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An Understated Dominance Chapter 1235
"Oh, my goodness! Is that Lord Xenos? What is he doing here?""Look at his entourage. It doesn't seem like they're here for the engagement party.""Exactly! Who brings that many guards to a banquet? It's pretty clear that trouble's brewing."George's arrival immediately caused a stir. Even the members of the Grant family couldn't hide their uneasiness.After all, George was a viceroy. He held a great deal of power throughout the Southern province, both military and political. He was a high-ranking official, a truly influential figure.In the presence of such an important person, even Tyler, a powerful general, had to exercise restraint."Dustin, are you all right?" George asked as he came in."I'm fine, thank you, Lord Xenos," Dustin replied politely."That's good." George smiled. Then, he turned to Tyler. His expression suddenly turned stern. "Tyler, you have abused your authority as a third-ranking official. Do you think no one can keep you in check?"George's words were
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1236
An elderly man, who radiated authority and seriousness, arrived, causing a sudden tension in the atmosphere."It's General Murray! General Murray is here!""What's going on today? Why is General Murray coming here? He usually keeps a low profile.""Oh dear, it seems trouble has found its way to the Grant family!"George's arrival was already quite surprising, but Christopher's appearance was even more astonishing. Christopher was a highly respected Grand General and protector of the kingdom. He had achieved remarkable feats and held a revered position. With his life devoted to warfare, his many followers, and his unmatched power, connections, and influence, he stood as the foremost figure in Balerno. He even cast a shadow over George, the viceroy of the Southern province."Kid, I'm here to support you today. Let's see who dares to act recklessly!" Christopher wasted no time and openly declared his support for Dustin.This unexpected move stunned everyone. Whispers filled th
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1237
"General Murray, our families never crossed paths before. Why did you have to come all the way here today to cause trouble?" Tyler frowned.With his current power, he couldn't directly confront these two powerful forces. But that didn't mean he had to give in. As one of the Tremendous Three, the Grant family had the influence and strength to match them. If they really fought, the result would be uncertain."Why am I here?" Christopher chuckled."If your family didn't cause trouble, why would I be here? Are you saying your family can do whatever you want, but we can't? "Today is Dustin's birthday, and as his elder, I originally planned to attend the celebration at Zephyr Lodge. But as soon as I heard about the situation, I rushed here with my men."Tyler, if you don't want this to get out of hand, release the hostage immediately, or you will suffer the consequences!" George threatened sternly."Ty, maybe ... we should think about it?" Kate hesitated and said it softly. "It's
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1238
The Grant family had been a powerful force for generations. Their strength came from their accumulated influence over the years. Arthur, the former family patriarch, was a brilliant strategist.In the past, during power struggles, he made wise decisions to form alliances. He rose in the political world, became a significant figure within the family, and earned the title of Earl of Loyalty and Valor.Arthur's authority and military capabilities were comparable to Christopher's and even exceeded him in certain aspects. The only difference was that Christopher achieved his position through battles, while Arthur excelled in politics. Regardless of their paths, they were both remarkable men."Haha! This is great! Sir Arthur is here!""With Sir Arthur here, no one will ever challenge our family again."The arrival of Arthur brought joy to the Grant family, filling them with a renewed sense of relief. They found their source of strength and put their worries to rest."Kate! There is h
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1239
"You gonna tear down my place?" Arthur taunted. "Christopher, just because you have your men with you doesn't mean you get to mess around in my territory. Your Murray family may be strong, but they are no match for the Grant family. I won't hold back from taking action because I'm in charge here.""You won't hold back, huh? Let's have a match and see who's tougher!" Christopher rolled up his sleeves, getting ready for a fight.He figured a good fight would be more satisfactory than endless conversation."Christopher, itching for a brawl, aren't you? Alright, I'll find someone you can fight!" Arthur raised his voice and shouted, "Zachary, it's your turn!""Hahaha!" Suddenly, there was an eruption of laughter from all sides.It was so loud that the crowd was forced to cover their ears. Out of nowhere, a crimson figure fell from the sky like a cannonball. The figure landed with a loud explosion that sent rocks flying and a cloud of dust billowing.A strong wind from the explosio
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1240
