An Understated Dominance (Chinese Version) Chapter 1401-1410

After pacing on the balcony for a moment, he took a deep breath and couldn’t help but dial a certain number.

The phone rang for about five seconds before it was finally answered, and a familiar voice quickly came through.

“Hmph! You scoundrel, you finally have the heart to call me?”

“Come clean, where have you been these days? Have you found another little fox spirit?”

“I’ve been worrying about you all this time, and what do you do? You disappear without a word, leaving me all alone and miserable. Doesn’t your conscience ache?”
…
As soon as Natasha opened her mouth, she fired off questions like a rapid-fire cannon, leaving Dustin dumbfounded.

The carefully organized opening speech was immediately blocked.

He was speechless for a moment.

“Hey! Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you feeling guilty?”

Natasha finally paused.

“It seems like you didn’t give me a chance to speak just now,” Dustin said with a wry smile.

“Oh, you find me annoying, don’t you? You think I’m too talkative, right? Well, you unfaithful man, it’s only been a few days since we last met, and you’re already getting tired of me.”

Natasha’s tone was filled with resentment.

“Alright, alright, it’s all my fault. I apologize sincerely to you and hope that you, as the bigger person, can forgive me this time,” Dustin promptly admitted defeat.

“Hmph! Since you’re apologizing so sincerely, I’ll forgive you this time, but don’t let it become a habit,” Natasha said with a hint of a smile from the other end of the phone.

Actually, in these past few days, she had thought about calling Dustin several times to inquire about his situation. But she was afraid of disturbing him, so she had been holding back.

Now that he had reached out to her, her anxious heart finally relaxed.

“Natasha, I heard you’ve settled in Stonia. How’s the development of your new company?” Dustin inquired.

“Of course, it’s been smooth sailing,” Natasha replied with a smile. “Our United Group has already started to take shape and is growing rapidly. I believe that within half a year, we’ll have a significant presence in Stonia!”

With her grandfather’s support, she faced no difficulties.

“That’s great,” Dustin smiled and asked, “By the way, Natasha, do you have time tonight? I’d like to invite you for dinner.”

“It’s a coincidence; we have a celebration dinner at the company tonight. Just come over, and afterward, I’ll take you around,” Natasha suggested.
“Alright, see you tonight.”

After chatting for a while, Dustin hung up the phone feeling satisfied.

Then, he seemed to remember something, walked back to his bedroom, and started rummaging through his things. Finally, he found a set of branded suits.

It was a gift from Natasha, and he had never worn it before. He had always kept it well-preserved. Now, he could finally show it off.

Honestly, he had never cared much about his attire before, wearing everyday clothing that cost just a few bucks.

But this time, to meet Natasha, he needed to clean up nicely and not embarrass her.
…
At dusk, Dustin drove and followed the navigation directions, heading towards the central city.

Stonia was divided into five major districts: East, West, South, North, and Central.

Each district was quite extensive, equivalent to a medium-sized city. So, each district was referred to as a “city.”

The East district was called East City, the West district was West City, the South district was South City, and the North district was North City.

The most core area protected by the four major districts was the central city, also known as the inner city.

Chapter 1402: Montage Sky

Inside the central city, there was a place representing supreme power—the Forbidden City.

It was a holy place sought after by countless ambitious individuals.

It was also where Dustin aimed to seek the truth and justice.

However, not now.

The inner city was congested, and it happened to be rush hour as people were getting off work.

Although Dustin had left an hour early, by the time he reached his destination, it was already getting dark.

Natasha’s celebration banquet was held at a place called “Montage Sky,” a super five-star hotel.

The location and ambiance were top-notch, with various entertainment facilities available.

It was high-class, had excellent service, an impressive facade, and was the first choice for hosting guests.

At this moment, in the top-floor banquet hall of Montage Sky.

A group of well-dressed young men and women were gathered, toasting and chatting.

On the stage, splendid performances continued, adding to the excitement of the audience.

The whole banquet hall was lively.

“Senior brother, will Miss Natasha really show up today?”

In a corner, a man and a woman held their wine glasses and kept looking around, as if searching for something.

These two were none other than Roselyn and Carlos.

“Of course, she will!”

