An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“I see,” Dustin muttered as his gaze fixed on the chessboard.

He nodded and said, “You’ve helped me tonight. That puts me in your debt. If you ever need anything, just say the word.”

Dustin lived by one rule-return what was given, whether kindness or vengeance.

Felicia hadn’t exposed him earlier. She had even covered for him. That was a debt he intended to repay.

“Mr. Rhys, you truly are a man of principle. I admire that,” she said.

She dipped her head with a playful smile, and that gesture carried an elegant charm.

“But I’m still curious about what brought you here tonight. Did you already suspect me?” Dustin asked.

“Anyone who wants to get close to Nathaniel usually wants one of three things -power, fame, or money. I can see it in their eyes, but you’re different,” Felicia said with a smile.

She continued, “You came here and offered the Dracan essence, but didn’t ask for a title or recognition. You even turned down the company of women, which only makes me suspect you have another motive. Of course, that’s just my suspicion.

“Tonight, though, was purely a coincidence. I came here to learn how to play chess, but you weren’t in the courtyard. It wasn’t until the commotion started that I finally understood what you were truly after.”

“Ms. Thorns, you’re sharper than I gave you credit for.”

Dustin had first thought Felicia was just another pretty face with little to offer. But then, he realized she was much more intriguing and capable than he’d imagined.

you should be careful. Nathaniel won’t

he can’t do anything

Nathaniel couldn’t act on any suspicions. There was no way he’d confront him head-on when

what you’re doing, that’s all that matters. It’s

slight nod, she

over the horizon, Nathaniel stood in the center of the courtyard. He stared at the empty

Bryce were reporting

Highness, we’ve searched the mansion three times. We even combed through the pond carefully, but still didn’t find any trace of that thief. Perhaps the

Before he could continue with his report, Nathaniel suddenly turned, cold fury flashing in his

off before the secret chamber was

at his waist. It was a gift from Valon. But at that moment, it felt less like a symbol of power and more like a scorching brand that burned his

Your Highness. The thief might still be hiding somewhere.

waiting for a response, he rallied the exhausted guards and led them toward a secluded

down that searching again would be pointless. If the thief had managed to enter the

mood, he knew arguing wasn’t an option. All he could do was

face darkened as he headed toward the ruins of the

seemed unlikely for the time being. His biggest worry now was how much of the treasure in the secret chamber had been

concerning. Any theft or damage

people was still working hard. To avoid damaging the valuables, they started with shovels and switched

night. By dawn, they had barely uncovered the outline of the chamber’s ceiling. Excavating the entire structure