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.

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

can’t do anything to me,”

Nathaniel couldn’t act on any suspicions. There was no

that’s all that matters. It’s getting late,

slight nod, she turned

the center

him, Lycas and Bryce were reporting the

through the pond carefully, but

brow. Before he could continue with his report, Nathaniel suddenly turned,

was breached.

was a gift from Valon. But at that moment, it felt

his expression, Lycas quickly bowed and said, “You’re right, Your Highness. The thief might still be hiding somewhere. I’ll take

exhausted guards and led them toward a

would be pointless. If the thief had managed to enter the mansion without

Nathaniel in a foul mood, he knew arguing wasn’t an option. All he could do was

at the rising sun, Nathaniel’s face darkened as he

time being. His biggest worry now was how much of the treasure in the secret chamber

items in the vault were especially concerning. Any theft or damage to them would have been like having his heart

To avoid damaging the valuables, they started with shovels

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