An Understated Dominance Chapter 1301 to Chapter 2422 - English Version Translated by NAZMUL

English Version Translated by NAZMUL

An Understated Dominance is a Urban novel for men, telling a story of Dahlia Nicholson and Dustin Rhys had been married for three years. "An Understated Dominance" delves into themes of ambition, power and the price of success. The novel explores the complexities of relationships and so on.
 

Chapter 1454

Even the aftermath of the battle made it difficult for them to look.
Is it over?
Who can block such a terrifying punch?
The moment the explosion just broke out, they really saw that Oscar Bryant’s punch had already hit Dustin.
Even a man of iron should melt under the power of a half-step master, right?
When the dust settles.
Everyone immediately stared at the battle site.
However, the scene in front of them made them stand there in a daze, their faces full of shock.
At this moment, in the middle of the field.
Dustin stood motionless, without dodge or defense, just stood there quietly, letting Oscar Bryant’s fist hit his chest.
His feet seemed to be firmly rooted, and he did not take a step back.
Only the ground under his feet was sunken a few inches, and the surrounding area was densely cracked.
“How…how is it possible?”
Seeing Dustin who was unharmed, everyone was stunned with disbelief on their faces.
Oscar Bryant’s all-out trick was actually blocked?
Moreover, he still resisted with his body.
What the hell kind of monster is this? !
“Oh my God! Is this guy made of copper poured into iron?”
Isla Bryant’s eyes widened, she couldn’t believe the scene in front of her.
Oscar Bryant is a half-step master-level expert who can easily break gold and stone with one punch.
However, such a mighty punch hit Dustin without any injuries, which is really incredible.
“Who is this kid?” Liam Bryant was surprised and confused.
I thought that Oscar Bryant could easily win with a shot, but now it seems that this is not the case.
“Um?”
Thomas Bryant frowned. Although he said nothing, the shock in his eyes could not be concealed.
Being able to withstand a punch from a half-step master, this kid’s defensive power is simply exaggerated and terrifying!
“interesting.”
Duke touched his beard and looked at Dustin, his eyes were obviously different.
“…”
At this moment, Oscar Bryant was stunned.
The fist was still imprinted on Dustin’s chest, and he kept attacking.
He never dreamed that it would be such a result.
He didn’t hold back the punch just now, intending to decide the outcome with one move.
However, when the punch hit Dustin, he was horrified to find that his fist strength was like a mud cow entering the sea, without causing any fluctuations.
When this happens, there is only one possibility, and that is that the opponent’s strength must be far superior to him!
He has even reached the level of a master!
“Have you finished the fight? Now, it’s my turn to take action.”
Dustin smiled slightly and covered Oscar Bryant’s chest with a light palm.
This palm seems to have no power.
However, at the moment of contact, Oscar Bryant felt as if he had been hit by a train. With a “bang”, he was directly launched more than ten meters away, and then fell heavily to the ground.
He passed out on the spot.
Seeing this scene, the whole place was silent.
The Bryant family disciples who were full of confidence before were completely dumbfounded. They were all dumbfounded and full of disbelief.
The most dignified genius of the Bryant family, a half-step master-level expert, was defeated like this?
And he was defeated by Dustin with one move, easily crushed.
Is it too exaggerated?

Chapter 1455

Seeing Oscar Bryant, who was seriously injured and unconscious, everyone was shocked and speechless.
The result in front of them was beyond everyone’s expectations.
Although it is difficult to accept, it has to be admitted that Oscar Bryant did lose, and he lost badly, just like Connor Bryant and Ian Bryant before.
Among the dignified Stonia royal family, the military family, and the entire younger generation, no one was Dustin’s opponent.
It’s really a bit embarrassing.
“The victory and defeat have already been decided, so there should be no need to fight again?”
Dustin smiled faintly, and looked in the direction of Thomas Bryant and Liam Bryant.
In order to save some energy and intimidate the Bryant family at the same time, he chose to defeat the enemy with one move and win a crushing victory.
“Who are you? That you can beat Oscar Bryant?”
Liam Bryant frowned and looked a little ugly.
Fighting three games in a row and losing three games in a row, the Bryant family really lost face today.
“Is it surprising that I beat Oscar Bryant? There should be many people in Stonia who can defeat him, right?” Dustin said lightly.
“You——!” Liam Bryant choked.
Among the peers who can defeat Oscar Bryant, which one is not an amazingly talented person?
You are an unknown kid, how can you defeat the genius that the Bryant family has cultivated?
“Crack, crack, crack…”
At this time, Thomas Bryant suddenly clapped his hands and said with a smile: “Wonderful, really wonderful, today really opened my eyes!”
“Brother?”
Liam Bryant was stunned and turned around in surprise.
The Bryant family lost all face, but you can still laugh, are you crazy?
“Dustin, I didn’t expect that at such a young age, you would actually have the strength of a martial arts master. You are really powerful. We, the children of the Bryant family, are convinced that we lost.” Thomas Bryant said calmly.
“What? This kid is actually a martial arts master?!”
As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.
The Bryant family disciples looked at each other in shock.
Looking at Dustin’s age, he is only in his early twenties, and he has reached the master level at such a young age.
Isn’t this talent too terrifying?
“No wonder… no wonder Oscar Bryant lost. It turns out that this kid is already a strong master.”
Liam Bryant was both surprised and stunned.
What just happened so suddenly that he didn’t even react for a moment.
Yes, no one except a true martial arts master can defeat Oscar Bryant, a half-step master.
“Clan Leader Bryant is too polite. I just got lucky and had some adventures.” Dustin said modestly.
“Dustin, I admire your strength and talent very much. I hope that you can join our Bryant family and be my son-in-law.” Thomas Bryant said in a surprising way.
“Huh?” Dustin was taken aback.
What the hell is it to be a son-in-law?
“Dad! What are you talking about?”
Isla Bryant’s cheeks were flushed and she was a little shy. She even glanced at Dustin while speaking.
Ever since the other party defeated Oscar Bryant, she had completely changed her view.
She has always admired the strong, and Dustin’s strength and talent have been recognized by her, coupled with his handsome appearance and extraordinary bearing.
If she could marry such a man, it would be considered worthy of her status.
“Dustin, my Bryant family is one of the four royal families, with a strong background and great influence. As long as you become my son-in-law, I guarantee that you will be the focus of the Bryant family’s cultivation in the future. I can pave all the roads for you and make you short. Within a few years, he will become famous and stand on top of the world!” Thomas Bryant followed the inducements.
Although the Bryant family has many heirs, Oscar Bryant is the only one who can take action.
However, compared with those top talent, Oscar Bryant is not enough to challenge the leader of the Bryant family.

Chapter 1456

If this continues, the Bryant family will definitely gradually decline, and the prestige of the royal family will not be worthy of its name.
So in recent years, he has begun to recruit talented young people.
Unfortunately, none of them got what they wanted.
After seeing Dustin’s performance, he immediately became interested in talents, and even used power, sex, fame and fortune to seduce him.
“Damn it! This kid is so lucky, isn’t he? Not only did he get reused by the Patriarch, but he also got a beautiful woman in his arms. It’s like a double happiness!”
Listening to Thomas Bryant’s conditions, everyone was envious and jealous.
Although they are descendants of the Bryant family, each of them has limited resources, and whether they can get ahead depends entirely on their own efforts.
But Dustin is different. Once he joins the Bryant family, he will be the star of tomorrow that the Bryant family focuses on cultivating.
It’s completely different from them.
“How’s it going? Are you satisfied with the conditions I offered?” Thomas Bryant said with a smile.
Anyone who is somewhat motivated should know how to choose.
“Thank you Master Bryant for your kindness, but I have no plans to join any force yet.” Dustin shook his head and declined.
“Um?”
Thomas Bryant raised his eyebrows slightly, quite surprised: “Dustin, joining my Bryant family is equivalent to having an extra supporter. No matter what you do in the future, it will be of great help. Why not?”
“Master Bryant, you are a bit unkind.”
At this time, Duke suddenly stood up and said seriously: “Dustin is from our Duncan Family, so how can he join your Bryant family? Isn’t it inappropriate for you to poach someone in front of me?”
“The Duncan Family?”
Thomas Bryant narrowed his eyes and said meaningfully: “Your Excellency, as far as I know, Dustin is just an independent person, not a descendant of your Duncan Family. I shouldn’t be talking about poaching, right?”
This old fox obviously got interested after seeing her and planned to steal her love with a knife.
“It wasn’t before, but it will be in the future.”
Duke said calmly: “This little guy is in love with my granddaughter. I have decided that the two of them will get married after a while. By then, this little guy will naturally become a member of my Duncan Family.”
“Master Bryant, you don’t want to beat the mandarin ducks, do you?”
Natasha stepped forward and took Dustin’s arm in a demonstrative manner.
How could she let outsiders get involved in her man?
“It makes no sense for us to say this. Dustin has to make his own decision.”
Thomas Bryant said with a serious face: “Dustin, our Bryant family is a military family, and it is more suitable for you than the Duncan Family. As long as you join our Bryant family, you will make great achievements in the future and be granted the title of marquis and king. It is no problem at all!”
“Little guy, our Duncan Family is not bad either. Whether you are an official in the court or a general on the battlefield, the Duncan Family can help you.” Duke said tit for tat.
Most of the Duncan Family are civil servants. Although they are smart, their military strength is very poor.
Dustin’s appearance just made up for the Duncan Family’s weaknesses.
“Dustin! As long as you join the Bryant family, no matter what the conditions are, I will try my best to satisfy you!” Thomas Bryant looked serious.
As long as he can retain this genius, he will not hesitate to break up with Duke.
“Little guy, as long as you join the Duncan Family, you and Natasha will get engaged tomorrow!” Duke was also furious.
“Dustin! A real man should carry a three-foot sword to achieve unparalleled achievements. Women will only affect the speed at which you draw the sword!”
“Hmph! Do you understand what it means to start a family and start a career? That means ‘starting a family’ comes first, and ‘setting up a career’ comes last. You have to figure out the priorities before talking.”
“Nonsense! Men should make contributions and build careers. Women are just accessories. After you become powerful, what kind of woman can’t be found?”
“A reckless man is a reckless man. He only knows how to fight and kill. You know, the world is big and the earth is big, but love is the biggest word!”
“…”
Thomas Bryant and Duke talked and talked, and finally they started arguing, which was quite a bit angry.
This scene made everyone look weird.
They are all powerful people, why are they quarreling with the market?
Don’t you want any image at all?

