An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Cody, what do you mean by that?” Harper was upset. “Who does he think he is? Can he even be compared to me? Are you telling me you’d rather trust an outsider?”

“Just shut your mouth!” Cody yelled at her. “I trusted you twice, but you got it wrong both times. How am I supposed to trust you again?”

“I-” Harper was rendered speechless. Her face reddened. Cody was like a brother to her. He had never raised his voice against her. What had gotten into him today?

“Harper, this is not child’s play. You made a bet with Lana. If we lose, we’ll lose Harmony Healers!”

Cody softened his tone and said sincerely, “Besides, your talent lies in the literary arts. Your strength is not in riddles. You should let Dustin give it a try.”

He was determined to win. He couldn’t let Harmony Healers and Enchanting Elegance fall into someone else’s hands. Allowing someone else to act recklessly was also out of the question.

skills. But once he answers incorrectly, I’m stepping in again. That way, you might still have

Dustin again. “Dustin, why don’t you share your answer with

that has the most stories with floors to climb and dreams to pursue should be a library,” Dustin

answer for a while before a delighted

was just unconvincing. He immediately knew that library was

too excited. Who knows if this is the real answer? What if he’s wrong?” Harper

admit that I’m wrong!” Cody suddenly stood up and proclaimed loudly, “Mr.

you a little too hasty? You’ve gotten two answers wrong. If

just won’t

thing to have no skills, but he’s always eager

of clowns trying