An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2539

When Dustin heard Felicia’s words, his hand paused briefly before placing the chess piece.

He smiled. “I thought you came to learn chess, not to deliver messages.”

Felicia let out a light, teasing laugh. “With a mind like yours, how could you not already know why I’m here?”

Then, more sincerely, she added, “Prince Nathaniel saved my life and received me as an honored guest. It’s only right that I repay his kindness by helping with his concerns. I hope that doesn’t trouble you.”

“You’re honest and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?” Dustin replied with a faint smile.

He had expected her to open with flattery or charm. Her straightforwardness, instead, caught him by surprise.

“To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never shown this level of interest in anyone before,” Felicia said, placing another chess piece on the board.

She smiled and continued, “I can tell he genuinely wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I’d like to help make that happen. If you’re willing, just say the word. Whatever your terms, I’ll accept them.”

As she finished speaking, she slowly raised her head. Her eyes sparkled with an indescribable allure.

The top ten on the Beauty Ranking weren’t judged by appearance alone. What set them apart was their status, influence, and talent.

Felicia held the eighth position. Her appearance and figure left little room for criticism.

Her warm, inviting gaze was framed by ink-dark arched brows.

Her small, straight nose had a sculpted precision that gave her face striking definition.

Her lips were naturally rosy. When she smiled, subtle dimples appeared—gentle and disarming.

Her skin was fair and flawless, with a pearly glow that shimmered in the sunlight, lending her the elegance of a figure painted from an artist’s brush. She was the kind of beauty that made it difficult to look away.

Even Dustin, who had seen many beautiful women, was momentarily stunned when their eyes met.

She wasn’t just beautiful—every movement exuded effortless, captivating charm.

He knew this was a classic honey trap, but oddly enough, he didn’t mind.

Felicia spoke with such sincerity, it was almost persuasive. Dustin had to admit—Nathaniel had played this hand well.

“Mr. Rhys, look at the board,” she said with a warm smile.

She deliberately shifted the subject, giving him space to think without pressing for an answer.

She continued, “Black and white may compete, but only when they work in harmony can they create a brilliant game. It’s the same with you and Prince Nathaniel. If the two of you joined forces, you’d have the advantage in this ever-shifting landscape.”

“Life is like chess. One wrong move, and you lose the whole game,” Dustin replied with a smile.
“There’s nothing wrong with being cautious,” she replied. “But if you’re too cautious, you might miss your chance—and that would be a shame.”

Felicia began placing her pieces more quickly. Her strategy shifted to offense. With each move, she laid subtle traps, trying to corner Dustin.

“I’ve always been cautious,” he said evenly. “I’d rather do nothing than make the wrong move.”

Yet he navigated every threat with precision, countering at just the right moments. Gradually, the momentum began to shift.

Felicia, once on the offensive, suddenly found herself at a disadvantage.

“Well played,” she said, smiling as she watched Dustin move another piece.

Felicia had always taken pride in her chess skills, but he had clearly outmaneuvered her. In just a few moves, he had flipped the board and trapped her.

His technique was nothing short of masterful.

“Mr. Rhys, your chess skills are truly impressive. I must admit—I’m outmatched,” Felicia said.

She placed her piece down and gave him a respectful nod. Her gaze shimmered with admiration.

At first, she had thought Dustin was just a skilled martial artist. But now, she saw him as someone with both strength and brilliance. She finally understood why Nathaniel held him in such high regard.

“You flatter me. It was just luck,” Dustin said modestly.

“If you’re interested, I’d love a rematch tonight. I promise—it’ll be an experience you won’t forget,” Felicia said with a flirtatious smile.

Her tone was no longer subtle. It was an open invitation.

Dustin cleared his throat. “I don’t usually play chess in the evening,” he said.

He deliberately feigned ignorance of her true meaning.

“Mr. Rhys, you really don’t know how to take a hint.”

Felicia was visibly frustrated. It was rare to meet a man who was not only handsome and talented but also excelled in both martial arts and intellect. Letting him go felt like a waste.

Who knew when she’d find someone like him again? Rather than surrender herself to some pompous old man, why not choose Dustin for her first time? At least then, she might actually enjoy it.

“Ms. Thorns, since you’ve come all this way, I can’t let you leave empty-handed,” Dustin said.

He retrieved a delicate, ornate box and set it on the table with a smile.

“This contains the Dracan essence Prince Nathaniel needs. Please deliver it to him for me. As for the matter of loyalty—I still need time to consider it seriously.”

“Dracan essence?” Felicia’s eyes lit up at the words.

She had come with two goals: to secure the Dracan essence and to persuade Dustin to join their cause.

She had expected both tasks to take time. But now that half the mission was already accomplished, she could return to Nathaniel with some good news.