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An Understated Dominance Chapter 154
"Venomous curses? How could you be certain? Are you familiar with curses?" Claudia asked, puzzled. "I know a little." Dustin nodded. "Only shady, wicked characters would learn the art of venomous curses. As expected, you are not a good person! Speak up, who are you?" Claudia lifted the sword and pointed it at Dustin. "Claudia! What are you doing? He is our savior!" Sheila quickly stood in front of Dustin to protect him. "Sheila, get out of the way. This man is being suspicious. I must investigate him thoroughly." Claudia’s eyes glittered. "Before you investigate me, I recommend that you get your head checked." Dustin rubbed his temples. "Don’t you know that curses can be used to heal? Of course, many nefarious villains use curses for their own benefit. However, not everyone is as bad as you imagine. It depends on the user’s character. Besides, the martial arts families aren’t as innocent as you make them out to be. Crimes such as pillaging, corruption, and rape are rampan
An Understated Dominance Chapter 155
The next morning, Dustin was awakened by someone knocking on his door. He opened the door to see Hunter at his door."Mr. Anderson, what brings you here so early in the morning?" Dustin yawned."Good news, Mr. Rhys!" Hunter exclaimed with excitement. "The rare herb that you’re looking for, the Gozoraberry, I know where we can find it!""Gozoraberry? Are you sure?" Dustin’s interest was piqued. The Gozoraberry was rare and hard to come by. As with all other rare herbs, it was invaluable. If he could get his hands on the Gozoraberry, then he would only need three more precious herbs to make the Longevitum!"Of course, I’m sure! The Gozoraberry used to be a treasure from Stoneray Valley, but recently, someone bought it at an exorbitant price. And that person happens to be staying at Fallridge Haven!" Hunter nodded. "Oh? Who is it?" Dustin raised a brow."It’s Caden Murray!" Hunter said."Caden Murray? What does he need the Gozoraberry for?" Dustin’s eyes narrowed. He had never met Caden
An Understated Dominance Chapter 156
"What? How did this happen?" Caden’s expression clouded over as he leaped up instantly."I—I don’t know! I found her out cold when I went to wake her up this morning." The maid was in an anxious mess.Before she could finish her sentence, Caden and Lily had already bolted out the door and rushed to their daughter’s room. However, the sight that greeted them when they entered frightened them.Sheila laid unmoving on the Sunburst emerald bed, which originally radiated heat off its surface, but was then covered in a thin sheet of ice.Her face was completely devoid of any color whatsoever, her limbs were cold and rigid, and there was frost building up on her brows and hair. There were even wisps of white mist coming off her body.At first glance, she looked like she had just been brought out of an ice cave of some sort."Sheila!" Lily panicked and threw herself on her daughter, rubbing her arms and breathing warm air on her in an attempt to warm her up."This is bad!" Caden’s expression w
An Understated Dominance Chapter 157
After getting to know the whole situation, Claudia was not the only one who was surprised. Even Lily was astounded too.Had she known Dustin’s identity, she would not have let Caden drive him away so easily. After all, he had helped her daughter!"It’s fortunate that nothing serious happened. Had we thrown the pill away, Sheila would have been in grave danger!" Lily shuddered to think of what could have happened.She considered herself lucky that she still had the pill with her, or the consequences would have been unimaginable."Sheila is safe for the time being, but the coldness within her has yet to be completely eliminated."After checking on Sheila, Caden ordered, "Claudia, go to the medical center and get Dustin here.""But Uncle Caden, you don’t really believe that the fellow can cure Sheila, do you?" Claudia’s expression was one of disbelief. She had a preconceived notion that Dustin wasn’t a trustworthy person."I’d just like to see what treatment plans he has to propose," Cade
An Understated Dominance Chapter 158
