Chapter 15
Author: Marina Vittori
Never in Dustin's wildest dreams would he think that was how Dahlia viewed him. She had no faith in him at all. As it turned out, three years of marriage meant nothing when compared to an outsider.

"You're right. I'm despicable, while Chris is a hero. I slandered him. Are you happy now?" Dustin said self-mockingly. It was pointless to defend himself when there was no trust to begin with.

"What's with your attitude? Are you saying I'm accusing you?" Dahlia frowned.

"Not at all. I'm the one to blame for badmouthing a good person," Dustin replied curtly.

"You're so stubborn!" His words angered Dahlia. She never knew that Dustin would act like this out of spite and refuse to admit his mistake. Was he finally showing his true colors after their divorce?

"It's all right, Dahlia. Don't get too worked up." At this time, Chris put up a pretentious act of kindness and said, "Dustin must be doing this because he doesn't like that I'm too close to you. I don't blame him. Everyone makes mistakes."

"Do you see how forgiving Chris is? This is the difference between you and him!" Dahlia spat, disgusted.

"I'm not even going to try arguing with you if that's what you think," Dustin replied in a clipped tone.

"Hmph, I bet it's because you feel guilty," Lyra commented disdainfully. "People like you are detestable. Why do you insist on putting on an act when you don't have what it takes?"

"I don't care about what you think of me." Tired of bickering with them, Dustin stood up and left.

Just then, a man with curly hair appeared at the hall entrance. He had on a pair of sunglasses and was smoking a cigar.

"Damn, what a lively atmosphere!" Edward grinned as he looked around. As soon as his eyes landed on Dahlia, he was momentarily dazed. Then the look in his eyes quickly turned fiery.

"Tsk, tsk. I wasn't expecting today to be my lucky day. I've met another stunning woman!" Edward licked his lips and approached Dahlia right away. He smiled and said, "Hey, beautiful. You look familiar. Have we met before?"

Dahlia threw him a glance and ignored him.

"Our meeting must be fated. Why don't you come and get a drink with me?" Edward invited.

"I'm not interested," Dahlia rejected without hesitation.

"Money can buy your interest," Edward stroked his chin and uttered slyly. "Let me get straight to the point then. If you sleep with me for one night, I'll pay you any amount you like."

"Get lost," Dahlia growled.

"Oh, dear. How feisty. I like it!" Edward laughed gleefully. While speaking, he reached out his hand to touch her.

A loud slap sounded when Dahlia struck his face with her palm. Clear, red fingerprints were imprinted on his cheek within seconds.

"You… you dare to slap me?" Edward touched his burning cheek, his gaze darkening.

"What are you going to do about it? What an uneducated prick," Dahlia said impassively.

"Bitch! You're asking for trouble!" Edward's blood boiled and he lifted his hand to hit Dahlia, but he was suddenly shoved away by Chris.

"Fucker, you dare to act out at this kind of occasion? Are you asking for a beating?" Chris glared at Edward. How dare that bastard flirt with his woman in front of his face?

"You rascal, you'd better stay out of this or face the consequences!" Edward bellowed.

“Ha! Are you threatening me? Bring it on. Show me what you got!" Chris provocatively waved his hand.

"Go to hell!" Without another word, Edward threw a punch at Chris. The latter swiftly dodged his fist and countered his attack, landing a blow on his face. Edward staggered backward with blood tricking down his nose.

"You want to fight? Too bad you picked the wrong person!" Chris scoffed.

"Mr. Nolan, you're awesome! This thug deserves to be beaten up!" Lyra praised loudly.

"Yeah! Good one!" The guests at the scene followed suit and applauded, which stroke Chris' ego. At last, his time to shine had arrived. It felt incredible!

"Bastard, do you know who I am? You dare to hit me?" Edward seethed through gritted teeth. If looks could kill, Chris would have been six feet under.

"I couldn't care less about who you are. Get out of here if you want to live!" Chris barked fiercely.

"You've got guts, I'll give you that. You'd better not have run away when I return!" After that, Edward quickly left the place. Chris sneered.

"What a fool. How dare he act all mighty in front of me?"

"Mr. Nolan, I didn't know you were so strong. You beat him with just a punch!" Lyra complimented him, her eyes glowing with admiration after witnessing the fight.

"Haha, I can beat ten weaklings like him!" Chris laughed. It seemed like his workout routine had paid off.

