An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori Chapter 1271
All the Harmons were stupefied. Andrew’s words had shocked them. None of them had expected that the well-dressed old man was actually the noble Duke of Lachshire!
In the five peerage rankings, namely duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron, the dukes were ranked first. They were of the highest ranking of nobilities and were above everyone else. Their influence exceeded even that of first-ranking ministers. They were the definition of authority!
The Grants had become the leader of the Tremendous Three in Millsburg just because Arthur was an earl. The Harmons dared not even think how much power a duke possessed.
But the question was, why would a duke show up at the Harmon family residence? Who among them got such an influential person to come here personally?
“What are all of you doing just standing there? Quick! Bow to His Lordship!” Andrew turned to shout at the rest of them. He was so anxious that he was sweating all over.
The old man before them wasn’t just anyone. He was Natasha’s maternal grandmother, the renowned Duke of Lachshire, Simon Ballard!
“Gr-greetings, Your Lordship!”
The Harmons finally snapped out of it and bowed to Simon, showing respect and looking extremely nervous. After all, a person of his status and title could wipe out the entire Harmon family with just the snap of his fingers.
“We are honored that you have graced us with your presence, Your Lordship. Please forgive us for our poor welcome, Andrew apologized with a bow.
“Hmph! Had it not been for my granddaughter, I’d never have visited such a shabby place!” Simon looked away frostily, disregarding the apology.
He had been strongly against the marriage back when his daughter wanted to marry a Harmon. The Harmon family was just a humble family that was not suited for a daughter of the duke!
But because of love, his daughter had eloped with Hector, angering the duke so much that he severed all ties with her. It was when Natasha was born that their relationship became less strained. As for Hector, he had never deemed him worthy of being his son-in-law.
“Why are you here, Grandfather?” Natasha was surprised by Simon’s sudden visit. For as long as she could remember, her maternal grandfather had never gotten along with her father. In fact, he had never visited the Harmons.
“Grandfather?” The Harmons were once again astonished to hear Natasha address him as such. What was going on? Natasha was the granddaughter of a duke? And they knew nothing about it all this time?
“I heard that some things have happened to the Harmon family, so I came over to check on you. How are you, missy? You alright?”
Simon’s expression softened swiftly. He looked kind and gentle, completely different from the cold, harsh, and domineering person he was earlier.
“I’m fine. But my father…” Natasha stopped before she could finish her sentence, taken over by a wave of sorrow.
“I heard about your father. The culprit has been executed. You should stay strong,” Simon sighed. Though he had never liked Hector much, he was his son-in-law no matter what. Now that he was dead, as his father-in-law, there was no way Simon could pretend that Hector had nothing to do with him.
“What are your plans going forward?” Simon changed the topic. “I’m not sure either.” Natasha shook her head. She was distraught, and her thoughts were a mess.
“If you’re unsure, then you should return with me,” Simon coaxed gently.
“This little place is not good enough for you. Oakvale is where you belong.”