Zachary flashed a sly grin. "Some argue that military strategy and martial arts are two different things. I'm curious if you are the master of combat, or is it my martial arts that will shine?"His words excited the onlookers as they sensed a challenge brewing.It was clear that a duel was going to happen. Christopher was best in strategy and tactics, while Zachary had few rivals in martial arts within the Balerno.Zachary had publicly challenged Christopher, and declining it would ruin Christopher's reputation."Zachary, you're not qualified to take on General Murray. Allow me to take the challenge instead!"Suddenly, a stern and authoritative female voice broke the tension.All eyes turned toward a striking woman in red armor with short silver hair and an intimidating aura. She was carrying a three-foot viridescent sword and radiated a commanding presence."Wow! Look who's here, the Scarlet Warrior!""Gosh, am I imagining things? Dragonmarsh's top Goddess of War has joined in
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1241
"What? The God of War? This can't be real!""Oh, my goodness! First, we had the Scarlet Warrior, and now it's Adam, the God of War. Is the world turning upside down?""What's happening? Who could get the Spanners' twins involved?"With Adam's arrival, the scene became even more chaotic.Adam's reputation was comparable to, if not surpassed, Scarlet's. She earned her military rank through combat skill, bravery, and exceptional martial abilities.Conversely, while skilled in martial arts, Adam was also known for his strategic brilliance. During his military service, he won numerous battles, often overcoming numerical and tactical disadvantages with his brilliant plans. He was a mastermind.While Scarlet excelled in combat skills, Adam shone with his exceptional intelligence. These sibling prodigies, known as the Spanners' twins, were unrivaled in military expertise throughout Dragonmarsh."We're in trouble now! The God of War has arrived!" Kate panicked, sweating nervously.Dea
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1242
Scarlet was a prominent figure in the nation, establishing herself as a potential leader in the political scene. Zachary may be skilled in martial arts but would not dare to challenge such an influential person."Why are you silent now? Weren't you showing off just now? If you're brave enough, then fight me. Let's see your abilities," Scarlet jeered, shifting everyone's attention to Zachary.Zachary found himself in a dilemma. Acknowledging defeat would damage his reputation. But winning could lead to more trouble, risking consequences from the Martial Arts Union and potential blacklisting."Scarlet, I used to have a close relationship with your father. Is it fair to bring a crowd to my mansion?" Arthur asked seriously.Scarlet replied breezily, "What does your connection with my father have to do with me?""You!" Arthur seethed with anger, feeling embarrassed to be reprimanded by someone younger."Alright, let's calm down," Adam smiled and stepped forward. He turned to Arthur
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Chapter 2446
An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise.Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time."Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile."No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink—this wariness had become second nature."You asked to meet me on short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point."Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling."Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then.""Given how things
Chapter 2445
In another luxurious mansion in the Inner City, a female spy dressed in black, cloaked in a hood, was reporting the results of her investigation to Nathaniel."Your Highness, the Moseys have been particularly active recently and are rallying allies. Many of the eight great families and other influential factions have already allied with them. If left unchecked, they'll pose a serious threat to us," she said, kneeling with her head lowered slightly."So the Moseys are backing Matthias, huh?" Nathaniel sat quietly, his expression unreadable."The Moseys have grand ambitions. While they claim to support Prince Matthias, they're merely setting him up as a puppet to rise to power and expand their own influence," she revealed.She had been infiltrating the Moseys' mansion for years and had gained a deep understanding of their operations, from the smallest details to the key players.Though Seamus appeared as a benevolent philanthropist, it was all a façade. Behind closed doors, he was r
Chapter 2444
That night, two young men sat playing chess inside a secluded mansion in the Inner City. On the left was Anders, who had visited the Ballard estate earlier. Across from him sat Matthias, a broad-shouldered man dressed in richly adorned robes.The game was intense, with fast moves followed by moments of deep thought. About ten minutes later, Anders finally conceded defeat."Anders, you've really improved since we last played. You almost had me there," Matthias said, stroking his beard in mild surprise."You flatter me, Your Highness. My chess skills are nothing compared to yours. If you hadn't gone easy on me, I wouldn't have lasted half as long," Anders replied with a modest smile."You're as smooth with words as ever." Matthias let out a hearty laugh with a look of smug satisfaction. Winning was in his nature—whether in war or on the chessboard, defeat was not an option."Well, we've eaten, and we've played. Let's get to business." With a wave of his hand, he signaled his men t
Chapter 2443
