An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2436

Chapter 2436

After leaving Dash Corporation, Dustin and Natasha stopped at a mall to buy gifts for the entire Ballard family. From the eldest relatives to the youngest toddlers, they ensured no one was left out.

Later, they visited an antique shop, selecting a beautiful calligraphy piece and a painting as a gift for Simon Ballard, the Duke of Lachshire.

As dusk fell, Dustin, with everything prepared, arrived at Ballard’s Mansion for the first time.

Located in Oakvale’s inner city, the mansion was a sprawling quadrangle estate that radiated prestige and grandeur.

Simon Ballard had three sons and one daughter. His eldest son, Kairo, held a high-ranking position in the court. The second son, Jayceon, was a renowned entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry, amassing a fortune worth tens of billions. The youngest son, Tobias, had achieved the rank of third-grade general in the army. Simon’s only daughter, Jessica—Natasha’s mother—was the apple of his eye and adored by the entire family.

As Jessica’s daughter, Natasha had naturally inherited this special status. The Ballard family treated her like a precious gem, someone to be cherished and protected at all costs. The meteoric rise of Natasha’s Dash Corporation was, in no small part, thanks to the unwavering support of her grandfather and three uncles.

Thus, when the family learned Natasha would be bringing her fiancé home, they spared no effort in preparation. Simon returned home early, and all three uncles cleared their schedules to ensure they could personally meet the man who had captured Natasha’s heart.

When Dustin stepped into the mansion’s grand living room, he was taken aback by the sight before him.

The room was packed with relatives—four generations gathered in one place. Everyone who could attend had shown up, their eyes fixed intently on him.

“Didn’t Natasha say this would be a simple meal?” Dustin thought, puzzled by the overwhelming welcome. He glanced at Natasha, who gave him a playful wink, feigning innocence.

“This is Natasha’s fiancé? He’s quite the looker!”

“Good looks aside, does he have the ability to match? He better not just be a pretty face.”

“Relax. Natasha has excellent judgment. She didn’t even bat an eye at Frost Bane, the so-called ‘golden boy.’”

Whispers filled the room as family members scrutinized Dustin.

“Ahem!” Simon cleared his throat, and the chatter ceased instantly. Discussing an honored guest in his presence was simply impolite.

“Dustin, this is my grandfather, my grandmother, my uncles, my aunts, and my cousins,” Natasha said with a warm smile, introducing her family one by one.

Dustin greeted each relative courteously, his demeanor calm and respectful.

“Grandpa, this is Dustin, the fiancé I told you about. You met him once before in Balerno,” Natasha added.

Simon studied Dustin with a nod of approval. “Not bad. A young man full of energy.” He had already conducted a background check on Dustin. While Dustin’s reputation as a talented individual, both intellectually and physically, was undeniable, his exact identity remained somewhat elusive—even Simon’s extensive connections couldn’t uncover it fully. This air of mystery only made Simon regard him more highly.

“Grandpa, Dustin brought special gifts for everyone,” Natasha announced with a grin. At her cue, servants entered the room, carrying bags of meticulously chosen presents.

Natasha and Dustin distributed the gifts personally, ensuring everyone—from the elders to the youngest children—received something. Even after handing out dozens of items, there were still extras, which they gave to the children.

“Why so many gifts? You’re far too polite!”

“Dustin, we’re family now. There’s no need for formalities.”

“Come, take a seat!”

Natasha’s uncles were particularly enthusiastic, guiding Dustin to a seat and immediately bombarding him with questions.

“How old are you?”

“What do you do for a living?”

“Where are your parents from?”

Their curiosity knew no bounds. Dustin answered each question with patience and a friendly smile, though the relentless interrogation left Natasha exasperated.

“They just met him, and they’re already grilling him like this? Is this even polite?” she thought, rolling her eyes. Seeing no end to her uncles’ questioning, she shot a pleading look at her grandfather.

“Enough, enough. Let’s have dinner first. We can talk more over the meal,” Simon said, putting an end to the questioning.

The family filed into the dining hall, where two large round tables were set, nearly overflowing with relatives. Such a grand gathering was typically reserved for holidays, but today was clearly an exception.

Dustin, as the guest of honor, was seated beside Simon in a place of distinction.

Just as everyone was about to start the meal, the mansion’s butler hurried in, whispering to Simon.

“Master, Mr. Frost Bane from the Mosey family is here to visit.”

“Frost Bane? What could he want?” Kairo frowned.

“The Mosey family has been angling for an alliance with us. Could he be here to propose?” Jayceon speculated.

“Hmph! That playboy wants to marry into the Ballard family? Dream on,” Tobias scoffed.

Though Frost Bane was one of Oakvale’s most eligible bachelors and admired by countless women, the Ballard brothers had little regard for his character.