An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Dustin, don’t you think you went overboard just now?” Eleanor said with concern etched across her face.

“What if you’d actually hurt Ezra?”

She winced as she inspected the red marks on Ezra’s neck, then turned to Dustin, demanding an explanation.

“Overboard?” Dustin chuckled with a wry smile. “Ms. Welch, let’s get the facts straight. Ezra was brandishing a knife at me, and I only defended myself. So, who crossed the line here?”

Eleanor’s expression froze as she tried to clarify, “Well, Ezra wasn’t really planning to harm you. He was just trying to intimidate you, so why did you overreact?”

Dustin’s eyes remained cool and distant as he replied with a touch of sarcasm, “So, it’s all my fault? I overstepped, played your bodyguard, instigated this brawl, and took a bottle to the head?”

“I-That’s not what I mean!”

With guilt written all over her face, she admitted, “I know smashing a bottle on your head was a mistake, but I freaked out! I was worried you might hurt Ezra, and I just wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

and didn’t say a word. He could not help but think, “So, I’m just supposed to die? You smashed a bottle on my head

too,” Eleanor remarked, trying to share the blame. With a hint of reproach in her voice, she pointed

you almost choked Ezra. If I hadn’t stepped in, you might’ve made a big

mockingly, “So, do you think I

frustration in her tone. “Look, I’ve lowered my pride

Welch, I’m just an ordinary guy. I don’t need to be part of the Welch family social circle. I’m fine walking away from all of

without a sincere apology. She

apologized,” Eleanor asked with a subtle hint of annoyance. After all, as a member of the Welch family, she had taken a step down from her lofty pedestal to show remarkable

as ever, unfazed by

“In light of Eleanor’s plea, I’ll let the matter slide for now. However, you’d be wise

pretense, he would have called for backup without hesitation. Dustin smirked and responded calmly, “Oh,

too cocky!”

or two about fighting, it won’t matter. Remember, you’re nothing more

“Feel free