An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Gentlemen, I’ve done my part and had my tea already. I still have things to take care of, so I’ll leave now. Farewell!” Jovian said.

When no one responded, he didn’t say another word. He nodded respectfully, stood up, and exited the room.

When the door opened, Warrick’s face darkened, and his hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, Huxley gently touched his arm and shook his head.

Jovian noticed something was off and paused at the doorway before stepping out.

Boston, who was standing by the door, let out a quiet sigh of relief as he watched Jovian leave without a scratch. His relief was short-lived, though, when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the three men inside.

It was clear that the meeting hadn’t gone well. Fortunately, nothing too serious had happened. Otherwise, Boston would have much explaining to do to both sides.

“Why did you stop me? That arrogant brat clearly doesn’t respect us. He’ll think we’re pushovers if we don’t teach him a lesson.” Warrick slammed his fist on the table.

The rosewood split apart under the impact, and food and wine flew everywhere. In the past, his temper would have led him to kill Jovian on the spot.

“If he were anyone else, you could do whatever you wanted,” Huxley said calmly.

“But Jovian isn’t just from the Ballard family. He’s also Lord Austin’s guest. If something happened to him here today, do you think His Highness would let us off the hook?”

“That’s right,” Percival added. “We can threaten and intimidate all we want, but harming him is out of the question. It’s not worth provoking Lord Austin over a petty dispute.”

threats and trying to scare Jovian was one thing, but hurting him would cause a lot of trouble. Even though they weren’t afraid of the Ballard family, they still had

hit him. So we just let him leave?”

about this,

calm down,” Huxley said calmly. “We invited him here. Lord Austin will hold us responsible

the

trace.” Huxley made a slashing motion across his throat and lowered his voice. “As long as we keep it clean and leave no evidence, even if Lord Austin

of that.” Warrick’s

and covering it up wasn’t anything new to him. If Jovian had been

and had some influence, but not enough to stir things up here. With their reach, Warrick didn’t need to

they didn’t make a scene, Warrick figured that

lightly. Maybe we

but if it led to

Warrick said coldly. “But let me make one thing clear-everyone knows what happened today. If this leaks,

Prescott.” Percival laughed awkwardly.

retirement and wanted to enjoy his remaining years without causing trouble. If he could avoid it, he would. After all these years in politics, he knew that sometimes, it was best to let things slide and tolerate

older you get, the more timid you become. “He cast a sideways glance

help, dealing with Jovian was easy enough. He

closed in the

now. The sooner, the better.”

already made arrangements with Lord Austin. We’re supposed to head back to Oakvale tomorrow. If I leave now, I’d be going back