An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

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.

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

noticed the power play and frowned slightly, but he didn’t dare voice his frustration. Instead, he forced a smile and tried to ease the tension in

family, Jovian Ballard. As soon as he heard you wanted to meet for a midnight

subtly hinted that Jovian had come to honor their invitation, so it would only be polite for them to return the favor with a

anymore. You can leave now.” Warrick waved him

or influence had no place in their

Prescott, this…” Boston glanced around

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 the three “old

have to answer for it-not just to the

need to repeat myself?” Warrick shot

assistant general 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 they won’t make things difficult for me,” Jovian said with a

“Okay.

him to stay alert. The two had already agreed that they would immediately notify Austin for

atmosphere became more tense. But Jovian seemed unfazed

men uneasy. Was his boldness a sign of