Chapter 1457

“Two adults, stop arguing now and calm down.”
Seeing that the situation was not going well, Dustin quickly started to smooth things over.
Otherwise, if the quarrel continues like this, the two pillars of the court will probably start fighting on the spot.
“Dustin, you have to make a choice. Should you choose the Bryant family or the Duncan Family?” Thomas Bryant asked the question.
“Little guy, think carefully, be careful if you make a mistake, you will regret it forever.” Duke stroked his beard.
For a moment, everyone’s eyes were focused on Dustin.
It is really rare to be scrambled by two giants like this.
Although it is a supreme honor, it is also a difficult problem.
The Bryant family is a martial arts family, and Dustin is a martial arts master. Considering his future, it is definitely more appropriate to join the Bryant family.
However, the Duncan Family is also a royal family, and its power is no worse than that of the Bryant family. Coupled with the influence of Natasha, it is easier to convince people.
The most important thing is that no matter what Dustin chooses, he will offend the other party.
Opportunities and risks coexist.
“I appreciate the kindness of the two adults, but I still say that, I don’t plan to join any forces for the time being, so I can only say sorry here.” Dustin declined again.
“What?!”
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but look at each other.
The eyes they all looked at Dustin were full of disbelief.
You know, whether you join the Bryant family or the Duncan Family, it is equivalent to the carp jumping over the dragon’s gate.
It turned out that Dustin was lucky, he didn’t choose any of them, and rejected them all.
This kind of behavior is simply stupid.
“Dustin, today is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, are you sure you want to give up?” Thomas Bryant said in shock.
“OK.” Dustin nodded.
“Little guy, do you know that many people are not qualified to join the royal family even if their heads are squeezed. Now there are two wide roads in front of you. You really don’t plan to take them?” Duke was a little strange.
“I have my own way to go.” Dustin replied.
“Yes, I am ambitious.”
Duke smiled and nodded: “Okay, if you don’t want to, I won’t force you. If you encounter trouble in the future, just come to me.”
He had looked down upon him before, but Dustin’s rejection made him look up to him.
Men should make their own way. Relying on others to grow can easily squander their ambitions.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Dustin bowed his hand.
“Dustin, I support your choice. Of course, if you change your mind, you can come to me at any time. The door of my Bryant family will always be open to you.” Thomas Bryant smiled slightly.
“Thank you Master Bryant for your kindness.” Dustin saluted again.
“Your Excellency, I have something else to do, so I’ll take a step forward and take my leave.”
Thomas Bryant hugged Duke and turned around to leave.
Although he failed to win over, thankfully, Dustin did not join the Duncan Family.
In this way, the Bryant family still has hope. As long as they show more goodwill in the future, there may be a chance to recruit Dustin.
To take a step back, there are hundreds of benefits and no harm in making good friends with such potential stocks.
“Girl, I’m not here to be a lightbulb anymore. You two can talk slowly.”
After Duke said hello, he left with a smile.
As the saying goes, those who are near the water and the towers get the moon first. With my granddaughter here, no one like Dustin can take it away.
“Husband, let’s go and eat.”
Natasha smiled sweetly, then took Dustin in her arms and walked out of the Balermo Martial Arts Hall.
In today’s battle, Dustin has made his mark in Stonia.
Not only did he defeat many geniuses from the Bryant family, but he also impressed his own grandfather, which can be said to be killing two birds with one stone.

Chapter 1458

She believes that it won’t be long before Dustin can truly become famous!

Dustin spent the next few days busy.
Firstly, we need to find elixirs to cure illnesses; secondly, we need to rebuild Healwell clinic; thirdly, we need to pay attention to the Jade Dew Ointment.
Of course, he have to take some time out occasionally to eat and go shopping with Natasha.
All in all, Dustin basically never had any leisure time.
Thankfully, Jade Dew Ointment is on track.
Hazel Lancaster set up a pharmaceutical company in the name of the Lancaster Family to sell Jade Dew Ointment.
And after promotion and fermentation, it has formed a competitive relationship with the rejuvenation ointments of Torby and Stratford.
Because of its cheaper price and better efficacy, word-of-mouth has gradually spread in the industry.
Just waiting for the official sale to ignite a wave of craze.
At this moment, in the Torby Family meeting hall.
Because of the latest news, Kevin urgently held an internal meeting.
The people present included not only the core members of the Torby Family, but also some senior members of the Stratford Family.
“I just heard that the Lancaster Family has developed a new Jade Dew Ointment, and it is more effective than our Rejuvenation Cream. Is this true?”
Kevin looked serious and glanced at Owen Stratford and others while speaking.
“true.”
A senior member of the Torby Family stood up and replied: “I have already done some research. The Lancaster Family’s Jade Dew Ointment is very magical and has an excellent reputation in the industry. It even surpasses our Rejuvenation Cream. Although it has not been officially released, it is already quite popular.” Heat is a great threat to our rejuvenation ointment!”
As soon as these words came out, the entire meeting hall immediately became commotion.
“How could this happen? The Lancaster Family doesn’t have a deep knowledge in medicine, so why can they develop such a good medicine?”
“Isn’t it because our prescription was leaked? Is there someone inside?”
“Damn it! In order to produce and promote the rejuvenation ointment, our Torby Family spent a lot of money and invested most of their resources into it. Unexpectedly, we encountered difficulties at the beginning. What should we do now?”
“…”
Everyone was talking about it, and everyone started talking about it.
You know, they all invested in Rejuvenation Ointment, invested a lot of capital in it, and hoped to make a lot of money.
Now that something like this has happened, I’m naturally very anxious.
The Lancaster Family’s Jade Dew Ointment is effective and cheap, so who can resist it?
“Give me some peace!”
Kevin slammed the table, causing everyone to shut up.
The meeting hall, which was noisy just now, immediately became silent.
“Brother Kevin, with the ability of the Lancaster Family, it is impossible to develop Jade Dew Ointment in such a short period of time. I guess it should be done by Dustin.”
At this time, Sophia suddenly spoke.
“Dustin?” Kevin frowned slightly.
He had already guessed this result.
“Dustin has a grudge against us, so he wants to use the power of the Lancaster Family to retaliate against us. I have to say that this move is very poisonous!” Sophia said with a cold face.
She didn’t pay much attention to the little guy Dustin before.
So the follow-up matters were left to Isabela and Owen Stratford.
It’s just that she didn’t expect that Dustin actually hid a hand, and instead of really handing over the complete formula, he gave her a defective product.
Now that the authentic Jade Dew Ointment comes out, the rejuvenation ointment of the Torby and Stratford families seems a bit tasteless.
If it is not stopped in time, both the Torby and Stratford families will suffer huge losses!
It has never happened before that a person who looks like an ant can make the two giants suffer.

Chapter 1459

“Hmph! This Dustin is so audacious. He actually dares to openly challenge us. He really doesn’t know how to live or die!”
Kevin’s face was sullen, with a fierce light in his eyes.
In recent times, the Torby Family has mobilized all resources in order to make the rejuvenation cream a hit.
The advertisements were overwhelming, and they offered dividends and profits. A huge amount of money was spent on it.
The original plan was to use this opportunity to build a reputation, make enough money, and expand contacts.
Unexpectedly, just at the beginning, this boy Dustin ruined the good thing.
It’s so fucking disgusting.
“Isabela, didn’t I ask you to deal with Dustin earlier? Why is he still alive?”
Sophia suddenly turned her head and looked at her daughter, her tone a bit reproachful.
“I……”
Isabela was speechless for a while.
Under her mother’s sharp eyes, she directly threw the blame to Owen Stratford: “Actually, it was Brother Owen who took care of this matter.”
“…”
Owen Stratford’s mouth twitched, and he could only stand up bravely, and replied: “Aunt Sophia, I have invited experts to take action in the past few days, but this guy Dustin is too cunning, he is like a mouse, and he has not shown up. I really can’t help it.”
He recently hired a lot of people to trace Dustin’s traces, but every time there were clues, the other party would suddenly disappear.
As a result, he never had a chance to make a move.
“You can’t even deal with a country boy. You make me very disappointed.” Sophia said with a cold face.
Owen Stratford and Isabela lowered their heads and did not dare to refute.
“Benjamin, take people to investigate in person. You must catch Dustin, especially the prescription. You must get it at all costs.”
Sophia turned around and gave instructions to Butler Benjamin behind her.
“clear.”
Butler Benjamin responded and left quickly.
“Sophia, the Lancaster Family already has a prescription for Jade Dew Ointment. If we just catch Dustin, we might be treating the symptoms but not the root cause.” Kevin reminded.
Little Dustin was naturally no match for the threat of the Lancaster Family.
“Catching Dustin is only the first step. Next, we will gather the strength of the two families and focus on suppressing the Lancaster Family so that their Jade Dew Ointment cannot be sold!” Sophia said.
“If this is the case, then we will have to invest more financial and resources.” Kevin said thoughtfully.
“We can’t let go of our children without trapping the wolf. If we want to dominate the market, we must remove all obstacles!”
Sophia said with an indifferent expression: “It’s just a mere Lancaster Family, not even a wealthy family. Our family’s connections and power are enough to block them!”
“That’s right! Ban the Lancaster Family! Eliminate hidden dangers!”
Hearing this, everyone spoke out in support.
There is no turning back. We have reached this point. No matter what the cost, we must stabilize the situation.
“Okay! It’s settled!”
Kevin slapped the table, and said in a loud voice: “The little Lancaster Family dared to provoke the two giants, it’s really self-defeating! This time, I will make the Lancaster Family lose everything!”
“That’s what I said, but how should we attack?” someone suddenly asked.
“Tomorrow is the Lancaster Family’s new drug launch conference. I plan to give them a big gift that they will never forget!” Sophia suddenly laughed.
Seeing this scene, the people around couldn’t help but shudder.
Anyone who is familiar with Sophia knows that she is always serious about words.
The last time she laughed like this was when she was killing people.

The next day, early morning.
The entrance of the Lancaster Group subsidiary.
Hazel Lancaster was directing her subordinates, there was huge crowd of peoples.
Today is the day when the new company is officially established, and it is also the best time to release Jade Dew Ointment.
In order to better promote Jade Dew Ointment, she used all the connections in the Lancaster Family and sent out a large number of invitations.
As long as it goes well, Jade Dew Ointment will become a healing medicine sought after by thousands of people!

Chapter 1460

“Hey, hey… raise the sign and place it in a conspicuous place.”
“And the red carpet on the ground, spread it out for me.”
“Is the lion dance team here yet? Let them prepare quickly. It will be opened soon.”
“…”
Hazel Lancaster kept yelling, no matter how big or small, she had to go through everything in person before she could rest assured.
There can be no mistakes today and everything must be running normally.
“Hazel…”
At this time, a Maybach suddenly stopped on the side of the road.
Immediately afterwards, Waylon Lancaster, wearing a suit, walked down with a smile.
“Dad, you’re here.”
Hazel Lancaster stopped moving and immediately greeted him.
“How’s it going? Is it going well?”
Waylon Lancaster looked around, admiring his daughter’s results.
“Of course it went well. I am doing it myself, so what could go wrong?” Hazel Lancaster smiled confidently.
“good.”
Waylon Lancaster nodded in satisfaction: “I’ve already communicated with a few old friends, and they all like your Jade Dew Ointment very much, and they plan to come over today to cheer you on and add to their popularity.”
“Great! Thank you dad!” Hazel Lancaster looked happy.
Her father’s friends are all well-known big shots.
If he can support her, it will be the icing on the cake.
“I’m betting all my money on you this time. Whether our Lancaster Family can reach a higher level depends on today.” Waylon Lancaster said.
For the Jade Dew Ointment, the Lancaster Family also invested a lot of resources.
Give it a try and turn your bicycle into a motorcycle.
“Dad, just don’t worry, I promise there will be no problem!” Hazel Lancaster was full of confidence.
With the strength of the Lancaster Family alone, she might still be a little behind, but now with the help of the Thompson family, she is naturally fearless.
“That’s good.”
Waylon Lancaster nodded with a smile, looked around, and said suspiciously: “Oh, by the way, where is your friend named Dustin? As the founder of Jade Dew Ointment, isn’t he going to show up today?”
“Here, he is coming, he is already here.”
Hazel Lancaster pointed in a certain direction with her delicate chin.
Waylon Lancaster followed his line of sight and saw a handsome young man in ordinary clothes pacing towards him.
“Young handsome boy, you’re here just in time. Let me introduce you. This is my dad, your future father-in-law.” Hazel Lancaster blinked ambiguously.
Dustin, who had just approached, couldn’t help but smile. The words that came to his mouth were blocked directly.
This woman is really speechless and endless.
“You girl, what nonsense are you talking about? You scared everyone.”
Waylon Lancaster glared, then stretched out his hand to Dustin, and said with a smile, “Waylon Lancaster, you can call me Uncle Waylon.”
“Hello Uncle Waylon.” Dustin shook hands in return.
“I heard from Hazel that you are both civil and military, and a good-looking talent. When I saw you today, you really deserve your reputation!” Waylon Lancaster looked up and down, showing an little smile.
Good looks, character, and ability pass the test, but the family background is a little bit worse.
Of course, if you marry into the Lancaster Family, all of these are harmless.
“Uncle Waylon you have kind heart.”
Dustin smiled, feeling a little uncomfortable being stared at.
Why do you feel a little weird?
“Ugh——!”
While the three were talking, several luxury cars suddenly stopped by the side of the road.
The car door opened, and a group of well-dressed men and women came down mightily.
However, when he saw who was coming, the smile on Hazel Lancaster’s face disappeared completely, and Waylon Lancaster frowned slightly.

