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.

soon as he stepped out of the building, he saw two familiar figures walking toward him. It was Dahlia’s mother, Florence Franklin,

are you here?”

you and Dahlia get divorced?” Florence did not waste

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

intended to end his marriage on a

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

was stunned. What was this?

three years. I’m pretty sure I’m never done anything to betray Dahlia’s trust in me,” Dustin

what you’ve done behind our backs?” Florence snorted again. “My daughter was right to

you think you’re going

family three years ago, they

what if I am? Am I not

wasting time with him.” Suddenly, James stepped forward. “Listen here, Rhys. I don’t care whether you divorce my sister or not, but you’re

money?” Dustin was

ignorance! I know that my sister gave you eight million dollars as alimony!” James said

to take it! Give it back!”

money from her,” Dustin

Do you take

you’d better be tactful and give us the

can call Dahlia and ask her if you don’t believe me.” Dustin did not wish to explain himself any

us? Listen here. No matter how much you beg, I’m not letting you leave with a single cent of ours!”

for this. Let’s just search his pockets!” James said impatiently. He dove

Florence followed suit.

to do this?” Dustin

be accosted by the Nicholson family so soon after the

the ground in

think you are?” As she spoke, she continued searching

they didn’t find what they wanted

not take any of the money?” James said,

he spied the crystal necklace around Dustin’s necklace and pulled it off

it with you? Did you