An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Hold on!”

Seeing that he was about to be taken away, Langdon panicked and shouted, “You have no right to arrest me without a thorough investigation or a judge’s ruling! This is outright brutality! You’re abusing your power!”

Austin scoffed. “When I tried to play fair, you pulled every dirty trick in the book. But now that I’m playing rough, you suddenly want to talk about the law? Do you really think that’s going to happen?”

“Mr. Langdon, if you have anything to say, you can tell me in prison. We’ll have plenty of time to chat.” Axel strode forward with a wicked grin, clamping a firm hand on Langdon’s shoulder.

“Wait! I still have something to say.” Langdon swallowed hard.

Realizing he had no way out, he finally dropped the tough act and tried a softer approach. “Austin, we’re family. Do we really have to take it this far? Look, I screwed up. But can’t you cut me some slack, just this once?”

In the past, his silver tongue had helped him turn situations around and distort the truth. But now, with all the evidence stacked against him, there was no room for denial.

Once he was thrown into prison, getting out would be nearly impossible. Left with no choice, he had to swallow his pride and beg for mercy.

“Cut you some slack?” Austin scoffed. “If I let you go today, does that mean I should let every criminal go too? What’s the point of having laws in West Lucozia if they’re not enforced?”

“How can you compare me to them? I’m your uncle, a member of the Rhys family,” Langdon said earnestly.” We share the same blood. How can you lump me in with outsiders?”

“I once respected you as an elder and gave you the chance to admit your mistakes, but you didn’t cherish it. Now you want to play the family card?” Austin’s voice turned. ” It’s too late for that.”

me one more chance. I swear I’ll

not sorry for what you did. You just regret getting caught.” Austin’s expression remained cold. “A man like you, who is

“Austin-”

speak again, but Austin cut him off. “Axel, what are you waiting for?

“Yes, Your Highness!”

longer hesitated. He restrained Langdon and

“Austin! Austin!”

fear as he screamed and begged for mercy. But Austin simply watched

door, his fear turned to rage. He dropped all pretense and roared, “Austin! You ungrateful bastard! You’re a disgrace to the family. I hope you rot in

screams echoed through the reception hall even

As his icy gaze swept over the room, the royal advisors lowered their

first walked in, they had thought of Austin as nothing more than an inexperienced young man. They acted respectful,

events, they realized just how wrong they had been. The young man in his early 20s had a sharp mind, a calculating nature, and

evidence, reason, and a chance to repent. If they had admitted their mistakes sincerely, they

to repent, the consequences were severe. At best, their assets would be confiscated, or at worst, they would be

been thrown into Grimhold Keep, was the perfect example. If even a blood relative could be thrown

any of you… have anything to say?” Austin asked coldly, breaking

Loud thuds echoed in the room as they dropped to

We are willing to turn ourselves in and beg