Chapter 1266

If treated so by another, such a man would have stormed off, but he dared not with his elder. He could only restrain his temper, murmuring, "Well, you're my grandfather's brother, after all..."

"Wait a minute! We had different mothers."

Dominic and Austin's grandfathers were half-brothers, born to different mothers. Their estrangement stemmed from events of the previous generation.

It was a difficult time. Though Dominic was the younger brother and deserved better treatment, Austin's great-grandmother favored her own son. When the family fortune was distributed, she manipulated the papers, ensuring everything went to Austin's grandfather. Dominic was left destitute, forced to make his own way in the world.

He traveled the country and eventually achieved renown. Karma, it seemed, had its way. Austin's grandfather proved inept at business, and the family fortune dwindled considerably by the time his father inherited it. They survived on Dominic's success, yet Austin's grandfather, ashamed, never visited him. Instead, he sent younger family members during holidays, hoping Dominic would assist them out of kinship and, perhaps, reconcile with the family for the sake of the younger generation.

Dominic was neither cold nor overly generous. In a good mood, he would see Austin, answering questions about herbal medicine. Otherwise, he wouldn't even open the gate.

Austin sensed his bad mood today. Why is he even meeting me? he wondered. Did someone upset him? Glancing back at the figure he'd glimpsed in the garden, he changed the subject, avoiding mention of his grandfather. "Was someone here just now?"

"Was there?" Dominic countered.

"I saw someone in the garden," Austin said hesitantly.

Unease flickered across Dominic's face. His calm demeanor vanished, replaced by nervousness. "Since you saw them, there's nothing to ask."

"But I only saw their back. Since you haven't seen patients in years, who—"

"What are you asking so much for? What's it to you? It's none of your damn business!" Dominic exploded, glaring. "I'm the one who should be asking! Are you telling everyone you're my last student?"

Austin was stunned. How did he find out?

"Who told you?" he blurted, then quickly corrected himself. "I mean, who told you that lie?"

"You know perfectly well if it's a lie!" Dominic scoffed, his suspicion hardening.

Austin confessed, "How would I dare boast your name? You taught me some basics, but I wouldn't claim to be your last student. It's just—"

"It's just what?" Dominic interrupted impatiently. "Dare you say people haven't mistaken you for my last student?"