Chapter 282 Fractured Pride
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The doctor frowned as he examined Dylan’s condition. “There’s nothing clinically wrong with him. He should just go home and rest.”
“What do you mean, nothing wrong?” Harper raised her voice, getting agitated. “He was just assaulted! He’s bruised all over–how can you say he’s fine?”
“There are some superficial bruises, yes, but nothing serious. No broken skin, no bleeding. Just pick up some arnica cream or a topical analgesic on the way home, and he’ll be comfortable in a few days,” the doctor explained patiently, though his tone was growing taut.
“How can you be so dismissive?” Harper snapped, her face flushed with anger.
Dylan winced and added weakly, “But I really am in a lot of pain–I can hardly breathe. Could it be… something internal?”
“Internal injuries?” The doctor gave him an incredulous look. “Watch a lot of action movies, do you?”
“No, I’m serious. It really hurts when I breathe.” Dylan felt utterly dismissed. Why didn’t anyone believe him?
“I’m reporting you for malpractice!” Harper spat out, trembling with frustration. She had never felt so powerless before.
Seeing they wouldn’t drop it, the doctor sighed in resignation. “Fine. If you’re that concerned, we can keep him for observation.”
“Okay, we’ll stay,” Dylan agreed quickly.
“Honey, just rest here. I’ll go handle the admission paperwork,” Harper said, finally relaxing a little.
A short while later, Dylan was settled into a standard hospital room.
“Sweetie, are you feeling any better?” Harper asked softly, her heart aching at the pained look on his face.
“Everything hurts,” Dylan groaned.
Why did the pain seem to be intensifying? It was just a few kicks–how could it be this bad?
“That Arabella is vicious. She had you beaten up and made us beg. When we get back, I’m telling Uncle everything–she can’t get away with this!” Harper seethed, grinding her teeth at the memory.
Recalling the humiliation of kneeling in front of Arabella, Dylan’s eyes darkened with resentment.
Arabella, this isn’t over.
Someday, I’ll make you regret everything.
“And those two brothers of hers–they’re not off the hook either,” he muttered. If it weren’t for them, his plan would have worked today.
“Yeah, we’ll make them kneel and apologize,” Harper said bitterly.
She was determined to pay back every bit of today’s shame.
“It’s more than that…” Dylan’s expression turned grim and chilling.
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Chapter 282 Fractured Pride
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He wanted Arabella to suffer–he wanted to break her with his own hands.
“Oww!” Getting worked up sent another sharp pang through his body.
“Honey! What’s wrong?” Harper panicked.
“It hurts so bad–I feel like I’m dying,” Dylan gasped, his face pale.
Harper rushed to the door and shouted down the hall, “Doctor! Nurse! He’s in critical pain–someone come quick!”
A nurse and the on–duty doctor hurried in. After a quick check, the doctor frowned. “His vitals are stable. He needs rest, not agitation.”
“But he’s in agony! How can you say he’s stable?” Harper protested.
“Pain isn’t the same as a medical emergency. He’s not dying,” the doctor replied bluntly, losing patience.
“What kind of hospital is this?” Harper shot back angrily.
“If you’re unhappy with the care here, you’re free to transfer to another facility. Otherwise, please let us attend to other patients who need help,” the doctor said sternly before walking out.
“How dare he…” Harper watched him leave, feeling helpless and fuming.
“Honey, what do we do now?” Her eyes welled up with frustrated tears.
Dylan tried to soothe her. “Just let me rest. If it doesn’t get better, we can arrange a transfer later.”
“Okay… you rest. I’m going to call Uncle.” Once Dylan settled back, Harper stepped out into the hallway.
“Uncle? It’s Harper.”
“We’re at the hospital. Today, something awful happened…”
“Okay… I understand.”
Hanging up, she wiped her tears and allowed a cold smirk to form. Arabella, your luck’s about to run out.
The evening sun cast long, fading rays across the sky.
At Cloudrise Manor, the family was gathered in the dining room, sharing dinner in warm, comfortable conversation.
“Naomi, you look a little pale. Are you feeling okay?” Florence asked with gentle concern.
“I’m alright, Mom,” Naomi replied, offering a faint smile.
Jonathan studied her face. “Are you sure? You seem tired.”
“Really, Dad–just a long day at work. Nothing to worry about,” Naomi assured him.
“Is the workload too heavy?” Frank asked, glancing over from across the table,
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Chapter 282 Fractured Pride
Naomi shook her head. “Not usually. Today was just unusually busy.”
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“Well, if it gets to be too much, we can always hire another assistant,” Ethan suggested casually.
“Thanks, Ethan. I’ll keep that in mind,” Naomi said softly.
“Since you’re tired, make sure you turn in early tonight,” Alfred added in his calm, steady tone.
Naomi nodded. “I will, Alfred.”
“Here, sweetheart, have some more of this.” Florence served another portion of roasted vegetables onto Naomi’s plate.
“Thanks, Mom.” Naomi accepted quietly and continued eating, though her movements were slower than usual, her energy clearly
low.
Florence watched her with motherly worry. “Get a good night’s sleep. If you still don’t feel right tomorrow, we should have you checked out.”
“Oh, no need for a clinic visit,” Alfred interjected, his eyes drifting toward Arabella with a subtle, appreciative smile. “Don’t we have a medical expert right here at home?”
“Oh, that’s right,” Florence said, brightening. “Arabella, would you mind taking a look at your sister later?”