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👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
 
Chapter 1401: Five Major City

After returning to the villa, Dustin held his phone, feeling somewhat hesitant.

Not long ago, when discussing cooperation with Hazel, he suddenly thought of Natasha. Longing surged within him like a tidal wave, becoming uncontrollable.

Her image occupied his mind, and he couldn't shake it off no matter what.

According to Maximus, Natasha had already come to Stonia to pursue her career under her own grandfather's Duke.

A simple phone call, and the two of them could meet quickly.

But he had some concerns.

Stonia was not like the southern provinces; it was full of hidden dangers and crises.

Moreover, the task he had to undertake was extremely perilous, and he didn't want to involve Natasha.

"Or maybe I'll just meet her? Exchange greetings?" Dustin muttered to himself.

After pacing on the balcony for a moment, he took a deep breath and couldn't help but dial a certain number.

The phone rang for about five seconds before it was finally answered, and a familiar voice quickly came through.

"Hmph! You scoundrel, you finally have the heart to call me?"

"Come clean, where have you been these days? Have you found another little fox spirit?"

"I've been worrying about you all this time, and what do you do? You disappear without a word, leaving me all alone and miserable. Doesn't your conscience ache?"
...
As soon as Natasha opened her mouth, she fired off questions like a rapid-fire cannon, leaving Dustin dumbfounded.

The carefully organized opening speech was immediately blocked.

He was speechless for a moment.

"Hey! Why aren't you saying anything? Are you feeling guilty?"

Natasha finally paused.

"It seems like you didn't give me a chance to speak just now," Dustin said with a wry smile.

"Oh, you find me annoying, don't you? You think I'm too talkative, right? Well, you unfaithful man, it's only been a few days since we last met, and you're already getting tired of me."

Natasha's tone was filled with resentment.

"Alright, alright, it's all my fault. I apologize sincerely to you and hope that you, as the bigger person, can forgive me this time," Dustin promptly admitted defeat.

"Hmph! Since you're apologizing so sincerely, I'll forgive you this time, but don't let it become a habit," Natasha said with a hint of a smile from the other end of the phone.

Actually, in these past few days, she had thought about calling Dustin several times to inquire about his situation. But she was afraid of disturbing him, so she had been holding back.

Now that he had reached out to her, her anxious heart finally relaxed.

"Natasha, I heard you've settled in Stonia. How's the development of your new company?" Dustin inquired.

"Of course, it's been smooth sailing," Natasha replied with a smile. "Our United Group has already started to take shape and is growing rapidly. I believe that within half a year, we'll have a significant presence in Stonia!"

With her grandfather's support, she faced no difficulties.

"That's great," Dustin smiled and asked, "By the way, Natasha, do you have time tonight? I'd like to invite you for dinner."

"It's a coincidence; we have a celebration dinner at the company tonight. Just come over, and afterward, I'll take you around," Natasha suggested.
"Alright, see you tonight."

After chatting for a while, Dustin hung up the phone feeling satisfied.

Then, he seemed to remember something, walked back to his bedroom, and started rummaging through his things. Finally, he found a set of branded suits.

It was a gift from Natasha, and he had never worn it before. He had always kept it well-preserved. Now, he could finally show it off.

Honestly, he had never cared much about his attire before, wearing everyday clothing that cost just a few bucks.

But this time, to meet Natasha, he needed to clean up nicely and not embarrass her.
...
At dusk, Dustin drove and followed the navigation directions, heading towards the central city.

Stonia was divided into five major districts: East, West, South, North, and Central.

Each district was quite extensive, equivalent to a medium-sized city. So, each district was referred to as a "city."

The East district was called East City, the West district was West City, the South district was South City, and the North district was North City.

The most core area protected by the four major districts was the central city, also known as the inner city.





Chapter 1402: Montage Sky

Inside the central city, there was a place representing supreme power—the Forbidden City.

It was a holy place sought after by countless ambitious individuals.

It was also where Dustin aimed to seek the truth and justice.

However, not now.

The inner city was congested, and it happened to be rush hour as people were getting off work.

Although Dustin had left an hour early, by the time he reached his destination, it was already getting dark.

Natasha's celebration banquet was held at a place called "Montage Sky," a super five-star hotel.

The location and ambiance were top-notch, with various entertainment facilities available.

It was high-class, had excellent service, an impressive facade, and was the first choice for hosting guests.

At this moment, in the top-floor banquet hall of Montage Sky.

A group of well-dressed young men and women were gathered, toasting and chatting.

On the stage, splendid performances continued, adding to the excitement of the audience.

The whole banquet hall was lively.

"Senior brother, will Miss Natasha really show up today?"

In a corner, a man and a woman held their wine glasses and kept looking around, as if searching for something.

These two were none other than Roselyn and Carlos.

"Of course, she will!"

Carlos said confidently, "I've already inquired. Today is the celebration banquet of the United Group, and as the chairman, Miss Natasha won't miss it. She's probably on her way here right now."

"I'm a bit worried, though. Can Miss Natasha really help us?"

Roselyn looked worried.

Yesterday, when Healwell Clinic was set on fire, it had left her traumatized. If she hadn't stayed out all night, she might have perished in the flames.

Moreover, this fire was orchestrated by the Stratford family, and she didn't even dare to report it.

For self-preservation, she had to rely on Carlos to seek help from more influential figures.

So, Carlos had brought her here.

"Junior sister, not to boast, but if you can get Miss Natasha to intervene, forget about the Stratford family; even if you add the Torby family, they will have to bow down!" Carlos said with a serious expression.

"That powerful?" Roselyn's eyelids jumped, surprised. "Senior brother, who is this Miss Natasha, really?"

Carlos glanced around and lowered his voice. "Junior sister, do you know that above the eight major prestigious families in Stonia, there are also the four royal clans?"

"I've heard of it," Roselyn nodded.

Prestigious families were already the limit of what she had encountered. As for the royal clans of Stonia, she didn't even dare to think about it. They were the most powerful forces beneath the imperial authority, standing at the pinnacle of the Dragonmarsh's hierarchy. They were entities that ordinary people needed to look up to all their lives.

"Now that you know about the four royal clans, it's easier to understand," Carlos nodded and said with a serious expression, "To be frank, this Miss Natasha is from the Duncan family, one of the royal clans, and her grandfather is none other than the Duke of Duncan, who wields immense power within the Forbidden City!"

"What? The Duke of Duncan?!" Roselyn was taken aback, her voice uncontrollably rising several degrees.

"Lower your voice!" Carlos's expression changed, and he immediately covered Roselyn's mouth. After making sure no one heard, he slowly released her and warned, "This is confidential; you mustn't let it slip, or your head will be in danger!"

"Okay, okay, okay..."

Roselyn covered her mouth with her hands and nodded repeatedly, her heart pounding. In an instant, she was drenched in cold sweat.

She never imagined that the Miss Natasha she was meeting today was the granddaughter of the Duke of Duncan.

That was the current Duke, an existence that could have direct conversations with the Emperor!

A figure that could make Yanjing tremble just by stomping their foot!

In the presence of such a prominent figure, the Torby and Stratford families were like insignificant ants, not worth mentioning!

Thinking about this, she suddenly became excited.

If she could please Miss Natasha and align herself with the Duke of Duncan, this towering giant tree.

Wouldn't she be able to stride confidently through Stonia in the future?





Chapter 1403: Beauty List

"Junior sister, do you now realize how impressive this is?" Carlos had a slightly proud expression. "As long as Miss Natasha is willing to step in, what does the Stratford family matter?"

"Yes, yes..." Roselyn nodded repeatedly, unable to contain her excitement.

She had already decided that no matter the cost, she would please Miss Natasha. This way, she could not only turn danger into safety but also rise to prominence and completely enter Stonia's upper-class circles.

"By the way, senior brother, how do you know all this?" Roselyn suddenly became curious.

"To be honest, my uncle holds a position in the imperial court as a staff officer under the Duke of Duncan's command. He has an extensive network of contacts, so it's easy for me to gather these secrets," Carlos said, raising his chin and looking quite proud.

In reality, Natasha's identity was already public knowledge within the circles of the powerful and influential, not much of a secret. However, most ordinary people wouldn't have access to this information.

"Indeed, senior brother, you're really something!"

Roselyn raised her thumb, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Her adoring expression made Carlos quite content. Having a little fangirl following him was not bad at all, as it satisfied his vanity constantly.

"Senior brother, what does Miss Natasha look like? What if she arrives, and we don't recognize her?" Roselyn scanned the surroundings, fearing they might miss the opportunity if they misidentified her.

"I don't know exactly what she looks like, but I can assure you that Miss Natasha is very beautiful, and not just your average beauty!" Carlos was confident.

"You've never even seen Miss Natasha, so how do you know she's beautiful?" Roselyn was curious.

"While I haven't seen her, I've heard about her beauty," Carlos said, taking a sip of his drink. He continued, "Have you heard of the Vermilion Rouge List?"

"I've heard of it," Roselyn nodded. "The Vermilion Rouge List, also known as the Beauty List, consists of the top one hundred most beautiful women selected from all over the country. They are primarily rated based on their appearance, followed by their family background and personal talents."

"All women in the world take pride in making it onto the Beauty List."

"However, the selection for the Beauty List is very strict. Only truly exceptional beauties are qualified to be on it."

As she spoke, a hint of sadness flashed in Roselyn's eyes.

She considered herself exceptionally beautiful with remarkable talents, yet she couldn't even come close to meeting the Beauty List's minimum criteria. There were simply too many beautiful women in the Dragonmarsh.

"You're absolutely right. Those who make it onto the Beauty List are all exceptional beauties, and Miss Natasha happens to be one of them!" Carlos's face was full of anticipation.

"What? Miss Natasha is on the Beauty List?" Roselyn was both surprised and envious.

No wonder Carlos was so confident; there was a reason behind it.

"In fact, not only is she on the list, but she also ranks high, currently holding the third position!" Carlos dropped a bombshell.

"Th... third?" Roselyn's eyes widened, and her voice began to tremble.

Making it onto the Beauty List was already a great honor, but ranking at the top was even more prestigious. She had never imagined that Miss Natasha not only had an impressive background but also possessed extraordinary beauty.

The pressure of being in the presence of such a woman was overwhelming.

"Third on the Beauty List is Miss Natasha; second is the Dragonmarsh's Female War God, Scarlet; and the top spot belongs to the mysterious and enigmatic Margaret," Carlos recited the names of the top three on the Beauty List with an air of reverence.

If he could marry a woman from the top ten of the Beauty List, he would consider his life fulfilled.

"Senior brother, you're handsome and talented. How about trying to pursue Miss Natasha?" Carlos blurted out suddenly.

She had a certain fondness for Carlos and also admired him to some extent. However, to please Miss Natasha, she was willing to give up her feelings for him.





Chapter 1404: She Is My Woman

"Don't joke around, Miss Natasha is pursued by many outstanding individuals in her circle, and I'm just an ordinary person," Carlos shook his head.

Although he was very tempted, he also had some self-awareness. The gap between his and Miss Natasha's social status was enormous.

"Senior brother, there's nothing in the world that can't be achieved if one sets their mind to it. No matter what, you should give it a try. What if Miss Natasha happens to like your type?" Roselyn started encouraging him.

"Is that true?" Carlos was somewhat uncertain.

"Can I lie to you?" Roselyn continued to boost his confidence. "Look at yourself, handsome, tall, dignified, charismatic, and, most importantly, highly skilled in medicine. You're considerate and have excellent character. Such a perfect man is truly rare in the world!"

"Really?" Carlos adjusted his hair and straightened his tie, suddenly brimming with confidence.

