Spoiled by Mr. Russell, Chapter 2024

Austin took a deep breath, summoning his courage to continue needling Dominic. He hoped to eliminate the virus and allow his granduncle to recover, to spare him further suffering. Only three needles remained—the most painful, yet crucial, to the treatment. Austin hesitated.

"Uncle Dom..." He squatted, picked up a towel, and wiped the sweat from the older man's forehead. The sweat mingled with the bathwater, indistinguishable. Dominic's arms rested on the tub's sides, fingers clenched tight, veins bulging with the strain of his torment.

"Uncle Dom?" No response. "Uncle Dom?"

"Keep going!" Dominic rasped, his voice strained yet resolute.

Austin's eyes welled, but he controlled his emotions. "Uncle Dom, the next three needles will be more painful. You must hold on!"

Dominic managed a faint smile, his lips moving silently, his strength failing. As a seasoned physician, he knew the pain each acupoint would inflict, the consequences of continuing. Yet, they had come too far to stop.

"Let's do it!" Dominic breathed, his expression calm as he closed his eyes. He persevered, the sweat relentless, his arms and neck a network of throbbing veins.

Austin knew he couldn't stop, reluctant though he was. He recalled Alexander's observations from days past: the symbiote-like movements, initially mistaken for symbiote poisoning. But it wasn't a symbiote; it was a virus, mimicking its characteristics. They had been misled. There was still a chance to rectify their mistake.

Austin turned, inhaled deeply, and picked up the silver needle. Dominic's spine straightened, his body trembling as the needle pierced his skin. He clenched his teeth, groans escaping despite his efforts.

"Uncle Dom!" Austin called out anxiously, monitoring his condition. He hesitated no longer, swiftly inserting the remaining two needles. Better to endure short-term pain than prolonged suffering, he thought. These last three needles are the most painful—best to finish quickly.

With the final needles in place, Dominic’s pain overwhelmed him. "Ah! That hurt. It f*cking hurts!" he cried.

"Uncle Dom! It'll be over soon!" Austin held Dominic’s shoulders firmly, preventing him from dislodging the needles with his tremors. They were at the final step; success depended on Dominic's endurance.