An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2718

Chapter 2718

“Mrs. Nicholson, what a coincidence.”
Natasha’s voice was cool, carrying a touch of polite distance. “But isn’t it a little inappropriate for you to stare at my husband like that?”

“Husband?” Dahlia snapped out of her daze. She smoothed down her emotions, returning to her calm, icy composure.

A faint smile appeared on her lips—light, elegant, and tinged with disbelief. “Ms. Harmon, if I recall correctly… you’re not married yet. Where did this husband suddenly come from?”

Natasha had clearly been waiting for this question.

She immediately hooked her arm through Dustin’s, leaning in close as if to make a point. Tilting her pretty face up, she said clearly and confidently, “He’s my husband. We’ll get our marriage certificate tomorrow.”

Her declaration was like tossing a stone into still water—the ripples in Dahlia’s heart were impossible to hide.

Her smile faltered for just a moment. She turned to Dustin again, her gaze deepening with complicated emotions. After a brief pause, she managed to respond in an even tone:

“Then… congratulations.”

“Thank you for your blessing, Mrs. Nicholson.” Natasha’s smile bloomed—bright, triumphant, and edged with satisfaction. “When we hold our wedding, we’ll be sure to send you an invitation. You must come and show your support.”

Those words landed in Dahlia’s chest like another sharp blade.

She frowned slightly—irritation flickering across her face—yet she found she had no grounds to object. All she could do was swallow her frustration.

At that moment, the rich second-generation brat who had been ignored for ages slowly inched closer. He swallowed hard and asked cautiously, “Sister Dahlia… do you know these two people?”

Dahlia gave him a bland glance. “Two old friends. Why?”

The moment he heard “old friends” paired with Dahlia’s expression, a chill ran down the rich kid’s spine.

He might be a spoiled playboy, but he wasn’t dumb.

Dahlia was now a powerful figure in the royal Mosey family—a woman even his father had to treat with respect. If she called them “old friends” with such a subtle tone…

Then these two were people he absolutely could not afford to offend.

He silently thanked the heavens he hadn’t escalated things earlier. Immediately, he plastered on a fawning smile, bowing repeatedly.

“Oh goodness! A huge misunderstanding! We’re practically family and I didn’t even realize—how embarrassing! I offended you both earlier. I’m so sorry! I’ll leave right now, I won’t disturb your reunion!”

Natasha waved him off dismissively. “Get out of here. You’re blocking my sight.”

“Yes, yes, yes!” The rich kid fled as if his life depended on it.

Once he was gone, the atmosphere shifted again—dense with things left unsaid.

Dahlia drew in a breath and looked at Dustin once more. After a moment of deliberation, she finally spoke:

“Dustin… do you have time? How about we have a meal together? There are some things I want to talk to you about.”

Dustin frowned slightly and was just about to decline.

But Natasha beat him to it, beaming brightly. “Sure! Mrs. Nicholson personally invited us—how could we refuse?”

Dustin shot her a surprised look, wondering what she was thinking. With her personality, she should’ve been eager to avoid Dahlia entirely.

Natasha felt his questioning gaze and discreetly squeezed his arm.

She had her reasons.

Rather than letting Dahlia pull any tricks in secret, it was better to confront things directly—to assert her territory, to set boundaries clearly.

And frankly… she wanted Dahlia to see with her own eyes just how extraordinary Dustin had become.

Let her feel the sting of knowing she misjudged him—of realizing how wrong she was back then.

This meal was the perfect opportunity.

…

A few minutes later, the three of them walked into a Haidilao hot pot restaurant in the mall.

Two breathtaking women—one icy and elegant, the other radiant and stunning—walking side by side with a man whose presence and looks made him stand out in any crowd.

The restaurant’s return rate hit nearly 100%.

Wherever they walked, heads turned. Conversations stopped. Their presence was like a spotlight sweeping through the room.

After the waiter seated them, whispers began to ripple through the restaurant:

“Holy crap! Look over there! Those two women are insane—total goddesses.”

“Dude, one’s a cold beauty and the other’s a glamorous queen. Who is that guy?”

“Forget one beauty—this guy’s sitting with two at the same table?! No, eating hot pot with them! Is there no justice left in the world?”

“I’m jealous… did he save the universe in his past life?”

“Look at him. Maybe he’s some rich young master slumming it?”

“I don’t buy it. He looks too low-key. Just a bit handsome with a good vibe—ugh, I’m getting more jealous the more I talk.”

“Tsk tsk… having two wives’ worth of blessings isn’t something mortals can handle. Look at the three of them—doesn’t the atmosphere seem tense?”