An Understated Dominance - Chapter 45

The two women on stage chatted excitedly, looking like old friends. But few knew they were actually rivals, much like two stunning roses, both beautiful yet with sharp thorns.

Dahlia felt strong and determined, even though Natasha came from a prestigious background. Instead of feeling discouraged, Dahlia became even more motivated to compete. She was confident in herself and refused to give up. No matter the challenges she faced, she would overcome them! Natasha may have been known as Swinton’s business prodigy, but one day, Dahlia believed she would either match her or even surpass her.

“I think everyone has seen Ms. Nicholson’s charm! Now, I want to introduce a young man who not only saved me but also helped the Harmon family a lot. He is truly the Harmon family’s savior!” Natasha announced.

The crowd buzzed with excitement and curiosity. Who could this savior be?

“Chris, could it be you?” Jeff said coldly. He thought only someone exceptional like Chris could fit Natasha’s description.

“Chris, I didn’t know you were so important to the Harmon family! Congratulations!” Florence said with a bright smile, clearly thinking of Chris.

Chris was taken aback. He didn’t know how to respond and felt a bit awkward. He didn’t see himself as anything special.

How could he be the Harmon family’s savior? If he were that capable, he wouldn’t be facing bankruptcy.

“Could it be him?” Chris thought of someone else but quickly shook the idea away.

No, that couldn’t be right! How could an ordinary nobody be a savior for the Harmon family?

With everyone waiting eagerly, Natasha paused for a moment before saying, “Alright, I won’t keep you in suspense. Let’s give a warm welcome to Mr. Rhys!” Natasha waved her hand.

A spotlight suddenly lit up Dustin, catching everyone’s attention.

“Dustin? How can it be him?” James exclaimed, shocked to see who it was. His mouth dropped open in disbelief.

“It can’t be! The Harmon family’s savior is that loser, Dustin?” Florence was equally stunned. She had always thought of Dustin as weak and unimportant. He didn’t seem capable or come from a good background. How could he suddenly be the Harmon family’s hero?

“How? How is it him?” Chris clenched his fists in anger. Instead of being surprised, he felt jealousy and frustration. How could that nobody have caught Natasha’s eye?

Was he worse than Dustin? Chris was better looking, richer, and came from a more impressive family. He was more skilled and accomplished in every way. Yet, Natasha had chosen Dustin, a guy who seemed so ordinary.

Why was that?

Chris’s face twisted in hatred and resentment.

“It really is him.” Dahlia felt a mix of surprise and confusion as the lights shone on Dustin. She also experienced a strange surge of emotions.

But Dustin wasn’t thrilled to be in the spotlight.

“What is this woman doing? She didn’t tell me I’d have to go on stage.” His eyebrows knitted together in frustration as he tried to understand her actions. After a moment of hesitation, he walked up.

Whispers spread through the crowd.

“Who is he? I’ve never seen him before.”

“I heard he’s Ms. Harmon’s boyfriend. She wants to promote him during this opening ceremony.”

“Ha! So he’s just a gold digger!”

People began to speculate, and many looked down on a man who relied on a woman.

“I’m very grateful to Mr. Rhys. He’s also…”

Natasha smiled as she wrapped her arms around Dustin’s shoulders. “I hope everyone gets to know him better in the future,” she said. Her eyes then turned to Dahlia, almost like a challenge. But Dahlia remained calm, raising her chin defiantly, as if to say Natasha could clean up after her. The two women stared at each other, neither willing to back down.

Dustin felt a sense of unease. When had these two become rivals instead of partners?

After a tense moment, they both looked away at the same time, realizing they were evenly matched.

“Ms. Nicholson, I look forward to working with you,” Natasha said, offering her hand again.

“I look forward to working with you too,” Dahlia replied, smiling.

“Sorry, but I need to pass company matters to you now. Dustin and I have something urgent to do. Please excuse us,” Natasha said, smiling as she led Dustin off the stage, her arms around him. Dustin had been silent the entire time, feeling more like a decoration than a person.

As they descended, Chris approached Natasha, wanting to speak, but she cut him off with a sharp, “Get lost!”

Chris froze. Her words crushed his last bit of hope. He realized Natasha would not let this go easily. A dark thought crossed his mind—maybe the Harmon family was behind the investigation into his company.

“Fine! If you want to play hardball, I won’t make it easy for you either,” he thought, glaring at them before walking away.

“Dustin!” Dahlia called, trying to catch up to him. Her expression was deep and intense, as if she had something important to say.

“Go ahead, Mr. Rhys. I’ll wait for you in the lounge,” Natasha said with a smile as she let go of him. She felt confident in herself.

Dustin turned around slowly. “You wanted to see me?” he asked.

Dahlia didn’t hesitate. “I wanted to ask if the Harmon family choosing me as their partner had anything to do with you.” This question had been weighing on her mind ever since she learned who Natasha was.

Now that she understood Dustin’s place in Natasha’s heart, her doubts were growing stronger.