He even felt a bit light-headed.

Indeed, he was so outstanding, so perfect, and full of potential. Marrying the granddaughter of the Duke of Duncan shouldn't be out of the question, right?

"Senior brother, believe in yourself. You are the best, and as long as you show your charm, you can definitely win Miss Natasha's heart!" Roselyn continued to encourage him.

"Junior sister, you truly understand me!" Puffed up with praise, Carlos couldn't stop grinning. "I have the looks, the physique, the talents, the charm, and, most importantly, I'm highly skilled in medicine. With all these qualities, I should have no trouble winning Miss Natasha's heart!"

"That's right!" Roselyn smiled.

As long as Carlos managed to win over Miss Natasha, she would bask in his glory as well.

"Hey... you two, are you daydreaming or something?" A disdainful voice suddenly rang out from behind them.

Startled, they turned around to see a familiar face.

"Dustin, what are you doing here?" Carlos was surprised.

"Why can't I be here?" Dustin retorted.

"Hmph! This is an upscale gathering place for important figures. Who are you to have the qualifications to enter?" Roselyn said with a cold expression.

The memory of Dustin threatening to disfigure her face had left a lingering resentment in her heart.

"Your status doesn't seem much more prestigious than mine. If you can get in, so can I," Dustin shrugged.

"You—!" Roselyn was about to lose her temper, but Carlos raised his hand to stop her. "Remember the occasion, don't make a spectacle of yourself."

Taking a deep breath, Roselyn ultimately restrained herself. She decided to deal with this guy after they handled the main matter today.

"Dustin, when did you arrive?" Carlos tried to put on a friendly smile.

"From the moment you mentioned that your uncle holds a position in the court," Dustin replied indifferently.

"What? So you've heard everything?" Carlos's tone suddenly rose.

Seeing others paying attention, he immediately coughed to ease the awkwardness.

"I heard about half of it," Dustin admitted calmly.

"Why are you like this?" Carlos became anxious. "You eavesdropped while hiding, and didn't make a sound. Isn't that sneaky?"

"I was just passing by. Who would have thought you'd get more and more outrageous and even entertain improper thoughts? I couldn't help but intervene," Dustin shook his head.

"Hmph! What we talk about is none of your business!" Roselyn said irritably.

"Dustin, are you being too overbearing? I'm handsome, talented, is there a problem with pursuing Miss Natasha?" Carlos asked with a serious tone.

"You can pursue anyone else, but not Miss Natasha," Dustin shook his head.

"Why?" Carlos furrowed his brows.

"Because she's my woman," Dustin calmly stated.

His declaration was dominant and domineering.





Chapter 1405: True Beauty

"What? She's your woman?"

Hearing this, both Carlos and Roselyn were stunned. They exchanged bewildered looks, suspecting that they had misheard.

Who is Miss Natasha?

The third-ranked beauty on the Rouge List, the granddaughter of Robert Duncan, the dream goddess of countless outstanding men.

A poor guy dared to shamelessly claim that Miss Natasha was his woman.

Could this guy have lost his mind?

"Dustin, are you...serious?" Carlos asked tentatively.

"Of course," Dustin replied confidently.

"Haha!"

Hearing this, Carlos burst into laughter, as if he had heard a massive joke. "Dustin, Dustin, are you still half-asleep? You're saying Miss Natasha is your woman? Hahaha..."

By the end of his sentence, he was laughing heartily, with an exaggerated expression.

"Hmph! Shameless!"

Roselyn crossed her arms and sneered, "You should take a look at yourself. Don't think changing your clothes can change your status. You're still just a loser. Someone like you isn't even qualified to shine Miss Natasha's shoes!"

Miss Natasha was noble, had a background, beauty, figure, and capability. She was pursued by countless men. A beggar like him, wanting to pursue Miss Natasha?

It was like a toad wishing to eat swan's meat.

"Dustin, you need to have some self-awareness in life. It's good to have dreams, but you also need to see if you have the ability," Carlos laughed and said, "The gap between you and Miss Natasha is like the difference between heaven and earth. She's the phoenix that everyone in the sky looks up to, and you're just an ant in the abyss. Even if you try to climb, you'll never reach that height. Wake up, stop dreaming!"

Even someone of his caliber, born into a prestigious family, didn't dare to say he could win Miss Natasha.

So what could Dustin possibly be?

"Don't be so condescending. Some things, you'll never understand," Dustin calmly replied. "I'll say it again, Natasha is my woman. You two better not harbor any improper thoughts."

"Pretending! Keep pretending! I want to see how long you can keep it up!" Roselyn sneered dismissively.

"Dustin, uttering nonsense comes at a price. Your audacious words, if heard by Miss Natasha, could bring catastrophic consequences. So, I advise you to choose your words carefully," Carlos teased with a smirk.

"What I needed to say, I've already said. Whether you believe it or not is your business," Dustin replied, disinterested in further explanation.

Dealing with narrow-minded individuals like these was pointless. He had only issued a warning with his words.

Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance. The group turned their heads to see a stunning woman dressed in a black evening gown, wearing black high heels, entering gracefully. She resembled a black swan and walked confidently, capturing everyone's attention.

The woman wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty was breathtaking. Her figure was exquisite, and she exuded an air of grace and dignity that commanded respect. Standing there, she appeared like a queen, elevated above the rest.

Her arrival immediately drew the spotlight, making it impossible for anyone to divert their gaze.

"She's so beautiful!" Carlos was completely entranced.

His eyes widened, and his face was filled with astonishment.

"Could this be the true definition of a beauty among the nation's beauties?" Roselyn was equally stunned.

Comparing her flawless face and figure to her own, she couldn't help but feel self-conscious.

She considered herself a beauty, but in front of this truly exceptional woman, she felt utterly overshadowed.

Many socialites and heiresses had attended the event, each adorned in eye-catching attire and exuding extraordinary charm.

However, when Natasha, this black rose, made her entrance, she immediately stole the spotlight, overshadowing every other woman present.





Chapter 1406: Center of Attention

"Miss Natasha, hello!"

"Miss Natasha, hello!"
...
After a brief silence, the entire banquet hall became lively. Men and women alike approached, offering greetings and pleasantries. Those present were either high-ranking officials or top executives, and they had some understanding of Natasha's status. Certain individuals had even come specifically to flatter and curry favor.

"Don't be so formal, please make yourselves at ease," Natasha responded calmly to the compliments and greetings from the crowd.

Her serene gaze swept the surroundings, as if searching for something.

"Brother, could that be Miss Natasha?" Roselyn discreetly pointed in Natasha's direction.

"It should be her. Aside from Miss Natasha, I can't think of anyone else with such breathtaking beauty!" Catlos's eyes sparkled, his face flushed, and his heart raced. Although he had seen many beautiful women, this level of beauty was truly unprecedented.

At this moment, he finally understood the meaning of "love at first sight." If he could marry such an extraordinary woman, he would willingly give up ten years of his life.

"She truly lives up to her reputation as the third on the Beauty List, absolutely stunning!" Roselyn couldn't take her eyes off Natasha. As a woman herself, she no longer felt any jealousy, only amazement and admiration.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Natasha, who was the center of attention, seemed to spot something and her expression brightened. She quickened her pace towards a certain direction.

Her joy was evident, impossible to conceal.

"Brother! Look, look! Miss Natasha is coming in our direction! Could she be coming for you?" Seeing Natasha approaching, Roselyn was excited and nervous at the same time.

"For me? Are you sure?"

Carlos was taken aback and felt a bit unsure of himself. His earlier confidence had faded upon seeing Natasha in person. This woman was just too perfect, like a celestial being, too pure and untouchable.

"How could it not be? It's just us here, who else could she be coming for?" Roselyn started to create scenarios in her mind. "In my opinion, Miss Natasha must have taken a liking to you and came over to make your acquaintance!"

"Really?" Hearing this, Carlos looked around and indeed noticed that there were no other important figures nearby. At that moment, his emotions were a mixture of surprise and anxiety.

Could it be that he was about to have some unexpected romantic luck tonight?

"Brother! Have confidence!" Roselyn whispered, trying to boost his morale. "You are handsome, knowledgeable, and charming. It's not surprising if you catch Miss Natasha's eye. Just seize the opportunity and win her heart. Your future will be boundless!"

Encouraged by these compliments, Carlos's face lit up again. His lost confidence was quickly restored.

"Good! Since Miss Natasha has shown interest, I can't let a beautiful lady's heart grow cold. Let's see how I can win her over tonight!"

Carlos adjusted his tie, ran his fingers through his hair, and confidently walked towards Natasha as if he were a gallant knight ready to woo a princess.

"Miss Natasha, hello, I am..."

As Carlos approached and extended his hand with a smile, he suddenly realized that Natasha didn't even acknowledge him. She simply walked past him and, in front of the crowd's astonished eyes, rushed into the embrace of Dustin, her face filled with joy. "Husband! I missed you so much!"





Chapter 1407: Fiancé

"Husband! I missed you so much!"

In front of the stunned crowd, Natasha swiftly rushed into Dustin's embrace, holding him tightly. Her actions resembled a passionate reunion between long-lost lovers, filled with warmth and intimacy.

However, her audacious move left everyone in the room in shock. They stared with wide eyes, utterly amazed. Carlos and Roselyn, in particular, were struck by disbelief.

What was happening?

The Chairman of the United Group, the third-ranked beauty on the Beauty List, and the granddaughter of a duke, voluntarily embracing a poor guy?
How could this be possible?!

Carlos's hand remained extended in a frozen posture, and his smile had turned into a stiff expression. Inside, he was experiencing a tidal wave of shock.

Could it be true? Were Dustin's previous claims accurate?

Could it be that this country's stunning beauty, Natasha, was really Dustin's woman?

But how could that be?

Dustin was just an unknown figure, perhaps skilled in martial arts and medicine at best. There were countless such individuals in Stonia, nothing extraordinary.

Why him?

Why did someone like him, who was nothing special, receive the favor of Natasha?

While he, who was handsome, talented, and full of potential, didn't even have the qualifications for Natasha to glance at him for a moment.
Why?!

"It's impossible! How could this guy even know Natasha? What right does he have to associate with a woman of such stature?!" Roselyn's eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief.

"In my opinion, Dustin is just a country bumpkin trying to make it in Stonia. He has no background, no abilities, and no connections. He can only struggle at the bottom and will never be able to rise above it in his lifetime. He can't even match up to me, let alone the granddaughter of the current duke. The pairing of these two is like a toad and a swan, it's unbelievable."

"Husband, how do I look today? Did I look beautiful? I dressed up carefully just to see you."

Natasha held Dustin's waist with both hands, looking up at his handsome and resolute face with joy in her eyes.

Even though they had only been apart for a few days, it felt like a century had passed.

"Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!"

Dustin smiled faintly and reached out to tuck a strand of hair that had escaped its confinement behind Natasha's ear, making her look even more charming.

All his worries and troubles from before disappeared when he saw the beauty in front of him. His entire spirit seemed to be rejuvenated.
"I look so beautiful, how about giving me a kiss?"

Natasha extended her delicate finger and pointed to her glossy red lips, wearing a sexy and enchanting smile.

"Huh?"

Dustin's smile froze for a moment.

He glanced around and noticed that hundreds of pairs of eyes were fixed on them.

Kissing in public like this, was it appropriate?

"Hehehe... Just teasing you."

Natasha chuckled sweetly. "It's not very polite to do that in front of so many people. We can kiss when we get home."

Dustin could only smile wryly.

She was indeed a playful little demon, and she hadn't changed at all.

"Let me introduce you to everyone..."

Natasha, still holding Dustin's arm, turned to the guests in the banquet hall and said with a smile, "This is my fiancé, Dustin. Please take good care of him in the future."

"Dustin?"





Chapter 1408: Why Not Me

With Natasha's introduction, the guests in the banquet hall exchanged glances and whispered to each other.

