An Understated Dominance - Chapter 371

Florence and the others were shocked into silence by Dustin’s bold speech. They couldn’t believe he had the nerve to embarrass Gloria, the respected third matriarch of the Nicholsons, in public.

“How dare you! You think you can teach me a lesson? I could ruin your family with just one word!” Gloria shouted, cradling her flushed face in anger. She had lost her usual calm demeanor.

“You can try,” Dustin replied, unfazed by her threats. Gloria scoffed and laughed mockingly. “Florence, what a wonderful family you have. I came all the way to Swinton to help your family rise in status. And yet, you repay me with rebellion? This letter appointing you as Chairman of the Cardinal Group would be better suited for someone else! Since you’re not interested, I’ll have the family patriarch cancel your appointment.”

In a panic, Florence fell to her knees. “Madam Gloria, please, let’s not make hasty decisions. This guy has nothing to do with us. Don’t blame us for his actions.”

Dakota jumped in, “Don’t listen to her, Grandma! He’s their son-in-law!” “Ex-son-in-law! They divorced long ago!” Florence corrected her angrily.

“Hmph! That doesn’t matter! Since he was part of the Nicholsons, he’s still family!” Gloria said darkly. “You better give us a satisfactory response, or you’re no longer family!”

“Right! I’ll make him apologize right away!” Florence nodded vigorously and turned to Dustin. “Rhys! Why are you still standing there? Get on your knees!”

“You can kneel all you want.

“I’m not going to give in to her,” Dustin said lazily.

“Did you hear that? This brat has no manners!” Gloria was furious.

“Bastard! I told you to apologize!” Florence yelled, her anger boiling over. She stood up, ready to slap him, but Dustin grabbed her hand.

He clenched his teeth and said coldly, “Don’t drag me into your plans!” With a forceful shove, he pushed her away.

Florence stumbled back, nearly losing her balance. Her rage hit a peak. “Wow! You just touched me? Dahlia! Look at this man you love!”

“Enough!” Dahlia stood up, glaring at Gloria and her group.

“Madam Gloria, I’m not sure why you’re here. If it’s an important matter, let’s get to it. I don’t see the point in your show of power,” Dahlia said firmly. She appreciated the chance she had but wouldn’t let them walk all over her.

“Dahlia Nicholson, how dare you speak that way to Grandma?” Dakota scolded her sharply.

Dahlia replied calmly, “What’s wrong with my tone? I’m just asking for clarity. If the family patriarch thinks I’m unfit for the position, I won’t mind if he takes it back.”

“You…” Dakota was ready to argue again, but Gloria raised her hand to stop her.

“Alright, since you want to talk seriously, let’s stick to the usual rules,” Gloria said, backing off at the mention of the family patriarch, though her expression remained unfriendly.

“Even though the family patriarch has made you the chairman of Cardinal Group, there’s one condition: you need to prove you have what it takes to lead.”

“Group,” she said.

“And how should I do that?” Dahlia asked.

“It’s simple,” he replied. “The company is expanding and urgently needs one billion dollars. You’ll pass the test when you secure that amount in investments.”

“One billion?” Dahlia echoed, surprised.