An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2734

Chapter 2734

The smile on Corinne’s face vanished instantly.

The playful charm and sweetness she had shown moments earlier froze over, replaced by a chilling calm. She slowly lifted her head, fixing the man and woman with eyes so cold they seemed to drain away all warmth, as if she were staring at two lifeless objects.

For a brief moment, the air around them felt as though it had solidified.

Just as a dangerous glint flickered in Corinne’s eyes—hinting she was about to act—Hayden gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

He stepped forward, positioning himself between Corinne and the couple. A mild, apologetic smile appeared on his face as he nodded repeatedly, his tone humble and sincere.

“I’m very sorry. Truly. My sister wasn’t paying attention. We didn’t mean to disturb you.”

His manner was courteous, his posture nonthreatening, completely focused on defusing the situation.

Seeing this, the trendy young man’s anger visibly eased. The other party’s humility, combined with Hayden’s refined demeanor, softened his irritation.

Still, he couldn’t resist one last jab.

“Watch where you’re going next time,” he said impatiently. “Seriously, dressed like that in a park—are you filming a movie or something?”

The woman curled her lips in disdain and tightened her grip on her boyfriend’s arm. “Let’s go. What’s the point of talking to weirdos?”

Muttering under their breath, the two turned and walked away arrogantly.

Hayden kept smiling as he watched them leave, his gaze following until they were more than ten meters away and swallowed by the crowd.

Only then did Corinne speak, her voice icy and displeased.

“Why did you stop me?”

Hayden withdrew his gaze. His smile remained gentle, but deep in his eyes was utter indifference—as if his earlier apology had been nothing more than brushing away a speck of dust.

Turning to her, he said softly, “Why bother with ants like them? It’s rare for you to come out like this. Don’t let them ruin your mood.”

“I’m already in a bad mood,” Corinne replied coldly, her eyes dropping to the shattered sugar phoenix on the ground.

It wasn’t the broken candy that angered her—it was the disrespect in their tone.

Hearing this, Hayden’s smile deepened slightly, as if she had said something amusing.

His gaze drifted casually toward the direction the couple had gone. They were still chatting and laughing, completely unaware they were being watched.

“Then… should I kill them for you?” Hayden asked lightly, his tone no different from asking what to eat for dinner.

There was no humor in his eyes.

Corinne fell silent for two seconds. Then she shook her head, her lips parting slightly.

“No. I want them to suffer a fate worse than death.”

Her expression was calm, utterly devoid of anger, but her words were merciless.

“Alright.”

Hayden nodded, as though she had made the most ordinary request.

His left hand remained clasped behind his back. With his right, he raised two fingers and casually traced a few invisible strokes through the air.

The motion was light and subtle, unnoticed by anyone around them. Not even a breeze stirred.

From a distance, Dustin watched intently.

He saw Hayden lift his hand. Though he couldn’t perceive the technique itself, the effortless posture and the brief, razor-sharp focus in Hayden’s eyes sent a warning straight through him.

Then—

“Ahhh—!”

“My head! My body—!”

More than thirty meters away, the couple suddenly let out screams so shrill they were almost inhuman.

It was as if an invisible hammer struck them without warning. Their bodies jerked violently before collapsing to the ground.

Once down, they began convulsing uncontrollably, rolling and clutching their heads with both hands. Their faces twisted in unbearable agony, eyes bulging, mouths gaping as hoarse, broken cries spilled out.

They were fully conscious.

Every shred of pain carved itself deep into their souls.

“What’s happening?!”

“Did they faint?!”

“Call an ambulance—now!”

“Wait—are they having seizures?!”

The surrounding tourists froze for a moment before chaos erupted. People rushed forward, some shouting, some fumbling for their phones, others trying helplessly to help.

The crowd quickly swelled, obscuring the writhing figures on the ground. Even so, their agonized screams pierced through the noise, sending chills down everyone’s spine.

Hayden lowered his hand, as if he had done nothing at all. Turning to Corinne, he smiled gently.

“Are you satisfied now?”

Corinne glanced toward the distant chaos, listening to the faint, lingering cries. Her expression returned to its usual ethereal indifference, as if the cruel command had never come from her lips.

She gave a soft snort, said nothing, and turned away.

With light, unhurried steps, she walked deeper into the park—leaving behind screams, panic, and a punishment far worse than death.