An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2437
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- An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26
- An Understated Dominance Chapter 2437
Chapter 2437
“Dad, what do you think?” Kairo turned his eyes toward Simon.
“When we have guests, we naturally cannot lose our manners. Invite them to the living room to discuss,” Simon said lightly.
Frost Bane represented the Mosey family. No matter what the other party had in mind, Simon couldn’t simply turn him away.
As for the so-called marriage, that matter needed careful consideration.
“Yes!”
The butler responded quickly and left.
“You continue eating; I’ll go meet the people from the Mosey family.”
After excusing himself, Simon got up and left.
The three brothers—Kairo, Jayceon, and Tobias—exchanged glances and, without any prior agreement, followed Simon. They were curious to see what the Mosey family was planning.
“Alright, alright. Let them handle it. Let’s focus on our meal,” said Old Mrs. Ballard with a warm smile, motioning for everyone to continue eating.
Three minutes later, in the Ballard family’s living room:
Simon sat in the first seat near the main entrance, while the three Ballard brothers sat to his left, arranged by age from eldest to youngest.
The butler entered the room, leading a group of people.
At the front was a young man with a handsome face, refined demeanor, and sharp, gleaming eyes that occasionally betrayed a flicker of brilliance.
This man was Frost Bane, one of the four princes of Oakvale, famously known as the Jade-faced God of War.
Behind Frost Bane stood a white-haired old man and two strong, middle-aged men.
The white-haired old man, about Simon’s age, exuded authority. Despite his somewhat haggard appearance, his energy was evident. He walked with precision, his hands clasped behind his back, radiating a commanding presence.
This was Waylon Mosey, the uncle of Seamus Mosey and Frost Bane’s grandfather. Waylon held immense status within the Mosey family—so much so that even Seamus Mosey had to show him respect.
The two middle-aged men behind Waylon were esteemed guests of the Mosey family, skilled and influential in their own right, but they served as bodyguards here.
“This is Duke of Lachshire and my three uncles,” Frost Bane said politely as he entered.
He smiled graciously, his refined demeanor leaving a favorable impression.
“Why didn’t you notify us in advance of such an esteemed visit? We could have prepared better,” Simon said with a faint smile.
“Our sudden visit is indeed abrupt. Please forgive us, Duke of Lachshire,” Frost Bane replied, bowing once more.
This attitude surprised the three Ballard brothers. From what they knew, Frost Bane was not someone who humbled himself easily.
Young, powerful, and commanding a large army, Frost Bane was known for his arrogance. Though not overly rude, he carried an air of superiority. Yet today, he displayed no such edge.
“Has he become more restrained and mature?” the brothers silently wondered.
Simon, unfazed, went straight to the point. “General Mosey, what brings you to the Ballard family today?”
“Before discussing the purpose of my visit, allow me to introduce someone,” Frost Bane said as he stepped aside, gesturing toward the white-haired old man.
“This is my third master. He is a highly respected elder within the Mosey family but rarely makes public appearances.”
“So, this is Third Master Mosey. I have long heard of your reputation,” Simon said as he rose, clasping his hands in greeting.
Simon had indeed heard of Waylon. Although less renowned than his two brothers, Waylon carried significant weight within the Mosey family.
“It’s been a long time, Duke of Lachshire. You remain as strong and vigorous as ever. Your reputation is well-deserved,” Waylon replied courteously.
However, Waylon’s face remained stiff, revealing his true feelings. In his heart, he did not take Simon seriously.
In Oakvale, the Mosey family was second only to imperial power. Among the four royal families, the Ballards, Fallons, and Spanners all fell beneath them.
The Ballards, in particular, were considered the weakest of the four royal families—a far cry from the Moseys.
To Waylon, Simon was merely an aging man nearing the end of his influence. Once Simon passed, the Ballard family would likely lack the strength to maintain its position and fall further behind.
Simon, noticing Waylon’s aloof attitude, maintained a composed expression and responded politely. “Third Master Mosey, thank you for your kind words. Your presence here today must be for something significant. May I ask the purpose of your visit?”
Frost Bane began with a polite compliment. “Duke of Lachshire, your insight is remarkable, as always. I truly admire it.”
He then got to the point. “I’m here on behalf of the Mosey family to discuss a marriage alliance with the Ballard family.”
“Marriage?” Simon raised an eyebrow but said nothing further, waiting for Frost Bane to elaborate.
“Yes, marriage,” Frost Bane repeated, smiling. “Throughout history, marriage has been one of the most effective ways to strengthen ties and consolidate power. Both the Mosey and Ballard families are among the four royal families. A union between us would undoubtedly lead to greater prosperity for both sides.”
Simon’s expression turned thoughtful. “Is this your idea or Lord Seamus Mosey’s?” he asked.
Marriage between royal families was no trivial matter.
While unions between collateral branches were acceptable, a marriage involving direct descendants risked provoking the imperial family’s suspicion.
It was an unspoken rule among the four royal families to avoid crossing this line. Frost Bane’s proposal seemed to test that boundary.
Simon needed to know—was this Frost Bane’s ambition, or was it Seamus Mosey’s calculated move?