Orion didn't need to step in to handle Thaddeus' cousin, or it'd be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Evelina's tone was dripping with sarcasm, "You? With what you've got, I doubt you're up for the task. Wasn't that school doctor acting all high and mighty before? What, turned into a scaredy-cat now?" "Shut your mouth."

Dorian snapped at Evelina, "Watch your mouth, okay?" He wouldn't even dare to speak to his cousin like that.

Evelina felt a sting of injustice for his attitude, "Dorian, what did I say that was so wrong?"

Thaddeus stared at Dorian with a half-smile, "Let her out. We'll talk about this alone."

"Yes, Evelina, leave us, and close the door."

"Dorian, I'm part of this too. Why do I have to leave?"

It seemed to Evelina that Dorian had stopped valuing her now that he had her. "Typical," she thought. "Once a man gets what he wants, he stops caring."

Dorian was growing impatient, "I said get out, can't you understand that?"

He didn't want Evelina to see him getting schooled by his cousin. He had his pride to think of.

Stomping her foot, Evelina stormed out, frustration bubbling within her.

The room was then left with just the two men. Thaddeus sauntered over and pulled up a chair to sit, "You've been quite the player, haven't you?"

"I knew I recognized that voice in the bar as yours. Thought I was hearing things. Why didn't you just take off the mask then and there?"Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

"It's none of your business. You getting hurt was your own doing. Don't drag anyone else into this, got it?"

Dorian was puzzled, "Thaddeus, is that school doctor a friend of yours?"

Otherwise, why would his cousin personally come to the hospital to sort this out?

"Exactly, so you know what you need to do, right?"

"But my rib's broken. Don't you even care a bit? Who is this school doctor anyway, that you'd come to make peace?"

Thaddeus' frustration was palpable, "You're better off not knowing. Just don't make a fuss, and I'll talk with your mom about your grades." Dorian was over the moon, "Deal!"

For him, navigating his grades was the real challenge. After all, while his cousin was a straight-A student, Dorian was anything but.

---

Upon reaching the hospital, Lemira dashed out of the car without a second thought. So focused on getting inside, she didn't watch her step and stumbled. "Be careful, watch where you're going."

Orion caught her arm, his eyes filled with a hint of helplessness.

Relief washed over Lemira upon seeing him, "You haven't gone in, have you?"

"No, been right here waiting for you."

Orion felt there was no need for him to intervene; Thaddeus could handle the situation on his own.

But he hadn't expected her to rush over so worriedly, still reeking of the barbecue they had earlier.

Lemira's tension eased as she heard his words, "Good, as long as you haven't gone in."

"Why the rush? What did you want to say to me?"

"I wanted to say you don't have to listen to Lucian on this. I've already contacted a lawyer. If the Dravens want to stir trouble, we'll stand our ground." Lemira's expression was nothing short of determined.

Orion's gaze lingered on her, seeing her resolve. Her voice had been laced with urgency and concern over the phone just now.

It stirred something in Orion's usually calm heart. Unable to help himself, Orion flicked her forehead, "It's not as serious as you think. I'll handle it."

"And how exactly will you do that?

Even with a wealthy friend like Thaddeus, you're nothing compared to the Draven family. If they decide to pursue this, you stand no chance."

"And why can't I stand a chance?"

"You're just a school doctor. How can you fight against the influential clan like them?" Lemira pressed her lips, "Besides, this whole mess is caused by me. You only got involved with that dumb rich kid because of me.

Hearing her call Dorian a dumb rich kid brought an inexplicable feeling to Orion. He chuckled, "You think you can take responsibility with that tiny frame of yours?"

"I'm taking responsibility for you, what's it to you?"