An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Chapter 2

In the elevator, Dustin stared at the crystal necklace dejectedly. Even though he had expected it, he was still sad that his marriage had ended just like that. He had once thought that happiness was simple: meals on the table, cheerful days, and simple pleasures. Now, he found out that normalcy was a sin. It was time to awaken from this prolonged daydream.

Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking him out of his trance. When he picked up the phone, a familiar voice came from the other end.

“Mr. Rhys, I’m Hunter Anderson from the Swinton Group. I heard that today your wedding anniversary with Ms. Nicholson, so I’ve prepared a gift for you. I’m just wondering if you have any time today?”

“Thank you for your kindness, but I’m afraid we won’t be needing the gift,” Dustin said.

“Why?”

Hunter was taken aback. He could sense something wrong.

“Is there anything else you’d like to talk about, Mr. Anderson?”

“Actually, yes, there is.” Hunter cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’ve got a friend who contracted a strange illness. He’s seen a lot of doctors, but none of them could do anything about it. I was hoping that you could help.”

“Mr. Anderson, you know my rules.”

“Of course I do! I’m sincere in my request. My friend owns some canscora, which I remember you were looking for. I’m sure he’ll be willing to part with it if you help him,” Hunter said.

“Is this true?” Dustin asked seriously.

“Yes, it is!”

“Alright, if that’s so, then I’ll be willing to take a look.” Dustin immediately agreed to the request.

He wasn’t interested in money or jewels, but rather some rare herbs and plants, as he needed them to save lives.

“Thank you, Mr. Rhys! I’ll send someone to pick you up immediately!” Hunter smiled in relief.

As the president of the Swinton Group and one of the Mighty Three of Swinton, Hunter acted exceptionally timid in front of Dustin.

“Great, one more down, five to go. I should have enough time,” Dustin muttered to himself. His mood was lifted a little by this news.

doors opened. As soon as he stepped out of the building, he saw two familiar figures walking toward

James, why are you here?” Dustin

get divorced?” Florence did

gave her a forced smile. “It’s not Dahlia’s fault, it’s mine. Don’t

on a

I know my daughter well. If you hadn’t done

was stunned. What was this?

the past three years. I’m pretty sure I’m never done anything to betray Dahlia’s

what you’ve done behind our backs?” Florence snorted again. “My daughter was right to divorce you! Look at yourself. She’s

don’t you think you’re going

family three years ago, they

if I am? Am I

don’t care whether you divorce my sister or not, but you’re

money?”

I know that my sister gave

right! That’s my daughter’s money. You have no right to take it! Give it back!”

any money

eight million dollars? Do you take us as idiots?”

and give us the

you don’t believe me.” Dustin did not

threatening us? Listen here. No matter how much you beg, I’m not letting you leave with a

search his pockets!” James said

Florence followed suit.

you have to do

the Nicholson family so soon after the

the

are you calling Mom? Watch your mouth. Who do you think you are?” As she spoke, she continued

didn’t find what they wanted from his

hell, did he really not take any of the

around Dustin’s necklace and pulled

this my sister’s necklace? Why is it with you? Did you steal