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Chapter 1319
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An Understated Dominance Chapter 1320
"Cody, what do you mean by that?" Harper was upset."Who does he think he is? Can he even be compared to me? Are you telling me you'd rather trust an outsider?""Just shut your mouth!" Cody yelled at her. "I trusted you twice, but you got it wrong both times. How am I supposed to trust you again?""I—" Harper was rendered speechless. Her face reddened. Cody was like a brother to her. He had never raised his voice against her. What had gotten into him today? "Harper, this is not child's play. You made a bet with Lana. If we lose, we'll lose Harmony Healers!"Cody softened his tone and said sincerely, "Besides, your talent lies in the literary arts. Your strength is not in riddles. You should let Dustin give it a try." He was determined to win. He couldn't let Harmony Healers and Enchanting Elegance fall into someone else's hands. Allowing someone else to act recklessly was also out of the question. "Fine, I'll give him a chance to showcase his skills. But once he answers inc
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1321
Keanu was taken aback, and his gaze betrayed a hint of surprise. He didn't expect Cody to get the right answer.The third riddle was much trickier than the previous two. When he drew this question, he thought no one could answer it. He almost even considered discarding it. Yet, Cody, who seemed inexperienced, was the first to answer. It was surprising. Perhaps someone knowledgeable had pointed him to the right answer. "Mr. Jankow, why are you just standing there? Just announce the results. Did I get it right?" Cody urged. He was confident at first. But after seeing Keanu's unusual expression, he felt nervous again. "Mr. Ostrower, I'd suggest you stop struggling. You clearly got the wrong answer again just by looking at Mr. Jankow's expression," Lana teased. "Step down if you don't know the answer. Don't embarrass yourself here!" the attendees echoed. "I can't possibly be wrong again, can I?" Keanu frowned slightly. He was close to losing his composure. "Hmph, you acted
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1322
In Harper's eyes, Dustin had only managed to answer correctly through pure luck. If it wasn't that, he must have come across similar riddles in the past to be able to answer that fast. "Dustin, we're counting on you for the remaining riddles. I'll be deeply grateful to you if you succeed," Cody pleaded. "I'll do my best for Dr. Brooke's sake." Dustin yawned. If it weren't for saving Harmony Healers, he wouldn't have bothered getting involved. "Harper, I didn't expect someone smart to be hiding amongst you," Lana spoke again. "But don't get ahead of yourself. We're still in the lead. The next seven questions will decide the winner.""Hmph! Bring it on!" Harper raised her head without a trace of fear. "Mr. Jankow, please present the next riddle!" Harper demanded. Keanu nodded and took out the card containing the fourth riddle."This is the fourth riddle. Always approaching, I dance in the skies, never to land, though I'm eager to rise."As soon as he finished speaking, Dus
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1323
Everyone was stunned by Dustin's rapid-fire answer. He was too fast. So fast that they weren't able to react in time. Their brains seemed to crash, and they lost any remaining competitive spirit they had left. What was supposed to be a competitive riddle contest became Dustin's one-man show. Even Keanu broke out in a sweat as he watched Dustin's performance. These riddles were drawn at random and varied widely. Even if Dustin were an expert in the subject, he shouldn't have been able to answer so quickly and accurately. Regal Court had gone to great lengths to maintain confidentiality. If not for that, Keanu would have suspected Dustin of having access to the correct answers and memorizing them all. "Here's the l-last riddle." Keanu gulped before reading from the card. "A word, four letters, a puzzling feat. Read it forward, back, or flipped, so neat. In all directions, its meaning stays in sight. Left to right, it spells the same …""Noon," Dustin said casually. "Yo
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1324
"Rhys.""Mr. Rhys, congratulations on your win." Carrying the box containing Enchanting Elegance, Keanu walked respectfully toward Dustin.With a smile, he said, "Allow me to present you this priceless treasure, Enchanting Elegance, on behalf of Regal Court.""Let me inspect it first." Cody was the first to receive the box from Keanu. Upon opening it, his eyes lit up."What a precious item!" After confirming its authenticity, Cody finally noticed he was out of line. After all, Dustin was the one who earned the prize. If he kept it for himself without any explanation, he would undoubtedly be criticized for it.The best course of action was for Dustin to offer it up to him voluntarily. That way, he could accept it graciously and gain both the treasure and recognition. It would be the perfect plan!"Dustin, although I've long admired Enchanting Elegance, it is your rightful win. I won't take what belongs to you." Cody put on a pained expression as he spoke. While he was givi
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1325
"Y-You! What nonsense!" Harper exploded in anger."Am I wrong? If it wasn't for this handsome man, you'd have gone bankrupt. But here you are, bickering away. Are you really that dumb?"Lana folded her arms and pouted. She even gave Dustin a flirtatious look when she was done. "Right, handsome?" She drew out the word handsome, making it sound flirtatious. "Oh wow! So you two were a team!" Harper looked between them with a look of realization. "No wonder you two were so cozy with each other. It turns out that you've been colluding secretly!""Idiot." Lana rolled her eyes at her, having no words. How stupid could Harper get? She always spoke without thinking. "Let it go, Harper. Dustin was the one who won Enchanting Elegance. We have no right to meddle in what he decides to do with it. " Cody patted Harper on the shoulder.Despite maintaining a calm front, his gaze turned icy. This brat clearly couldn't read the room. If Dustin had handed over the painting, it might have ea
