An Understated Dominance (Maria Vittori) novel Chapter 5

Ruth’s eyes almost bulged out of her head. She was more shocked than embarrassed that Dustin could tell so much about her health just by looking at her tongue. Everything from the migraines to diarrhea was spot on. Was he really that good, or did he just make a lucky guess? 

“There’s a lot you can tell about a person just by looking at them,” Dustin said nonchalantly. 

“Do you believe him now, Ruth?” Natasha smiled. At the same time, she also heaved a silent sigh of relief. Thank goodness Dustin knew what he was doing. 

“He just got lucky!” Ruth refused to admit defeat. 

“I’m sorry, Mr. Rhys, she’s just too stubborn for her own good. Please ignore her,” Natasha told Dustin apologetically. 

“It’s fine. Shall we begin?” 

Dustin didn’t take Ruth’s attitude to heart. He walked over to Andrew and gave him a thorough check-up. It didn’t take long for him to find out what was going on. It was obvious to him that the old man had been poisoned. The poison was pretty potent too. Thankfully, it was discovered early on, so he could still be saved. Another day or two, and he would have been lying in the morgue! 

“Ms. Harmon, can you get me some silver acupuncture needles?” Dustin asked. 

“No problem.” 

Natasha waved a hand. Immediately, one of her bodyguards went out. Five minutes later, he returned with a set of acupuncture needles. 

“Thank you.” 

Dustin nodded his thanks, then began to take off the old man’s shirt. First, he tapped his knuckles against the old man’s stomach to make sure he was hitting the correct positions, then began to place the needles in the correct pressure points. His actions were light but firm as his hands flew deftly. With his skill, his patient would not feel any pain from the needles. Seeing this, Natasha was surprised. 

“He’s good!” 

She didn’t know much about acupuncture as a medical practice, but she knew some experts in the field. From what she could see, those old experts had nothing on Dustin. His actions were one of an experienced and talented healer who had spent years in practice. She was curious about this man. Once all 16 needles were in place, Dustin breathed a sigh of relief. It had been some time since he last performed acupuncture, but thankfully he was still familiar. 

“Is that all? Nothing changed!” Ruth looked confused. 

“Your grandfather has been poisoned. It’ll take about two hours to drain the toxin from his body; you shouldn’t remove the needles before the two hours are up, or there might be serious side effects!” 

Ruth pouted. 

“Why should I believe you?” 

“Ruth!” 

Natasha glared at her sister. 

“I need to go to the bathroom. Please watch over him while I’m gone,” Dustin told the occupants of the room before leaving. 

Not long after he left, a group of doctors barged in. These were some of the most skilled doctors in the hospital. A balding man led the troupe. 

“Hey! Who are you guys?” Ruth crossed her arms. 

“My name is Jansen. I’m the executive director of the hospital, and also the dean of the medical school. I’m here on orders to treat Old Mr. Harmon,” the balding man introduced. 

“Ah, you’re that famous Dr. Jansen! The best doctor in Swinton!” Ruth was ecstatic. 

“More like one of the best,” Dr. Jansen said proudly, “but yes, I am.”