Carlos said confidently, “I’ve already inquired. Today is the celebration banquet of the United Group, and as the chairman, Miss Natasha won’t miss it. She’s probably on her way here right now.”

“I’m a bit worried, though. Can Miss Natasha really help us?”

Roselyn looked worried.

Yesterday, when Healwell Clinic was set on fire, it had left her traumatized. If she hadn’t stayed out all night, she might have perished in the flames.

Moreover, this fire was orchestrated by the Stratford family, and she didn’t even dare to report it.

For self-preservation, she had to rely on Carlos to seek help from more influential figures.

So, Carlos had brought her here.

“Junior sister, not to boast, but if you can get Miss Natasha to intervene, forget about the Stratford family; even if you add the Torby family, they will have to bow down!” Carlos said with a serious expression.

“That powerful?” Roselyn’s eyelids jumped, surprised. “Senior brother, who is this Miss Natasha, really?”

Carlos glanced around and lowered his voice. “Junior sister, do you know that above the eight major prestigious families in Stonia, there are also the four royal clans?”

“I’ve heard of it,” Roselyn nodded.

Prestigious families were already the limit of what she had encountered. As for the royal clans of Stonia, she didn’t even dare to think about it. They were the most powerful forces beneath the imperial authority, standing at the pinnacle of the Dragonmarsh’s hierarchy. They were entities that ordinary people needed to look up to all their lives.

“Now that you know about the four royal clans, it’s easier to understand,” Carlos nodded and said with a serious expression, “To be frank, this Miss Natasha is from the Duncan family, one of the royal clans, and her grandfather is none other than the Duke of Duncan, who wields immense power within the Forbidden City!”

“What? The Duke of Duncan?!” Roselyn was taken aback, her voice uncontrollably rising several degrees.

“Lower your voice!” Carlos’s expression changed, and he immediately covered Roselyn’s mouth. After making sure no one heard, he slowly released her and warned, “This is confidential; you mustn’t let it slip, or your head will be in danger!”

“Okay, okay, okay…”

Roselyn covered her mouth with her hands and nodded repeatedly, her heart pounding. In an instant, she was drenched in cold sweat.

She never imagined that the Miss Natasha she was meeting today was the granddaughter of the Duke of Duncan.

That was the current Duke, an existence that could have direct conversations with the Emperor!

A figure that could make Yanjing tremble just by stomping their foot!

In the presence of such a prominent figure, the Torby and Stratford families were like insignificant ants, not worth mentioning!

Thinking about this, she suddenly became excited.

If she could please Miss Natasha and align herself with the Duke of Duncan, this towering giant tree.

Wouldn’t she be able to stride confidently through Stonia in the future?

Chapter 1403: Beauty List

“Junior sister, do you now realize how impressive this is?” Carlos had a slightly proud expression. “As long as Miss Natasha is willing to step in, what does the Stratford family matter?”

“Yes, yes…” Roselyn nodded repeatedly, unable to contain her excitement.

She had already decided that no matter the cost, she would please Miss Natasha. This way, she could not only turn danger into safety but also rise to prominence and completely enter Stonia’s upper-class circles.

“By the way, senior brother, how do you know all this?” Roselyn suddenly became curious.

“To be honest, my uncle holds a position in the imperial court as a staff officer under the Duke of Duncan’s command. He has an extensive network of contacts, so it’s easy for me to gather these secrets,” Carlos said, raising his chin and looking quite proud.

In reality, Natasha’s identity was already public knowledge within the circles of the powerful and influential, not much of a secret. However, most ordinary people wouldn’t have access to this information.

“Indeed, senior brother, you’re really something!”

Roselyn raised her thumb, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Her adoring expression made Carlos quite content. Having a little fangirl following him was not bad at all, as it satisfied his vanity constantly.

“Senior brother, what does Miss Natasha look like? What if she arrives, and we don’t recognize her?” Roselyn scanned the surroundings, fearing they might miss the opportunity if they misidentified her.

“I don’t know exactly what she looks like, but I can assure you that Miss Natasha is very beautiful, and not just your average beauty!” Carlos was confident.

“You’ve never even seen Miss Natasha, so how do you know she’s beautiful?” Roselyn was curious.

