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.

can

for him.” She

marriage, Dustin, what do you think? If it works for you, we should arrange a time for the families to meet and start making plans. It would be best

would soon become unstable, and he couldn’t predict what would happen to the Ballard family in the future. While things were still relatively calm, marrying off Natasha would be one less

some things I need to take care of at the moment, so I can’t commit to anything right now.

careless. Plus, he still had matters to

are enough to put me at

Natasha would be able to marry by the end of the

happened at home? I haven’t seen Uncle Jonathan or the others,” Natasha

up. After which, Jonathan,

but it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry about it,” Simon said with

issue. If something’s bothering you, why not tell us? Maybe we

you, huh?” Simon grinned and shook his head. He 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, so he figured she might just have

of our family but

it?”

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