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.”

messed up, I really did. Just give me one more chance. I swear I’ll change and live honestly from now on,”

getting caught.” Austin’s expression remained cold. “A man like you, who is corrupt, ruthless, and treats human lives like nothing, deserves

“Austin-”

cut him off. “Axel, what are you waiting for? Take

“Yes, Your Highness!”

no longer hesitated. He restrained Langdon and

“Austin! Austin!”

with 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

echoed through the reception hall even after

As his icy gaze swept over the

first walked in, they had thought of Austin as nothing more than an inexperienced young

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

and a chance to repent. If they

severe. At best, their assets would be confiscated, or at worst, they

had just been thrown into Grimhold Keep, was the perfect example. If even a blood relative could be thrown into prison without hesitation, what hope did the rest of

of you… have anything to say?” Austin

glances. Loud thuds echoed in the room as they dropped to their

our wrongdoings. We are willing to turn ourselves