“While I haven’t seen her, I’ve heard about her beauty,” Carlos said, taking a sip of his drink. He continued, “Have you heard of the Vermilion Rouge List?”

“I’ve heard of it,” Roselyn nodded. “The Vermilion Rouge List, also known as the Beauty List, consists of the top one hundred most beautiful women selected from all over the country. They are primarily rated based on their appearance, followed by their family background and personal talents.”

“All women in the world take pride in making it onto the Beauty List.”

“However, the selection for the Beauty List is very strict. Only truly exceptional beauties are qualified to be on it.”

As she spoke, a hint of sadness flashed in Roselyn’s eyes.

She considered herself exceptionally beautiful with remarkable talents, yet she couldn’t even come close to meeting the Beauty List’s minimum criteria. There were simply too many beautiful women in the Dragonmarsh.

“You’re absolutely right. Those who make it onto the Beauty List are all exceptional beauties, and Miss Natasha happens to be one of them!” Carlos’s face was full of anticipation.

“What? Miss Natasha is on the Beauty List?” Roselyn was both surprised and envious.

No wonder Carlos was so confident; there was a reason behind it.

“In fact, not only is she on the list, but she also ranks high, currently holding the third position!” Carlos dropped a bombshell.

“Th… third?” Roselyn’s eyes widened, and her voice began to tremble.

Making it onto the Beauty List was already a great honor, but ranking at the top was even more prestigious. She had never imagined that Miss Natasha not only had an impressive background but also possessed extraordinary beauty.

The pressure of being in the presence of such a woman was overwhelming.

“Third on the Beauty List is Miss Natasha; second is the Dragonmarsh’s Female War God, Scarlet; and the top spot belongs to the mysterious and enigmatic Margaret,” Carlos recited the names of the top three on the Beauty List with an air of reverence.

If he could marry a woman from the top ten of the Beauty List, he would consider his life fulfilled.

“Senior brother, you’re handsome and talented. How about trying to pursue Miss Natasha?” Carlos blurted out suddenly.

She had a certain fondness for Carlos and also admired him to some extent. However, to please Miss Natasha, she was willing to give up her feelings for him.

Chapter 1404: She Is My Woman

“Don’t joke around, Miss Natasha is pursued by many outstanding individuals in her circle, and I’m just an ordinary person,” Carlos shook his head.

Although he was very tempted, he also had some self-awareness. The gap between his and Miss Natasha’s social status was enormous.

“Senior brother, there’s nothing in the world that can’t be achieved if one sets their mind to it. No matter what, you should give it a try. What if Miss Natasha happens to like your type?” Roselyn started encouraging him.

“Is that true?” Carlos was somewhat uncertain.

“Can I lie to you?” Roselyn continued to boost his confidence. “Look at yourself, handsome, tall, dignified, charismatic, and, most importantly, highly skilled in medicine. You’re considerate and have excellent character. Such a perfect man is truly rare in the world!”

“Really?” Carlos adjusted his hair and straightened his tie, suddenly brimming with confidence.

He even felt a bit light-headed.

Indeed, he was so outstanding, so perfect, and full of potential. Marrying the granddaughter of the Duke of Duncan shouldn’t be out of the question, right?

“Senior brother, believe in yourself. You are the best, and as long as you show your charm, you can definitely win Miss Natasha’s heart!” Roselyn continued to encourage him.

“Junior sister, you truly understand me!” Puffed up with praise, Carlos couldn’t stop grinning. “I have the looks, the physique, the talents, the charm, and, most importantly, I’m highly skilled in medicine. With all these qualities, I should have no trouble winning Miss Natasha’s heart!”

“That’s right!” Roselyn smiled.

As long as Carlos managed to win over Miss Natasha, she would bask in his glory as well.

“Hey… you two, are you daydreaming or something?” A disdainful voice suddenly rang out from behind them.

Startled, they turned around to see a familiar face.

“Dustin, what are you doing here?” Carlos was surprised.

“Why can’t I be here?” Dustin retorted.

“Hmph! This is an upscale gathering place for important figures. Who are you to have the qualifications to enter?” Roselyn said with a cold expression.

The memory of Dustin threatening to disfigure her face had left a lingering resentment in her heart.

“Your status doesn’t seem much more prestigious than mine. If you can get in, so can I,” Dustin shrugged.