"Who is Dustin? I've never heard of him. Do we have such a young talent in Stonia?"

"That's strange, I consider myself well-informed, but I've never heard of this person."

"So, he's just an unknown individual? Why would Miss Natasha be interested in someone like that?"

"Well, he does have good looks. Maybe he's just a pretty boy who can make people happy?"

The high-society guests were perplexed and began speculating about Dustin's identity. As people accustomed to the upper echelons of society, they were well-connected and well-informed, yet they had never heard of Dustin. This led them to wonder why Natasha, who had always been associated with the elite, would take an interest in such an unknown figure. Was it true love or simply a passing fancy?

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dustin. I've heard about you for a long time," a plump middle-aged man named Levi approached, his smile warm and friendly. "I am Levi, the owner of the Heavenly Palace Hotel. I've always admired your charm, and it's a great honor to meet you today."

"Hello, Mr. Levi," Dustin responded with a smile. It was a courteous exchange, but it was pleasant nonetheless.

Levi's success as the owner of the Heavenly Palace Hotel suggested that he was not an ordinary figure.

"I'm Aiden, the chairman of Centene Group. Please take care of me in the future, Mr. Dustin."

"Mr. Dustin, I'm Luke, the Deputy Commander of the City Guard. If you ever encounter any trouble in the future, please feel free to reach out to me. I guarantee you'll be worry-free."

"Mr. Dustin..."

With Levi leading the way, more and more influential figures approached Dustin, offering compliments and flattery. They didn't care who Dustin was or what his background might be. As long as Natasha valued him, they all greeted him with smiles and respect. This was the way of the social elite. Thanks to Natasha, who had previously gone unnoticed, Dustin had become the center of attention at the event.

Dustin basked in the attention and admiration, handling the situation with grace and charm. He greeted everyone with a warm smile, showing impeccable manners.

"Why? Why is it him? Why not me?" Carlos clenched his fists tightly, seething with envy and frustration. He couldn't understand why Natasha would choose Dustin over him.

"Don't be disheartened, senior brother. He's just a pretty face, perhaps Natasha will get tired of him after a few days," Roselyn whispered to Carlos, trying to console him.

As a woman, she refused to believe that Natasha, with her exceptional qualities, would marry an unknown person. Not to mention the obstacle presented by her grandfather, the Duke of Duncan.

So she was convinced that their relationship couldn't last, and it was just a temporary fling.

"A pretty face? What qualifications does that guy with the surname Rhys have to let Natasha play with him?" Carlos was still unwilling to accept it. Natasha, the third-ranked beauty on the Beauty List, had inexplicably fallen for Dustin, a nobody. It was like a beautiful flower growing in a pile of dung.

"Why is he the one being played with? Why?"

"What are you all doing?!" Suddenly, a booming voice echoed from the entrance.

The voice was thunderous, causing everyone to turn their heads in astonishment.

A tall and burly young man in military uniform walked in with a commanding presence.

His sharp gaze and powerful aura were unmistakable. The golden epaulettes on his shoulders identified him as a young general.

"Hmm?" When Natasha saw this newcomer, her smile faded, her eyebrows furrowing in annoyance. As for the group of high-society figures who had surrounded Dustin just moments ago, they scattered in a hurry, afraid of getting into trouble.





Chapter 1409: Ian Bryant

With the military-clad man's entrance, the entire banquet hall fell silent. Everyone quickly made way for him, as if avoiding a venomous snake.

This newcomer, known for his explosive temper and unpredictable behavior, had a deep background, and no one dared to provoke him. Encountering him meant keeping a safe distance to avoid any trouble.

"Senior brother, who is this person who just came in? He looks very imposing," Roselyn said, both surprised and curious.

This person had an intimidating presence and clearly had significant influence.

"If I'm not mistaken, he should be Ian Bryant from the Bryant family," Carlos said, squinting his eyes.

"Ian Bryant? Is he one of the so-called Four Demons of the Underworld?" Roselyn widened her eyes in astonishment.

"Yes, that's him," Carlos nodded.

He didn't dare to look directly at Ian and could only steal glances from the corner of his eye.

The Bryant family, like the Duncan family, was a powerful and influential clan in the inner city. They had immense wealth and power. As for Ian, he was one of the most prominent young talents among the Bryant family members.

Not only did he have a strong background, but he also possessed exceptional abilities. At a young age, he had already achieved the rank of a Fourth-Rank Martial General, showing tremendous potential.

The only problem was Ian's explosive temper, which often led to trouble. This was why he had a terrible reputation and was known as one of the Four Demons of the Underworld.

"It's strange. Why would such a bully come here? Judging from his fierce appearance, he wouldn't be causing trouble, would he?" Roselyn shrank her neck in apprehension.

In Stonia, the Four Demons of the Underworld were notorious troublemakers, and just hearing their names struck fear into people's hearts.
Ian Bryant was one of them.

"Causing trouble is unlikely. I heard that Ian has fallen in love with Natasha, so he probably came here to support her," Carlos said thoughtfully.

"Wait a minute!" Roselyn seemed to have realized something suddenly. She said, "If Ian likes Natasha, doesn't that make him a rival to Dustin?"

"Hmm... It seems that way!"


Carlos quickly caught on to the situation, his demeanor shifting from despondency to determination. He said, "With Ian's personality, he won't tolerate anyone competing for his woman. If that's the case, Dustin is in trouble today!"

"Hmph! Serves him right!" Roselyn crossed her arms and wore a smug expression. "Who asked him to be a toad wanting to eat swan meat? He has no skills and still wants to climb up to Natasha. This is karma! Let's see how he handles it!"

"I told you, how could such a loser possibly win over a beauty? Now that a strong rival has appeared, let's see how he deals with it!" Carlos grinned and looked like he was enjoying the show.

A woman he couldn't have, Dustin wouldn't get her either!

"Natasha! Who is this guy?" Ian strode forward and stared at Dustin with an unfriendly expression.

He had witnessed the close interaction between Natasha and Dustin, and he naturally felt extremely displeased with this unexpected rival.

"Who he is, has nothing to do with you," Natasha replied coldly.

"You all have been talking, and I've heard it. He's the little gigolo you've been keeping, right?" Ian questioned.

"I'll say it again, it's none of your business!" Natasha's eyes reflected her disdain.

She had had many suitors, but Ian's type was the one she despised the most – arrogant and overbearing, believing that all women should revolve around him, acting like he was the center of the universe.

It was truly annoying.

"What do you mean 'none of my business'? You're the woman I've set my sights on, and you can only be with me. Other men aren't even worthy of you!" Ian spoke with a dominating tone.

"Do you really think you're worthy of me?"

Natasha snorted. "You have brawns but no brains, like a black chimpanzee. Who would like someone like you?"

"You—!"





Chapter 1410: Black Cyclone

Ian raised his hand, as if he was about to strike, but then he stopped himself halfway. He had never encountered a woman who dared to speak to him this way. If it weren't for certain considerations, he would have acted without hesitation.

"You! Who do you think you are? How dare you compete with me for a woman? Do you have a death wish?" Ian shifted his gaze to Dustin, his hostility apparent.

He couldn't touch Natasha, but dealing with a little gigolo was a piece of cake.

As long as the person wasn't of royal blood or part of the four major noble families, he could easily handle them.

"Boy! Who are you? Before asking for someone's name, you should introduce yourself first. It's basic etiquette," Dustin calmly replied.

"Hmph! You want to know my name? Fine! I'll grant your request. I am Ian Bryant from the royal Bryant family, a fourth-ranked Mighty Martial General. People call me the Black Cyclone!" Ian declared with a fierce glare.

"Oh, and what's the significance of that?" Dustin responded nonchalantly.

"What's the significance?" Ian was momentarily taken aback, not expecting such a response. Normally, when people heard his name, they would be trembling in fear.

However, this young man showed no reaction.

He couldn't help but wonder if he hadn't made himself clear.

"Kid! Don't you know about the Bryant family's royal status?" Ian narrowed his eyes.

"I do," Dustin nodded.

"Do you understand the power of a fourth-ranked Mighty Martial General?" Ian asked.

"I understand," Dustin nodded once more.

"Then why aren't you scared, knowing my identity and my strength?" Ian said with a deep voice.

"Why should I be scared?" Dustin replied calmly. "You're just a bully who relies on his power and lacks any real talent. Why should I be afraid of you?"

With these words, the whole room erupted in shock.

"Oh my god! Is this guy crazy? He actually dares to openly provoke Ian? Doesn't he care about his life?"

"This young man doesn't know his place, daring to offend even the Black Cyclone in public. Is he seeking death?"

"When Ian gets angry, blood will be spilled within five steps. This guy is definitely doomed today!"

The sudden turn of events left everyone in shock. No one expected Dustin to be so audacious, openly challenging Ian and showing no fear whatsoever.

Who was Ian?

He was the infamous Black Cyclone, a terrifying figure who struck fear into the hearts of many. Anyone who had crossed paths with Ian had met a gruesome fate, and those who survived were often left maimed.

Normally, if one were to encounter Ian, the instinct would be to avoid him at all costs. However, Dustin had unexpectedly walked right into the lion's den.

This was tantamount to courting death!

"Hmph! You little fool! Did you just say something? I didn't catch it clearly. Do you have the guts to say it again?" Ian's face darkened, and his teeth clenched together as his eyes seemed ready to shoot fire.

"I said, you are an inept, talentless brat who relies solely on your family's reputation, a paper tiger who abuses your inherited power. Now, do you understand clearly enough?" Dustin spoke calmly, repeating his words.

With these words, everyone had the same thought running through their minds: "He's done for! There's no saving him now!"
Thank you Nazmul keep it up
 
Chapter 1431: Something Special?

"Something special?"

Facing Samuel's meaningful gaze, Dustin's eye twitched a couple of times, feeling a tingling sensation on his scalp.

Could this guy really be interested in my body?

Taking a deep breath, Dustin composed himself and said, "Mr. Samuel, I've heard that the Thompson family has made significant strides in the field of medicine. However, I possess a miraculous external injury remedy called Jade Dew Cream. It not only stops bleeding and heals wounds but also removes scars. Once it's introduced, it has the potential to bring substantial profits to the Thompson family."

"External injury remedy?"

Samuel raised his teacup and took a sip, lacking enthusiasm as he said, "We have countless medicines like that in the Thompson family, such as Thompson's Golden Wound Medicine, specifically designed for treating injuries and scars. Moreover, its effectiveness surpasses that of the external injury remedies available in the market."

"I've certainly heard of Thomson's Golden Wound Medicine, but compared to my Jade Dew Cream, it still falls short by quite a margin," Dustin replied with a smile.

"Oh? That confident?" Samuel was quite surprised.

The Thompson family's pharmaceuticals were at the forefront of the industry. Whether through acquisitions or the development of their own drugs, they consistently produced top-tier products.

Thompson's Golden Wound Medicine, in particular, had a stellar reputation and sold exceptionally well.

To challenge Thompson's Golden Wound Medicine with an unheard-of external injury remedy piqued his curiosity. He wondered where this person's confidence came from.

"It's not confidence, but a fact," Dustin said earnestly. "To put it bluntly, the healing effect of Jade Dew Cream is at least ten times better than that of Thompson's Golden Wound Medicine."

"What? Ten times?"

Samuel's voice raised a few notches upon hearing this. He questioned, "Are you trying to play tricks on me? Do I look like a fool to you? Look at me; do I appear gullible?"

Thompson's Golden Wound Medicine was already the best external injury remedy on the market. For an unheard-of Jade Dew Cream to claim to be ten times more effective was almost insulting his intelligence.

"Mr. Samuel, please don't be agitated. Whether it's true or not, you'll find out if you give it a try."

Dustin smiled faintly and didn't provide much explanation. Instead, he used the same method as before to make a small cut on his arm and then applied Jade Dew Cream.

