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An Understated Dominance Chapter 377
"That gem!" Dustin was full of excitement at the appearance of the red gemstone. He had resigned himself to leaving empty-handed today, but as luck would have it, he chanced upon another treasure. "Hmph, what a country bumpkin. What's so exciting about a red gemstone?" Taking in the excited look on Dustin's face, Jayla looked at him in contempt. "I've got plenty of those at home. Only a country bumpkin like you who hasn't seen the world will think it's special."Dustin ignored her and focused his gaze on the red gemstone on stage. Its surface was colored a blood-like deep crimson, and its shape was similar to a calabash. On the surface, it looked ordinary. However, its desirability lay in its size, and after some processing, it would undoubtedly turn out to be invaluable. In the eyes of a professional jeweler, this was definitely the finest red crimson. Roderick was confused. "Mr. Rhys, do you like it?" Dustin didn't seem like someone who would covet precious stones, especially wi
An Understated Dominance Chapter 378
Roderick continued bidding."One billion." Jayla showed no signs of letting up. As she was deliberately targeting the gem, the price of the red gemstone hit the billion-dollar mark, which had far exceeded the valuation of the gemstone. It would be a great loss for the winning bidder. "It seems like they've come head-to-head with each other.""I have a bad feeling something is going to happen to Big Buck Brooks for offending Ms. Grant.""He's just wealthy. How does he have the guts to challenge such a prominent family?"The crowd pointed and gossiped fervently, clearly enjoying the farce. "1.5 billion dollars." Roderick raised his paddle again, boldly increasing the bid by 500 million dollars. "1.6 billion dollars." Jayla continued challenging him head-on. "Two billion dollars!" Roderick then told her in an impassive tone, "Ms. Grant, if you raise it again, I'll let you have it."Jayla was about to raise it when she froze. She wasn't interested in the red gemstone. It woul
An Understated Dominance Chapter 379
Jayla finally realized she had been miserably deceived. However, she only had herself to blame for her mistake. Of course, with the power the Grant family held, she could demand a refund from the auctioneer. But if she did that, she would be badly criticized. She couldn't afford to be humiliated as such. For the sake of her reputation, she could only swallow her resentment. Roderick added insult to injury. "Ms. Grant, it seems like the item that cost you a fortune isn't that precious after all.""You can't say that. Even though it's lacking a few years, it's still considered a precious treasure." The man in the long-sleeved shirt attempted to diffuse the situation. "Did you hear that? Even if it's lacking, it's still precious!" Color returned to her expression.Dustin smiled. "I'd like to ask. What's the value of a 900-year green lotus?" He looked troubled and answered with difficulty, "Based on its effectiveness and age, it should be around three to four hundred million.""Wh
An Understated Dominance Chapter 380
"That's right. Only people like you would foolishly spend two billion on a red gemstone like that." "I like to call them rich airheads."The crowd pointed and murmured, gossiping among themselves. It seemed to them that Dustin was a prime example of a stubborn man who couldn't accept defeat. It was clear that he had suffered a loss but was still trying to show off without merit. "Do you hear that? I'm not the only one who thinks you're an idiot. Everyone else thinks the same." Her lips curled up into a smirk. "Really?" Dustin smiled faintly. "It seems like no one has realized this is not an ordinary red gemstone. It's an extremely rare Crimson Gem.""What's a Crimson Gem? I've never heard of it." Jayla pursed her lips in disdain. "That's fine. Allow me to enlighten you today." As he said that, he smashed the gemstone with his palm. Everyone present heard two cracking noises as two visible crack lines formed on the surface. In the blink of an eye, the cracks spread across t
An Understated Dominance Chapter 381
"Why? Just why!" Jayla burned with jealousy. If she had known the gemstone was hiding a priceless treasure, she would never have sold it. In the end, it ended up in the hands of a country bumpkin! What a loss!"What a turn of events. This is such a blessing!" Dustin held the Flower of Crimson Gem up in one hand, the corner of his lips curling up into a wide smile. From the moment he laid eyes on the gemstone, he knew it was hiding something exceptional. Just as he expected, he had discovered a true treasure. The Flower of Crimson Gem was not an ordinary flower. It was an extremely rare treasure. Typically, it could only be found in red gemstones. And it just so happened that the red gemstone on auction today was a Crimson Gem.Previously, he felt regretful thinking about the 900-year green lotus. However, the appearance of the Flower of Crimson Gem came as a blessing and a happy surprise. At least he didn't travel all the way here for nothing. "Ms. Grant, don't you think a pri
An Understated Dominance Chapter 382
The next day, back at Swinton, a convoy of luxury cars drove into Park Palace in a grandiose display. As their procession moved through the streets, it left a lasting impression of power and splendor. By the entrance, the entire Harmon family had been waiting, with Jessica in the lead. As the vehicles came to a stop, Jayla, who was dressed in luxurious clothing, was the first to disembark with an arrogant look on her face. "Jayla, you're here! Please, come in." Jessica greeted her with a smile and a welcoming attitude. The person she was greeting was Tyler's sister. Her standing among the entire Grant family was not to be taken lightly. Jayla nodded in response. "Jessica, long time no see. Where's Natasha? Why don't I see her?""She's inside getting ready. She won't take much longer," Jessica explained with a smile."Jayla, I prepared something for you when I found out you were visiting. Have a look." At that moment, Quentin, who was standing beside them, took out a sapphire
An Understated Dominance Chapter 383
Everyone stood in shock at her words. No one could believe Natasha dared say that. "Natasha? What nonsense are you spouting? Are you sleep talking?!" Jessica gave her a look.Natasha said calmly, "I'm fully awake, and I am well aware of what I just said. It is regrettable, but I need to express my feelings today. Tyler and I are unsuited for each other." "Natasha, what do you mean by this?" Jayla's brow knitted. A slightly uneasy feeling crept up within her. "I'm backing out of this marriage." Just like that, Natasha dropped the bomb. "You're backing out?" Jayla's expression darkened at her words. She snapped at her. "Natasha Harmon, are you insane?! How dare you break off a union with the Grants? The audacity!"Jessica warned, "Natasha, stop your nonsense. You can't say those things lightly!"The Grant family was part of the Tremendous Three. Whether it was their connections or their legacy, the Grants surpassed the Harmons in every aspect. Especially with Tyler, the excep
An Understated Dominance Chapter 384
"Natasha Harmon! What's wrong with you? Who gave you the green light to call off the marriage?" Once Jayla left, Jessica finally unleashed her temper. The marriage concerned the fate of their family, and she would not allow Natasha to do as she wished."Natasha, do you know how lucky you are to be able to marry Tyler Grant? What are you doing? Calling off the marriage?" Quentin felt like he was staring at a fool. Tyler Grant was the cream of the crop of the Southern province and the hope of Dragonmarsh. Before he hit thirty, he had been appointed as a general who led tens of thousands of men. Young and talented, he was deemed the best bachelor, and women fell on his feet in admiration.To their dismay, Natasha had no interest in Tyler at all, which everyone thought was dumb."I will have the final say in my marriage. I have no feelings for Tyler, and I won't marry him," she replied calmly. In the past, she would have accepted an arranged marriage in the interest of the Harmon Family
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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
