An Understated Dominance - Chapter 63

“No! That’s impossible!” Dahlia thought, shaking her head at the idea. Dustin, despite his good looks, was just an average man with nothing special about him.

Mason, on the other hand, had taken over Sir Spanner’s position and led the Drey Group. He had dozens of henchmen ready to follow his orders. Why would he feel threatened by someone like Dustin?

Dahlia realized she must be imagining things. Mason’s kicks and punches kept hitting Mr. Chansey, making him spit blood.

Mr. Chansey felt he had no choice but to beat Mr. Chansey. He was afraid that if he didn’t, Dustin would get angry and retaliate.

“I’m sorry, Sir Zims! I was wrong! Please stop, I beg you!” Mr. Chansey cried out in desperation.

Mason only paused when he noticed Dustin looking calmer than before. He felt lucky to have someone else to blame; otherwise, he would be in trouble.

“Apologizing won’t help you! If Ms. Nicholson doesn’t forgive you, you won’t see tomorrow!” Mason scolded.

“I’m so sorry, Ms. Nicholson! It was all my fault. This will never happen again. Please forgive me!” Mr. Chansey pleaded, now on his knees, his arrogance gone.

“That’s enough. Don’t ever let me see you again!” Dahlia said coldly.

“Yes, I’ll leave right now!” He nodded quickly and rushed for the door, forgetting his shoe that had fallen off.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Nicholson. It’s my fault. He disrespected you because I didn’t discipline him properly. I’ll think about my mistakes,” Mason said with a polite smile. He was clever enough to keep Dustin’s low profile a secret.

“How fair and just you are,” Dahlia replied.

“Sir Zims, I’m impressed,” Dahlia said with a slight smile.

“Oh no, I’m just doing what’s right,” Mason replied, feeling a bit guilty.

“Hmph, at least you know where you stand!” Matt declared proudly. “If Dahlia had been hurt today, I wouldn’t have let you off the hook!”

“No, I wouldn’t dare,” Mason said, still wearing his apologetic smile. He didn’t know much about Matt, but since he was with Mr. Rhys, Mason figured it was best not to mess with him.

“Take your men and get lost. You’re just an eyesore!” Matt said, looking down on him.

Mason didn’t respond. He glanced at Dustin for a moment before leaving. Soon, all his followers scattered.

“Once again, Matt saves the day!” Florence exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. “Dahlia, did you see that? Sir Zims was so cocky before, but once he saw Matt, he looked like he was about to panic! That shows how powerful the Laneys are!”

Hearing this, the crowd started to understand.

“No wonder Sir Zims was scared. We have a big shot here!” someone said.

“I wonder who that handsome guy is. It’s impressive how he made Sir Zims back down like that!” another person added.

“He’s good-looking and powerful. How can anyone resist a man like that?” a few ladies in the crowd gushed.

“The Laneys are a powerful noble family. We have a say in what happens here. Dealing with a thug is nothing for us,” Matt said, smiling modestly.

“It may be easy for you, but it wouldn’t be for everyone,” Florence said with a sly glance at Dustin. “Hey, Rhys…”

“Matt just saved your life. Aren’t you going to thank him?” Florence asked, arms crossed.

“Why should I thank him?” Dustin replied, confused.

“Because if Matt hadn’t dealt with Sir Zims, do you think you would have gotten away without a scratch?” Florence shot back.

“First of all, I didn’t need his help. Second, he had nothing to do with my escape,” Dustin insisted.

“Ugh! You’re so stubborn!” Florence exclaimed in frustration. “Matt just saved you, and instead of being grateful, you’re acting so proud. Don’t you have any conscience?”

“Exactly! How rude!” some girls nearby chimed in, clearly upset with Dustin’s attitude.

“He should be thanking Matt instead of being so ungrateful! He should have been left to fend for himself!” another girl added.

“Come on, it’s not a big deal. Let’s not make a fuss,” Matt said, trying to be generous and calm.

“Oh, Matt, you’re too kind! People like him deserve to learn a lesson!” Florence replied angrily.

“I only saved him for Dahlia’s sake,” Matt said with a slight smile, then turned to Dustin. “By the way, I should be thanking you. Thank you for looking after Dahlia while I was gone for the past three years.”

Matt’s words seemed to have a deeper meaning, as if he was claiming Dahlia as his own.

“Well, if you’re thanking me, why don’t you kneel before me? That’s not too much to ask, is it?” Dustin challenged.

Matt was taken aback and narrowed his eyes slightly. “Is he serious? Does he really think I’m that easy?” he thought to himself.

“Hey Rhys, I’m warning you, you…”

“Better watch your mouth!” Florence shouted, clearly angry.

Dahlia stayed quiet, but she frowned too. She thought Dustin had gone too far. After all, Matt had helped him out of a tough spot. Even if Dustin didn’t feel thankful, he should at least be respectful.

“Dustin, you only won her over because I was away. But now that I’m back, you won’t get another chance,” Matt said in a low voice as he stepped closer to Dustin.

“Is that so? I disagree,” Dustin replied, shrugging his shoulders.

“You need to know your place. We’re in completely different leagues,” Matt said, adjusting his suit and looking down at Dustin with disdain. “Do you really think you can understand how different our social standings are? Everything you can’t even dream of is within my reach. That’s the difference between us!”

He spoke quietly, only loud enough for Dustin to hear.

“I don’t know where your big ego comes from, but you should know this: don’t mess with me,” Dustin said, his face emotionless.

Matt let out a mean laugh. “Alright, we’ll see about that.” He reached out to pat Dustin on the shoulder but hesitated, then slowly pulled his hand back as if he were afraid it would get dirty. The gesture was full of humiliation.

“Okay, let’s not waste time talking to someone like him. How about I treat you to a nice meal at Hillview Hotel to celebrate your return?” Florence suggested with a smile.

“I would be honored,” Matt replied, turning around with his innocent act back on, a smile on his face.

“Let’s go then.” Without saying anything else, Florence led Dahlia away. Dahlia wanted to say something to Dustin but struggled to find the right words.

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