"Stop whatever you’re doing!" The voice bellowed.Xavier Horst strode in imposingly and shouted, "Uncle Caden, we do not know this man! We cannot let him put Sheila’s life at risk!""I understand that you’re worried for Sheila, Xavier. But we do not have any better alternatives now. He is our only hope." Caden shook his head."Who says we have not got any better alternatives? See who I brought!" Xavier gestured dramatically and directed everyone’s attention to the entrance.In came a podgy old man dressed in a loose green robe. He made his way in confidently."Dr. Shane?" There was an instant uproar when everyone caught sight of him.The doctors’ seemed to have transformed into eager fanboys who met their idols. Their level of excitement was off the charts. This was, after all, the world-renowned miracle healer, Dr. Malcolm Shane!His expertise in acupuncture was one of a kind, and all these experts and professors were considered nothing compared to him."Dr. Shane?" Caden and the res
An Understated Dominance Chapter 159
The doctors gathered around to reprimand Dustin."Young man, may I know from whom you learned your skills? How dare you brag in front of everyone?" Malcolm gave him a once over, obviously displeased.In all the years he practiced his medical skills, he had never once been doubted. Much less by a rascal who was still wet behind the ears!"Hah! You overestimate yourself! How dare you put on airs in front of Dr. Shane? You’re really asking for it!" Xavier said in a hostile manner."Young man, I do not know where you got the confidence to doubt Dr. Shane, but I would like you to please leave now. Do not disrupt him from saving my daughter!" Caden spoke sternly with an annoyed expression. How dare this fellow tried to take advantage of his benevolence?"There’s no need to drive him out. Let him stay and watch. Since he doubts my skills, I’ll show him what I’m capable of!" Malcolm stood with his hands behind his back. "As expected of Dr. Shane! He carries himself with such dignity and confi
An Understated Dominance Chapter 160
"What?"Everyone turned to look.Sure enough, they found her just as Lily said. Sheila, whose condition seemed to have improved a while ago, now looked much paler than before, and more frost had formed on her brows and hair.From the way things looked, not only had her condition not improved, it even worsened."Dr. Shane, whatever is going on?" Caden’s brows knitted together tightly, his expression stern."This is most peculiar. Technically speaking, she should be fine after the coldness has been expelled." Malcolm found Sheila’s condition very strange. She had been fine just a while ago; how did her condition worsen in just the blink of an eye?"What do we do now, Dr. Shane?" Caden questioned persistently."Don’t be anxious. Let me give it another try." Malcolm didn’t give up just yet. He used the same technique to rid Sheila of the coldness within her.But the results were the same. In just under three minutes, Sheila’s condition went back to square one. It was as though the coldness
An Understated Dominance Chapter 161
Everyone watched wide-eyed as Dustin administered the fiery beetle.The moment it entered Sheila’s body, the effect was immediate. The cold air around her began to dissipate, and in less than three minutes, her body had gone from icy cold to being at a regular temperature.She gained color in her cheeks, and her breathing steadied.Then, under the disbelieving gaze of the crowd, she whimpered and came around."She’s awake?" Astonishment was evident on the crowd’s faces.The fact that a rascal like Dustin was able to cure Sheila of her condition when even Dr. Shane was unable to was beyond them.It was shocking indeed!"H—How is this possible?" Xavier’s eyes widened, bewildered.How could an unknown doctor possess such skills?"How did he do it?" Claudia was equally amazed and terrified.She struggled to come to terms with how something she had always thought was evil had healing properties."I never knew that the mystic arts had such amazing effects!" Malcolm’s eyes lit up as he marvel
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Chapter 2447
After hearing Nathaniel's words, Tristan's expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.It seemed he had underestimated the situation. He had assumed it was just a simple rivalry between brothers; he hadn't anticipated Seamus seizing the chance to further his own agenda.Seamus already wielded considerable influence. Under the guise of supporting Matthias' ascension to the throne, he had been forming alliances and recruiting talents. His influence had grown to rival the royal family's.If Seamus really supported Matthias' ascension, he'd overshadow the king, and no one would be able to stop him. The worst-case scenario would be Seamus using Matthias as a puppet to overthrow the House of Linsor."Nathaniel, is everything you said true?" Tristan frowned."Absolutely. Every word," Nathaniel replied solemnly. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate.""I believe you. But… taking down Seamus won't be easy. Do you have a plan?" Tr
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
