An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2474-1
Huxley, pale and defeated, was taken away. His crimes were out in the open, sealing his fate. His family would face consequences too, with their wealth likely taken from them. In short, Huxley’s entire family was about to be destroyed.
Once the bloodstains were cleaned, Austin gave his next command. “Axel, it’s time to bring in the mastermind.”
With Huxley dealt with, they needed to confront Warrick next. Unlike Huxley, Warrick wouldn’t be easy to handle. He had a large army behind him, and if cornered, he could be a serious threat.
“Understood!” Axel replied with respect. He turned to his team and ordered, “Gather more men and come with me.”
Warrick had earned his high rank after years of intense battles. He was like a one-man army on the battlefield, able to take on thousands. His strength was something most couldn’t imagine.
Although Axel was a skilled martial artist, he didn’t feel confident about facing someone like Warrick alone. Even an old tiger still has its claws. Warrick may not have been on the battlefield for years, but he was still a powerful opponent.
The outcome of a fight was uncertain, so Axel knew he needed backup. Once his team was ready, he quickly led them to the parlor.
Earlier, to keep Warrick occupied, Austin had invited him to dinner. Now, at the parlor, Warrick had no idea that danger was approaching.
“Surround the place!” Axel commanded as they neared the parlor. He instructed his elite team to block every entrance and exit. With four top guards beside him, he pushed the door open.
Inside, Warrick was calmly sipping tea. He looked relaxed and indifferent, as if Axel’s arrival was of no concern to him.
sip. “A confession doesn’t prove anything.”
Axel stood nearby, keeping a close watch on Warrick. “You know Huxley wouldn’t say such a thing without evidence, right?”
Warrick shrugged. “Evidence can be twisted. It depends on who’s telling the story.”
Austin’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re saying Huxley is lying?”
“Not at all,” Warrick replied smoothly. “He simply has his own reasons for saying what he did.”
The tension in the room thickened. Axel’s guards shifted, ready for anything.
“Enough with the games,” Austin said, his voice sharp. “We can’t ignore this. You need to explain yourself.”
Warrick leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. “I didn’t kill Jovian. You know me better than that, Austin. I’m not a murderer.”
“Then prove it,” Austin challenged.
Warrick raised an eyebrow. “How do you suggest I do that? I can’t change what happened. You must know that.”
Austin crossed his arms, still not convinced. “We’ll find the truth. It’s only a matter of time.”
Warrick nodded, unfazed. “Good luck with that. I’ll be here when you do.”
The atmosphere remained tense as Austin and Axel exchanged glances, both aware that the situation was far from resolved.
“Your Highness, I don’t understand. Why would someone from the Ballard family in Oakvale—a nobody—be worth all this trouble?” he asked. “Is it worth turning against us, the men who have served you for years? Let me ask you, are you from West Lucozia or Oakvale?”
Austin replied, “Who Jovian was doesn’t matter. His background doesn’t matter. What matters is that he was a guest of my family. By harming him, you’ve insulted and disrespected the royal court. Do you think I’ll let that slide?” His voice was cold as ice.
Warrick responded, “If this is just about making things right, I’ll admit I was wrong. I can write a letter of repentance and even give up my military command. Would that be enough?”
Austin shook his head. “If you’d admitted your guilt the first time I asked, I might have pleaded for leniency on your behalf. But now it’s too late.”
With a swift motion, Austin grabbed the evidence from the table and threw it at Warrick’s feet.
His voice grew even colder. “Your crimes aren’t just one or two offenses. The lives you’ve destroyed are far more than that. If I let you go, how will I explain it to my father? To the people of West Lucozia? No matter what, you must be executed.”