"Thankfully, you are here to stop him. Or else, we would've been in trouble."

"Fret not. If you reencounter such situations, give me a call and I'll protect you." Chris patted his chest confidently. Naturally, he wouldn't let an opportunity to show off slip by.

"Ms. Nicholson, this is what a real man looks like!" Lyra said while glancing at Dustin with sarcasm, "Not someone who runs away like a scaredy cat whenever he faces small hurdles. How useless."

Although Dahlia was quiet, she was filled with even more disappointment. When she was in trouble just now, Dustin had stood idly and watched without any sign of wanting to help. Putting their past relationship aside, any other ordinary person would've stepped in to help out even if they were strangers. She might not have noticed this before, but now, Dustin's uselessness was apparent as day. Compared to Chris, he was far from being on par.

"Quick, seal off the exits!" All of a sudden, a burst of commotion sounded. It was none other than Edward, who'd stormed out earlier. This time, he was back with even more malice.

"What? Do you want to get another beating?" Chris stepped forward like a heroic person. However, his vanity eventually faded away upon seeing the group of burly bodyguards following behind Edward.
Continue to read this book for free
Scan the code to download the app

Related Chapters

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 16

    "What the hell? Why did he bring so many people?" Chris gulped, feeling faint for some reason. Weren't they supposed to fight one-on-one? Edward had disrespected the rules of a fair fight by involving a gang. Though Chris was cursing in his heart, he had no choice but to face them head-on. No matter what, he couldn't lose face in front of Dahlia. "That's them. Surround them!" With a wave of his hand, the bodyguards led by Edward dashed forward at once, surrounding Chris, Dahlia, and Lyra. "What are you doing? I'm warning you, don't you dare touch me. My father is David Nolan, the president of Nolan Pharmaceuticals!" Sensing that he was at a disadvantage, Chris hurriedly threatened them with his father's status."So what?" one of the bodyguards yelled. "Do you know who you've messed with? He is Sir Spanner's son, the heir of Drey Group!"His words caused an uproar among the crowd."Sir Spanner? Is he talking about Trevor Spanner, King of the Underworld from East City?" "It must

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 17

    “Then go to die!” Dustin stated expressionlessly, but his hard gaze was unnerving.“Go to thell?” Edward burst out laughing.Even the group of bodyguards standing behind him burst into laughter; all of them looked at Dustin as though he were an idiot.“You little punk! Don’t you know who I am? You’ve got some nerve speaking to me that way,” Edward said cockily.“I don’t know who you are, and I couldn't care less. You have three seconds to let her go, or else,” Dustin stated plainly.His words instantly caused a stir; even the people who were holding Dahlia were shocked.None of them expected that Dustin would say such a thing; he was remarkably brave compared to the silent Chris.However, such bravery was useless.“You really don’t know what’s good for you. You’re going to die!” Chris’ face was full of resentment because Dustin’s show of bravado only made his cowardice even more apparent.Naturally, Chris was irritated and even filled with resentment when a good-for-nothing l

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 18

    “Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and beg Mr. Spanner for forgiveness!” Chris chimed in, taking advantage of the situation to add to Dustin’s humiliation.Chris was green with jealousy when Dustin was showing off earlier, so he was now trying to get some payback.“Will he kneel? Or will he not? If he does, he will forever be too ashamed to show his face. But if he doesn’t, he might be dead or maimed once Edward retaliates,” Chris thought.“Hey punk, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance to make amends! I’ll spare you if you grovel at my feet today. If not, don’t blame me for being merciless.” Edward jabbed Dustin’s chest with his finger with a smug expression on his face.“What does it matter if he knows how to fight when he has no power and no status? In the eyes of the public, he’s nothing more than a foot soldier,” he continued mentally .“Are you aware that you’re playing with fire?” Dustin asked as he looked at Edward’s finger.“Playing with fire?” Edward smirked. “N

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 19

    The hall was in an uproar because of Dustin’s actions.The timid guests had long left, in fear of becoming caught in the crossfire.As for the unconscious and critically injured Edward, his bodyguards had immediately taken him to the hospital.“This is troublesome.” Dahlia had a concerned look on her face as she scowled.Sir Spanner was infamous for being cruel and ruthless, and he surely wouldn’t be inclined to just let things go when his son had been beaten into such a state.Dustin may not have much longer to live.“Lyra, I want you to find out if there’s any way this can be resolved peacefully,” Dahlia suddenly said.Lyra was puzzled. “What do Dustin’s actions have to do with us, Ms. Nicholson? Why do we need to expend effort for his sake?”Dahlia had a frosty expression as she retorted, “He saved my life earlier. Should I just watch him die?”“That’s not what I meant, I just think it would be very unwise to cross Sir Spanner at this point. Moreover, no one would willingly