After waiting for approximately the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Dustin wiped away the remaining Jade Dew Cream, revealing a completely healed arm. The previous wound had miraculously returned to its original state.

"How is this possible?"

Seeing this scene, Samuel couldn't help but widen his eyes.

Even someone as experienced as him was astonished by what he witnessed.

Such a long gash disappearing completely—it was almost too miraculous to believe.

Thompson's Golden Wound Medicine had earned its place through years of research and development, but the performance of this Jade Dew Cream utterly overshadowed it. The medicinal effect was not just ten times better; it was unbelievably exaggerated.

"How about it? Mr. Samuel, are you satisfied with my Jade Dew Cream?" Dustin asked with a sly smile.

"Well..." Samuel's expression froze.

Satisfied?

If this medicine were to be introduced, there would be no competition left for other external injury remedies on the market. It would be a complete domination.

It was a dramatic downgrade for the rest.

"Master, be cautious, this might be a trick!"

At this moment, the female bodyguard, Anna, who had been silently observing, suddenly spoke up.

"Miss Anna, do you have any doubts?" Dustin countered.

"How can there be such a miraculous medicine? I suspect you tampered with something earlier," Anna said coldly.

In her view, Dustin must have used some sort of illusion or deception technique to trick them. It was like the magicians on stage who would cut someone into pieces and then miraculously restore them, all just to deceive the audience.

"It seems Miss Anna doesn't trust me. How about you try it for yourself?" Dustin pushed the Jade Dew Cream towards the table.

"Fine, I will."

Without further ado, Anna drew her blade and made a cut on her thigh.

As the blade sliced through, her thigh immediately split open, blood flowing freely.





Chapter 1432: Fearless Woman

From the wound, it was clear that the cut had been quite deep. For an ordinary person, it would likely have been unbearable, leading to cries of pain. However, Anna remained expressionless from start to finish, not even furrowing her brows, as if the cut had not been on her own body.

This woman was indeed fearless!

"Bring me the medicine!"

Anna stepped on a chair, tore off half of her pants, revealing her white, muscular thigh that still retained a sense of feminine strength. She scooped out a handful of the ointment from the jar and casually applied it to the wound.

Then, something miraculous happened.

In just a few breaths of time, the fresh blood from the wound ceased to flow. The cool and numbing sensation made even the emotionless Anna finally show a hint of curiosity.

As a Martial Grandmaster, she naturally could sense subtle changes in her body. She had to admit that this ointment was indeed extraordinary.

After approximately the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Anna wiped her thigh with a towel. As expected, the previous knife wound had almost completely healed, leaving only a faint red mark—a trace of newly formed flesh.

"Do you believe it now, Miss Anna?" Dustin smiled and asked.

"Yes."

Anna nodded, then calmly returned to her place with her sword, no longer speaking.

"What do you think, Mr. Samuel?" Dustin turned his gaze.

"It's indeed a remarkable treasure!"

Samuel smiled in satisfaction. "Although I'm not interested in money, I still need to contribute a bit for the family business. Regarding this Jade Dew Cream, how do you plan to cooperate?"

"As for production, I've already arranged a partnership with the Lancaster family. Mr. Samuel, you will be responsible for sales and promotion, utilizing the Samuel family's connections and influence to turn Jade Dew cream into a bestseller. Regarding the profit distribution, we can split it in a 40-30-30 manner. The Thompson family takes 40%, and both the Lancaster family and I take 30% each. How does that sound?" Dustin proposed.

"I thought you might ask for a lion's share, but you're not greedy at all," Samuel said with a half-smile.

With the influence of the Thompson family, taking a 40% share was no problem at all, but having it offered willingly by Dustin was another matter.

"In business, sincerity and fairness are essential. Since the Thompson family will contribute the most, naturally, you should have the lion's share," Dustin said with a smile.

"That's right, you're to my liking."

Samuel nodded in satisfaction, his smile growing broader.

His passionate gaze made goosebumps rise on Dustin's skin. Surely he didn't mean to go too far, did he?

"Mr. Samuel, Jade Dew Cream may not have a smooth journey ahead. We have two competitors, and I hope you are prepared," Dustin steered the conversation in a timely manner.

"Oh? Who dares to compete with the Thompson family?" Samuel raised an eyebrow.

"The Torby family and the Stratford family among the Eight Great Clans..."

Dustin didn't hide anything and briefly explained the situation.

"So that's how it is."

Samuel remained unfazed after listening. "Given the conduct of the Torby and Stratford families, it's not surprising they would resort to such despicable tactics. However, rest assured, with the Thompson family backing you, they won't dare to mess with you in the future. As for the market, there's no need to worry. Our product is good and affordable, and with the Thompson family's connections and influence, we can crush them without leaving a trace."

"With Mr. Samuel's assurance, I feel at ease," Dustin nodded slightly.

"Dustin, in the future, as long as you stick with me, I won't mistreat you. I promise to let you live a life of luxury and indulgence."

Samuel placed his hand on Dustin's shoulder, giving it a light pat, and his smile held a certain meaning.

Dustin stiffened all over, unsure whether to cry or laugh.

We were talking about business, so why the hell are you trying to do something else?

"Dustin, I think you have a nice appearance, delicate skin, and tender flesh. You fit my aesthetic preferences quite well. As long as you agree to some of my requests, I guarantee that you'll live a life of wealth and luxury, enjoying endless pleasures!"

Samuel sized Dustin up, his eyes burning with desire as if he were admiring a beautiful plaything.

"..."
Dustin instantly broke out in cold sweat, his scalp tingling.

Damn it! I couldn't avoid it after all!




Chapter 1433: An Unexpected Outcome

"Why are you so nervous? I won't eat you," Samuel teased, giving Dustin's broad shoulder a playful squeeze. "You may look slim, but you feel quite sturdy. Must be one of those cases where clothes make you look thin, but you're well-built underneath, right? Not bad, not bad at all."

Goosebumps covered Dustin's body, and he quickly moved away from Samuel's touch. With a serious expression, he said, "Let's stick to discussing business. I can't meet any other requests."

"Dustin, I'm doing this for your own good. With the Thompson family backing you, you can practically dominate Stonia in the future. It's just a minor sacrifice, nothing significant. You know, most people don't even have this kind of opportunity," Samuel said earnestly.

"Forget it. I can't afford this kind of 'opportunity' you're offering," Dustin waved his hand repeatedly.

Selling his body was even worse than being killed.

"You! You really don't know how to appreciate your good fortune. If it weren't for your handsome appearance and your talents, do you think I'd cut you any slack?"

Samuel shook his head and sighed, "Do you know how many people want to be my brother-in-law? The line goes from here to the east side of the city. I'm giving you a chance!"

"Wait a minute!"

Dustin suddenly froze. "What did you just say? Brother-in-law?"

Wasn't he just trying to take advantage of him? How did it turn into a brother-in-law scenario?

"Of course."

Samuel said seriously, "I have a total of seventeen sisters. Four of them are already married, and there are thirteen more waiting to get married at home. They're not young anymore. I'm the only brother in the family, and it's quite a headache!"

People often said he was born into good fortune, but they didn't understand his troubles. As the only son of the family, he was under a lot of pressure. He had to study many things every day. Fortunately, he had a sharp mind and excelled in various fields.

However, the most troublesome issue for him was finding husbands for his sisters. These marriages had to meet multiple criteria: matching social status, good looks, outstanding talents, and impeccable character. The requirements were overwhelming.

What was crucial was that he didn't just need one brother-in-law; he needed to find thirteen!

The difficulty of this task was beyond imagination.

So, whenever he had the chance, he would scout for suitable candidates for his sisters. After observing Dustin, he thought he might be a good brother-in-law candidate.

"Oh, so it's a brother-in-law?" Dustin let out a sigh of relief. "You really scared me. I thought..."

"You thought what?" Samuel was momentarily puzzled, then suddenly realized. "Oh, I understand now. You thought I had some improper intentions toward you?"

"Well..." Dustin felt quite embarrassed.

The words and actions of the other party earlier were indeed a bit strange.

"Do rumors outside suggest that I have a certain preference?" Samuel asked with a smirk.

"Um, aren't those just baseless rumors?" Dustin replied, somewhat uncertain.

"Well... they're not exactly baseless rumors, because I spread those rumors myself," Samuel admitted candidly.

"What?" Dustin was taken aback, not understanding what was going on.

"As you know, when someone is good-looking, they tend to attract unwanted attention."

Samuel ran his fingers through his hair and said quite self-assuredly, "Being as handsome and accomplished as I am, with my family background and talents, I have women throwing themselves at me every day. I'm like a desirable catch, pursued relentlessly by countless women. To avoid these troubles, I decided to declare that I have a preference for men. Over time, these rumors spread."

"So, it's like that." Dustin nodded.

He finally understood. Dustin's behavior and comments earlier, combined with the psychological manipulation from Hazel, could indeed lead to misunderstandings.

Fortunately, everything was clarified now, and this would help ease any potential tension in their future collaboration.





Chapter 1434: Matchmaker

"Mr. Dustin, how about considering becoming my brother-in-law?"

"As long as you marry one of my sisters, Thompson Family will be your backing in the future. You'll have everything you need, rain or shine, sitting comfortably at home."

"What's more, my thirteen sisters are all beautiful, and they excel in various arts and skills. They won't let you down."

Thompson was energetically promoting, fully displaying his matchmaker skills.

"Mr. Samuel, you're joking. I'm just an unknown person; I can't possibly reach out to the daughters of the Thompson family." Dustin politely declined.

"No worries. I don't care about that. As long as I find you agreeable, you can be my brother-in-law. My sisters won't refuse."

Samuel said, taking out his phone and showing Dustin photos of his sisters while introducing each one: "Come on, come over here... take a look. These are pictures of my sisters. You can pick whomever you like, and you don't need to worry about anything else. Just leave it to me."

"Uh?" Dustin twitched at the corner of his mouth.

This guy was promoting his sisters like they were products for sale.

And it was a free offer, no money required, just pick and take.

Was he in such a hurry?

"What do you think? My sisters are all beautiful, right? If you don't like just one, you can have two, as long as your body can handle it. I don't mind," Samuel enthusiastically said.

"Mr. Samuel, your kind offer is appreciated, but I already have a fiancée, so there's no need to discuss this further," Dustin politely declined.

"Fiancée? What's that got to do with it? It doesn't matter until you're married," Samuel said dismissively. "Is your fiancée more beautiful than my sisters?"

"She is indeed more beautiful than your sisters," Dustin nodded.

"Uh..."

Samuel's face stiffened, and he was left speechless.

This guy, was he even making sense?

"Never mind, never mind. If you're not interested, I won't force it. We can only say that we're not fated to be," Samuel said regretfully, shaking his head as if he was the one losing out.

"Don't worry, it's just business. We can separate business from personal matters. I can handle these things."

Samuel opened his folding fan and said nonchalantly, "As long as you produce this Jade Dew Cream, our Thompson Family will certainly support it. We'll all make money together when the time comes. Why not?"

"Mr. Samuel, you're truly wise. Let's toast to a prosperous business." Dustin smiled and raised his glass.

"Here we go! Cheers!" Samuel raised his tea cup and clinked it against Dustin's, then downed the tea in one go.

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Dustin..."

At this moment, Samuel seemed to remember something. He lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "Besides Jade Dew Cream, do you have any other herbal medicine? You know, the kind that can make a man more... vigorous."

"Make a man more vigorous?"

Dustin was slightly taken aback but quickly realized, "You mean aphrodisiacs?"

"Shh!"

Samuel made a hushing gesture in a panic and whispered, "You understand, that's enough. There's no need to say it out loud. Also, I want to make it clear, it's not that I can't perform, I just want to be more... vigorous, you know?"

"I understand," Dustin nodded with a smile. "If you're looking for something to enhance your... vigor, there are indeed such medicines. But I don't have any with me right now. Next time we meet, I'll directly give you a bottle. I guarantee you'll become... extremely vigorous!"

