An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori Chapter 1324
“Rhys.”
“Mr. Rhys, congratulations on your win. “Carrying the box containing Enchanting Elegance, Keanu walked respectfully toward Dustin.
With a smile, he said, “Allow me to present you this priceless treasure, Enchanting Elegance, on behalf of Regal Court.””Let me inspect it first.” Cody was the first to receive the box from Keanu. Upon opening it, his eyes lit up.
“What a precious item!” After confirming its authenticity, Cody finally noticed he was out of line. After all, Dustin was the one who earned the prize. If he kept it for himself without any explanation, he would undoubtedly be criticized for it.
The best course of action was for Dustin to offer it up to him voluntarily. That way, he could accept it graciously and gain both the treasure and recognition.
It would be the perfect plan!
“Dustin, although I’ve long admired Enchanting Elegance, it is your rightful win. I won’t take what belongs to you.” Cody put on a pained expression as he spoke.
While he was giving the box to Dustin, he suddenly stopped. “Of course, if you don’t like it, I can keep it for you. If you ever decide-“!
“Okay, thanks.” Dustin accepted the box before Cody could finish his sentence.
“Huh?” Cody was taken aback. This wasn’t what he had planned. Shouldn’t he have declined out of politeness? Why did he just accept it? Had he not given enough hints?
“Hey, Rhys! What do you mean by this? Are you really going to keep Enchanting Elegance for yourself?” Harper was upset by what she just witnessed.
“Keep it for myself?” Dustin frowned slightly. Turning to Keanu, he asked, “Mr. Jankow, isn’t it the rule that anyone with the most correct answers gets the painting?”
“That’s right.” Keanu nodded. “That’s strange. That means this should belong to me now. Why are you saying that I am keeping it for myself?” When Dustin finished speaking, he already had his questioning gaze on Harper.
He wasn’t actually interested in Enchanting Elegance. Still, it didn’t mean he would give it away for free. Her demanding demeanor especially disgusted him.
“You did win Enchanting Elegance, but shouldn’t we get credit too?”
Harper insisted indignantly, “Putting everything aside, if Cody hadn’t brought you in here, would you even have the chance to get your hands on it? Shouldn’t you show some appreciation?”
“That’s right! You should learn to repay kindness. If it wasn’t for Cody, you wouldn’t have a chance to answer the questions. It’s only right to present the painting to Cody!” Caldwell chimed in.
“By the sound of it, it seems like I should sell my soul to Cody just for entering Regal Court,” Dustin sneered.
“Ms. Busch, please get your facts. straight. If I didn’t get involved, Enchanting Elegance still wouldn’t have been yours. You would have even lost Harmony Healers because of your impulsive recklessness!”
“Bullshit!” Harper wouldn’t admit it.
“Did you think we wouldn’t win if you weren’t here? What a joke! I was just getting warmed up! Even if you kept quiet, I would have won without a problem!”
“You got three answers wrong in a row. Who’s going to believe you?” Dustin sniggered.
“I-Those were just mistakes,” Harper insisted stubbornly. However, her voice was much lower. It was clear that her conscience was eating at her. “Harper Busch, how shameless can you get?” At that moment, Lana swayed alluringly toward them.
“This handsome gentleman just helped you and allowed Harmony Healers to escape unscathed. It’s fine if you’re not grateful. Yet you dare set eyes on his painting?
“Where’s your dignity? Must’ve left it somewhere in the trash.”
Harper immediately flushed at her words.
