“Dustin, don’t you think you went overboard just now?” Eleanor said with concern etched across her face.
“What if you’d actually hurt Ezra?”
She winced as she inspected the red marks on Ezra’s neck, then turned to Dustin, demanding an explanation.
“Overboard?” Dustin chuckled with a wry smile. “Ms. Welch, let’s get the facts straight. Ezra was brandishing a knife at me, and I only defended myself. So, who crossed the line here?”
Eleanor’s expression froze as she tried to clarify, “Well, Ezra wasn’t really planning to harm you. He was just trying to intimidate you, so why did you overreact?”
Dustin’s eyes remained cool and distant as he replied with a touch of sarcasm, “So, it’s all my fault? I overstepped, played your bodyguard, instigated this brawl, and took a bottle to the head?”
“I-That’s not what I mean!”
With guilt written all over her face, she admitted, “I know smashing a bottle on your head was a mistake, but I freaked out! I was worried you might hurt Ezra, and I just wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Dustin looked at her indifferently and didn’t say a word. He could not help but think, “So, I’m just supposed to die? You smashed a bottle on my head and you didn’t even check if I was all right?”
“Speaking of mistakes, you have your share, too,” Eleanor remarked, trying to share the blame. With a hint of reproach in her voice, she pointed out, “You’re incredibly skilled, yet you never told me. I worried for nothing.
“Plus, you were too harsh; you almost choked Ezra. If I hadn’t stepped in, you might’ve made a big mistake.”
Dustin replied mockingly, “So, do you think I should thank you?”
“Gratitude isn’t necessary,” Eleanor said, frustration in her tone. “Look, I’ve lowered my pride and apologized. Can’t we just let bygones be bygones and remain friends?”
Dustin shook his head dismissively. Ms. Welch, I’m just an ordinary guy. I don’t need to be part of the Welch family social circle. I’m fine walking away from all of this.”
His hopes sank as she continued to deflect blame without a sincere apology. She was the type of person he couldn’t tolerate.
“Isn’t it time to let go of your anger, Dustin? I have already apologized,” Eleanor asked with a subtle hint of annoyance. After all, as a member of the Welch family, she had taken a step down from her lofty pedestal to show remarkable humility.
Yet, before her, Dustin remained as icy as ever, unfazed by her apparent efforts to reconcile.
“Rhys!” Ezra interjected coldly, “In light of Eleanor’s plea, I’ll let the matter slide for now. However, you’d be wise not to push your luck.”
If not for the sake of pretense, he would have called for backup without hesitation. Dustin smirked and responded calmly, “Oh, you’re suggesting we have another round?”
“Heh! Don’t get too cocky!” Ezra threatened.
“Even if you know a thing or two about fighting, it won’t matter. Remember, you’re nothing more than an ant to me. Defeating you is child’s play.”
Dustin, undaunted, replied, “Feel free to try.”
“You-!”
Ezra was about to lose his temper, but Eleanor intervened and raised her hand to stop him. She said, “Dustin, you’re a good person, and I value our friendship. It was just a misunderstanding. I hope we can sit down and talk it out.”
Dustin replied calmly, “I don’t think there’s much to discuss. You two are clearly meant for each other, and I wish you all the best.
“If you don’t have any other requests, I’ll be on my way.” With that, he turned to leave.
“Wait!” Eleanor called out, a sense of urgency in her voice. She quickly caught up with Dustin, her expression now serious. “Dustin, I know you’re upset, but Grandpa’s still not recovered. I hope you can prioritize the bigger picture and not leave yet.”
Dustin replied with a hint of indifference, “Rest assured, Ms. Welch, I’m a man of my word, and I won’t change my mind. I’ll make sure to help your grandfather recover.
“But I also hope the Welch family can keep their promise and find the herbs I need promptly.”
“No problem,” Eleanor replied, a slight relief in her tone. She feared Dustin might hold a grudge and tamper with her grandpa’s treatment.
“Bastard, get lost now. Don’t disturb our lovey-dovey time,” Ezra taunted. He stood in the way, his arm wrapped around Eleanor’s waist. A smug smile on his lips, and his eyes were filled with arrogance and disdain.
