An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2445

Chapter 2445

The next morning at West Lucozia Airport, Tobias stood at the gate, wearing a traditional Mao suit, his expression expectant.

Before arriving, he had contacted an old comrade-in-arms.

Back in their military days, the two had served together. Tobias had later earned commendations and, with the Ballard family’s support, secured a good position in Oakvale. Meanwhile, his comrade had gone to West Lucozia to build a career. Over the years, the comrade had risen to prominence, now holding the rank of a third-rank general with considerable power and connections.

Whether Tobias could meet the King of West Lucozia this time depended entirely on this comrade’s influence.

A sudden roar of an engine broke the morning calm.

A military jeep came to a halt beside Tobias, and the window rolled down, revealing a bald head that gleamed under the sunlight like a light bulb. Beneath it was an unremarkable face, but the man’s thick neck and broad, muscular frame gave him the build of a bear.

It was none other than Stephan, Tobias’s old comrade.

“Mr. Chapman?” Tobias squinted, unsure if he had the right person.

The Stephan he remembered had been lean with a full head of hair. How had a few years transformed him into this burly, bald figure? If not for the familiar face, Tobias might not have recognized him.

“Hahaha, Mr. Ballard! Long time no see—I’ve missed you!” Stephan jumped out of the jeep and gave Tobias a bear hug so strong it nearly knocked the wind out of him.

“Gentle, gentle—you’re crushing my ribs!” Tobias grinned, struggling to free himself.

“Still so small and skinny after all these years!” Stephan teased, giving Tobias a once-over, his tone filled with mock disdain.

“I haven’t changed, but you—what happened? You’re built like an ox now!” Tobias replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

“You don’t get it! This is called a toned body. I’m a hit everywhere I go, especially with the ladies. They love me!” Stephan flexed his biceps and struck a few poses with exaggerated pride.

“Alright, alright, stop showing off,” Tobias said, steering the conversation back on track. “How’s the matter I asked you to handle?”

“It’s rare for us to meet after so long. Let’s get in the car and catch up over food,” Stephan said, draping an arm around Tobias and practically pushing him into the jeep.

The jeep sped off and, after an hour’s drive, arrived at a well-known specialty restaurant in the city center. It was a popular spot where reservations were a must.

Stephan, being a big name in the area, was warmly greeted by the manager, who personally escorted them to a luxurious private room on the second floor. He even arranged for two young women to accompany them for drinks.

Tobias, focused on his mission, politely declined the women’s company. Stephan, however, embraced the moment, enjoying himself thoroughly.

After several rounds of wine and dishes, Stephan finally sent the women away, visibly satisfied.

“Alright, Mr. Chapman. We’ve eaten, drank, and entertained ourselves. Can we now discuss the business I came here for?” Tobias asked, unable to wait any longer.

Stephan took a sip of wine and shook his head. “Mr. Ballard, you should know—meeting the prince isn’t easy. Even I have to submit a report in advance and wait to see if he has time. For outsiders, it’s even harder.”

“I understand the challenges, but I’m counting on you. You’re my only hope right now,” Tobias said sincerely. He then retrieved an intricately crafted jade box from his coat and slid it toward Stephan.

Although Tobias had a military background, he knew the importance of building relationships. A shared history was one thing, but when asking for help, gestures of goodwill were essential.

“Mr. Ballard, what are you doing? We’re brothers—no need for this!” Stephan protested, feigning displeasure.

“Come on, you’re the one putting in the effort. I can’t let you handle everything for free. If word got out, people would call me ungrateful.”

Tobias nudged the box closer and opened it, revealing two exquisite jade pendants.

One was black, the other white, both shaped like yin-yang fish. They fit together perfectly to form a whole, but could also be worn separately.

“This is the Yin-Yang Twins,” Tobias explained with a smile. “It’s a treasure from two thousand years ago, a gift from an emperor to his children. Wearing it is said to strengthen the body, ward off evil, and bring protection. I heard you have twins, so I thought this would make a perfect gift from their uncle.”

Stephan’s eyes lit up the moment he saw the pendants.

Priceless and steeped in history, the Yin-Yang Twins were worth their weight in gold. More importantly, they were perfect for his children. Tobias’s effort in finding such a thoughtful gift did not go unnoticed.

“Mr. Ballard, you’re too kind,” Stephan said, clutching the jade box as if it were a treasure. “Alright, since we’re brothers, I’ll accept this. And don’t worry—I’ll make sure your request is handled beautifully!”

“Thank you so much,” Tobias said, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

Once Stephan accepted the gift, Tobias felt assured. With decades of connections in West Lucozia, Stephan certainly had the means to arrange the meeting.

“Don’t mention it—we’re brothers! Stay here for a couple of days. I’ll notify you as soon as there’s news,” Stephan said with a wide grin.

Thanks to both the Ballard family’s influence and Stephan’s connections, the path to meeting the prince seemed much smoother now. Tobias had not only secured a favor but also strengthened an old friendship—a win-win situation.