“You—!” Roselyn was about to lose her temper, but Carlos raised his hand to stop her. “Remember the occasion, don’t make a spectacle of yourself.”

Taking a deep breath, Roselyn ultimately restrained herself. She decided to deal with this guy after they handled the main matter today.

“Dustin, when did you arrive?” Carlos tried to put on a friendly smile.

“From the moment you mentioned that your uncle holds a position in the court,” Dustin replied indifferently.

“What? So you’ve heard everything?” Carlos’s tone suddenly rose.

Seeing others paying attention, he immediately coughed to ease the awkwardness.

“I heard about half of it,” Dustin admitted calmly.

“Why are you like this?” Carlos became anxious. “You eavesdropped while hiding, and didn’t make a sound. Isn’t that sneaky?”

“I was just passing by. Who would have thought you’d get more and more outrageous and even entertain improper thoughts? I couldn’t help but intervene,” Dustin shook his head.

“Hmph! What we talk about is none of your business!” Roselyn said irritably.

“Dustin, are you being too overbearing? I’m handsome, talented, is there a problem with pursuing Miss Natasha?” Carlos asked with a serious tone.

“You can pursue anyone else, but not Miss Natasha,” Dustin shook his head.

“Why?” Carlos furrowed his brows.

“Because she’s my woman,” Dustin calmly stated.

His declaration was dominant and domineering.

Chapter 1405: True Beauty

“What? She’s your woman?”

Hearing this, both Carlos and Roselyn were stunned. They exchanged bewildered looks, suspecting that they had misheard.

Who is Miss Natasha?

The third-ranked beauty on the Rouge List, the granddaughter of Robert Duncan, the dream goddess of countless outstanding men.

A poor guy dared to shamelessly claim that Miss Natasha was his woman.

Could this guy have lost his mind?

“Dustin, are you…serious?” Carlos asked tentatively.

“Of course,” Dustin replied confidently.

“Haha!”

Hearing this, Carlos burst into laughter, as if he had heard a massive joke. “Dustin, Dustin, are you still half-asleep? You’re saying Miss Natasha is your woman? Hahaha…”

By the end of his sentence, he was laughing heartily, with an exaggerated expression.

“Hmph! Shameless!”

Roselyn crossed her arms and sneered, “You should take a look at yourself. Don’t think changing your clothes can change your status. You’re still just a loser. Someone like you isn’t even qualified to shine Miss Natasha’s shoes!”

Miss Natasha was noble, had a background, beauty, figure, and capability. She was pursued by countless men. A beggar like him, wanting to pursue Miss Natasha?

It was like a toad wishing to eat swan’s meat.

“Dustin, you need to have some self-awareness in life. It’s good to have dreams, but you also need to see if you have the ability,” Carlos laughed and said, “The gap between you and Miss Natasha is like the difference between heaven and earth. She’s the phoenix that everyone in the sky looks up to, and you’re just an ant in the abyss. Even if you try to climb, you’ll never reach that height. Wake up, stop dreaming!”

Even someone of his caliber, born into a prestigious family, didn’t dare to say he could win Miss Natasha.

So what could Dustin possibly be?

“Don’t be so condescending. Some things, you’ll never understand,” Dustin calmly replied. “I’ll say it again, Natasha is my woman. You two better not harbor any improper thoughts.”

“Pretending! Keep pretending! I want to see how long you can keep it up!” Roselyn sneered dismissively.

“Dustin, uttering nonsense comes at a price. Your audacious words, if heard by Miss Natasha, could bring catastrophic consequences. So, I advise you to choose your words carefully,” Carlos teased with a smirk.

“What I needed to say, I’ve already said. Whether you believe it or not is your business,” Dustin replied, disinterested in further explanation.

Dealing with narrow-minded individuals like these was pointless. He had only issued a warning with his words.

Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance. The group turned their heads to see a stunning woman dressed in a black evening gown, wearing black high heels, entering gracefully. She resembled a black swan and walked confidently, capturing everyone’s attention.

The woman wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty was breathtaking. Her figure was exquisite, and she exuded an air of grace and dignity that commanded respect. Standing there, she appeared like a queen, elevated above the rest.

