An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2726

Chapter 2726

Grace’s sudden arrival was like a drop of cold water splashing into boiling oil—the entire detention room instantly sank into a suffocating, terrifying silence.

All the arrogance Adam carried from his family’s influence vanished the moment he saw her.
It was replaced by a bone-deep chill and a crushing sense of dread.

He knew exactly how much the Emperor valued the princess—how much power she held both inside and outside the court. For her to personally appear in a small district police detention center… there was no way this was a casual visit.

Unfortunately, not everyone understood the gravity of the situation.

Mateo, who had been stewing in irritation, looked up and saw a stunning young woman walking in, flanked by two men in black. Her elegance stunned him for half a second—but his playboy instincts quickly drowned out whatever instinctive caution he felt.

When he saw her walking toward them, his suppressed arrogance resurfaced instantly.

He curled his lip, gave Grace a look that was more flirtatious than respectful, and drawled, “Oh? Another one? She’s pretty. What, did you come to watch this young master’s show too? Or do you have something going on with that pretty boy named Rhys as well—”

“You wretched little fool! Shut up!”

Before Mateo could finish, Adam’s face turned deathly pale. Terrified, he swung hard and slapped Mateo across the already swollen cheek.

Smack!

The sound was loud, sharp—violent enough to make Mateo stagger and nearly fall. Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.

Mateo was stunned. He clutched his cheek, staring at his uncle in horror and confusion.

“Uncle! Why… why did you hit me again? She’s just a pretty woman! Is that really necessary?!”

He couldn’t understand. The uncle who always spoiled him was suddenly beating him senseless over a stranger.

“I told you to shut up! One more word and I’ll break your legs!”

Adam was nearly shaking with fear. Worried that Mateo might say something even worse, he kicked him in the stomach and sent him crashing to the floor.

Then—ignoring his nephew entirely—Adam straightened his clothes, forced a terrified smile, bent low, and quickly approached Grace.

His voice trembled uncontrollably.

“Your Highness, why have you come here? My nephew has always been foolish and tactless. If he has offended you, please don’t take it to heart. I will discipline him severely when we return!”

Your… Highness?!

The words detonated through the cramped cell like thunder.

Mateo froze as if turned to stone.
He slowly lifted his head, his eyes widening in horror as he stared at the beautiful young woman before him.

Princess…? Princess Grace Linsor of Dragonmarsh?!

Even the most spoiled brat understands what the word princess means.

And he had just flirted with her—crudely.

A cold wave surged up his spine, numbing his entire body. His face drained of color, and he trembled uncontrollably, forgetting even the pain.

Hayes—usually calmer and more calculating than his brother—also paled, his heart pounding. Sweat soaked his back in an instant.

Why was the princess here?

Was it because of Dustin and Natasha? Did they have some connection to her?

The possibility sent an icy jolt of fear through him.

Grace didn’t acknowledge Adam’s apology. She didn’t even spare Mateo, who was curled on the floor, a single glance.

Her cold gaze swept over Adam’s terrified face and finally stopped at his trembling fingers.

“Adam.”

Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a natural authority—an icy pressure that made the room feel several degrees colder.

“You people from the Spanner family are truly lawless. Arrogant to the extreme.”

She paused, her eyes shifting toward Director Wang, who stood stiffly at her side.

“Your nephew committed a crime, and the evidence is solid. Yet instead of reflecting on it or holding him accountable, you came here personally—to threaten law enforcement and force them to release him.”

Her tone sharpened, turning frigid.

“So tell me—does the Spanner family really believe they can run wild in Oakvale? Do you think you can simply ignore the law?”