An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2470

Ten minutes later, Warrick walked out of Room A1 again.

Axel’s attitude had completely shifted since their first meeting; he was now unusually friendly.

“Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has finished the investigation. It turns out this has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I’m sorry for any offense caused,” he said with a humble smile.

Warrick raised an eyebrow, surprised by Axel’s change in tone. Just moments ago, they had been at odds. What had caused such a quick turnaround?

“Did you really investigate it thoroughly?” Warrick asked cautiously.

“Absolutely! Our findings show that Jovian’s disappearance was due to a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale,” Axel replied seriously. “He was a tyrant who caused trouble wherever he went. He got what he deserved. Lord Austin only started the investigation to give the Ballard family some closure. Since this was personal, it doesn’t involve us here in West Lucozia.”

“I see…” Warrick glanced meaningfully at the people around him. Deep down, he thought, “If I hadn’t personally disposed of the body, I might’ve believed your lies.”

“Sir Prescott, this was our oversight. You were put in a tough spot, and to make it up to you, Lord Austin has arranged a banquet in your honor at the castle. He would like to invite you to join him for dinner as an apology,” Axel said with a grin.

“Mr. Cruz, you’re being too kind. It’s only natural that I cooperated with the investigation at Lord Austin’s request. I don’t deserve any apologies,” Warrick replied coolly.

The sudden change in Austin’s attitude made Warrick uneasy. What was Austin really up to? One moment he…

was surprised to see how quickly things changed. One moment, there were threats and persuasion, and the next, Lord Austin was hosting a banquet. Was there something else happening here?

“Lord Austin seems to feel guilty. It’s just a meal, after all. You won’t refuse His Highness’ kindness, right?” Axel said with a sly smile.

Warrick paused for a moment, then nodded. “Since His Highness insists, it would be rude to say no.”

“Sir Prescott, this way please,” Axel said with a faint smile as he led him away.

As they left, Percival noticed them. Seeing Warrick’s strong presence and Axel’s overly friendly attitude made him frown, and a sense of unease knotted in his stomach.

“Excuse me, was that Mr. Prescott who just walked by?” Percival asked a nearby royal guard.

“Yes, sir,” replied the guard on the left. “The enforcement team is working to find the real murderer. Since Sir Prescott gave important information, Lord Austin is hosting a grand banquet in his honor tonight.”

“Is that so?” Percival’s expression shifted, and his feeling of unease grew.

“Shut up! Who gave you permission to talk about this?” the guard on the right snapped. “If Lord Austin hears you, you’d better hope he doesn’t make an example out of you.”

The guard on the left immediately looked down and fell silent.

Percival watched their exchange, feeling heavier with worry. Jovian’s death was clearly connected to Warrick, so why was he being rewarded instead? What was really happening?

With a troubled mind, Percival followed the guards to the meeting room.

Austin sat at the center with a calm expression. Every movement showed his authority.

“Your Highness… I’m honored to stand before you today,” Percival began.

As Percival entered, he was greeted with respect.

“Mr. Wentworth, do you know why you’re here?” Austin asked coolly.

“I don’t, Your Highness. Please enlighten me,” Percival replied, lowering his head slightly. A sense of unease washed over him.

“You really don’t know? Or are you just pretending?” Austin’s expression was cold and hard.

“I-” Percival started to speak when suddenly, a loud crash interrupted him.

A teacup shattered at his feet, sending porcelain pieces and tea splashing onto his legs. He jumped in shock and looked up, only to find Austin staring at him with an icy, fierce gaze.

“Mr. Wentworth!” Austin barked. “You better tell me the truth. If you lie, don’t expect mercy from me.”

Percival felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. “Your Highness, please calm down. I’m old, and my memory isn’t what it used to be. If I’ve offended you, I beg your forgiveness.”

“Enough with the excuses!” Austin shouted as he stepped closer, glaring down at Percival. “Someone has accused you of killing Jovian and disposing of the body. How dare you harm my guest? Do you have a death wish?”

Hearing this, Percival’s face went pale with fear. He dropped to his knees with a loud thud.

“Your Highness, I’m innocent! This is a false accusation!” Percival cried out, his face filled with sorrow as he protested repeatedly.

“In all my years of service, I may have accepted bribes, but I’ve never killed anyone. Someone is framing me. Please, look into this, Your Highness.”

He bowed his head to the ground in desperation, each thud echoing in the room, causing his forehead to bleed as blood trickled down his face.