With a swift, ruthless swing, Feiver’s head parted from his body, thudding to the floor and rolling like a soccer ball. His saucer-wide eyes showed his disbelief. He never imagined that his life wouldn’t be taken by Dustin but by his foster father.
Joaquin, the Welch family butler, was actually Feiver’s foster father. When Feiver had nowhere to go, Joaquin rescued him, bringing him into the Welch family and giving him a place to stay.
He had always been grateful and dutiful. So, when Joaquin instructed Feiver to poison Dustin, he didn’t hesitate. Feiver felt it was time to repay the kindness he had received.
To gain Dustin’s trust, he even risked his own life, completely willing to sacrifice it. But now, he was betrayed by the man he considered as family. It was the reality that he couldn’t wrap his head around.
“What?”
Dustin furrowed his brow upon seeing Feiver’s lifeless body. He fixed his gaze squarely on Joaquin and asked calmly, ” Mr. Yaxley, care to explain what’s going on here?”
“Dr. Rhys, I apologize for the shock you’ve just experienced.” Joaquin sheathed his blade and wore a welcoming smile.
“I never expected a traitor within the household. Thankfully, I discovered it in time lest something worse may happen.”
“Is that so? Am I supposed to be thanking you for this?” Dustin raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.
The timing of Joaquin’s appearance was suspiciously precise, as if it was planned. The ruthless precision of that final strike left no room for doubt; it was clearly an attempt to silence a potential witness. Dustin couldn’t understand why the Welch family had suddenly turned against him.
“Thanking me is unnecessary, Dr. Rhys. Ensuring your safety is our duty,” Joaquin assured. “I must admit, it’s my fault for misjudging people and letting a traitor into our home. I apologize for that.”
“Mr. Yaxley, I find it rather odd. Feiver had no reason to bear a grudge against me. Was he acting on someone else’s orders?” Dustin’s tone hinted at what was unsaid.
“In that regard, I’m uncertain,” Joaquin replied. “Rest assured, Dr. Rhys, we’ll investigate thoroughly to uncover the one pulling the strings.”
“Well, I suppose I’ll have to trust Mr. Yaxley to get to the bottom of it,” Dustin responded with a wry smile.
“Of course.” Joaquin nodded.
“What’s going on? Did something happen?”
A loud voice suddenly echoed from outside the room. Alistair, Joanne, and others quickly entered. When they laid eyes on Feiver’s lifeless body, surprise painted their expressions.
“Mr. Welch, Mrs. Welch, Feiver was bribed to poison Dr. Rhys. Fortunately, I intervened just in time and took control of the situation,” Joaquin explained.
Alistair put on an act, appearing indignant as he remarked, “Hmph! This scoundrel dared to bite the hand that fed him! He got what he deserved!”
After a brief outburst, he turned to Dustin, his tone filled with concern. Dr. Rhys, are you hurt?”
“I’m fine. I just find the entire situation rather amusing,” Dustin replied with a faint smile.
“Amusing? What do you mean?” Alistair asked, puzzled.
“Feiver knew I was a doctor, and yet he attempted to poison me. It’s rather foolish, don’t you think?” Dustin quipped with a smirk.
“Yes… very foolish indeed,” Alistair replied, forcing a grin. At that moment, Joanne’s brow furrowed, but she quickly concealed her emotions.
