An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Chapter 2

In the elevator, Dustin stared at the crystal necklace dejectedly. Even though he had expected it, he was still sad that his marriage had ended just like that. He had once thought that happiness was simple: meals on the table, cheerful days, and simple pleasures. Now, he found out that normalcy was a sin. It was time to awaken from this prolonged daydream.

Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking him out of his trance. When he picked up the phone, a familiar voice came from the other end.

“Mr. Rhys, I’m Hunter Anderson from the Swinton Group. I heard that today your wedding anniversary with Ms. Nicholson, so I’ve prepared a gift for you. I’m just wondering if you have any time today?”

“Thank you for your kindness, but I’m afraid we won’t be needing the gift,” Dustin said.

“Why?”

Hunter was taken aback. He could sense something wrong.

“Is there anything else you’d like to talk about, Mr. Anderson?”

“Actually, yes, there is.” Hunter cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’ve got a friend who contracted a strange illness. He’s seen a lot of doctors, but none of them could do anything about it. I was hoping that you could help.”

“Mr. Anderson, you know my rules.”

“Of course I do! I’m sincere in my request. My friend owns some canscora, which I remember you were looking for. I’m sure he’ll be willing to part with it if you help him,” Hunter said.

“Is this true?” Dustin asked seriously.

“Yes, it is!”

“Alright, if that’s so, then I’ll be willing to take a look.” Dustin immediately agreed to the request.

He wasn’t interested in money or jewels, but rather some rare herbs and plants, as he needed them to save lives.

“Thank you, Mr. Rhys! I’ll send someone to pick you up immediately!” Hunter smiled in relief.

As the president of the Swinton Group and one of the Mighty Three of Swinton, Hunter acted exceptionally timid in front of Dustin.

“Great, one more down, five to go. I should have enough time,” Dustin muttered to himself. His mood was lifted a little by this news.

he saw two familiar figures walking toward him. It was

are

and Dahlia get divorced?” Florence did not waste

her a forced smile. “It’s not

marriage on a

course it’s your problem. I know my daughter well. If you hadn’t done anything

was stunned. What was this? Victim

pretty sure I’m never done

Florence snorted again. “My daughter was right to divorce you! Look at yourself.

you think you’re going too

he hadn’t helped the Nicholson family three years ago,

am? Am I not speaking the truth?” Florence crossed

don’t care whether you divorce my sister or not,

money?” Dustin was

ignorance! I know that my sister gave you eight million

take it! Give it

take any money from her,”

dollars? Do you take us as idiots?”

and give us the money. Don’t

if you don’t believe me.”

beg, I’m not letting you leave with a single cent of

his pockets!” James said impatiently. He

Florence followed suit.

you have to do this?” Dustin

be accosted by the Nicholson family so soon after the divorce. They were really

spat on the ground in

Who do you think you are?” As she spoke, she continued searching through

find

take any of the money?” James

crystal necklace around Dustin’s necklace and pulled it off

is it with you? Did you steal it?” James