An Understated Dominance - Chapter 80

That evening, Dustin finally woke up after sleeping for hours. He found himself in a hospital room. The moment he opened his eyes, a shocked voice called out to him.

“Huh? You aren’t dead, Rhys?” Dustin turned his head to see Ruth sitting beside him, looking stunned.

“What? Are you disappointed to see me alive?” Dustin replied sharply.

“Ahem. Um, I’m just surprised,” Ruth said with a shy grin. “Where’s your sister?” Dustin asked, wanting to change the subject.

“Oh, she went to get your medicine,” Ruth explained. Then she added, “I heard that the venom you were bitten by is called the Deadly Slither. It’s really poisonous and can kill a person quickly! It’s a miracle you’re still alive!”

“You’re right. The venom is strong. It knocked me out for hours. No wonder it’s one of the ten most poisonous in the world,” Dustin said in amazement.

“Why does that sound strange?” Ruth asked, looking puzzled.

Before she could think more about it, two people entered the room. One was Natasha, and the other was a beautifully dressed woman who looked a lot like her. Both women carried an air of confidence.

“Dustin, you’re finally awake! How are you feeling?” Natasha exclaimed as she rushed over to him.

“I feel better now that I’ve had some sleep,” Dustin replied with a smile.

“Here, take this. It’s a special medicine just for you. Drink it with some water, and you’ll feel better soon,” Natasha said, handing him a small white bottle and pouring a glass of warm water.

“Special medicine? What is it?” Dustin asked, curious.

“Don’t underestimate it. It’s the result of three years of hard work and experiments by Dr. Rowan Cross. It can treat all kinds of venom,” Natasha explained.

“Rowan Cross?” Dustin exclaimed, surprised.

“You know him?” Natasha asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’ve met him once,” Dustin replied. He remembered the time a few years ago when he helped Rowan, who was being chased by his enemies. Dustin had given him an antidote then.

“It’s always tough to find Dr. Cross, and even harder to see him in person. You should take this just in case,” Natasha urged, holding out a small bottle.

“There’s no need. I’m already free of venom. You can take it back,” Dustin said politely.

“Getting my hands on this was hard. I’m not returning it. Just keep it; it might be useful later,” Natasha insisted, slipping the bottle into Dustin’s pocket.

He accepted it, appreciating her kindness.

“Oh, I should mention something else. I think I saw Dahlia Nicholson at the hospital entrance,” Natasha said suddenly.

“Really? What’s she doing here?” Dustin asked, confused.

“I heard her grandfather is critically ill and getting emergency treatment.”

“Critically ill?” Dustin felt a wave of worry. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Dahlia wouldn’t be here otherwise,” Natasha confirmed.

“I’ll go check,” Dustin said, standing up.

Henry Nicholson had always treated Dustin like family, so he couldn’t ignore the old man’s condition.

“Natasha, you used one of the Harmon family’s favors for him?” asked Jessica Ballard, Natasha’s mother.

“I’ll repay Dr. Cross myself. It’s not about him,” Natasha replied.

“Do you like that kid?” Jessica asked, frowning.

“So what if I do?” Natasha replied, lifting her chin defiantly.

“You need to remember that you two will never be together. He’s just a nobody, and you’re the daughter of a wealthy family, the heiress of the Harmon family. Your statuses are worlds apart!” Jessica reminded her.

“I don’t care,” Natasha said coolly.

“But I do!” Jessica’s voice was firm. “You can decide many things, but not about your marriage! Don’t forget, you’re already engaged to Tyler!”

“Sorry, I’m not interested in Tyler Grant at all,” Natasha shot back.

“You don’t get to decide! You are the eldest daughter of the Harmon family. With wealth and power comes responsibility!” Jessica chided.

“Responsibility?” Natasha scoffed. “You mean using marriage to climb the social ladder?”

“This is for your own good and for the family’s! Tyler is an impressive person. He’s already a Major General at a young age and has a bright future. He’s the perfect choice for you!” Jessica lectured.

“If you like him so much, you can marry him! I have no intention of doing so,” Natasha retorted bluntly.

“Why are you so stubborn? If you don’t marry into his family, you will never become the head of the Harmon family! Why can’t you see this?”

“It doesn’t matter. I never wanted to be the head of the family anyway,” Natasha replied matter-of-factly.

“Is your entire future worth sacrificing just for that kid?” Jessica spat.

“Of course! I don’t think Tyler is better than him!” Natasha declared.

“Do you really have that much faith in him?” Jessica’s expression hardened.

“That’s right!” Natasha announced proudly.

Jessica paused.

When Jessica heard her daughter’s answer, she took a deep breath and spoke in a cold voice. “Fine! Since you won’t give up, I’ll give you one chance. If that guy can pass three tests, I won’t mention your marriage to the Reeves family again!”

“What kind of tests?” Natasha asked, raising an eyebrow.

“First, he has to defeat Edwin Hummer to prove his strength!” Jessica demanded.

“Edwin has Boulderthom backing him up! Isn’t it a bit unfair to expect Dustin to beat him?” Natasha frowned.

Jessica scoffed. “If he can’t even defeat Edwin Hummer, why should I let him into our family? What right does he have to fight Tyler? I’m giving you both a chance. If he fails, you better come back to Millsburg and get married!”

With that, Jessica turned and left the room.