An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"Um... Brian, you were drugged earlier. Thank goodness Dr. Rhys saved you. Otherwise, you might be in grave danger." Alicia quickly spoke up to break the awkward silence.

"What? He saved me?" Brian looked at Dustin in disbelief. "Are you sure about that? I don't remember any of this." "You lost your senses because you were drugged and almost caused a disaster. If Dr. Rhys hadn't intervened, the consequences would have been unimaginable," she said earnestly.

"Yes. You should thank Dr. Rhys," Aurora chimed in with a nod.

"Hmph! Who asked him to save me? He's just sticking his nose where it doesn't belong!" Brian scoffed and glared at Dustin disdainfully.

"I'm tired. I'm heading back to my room to rest," he added coldly before leaving.

He had looked down on Dustin since meeting him. Hence, it was a blow to his pride when he learned that Dustin had saved him. Naturally, Brian couldn't accept this outcome, and apologizing to Dustin was out of the question. "Dr. Rhys, I'm sorry about Brian's attitude. He's stubborn and terrible with words. Please don't take it to heart. "Alicia smiled apologetically.

"It's okay." Dustin shrugged. He never expected Brian to shower him with gratitude. As long as he didn't cause any trouble, Dustin would be grateful.

"Dr. Rhys, what do you think about my earlier proposal at the dinner table?" Alicia suddenly changed the subject.

She continued, "As long as you becour consultant, you'll enjoy plenty of benefits without any obligations. Basically, you'll just be affiliated with us without having to do anything." "Oh? Is that so?" Dustin raised an eyebrow. He was quite surprised upon hearing that. "Well, it's not for anyone. You're the only one to get such an offer," she said with a smile.

Typically, consultants for the Celestial Alliance could enjoy many benefits, but they were also expected to handle a few tasks each year. However, Alicia could tell that Dustin didn't like being tied down or ordered around.

So, she offered him such generous terms. He deserved it. Plus, she valued his talent and wanted to befriend him.

A young genius skilled in medical and martial arts was highly sought after anywhere. Alicia knew that bringing Dustin into the Celestial Alliance, even in nonly, would bring great benefits.

"Since Ms. Marshall invitedso warmly, I'll gladly accept it," Dustin agreed after glancing at Grace, who nodded in approval.

His biggest concern with joining any guild was the hassle and restriction, but Alicia's offer was perfect-benefits without obligations. To him, it was an ideal arrangement.

"Welcome, Dr. Rhys, as a consultant of Celestial Alliance!" Alicia smiled and extended her hand.

"Thank you. I'm looking forward to working with you." Dustin shook her hand.

"Alicia, congratulations on recruiting another valuable member to the Celestial Alliance." Grace smiled.

"Thank you, Faith. If you hadn't brought him here, I would never have discovered such a gem," Alicia replied. "Okay, enough with the formalities. Let's continue our dinner,” Aurora said as she ushered everyone to the dining room.

Brian went inside a room near the courtyard and gently closed the door behind him. He peeked outside through the edge of the curtain to ensure nobody was around.

Then, he quickly drew the curtains shut and pulled out his phone to make a call. "Hey! What's going on? I gave you the address, dispatched selites away, and even played dumb to give you the opportunity.

"And what do I get? You can't even manage to kidnap one person. I'm disappointed with how the Hall of Gods planned things." His tone was full of dissatisfaction.

A deep voice responded from the other end. "Mr. Stern, today's event was unexpected. We made a mistake e in choosing the Pthe wrong people which led to the plan's failure. But rest assured, we'll find a way to fix this and ensure it doesn't happen again." "Fix it? How?" Brian frowned.

He went on, "After what happened today, the Marshall sisters will only becmore cautious. They'vem already called for reinforcement, and more skilled elites will arrive tomorrow to protect them.

Kidnapping them will be nearly impossible!" The person on the other end replied, " Please calm down. We already have a plan in place. You just focus on participating in the Combat Tournament as usual.

"On the days of the finals, we'll stir up a storm at Sacred Wrym Summit. Then, we can go ahead with the kidnapping plan." "What do you mean by stirring up a storm?" Brian raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry. It's confidential information, and I can't tell you. I hope you understand." "Fine. I'm not interested in your confidential stuff anyway. But don't forget our collaboration," Brian reminded him.

"Mr. Stern, rest assured. Once this plan succeeds, we will fully support you in ascending to the position of guildmaster." "Okay." Brian smiled. Becoming the Celestial Alliance guildmaster had been his lifelong dream, but Fenley was always in his way.

The hope of inheriting the position seemed dim. So, he had to find another way, even if it meant om betraying the guild or his country. He was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goal.