An Understated Dominance - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

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

In the president’s office of the Quine Group, secretary Lyra Blaine placed a sheet of A4 paper on the table. Opposite her sat a man dressed in simple clothing.

“Divorce? What do you mean?”

Dustin Rhys was taken aback.

“Do you not understand? Your marriage to Ms. Nicholson is over. You’re no longer on the same level. Your presence is merely a stain on the president’s reputation!”

Lyra spoke bluntly.

“A stain on her reputation?” Dustin frowned. “Is that how she sees me?”

When they first married, the Nicholson family was deep in debt. He had been the one to help them during their darkest times. Now that they were wealthy, Dahlia Nicholson was ready to cast him aside.

“Something like that.” Lyra gestured toward a magazine on the table. A photo of a stunning woman graced the front page. “Look at the headline, Dustin. Ms. Nicholson’s net worth has reached one billion in just three years, an achievement that’s nothing short of miraculous. She’s now the most sought-after woman in Swinton! With all this, she is bound for greatness. But you? You’re just an ordinary guy. You don’t deserve her at all. I hope you’ll come to your senses and do the right thing.”

When Dustin remained silent, Lyra’s expression hardened.

“I know you’re unhappy about this, but this is reality,” she continued. “You may have helped Ms. Nicholson when she was struggling, but she has repaid you for everything over the past three years. In fact, you’re the one who now owes her!”

“Is our marriage merely a business arrangement to her?” Dustin took a deep breath to stifle the emotions rising within him.

“If she wishes to divorce me, she should speak to me directly.”

“Ms. Nicholson is very busy and shouldn’t be burdened with such trivial matters.”

“Trivial matters?” Dustin was taken aback, then let out a bitter laugh. “Is that what divorce is to her? She can’t even find a moment to talk to me. Truly, she has become that unattainable!”

“Dustin, don’t prolong this any further.” Lyra pushed the divorce agreement toward him once more. “Just sign here, and you’ll receive a car, a house, and eight million dollars as compensation. That’s more than you’d earn in a lifetime!”

“Eight million dollars is substantial, but…I don’t want it. I will sign the divorce papers only if she comes to me personally. Otherwise, I won’t sign anything,” Dustin replied coldly.

“Don’t push your luck, Dustin!” Lyra slammed her hand on the table. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. With her power and resources, Ms. Nicholson can divorce you without a second thought. The only reason she’s allowing you to maintain your dignity is due to your past relationship. Don’t provoke her!”

“My dignity?” Dustin felt a flicker of amusement. She wouldn’t even speak to him directly about the divorce. What kind of dignity was that? Moreover, if she truly valued their past, why was she threatening him?

“I don’t think we have anything more to discuss.”

Reluctant to argue further, Dustin stood up to leave.

“Dustin Rhys! You—”

Just as Lyra was about to lose her temper, a curvaceous woman in a long black dress entered the room. Her skin was as pale as snow, and her features were delicately beautiful. The combination of her commanding presence and alluring figure made her resemble a goddess from a painting.

“You’re finally here.”

Dustin was flooded with mixed emotions upon seeing the stunning woman. They had been married

For three years, they treated each other with care and respect, yet this was how it ended. He still didn’t comprehend what he had done wrong.

“I apologize for being late; I got caught up with something else.”

Dahlia Nicholson took a seat, her expression as impassive as ever.

“You certainly seem busy if you need your secretary to help you manage your divorce,” Dustin remarked.

Dahlia frowned slightly at this but chose not to defend herself. Instead, she stated, “Now that you’re here, let’s get straight to the point. I’d like to conclude this on a positive note. I regret having to do this to you, but you can have the car, the house, and eight million dollars in alimony. How does that sound?”

With that, she placed a card on the table.

“Do you really believe our relationship can be quantified by money?” Dustin asked.

“Is it too little? That’s fine. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll provide anything within my reach,” Dahlia replied calmly.

“I don’t think you understand me. Let me rephrase my question: Are money and power that important to you?” Dustin was genuinely bewildered.

Dahlia moved to the window and gazed out over the city. With determination in her eyes, she said, “To me, yes, they hold great significance.”

“You’ve earned enough to sustain yourself for the rest of your life. Why pursue this?”

“Dustin, that’s where our philosophies diverge. You’ll never grasp what I truly desire.” Dahlia shook her head in disappointment.

They were not only incompatible in status and power, but also in their principles. Most importantly, she saw no future with him.

“You’re right. How could I possibly know what you’re thinking?” Dustin laughed bitterly.

“All I know is how to cook for you when you’re hungry, prepare your coat when it’s cold, and take you to the hospital when you’re sick,” she replied.

“There’s no point in discussing this now.” Dahlia’s face reflected a mix of emotions, but soon her determination took over.

“You’re right.” Dustin nodded, his expression devoid of emotion. “I’ve heard you’ve been close with the heir of the Nolan family. Is that the reason?”

Dahlia was initially inclined to deny it, but after a moment’s thought, she nodded.

“You could say that.”

“Okay. I hope you’re happy with him.” Dustin smiled and signed the divorce agreement without hesitation. Disappointment was all he felt. Ironically, today was also their wedding anniversary, adding a cruel twist to the timing of their divorce.

“I don’t want the money; I just want that crystal necklace back. My mother gave it to me before she died, so I could pass it on to my wife.”

“Okay,” Dahlia said, nodding as she handed him the crystal necklace.

“From this day forward, we will have nothing to do with each other!”

Dustin put on the necklace and walked away, his demeanor now cold and distant.

“Did I do the right thing, Lyra?” Dahlia asked, her voice wavering.

Although she had initiated the divorce, she didn’t feel happy at all once it was finalized.

“Of course you did!” Lyra affirmed. “You have every right to seek happiness. Dustin doesn’t deserve you; he’ll only hold you back. You are meant to be the most powerful woman in Swinton!”

Dahlia remained silent, watching Dustin leave as she felt like she was losing something precious.