An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2444

Chapter 2444

“Grandpa, I understand why you sent my two uncles to the Spanner and Fallon families to gather information. But West Lucozia is thousands of miles away and doesn’t concern itself with Oakvale’s court affairs. Sending my third uncle there won’t help and might even result in him being turned away.” Natasha shook her head slightly.

Oakvale and West Lucozia are like two separate worlds.

The crown prince’s dispute in Oakvale has no bearing on West Lucozia. The two sides have always operated independently, respecting an unspoken rule of non-interference.

“I understand that, but the situation has changed,” Simon explained. “When it comes to imperial power and the throne, every faction will try to win West Lucozia’s support. If the delicate balance of years is disrupted and West Lucozia gets involved, everything could shift. That’s why I need to investigate in advance.”

If West Lucozia remains uninvolved, nothing changes. But if it does, Oakvale’s political landscape could be shaken to its core.

West Lucozia’s hundreds of thousands of cavalry could send tremors across the land with just a single move.

“Grandpa, what if…” Natasha hesitated, “What if West Lucozia really intervenes in the crown prince’s dispute? What would happen then?”

“If they do, it’s good news for us,” Simon replied. “At least we’ll know where to stand. Whoever West Lucozia supports, the Ballard family will back them—it would be the safest choice.”

Compared to West Lucozia, the four royal families and eight wealthy families of Oakvale pale in significance. If the King of West Lucozia wanted, he could easily place a puppet on the throne.

“So, you’re sending my third uncle to test the waters? To see if West Lucozia has any intention of interfering?” Natasha quickly realized.

“My concern is whether your third uncle will even get through the gates of West Lucozia,” Simon sighed. “The Ballard family’s influence in Oakvale means nothing there.”

In Oakvale, the Ballard family commands respect—even the government yields to them. But in West Lucozia, it’s an entirely different story.

There, the King of West Lucozia holds absolute authority. Oakvale’s connections and power are irrelevant.

“If you’re visiting West Lucozia, I can help,” Dustin suddenly said.

Simon raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You have connections in West Lucozia?”

“Sort of,” Dustin nodded. “I can arrange for someone to assist. It should make things much smoother.”

Dustin didn’t reveal his true identity. He had no desire to get involved in Oakvale’s political struggles or be treated differently.

“Excellent! Having an insider will definitely help,” Simon said with relief. “Dustin, I appreciate your help.”

“It’s no trouble. I’ll make the arrangements now,” Dustin replied with a faint smile.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The moment the call connected, an excited voice burst through.

“Brother! You finally called!”

“Do you know how miserable my life has been? Come back and save me! Without you, that old man has been tormenting me to no end!”

Austin’s dramatic complaints poured out like a flood, as if he’d endured some horrific suffering.

“Enough with the theatrics. Isn’t he just being strict? It’s for your own good,” Dustin interrupted, shifting the conversation. “I need you to handle something important, so don’t mess this up.”

“Don’t worry, brother! Whatever you need, I’ll handle it perfectly—even if I have to go through fire and water!” Austin declared proudly.

“I have an uncle named Tobias from the Ballard family in Oakvale. He’ll be visiting West Lucozia for some business soon. I need you to take care of him,” Dustin instructed.

“That’s it?” Austin sounded disappointed. “I thought it was something big, but you’re just asking me to host someone?”

“Stop whining and do as I say,” Dustin replied impatiently.

“Fine, fine. I’ll take care of it,” Austin relented. “You’re my brother, after all.”

“By the way, how’s the old man?” Dustin asked, his tone softening.

“Not great,” Austin admitted. “He looks fine, but he often coughs up blood at night. He’s relying on medicine to keep going, but I’m not sure how much longer he’ll last.”

Dustin fell silent.

He had harbored resentment toward his father in the past, but as time passed, he began to understand his father’s struggles. The thought of his father’s declining health weighed heavily on him.

“Take good care of him. Don’t let him worry about anything,” Dustin said after a pause. “Let me know if anything happens.”

With that, he ended the call, his expression somber.