An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2737

Chapter 2737

The woman looked down at Qyla, and the little fox immediately scooted closer, rubbing her head affectionately against the woman’s hand.

A flicker of warmth passed through the woman’s eyes—but it disappeared almost at once, replaced by her usual cool restraint.

“Thank you,” she said evenly. “Once I’ve recovered, I’ll leave. I don’t want to impose.”

“There’s no rush,” Dustin replied gently. “Focus on getting better. May I know your name, miss?”

She fell silent for a moment before answering softly, “Kennedy Bellemare.”

Over the next few days, Kennedy recuperated at the villa.

She spoke very little, spending most of her time meditating and regulating her breathing. Occasionally, she would stand by the window, gazing toward the distant mountains, as if lost in thought.

Dustin soon noticed something unusual—her recovery was astonishingly fast. Injuries that would normally leave an ordinary person bedridden for months were nearly healed within days.

That afternoon, Dustin was trimming flowers in the yard when the doorbell rang.

He opened the door to find Natasha standing there, smiling brightly, a food container in her hands.

“Surprised?” she said cheerfully. “I had our chef make your favorite desserts.”

She stepped inside naturally and wrapped her arms around him.

Dustin smiled as he took the container. “What brings you here?”

“Things at the company finally settled down, so I thought I’d come see you,” Natasha said as she walked in. “How have you been lately? Have you missed me—”

She stopped mid-sentence.

Her eyes fixed on the corner of the living room.

Qyla was curled up by the French windows, basking in the sunlight. Her snow-white fur shimmered softly in the glow.

“Wow! What a beautiful little fox!” Natasha exclaimed as she walked over. “Did you get a pet? Why didn’t you tell me?”

She bent down and reached out.

“Wait—” Dustin began, but it was already too late.

Qyla snapped awake. Sensing a stranger, she bared her teeth and let out a low growl, darting behind the sofa.

Natasha recoiled in surprise and quickly pulled her hand back. “She doesn’t seem to like me.”

“She’s shy,” Dustin explained. “Give her some time.”

Natasha nodded, though her gaze lingered on Qyla with clear fascination. “What’s her name? Where did you find her? She’s adorable.”

As they spoke, light footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Kennedy walked down.

She had changed out of her bloodstained white robe and into the simple clothes Dustin had prepared—a plain white T-shirt and gray sweatpants.

Yet even dressed so plainly, her presence was impossible to ignore.

Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders, a few strands framing her face and making her pale complexion appear even more luminous.

The moment Natasha saw her, she froze.

Her eyes flicked from Kennedy to Dustin, then back again. Surprise quickly turned into confusion, then grievance—and finally unmistakable jealousy.

“Who is this beautiful woman?” Natasha asked, her voice edged with resentment. “Don’t tell me you’re hiding a mistress here. Have you found yourself a new lover?”

“How could that be?” Dustin said quickly. “I just met her.”

“Just met her?” Natasha scoffed. “She’s already living in your house, and you’re telling me you just met?”

“Natasha, you’ve misunderstood,” Dustin said helplessly. “She was badly injured. I only helped her by chance. She’ll leave once she recovers.”

“Is that so?” Natasha raised an eyebrow.

“What he said is true,” Kennedy spoke calmly. “He saved my life—nothing more. Miss, there’s no need to worry.”

Only then did Natasha smile again. She walked over and looped her arm through Dustin’s, subtly asserting herself.

Kennedy observed quietly, her expression unchanged. Then she spoke.

“Since the misunderstanding has been cleared up, I won’t trouble you any longer. My injuries are no longer serious. I’ll be leaving today.”

“Miss Bellemare, you’re not fully healed yet,” Dustin said.

“Don’t worry. I have somewhere to go,” Kennedy replied, then looked down at Qyla. “Qyla, let’s go.”

Qyla emerged from behind the sofa and padded to Kennedy’s side. Before leaving, she glanced back at Dustin, her amber eyes carrying a faint trace of reluctance.

Kennedy gave him a slight nod. “I’ll always remember your life-saving kindness. If you ever need anything, bring this to me.”

She took out a white jade pendant and placed it in his hand.

The jade was warm and smooth, engraved with cloudlike patterns. At its center was an ancient character—白.

Dustin accepted it. “Take care, Miss Bellemare.”

Kennedy said nothing more. She turned and left, Qyla following closely at her heels. Soon, both woman and fox vanished beyond the doorway.

After a brief silence, Natasha asked, “What was her name?”

“Kennedy,” Dustin replied.

“She’s beautiful—and she has a lovely name,” Natasha said with a meaningful smile. “You really do attract women.”

“Ahem… it was just a coincidence,” Dustin said awkwardly.

Despite her smile, he couldn’t shake the sense that something was off.

“That Miss Bellemare didn’t seem ordinary,” Natasha said, smoothly changing the subject. “And that fox is far too intelligent.”

“Mhm.” Dustin nodded thoughtfully. “Lately, there have been people in Oakvale who don’t belong here. I have a feeling something big is coming.”

“Something big?” Natasha asked, curious. “What kind of big?”

“I’m not sure yet,” Dustin admitted. “I’ve lost my cultivation. Without divine sense, I can only deal with things as they come.”

His expression turned serious.

“Be careful these days. If anything happens, tell me immediately. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”