An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“And as for the rest of you, I’ll be investigating each of you one by one.” Austin’s gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors.

He sneered and added, “You’d better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I’ll handle it by the book, and there won’t be any mercy.”

At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.

As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.

Anyone who’d held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet.

In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn’t following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed.

“Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this.”

“That’s right, Mr. Rhys. If he really starts investigating us, we’re all in trouble.”

“We only came here because of you. You can’t just let us take the fall.”

The royal advisors crowded around Langdon and spoke over one another in anxious voices.

at his request and hoped to clear Warrick of any charges. If they succeeded, it would boost their reputation and earn them his

if they failed, they weren’t willing to risk offending Austin, as that would be disastrous for them. It was clear that the situation was already beyond

this carefully, none of them would walk

all grown men-why are

already frayed nerves. He was frustrated enough as it was, and their complaints

of power. Of course you’re not worried. But the rest of us? One misstep, and it’s over for

had been agreeing with Langdon earlier now started to grumble. If Landon hadn’t been so stubborn and determined to confront Austin, they wouldn’t

with righteous indignation. “Our role is to stand against injustice and

royal advisors’ expressions

of justice and tyranny

self-interest. While he put on the facade of

That was why he had rallied the other advisors to pressure Austin in

had come with the simple intention of doing a small favor and lending some support. But they never expected Langdon

a way, Langdon had pushed them into a corner. Yet, he showed no remorse and had no intention of trying to

to save themselves. Relying on

tea and nibbling on snacks