“What’s this? You want to do this the hard way?” Dustin scanned the Welch family members and smirked.
“I’ve saved your daughter, handed over the formula, and pulled Mr. Welch Senior from the brink of death, all for the Welch family. And yet, you’re turning on me now.
“If word gets out, what will that do to your family’s reputation?”
His words sent a shiver down Alistair’s spine, and the others squirmed. Alistair had orchestrated the poisoning to protect his family’s reputation as a backup plan in case things went south.
But with Feiver dead, openly confronting Dustin posed a risk of leaving themselves vulnerable.
The reputation of the Welch family would be tarnished if it became known that they had committed murder and repaid kindness with enmity. After careful consideration, Alistair ultimately chose to step back for the time being
“Joanne, what’s running through that mind of yours? Dr. Rhys has done us a great favor. How can you be ungrateful? “Alistair scolded his wife before pushing aside the two martial artists blocking Dustin’s path.
Then he smiled at Dustin. “Dr. Rhys, I’m sorry about my wife’s outburst earlier. She was just worried about my dad’s health. Her words may have come out a bit too strong. Please accept our apologies.”
In certain scenarios, this husband-wife duo had their roles well-defined. One played the “good cop”, while the other the “bad cop”.
If threats were effective, they used them; if not, they preferred to avoid a public confrontation. Dustin taunted with a smirk, “it seems there are still some sane folks in the Welch family after all. I was starting to think you’d all lost your minds.”
“You-” Joanne was about to respond, but Alistair silenced her with a knowing look. Alistair interrupted, “Dr. Rhys, we deeply appreciate your kindness. If you have any requests, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to fulfill your wishes as long as it’s within my power.”
“No need for that.” Dustin scoffed. “I’m not fishing for gratitude. Farewell. With that, he left with a frosty demeanor.
Alistair’s decision to back down prevented what could have been a heated confrontation. Dustin had always been straightforward, and he hadn’t anticipated ungratefulness from the Welch family.
It appeared that Dustin now had to seek out a new ally, as he was resolute in not allowing them to gain any advantage from the Dew Balm.
“Alistair, why did you stop me earlier?” Joanne asked. She frowned as she watched Dustin leave, displeased.
Alistair responded with a measured tone, “Joanne, you possess many admirable qualities-intelligence, competence, resourcefulness. But you tend to act on impulse.
“Taking down a punk may be simple, but if it tarnishes our family’s reputation, it’s not worth it. Some matters are better resolved quietly and discreetly to avoid unnecessary trouble.
“I understand what to do now,” Joanne nodded. “Let’s forget this minor hiccup,” Alistair decided. “Joaquin, handle it discreetly and leave no traces.”
“Understood,” Joaquin affirmed before departing. Meanwhile, outside the Welch residence, Dustin had just settled into his car when his phone rang.
Brooke’s voice sounded urgent on the other end. “Dustin! Something terrible has happened! Harmony Healers are on fire!”
“On fire? What’s going on?” Dustin inquired, puzzled.
“I went for my morning stroll, and when I returned, Harmony Healers was suddenly engulfed in flames! It’s burning now!” Brooke’s voice quivered.
“What? It’s on fire?” Dustin’s expression paled. He quickly asked, What about Mr. Shaffer? Is he okay?”
“The fire started on the first floor, and Cinna is still on the third floor! I can’t get up there! I’m waiting for help!”