"That's great, buddy! You really get me!"

Samuel's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "From today on, you're my blood brother! If you ever have any trouble, don't hesitate to come to me!"

Since Dustin's Jade Dew Cream was so amazing, the aphrodisiac he mentioned shouldn't be disappointing, right? He was getting a bit excited just thinking about it.





Chapter 1435: Thompson Medical Office

After reaching an agreement with Samuel, Dustin immediately called Hazel from the opposite room.

The three of them had a detailed discussion and signed relevant contracts.

With this, the tripartite alliance was officially formed.

Over the next two days, Dustin taught the pharmacists how to refine Jade Dew Cream while also starting the reconstruction of Healwell Clinic.

He was running between two tasks, busy but enjoying it.

Fortunately, with Hazel's help, things quickly fell into place.

As for the Torby and Stratford families, their progress was even faster, and the production of Jade Dew Cream had already entered the selling stage.

They even changed its name to "Revival Cream."

The implication was the miraculous revival of the hands of a skilled healer.

Although the medicinal content of "Revival Cream" didn't meet standards, with the power of money, these issues were inconsequential.

After some publicity, "Revival Cream" from the Torby and Stratford families gained widespread fame.

Despite its high price, the response was excellent, especially due to its remarkable wound-healing effects, attracting numerous pharmaceutical distributors.

It even drew the attention of the military's higher-ups.

For soldiers who frequently got injured, this quick-acting, wound-healing ointment was an invaluable treasure, capable of saving lives at critical moments.

So, all branches of the military took this very seriously.

Wave after wave of people flocked to it; batch after batch of orders followed one another.

In just two days, the Torby and Stratford families had taken on a massive number of orders, unprecedented in their business.

Various medical experts asserted that this newly introduced Revival Cream would become an unprecedented hit!
...
Noon.
East City, Thompson Medical Group Chairman's office.

A smartly dressed, beautiful woman was sitting quietly on a swivel chair, listening to her female secretary's report.

"Chairman Emma, we've investigated it thoroughly. The suddenly emerging Revival Cream on the market is a joint product of the Stratford and Torby families. Its medicinal effects are quite extraordinary and far surpass Thompson Medical Group's Golden Wound Medicine."

"At this rate, the situation for our Thompson Medical Group doesn't look good!"

As the female secretary spoke, she placed the investigation materials she had in her hand on the office desk.

Emma Thompson examined them closely, her eyebrows slightly furrowing. "How could this be? In just a few days, how could they possibly develop such an impressive medicine?"

As the eldest daughter of the Thompson family and the chairman of Thompson Medical Group, she was well-acquainted with both the Stratford and Torby families. While they were both prestigious families, they were also competitors, so she had been closely monitoring their developments.

In fact, she had even planted informants within both families. Leaving aside other matters, the research activities of the Stratford and Torby families in the field of medicine were something she believed she should be aware of. However, this time, she hadn't received any information before the launch of the Revival Cream, as if it had appeared out of thin air, which was incredibly strange.

"Chairman Emma, what should we do now? Should we try to contact the Stratford and Torby families and explore the possibility of cooperation?" the female secretary suggested.

"It's not that simple," Emma shook her head. "They clearly came prepared this time. If we actively seek cooperation, we'll likely end up losing a significant portion of our profits."

"But if we don't cooperate, some of the high-profit medicines from our Thompson Medical Group won't be able to survive, and our stock prices will plummet, resulting in substantial losses. It will be even worse," the female secretary expressed her concerns.

"Let me think..." Emma lightly massaged her temples and began to ponder the situation carefully.

Choosing to cooperate would almost certainly result in the Stratford and Torby families raising their prices significantly, taking advantage of the opportunity to seize Thompson Medical Group's market share and lure away its customers.

Not cooperating would lead to significant losses for Thompson Medical Group, and over time, the market would still be encroached upon, and customers would still be poached. It was truly a dilemma.

"Ding, ding, ding..."

At that moment, the phone on the desk rang.

Emma answered and heard a familiar voice on the other end. "Chairman Emma, Miss Isabela and Mr. Owen are here for a visit. Do you have some time?"





Chapter 1436: Ten Percent Share

"Please, have them come in," Emma replied.

"Understood."

The phone call ended, and moments later, the office door opened.

Owen and Isabela entered together, both wearing cheerful expressions and smiles on their faces.

"Chairman Emma, we've come uninvited today; I hope we're not disturbing you," Owen said politely.

As for Isabela, she was more straightforward, confidently taking a seat on the sofa, assuming a leadership posture.

"Mr. Owen, Miss Isabela, I wonder what brings you here today?" Emma asked calmly.

"We wouldn't dare to offer guidance. We've come today to discuss business with Chairman Emma," Owen said with a sly smile.

"Business? What kind of business?" Emma pretended not to know, her expression unchanged.

"Chairman Emma, have you heard about the Revival Cream recently developed by our Stratford and Torby families?" Owen inquired.

"I've heard a bit. What about it?" Emma maintained her composure.

"Since you've heard about it, that makes things easier."

Owen smiled and continued, "The Revival Cream we've developed is a miracle healing medicine. If we promote it comprehensively, it will undoubtedly surpass all the external wound medicines on the market, including your Thompson Medical Group's Golden Wound Medicine."

"Mr. Owen, you seem quite confident. Your Revival Cream may be good, but our Thompson Medical Group's Golden Wound Medicine is no slouch," Emma remarked.

"It's not about confidence; it's about facts."

Owen smiled knowingly. "Chairman Emma, you're an intelligent person. You should understand the gap between the two products. It's the prevailing trend, and denying it won't change anything."

"So, Mr. Owen, what exactly are you trying to say? Please, get straight to the point," Emma remained calm.

"Of course!"

Owen snapped his fingers and said with a smile, "Chairman Emma, our Revival Cream will soon dominate the entire market. But for a smoother development, I hope we can cooperate with Thompson Medical Group."

"Oh? What kind of cooperation are you proposing?" Emma interlocked her fingers on the desk, appearing attentive.

"It's quite simple. Let both our families handle production, and Thompson Medical Group can use its sales channels to promote it nationwide. This way, the Revival Cream can quickly capture a large market share, and we can all make a substantial profit," Owen said with a smile.

"That sounds promising, but how would the profits be divided?" Emma countered.

The Revival Cream becoming a hit was inevitable, and cooperating with the Torby and Stratford families would help to recover their losses.

However, this inclination couldn't be too obvious, as it might be exploited.

"We've discussed it internally and are considering giving Thomson Medical Group a thirty percent share..." Owen began to state the offer when Isabela, sitting on the sofa, suddenly spoke up, "We'll give you ten percent of the profits."

"Hmm?"

As soon as this statement was made, Emma immediately furrowed her brows.

Owen's smile froze as well.

Previously, the two families had agreed that, in order to quickly open up the market, it would be best to offer Thompson Medical Group a thirty percent profit share. The division would gradually decrease once the product gained recognition. But now, Isabela had come forward and pushed the profit share to its lowest point, ten percent.

It was quite a lowball offer!

"Miss Isabela, are you negotiating in good faith here?" Emma said coldly.

"Chairman Emma, ten percent of the profits is already the maximum we can offer," Isabela replied indifferently. "After all, the Revival Cream is the result of research and production from both our families, and Thompson Medical Group hasn't contributed anything except for sales. Ten percent is quite generous."

"If you're not sincere about it, then there's no need to discuss cooperation further!" Emma said with a frosty tone.

"Chairman Emma, you should think carefully before answering," Isabela coldly snorted. "If you cooperate, Thompson Medical Group can still make some profit. If not, you'll be digging your own grave!"





Chapter 1437: Minor Disturbance

"Miss Isabela, are you threatening me?" Isabela's aggressive demeanor caused Emma's expression to darken, and her gaze suddenly became sharp.

With Thompson Medical Group's sales channels and influence in the pharmaceutical industry, offering a profit share of forty to fifty percent wouldn't be an issue for a cooperation. Moreover, it depended on the value of the product being sold.

Yet, this woman right in front of her, who had come to seek cooperation, was clearly acting arrogantly, not taking Thompson Medical Group seriously. She not only offered only a ten percent profit share but also dared to make threats.

Did she really think the Thompson family was a pushover?

"Chairman Emma, please don't misunderstand. Isabela was just making a joke with you," sensing the unfavorable situation, Owen quickly began to smooth things over and signaled Isabela repeatedly with his eyes.

Damn! Had this woman taken the wrong medication?

They had agreed to offer a thirty percent profit share, and now she was pushing it down to ten percent. This wasn't cooperation; it was taking advantage of the Thompson family.

Furthermore, the Thompson family was one of the Four Great Families, with superior influence in various aspects compared to the Torby and Stratford families. Especially in the field of medicine, they were the industry leaders.

Starting a feud with such a behemoth was not a wise choice.

"A joke?" Emma snorted. "Miss Isabela, from the looks of it, you don't seem like you're joking at all."

"Chairman Emma, those who understand the times are wise. Ten percent profit is already quite generous. Our Revival Cream is destined to become a hit, and no one can stop it," Isabela said proudly. "If you miss this opportunity, the losses for your Thompson family will be immeasurable. I believe you understand the stakes."

With the agreement in place, Torby provided the formula, and Stratford handled production and promotion. According to their arrangement, the profits from the cooperation would be evenly divided between the two families.

If they gave Thompson Medical Group thirty percent, then the Torby and Stratford families would only receive thirty-five percent combined. This was clearly unfair.

The Revival Cream had incredible medicinal properties, and it would undoubtedly sell well. Why should they give such a high profit share to Thompson Medical Group when they hadn't contributed anything except sales?

In Isabela's view, offering a ten percent profit share to Thompson Medical Group was already quite high. According to her perspective, even giving five percent could be considered generous.

"If your Revival Cream is so incredible, then why bother with Thompson Medical Group? You can go and cooperate with someone else!" Emma said coldly.

"Chairman Emma, we are giving you an opportunity. Ordinary companies wouldn't even have the qualification to be agents for our Revival Cream," Isabela remained arrogant.

"Thanks, but I'm not interested," Emma firmly declined. "Both of you, I have other matters to attend to, and I won't see you off!"

"Chairman Emma..."

"No need to say more, please leave!"

Owen was about to speak, but he was interrupted by Emma's sharp tone.

Since when had the Thompson family been threatened like this? Just for a single product, did they really think they could threaten the Thompson family's position? At most, they would lose a portion of the market, and the Thompson family could withstand such a minor disturbance.

"Miss Emma! Do you even realize how much damage your decision will cause to the Thompson family? You better think carefully!" Isabela frowned slightly.

This woman had no sense of decorum!

"Even if the Thompson family suffers losses, it has nothing to do with you. If you want us to serve as stepping stones for your two families, forget about it!" Emma said in a stern voice.

"You—!" Isabela was getting quite frustrated. She didn't expect this woman to be so obstinate, willing to let her company lose money rather than cooperate with the Torby and Stratford families.





Chapter 1438: Audacious

"Too foolish!"

"Oh! We have visitors?"

At that moment, Samuel walked in with a group of people. He was holding a folding fan and had a carefree demeanor as always.

The female martial artist, Anna, followed closely behind him, her sharp gaze scanning for any potential threats in the surroundings.

"Samuel, why are you here?" Emma's expression softened when she saw the newcomer.

"Big sister, I bet you haven't had lunch yet, right? I specially brought some food from the Imperial Tower for you to try," Samuel said as he received the food container from Anna and arranged the dishes neatly on the office desk.

Six dishes and one soup, with both meat and vegetables, they were delicious and well-prepared.

"Samuel, you're so considerate. It's clear that my doting on you hasn't been in vain," Emma immediately smiled.

All the earlier frustration was swept away.

She felt truly comforted by having such a thoughtful little brother.

"Big sister, are these two here for something important?" Samuel's gaze shifted toward Owen and Isabela.

As fellow scions of prominent families, he naturally recognized them, though they weren't particularly close.

