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.”

out a few threats and trying to scare Jovian was one thing, but hurting him would cause a lot of trouble. Even

we just let him leave?” Warrick still seemed

word got out about this, his reputation

Huxley said calmly. “We invited him here. Lord Austin will hold us responsible if something goes wrong on our watch. But if it

to get the idea. “You’re saying that we

vanishes without a trace.” Huxley made a slashing motion across his throat and lowered his voice. “As long as we keep it clean and leave no evidence,

like the sound of

new to him. If Jovian had been a local noble

to stir things up here. With

Austin, as long as they didn’t make a scene, Warrick figured that Austin wouldn’t make a fuss

we should take lightly. Maybe we should

was one thing, but if it led to

make one thing clear-everyone knows what happened

Mr. Prescott.” Percival laughed awkwardly. “Consider me absent

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

get, the more timid you become. “He cast a sideways glance at him. He was clearly displeased but didn’t

with Jovian was easy enough. He felt that

a moving jeep, Jovian sat with his eyes closed in the back seat while Boston

should leave West Lucozia now. The sooner, the better.” Boston finally spoke up after a

head back to Oakvale tomorrow. If I leave now, I’d be going back on my word.” Jovian slowly