An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2549

“I’m surprised I managed to bring back the Dragon essence so smoothly. I was prepared to go head-to-head with Nathaniel if it came to that,” Dustin said.

Grace raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Oh? What happened?”

He didn’t hold back and recounted everything in detail—from Nathaniel’s unexpected gesture of goodwill to Felicia covering for him, and her subsequent shift in allegiance.

Shaking his head, he asked, “What do you think Nathaniel is up to? He was suspicious of me before, and we nearly came to blows.

“But the next day, it was like he was a completely different person. Warm, overly friendly—even sent me a top beauty from the Beauty Ranking. It doesn’t add up.”

“I think it likely ties back to his mother, Lady Spanner,” Grace replied.

She paused in thought, then continued, “Lady Spanner is shrewd and calculating. She probably realized Nathaniel can’t take you head-on. Instead of opposing you, she’s trying to win you over.

“Sending Felicia serves two purposes: first, as an olive branch; second, to keep her close to you. If the opportunity arises, she could be useful to Nathaniel.

“But whether Felicia is actually a spy is hard to say. Given his cunning, if she were truly meant to inform on you, sending her so openly would be far too obvious.”

Dustin rubbed his chin, considering her words. “That might be true, but I still feel like something’s off. You can never be too careful.”

“In that case, why not keep Felicia close?” Grace suggested. “I can help with the arrangements. If she’s up to something, she won’t be able to act under our watch.”

Then, with a mischievous smile, she added, “Besides, beauties from the Beauty Ranking don’t show up every day. If you let this one slip by, you might regret it.”

He rolled his eyes. “Stop teasing. I’ll keep an eye on her for now. If she turns out to be harmless, I’ll find a place for her. Anyway, let’s get back to business.”

Grace’s smile faded, her expression turning serious.

“Now that all five Dragon essences are gathered, you should be ready to break through. But first, I need to make some preparations.”

She couldn’t inject the five Dragon essences into Dustin right away. First, she had to merge them, set up the formation, and wait for the right time and place.

“Need my help?” Dustin asked.

“No, I’ve got it,” she said, shaking her head. “Just rest here today. Meet me at Embercrest Hill tomorrow night—about 50 miles west of the city. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Got it. I’ll leave it to you, then,” Dustin replied with a nod.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in blazing shades of red and gold.

Deep within a hidden stronghold of the Hall of Gods in Oakvale, two figures sat side by side—Zeus and Hera. Their mere presence commanded reverence.

Zeus was tall and powerfully built, his long golden hair rippling in the breeze. His presence was imposing, and his piercing gaze seemed to see through everything.

Beside him, Hera wore a flowing gown. She was breathtaking, yet exuded a sense of majesty, nobility, and an almost divine grace.

Standing before them were more than a dozen individuals—key members of the Hall of Gods’ Oakvale division. Each was a grandmaster martial artist.

This was the Hall’s most elite force remaining in the city. Normally scattered across various regions, they rarely gathered. But today, they had assembled for a single purpose: to eliminate Dustin and restore the Hall of Gods’ reputation.

“It’s been three days, and still no sign of Logan Rhys?” Zeus asked.

Seated on a makeshift throne, he snorted coldly. A crushing pressure radiated from him, instantly filling the room.

Everyone felt its weight bearing down. Shoulders sagged, and legs trembled uncontrollably.

A massive man, well over six and a half feet tall, lowered his head and reported, “Lord Zeus, all scouts have been deployed. We should have news shortly.”

Though built like a bear, he shrank before Zeus and Hera like a timid mouse.

“You have one more day,” Zeus growled. “If Logan isn’t found by then, I’ll start sacrificing one of you to the gods each day until he is.”

The room turned pale. Cold sweat streamed down faces, but no one dared speak. They knew Zeus wasn’t bluffing. If they failed, death was certain.

“Lord Zeus! Lady Hera! We have news!”

A blonde woman in a black leather suit strode briskly into the hall.

“Hmm?”

Zeus and Hera looked up in unison. “Have you found him?” they asked.

“My informants say he’s been staying at Prince Nathaniel’s mansion for the last two days. It appears he’s seeking asylum,” the woman reported.

Zeus scoffed. “He thinks hiding behind Nathaniel will save him? Ridiculous.”

If Logan had sought refuge in the palace under the Regal Observatory elder’s protection, Zeus might have paused. But a minor prince? Not even worth considering.

“Lead the way,” Hera said coldly.

At that moment, a wave of killing intent erupted from her.