An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Chapter 33

“You must be kidding, right, Dad? This can’t be aged wine!” James‘ eyes were wide as dinner plates.

“Look at how yellowish it looks, though. It must be fake!” Florence accused.

“You guys must not have seen brews like this before. Aged craft brews get this color, and it only darkens the longer it’s been aging. Every wine connoisseur knows this.”

The looks on everyone’s faces quickly changed. Their accusations had just been dampened significantly, not by just anyone but by John Nicholson himself, a well- known wine enthusiast. His judgment couldn’t be wrong.

“I was blessed to be able to try such a fine wine years ago with a government official, but this brew right here must be finer than the one I had that body and finish tell me it must’ve been aged for at least 50 years!” John smacked his lips, still enjoying the brew’s aftertaste. ?

“How much would it cost on the market?” James asked curiously.

“It’s priceless. You couldn’t find a willing seller even if you offered a city’s worth. But if we judge based on recent wine auction values, it should cost at least two million dollars,”

“Two million?!” Everyone gasped. They’ve never even heard of wine that costs this much! Chris‘ Grand Cru was nothing compared to that!

“N–no way!” Florence refused to believe it. “Are you sure about this, John? How could Dustin be able to afford this?”

pair of pants, not to mention something this expensive!” James cried. His

has a point. How could that vagrant

did you get this brew, Dustin?” John asked

it to me,” he answered

drink like that? Even if they

he must’ve stolen it!” James nodded vigorously, finding

believe Dustin could afford this sort of quality wine, whether or not it was given to him by

have to steal this of all things, Dustin? Do

in prison for theft?” Chris huffed,

have gotten a hold of

me or not doesn’t matter to me. I didn’t steal it, and

another accusation of him having stolen it. Next, they would just

there was no use explaining to them

see? Where’s your excuse now? I knew

just to look good in front of us!” James gasped,

and Granddad only, so you guys don’t have to drink any if you don’t want to!” Dustin

of you! I trust Dustin with my whole heart, and I know he didn’t steal