Chapter 81

Meanwhile, in a nearby hospital room, Dahlia's grandfather lay unconscious, his face ashen. Florence and several members of the Nicholson family gathered, hushedly discussing countermeasures.

“How peculiar,” one said. “Old Mr. Nicholson has always been fine. Why did he suddenly fall ill?”

“Exactly! He’s always looked so strong and healthy. Who would have guessed this would happen?”

Everyone sighed with pity for the old man.

Dahlia burst into the room, her heels clicking. She had been in a meeting when she received news of her grandfather's illness and rushed over immediately.

“How’s Granddad?” she asked.

“Dahlia, the doctors think he might not make it,” Florence mumbled, shaking her head.

“What?” Dahlia’s face paled. “How could that be? Wasn’t he fine yesterday?”

“I think it’s weird too! But maybe this is his fate,” Florence sighed.

“Where’s the doctor? Doctor!” Dahlia called, distraught.

“It’s futile,” someone said. “All sorts of doctors have checked him. They say his symptoms are too strange. There’s no way to find the root cause, and the only thing left to do is wait.”

“Impossible!” Dahlia shrieked, panicking. She couldn’t imagine her grandfather, who loved her so dearly, passing away.

Matt, who had been standing nearby, finally spoke. “Dahlia, I know a fabulous doctor. He might be able to do something.”

“A fabulous doctor? Who? Can they really save my grandfather?” Dahlia’s spirits lifted.

“His name is Dr. Ross Leister. He just arrived from Millsburg, and his medical skills are top-notch. He’s able to cure all sorts of illnesses! He also happens to be Dr. Rowan Cross’s apprentice,” Matt replied.

“Dr. Cross’s apprentice?” Everyone’s expressions brightened. Dr. Cross was well-known, even in South City, for his accomplishments. He was on par with Dr. Watkinds and Dr. Peay, both already at the top of the medical field. His skills were considered perfect. As his apprentice, Dr. Leister’s skills must be outstanding!

“Can you really get him to examine Granddad?” Dahlia asked hopefully. This doctor was her grandfather’s only chance.

“He’s my friend. He’ll come if I ask him to,” Matt nodded.

“That’s wonderful news! If Old Mr. Nicholson gets well, the Nicholson family will be in your debt!” Everyone agreed.

“This is nothing. Let me ask him.” Matt smiled and left the room.

As soon as Matt left, Dustin entered the ward but was stopped by Florence.

“What are you doing here, Rhys?” she snapped.

“I heard that Granddad’s sick. I’m here to visit him,” Dustin said somberly.

“Visit him? Who do you think you are? You’re no longer my son-in-law. We don’t welcome you here!” Florence hissed, glaring at him.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Dahlia rushed over, hearing the commotion.

“This bastard is pretending to care and wants to visit your grandfather. I bet he knows your grandpa’s time is almost up, so he’s here to try to get a piece of the family fortune!” Florence mocked. Everyone in the Nicholson family knew Henry Nicholson had always treated Dustin like a grandson. It wouldn’t be surprising if the old man left Dustin something in his will.

“You’ve got it all wrong. I’m just worried about Granddad’s condition,” Dustin explained.

Still suspicious, Florence scoffed. “Who knows what your true intentions are?”

“Mom, just let him in. He’s just showing his love for Granddad,” Dahlia said.

“Dahlia, this kid—”

“I’ll take responsibility if something happens.”

Florence hesitated, then reluctantly stepped aside.

“Thank you,” Dustin said, entering the ward.

The old man looked as if he had just had a stroke. Dustin reached out to touch Henry’s hand. He was shocked to discover that, although his limbs were cold, extreme heat emanated from beneath the pale skin.

“The Flaming Frost Poison?” Dustin pondered, silently devising a treatment plan. The Flaming Frost Poison caused strange symptoms: the patient would appear freezing cold externally while burning hot internally. Treating either symptom alone would be ineffective and could backfire if the medication was too strong. This explained why the doctors were helpless.

“Dahlia, bring me some hot water,” Dustin ordered.

“Whatever for?” Dahlia asked, puzzled.

“Granddad’s weak, and he can’t hold on for much longer. I need to treat him now,” he explained grimly.

“You?” Dahlia frowned. “What nonsense are you spouting? Do you even know anything about medicine?”

“A little.”

“And you dare to show off? What in the world are you thinking?” Dahlia asked, visibly annoyed. This was a person’s life, not a game.

“Do you even know what you’re saying, Rhys? What makes you think you can cure him? Will you take responsibility if something goes wrong?” Florence chided.

“Exactly! Old Mr. Nicholson’s already suffering enough, so why are you causing more trouble? Just stay out of the way!” Everyone considered Dustin a self-absorbed punk. How could a mediocre, fired white-collar worker, who had achieved nothing in three years, know anything about curing diseases?

“If I’m saying it, I have faith I can cure him. Let me try,” Dustin said determinedly.

“Dustin, will you stop messing around?” Dahlia snapped. “You’re neither a doctor nor medically certified. How can you say you can save him? I let you in to visit Grandpa, not to boast!”

“Can you just trust me this once?” Dustin pleaded, upset. He wouldn’t meddle if he wasn’t sure he could help.

“This has nothing to do with trust. The fact is, you cannot do it. I won’t let you play around with Granddad’s life!” Dahlia refused bluntly. After three years of marriage, they knew each other well. Dahlia still couldn't determine if Dustin could actually help.