pick any three items from the family’s treasury!” Natasha said confidently.

“You set the rules, so I won’t hold back!” Duane laughed.

Everything in the Harmon family’s treasury was special. Any three items would be a great find.

“Mr. Welch, I have some advice: it’s best if you stay in Swinton for the next three days. If anything goes wrong, I can help you,” Dustin advised.

“What a joke! Do I really need you to save me? I wouldn’t even ask for your help if I were sick!” Duane replied with disdain. He wouldn’t even talk to Dustin if it weren’t for the Harmon family.

“There’s no point in arguing. The truth will come out,” Dustin said with a faint smile. He just hoped that Duane’s rare collection of herbs would have what he needed.