An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2544

Dustin’s expression darkened, and his voice grew sharper. Staying silent and allowing Nathaniel to search him without protest would only make him seem more suspicious.

“Logan, there’s been a break-in. The entire mansion is under lockdown. For your safety, we need to conduct a search,” Nathaniel said, his own expression tightening.

He was certain Dustin was the culprit, but without concrete evidence, he couldn’t accuse him outright. If Dustin resisted, Nathaniel was ready to act.

“A break-in?” Dustin raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? Is that what the tremor earlier was about?”

“We’ll explain everything later. Right now, we can’t risk anyone slipping away. I have to search your quarters,” Nathaniel said firmly.

He had no intention of offering further explanation. With a gesture, he signaled Lycas and Bryce to move in.

The two exchanged a look, then rushed into the inner room, a group of guards close behind.

Nathaniel gave Dustin a long, scrutinizing look before following them inside.

The spacious, orderly room was bathed in a soft, warm light.

Seated calmly in the glow was a woman in a red dress. Her dark hair was styled into an elegant updo, adorned with a golden ornament that swayed gently. Pearls embedded in it caught the light and cast delicate shadows across her face.

Her eyebrows were finely arched, and the slight tilt of her eyes gave her a graceful, almost mischievous air. Her shifting gaze made her eyes gleam with a charm deeper than any gem.

Her nose was delicately sculpted, and her lips—naturally red—curved into a smile as entrancing as a flower blooming in snow. Even her dimples suggested a touch of playful grace.

“Felicia? What are you doing here?”

Nathaniel asked as he entered the room with his team, frowning in surprise at the sight of her.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” she said.

She slowly looked up, gently placing a chess piece on the board. Rising with poise, she bowed respectfully and added, “I was playing chess with Mr. Rhys and became so absorbed I didn’t notice anything happening outside.”

Her voice was soft and melodic, laced with casual elegance.

Nathaniel glanced at the board. The black and white pieces were locked in a tense standoff, as if frozen mid-battle.

He turned to Felicia and asked, his tone edged with doubt, “Have you two been playing chess the entire time?”

She nodded slightly and replied evenly, “Yes. We haven’t left this room at all.”
Nathaniel didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on Dustin, who had just entered the room. Yet, the suspicion in his eyes lingered.

“Lycas, Bryce—search the house, inside and out. Look for any sign of intruders,” Nathaniel ordered.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Lycas and Bryce acknowledged the command and immediately began scouring the yard and rooms. They searched thoroughly, but nothing unusual turned up. There wasn’t a single clue pointing to any hidden trespassers.

“Since someone’s broken into the mansion, would you like my assistance?” Dustin offered.

“There’s no need. I’ll take care of it myself,” Nathaniel replied.

He gave a short grunt and motioned for his men to withdraw. Though he still suspected Dustin’s involvement, the lack of concrete evidence left him with no choice but to bury his doubts for now.

Of course, it was still possible the thief was someone else entirely.

Once outside the guesthouse, Nathaniel issued another order. “Lycas, Bryce! Mobilize all available troops. Search the entire mansion—leave no area unchecked. Tear up the ground if you must, but find that thief.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

They bowed quickly, then gathered their forces and departed.

Nathaniel had already secured all the mansion’s exits.

If the thief was still inside, they couldn’t have escaped in such a short time. They had to be hiding somewhere on the estate. As long as the search remained thorough, the thief would eventually be found.

As the footsteps faded into the distance, Dustin closed the door, turned, and looked at Felicia. He asked with quiet curiosity, “Why are you helping me?”

After escaping the vault and returning to the guesthouse, he was surprised to find someone waiting in his room—Felicia.

At first, he thought he’d been discovered. But something felt off. Felicia didn’t seem intent on turning him in. Instead, she’d hidden his night clothes and mask within compartments in the chessboard.

Before he could question her, Nathaniel had arrived with his men, and Felicia had smoothly played her part to cover for him.

But Dustin still didn’t understand her motive. She worked for Nathaniel, after all.

Felicia smiled and settled back at the table. She sipped her tea before replying, “Mr. Rhys, don’t worry. I’m helping you because it benefits me as well.”

She set the cup down and, with a knowing smile, added, “On paper, I’m Nathaniel’s advisor. In reality, I’m nothing more than a puppet.

“I know better than anyone that staying with him won’t end well. I want out. I understand your situation is complicated, and helping you now ensures I have a way forward.

“I don’t want to live under his thumb anymore. I want freedom—and right now, you’re the only one who can give me that.”