Chapter 1689

"Uncle Dom, that's not what we mean," Elijah panicked. "Please, please save Austin. I'll do anything!"

Dominic harrumphed, glancing at Elijah before approaching Austin. Michelle opened her mouth to speak, but stopped as Dominic re-tied Austin and covered him with a blanket. He turned to them. "You've seen him. You can decide whether to take him or leave him here."

"He's staying here, of course!" Elijah exclaimed, without hesitation. "Only you can save him! You must!"

Daniel, his voice trembling, added, "Yes. No matter what happened in the past, Austin has always been dutiful to you. Oh, my child, you must have suffered!" He wiped away tears.

Dominic looked at Austin. "What do you say?"

Austin gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his face. "I'll follow whatever you think is best, Uncle Dom. I'll do anything you say!"

Michelle watched her son, distressed and helpless.

Dominic said in a deep voice, "All right. I hear you. But let me be clear: I can't guarantee I can treat him, and I can't guarantee he won't die under my care. If anything happens, you can't blame me."

The others exchanged dismayed glances. Elijah began, "Uncle Dom, you're a miracle doctor. How can you not—" He trailed off, thinking, Are you trying to make things difficult for us? Why are you saying this now?

Dominic sneered. "So, you acknowledge me as a miracle doctor? Please don't. Even if I am, I'm not God. Do you think I can heal everyone? If you're worried, take him away. Your family is rich; you can send him abroad, to any hospital you like. At least I'll have my peace."

He waved a hand dismissively, but watched Austin from the corner of his eye. If they took Austin, they might wonder if others could help. While they could afford foreign treatment, everyone in the Fike family knew Dominic's skill. Despite past disagreements, he remained a master in his field. Many considered terminally ill sought his help, recovering and living for years after following his prescriptions. His reputation as a "miracle doctor" wasn't unearned. And Austin was his nephew; his credibility would suffer if he failed to cure him.

Michelle hesitated, unwilling to accept the possibility of her son's death.

"We'll listen to you!" Elijah said firmly, cutting her off.

Michelle looked at him, surprised. Elijah continued, "Uncle Dom is Austin's granduncle. He'll never let Austin die. He'll find a way to cure our son! And if something terrible does happen... I suppose it's Austin's fate. We can't blame Uncle Dom!"