An Understated Dominance - Chapter 453

Dustin didn’t leave after meeting Natasha. He stayed at the Harmon estate, pretending to treat Hector’s illness. Mrs. Davys kept a close watch on them to stop them from getting too close, separating them whenever they showed affection. At night, they weren’t allowed to see each other, and Dustin followed this rule, even though he didn’t like it.

The night passed without any excitement.

The next morning, the Harmon family’s annual gathering kicked off. People began arriving at the estate in luxury cars, filling the plaza. As part of the Fabulous Five, the Harmon family was very wealthy, with hundreds of relatives. Besides family, loyal staff and other important guests also joined, adding to the lively atmosphere.

After another treatment from Dustin, Hector, the family head, looked better. He still seemed weak but could move around more easily.

“Is this how packed the gathering gets every year?” Dustin asked, surprised by the crowd heading to the banquet hall.

“Absolutely!” Ruth said with pride. “Our family is large and well-connected, so many people come for our annual gathering.”

“They’re just opportunists trying to get in our good graces after hearing about our connection with the Grant family,” Natasha scoffed. She noticed that this year’s gathering was busier than usual, and many attendees seemed more interested in the Grant family than the Harmons.

“What are you still doing here, Rhys?” a voice interrupted from behind them.

Dustin turned to see Quentin and the others approaching.

A woman walked over, dressed in a way that highlighted her lovely curves. She looked captivating, especially compared to Quentin, who seemed pale and frail beside her.

“Dustin is my dad’s savior. Why isn’t he here?” Ruth asked, her voice full of frustration.

“Pfft! It was just a coincidence. What’s so special about that?” Quentin scoffed.

“Watch your words, Quentin,” the woman said sharply. Then she turned to Dustin and smiled. “I haven’t been feeling well lately, Doctor. When can you come to my room and check on me? You seem very skilled.”

Dustin raised an eyebrow, finding her request a bit strange.

“Dustin has been busy, Aunt Celeste. I’ll make sure he sees you when he can,” Natasha said, forcing a smile.

“Alright, I’ll be waiting,” Celeste Marrow replied with a teasing smile, brushing past Dustin and leaving behind a soothing scent.

“Hey, you can’t just join our annual family gathering. You should leave,” Quentin warned, following Celeste and giving off the same pleasant aroma.

“What are you staring at?” Natasha asked coldly, noticing Dustin’s gaze on the woman. “Don’t tell me you’re interested in someone else’s wife!”

“Of course not!” Dustin stammered, feeling awkward. “I was just thinking about her unique scent.”

“Are you saying I don’t smell as good as her?” Natasha shot back, feeling jealous. “She’s my oldest aunt. You better keep your thoughts to yourself.”

“Your aunt?” Dustin was surprised. “She looks so young. She doesn’t seem much older than Quentin.”

“Of course,” Natasha said, rolling her eyes. “My uncle’s first wife died a long time ago, so he married her. She may look pretty, but her reputation isn’t great.”

“It’s no surprise people are talking about a couple with such a big age difference,” Dustin said, not surprised by the gossip.

Natasha shook her head, lowering her voice. “It’s more than just that. I’ve heard she’s been seeing Quentin too.”

“What?” Dustin stared at her in shock. “Are you serious?”

A stepson having an affair with his stepmother? That was scandalous!

“Why would I joke about this?” Natasha replied, sounding serious. “I’m warning you. Stay away from that woman, or you might get caught up in something you didn’t see coming.”

Dustin pressed his lips together, unsure of what to say. No wonder she had been looking at him that way—she was a cheater.

He felt bad for Trent. He wondered what Trent would think if he found out his wife was with his son.

As time went on, more guests arrived and the banquet hall became lively. People mingled, sharing wine and chatting. Drinks were self-serve, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the crowd.

A man who had been drinking started vomiting blood and collapsed to the floor, shaking. His face turned blue, and blood flowed from his nostrils, creating a horrifying scene.

“What’s happening?” people gasped, stepping back from the fallen man. No one expected this cheerful guest to suddenly be in such distress.

“What’s going on?” Natasha asked, her brow furrowed as she hurried over with Dustin.

Dustin checked the man’s pulse. “He’s been poisoned! It’s a strong poison!”

“Poisoned?” Natasha turned pale. “But the food and drinks were checked carefully. How could this happen?”

As soon as she spoke, a woman in a gown collapsed to the floor, shaking and bleeding from her nose.

“Th–there’s poison in the wine!” she cried out, her voice filled with fear.

Panic spread through the room instantly. Those who hadn’t had any wine quickly threw their glasses away, while those who had started to sweat with fear.

But the chaos didn’t stop there.

After the first woman fell, more guests began to drop like dominoes, their cries echoing through the hall. One by one, they hit the floor, their faces turning blue and blood trickling from their noses.

In just moments, more than half of the guests were writhing in pain on the ground.

The few who were still standing looked around in shock and terror. What had once been a joyful gathering had turned into a nightmare!