Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
An Understated Dominance Chapter 264
"Dustin, we've already let her go, so it's your turn!" Edwin tried his best to suppress his rage. If not for Dustin pulling such dirty tricks, he wouldn't be in this situation! "I didn't say anything about letting anyone go." Dustin obviously wasn't going to let the matter slide. "You abducted Ms. Harmon and harmed members of the Harmon family. Do you think I'll let you off the hook so easily?" "Rhys, I'm warning you—don't take this too far!" An ugly look crept onto Edwin's face. "This is the Hummer family's territory; you're dreaming if you think you can walk out of here unscathed! Now, I'm giving you a chance. Let Josh go, and I won't begrudge you for everything that's happened before this. Otherwise, you won't step a foot out of here without getting injured!" Jade added, "He's right! Let Josh go, or you'll be making an enemy out of the Grant family!" Dustin didn't say anything and glanced at Natasha. If she were to give the order, he'd behead Joshua without batting an eye. H
An Understated Dominance Chapter 265
As they walked out of Hummer Villa, Natasha, who'd put up a strong front earlier, suddenly felt her knees buckle under her. She almost fell flat on her face. Dustin quickly caught her and asked worriedly, "Are you okay? Do you feel sick?" "No, I'm just out of strength. My knees feel like jelly." She shook her head. She'd been on edge earlier; now that she could relax, she felt weak. "Ms. Harmon, I'll carry you!" Isfrid stepped forward and volunteered to help her. "I don't want to inconvenience you when you're seriously injured," Natasha said. "I'm fine. These injuries mean nothing." Isfrid patted her chest to show she was okay. "You're seriously injured if I say so!" Natasha's tone suddenly became stern. She glared at Isfrid. "Huh?" The realization dawned on Isfrid when she glanced at Dustin. "Oh, uh, yeah. I feel really dizzy." "I'll do it." Dustin looked helpless as he swept Natasha into his arms. She had a strong personality but was only an ordinary woman—she had to be
An Understated Dominance Chapter 266
The following morning, at Peaceful Medical Center. Dustin got up early, washed up, and started preparing breakfast. As usual, it was his signature dish, deviled eggs. It was simple but smelled amazing. He'd just brought the food to the dining table when someone walked in. "Wow, that smells great!" It was Dahlia. Today, she wore a smart suit and heels. Her hair was in a ponytail, revealing her fair and slender neck. She looked happy to see the food. "Are those deviled eggs? How did you know I hadn't had breakfast yet, Dustin? Since you prepared this for me, I won't stand on ceremony!" She sat down and started to dig in. "This isn't—" Dustin was about to say something when his bedroom door swung open to reveal a gorgeous woman standing there. "Darling, I'm starving. Is breakfast ready yet?" It was Natasha. She had on an oversized shirt. As she stretched, it dipped to reveal her cleavage. "Hmm?" She and Dahlia met each other's gaze. They were both equally stunned. "What are you
An Understated Dominance Chapter 267
Natasha shrugged and sat at the dining table. She pulled the deviled eggs to her and said with a smile, "Thank you for breakfast, darling. You're so considerate!" "That's where you're wrong. These eggs are mine." Dahlia pulled the eggs back. "It's been three years, but I've yet to fall out of love with Dustin's cooking. Besides, he knows I love deviled eggs." "Ms. Nicholson, stop thinking so highly of yourself. What's in the past is just that—the past. These eggs belong to me now." Natasha didn't back down. She dragged the eggs to herself again. "Ms. Harmon, robbing someone of something they love isn't the best habit to have. These eggs have been cooked to my taste; they only suit me!" "What makes you think I don't like deviled eggs? I love anything Dustin cooks!" "Hmph! Just because you like them doesn't mean they suit you!" "It's up to me to decide whether they're suitable!" The conversation between the two women became increasingly heated as they dragged the plate of d
An Understated Dominance Chapter 268
