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.

wasn’t worth acknowledging. It seemed like they were purposely trying to show

frowned slightly, but he didn’t dare voice his frustration. Instead, he forced a smile

this is the third son of the Ballard family, Jovian Ballard. As soon as he heard you wanted to meet for a midnight

that Jovian had come to honor their invitation, so it would only be polite for them

Warrick waved him off like he was nothing more than

low-ranking assistant general with no power or influence had no

glanced around and

one thing to talk in public, but being shut out behind closed doors was another matter entirely. Without

anything went wrong, Boston would have to answer for

My orders don’t count anymore? Do I need to repeat myself?” Warrick shot him a

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

I’ll talk to these gentlemen. With their status, I’m sure they won’t make things

nodded reluctantly. “Okay. I’ll wait

had already agreed that they would immediately notify Austin for

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

his