An Understated Dominance (Maria Vittori) novel Chapter 961

But Dustin's attitude only stirred Vanessa's competitive spirit.

"Hey, can't you be a little friendlier?" Vanessa pouted teasingly.

"It's polite to return kind gestures. I'll lose sleep if I don't repay you."

"You'll be fine with a couple of sleeping pills. Goodbye," Dustin replied curtly before walking away.

"Wait, mister!"

Vanessa tried to catch up to him but stumbled after a few steps. As she fell, her torn clothing revealed her voluptuous figure.

Dustin paused briefly to remove his coat and tossed it to her.

"Thanks!" Vanessa quickly covered herself with the coat, feeling genuinely grateful.

"Vanessa!"

A man and woman approached. Their elegant fashion tastes made it easy to tell that they held a higher status than ordinary citizens.

"I'm here!" Vanessa waved at them, her spirits lifting.

"Where did you go, Vanessa?

"Why didn't you inform us? We were so worried!" The woman in red feigned annoyance.

"What happened to you, Vanessa? And why are you dressed like this? Did something bad happen?" The man in black was puzzled.

"I encountered some thugs earlier. But thankfully, this young man saved me!" Vanessa recounted, fear still in her voice.

"I see." The man in black studied Dustin doubtfully.

"Thank you for saving Vanessa," said the woman in red.

She nodded respectfully before continuing, "I'm Emily Hoyles, and I belong to Azure Mist.

"This is my senior, Nathan Hoyles. Mind if I ask for your name?"

"My surname's Rhys." Dustin nodded politely in return.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Rhys." Emily smiled.