"Ms. Nicholson, did you come here because you wanted something from me?" Dustin asked when he saw how tense the atmosphere was. "What, do I have to have a reason for coming here?" Dahlia glared at him. "I didn't mean that." He looked awkward. "Whatever. Let's get down to business—you know Dr. Rowan Cross, right? I want to ask him to examine someone." Dahlia stopped beating around the bush. "Examine someone?" Dustin sized her up, then checked her pulse. Confused, he said, "Aside from your period being a little out of whack, you're fine. You just need to control your emotions and diet." "You're the one who's out of whack!" Dahlia glared at him again, her face turning red. "I didn't say I was the one who needed an examination—it's for a relative of mine who suddenly fainted yesterday. She's been complaining of a headache, but the hospital said she's fine. She wanted Dr. Cross to examine them just to be sure." "I see." Dustin nodded. "There's no need to bother Dr. Cross for som
An Understated Dominance Chapter 269
"It's you!" Dakota was momentarily taken aback when she recognized Dustin. Similarly, he looked at her funny with a hint of astonishment. Never had he expected that the two bitches were the relatives that Dahlia had mentioned to him. What a small world! "Oh, did you know each other?" Dahlia's quizzical gaze traveled between the two. "Not only are we acquainted," Dakota hissed through clenched teeth, "He's also the guy who beat us up yesterday!" "What?" Everyone was surprised to learn that. "Um, Dakota, did you get the wrong person?" Florence questioned cautiously. "No! How could I? I'd recognize him even if he turned into ashes! I also suspect my mom's gotten a headache from his slap!" Dakota seemed merciless. "Right! I must have fallen sick because of that slap! Get someone to arrest him!" Jane was bellowing in bed. She had been unable to put yesterday's events behind her, and she was extremely furious upon meeting her enemy again. "Dustin, what's the matter? Why did you
An Understated Dominance Chapter 270
Florence, Jane, and Dakota were delighted by the doctor's presence. They could tell that he came from an impressive background just from how James described him. Jane and Dakota believed they deserved the best, such as seeing a skilled doctor like Fenton Reyes. "James, Dr. Reyes is a legend in Stonia. How did you get him to show up?" Florence asked curiously. James smiled. "Well, it wasn't me. It was Mr. Langford who arranged for Dr. Reyes to see Aunt Jane." "Mr. Langford?" Florence's eyes lit up upon hearing the name. Luis Langford was an aristocrat from Stonia who wielded great wealth and influence. He was also well-connected in the military and the government. More importantly, the Langford family was a close friend of the Nicholson family of Glenstead. Moreover, the Glenstead Nicholsons were greatly interested in an arranged marriage between Luis and Dahlia. In other words, if Dahlia was willing, she could marry into the wealthy Langford family in no time, elevating the ent
An Understated Dominance Chapter 271
Dahlia caught up with Dustin at the hospital entrance and pulled on his arm. "Hey! Stop! You're walking too fast. I almost couldn't catch up!" "I'm really sorry. I can't handle those relatives of yours. You should get some other doctor to deal with them," Dustin remarked coolly. He was aversed to the two difficult women and refused to engage with them. "Did I force you to cure Aunt Jane? Why are you being sensitive?" She rolled her eyes at him. "Well, I thought …" "What? Did you think I'm an unreasonable woman who'd force you to grovel at them?" she scoffed. "No, I didn't." He flashed an embarrassed smile at her, feeling rather uneasy at her newfound considerate personality. "Alright. I know they're in the wrong. Just stay away from them in the future." She dispensed a kind reminder. "They're from a wealthy and powerful family in Glenstead. Even Natasha Harmon couldn't protect you if you get into trouble with them." "Is that so? They sound quite remarkable, then." He smil
Latest Chapter
Chapter 2448
At the Ballard estate, Dustin was warmly welcomed to stay after dinner. This was the first time Natasha had brought her boyfriend home, so the Ballards made a big deal of it.Simon personally accompanied the young couple and invited them to the study to chat over tea. With his sharp eye, Simon could tell Dustin was no ordinary martial artist. His manners, speech, and broad knowledge set him apart from most people."Dustin, I fully support your relationship with Natasha. Your background or status doesn't matter. What matters most is that you two are happy together." Simon paused and said earnestly, "I want you to understand that she's been pampered all her life and hasn't faced much hardship. Now that she's with you, I hope you'll take good care of her.""Don't worry, Mr. Ballard. I would never let her down," Dustin replied sincerely.Though they had known each other for some time and hadn't yet taken their relationship to the next level, they had already made their feelings clear
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