Her arrival immediately drew the spotlight, making it impossible for anyone to divert their gaze.

“She’s so beautiful!” Carlos was completely entranced.

His eyes widened, and his face was filled with astonishment.

“Could this be the true definition of a beauty among the nation’s beauties?” Roselyn was equally stunned.

Comparing her flawless face and figure to her own, she couldn’t help but feel self-conscious.

She considered herself a beauty, but in front of this truly exceptional woman, she felt utterly overshadowed.

Many socialites and heiresses had attended the event, each adorned in eye-catching attire and exuding extraordinary charm.

However, when Natasha, this black rose, made her entrance, she immediately stole the spotlight, overshadowing every other woman present.

Chapter 1406: Center of Attention

“Miss Natasha, hello!”

“Miss Natasha, hello!”
…
After a brief silence, the entire banquet hall became lively. Men and women alike approached, offering greetings and pleasantries. Those present were either high-ranking officials or top executives, and they had some understanding of Natasha’s status. Certain individuals had even come specifically to flatter and curry favor.

“Don’t be so formal, please make yourselves at ease,” Natasha responded calmly to the compliments and greetings from the crowd.

Her serene gaze swept the surroundings, as if searching for something.

“Brother, could that be Miss Natasha?” Roselyn discreetly pointed in Natasha’s direction.

“It should be her. Aside from Miss Natasha, I can’t think of anyone else with such breathtaking beauty!” Catlos’s eyes sparkled, his face flushed, and his heart raced. Although he had seen many beautiful women, this level of beauty was truly unprecedented.

At this moment, he finally understood the meaning of “love at first sight.” If he could marry such an extraordinary woman, he would willingly give up ten years of his life.

“She truly lives up to her reputation as the third on the Beauty List, absolutely stunning!” Roselyn couldn’t take her eyes off Natasha. As a woman herself, she no longer felt any jealousy, only amazement and admiration.

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, Natasha, who was the center of attention, seemed to spot something and her expression brightened. She quickened her pace towards a certain direction.

Her joy was evident, impossible to conceal.

“Brother! Look, look! Miss Natasha is coming in our direction! Could she be coming for you?” Seeing Natasha approaching, Roselyn was excited and nervous at the same time.

“For me? Are you sure?”

Carlos was taken aback and felt a bit unsure of himself. His earlier confidence had faded upon seeing Natasha in person. This woman was just too perfect, like a celestial being, too pure and untouchable.

“How could it not be? It’s just us here, who else could she be coming for?” Roselyn started to create scenarios in her mind. “In my opinion, Miss Natasha must have taken a liking to you and came over to make your acquaintance!”

“Really?” Hearing this, Carlos looked around and indeed noticed that there were no other important figures nearby. At that moment, his emotions were a mixture of surprise and anxiety.

Could it be that he was about to have some unexpected romantic luck tonight?

“Brother! Have confidence!” Roselyn whispered, trying to boost his morale. “You are handsome, knowledgeable, and charming. It’s not surprising if you catch Miss Natasha’s eye. Just seize the opportunity and win her heart. Your future will be boundless!”

Encouraged by these compliments, Carlos’s face lit up again. His lost confidence was quickly restored.

“Good! Since Miss Natasha has shown interest, I can’t let a beautiful lady’s heart grow cold. Let’s see how I can win her over tonight!”

Carlos adjusted his tie, ran his fingers through his hair, and confidently walked towards Natasha as if he were a gallant knight ready to woo a princess.

“Miss Natasha, hello, I am…”

As Carlos approached and extended his hand with a smile, he suddenly realized that Natasha didn’t even acknowledge him. She simply walked past him and, in front of the crowd’s astonished eyes, rushed into the embrace of Dustin, her face filled with joy. “Husband! I missed you so much!”

Chapter 1407: Fiancé

“Husband! I missed you so much!”

In front of the stunned crowd, Natasha swiftly rushed into Dustin’s embrace, holding him tightly. Her actions resembled a passionate reunion between long-lost lovers, filled with warmth and intimacy.

However, her audacious move left everyone in the room in shock. They stared with wide eyes, utterly amazed. Carlos and Roselyn, in particular, were struck by disbelief.

What was happening?

