An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

After making up his mind, Jovian no longer hesitated. He instructed the driver to make a U-turn and head straight to the meeting place.

The meeting location was in a restaurant not far from the castle. It was only a ten-minute drive from where they had turned back.

When Jovian and Boston walked inside, they found the place nearly empty. There were no guests in sight, just a few receptionists. It looked like the restaurant had been cleared out just for them.

“Sir, please follow me. Sir Prescott is waiting for you upstairs,” the restaurant owner personally greeted them and led them to a private room on the second floor.

Warrick, Huxley, and Percival were leisurely drinking tea inside the room. The three chatted and laughed, but their conversation stopped the moment Jovian and Boston entered. All three turned their attention to Jovian.

They were quite curious about him. He had been privately invited by Austin and even stayed for dinner at the castle. It was a privilege none of them had ever received. However, upon seeing Jovian in person, the three were somewhat disappointed.

Jovian was of average height and had an unremarkable appearance-nothing about him stood out at first glance. But there was something about the way he carried himself. Back straight, shoulders squared -he looked like a man who didn’t bow to pressure.

“You’re here. Sit down,” Warrick said dryly as he gave Jovian a once-over.

He didn’t stand or offer a greeting. Instead, he remained seated with an air of complete indifference. It felt less like a dinner invitation and more like a superior addressing a subordinate. He gave off an air of cool detachment.

expressions, like Jovian wasn’t worth acknowledging. It seemed like they were

slightly, but he didn’t dare voice his frustration. Instead, he forced a smile and tried to ease the tension in the

soon as he heard you wanted to meet for a midnight snack, he rushed over without hesitation,” Boston said, trying to smooth things

subtly hinted that Jovian had come to honor their invitation, so it would only be polite

concern you anymore. You can leave now.” Warrick waved him off like he was nothing

power or influence had no

Prescott, this…” Boston glanced around and looked

behind closed doors was another matter entirely. Without him accompanying

wrong, Boston would have to answer for it-not just to the Ballard family, but also to

I need to

can defy Mr. Prescott’s orders? Do you have a death wish?” Percival suddenly

wait outside. I’ll talk to these gentlemen. With their status, I’m sure they won’t make things difficult for me,” Jovian said with

“Okay.

glanced at Jovian and signaled him to stay alert. The two had already agreed that they would immediately notify Austin for

private room closed, the atmosphere became more tense. But Jovian seemed unfazed and sat across from Warrick, Huxley, and

uneasy. Was his boldness a