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.

nothing next to you,” she replied. ” Still, you should be careful. Nathaniel

no evidence, he can’t do anything to me,” he replied

knew Nathaniel would have to think twice before crossing him. But then again, Nathaniel couldn’t act on any suspicions. There

what you’re doing, that’s all

slight nod, she turned and

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

Bryce were

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

the sweat from his brow. Before he could continue with his

the secret chamber was breached. Even if that thief grew wings, he wouldn’t have

that moment, it felt less like a symbol of

The

he rallied the exhausted guards and led

again would be pointless. If the thief had managed to enter the mansion without a sound,

arguing wasn’t an option. All he could do was carry out the

darkened as he headed toward the ruins of the

seemed unlikely for the time being. His biggest worry

items in the vault were especially concerning. Any theft or damage to them would have

where a team of people was still working hard. To avoid damaging the valuables, they started with shovels and switched to digging by hand once most of the rubble was cleared, which made the

they had barely uncovered the outline of the chamber’s ceiling. Excavating the