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.”

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

trying to share the blame. With a hint of reproach in her voice, she pointed out, “You’re incredibly skilled, yet you never told me. I worried for

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

do you think I should

“Look, I’ve lowered my

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

hopes sank as she continued to deflect blame without a sincere apology. She was the type of person

anger, Dustin? I have already apologized,” Eleanor asked with a subtle hint of annoyance. After all,

Dustin remained as icy as ever, unfazed by

of Eleanor’s plea, I’ll let the matter slide for now. However, you’d

not for the sake of pretense, he would have called for backup without hesitation. Dustin

too

if you know a thing or two about fighting, it won’t matter. Remember, you’re nothing more than an ant to me. Defeating you

undaunted, replied, “Feel