An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2731

Chapter 2731

Dahlia returned to the company and settled into the large executive chair, her fingertips lightly tapping against the smooth desktop.

On the screen before her, the briefing sent by her secretary laid everything out in stark detail. The pressure from Dash Corporation—and the Ballard family backing it—was spreading rapidly, moving through business channels with alarming speed and precision.

After a brief hesitation, Dahlia picked up her phone.

She scrolled to a number she almost never called, yet knew by heart, and pressed dial.

The call connected after a few rings.

Natasha’s voice came through—deliberately controlled, but sharp beneath the surface.
“President Dahlia? What a rare call. Are you here to showcase Mosey Mansion’s ruthless methods… or to admire my current predicament?”

Dahlia ignored the sarcasm and went straight to the point.
“Natasha, the situation Dash Corporation is facing has nothing to do with me.”

“Heh.” Natasha let out a cold laugh, dripping with irony. “You dare act but won’t admit it? Yesterday at Haidilao, you lost—lost the man and lost face. So today you turn to underhanded tactics? Using the name of Mosey Mansion to suppress my company—is this your pride? Your so-called methods?”

“I’ll be honest,” Dahlia replied calmly, her tone steady and unflinching. “Yes, I want to win Dustin back. That’s the truth. But I will do it openly and fairly, in my own way. I disdain tactics like backstabbing, sabotage, or business retaliation. That isn’t my style—and it certainly isn’t how the Mosey family operates.”

“Then who else could it be?” Natasha shot back, her words coming faster as her anger rose. “My people have already traced the clues. Every pressure order ultimately leads back to Mosey-affiliated channels and peripheral agents. The evidence is right there, Dahlia. Are you still going to pretend you’re innocent?”

Dahlia frowned.

Natasha sounded far too confident. The so-called evidence chain was disturbingly complete—so much so that it felt almost too perfect.

That only strengthened Dahlia’s conviction.

“I’ve always acted aboveboard,” she said firmly. “If I did something, I would never deny it. But this matter has nothing to do with me—or with the will of Mosey Mansion, as far as I know.”

She paused, then continued, her voice growing sharper.

“Think about it calmly, Natasha. If I truly wanted to move against you, would I leave such obvious traces behind? Would I choose such a crude, aggressive method—one that guarantees open conflict between our two families? What would that accomplish, other than turning us into a laughingstock and handing profits to our real rivals?”

Silence filled the line.

Natasha leaned back in her chair, her breathing slowing.

She had considered this possibility—but anger and assumption had clouded her judgment.

Now, hearing Dahlia’s clear, logical analysis, she felt the fog lift.

Given Dahlia’s intelligence and temperament, if she truly intended to act in secret, she would never be this careless.

“So… you’re saying,” Natasha said slowly, her tone noticeably calmer, “someone is framing you?”

“Exactly,” Dahlia replied without hesitation. “Someone is impersonating the Mosey family to sow discord. Their real target may not be either of us—it could be to provoke a full-scale conflict between our families, leaving both sides wounded while they profit. Or worse, this could be a test… a deliberate smear aimed at the Mosey family itself.”

Natasha rubbed her temples, her brows drawn tight.

The business world was a battlefield—she knew that better than most. But the ruthlessness and precision behind this move still sent a chill through her.

“I’ll take your word for now,” Natasha said. “But if it’s not you, then who could pull this off? Who has the power to imitate Mosey Mansion’s orders so flawlessly?”

“That’s what I intend to find out,” Dahlia answered. “If they dare use the Mosey name, they must have leverage—or intimate knowledge of our internal operations. I’ll personally investigate this using every resource I have. When I uncover the mastermind, no matter who it is, I’ll give you a clear explanation.”

“Fine,” Natasha said after a moment. “I’ll trust you—this once. I’ll continue my own investigation, and I expect results as soon as possible. I’ll temporarily suspend targeted countermeasures against Mosey-related businesses, but defensive preparations and intelligence gathering will continue.”

“Agreed,” Dahlia said. “Let’s keep each other informed. Any new discoveries—share them immediately.”

“That’s for the best.”

The call ended.

Natasha stared at the intricate web of business connections displayed on her screen, her gaze sharp and wary.

If the enemy wasn’t Dahlia, then the one hiding in the shadows was far more dangerous than she’d imagined.

Dahlia lowered her phone, her fingertips faintly chilled.

Natasha had been temporarily placated—but time was critical. There was no room for complacency.

After a brief moment of thought, Dahlia dialed another number.

“Help me investigate something,” she said quietly. “I want everything—no matter how small.”

She quickly outlined her suspicions and urged the person on the other end to accelerate the investigation.

The focus would be on internal movements within Prince Mosey’s residence—unusual personnel changes, potential leaks, and any external forces that had made abnormal contact with members of the household.

If this hidden hand wasn’t exposed, it would remain a ticking time bomb.

And Dahlia had no intention of letting it explode on her watch.