An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Dustin, here is the divorce agreement prepared by Ms. Nicholson. All you need to do is sign them.”

In the president’s office of the Quine Group, the secretary, Lyra Blaine, placed a piece of A4 paper on the table. A man sat opposite her, dressed in plain clothing.

“Divorce? What do you mean?”

Dustin Rhys was taken aback.

“Do you not understand what I’m saying? Your marriage with Ms. Nicholson is over. You’re not even on the same level anymore. Your existence is nothing but a smear on the president’s reputation!”

Lyra pulled no punches as she spoke.

“A smear on her reputation?” Dustin frowned. “Is that how she thinks of me?”

Back when they first got married, the Nicholson family was in ruinous debt. He was the one who helped them when they were at their lowest point. Now that they were rich, Dahlia Nicholson was ready to just kick him out.

“Something like that.” Lyra jerked her chin toward the magazine on the table. A photo of a beautiful woman was printed on the front page. “Look at the headline on this magazine, Dustin. Ms. Nicholson’s net worth has hit one billion in the course of just three years, a feat no short of a miracle. She’s now the most desired woman in Swinton! With all this, she’s destined for greatness. But you, you’re just a regular joe. You don’t deserve her at all. I hope that you’ll see some sense and do the right thing.”

When Dustin remained silent, Lyra frowned.

“I know you’re not happy with this, but this is reality,” she continued. “You might have helped Ms. Nicholson when she was in trouble, but she has repaid you for everything you’ve done for her over the last three years. In fact, you’re the one who owes her now!”

“Is our marriage just a business deal to her, then?” Dustin took a deep breath to suppress the emotions within. “If she wants to divorce me, let her speak to me herself.”

“Ms. Nicholson is very busy. She doesn’t need to trouble herself with such trifling matters.”

Then he laughed bitterly. “Is that so? Is divorce a trifling matter to her? She can’t even find the

here and you’ll get a car and a house as compensation. On top of that, you’ll also get eight million dollars. This is more than

the divorce papers if she comes personally. Otherwise, I won’t sign

you. With all her power and resources, Ms. Nicholson can divorce you easily.

that. She didn’t even want to speak to him directly to divorce him. What kind

we have anything else to

stood up

“Dustin Rhys! You—”

dress walked in. Her skin was as white as snow, and her

“You’re finally here.”

the beautiful woman. They had been married for three years, during which they treated each other with care and respect. But this was how it ended. He still didn’t know what he had

late, I was caught up

Her expression was as impassive

if you need your secretary to help you deal

not explain herself. Instead, she said, “Since you’re here, let’s get straight to the point. Let’s end this on a pleasant note. I’m sorry I have to do this to you, so you can have the car and the house, plus eight million dollars

a card on

really think our relationship can be measured by money?”

Let me know what you want. I’ll

you understood me. Let me rephrase my question. Are money and power that important

the city. There was determination in her eyes when she said, “To me, yes,

yourself for the

never understand what I really want.” Dahlia shook her

incompatible in their principles. Most importantly,

laughed bitterly. “All I know is to cook for you

Dahlia’s expression held complicated emotions, but it was soon covered

Dustin nodded without any emotion. “I heard that you’ve been close with the heir of the Nolan family. Is it because of

gave it a