An Understated Dominance - Chapter 10

“Ms. Nicholson, nice to meet you. How can I help you?” Dustin’s eyes widened when he saw Dahlia coming toward him, but then his expression turned cold. “What a coincidence seeing you here.”

Dahlia swallowed her words, feeling nervous. She couldn’t believe her mother when she said Dustin had a new girlfriend. It was hard to see her ex-husband with another woman, even though they were divorced. A strange feeling of discomfort settled in her heart.

“Mr. Rhys, is she a friend of yours?” Natasha scanned Dahlia with a critical eye. Her woman’s intuition sensed some hostility from Dahlia.

“She’s my ex-wife,” Dustin replied.

“Really?” Natasha raised her eyebrows and smiled at Dahlia warmly. “Hi, I’m Natasha Harmon. Nice to meet you.”

She reached out her hand for a shake. Although she appeared friendly, there was an intimidating vibe around her.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Harmon,” Dahlia responded politely.

Normally confident, Dahlia couldn’t help but notice how stunning Natasha was. They were similar in looks and height, but Natasha was curvier. It was easy to see why any man would be attracted to her.

“Dustin, when did you meet Ms. Harmon? You’ve never introduced me!” Dahlia couldn’t help but ask.

“Were you ever interested in my friends?” Dustin shot back sarcastically.

His harsh words left Dahlia speechless. She hadn’t expected him to be so blunt, and the tension in the air grew thicker.

“Dustin, can I have a word with you?” Dahlia finally asked after a moment of silence.

“About what?” Dustin replied, maintaining a serious expression.

“It’s about something private,” she said.

“Let’s go somewhere else,” Dahlia suggested, looking for a quiet spot. But when she turned around, she saw that Dustin hadn’t moved at all. Frustration crossed her face.

“Let’s talk here and now. I don’t want any more misunderstandings,” Dustin insisted.

“Do you have to be so difficult?” Dahlia frowned.

She was trying to make things better between them, but Dustin wasn’t cooperating. He was being rude and talking down to her.

“Ms. Nicholson, we’re already divorced. Since you have such a high status, it’s better if we’re not seen together. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you,” he scoffed.

“I don’t get it. Why are you being such a jerk?” Dahlia felt her annoyance growing.

“Are you really asking me that?” Dustin shot back. “Wasn’t this your choice?”

“I…” Dahlia struggled to find the right words. Yes, she had asked for the divorce, but there was no reason to keep bringing it up.

Despite her efforts to stay calm, resentment bubbled up inside her. Seeing Dustin with another woman only added to her frustration and anger.

“Dustin, I know you hate me. But I don’t regret my decision. I’ve given you many chances to change!” Dahlia’s voice turned cold. It was hard for her to forgive, especially with her pride, and Dustin’s words only made it worse.

“So you think I’m still at fault?” Dustin laughed, a mocking tone in his voice.

“I’m not in the mood to argue. We’re irrelevant to each other now. But if you have any respect for me as your ex-wife, you shouldn’t flaunt your new partner in front of me!” Dahlia said firmly.

“Respect?” Dustin laughed loudly. “What about Chris? You were already having an affair with him before our divorce. How can you even ask for respect?”

“Whether you believe me or not, I’m innocent, and my conscience is clear,” Dahlia shot back, standing tall.

“Is that so?” Dustin smirked and pointed at Chris, who was walking toward them. “I’d love to see this ‘clear conscience’ of yours!”

Dahlia frowned slightly. She knew that both she and Chris had been involved, and now they were even at the same charity dinner. It felt ridiculous to claim she was innocent. But she chose not to explain herself. There was nothing to explain, and Dustin wouldn’t believe her anyway.

“Dahlia, we were just talking. Why did you walk away?” Chris asked her with a smile.

As he spoke, he caught sight of Natasha. He was taken aback by her stunning beauty. Desire sparked in his eyes as he felt his heart race.

What a beautiful woman! He had never seen anyone like her. If Dahlia was like calm water, Natasha was like a vibrant flame. She could captivate men with just her sultry gaze, without needing to move. Natasha was truly a natural seductress.

Chris stole a few glances at Natasha but quickly looked away. He knew it wasn’t proper to show his interest too soon, especially in front of such an attractive woman. Making a good first impression was crucial.

“Dustin, what a surprise to see you!” Chris said, turning to face him, his expression shifting to a frown.

He felt a wave of jealousy when he saw Natasha being so friendly with Dustin. How did this guy always end up with beautiful women? After his divorce from Dahlia, he was now with another stunning woman. Was he just lucky?

“Why would it be a surprise to see me?” Dustin replied.

“Why are you here?” Chris asked with a sneer. “I heard from Dahlia that you were just an errand boy at the Quine Group. With your background, you shouldn’t even think about entering the Mirage. Were you planning to sneak in?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s none of your business,” Dustin replied calmly.

“Looks like I was right,” Chris said with a smirk. He turned to Natasha. “Don’t get fooled by him, gorgeous. Dustin isn’t some rich guy; he’s just a nobody. He doesn’t deserve to be around you.”

Chris thought that Dustin must have lied to Natasha. Why else would such a beautiful woman be with someone like him?

“What’s wrong with that? I like him, and that’s all that matters!” Natasha chuckled.

“Gorgeous, you could easily marry into a wealthy family. Why would you choose a hard life with him?” Chris asked, confused.

“Money doesn’t mean much to me. To me, Dustin is an amazing man,” Natasha said as she linked her arm with his.

“Amazing?” Chris laughed mockingly. “He has no money, fame, or power. How can he be considered amazing?”

“At least he’s better looking than you,” Natasha shot back.

“What good is a handsome face? In the end, he’s just a toy!” Chris’s smile faded. “I’m warning you; Dustin is a conman. You’ll regret it when he takes advantage of your wealth and body!”

“Take advantage of me?” Natasha laughed. “I actually hope he will! But it seems like he’s not interested.”

Her bold words made Dahlia and Chris frown disapprovingly. Even Dustin was taken aback; Natasha was being quite the flirt.