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.

Percival wore similar expressions, like Jovian wasn’t worth acknowledging. It

and frowned slightly, but he didn’t dare voice his frustration. Instead, he

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

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

can leave now.” Warrick waved him off like he was nothing more

with no power or influence had no place

glanced around

to talk in public, but being shut out behind closed doors was another matter entirely. Without him accompanying Jovian, there was no telling if the latter could handle

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

don’t count anymore? Do I need to repeat myself?” Warrick

get so arrogant that he think he can defy Mr. Prescott’s orders? Do you have a

I’ll talk to these gentlemen. With their status, I’m sure

“Okay.

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

more tense. But

the three men uneasy. Was his boldness a sign of reckless confidence or just plain