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.

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

are you here?”

get divorced?” Florence did not waste any

her a forced smile.

intended to end his marriage on a pleasant note. However, hearing this, Florence snorted

daughter well. If you hadn’t

was stunned. What was this?

treated her over the past three years. I’m pretty sure I’m never done anything to betray Dahlia’s trust in me,”

daughter was right to divorce you! Look at

you’re going too far?”

hadn’t helped the Nicholson family three years ago,

what if I am? Am I not speaking the truth?” Florence crossed

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

What money?” Dustin was

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

to take it! Give

take any money from her,”

on eight million dollars? Do you take

give us the money. Don’t make me

and ask her if you don’t believe me.” Dustin did not wish to

matter how much you beg, I’m not letting you leave with a single cent of ours!”

search his pockets!” James said impatiently. He

Florence followed suit.

you have to do this?” Dustin

by the Nicholson family so soon after the divorce. They

spat on the ground in

Who do you think

some time, they didn’t find

did he really not take any

the crystal necklace around Dustin’s

Why is it