Ruth’s eyes widened in shock. She was more shocked than embarrassed that Dustin could diagnose so much about her health simply by looking at her tongue. His assessment—from her migraines to her diarrhea—was completely accurate. Was he truly that skilled, or had he just made 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, simultaneously sighing with relief. Thank goodness Dustin knew what he was doing.

"He just got lucky!" Ruth stubbornly insisted.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Rhys, she's incredibly stubborn. Please ignore her," Natasha apologized to Dustin.

"It's fine. Shall we begin?"

Dustin disregarded Ruth's attitude. He examined Andrew thoroughly, quickly determining that the old man had been poisoned—with a potent toxin. Thankfully, early discovery meant he could still be saved. Another day or two, and it would have been too late.

"Ms. Harmon, could you get me some silver acupuncture needles?" Dustin asked.

"No problem," Natasha replied, waving a hand. A bodyguard immediately left and returned five minutes later with the needles.

"Thank you," Dustin acknowledged, beginning to remove the old man's shirt. He tapped Andrew's stomach to confirm the correct acupuncture points before expertly placing the needles. His movements were light yet firm, ensuring his patient felt no pain. Natasha was surprised by his skill.

"He's good!" she exclaimed. While unfamiliar with acupuncture, she knew experts in the field, and Dustin's technique surpassed even theirs. She was intrigued.

Once all sixteen needles were in place, Dustin breathed a sigh of relief. It had been some time since he'd practiced acupuncture, but his skill remained sharp.

"Is that all? Nothing changed!" Ruth said, confused.

"Your grandfather has been poisoned. It will take about two hours for the toxin to be drawn out; the needles must remain in place, or there could be serious side effects!"

Ruth pouted. "Why should I believe you?"

"Ruth!" Natasha scolded her sister.

"I need to use the restroom. Please watch over him while I'm gone," Dustin said before leaving.

Shortly after, a group of doctors, led by a balding man, burst into the room. These were some of the hospital's most skilled physicians.

"Who are you?" Ruth demanded, crossing her arms.

"My name is Jansen. I'm the hospital's executive director and dean of the medical school. I'm here to treat Mr. Harmon," the balding man introduced himself.

"Ah, you're the famous Dr. Jansen! The best doctor in Swinton!" Ruth exclaimed.

"One of the best," Dr. Jansen said proudly.

"It's great to meet you, Dr. Jansen. Please help my grandfather," Ruth said, stepping aside. Clearly, she trusted Dr. Jansen more than Dustin.

"I will," Dr. Jansen replied, but upon approaching the bed, he frowned. "What are these needles? What nonsense is this?" He moved to remove them.

"Wait!" Natasha stopped him.

"What's wrong?" Dr. Jansen asked, annoyed.

"Dr. Jansen, I've hired another healer. He said my grandfather was poisoned. We can't remove the needles; there could be serious side effects."

"What a load of rubbish!" Dr. Jansen scoffed. "If these needles can cure illnesses, what need is there for doctors?"

"Exactly!" Ruth agreed. "Natasha, Dustin looks barely twenty. How could he be a skilled healer? Don't tell me you believe his nonsense."

"Then how do you explain his diagnosis of your diarrhea simply by looking at your tongue?" Natasha countered.

"Hehe guessed!" Ruth stammered.

"Ms. Harmon, the best doctors in Swinton are here. I believe this 'healer' is a con artist. Do you really think our professionally trained doctors are inferior to a random stranger?" Dr. Jansen asked. "I know you're worried, but don't believe in such superstitions. It will only make things worse!"

"That's right! Dr. Jansen has saved countless lives! Don't worry, Mr. Harmon will be safe in his hands!" the other doctors affirmed.

Natasha's resolve weakened, but she insisted, "We should wait for Mr. Rhys to return."

"Why?" Ruth asked. "He's probably gone, Natasha!"

"Ms. Harmon, I'm a busy man. If I remove these needles and something happens to Mr. Harmon, it's on me." With that, Dr. Jansen removed the needles.

Immediately, Andrew's body convulsed. His face turned black, blood gushing from his nose and mouth. The heart monitors beeped wildly.

"What's happening?" Dr. Jansen exclaimed, surprised.

"What is this, Dr. Jansen?" Natasha asked, frowning.

"This is strangehe was fine moments ago" Dr. Jansen said, uneasy.

"Sir, the patient is coding!" a doctor shouted.

"Quick, the emergency equipment!"

Dr. Jansen began CPR, but Andrew's condition worsened. Panic set in.

"Ms. Harmon, I thinkI think Mr. Harmon isdying" Dr. Jansen said, his voice filled with dread.

"What?" Natasha and Ruth gasped in horror.