"It's all business matters, but we haven't reached an agreement," Emma explained.

"Are you the young master of the Thompson family?" Isabela approached and said confidently, "We've recently developed a Revival Cream with miraculous effects, set to dominate the market soon. Originally, we intended to cooperate with the Thompson family. Unfortunately, your elder sister doesn't know how to appreciate opportunities and declined our invitation. It's a very foolish decision. I hope you can inform the Thompson family's upper management to reconsider our proposal."

"Declined cooperation?" Samuel glanced at his elder sister and then back at Isabela, asking cautiously, "How much profit are you planning to offer to our Thompson family?"

"We're offering you ten percent of the profits," Isabela replied, extending one finger.

"How much? Ten percent?" Samuel blinked, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

"That's right."

"Miss Isabela, are you out of your mind? Ten percent? Are you begging for handouts here?" Samuel retorted, his tone far from friendly.
Dustin had given him a forty percent profit share for the genuine Jade Dew Cream, and now this woman was offering a mere ten percent for an inferior product. Did she really think the Thompson family was that gullible?

"Thompson Young Master, mind your manners!" Isabela frowned. "With our Revival Cream about to become a hit, you'll have a steady stream of income. Ten percent profit will be more than enough for your Thompson family to make a fortune!"

"Without my Thompson family's distribution channels, your product won't be worth a damn!" Samuel rolled his eyes. "No matter how good your stuff is, it's useless if you can't sell it. Do you think we're fools, trying to milk us with nothing in return?"

"How dare you speak like this?!" Isabela was getting increasingly frustrated.

With her status and beauty, she was usually treated with politeness by men. She expected a certain level of gentlemanly behavior. But this guy was using foul language and profanity without any manners.

"I'll speak however I want. If you like it, listen; if you don't, get lost!" Samuel showed no mercy.

"You... you... you're audacious!" Isabela was seething.

"Is this considered audacious? I can be even more audacious if you want!" Samuel snapped his fingers and ordered, "Guards, kick these two idiots out. If they resist, break their legs!"





Chapter 1439: Bunch of Losers

With Samuel's command, his group of bodyguards immediately surged forward, surrounding Isabela and Owen. Their fierce and intimidating appearance made it seem like a pack of tigers were eyeing two defenseless lambs.

"What are you planning? I warn you not to act recklessly. I am Torby family's heiress. If you lay a finger on me, you will pay a heavy price!" Isabela warned, her tone firm.

She didn't expect Samuel to be so unreasonable. He was far more difficult to deal with than Emma.

"Young Master Samuel, calm down. If a deal can't be made, there's no need to escalate things like this. Let's maintain some decency," Owen quickly tried to mediate, wearing a placating smile.

Samuel's status was incredibly high, well-known in the elite circles of Stonia. The entire Thompson family treated him like a treasure, and no matter what mistakes he made, they would unreasonably protect him.

Looking at the various prominent offspring of wealthy families, none could compare to Samuel.

In other words, even if Samuel were to hit them today, Torby and Stratford families wouldn't dare to do anything in return.

"Mr. Samuel, don't get too excited. Business can't always be successful, and it's unnecessary to make such a fuss," Owen quickly tried to de-escalate the situation with a friendly tone.

The Torby family had high hopes for their Revival Cream, but Samuel's position and influence were not to be underestimated.

"You two came here acting all high and mighty, trying to intimidate us at Thompson Pharmaceutical. Did you really expect me to be polite? I advise you to leave before I lose my temper. Get out!" Samuel showed no hesitation.

With the position he held and the protection of the Thompson family, he had no qualms about confronting competitors head-on.

"You with the Thompson surname! Just you wait!" Isabela threatened, her emotions flaring.

"Today, you've treated us with indifference. Tomorrow, you'll regret not showing us respect!"

"When our Revival Cream becomes a hit, I will make you kneel and beg for mercy!"

Enraged, Isabela said.

"Sure, I'll be waiting. I'd love to see how amazing your Revival Cream really is," Samuel sneered.

"Hmph! One day, I'll make you kneel and beg for mercy on the ground!"

After uttering this furious parting remark, Isabela stormed out of the room.

"Mr. Samuel, your family made a wrong decision this time. You'll have to face the consequences," Owen said as he left.

The cooperation between the two sides had completely fallen apart.

"Spit! What a bunch of losers!" Samuel spat on the ground, a look of disdain on his face.

"Samuel, although these two individuals are despicable, we shouldn't underestimate them," Emma said. "I've already investigated the situation with the Revival Cream, and it does seem to be ahead of our Thompson's Golden Wound Medicine in many aspects. Once it becomes a hit, it will pose a significant threat to us. You should go and inform Father to prepare in advance."

"Big sister, don't worry. I don't even care about that junk Revival Cream," Samuel dismissed it.

"Samuel, you don't understand the gravity of the situation. To avoid greater losses, we must prepare early," Emma's expression became serious.

"Big sister, trust me, I already have a plan."

Samuel smiled faintly and pushed his food bowl forward. "Your most important task right now is to eat well and fill your stomach. Leave the rest to me."

"What plan do you have?" Emma was curious.

"To be honest, the Revival Cream developed by the Torby and Stratford families is actually a stolen formula, and it's subpar. Not only does it have poor efficacy, but it's also costly, and prolonged use can lead to certain side effects. We don't need such a subpar product," Samuel explained.

"How do you know all this?" Emma was surprised.

"Hehe, the person who possesses the genuine formula has already approached me, and we've reached a cooperation agreement," Samuel grinned.

"What?" Emma was astonished. "Samuel, are you joking with me?"

"Sis, how could I joke about something like this?" Samuel said seriously. "I've personally verified it, and the medicine I have now, in terms of wound-healing effects, far surpasses the so-called Revival Cream. As long as our Thompson family vigorously promotes it, we can crush the schemes of the Torby and Stratford families, and they won't even get to taste success!"





Chapter 1440: Lifelong Happiness

"Good, good, good... This is fantastic!" Emma's face lit up with joy, and she felt rejuvenated.

She had been worried about how to prepare for the impact of the Revival Cream and minimize losses. Little did she expect to receive such good news so quickly.

The Thompson family was already a leader in the industry, controlling nearly 70% of the pharmaceutical market in Stonia. With a quality product in hand, they had no concerns about selling it.

This was why the Torby and Stratford families had approached them for cooperation. To promote the Revival Cream, they had no choice but to involve the Thompson family.

Unfortunately, both families were too greedy and unwilling to share profits, leading to the failed negotiations.

Now, with the unexpected good news brought by her brother, Thompson's Pharmaceuticals would no longer be constrained. They could even use this opportunity to put pressure on the Torby and Stratford families.

"Wait a minute..." After the initial excitement, Emma seemed to have a thought and suddenly asked, "Samuel, who are the people you're cooperating with? Are they reliable? What's their character like? Could there be any hidden motives?"

"Big sister, don't worry. I'm not useless; I wouldn't easily be deceived," Samuel replied confidently. He used two fingers to pick up a piece of braised pork from the plate and popped it into his mouth, chewing while continuing, "I've thoroughly investigated it. The person I'm cooperating with is called Dustin, from the Southern Province. He has a good reputation locally, excels in both academics and martial arts, and is also a skilled physician. There are no issues with his background or character."

"Why he chose to cooperate with me has two reasons: making money and seeking revenge. He possesses a family heirloom formula, which was initially intended to be sold to the Torby family. However, the Torby family reneged on the deal, took the formula, and refused to pay. They even tried to kill him to cover it up. Left with no other options, he had to seek protection and heard about our Thompson family's substantial resources, so he came to me."

"I've already put him to the test, and he's trustworthy."

As Samuel spoke, he picked up another piece of braised pork and continued eating, clearly savoring it.

"I see," Emma nodded, and most of her doubts were dispelled. As his elder sister, she naturally worried that her brother might be deceived. However, upon careful consideration, even though her brother seemed unreliable at times, he had never let her down in critical moments.

"Big sister, please eat in peace. Don't overthink it. The food is getting cold," Samuel urged.

"Alright, I'll eat."

Emma smiled, picked up her bowl and chopsticks, and began to enjoy her meal. While eating, she said, "Samuel, if you have the chance, bring this Dustin over for me to meet. A talent like him should be well-treated in our Thompson family."

"Sis, you're not trying to have some ulterior motive, are you?" Samuel suddenly grinned mischievously.

"Huh?" Emma was momentarily taken aback.

"Sis, this guy is great in every way, except he's too serious."

Samuel shrugged and said with a hint of helplessness, "Originally, I wanted to use your beauty to seduce him into marrying into the Thompson family as my brother-in-law. However, this guy didn't even spare a glance and flatly refused. He didn't give me any face at all."

Emma's eye twitched.

"Sis, don't worry, I won't give up. For your lifelong happiness, I'll definitely persuade him! If all else fails, we'll use force to get our way. We'll cook the raw rice into a mature meal, and then he won't be able to back out even if he wants to!"

"Hehe... I'm truly a genius!" Samuel said with confidence and a mischievous grin.
Thanks Nazmul for good "quality" translation, appreciate your efforts
 
Yooo. Why do you all keep reposting the same chapters? We don't really care which one of you translates it, we just want the next chapters. Lol. Posting the same chapters with "your version" of the translation is meaningless. 🤣
Now we need 1462 and onwards. Not 10 versions of 1450
 
It is better if anyone who have their own translation make a new thread of their own. So it doesn't make confusion with many different name of same character. Let this thread special for Nazmul translation only
I love all Translations and read them all as each one has different takes, but multiple translations in one post is getting repetitive.
 
Yooo. Why do you all keep reposting the same chapters? We don't really care which one of you translates it, we just want the next chapters. Lol. Posting the same chapters with "your version" of the translation is meaningless. 🤣
Now we need 1462 and onwards. Not 10 versions of 1450
Demanding! You have your choice to skip his version. No one force you to read his version.
 
Demanding! You have your choice to skip his version. No one force you to read his version.
Yes, we need to break the legs of those who are too demanding and giving too much complaints, or we can send them to the dark prison if they don't kneel, break their arm and beg for forgiveness. Don't blame me if I get my shadow fighters to take action!

We have had almost to chapter 1500 here just now from our master Ashar38 but he deleted it all against the demand of these ungrateful guys 😞
 
True. And now I am soo confused
Don't scroll the thread to the left or to the right.. only scroll down, then you will not get confused. I will report you to the Medical Bureau of Stonia if you still getting confuse after this.
 
Yes, we need to break the legs of those who are too demanding and giving too much complaints, or we can send them to the dark prison if they don't kneel, break their arm and beg for forgiveness. Don't blame me if I get my shadow fighters to take action!

We have had almost to chapter 1500 here just now from our master Ashar38 but he deleted it all against the demand of these ungrateful guys 😞
Exactly. I'd rather he be able to post that and the next person pick up translating where he left off. Team work and all that.
I don't care who translates it, I just want to read forward. Lol. If anyone knows a thread like that, send the link.
 
Why don't you make your own thread? You're messing up Nazmul's flow and now everthing is mixed up🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️c'mon
Why don't you make your own thread? You're messing up Nazmul's flow and now everthing is mixed up🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️c'mon
Just be thankful, you didn't contribute anything. you're just talking nonsense !
 
Bro dont listen to this **** head i was Just reading ur translation and while i was throwing out joint i clicked on my mobile Phone and turn off webaite Just go realize u delete IR and it hit me lkkd fuckin thunder
I like your name.. but why need to destroy? Just keep them for next time in need :unsure:
 
Bro what the heck is going on i was reading chapter 1505 and now its gone 🫨🫨🫨
 
Yee i Just thought about me boeing you if i world translahe something to share this with others and some guy would Just shittalkin this such a angryfull experience
Dude change your name. That's not a cool name
 
I m reading any translation any name and all are nice.. Good job everyone. I dont know how to thank u well.. I like this race of translating 😁
 

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