The Chairman of the United Group, the third-ranked beauty on the Beauty List, and the granddaughter of a duke, voluntarily embracing a poor guy?
How could this be possible?!

Carlos’s hand remained extended in a frozen posture, and his smile had turned into a stiff expression. Inside, he was experiencing a tidal wave of shock.

Could it be true? Were Dustin’s previous claims accurate?

Could it be that this country’s stunning beauty, Natasha, was really Dustin’s woman?

But how could that be?

Dustin was just an unknown figure, perhaps skilled in martial arts and medicine at best. There were countless such individuals in Stonia, nothing extraordinary.

Why him?

Why did someone like him, who was nothing special, receive the favor of Natasha?

While he, who was handsome, talented, and full of potential, didn’t even have the qualifications for Natasha to glance at him for a moment.
Why?!

“It’s impossible! How could this guy even know Natasha? What right does he have to associate with a woman of such stature?!” Roselyn’s eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief.

“In my opinion, Dustin is just a country bumpkin trying to make it in Stonia. He has no background, no abilities, and no connections. He can only struggle at the bottom and will never be able to rise above it in his lifetime. He can’t even match up to me, let alone the granddaughter of the current duke. The pairing of these two is like a toad and a swan, it’s unbelievable.”

“Husband, how do I look today? Did I look beautiful? I dressed up carefully just to see you.”

Natasha held Dustin’s waist with both hands, looking up at his handsome and resolute face with joy in her eyes.

Even though they had only been apart for a few days, it felt like a century had passed.

“Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!”

Dustin smiled faintly and reached out to tuck a strand of hair that had escaped its confinement behind Natasha’s ear, making her look even more charming.

All his worries and troubles from before disappeared when he saw the beauty in front of him. His entire spirit seemed to be rejuvenated.
“I look so beautiful, how about giving me a kiss?”

Natasha extended her delicate finger and pointed to her glossy red lips, wearing a s*xy and enchanting smile.

“Huh?”

Dustin’s smile froze for a moment.

He glanced around and noticed that hundreds of pairs of eyes were fixed on them.

Kissing in public like this, was it appropriate?

“Hehehe… Just teasing you.”

Natasha chuckled sweetly. “It’s not very polite to do that in front of so many people. We can kiss when we get home.”

Dustin could only smile wryly.

She was indeed a playful little demon, and she hadn’t changed at all.

“Let me introduce you to everyone…”

Natasha, still holding Dustin’s arm, turned to the guests in the banquet hall and said with a smile, “This is my fiancé, Dustin. Please take good care of him in the future.”

“Dustin?”

Chapter 1408: Why Not Me

With Natasha’s introduction, the guests in the banquet hall exchanged glances and whispered to each other.

“Who is Dustin? I’ve never heard of him. Do we have such a young talent in Stonia?”

“That’s strange, I consider myself well-informed, but I’ve never heard of this person.”

“So, he’s just an unknown individual? Why would Miss Natasha be interested in someone like that?”

“Well, he does have good looks. Maybe he’s just a pretty boy who can make people happy?”

The high-society guests were perplexed and began speculating about Dustin’s identity. As people accustomed to the upper echelons of society, they were well-connected and well-informed, yet they had never heard of Dustin. This led them to wonder why Natasha, who had always been associated with the elite, would take an interest in such an unknown figure. Was it true love or simply a passing fancy?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dustin. I’ve heard about you for a long time,” a plump middle-aged man named Levi approached, his smile warm and friendly. “I am Levi, the owner of the Heavenly Palace Hotel. I’ve always admired your charm, and it’s a great honor to meet you today.”

“Hello, Mr. Levi,” Dustin responded with a smile. It was a courteous exchange, but it was pleasant nonetheless.

Levi’s success as the owner of the Heavenly Palace Hotel suggested that he was not an ordinary figure.

“I’m Aiden, the chairman of Centene Group. Please take care of me in the future, Mr. Dustin.”

“Mr. Dustin, I’m Luke, the Deputy Commander of the City Guard. If you ever encounter any trouble in the future, please feel free to reach out to me. I guarantee you’ll be worry-free.”

“Mr. Dustin…”

With Levi leading the way, more and more influential figures approached Dustin, offering compliments and flattery. They didn’t care who Dustin was or what his background might be. As long as Natasha valued him, they all greeted him with smiles and respect. This was the way of the social elite. Thanks to Natasha, who had previously gone unnoticed, Dustin had become the center of attention at the event.