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 20

    The next morning, in the most luxurious private room at Mirage.“Mr. Rhys, thank you for protecting me. Here is the canscora you wanted. Please take a look.”Natasha put an exquisite wooden box on the table before pushing it forward.“Huh?”Dustin opened the box and saw a blood-red canscora in it.The herb was crooked, like a dragon’s tooth. It had an interesting appearance.He gently sniffed it, and its unique stench filled his nose.“It is really a canscora! Thank you, Ms. Harmon!”Dustin’s face lit up. He had been searching for various rare herbs all these years. Finally, he found another one.There were still five herbs left. If he could collect the remaining five herbs, there would be hope!“You’re welcome. You deserve it. Come to think of it, I should be the one thanking you.” Natasha smiled.“Ms. Harmon, I have a favor to ask. Can you contact me immediately next time if you find such rare herbs? I am willing to pay heavily for them!” Dustin looked serious.“Of course I can do th

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 21

    At noon, in the president’s office of the Quine Group.Dahlia was distracted while reading her documents. Her mind was completely occupied by Dustin.She was worried that Trevor would track down Dustin. If that happened, Dustin would be doomed.“Lyra!” Finally, Dahlia couldn’t hold herself back after imagining all the possible scenarios.“Ms. Nicholson, how can I help you?” Lyra came in after knocking.“Help me prepare some gifts. I’m going to the Drey Group,” Dahlia said.“The Drey Group? Isn’t that Sir Spanner’s place?” Lyra was shocked.“That’s right. I want to talk to him.” Dahlia nodded.“Why do you want to talk to him? Is it about Dustin?” Lyra panicked. “Ms. Nicholson, please calm down! Sir Spanner is still angry. Why would you visit him and poke the hornet’s nest?”“No matter what, I have to try!” Dahlia was adamant.“Wait! We still have Mr. Nolan! He said he would help. Why don't we wait some more?” Lyra advised Dahlia.“We’ve waited for one whole night, and there’s still no n

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 22

    At Peaceful Medical Centre, Dustin and the one-eyed man were drinking when his phone rang suddenly.“Hey, Dustin! Ms. Nicholson is in danger. Hurry up! We need your help!” Lyra shouted as soon as the call connected.“Danger? What’s going on?” Dustin frowned.“It’s all because of you! Ms. Nicholson was worried about your safety, so she personally approached Sir Spanner to talk to him. She hasn’t come out since then. I think she is in danger!” Lyra sounded urgent.“What the hell was she thinking? I told her it was none of her business. Why is she looking for trouble?” Dustin’s face darkened.“Dustin Rhys! Don’t you have any conscience at all? Ms. Nicholson is trying to save you!” Lyra shouted angrily.“Where is she?”“The Drey Group!”“I’ll be there straight away!”Without saying anything more, Dustin hung up and rushed straight there.At the same time, in the Drey Group’s offices.Dahlia slumped on the couch, feeling lightheaded. Her face was dripping with sweat. She could feel the after

  • An Understated Dominance   Chapter 23

    “Why are you still standing there? Let them go!”The corners of Trevor’s eyes twitched, and his face turned pale. If Hunter had asked politely, he wouldn't be angry. However, Hunter shouted at him as soon as he arrived and even slapped him. He would be too embarrassed to face his men if he let Dustin go just like that.“Mr. Anderson, this guy crippled my son and barged into my place. How could I stand in front of the public if they know I let him go today?” Trevor retorted in a low voice.“Your son deserved to be crippled! I will destroy the Drey Group if you don't let him go today!" Hunter smirked coldly.“Mr. Anderson, I know you are influential, and I can’t offend you. But don’t forget that I have someone supporting me too!” Trevor shouted fiercely.“Are you talking about Edwin? Let me tell you. Even if Edwin were here today, you would still have to let Mr. Rhys go!” Hunter gave a chilly smile.Trevor’s expression instantly darkened as soon as he heard what Hunter said. He didn’t ex

Latest Chapter

  • 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

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on MegaNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
Scan code to read on App