An Understated Dominance - Chapter 246

After the battle, Dustin, Natasha, and some members of the Harmon family had dinner together. It was midnight when Dustin returned to the medical center, which was still brightly lit. As he entered, he spotted the beautiful Dahlia Nicholson happily chatting with Caitlyn Lawler. At that moment, she seemed more relaxed than her usual icy self.

“Mr. Rhys, you’re back!” Caitlyn said, standing up to greet him. “Why don’t you talk to Ms. Nicholson while I serve dinner?”

“It’s okay. I already ate,” he replied with a smile and turned his attention to Dahlia. “What brings you here?”

“I’m here to thank you,” she said, giving him a rare smile. “If you hadn’t saved me yesterday, I would have been in big trouble. I never thought Matt Laney was a fake.”

“You’re welcome. I would help anyone in that situation,” he said flatly.

“Why? Are you still upset?” Her voice softened. “My mom acted rashly. There was a misunderstanding, and I apologize on her behalf. We’re really sorry.”

Dustin was surprised by her apology. Dahlia was not the type to back down, so it was unusual for her to say sorry. But he felt it was too late for that.

“There’s no need to apologize. I’ve been misunderstood before. It doesn’t bother me,” he shrugged, showing he didn’t care much.

“Dustin, I know you’ve been treated unfairly and had a tough time. I promise I won’t treat you badly again,” she said, looking serious.

“What? That came out of nowhere,” he replied, looking at her curiously.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage and said, “Come home with me.”

“Are you alright?”

His body froze at her question, and a mix of emotions filled his eyes. If Dahlia had asked him this earlier, he would have jumped at the chance to agree. But after going through a tough time, he felt exhausted, scared of getting hurt again, and had decided to move on.

Even though he still cared for her, he didn’t want to relive the past. It had been a time full of silent pain.

“I know you’re in a tough spot. You don’t have to answer right away,” Dahlia said with a bright smile. “I’ve made up my mind. From now on, I’m taking back what’s mine! Even if it means battling Natasha Harmon, I won’t back down! You know me—once I set my mind to something, I don’t give up!”

He was surprised by the seriousness on her face. “Did you drink tonight?”

Dahlia usually kept her distance and rarely showed friendliness, so it was hard to believe she was being so bold. What had gotten into her?

“I’m not drunk. I’m completely sober. When you can, tell Natasha I’m ready for a fair competition. Let’s see who wins!”

Chapter 246

With that, she stood on her tiptoes and quickly kissed him on the lips. Then, she confidently walked out of the medical center, but her flushed face revealed her true feelings.

“Uh…” Dustin stood frozen, tasting her sweetness on his lips. Had he just been ambushed?

Since when did Dahlia know how to flirt? He wondered if women were all so unpredictable.

“Mr. Rhys, if you can’t pass that message to Ms. Harmon, I can help,” Caitlyn said, her face red with embarrassment as she fiddled with her shirt. It felt like something out of a TV show.

“What nonsense! Go to bed!” He shot her a glare, and she stuck her tongue out at him before running away.

Dustin was in the guest room when a small voice called out timidly, “Mr. Rhys, which one of them do you love?”

“Hey, you little rascal! Why are you always asking questions?” He grabbed a duster playfully, pretending to chase her, and she quickly ducked back into the room, scared.

After a quiet night, Dustin woke up early the next morning. He couldn’t shake the memory of the kiss from the day before and tossed and turned in bed, feeling restless.

“Oh, Dahlia, why did you have to show up out of nowhere and confuse me?” he thought to himself.