"Honestly, we shouldn't waste time debating who's better suited to be king. We just need to figure out who's most likely to take the throne," Jensen said matter-of-factly.As a businessman, he only cared about maximizing profit. To him, it didn't matter who sat on the throne but who had the best odds. He felt that backing that person would be the wisest choice."Who's most likely depends on who has the strongest backing," Jonathan said thoughtfully."Oh, right! I forgot to ask—who are the Moseys supporting?" Jovian asked, smacking his forehead. They'd been discussing this for so long but still hadn't figured out where the Moseys stood."My guess is Prince Nathaniel." Jensen narrowed his eyes as he analyzed the situation. "He's close to Anders. With his immense potential and the king's favor, the Moseys might see him as their best bet.""Anders' personal ties can't speak for the entire Mosey family," Jovian countered, shaking his head. "Family interests outweigh personal relationsh
Chapter 2442
Even without the king's involvement, the ambitious individuals would tear the Ballard family apart and leave nothing behind.If Simon chose the right side and it prevailed, his family could enjoy a century of stability and prosperity. But if he backed the wrong prince, everything could fall apart in a single night.At that moment, he didn't know what to choose. This was a critical decision—one mistake and the entire family could be ruined."Regarding this matter, I need to think it over carefully. I can't give you an answer just yet," Simon said. He knew the stakes were too high. A single misstep could lead to disaster, so he had to be cautious."I understand," Anders replied with a faint smile. "This isn't an easy decision. Still, I hope Your Lordship can decide soon.""Your Lordship, the forces seeking a marriage alliance with the Mosey family aren't limited to your family alone," Zack added coolly. "Don't think you can afford to wait for the highest bidder. Time is running out,
Chapter 2441
"In response to Your Lordship's question, this marriage alliance between our two families isn't my decision alone—it's also my godfather's and the entire Mosey family's," Anders said with a smile."According to the established rules, marriages between royal bloodlines are forbidden. Have you forgotten?" Simon replied coolly. "Sticking to outdated rules only holds us back," Anders said, shaking his head with a smile.He continued, "Right now, Dragonmarsh is going through a turbulent time—internally and externally. I've also heard the king's health is deteriorating. There are rumors he plans to name a successor and step down soon."With that, Oakvale will likely be in turmoil. When that happens, all the powerful families—the four ancient houses, the eight great families, and other factions—will be dragged into the chaos."That's why I'm hoping our families can form a marriage alliance to navigate the coming crisis together."Simon remained calm and said, "It's natural for the king
Chapter 2440
"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked, turning to Simon."A guest has arrived, so we can't be rude. Invite them to the living room so we can discuss things properly," Simon replied calmly.Anders represented the Mosey family, and regardless of his intentions, Simon couldn't simply turn him away. As for the proposed marriage alliance, it was a matter that required thorough consideration."Understood," the butler replied promptly before leaving."Go on with your meal. I'm going to meet with Anders," Simon said, excusing himself from the table.Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian exchanged glances and, without hesitation, followed their father. They were curious to see what the Mosey family had in mind."Alright, let them handle it. Let's focus on our meal," Gemma Letcher, Natasha's grandmother, said with a smile and signaled everyone to continue eating.…Three minutes later, in the Ballard family's living room, Simon sat at the head of the table near the entrance. Jonathan and his b
Chapter 2439
After leaving Dash Corporation, Dustin and Natasha headed to the mall, where they picked out gifts for every member of the Ballard family. From the eldest to the youngest toddlers, no one was left out. Later, they stopped by an antique shop and chose a beautiful calligraphy painting as a special gift for Simon.By evening, Dustin had everything ready for his first visit to the Ballard estate, located in the heart of Oakvale's city center. The estate was a sprawling courtyard mansion built on a large plot of land.Simon, the Duke of Lachshire, had three sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Jonathan Ballard, was a third-ranked official in the government. The second son, Jensen Ballard, was a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry in Oakvale, with billions in assets. Meanwhile, the youngest son, Jovian Ballard, had made a name for himself in the military and was now a third-ranked general.Simon's youngest daughter, Jessica—Natasha's mother—was highly favored with
Chapter 2438
While Dustin was away, Natasha couldn't help but worry about him. She would always keep an eye out for any news about him. But no matter how much she missed him, she wouldn't call him. She didn't want to distract or cause him to lose focus on the important matters concerning the nation's affairs. Understanding how busy he was, she kept her feelings in check and buried herself in work to keep her mind occupied.But when Natasha finally saw Dustin again, all the emotions she had bottled up came rushing out. Months of longing turned into overwhelming affection, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.Her assistant, Tanya, watched in shock. She had no idea Natasha—typically the poised, decisive, and commanding chairwoman—was in a relationship. What surprised her even more was how different Natasha seemed around Dustin. The usually unshakable "queen" now appeared soft and tender in his presence.Tanya couldn't help but watch Dustin more closely. His looks and charisma were u