Dustin basked in the attention and admiration, handling the situation with grace and charm. He greeted everyone with a warm smile, showing impeccable manners.

“Why? Why is it him? Why not me?” Carlos clenched his fists tightly, seething with envy and frustration. He couldn’t understand why Natasha would choose Dustin over him.

“Don’t be disheartened, senior brother. He’s just a pretty face, perhaps Natasha will get tired of him after a few days,” Roselyn whispered to Carlos, trying to console him.

As a woman, she refused to believe that Natasha, with her exceptional qualities, would marry an unknown person. Not to mention the obstacle presented by her grandfather, the Duke of Duncan.

So she was convinced that their relationship couldn’t last, and it was just a temporary fling.

“A pretty face? What qualifications does that guy with the surname Rhys have to let Natasha play with him?” Carlos was still unwilling to accept it. Natasha, the third-ranked beauty on the Beauty List, had inexplicably fallen for Dustin, a nobody. It was like a beautiful flower growing in a pile of dung.

“Why is he the one being played with? Why?”

“What are you all doing?!” Suddenly, a booming voice echoed from the entrance.

The voice was thunderous, causing everyone to turn their heads in astonishment.

A tall and burly young man in military uniform walked in with a commanding presence.

His sharp gaze and powerful aura were unmistakable. The golden epaulettes on his shoulders identified him as a young general.

“Hmm?” When Natasha saw this newcomer, her smile faded, her eyebrows furrowing in annoyance. As for the group of high-society figures who had surrounded Dustin just moments ago, they scattered in a hurry, afraid of getting into trouble.

Chapter 1409: Ian Bryant

With the military-clad man’s entrance, the entire banquet hall fell silent. Everyone quickly made way for him, as if avoiding a venomous snake.

This newcomer, known for his explosive temper and unpredictable behavior, had a deep background, and no one dared to provoke him. Encountering him meant keeping a safe distance to avoid any trouble.

“Senior brother, who is this person who just came in? He looks very imposing,” Roselyn said, both surprised and curious.

This person had an intimidating presence and clearly had significant influence.

“If I’m not mistaken, he should be Ian Bryant from the Bryant family,” Carlos said, squinting his eyes.

“Ian Bryant? Is he one of the so-called Four Demons of the Underworld?” Roselyn widened her eyes in astonishment.

“Yes, that’s him,” Carlos nodded.

He didn’t dare to look directly at Ian and could only steal glances from the corner of his eye.

The Bryant family, like the Duncan family, was a powerful and influential clan in the inner city. They had immense wealth and power. As for Ian, he was one of the most prominent young talents among the Bryant family members.

Not only did he have a strong background, but he also possessed exceptional abilities. At a young age, he had already achieved the rank of a Fourth-Rank Martial General, showing tremendous potential.

The only problem was Ian’s explosive temper, which often led to trouble. This was why he had a terrible reputation and was known as one of the Four Demons of the Underworld.

“It’s strange. Why would such a bully come here? Judging from his fierce appearance, he wouldn’t be causing trouble, would he?” Roselyn shrank her neck in apprehension.

In Stonia, the Four Demons of the Underworld were notorious troublemakers, and just hearing their names struck fear into people’s hearts.
Ian Bryant was one of them.

“Causing trouble is unlikely. I heard that Ian has fallen in love with Natasha, so he probably came here to support her,” Carlos said thoughtfully.

“Wait a minute!” Roselyn seemed to have realized something suddenly. She said, “If Ian likes Natasha, doesn’t that make him a rival to Dustin?”

“Hmm… It seems that way!”

Carlos quickly caught on to the situation, his demeanor shifting from despondency to determination. He said, “With Ian’s personality, he won’t tolerate anyone competing for his woman. If that’s the case, Dustin is in trouble today!”

“Hmph! Serves him right!” Roselyn crossed her arms and wore a smug expression. “Who asked him to be a toad wanting to eat swan meat? He has no skills and still wants to climb up to Natasha. This is karma! Let’s see how he handles it!”

