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.”

divorce a trifling matter

and a house as compensation. On top of that, you’ll also get eight

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

slammed her hand on the table. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. With all her power and resources, Ms. Nicholson can divorce you

speak to him directly to divorce him. What kind of dignity was that? Moreover, if she really

have anything else to talk

Dustin stood up and made

“Dustin Rhys! You—”

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 figure made her look like a

“You’re finally here.”

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

sorry for being late, I

expression was

are busy, if you need your secretary to

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

she placed a card on the

really think our relationship can be measured by money?” Dustin

you want. I’ll give you

don’t think you understood me. Let me rephrase my question. Are money and power that important to you?”

went over to the windows and looked out over the city. There was

earned enough to feed yourself for the

that’s where you and I diverge in philosophy. You’ll never understand what I really want.”

their

know is to cook for you when you’re

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

without any emotion. “I heard that you’ve been close with the heir of the

she gave it a