An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Dustin, here is the divorce agreement prepared by Ms. Nicholson. All you need to do is sign them.”

In the president’s office of the Quine Group, the secretary, Lyra Blaine, placed a piece of A4 paper on the table. A man sat opposite her, dressed in plain clothing.

“Divorce? What do you mean?”

Dustin Rhys was taken aback.

“Do you not understand what I’m saying? Your marriage with Ms. Nicholson is over. You’re not even on the same level anymore. Your existence is nothing but a smear on the president’s reputation!”

Lyra pulled no punches as she spoke.

“A smear on her reputation?” Dustin frowned. “Is that how she thinks of me?”

Back when they first got married, the Nicholson family was in ruinous debt. He was the one who helped them when they were at their lowest point. Now that they were rich, Dahlia Nicholson was ready to just kick him out.

“Something like that.” Lyra jerked her chin toward the magazine on the table. A photo of a beautiful woman was printed on the front page. “Look at the headline on this magazine, Dustin. Ms. Nicholson’s net worth has hit one billion in the course of just three years, a feat no short of a miracle. She’s now the most desired woman in Swinton! With all this, she’s destined for greatness. But you, you’re just a regular joe. You don’t deserve her at all. I hope that you’ll see some sense and do the right thing.”

When Dustin remained silent, Lyra frowned.

“I know you’re not happy with this, but this is reality,” she continued. “You might have helped Ms. Nicholson when she was in trouble, but she has repaid you for everything you’ve done for her over the last three years. In fact, you’re the one who owes her now!”

“Is our marriage just a business deal to her, then?” Dustin took a deep breath to suppress the emotions within. “If she wants to divorce me, let her speak to me herself.”

“Ms. Nicholson is very busy. She doesn’t need to trouble herself with such trifling matters.”

bitterly. “Is that so? Is divorce a trifling matter to her? She can’t even find the time to speak to

“Just sign here and you’ll get a car and a house as compensation.

a lot, but…I don’t need it. I will sign the divorce papers if she comes personally. Otherwise,

the table. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. With all her power and resources, Ms. Nicholson can divorce you easily. It’s only because she appreciates

Dustin was a little amused by that. She didn’t even want to speak to him directly to divorce him.

don’t think we have anything else to talk

Dustin stood up and made to

“Dustin Rhys! You—”

lose her cool, a curvy woman in a long black dress walked in. Her skin was as white as snow, and her features were delicate. Her lofty aura and curvaceous

“You’re finally here.”

married for three years, during which they treated each other with care and respect. But this was how it

late, I was caught

expression was as impassive as

are busy, if you need your secretary to help you deal

However, she did not explain herself. Instead, she said, “Since you’re here, let’s get straight to the point. Let’s end this on a pleasant note. I’m sorry I have to do this to you, so you can have the car

she placed a

our relationship can be measured by money?” Dustin

little? That’s alright. Let me know what you want. I’ll give you anything within my power,” Dahlia

Let me rephrase my question. Are money and power

over the city. There was determination

earned enough to feed yourself for the rest of your life. Why do

diverge in philosophy. You’ll never understand what I

power; they were also incompatible in their principles. Most

you’re thinking?” Dustin laughed bitterly. “All I know is to cook for you when you’re hungry, prepare your coat when it’s cold out,

going into this now.” Dahlia’s expression held complicated emotions, but it was soon covered

that you’ve been close with the heir of the

she gave it a second thought.