“I told you, how could such a loser possibly win over a beauty? Now that a strong rival has appeared, let’s see how he deals with it!” Carlos grinned and looked like he was enjoying the show.

A woman he couldn’t have, Dustin wouldn’t get her either!

“Natasha! Who is this guy?” Ian strode forward and stared at Dustin with an unfriendly expression.

He had witnessed the close interaction between Natasha and Dustin, and he naturally felt extremely displeased with this unexpected rival.

“Who he is, has nothing to do with you,” Natasha replied coldly.

“You all have been talking, and I’ve heard it. He’s the little gigolo you’ve been keeping, right?” Ian questioned.

“I’ll say it again, it’s none of your business!” Natasha’s eyes reflected her disdain.

She had had many suitors, but Ian’s type was the one she despised the most – arrogant and overbearing, believing that all women should revolve around him, acting like he was the center of the universe.

It was truly annoying.

“What do you mean ‘none of my business’? You’re the woman I’ve set my sights on, and you can only be with me. Other men aren’t even worthy of you!” Ian spoke with a dominating tone.

“Do you really think you’re worthy of me?”

Natasha snorted. “You have brawns but no brains, like a black chimpanzee. Who would like someone like you?”

“You—!”

Chapter 1410: Black Cyclone

Ian raised his hand, as if he was about to strike, but then he stopped himself halfway. He had never encountered a woman who dared to speak to him this way. If it weren’t for certain considerations, he would have acted without hesitation.

“You! Who do you think you are? How dare you compete with me for a woman? Do you have a death wish?” Ian shifted his gaze to Dustin, his hostility apparent.

He couldn’t touch Natasha, but dealing with a little gigolo was a piece of cake.

As long as the person wasn’t of royal blood or part of the four major noble families, he could easily handle them.

“Boy! Who are you? Before asking for someone’s name, you should introduce yourself first. It’s basic etiquette,” Dustin calmly replied.

“Hmph! You want to know my name? Fine! I’ll grant your request. I am Ian Bryant from the royal Bryant family, a fourth-ranked Mighty Martial General. People call me the Black Cyclone!” Ian declared with a fierce glare.

“Oh, and what’s the significance of that?” Dustin responded nonchalantly.

“What’s the significance?” Ian was momentarily taken aback, not expecting such a response. Normally, when people heard his name, they would be trembling in fear.

However, this young man showed no reaction.

He couldn’t help but wonder if he hadn’t made himself clear.

“Kid! Don’t you know about the Bryant family’s royal status?” Ian narrowed his eyes.

“I do,” Dustin nodded.

“Do you understand the power of a fourth-ranked Mighty Martial General?” Ian asked.

“I understand,” Dustin nodded once more.

“Then why aren’t you scared, knowing my identity and my strength?” Ian said with a deep voice.

“Why should I be scared?” Dustin replied calmly. “You’re just a bully who relies on his power and lacks any real talent. Why should I be afraid of you?”

With these words, the whole room erupted in shock.

“Oh my god! Is this guy crazy? He actually dares to openly provoke Ian? Doesn’t he care about his life?”

“This young man doesn’t know his place, daring to offend even the Black Cyclone in public. Is he seeking death?”

“When Ian gets angry, blood will be spilled within five steps. This guy is definitely doomed today!”

The sudden turn of events left everyone in shock. No one expected Dustin to be so audacious, openly challenging Ian and showing no fear whatsoever.

Who was Ian?

He was the infamous Black Cyclone, a terrifying figure who struck fear into the hearts of many. Anyone who had crossed paths with Ian had met a gruesome fate, and those who survived were often left maimed.

Normally, if one were to encounter Ian, the instinct would be to avoid him at all costs. However, Dustin had unexpectedly walked right into the lion’s den.

This was tantamount to courting death!

“Hmph! You little fool! Did you just say something? I didn’t catch it clearly. Do you have the guts to say it again?” Ian’s face darkened, and his teeth clenched together as his eyes seemed ready to shoot fire.

“I said, you are an inept, talentless brat who relies solely on your family’s reputation, a paper tiger who abuses your inherited power. Now, do you understand clearly enough?” Dustin spoke calmly, repeating his words.

With these words, everyone had the same thought running through their minds: “He’s done for! There’s no saving him now!”

Chapter List