An Understated Dominance

Qin Hao smiled and paid it no mind, stepping forward to follow. Just as Qin Hao was about to turn away, he seemed to sense something. His head turned ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly, toward where Dustin stood. Dustin's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged, maintaining the same calm as before. His gaze seemed to sweep casually over the chaotic area, then moved away to rest on the shimmering surface of the lake—as if he were just an ordinary passerby whose attention had been drawn by the sudden incident. Qin Hao's gaze lingered on Dustin for less than half a second. He saw an ordinary-looking young man, dressed plainly, with a calm demeanor, standing by the lake watching the commotion—no different from the other curious onlookers around him. The corner of Qin Hao's mouth seemed to twitch upward ever so slightly, forming a smile of unclear meaning. In that smile was indifference, condescension, and perhaps a faint mockery of the masses that even he himse...

The smile on Qin Xue's face vanished instantly, her previously innocent and endearing expression now covered by a layer of frost. She slowly raised her head and looked at the man and woman, her gaze ice-cold, as if she were looking at two lifeless objects. The surrounding air seemed to freeze for a moment. Just as Qin Xue's eyes flickered, as if she were about to do something, Qin Hao's hand gently rested on her shoulder. Qin Hao stepped forward half a pace, positioning himself in front of Qin Xue. A warm, even slightly apologetic smile appeared on his face as he nodded repeatedly at the couple: "I'm sorry, so sorry. My sister wasn't paying attention and didn't watch where she was going. We truly apologize for disturbing you." His attitude was sincere, his tone humble—entirely the manner of someone trying to smooth things over. Seeing that the other party admitted fault so readily, and especially noting Qin Hao's distinguished bearing, the trendy m...

Over the following days, the crisis at Chenfei Group was not immediately resolved despite Dahlia's explanation. Although Natasha had temporarily ceased direct confrontation, the smoke of battle still lingered on the commercial battlefield. Most of the clients and suppliers who had been swayed were still watching from the sidelines, as if an invisible hand was manipulating the situation from behind. Natasha mobilized all of the Duncan family's resources and began a reverse investigation. She didn't believe in perfect conspiracies. Since someone was impersonating the Montgomary Palace, they would inevitably leave traces behind. At the same time, she increased the frequency of information sharing with Dahlia. Though there was still friction between them, this fragile cooperation seemed necessary when facing an enemy hidden in the shadows. As for Dustin, at Natasha's insistence, he began living a relatively peaceful life. After losing all his cultivation, he experienced mor...

At this moment, within an elegantly antique study in the Montgomary Palace. Eugene Montgomary, the Prince of a different surname, was personally pouring tea for two young people. The atmosphere here was completely different from outside—less of the Palace's imposing majesty, more of the caution and courtesy one shows when facing superiors. Qin Hao remained expressionless, only giving a slight nod at Eugene Montgomary's attentiveness. Qin Xue held up her teacup and gently inhaled the tea's fragrance. Her posture was elegant, yet carried a natural aloofness. "The tea is quite good." Qin Xue took a sip, quite satisfied. "This is Tianshan Spirit Tea, extremely rare. If the two esteemed ones enjoy it, I'll immediately have some prepared for you." Eugene Montgomary smiled. "Prince Montgomary need not be so courteous." Qin Hao set down his teacup and got straight to the point: "Our time is limited. Have you considered what we discussed last t...

Dahlia returned to the company and sat in her large office chair, her fingertips tapping lightly on the smooth desk surface. On her screen, the briefing from her secretary clearly showed that pressure from Chenfei Group and the Duncan family behind it was spreading rapidly. After a moment of contemplation, she hesitated no longer. She picked up her phone, found that number she rarely initiated contact with yet knew by heart, and dialed. The phone rang several times before being answered. From the other end came Natasha's voice, deliberately calm yet unable to hide a trace of coldness and edge: "President Nicholson? What a rare guest. So, have you come to demonstrate the Montgomary Palace's thunderous methods, or to enjoy watching me in chaos?" Dahlia ignored the barb in her words and got straight to the point: "Natasha, the trouble Chenfei Group is facing—it wasn't me." "Ha." Natasha let out a contemptuous laugh, the mockery in her voice almost...

That’s right— Dahlia! She was now the adopted daughter of  Prince Montgomary , deeply favored by him, and held control over nearly half of the Montgomary Royal Manor’s financial authority. Her influence within both the business world and the circle of elites was growing by the day. With the power and resources of the Montgomary Royal Manor, suppressing Natasha’s Chenfei Group would hardly be difficult if they truly intended to do so. But what about the motive? Natasha’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing through them. Just yesterday at Haidilao, she had openly and unmistakably flaunted her affection— And Dahlia had been thoroughly provoked. Given Dahlia’s proud and aloof temperament, she might not show it on the surface. But harboring resentment in secret, then using business tactics to retaliate—to crush Natasha and leave her in an embarrassing position—was far from impossible. In fact, this might not be mere revenge. There could be something more behind it. “...

The call came from Natasha’s personal secretary. The moment she spoke, her voice was already trembling with panic: “President Harmon! Something terrible happened! A huge problem!” “Half an hour ago, we received several calls in succession—Voyage International, Xinmao Capital, and Hongtu Real Estate… All of them have  unilaterally  informed us that they are terminating all cooperation with us. All previously agreed-upon projects have been suspended!” “What? Terminating cooperation?” Natasha’s face changed instantly. “How is that possible? The contracts are signed. Do they intend to breach them?” “They only said it was due to ‘strategic adjustments’ and refused to elaborate. As for the breach penalty—they’re willing to pay it according to the contract! Even worse, several major raw material suppliers and distributors who had always cooperated well with us also sent letters just now, saying that due to force majeure, they can no longer supply goods or continue providing channel s...