An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2546

Chapter 2546

Emmett stumbled into Nathaniel’s courtyard, drenched in sweat, his face still etched with fear.

Nathaniel sat alone at his desk, deep in thought under the glow of a solitary lamp. Hearing the frantic footsteps, he frowned and looked up.

“Your Highness! Something terrible has happened!” Emmett burst in, too panicked to salute.

“What is it?” Nathaniel asked, clearly displeased by the interruption.

The mansion was large, and the earlier destruction at the gate hadn’t reached his ears.

“Your Highness, Zeus and Hera—the King and Queen of the Gods from the Pantheon—just broke into the mansion! General Veilleux tried to stop them, but Zeus struck him with lightning. He… he was killed instantly!”

Emmett forced himself to stay calm as he quickly recounted what had happened.

A seasoned soldier, Emmett wasn’t easily shaken—but the way General Mateo Veilleux died had rattled him to the core.

In an instant, Mateo exploded into a cloud of blood. There wasn’t even a body left.

It was a brutal display of power. Mateo was a master-level warrior—yet to Zeus, he was no more than an insect. Emmett’s confidence had been shattered.

“What are you saying? Why would the King of Gods from the Pantheon come here? And kill one of my people? Are you sure you’re not mistaken?” Nathaniel’s first reaction was disbelief.

He had no conflict with the Pantheon—in fact, he’d even worked with them secretly.

From any angle, it didn’t make sense for them to target him, much less send two top-level gods.

The gods of the Pantheon were rulers in their own right. They didn’t move unless there was a strong reason. They certainly didn’t kill without gain.

“Your Highness, I swear it’s true! General Veilleux’s remains are still at the gate—I wouldn’t dare lie!” Emmett insisted, his expression filled with dread.

“How could this happen? I’ve never crossed them. Why would they come after me?” Nathaniel’s face darkened.

“It’s because of Mr. Rhys!” Emmett blurted. “Zeus came looking for him. General Veilleux was killed just for hesitating to answer! If I hadn’t offered to help them track Mr. Rhys, they might’ve stormed the mansion and come for you next!”

“Dustin Rhys?” Nathaniel’s expression turned grim.

He had already sacrificed much to win Dustin over.

Even after his treasure vault was destroyed and the Dracan essences were stolen, he held back his anger—for the sake of future plans.

But he never expected Dustin to bring trouble so great that it would draw two gods from the Pantheon to hunt him down.

If he protected Dustin, he’d be going against the Pantheon—and that would spell disaster.

But if he gave Dustin up, he’d risk offending the West Lucozia Palace and damaging his reputation. Worse, all his past efforts and investments in Dustin would go to waste.

Either way, it was a lose-lose situation.

“Your Highness, what should we do now? Zeus gave us until sunset tomorrow. If we don’t give him an answer, he’ll come back—and next time, he’ll kill us,” Emmett said, pale and shaking.

“Damn it! How did I end up in this mess?” Nathaniel cursed, his expression darkening.

If he didn’t handle this well, he could lose everything.

“Prepare the car! I’m heading out!” Nathaniel suddenly ordered.

There was only one person he could turn to for guidance—his mother.

Whenever serious trouble arose, she always had a solution.

This time, with gods involved, it was beyond what he could handle alone. He needed the wisdom of his mother—and the power of the Spanner family—to navigate this storm.

Night deepened.

Nathaniel, along with Emmett and a few trusted aides, rushed toward the Forbidden City at full speed.

To avoid drawing attention, Nathaniel even wore a disguise.

Fortunately, the journey went smoothly, and they soon arrived at Jacqueline’s residence.

She was reading under the soft light of a lamp when her son arrived, clearly distressed.

“Nathaniel? What’s wrong? Why the panic?” Jacqueline asked, surprised by his unannounced visit.

“Mother, I’m in trouble…”

Without hiding anything, Nathaniel explained the entire situation.

Jacqueline’s face grew serious. She motioned for him to sit and had someone bring tea.

After a long moment of thought, she finally spoke.

“This isn’t unsolvable. In fact, if we handle it right, it could turn into an opportunity.”

“Oh? Do you have a plan?” Nathaniel asked, hope lighting up his face.

“As for Dustin,” Jacqueline said calmly, “send someone to warn him. Let him know two gods from the Pantheon are after him. Remind him to stay alert. Use this as a chance to do him another favor.”

“But Mother, won’t that bring the gods’ wrath onto me?” Nathaniel frowned.

“Listen,” Jacqueline said with a slight smile. “Show kindness to Dustin, but shift the blame elsewhere. Find someone else to take the fall for whatever offense the gods believe was committed. That way, you avoid offending West Lucozia and the Pantheon. Isn’t that the perfect solution?”