An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2542

Chapter 2542

“But… I’m willing!”
Nathaniel gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with deep resentment.

He had been so close to success—why had his father stepped in now to ruin everything?
Had all the affection and favoritism over the years just been a show?

“My son, if you want to achieve great things, you must learn to be patient and not act impulsively,”
Jacqueline advised gently.
“One failure is nothing. Losing a treasure is even less important. As long as you’re safe, you’ll have more opportunities ahead. The Spanner family and I will always stand behind you.”

Nathaniel’s expression finally eased.
Even without the Dracan essences or the support of national destiny, he still had his mother, the Spanner family, and the network he had spent years building.
With these resources, he could still compete with Matthias and Tristan.

“What’s done is done. There’s no point dwelling on it,” Jacqueline continued.
“Dustin has a bright future ahead of him—he might even inherit the throne of King West Lucozia. Your father thinks highly of him. Even if he’s wronged you, for the greater good, you must pretend nothing happened. More than that—you need to show goodwill and win him over. A true crown prince knows how to be tolerant.”

Nathaniel took a deep breath to calm himself. Then he nodded firmly.
“Mother, I understand. Thank you for your guidance. I know what I need to do.”

“You’re a smart boy,” Jacqueline smiled warmly.
“As long as you stay focused, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”

Her son was excellent in every way—clever, talented in martial arts, and skilled in strategy. His only flaw was being too narrow-minded.
If he could overcome that, his chances of becoming the crown prince would greatly improve.

The next morning, Nathaniel personally brought Wynter to visit Dustin.

Gone was the dark and gloomy face from yesterday. Today, he wore a warm, sincere smile, like spring sunshine.

“Brother Rhys, I came to apologize for yesterday. I hope you won’t hold it against me,”
Nathaniel said as he strode into the courtyard. As soon as he saw Dustin, he bowed deeply.

Dustin was slightly stunned. He quickly set down the book he was reading, stepped forward, and helped Nathaniel up.
“Your Highness, you’re too kind. Yesterday’s incident was about protecting the mansion’s safety. How could I blame you?”

Nathaniel straightened up, looking sincerely at Dustin.
He sighed.
“It was my impatience that almost caused a major mistake. I came today to offer a sincere apology, hoping Brother Rhys can forgive me.”

Then Nathaniel stepped aside, motioning Wynter forward.
“Also, I brought Wynter with me. I know she’s sentimental. I thought if she could stay by your side, it might help ease your boredom.”

“Your Highness, this is too much,” Dustin quickly waved his hands.
“Miss Wynter is a guest at your mansion. How could I take her away?”

He was puzzled. Yesterday, Nathaniel had been furious—yet today, he was acting completely differently.
Was there some hidden motive?

“Brother Rhys, please don’t refuse,” Nathaniel said, smiling even more warmly.
“My house is full of people. Losing Wynter isn’t a big deal. But if she can be of service to you, it would be the best use of her talents.”

With that, he gently pushed Wynter toward Dustin.

Wynter lowered her head, her hands tightly clutching the hem of her dress.
Her slender fingers turned pale from the pressure.
She stole a glance at Dustin, her eyes full of pleading—desperately seeking comfort and freedom.

Dustin’s heart softened.
Seeing Wynter’s pitiful look, and remembering how she had helped him before, he could only nod helplessly.
“Since Your Highness insists, I’ll respectfully accept.”

Hearing this, Nathaniel laughed heartily.
“Good! Brother Rhys is truly a straightforward man. If you ever need anything, just say the word. I, Nathaniel, will do everything I can to help you!”

Dustin kept a calm expression, but inwardly he was even more confused.

He had expected Nathaniel to hold a grudge over the missing treasure and seek revenge.
Instead, Nathaniel not only let it go but also went out of his way to show kindness—and even offered him Wynter.

Something didn’t add up.

“Then I’ll take my leave. Brother Rhys, please take good care of Miss Wynter.”
Nathaniel bowed again and left with his entourage.

After he was gone, Dustin turned to Wynter and asked softly,
“What’s going on with him?”

“I don’t know,” Wynter shook her head.
“Early this morning, His Highness dragged me here to apologize and insisted on leaving me with you.”

“Is this a beauty trap?” Dustin narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Could it be that Nathaniel, seeing how close he and Wynter had become, was trying to use her to manipulate him?

“Whatever His Highness is thinking, the result is good for both of us,” Wynter said with a soft, charming smile.

If Dustin accepted her, her status would rise, and she would no longer need to bow and compromise for survival.

No matter how poor she might be now—she was finally free.

Besides, she had already accumulated enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of her life.