**Chapter 4: The Unraveling Truth** “Mom, take James to the hospital. I’ll handle this.” The oppressive silence that followed Dahlia's words hung thick in the air like the calm before a storm, her heart racing with the weight of her decision. “Dahlia, you must protect your brother! Don’t let that monster get away with this!” Florence spat, her voice dripping with venom. “Don’t worry, I know what I need to do,” Dahlia replied, her face a mask of resolve. She waved to two guards nearby, directing them to escort her mother and injured brother to the hospital, her thoughts swirling like tempestuous clouds. “What’s your take on this, Lyra?” Dahlia asked, rubbing her temples, the beginnings of a headache making itself known. “It’s crystal clear! Dustin was the one who attacked them first. The security guards saw it all, there’s no doubt about it,” Lyra asserted, a fierce fire gleaming in her eyes. “But my mother’s not exactly a beacon of honesty…” Dahlia murmured, deep in thought. She understood her family well; the unpredictability of their tempers was legendary. They could be as dangerous as they were impulsive. “Regardless, it's inexcusable for him to throw the first punch!” Lyra insisted, her voice brimming with conviction. “Even if there was a misunderstanding, why not just talk it out? He beat up James! Your brother! He didn’t even stop to consider how that would affect you. This proves he’s not a decent person!” Dahlia's frown deepened, her heart heavy with uncertainty. Lyra was right. Even acknowledging her family's faults, Dustin had crossed a line. His brutal attack on James seemed to affirm her decision to sever ties with him was not just justified but necessary. “You mustn’t let this slide, Ms. Nicholson. It’s time to teach him a lesson!” Lyra urged, her eyes alight with righteous fury. Anger flared within Dahlia. She pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed Dustin. Meanwhile, Dustin sat in the plush interior of his silver Bentley, his brow furrowing at the incoming call from Dahlia. Though reluctant, he swiped to answer. “Dustin, I need answers!” Dahlia’s voice emerged, sharp and demanding. “Answers? For what?” he countered, confusion rippling through him. “Did you just hit my brother?” she pressed, her tone unyielding. “I did,” he admitted, irritation creeping into his voice. “But—” “So it was you! I didn't expect this from you! Are you honestly seeking revenge on my family just because I divorced you?” Her accusation flew like an arrow, aimed and deadly. Dustin was taken aback, stunned by her hostility. After three years of sharing their lives, she had turned her back on him in an instant, treating him like a mere stranger. “Dahlia Nicholson, is that truly how you see me? You know I hit your brother, but have you even considered why?” His own frustration mounted as he squared his shoulders. “Whatever he did, it doesn't justify violence!” Dahlia shot back, her heart racing in her chest. A bitter laugh escaped Dustin's lips, laced with disappointment. The lines had been drawn; the battle for Dahlia’s favor was lost before it even began. “Let me make myself clear. I'm giving you one chance. You go to the hospital, apologize to James, and I’ll pretend this never happened. Otherwise…” “Or what? Are you going to call the police? Hire someone to take me out?” he mocked, his tone challenging. “Dustin! You really think so little of me?” Dahlia fired back, her voice trembling with anger. “Little? You think this is about goodwill? I beat your brother up, so do what you will with that information,” he replied, the callousness in his voice both shocking and hurtful. “You…” Her retort caught in her throat as he severed the connection, leaving her staring at her phone in disbelief, frustration boiling within her. Dahlia’s composure, usually so steadfast, faltered slightly, her temper beginning to betray her polished exterior. “That was incredibly rude of him. Ms. Nicholson, should I arrange for someone to teach him a lesson?” Lyra offered, sensing the storm brewing in her friend. “No, it’s over now,” Dahlia said, taking a deep breath to stabilize her emotions. “But…” Lyra hesitated, her concern tangible, but Dahlia held up a hand, silencing her. “Enough of this. I have more pressing matters to attend to, like the charity ball with the Harmon family,” she said, the glimmer of ambition igniting her spirit. “The charity ball? What does that have to do with our partners?” Lyra inquired, intrigued. “Everything. I just heard that the Harmon family has shortlisted the Quine Group. If we shine at this ball, we could become their next business partners!” Dahlia declared, her confidence reasserting itself. “That's fantastic! I’ll jump on the arrangements immediately!” Lyra exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. … Moments later, Dustin pulled up to Swinton Primary Hospital, the weight of the world on his shoulders. Natasha ushered him into a VIP ward where an elderly man lay in a bed, a far cry from the vibrant figure he once was. His pale skin, cracked lips, and labored breaths painted a portrait of desperation. Surrounding him were several doctors, their grim expressions echoing the hopelessness they felt. “Natasha! Thank goodness you’re here. These doctors are useless!” ranted a young woman who burst toward them. With a ponytail swinging excitedly, she was Ruth Harmon, the granddaughter of the ailing man. “Ms. Harmon, we’ve done everything we can. There’s nothing more to be done,” a doctor replied, his gaze filled with resignation. “If that’s the case, let’s find someone who can,” Natasha said coldly, resolve in her eyes. “Mr. Rhys will take over,” she added firmly. “Mr. Rhys?” The surrounding doctors exchanged hesitant glances, uncertain. Dustin, despite his youth, wore a mask of quiet determination. “Are you serious, Natasha? That’s Mr. Rhys? He appears barely older than I am,” Ruth’s skepticism was palpable. “Is he actually a doctor?” “Don’t judge solely on appearances. Mr. Anderson recommended him to me, and I trust his judgment,” Natasha asserted, though her own uncertainty bubbled under the surface. “Maybe Mr. Anderson was duped too,” Ruth shot back, crossing her arms defiantly. “You, of all people, shouldn’t inspire confidence.” “Watch your words, Ruth!” Natasha warned, a scowl creasing her brow. “He looks completely unreliable, Natasha! I’m frightened he’ll make things worse for Grandfather!” Ruth pressed on. “Enough! How should I prove my worth?” Dustin asked, exuding a calmness that belied the storm swirling around them. “Show us your knowledge. What’s wrong with me? If you’re accurate, I might just believe in you,” Ruth challenged, her eyes narrowing. “Fine,” Dustin replied, unfazed. “Let me see your tongue.” With a huff, Ruth complied. After examining her briefly, he said with clear authority, “You’re suffering from an imbalance in your hormones, resulting in migraines and irregular periods. You also have signs of food poisoning affecting your digestive system. I’d wager you’ve been dealing with diarrhea, and…I would be remiss not to mention the hemorrhoids…” As he spoke, Ruth’s bravado waned, tension weaving through the air like an electric current, leaving them all on edge. The truth was about to unfold, and none were prepared for the impact it would bring.