Chapter 1766

Although his wrist pulse was weak, it accurately reflected Austin's condition. Dominic knew the young man could slowly recover by drawing out the toxin with the silver needle and herbal medicine.

"Hmm..." Dominic murmured, withdrawing his hand and nodding. "Not bad, indeed." He gestured at Austin with his chin. "Take off your clothes."

Austin hesitated. While it wasn't their first time, Dominic was his granduncle, and shyness lingered. His fingers paused before he slowly unbuttoned his shirt.

"Tsk!" Dominic clicked his tongue. "Why is this brat so bashful?!"

Having removed his shirt, Austin revealed his chest. His skin, pale from being indoors, showed the beginnings of muscle definition softening. The previously taut, almost bursting muscles had relaxed, his skin looser.

Austin grabbed at a fold of loose skin, then let go, watching it sag. "Uncle Dom, my..."

"It's normal!" Dominic said calmly, as if Austin were overreacting. "You've studied medicine; you know skin loosens after significant weight loss. It's the same principle!"

"But I was affected by the drug!" Austin protested, repulsed by his changed body. He once valued his refined physique; now he loathed this altered skin. "Whatever the cause, the principle applies!"

Dominic stood, taking away the bowl.

"You still care, huh? Afraid you can't get a wife?"

Blushing, Austin looked away. "I'm not looking for a wife!"

"Ha, talking tough. Why don't you tell your parents that later?" Dominic raised an eyebrow, clearly anticipating their reaction.

Austin was startled. "Are my parents coming later?"

"I guess," Dominic replied vaguely, his gaze narrowing toward the entrance. "I heard the autopsy report is in. It's that woman, all right. It seems impossible to determine what drug or poison you were given."

He mused that a young woman couldn't have outmaneuvered him. He hadn't detected the toxin when Austin returned. He'd likely not believed it without the subsequent attacks. The drug's effects were unusual, and he was curious about its nature.

What a pity! Now that the autopsy confirms it was her, I'll never find out. I wonder how Lily is doing? She fetched Galen and left me with a sick man. How boring! He sighed, shook his head, and left.

Austin stared after him, dazed. Rhea is dead? Really? Even after two days of hearing the news, it hadn't sunk in. A bone seemed lodged in his throat.