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.

to you,” she replied. ” Still, you should be careful. Nathaniel won’t let

evidence, he can’t do anything to me,”

crossing him. But then again, Nathaniel couldn’t act on

as you know what you’re doing, that’s all that matters. It’s getting late, so I’ll take

a slight

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

Bryce

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

could continue with his

the mansion sealed off before the secret chamber was breached. Even if that thief grew wings, he wouldn’t

grip on the pendant at his waist. It was a gift from Valon. But at that

right, Your Highness. The thief might still be hiding somewhere. I’ll take my men

rallied the exhausted guards and led them toward a secluded

pointless. If the thief had managed to enter the mansion without a sound, they could just as easily

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

Nathaniel’s face darkened as he headed

unlikely for the time being. His biggest worry now was how

or damage to them would have been like

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

hundred people had been working nonstop through the night. By dawn, they had barely uncovered