An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Chapter 31

Dustin drove over to the Nicholsons‘ home at noon. The villa was in a secluded neighborhood, with flowers and hedges decorating the front yard.

Dahlia was right outside. Dustin tried to avoid her but was still spotted.

“Stop right there! I need to talk to you!”

“What is it?” Dustin asked. Their backs were to each other as they spoke.

“I haven’t told Granddad about our divorce because of his condition.”

“Do you think we can keep him from finding out?”

“I’ll find a chance to tell him after, just not today.”

“Alright. Anything else?”

“Nope.” Dahlia turned and went inside the house without another word.

each other,

in hand. The living room was

absent, still outside on his trip.

someone was sitting in his usual seat this time, an outsider too–Chris

to have us elders wait on him like this,” Florence jeered, her

mean.

you!” James chirped loudly. He hadn’t let go of

have dinner.” Henry Nicholson announced, beaming at Dustin. “Come and sit beside

helped the old man

eyes burning with jealousy. “Kiss–ass!”

never understood why his grandfather doted on Dustin.

let us all drink!” Henry toasted.

wine. “Chris brought this beautiful wine over, a fine Grand Cru from La Romanee

this!”

Romanee Conti? That’s a really expensive

It was 100 thousand dollars a bottle!”

thousand dollars a bottle?!” everyone

way

they hadn’t had a chance