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1326
Lana finally got to the point. "Handsome, you seem like a talented man. Why don't you be a follower of the Camron family?"Other than the Swansons and the Welches, no other family will dare touch you here in South City.""You aren't inviting me because you have your eyes on Enchanting Elegance too, are you?" Dustin probed. "Enchanting Elegance?" Lana smiled."Even though it's a treasure, I'm not short on wealth. It holds little value to me.""Oh? Then why are you helping me, Ms. Camron?" Dustin was intrigued. "Even though I'm not short on wealth, I'm short on men." Lana extended a finger and tapped Dustin's chest. She was practically glowing when she said, "You look thin but are surprisingly muscular. I didn't misjudge you after all. I wonder, would you be interested in being my 108th boyfriend?""Huh?" Dustin frowned and instinctively took two steps back. He thought she was after the painting, not him. That was something he didn't expect. What a flirt. Was she trying to g
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1327
Dustin quickly noticed a few hostile gazes upon leaving Regal Court. With a swift glance, he identified at least two groups of people that had their eyes on him. It seemed like Lana was right. Enchanting Elegance was a valuable treasure, and it attracted a lot of unwarranted trouble. Ordinary folks were not necessarily able to hold on to such a treasure even if they happened to get their hands on it. Luckily, Dustin was far from ordinary. "Since you have targeted me, let's see if you have what it takes to take it from me." Dustin snorted. Without a sound, he moved toward a secluded area. The two groups followed him discreetly from the left and right side. After about ten minutes of walking, Dustin turned into a deserted old alley."This is a great chance! Follow him!" More than a dozen black-clad men armed with knives rushed after Dustin into the old alley. But soon, they were in shock. And that was because they realized they were in a dead-end, and Dustin was nowhere to
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An Understated Dominance Chapter 2489
"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."
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2488
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2487
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2486
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2485
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2484
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2483
After a night of chaos, some of the Red Legion's members were killed, others were captured, and the entire force had been wiped out.But the fallout didn't stop there. The Prescott estate was also raided. All embezzled wealth was confiscated, and those found guilty were thrown into prison.Anyone connected to the Prescotts was placed under house arrest and subjected to rigorous investigation.And the man behind it—Warrick—had become the kingdom's most wanted fugitive.Until he was captured, Celestria remained under lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, and patrol teams scoured every corner to ensure Warrick had no way out.Austin's crackdown sparked outrage among senior officials who didn't know the full story. They voiced their dissatisfaction, with some even gathering outside the castle gates in protest. They stomped their feet in outrage, just short of openly cursing him.To them, Warrick had made great contributions to the nation. Even if he had committed crimes, he didn't d
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2482
Austin's words were calm and almost casual. Yet, they struck like thunder and echoed in the hearts of the three assistant generals of the Red Legion.If they answered Austin's questions, there might still be a slim chance of survival. But if they refused, death was the only outcome.After all, who would willingly choose death when they had worked so hard to achieve their wealth and status? Yet, pride and dignity held them back. They didn't want to be branded as traitors.Now, they were caught in a dilemma. Which was more important—their honor or their lives? It was an impossible choice."You have ten seconds left. If you don't speak, you'll lose your chance." Austin's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.His words seemed to pierce their souls, and the three Red Legion assistant generals broke into a cold sweat.As the countdown neared its end, Auron finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness! I'll talk—I'll tell you everything."Dropping to his knees, he scrambled forward and wa
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2481
Axel swallowed hard, shock written all over his face. He had always known the Draken Guardians were formidable, but he had never expected them to be this lethal.He had pushed himself to his limit just to hold his own against Connor and Dave, only to end up seriously wounded. Yet, when the Draken Guardians arrived, they wiped them out—along with several dozen Red Legion soldiers—without losing a single man.If Axel hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that the Red Legion, a force renowned for its elite soldiers, could be so easily crushed. Or perhaps it wasn't that the Red Legion was weak, but that the Draken Guardians were far stronger than anyone had imagined.Even their most ordinary members were strong enough to become a mighty general. As for those at the level of captain, their strength was far beyond Axel's. The lethality of a team made up of such skilled experts had reached the point of being an overwhelming force."Mr. Cruz, please arrange some
