An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“And as for the rest of you, I’ll be investigating each of you one by one.” Austin’s gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors.

He sneered and added, “You’d better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I’ll handle it by the book, and there won’t be any mercy.”

At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.

As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.

Anyone who’d held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet.

In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn’t following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed.

“Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this.”

“That’s right, Mr. Rhys. If he really starts investigating us, we’re all in trouble.”

“We only came here because of you. You can’t just let us take the fall.”

The royal advisors crowded around Langdon and spoke over one another in anxious voices.

hoped to clear Warrick of any charges. If they succeeded, it would boost their

they failed, they weren’t willing to risk offending Austin, as that would be disastrous for them. It was clear that the situation was

carefully, none of them would walk

are

already frayed nerves. He was frustrated

rest of us? One misstep, and it’s over for us. And didn’t you

Landon hadn’t been so stubborn and determined to confront

righteous indignation. “Our role is to stand against injustice and tyranny. If a few threats are enough to make you cower, then

advisors’

justice and tyranny

motivated by self-interest. While he put on the facade of a loyal advisor, the

Langdon stood to lose a great deal. That was why he

they had come with the simple intention of doing a small favor and lending some support. But they never expected Langdon to completely disregard their safety and continue to provoke

everyone needed to be investigated. In a way, Langdon had pushed them into a corner. Yet, he showed no remorse and

weight of their situation hit them, the advisors began to think of ways to save themselves. Relying on Langdon was no longer an option, so they needed to find a

slowly. In the reception hall, Austin sat calmly, sipping tea and nibbling on snacks as if he