An Understated Dominance - Chapter 87

Rowan’s actions left everyone in the room speechless. “N-no way! Dustin knows Dr. Cross? How is that possible?!” someone exclaimed. “Oh my goodness, Dustin is amazing! He can even make Dr. Cross apologize?”

The room buzzed with disbelief as everyone exchanged shocked glances. They couldn’t believe that someone ordinary like Dustin could know someone as important as Dr. Cross.

“Are–are my eyes playing tricks on me?” Florence asked, still in shock. *The great Dr. Rowan Cross, the best doctor in the world, was apologizing to Dustin? This was unbelievable!*

“Could it be that Dustin’s Hexanavir really was a gift from Dr. Cross?” Dahlia wondered, equally astonished. Ever since Dustin’s divorce, she had noticed he had become more private.

“What a nuisance!” Matt grumbled to himself, feeling upset. Dr. Cross’s appearance had ruined his plans.

“S-sir… You really know this guy?” Ross asked, disbelief written all over his face as he cradled it in his hands.

“Know him? Mr. Rhys is my savior. How dare you disrespect him? Kneel down and apologize!” Rowan shouted, slapping Ross again.

“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t recognize my master’s savior. Please forgive me!” Ross quickly knelt before Dustin, his arrogance gone.

“Mr. Rhys, this foolish apprentice made a serious mistake by not recognizing someone as remarkable as you. Please don’t mind what he said. If you want to express your anger, feel free to punish him however you wish. I’ll take full responsibility, even if you hit him to death!” Rowan declared.

His words left the injured doctor trembling with fear. From the look on his master’s face, he knew he was in deep trouble.

Rowan realized he had made a big mistake by crossing the wrong person. If he didn’t take it easy on him, he could be in serious trouble!

“I don’t need to punish him. I just hope you will be stricter with your apprentices so they don’t ruin your reputation, Dr. Cross,” Dustin said softly.

“Of course, I agree,” Rowan replied, nodding. “I will make sure this one thinks about his actions. If he doesn’t change, I’ll kick him out!”

“That’s your call to make,” Dustin added.

“Failure! Hurry up and thank Mr. Rhys for his forgiveness!” Rowan shouted.

“Thank you, Mr. Rhys, for your kindness!” the doctor said as he knelt before him.

“That’s enough. Get up,” Dustin said, waving him off.

“Mr. Rhys, it’s been so long since we last met. Do you have time to share a meal with me?” Rowan asked.

When they heard the invitation, everyone in the room was excited. It was a great honor to dine with Dr. Cross. Even the powerful elites from Millsburg had to schedule appointments to see him.

“Damn! This Dustin guy really hit the jackpot!” someone whispered.

“I know, right? He must have a bright future ahead if he’s on Dr. Cross’s good side,” another replied.

They were filled with jealousy as they listened. But when Dustin responded to Dr. Cross, it shocked everyone.

“I don’t have time right now. I’ll let you know when I’m free,” Dustin said.

“H-He turned down Dr. Cross? The guy who got kicked out of the Nicholson family turned down an invitation from the great Dr. Cross? Did I hear that right?” they murmured in disbelief.

“Oh, okay. I can always make time for Mr. Rhys,” Rowan said, surprisingly cheerful.

No one expected this reaction. Rather than getting angry, Rowan was happier than before. Dustin hadn’t outright rejected him, which meant there was still hope for a future meeting.

“Mr. Rhys, you’re busy. I won’t waste your time,” Rowan said, trying to be respectful.

“Thank you for your time. Goodbye,” Rowan said politely as he shook Dustin’s hand. He then playfully pulled Dustin by his ear and left the room.

Once they were gone, the ward buzzed with chatter. Everyone turned to Dustin, surprised by what just happened.

“Dustin, how do you know Dr. Cross?” Dahlia asked first.

“I helped him once, so he owes me a favor,” Dustin replied simply.

“Just like that?” Dahlia was taken aback.

“What else is there?” Dustin shrugged.

“Oh, I see,” Dahlia said, trailing off.

The others in the room sighed in relief at his answer. They had worried that Dustin had used some secret method to gain Rowan’s favor. It turned out he had just gotten lucky.

“Humph! So what if you helped him once? You just got lucky! What’s so special about that?” someone scoffed.

“He only owes you a favor. He already gave you a bottle of Hexanavir, and now he’s saved your reputation. Next time you ask for help, he might not agree!” another person chimed in.

“You need to stand on your own two feet. Relying on others won’t last forever,” they added.

Now that they knew the truth, the crowd began to make sarcastic remarks. They still couldn’t accept that someone like Dustin could be better than them.

“Dustin, thanks for what you did earlier,” Dahlia said, feeling awkward.

She never imagined that Dustin knew Dr. Cross, especially since he had cured her grandfather’s illness. Looking back, she felt guilty about how she had treated him.

“You don’t need to thank me. Saving your granddad was my choice. It wasn’t about you,” Dustin replied coldly.

Dahlia’s gratitude faded with his harsh words. She frowned, thinking, “I already thanked him. What else does he want? Should I apologize in front of everyone? Why does he have to be so difficult?”