An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

When Dustin heard Felicia’s word, his hand briefly hesitated before he placed the chess piece.

He smiled and said, “I thought you came to learn chess, but I didn’t expect you to be here as a messenger.”

Felicia gave a light, teasing laugh. “With a mind like yours, how could you not know why I’m here?”

She added candidly, “Prince Nathaniel saved my life and welcomed me as an honored guest. It’s only right that I repay the favor by helping solve his troubles. I hope that it doesn’t bother you.”

“You’re frank and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?” Dustin replied with a faint smile.

He had expected her to start with pleasantries or try to butter him up. So, her bluntness actually caught him off guard.

“To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never taken this kind of interest in anyone before, “Felicia said as she placed another chess piece on the board.

She smiled and continued, “I can tell he truly wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I’d like to help make that happen. If you agree, just say the word. Whatever your terms are, I’ll agree to them.”

When she finished speaking, she slowly raised her head. Her eyes gleamed with a brilliance that carried an indescribable allure.

The top ten on the Beauty Ranking were not about appearance. What truly set them apart was their status, influence, and talent.

Felicia was ranked eighth on the Beauty Ranking. Her looks and figure left little room for criticism.

Her eyes brimmed with warmth and invitation. It was framed by arched brows the color of ink.

Her nose was small and straight. It was sculpted with such precision that it gave her features a striking definition.

lips were naturally rosy. When she smiled,

with a pearly sheen under the sunlight that gave her a quiet, refined elegance, like a figure drawn straight from a painting. She was

Dustin, who’d seen his share of beauties, was momentarily dazed when

her every movement

was a classic honey trap, yet he didn’t find it

She was so sincere that it was almost convincing. He had to admit that Nathaniel had played this hand

board,” she said with

deliberately changed the subject without pressuring

truly brilliant match. It’s the same with you and Prince Nathaniel. If the

chess. If you make a wrong move, you will lose the whole

being cautious,” she replied. “But if you’re too cautious, you might miss your chance,

aggressive. With each move, she

always been cautious,” he replied evenly. “I’d

with precision and counterattacked her moves at just the right moments. Slowly, the tide

realized

“Well played,” she said.

as she watched Dustin move his

chess skills, but he had outplayed her. In just a few moves,

nothing short of

your chess skills are truly impressive. I must admit, I’m

placed her chess piece down and nodded at

she thought Dustin was just a talented martial artist, but now, she saw him as a genius with