An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

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. Natasha had shown him unwavering devotion, and he had no intention of letting her down.

“Grandfather, you don’t have to worry about that. I have a sharp eye for people and would never pick the wrong one.” She smiled proudly.

“You rascal, I’m not worried about you being mistreated. But what I’m concerned about is Dustin-what if he starts picking up your bad habits?” Simon teased.

“Grandfather, why are you so negative? Aren’t you worried I won’t find someone to marry?” Natasha pouted, clearly displeased.

has trouble finding a good match. Worst case, we can skip the wedding gifts and just

generous for him.” She shot

for the families to meet and start making plans. It would be best to move forward

future. While things were still

so I can’t commit to anything right now. But I promise, within three months, I’ll give you a definite

and with the nation’s fate on his shoulders, he couldn’t afford to be careless. Plus, he still had matters to discuss with West Lucozia. Since it was a meeting between

put me

months wasn’t long. If all went well, Dustin and Natasha would be able to

Grandpa, has something happened at home? I haven’t

After which, Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian left and

it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry about

sat down for dinner. That doesn’t seem like a small issue. If something’s bothering you, why not tell us? Maybe

had hoped to keep the family out of this, but now it was clear he couldn’t hide them anymore. Natasha was sharp and full of ideas,

of our family but also

it?” Natasha asked

the heir has yet to be decided. All capable contenders start making moves-forming alliances and gathering supporters. I