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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
An Understated Dominance Chapter 272
"Once my Mom is cured, we'll hash out our past and present grievances together!" Dakota said in a sharp tone, her eyes ferocious. "Knock yourself out." Dustin shrugged nonchalantly. "You—" Dakota choked out. She was gnashing her teeth so hard that the grinding was audible, but she couldn't do anything anyway. While they were both in a stand-off, a sudden uproar broke out near the hospital entrance. They raised their heads to find a fully armed motorcade bulldozing their way over. The motorcade was from the military, and it was a huge spectacle. All the guards sitting on top were armed and radiating murderous energy. Everywhere they passed, people and cars parted to make way for them."That's strange. What is the military doing? Could they be here to arrest some outlaw?" Dahlia looked around in confusion. Dakota also looked perplexed. At that moment, the commander ordered, "Hurry, surround them now!" The guards got down from the motorcade and instantly encircled Dustin an
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Chapter 2530
The next morning, Nathaniel was inside a lavish mansion. He was in his study, flipping through an ancient manuscript. One of his most trusted aides hurried in and lowered his voice, "Your Royal Highness, word just came in. Another trace of Dracan essence has been found."Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and closed the manuscript. "Where?""Our investigation shows it ended up in the hands of Logan Rhys," the aide replied."Logan Rhys?" Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly and was surprised by the name.He had tried to win Logan over before and spared no expense, but never received a response. Later, he discovered that Tristan and Matthias had done the same.Fortunately, Logan still hadn't picked a side. He might be holding out for the best offer, but at least he hadn't shut the door on Nathaniel.With the Dracan essence in his hands, Logan had become an even more valuable target. In addition to the West Lucozian monarchy, Logan was an ultimate grandmaster, which made him worth recrui
Chapter 2529
"Give me a moment to think," Dustin said.Grace's words sent him into deep thought.After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what came with it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.Not that he had many options.Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter."I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first."Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the
Chapter 2528
"Royal gods? And two of them?" Dustin frowned at the news.His battle with Poseidon in West Lucozia had shown him firsthand that the Hall of Gods didn't send weaklings into the field.One royal god had already pushed him to his limit. If two came at him together, winning wasn't even the question. He'd be lucky just to make it out alive."That's right," Grace said solemnly. "The royal gods, Zeus and Hera, have crossed the border. They're even stronger than Poseidon. If they ambush you together, your chances are slim."She knew Dustin was strong, but he was still young. Moreover, Zeus and Hera weren't just anyone. They were world-class powerhouses. Surviving a fight with them would be next to impossible.The Hall of Gods had probably figured out how dangerous Dustin could become. If they had given him a few more years to grow, they might not have been able to stop him."Well, that complicates things." Dustin rested his chin in one hand with a thoughtful expression.Two royal god
Chapter 2527
Soluna Hall had one rule—they wouldn't accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted. Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those came with an additional fee.When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his name and being verified by the guards, they let him through.Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room."This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please come in," the female attendant said with a smile."She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously."She had something come up, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling."Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.The room was spacious, with a vintag
Chapter 2526
"You're wrong, Tristan," Matthias said with a meaningful look.He continued, "Sure, I've got the Moseys to back me, but I'm still far from securing the throne. Nathaniel's got strong backing too, and this won't be an easy win. But if you were to support me, I'd say my chances shoot up to 80%."In his eyes, Tristan's support was worth more than the Ballard family.If he could win Tristan over, his odds would jump from 60% to nearly 80%. The only question now was whether Tristan would be willing to shelve his own ambitions and place his bet on Matthias."You know me, Matthias. I've never been one for ambition or glory. This kind of power struggle just isn't for me. I hope you can understand that," Tristan said.After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally turned his brother down. He knew his chances of winning were slim, yet he couldn't let go.Tristan was the eldest legitimate son, the rightful and undisputed heir to the throne. Aside from his poor health, he had no real shortco
Chapter 2525
Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren't fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family's support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they'd at least make a good impression. The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn't pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.Tristan spoke first. "You're being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We've always admired Mr. Jovian's loyalty and courage. We're simply here to pay our respects—nothing more."Matthias added, "That's right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you're not as young as you used to be, so don't wear yourself out over this. We won't take up more of your time today."He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave."Duke—"Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. "That's enough, Nathani
Chapter 2524
"Oh? I didn't expect both of you to be here," Nathaniel said.He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, "Hello, Tristan, Matthias."Truthfully, he wasn't surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn't about to miss the chance to make an impression."I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you came back," Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning."It wasn't anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian's passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person," Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.He brushed off Tristan's subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects."Don't just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your re
Chapter 2523
"Your Royal Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said.Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly pulled himself together and aside his grief. He led his family to greet Tristan, and they bowed in respect.Before they could finish the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them. "No need for such formalities," he said. "The deceased deserves our respect."He turned to Jovian's portrait, which was displayed in the mourning hall, and sighed deeply.Tristan continued, "Mr. Jovian's untimely passing is truly a great loss to Dragonmarsh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family during this difficult time."Jonathan's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is heartbroken over my brother's tragic death."Tristan nodded slightly. His gaze quickly swept across the hall before asking, "I've heard that Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?"Jonathan
Chapter 2522
The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.Under Austin's iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia's government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had dr
