An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2459

After making his decision, Jovian no longer hesitated. He told the driver to make a U-turn and head straight to the meeting place.

The restaurant was not far from the castle, just a ten-minute drive from where they had turned around.

When Jovian and Boston entered, they found the restaurant almost empty. There were no customers, just a few receptionists. It seemed like the place had been cleared out just for them.

“Sir, please follow me. Sir Prescott is waiting for you upstairs,” the restaurant owner said, greeting them personally and leading them to a private room on the second floor.

Inside the room, Warrick, Huxley, and Percival were enjoying tea. They were chatting and laughing, but their conversation stopped when Jovian and Boston walked in. All three turned to look at Jovian.

They were curious about him. He had been personally invited by Austin and even had dinner at the castle, a privilege none of them had experienced. However, when they saw Jovian in person, they felt a bit let down.

Jovian was of average height and looked quite ordinary at first glance. But he carried himself with confidence. Standing tall with a straight back and squared shoulders, he seemed like a man who wouldn’t buckle under pressure.

“You’re here. Sit down,” Warrick said bluntly, eyeing Jovian up and down.

He didn’t stand up or greet Jovian. Instead, he remained seated, acting indifferent. It felt less like a dinner invitation and more like a boss talking to an employee. He gave off a vibe of cool detachment.

Huxley and Percival had similar looks, treating Jovian as if he wasn’t worth their attention. They seemed to be trying to show who was in control.

Boston noticed the power struggle and frowned, but he kept his frustration to himself.

to take it in stride. He kept his smile and looked at the three older men with confidence.

“Sir Prescott, thank you for inviting me. It’s always a pleasure to meet with such esteemed company,” Jovian said smoothly.

Warrick crossed his arms, still unimpressed. “Let’s get straight to the point. What do you want, Ballard?”

Jovian didn’t flinch. “I just wanted to discuss some business matters that could benefit both our families. I believe we have a lot to gain from working together.”

Percival leaned forward, intrigued. “Go on.”

Jovian seized the opportunity. “The Ballard family has been looking into expanding our influence in the region. With your connections, we could strengthen both our positions.”

Warrick’s expression remained skeptical. “And why should we help you? You’re just a kid playing with the big boys.”

Jovian’s smile didn’t fade. “Because, Sir Prescott, I may be young, but I have ideas that could be profitable for all of us. If we don’t adapt, we risk being left behind.”

The tension in the room shifted slightly as the older men exchanged glances. Jovian’s confidence was starting to make an impact.

“Let’s hear what you have to say,” Percival finally said, his tone softening.

Boston waited anxiously outside, hoping Jovian could hold his own. He remembered their plan and knew they could call for help if needed.

Inside, Jovian continued to speak, presenting his ideas clearly. He was determined to prove himself, and as the conversation progressed, the atmosphere slowly became less hostile.

Jovian sat calmly across from Warrick, Huxley, and Percival. His relaxed attitude made the three men feel uneasy. Was he being confidently bold or just plain arrogant?

“Sir Prescott, why did you invite me here?” Jovian asked, breaking the silence.

“I heard you visited the castle today,” Warrick replied.

“Yes, I did,” Jovian said, nodding.

“I also heard you had dinner with Sir Austin,” Warrick continued.

“That’s right,” Jovian confirmed with another nod.

“Good,” Warrick said with a smile. “You seem like a smart man. I enjoy talking with sharp people.”

If Jovian had tried to act clueless, he would have had to think of a clever way to respond. Luckily, the answers were straightforward, which made things easier for him.

“I want to know if Sir Austin said anything during dinner,” Percival chimed in.

“His Highness said many things. Can you be more specific about what you’re looking for?” Jovian replied, smiling as he turned the question back to him.