An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2491

“Ledger?”

Langdon’s eyes widened as he looked down at the familiar red ledgers on the floor. His face showed a mix of shock and fear.

He never thought the enforcement team would find the ledgers he had hidden away. Each page held proof of his illegal dealings with officials and wealthy merchants, filled with bribes and embezzlement.

He had kept these ledgers as insurance, hoping they would protect him if things went wrong. But what he meant to use as a shield had now become his downfall.

Now, his assets could be taken, and he might even deny his own children. But how could he talk his way out of the incriminating records he had written himself?

Langdon’s frown deepened as sweat dripped down his face. Before he knew it, his back was soaked.

“Mr. Langdon, why are you sweating so much? Is it too hot in here? Should I get someone to fan you?” Axel mocked, a smirk on his lips.

The evidence against Langdon was overwhelming, and no amount of denial would save him now.

“Mr. Langdon, are you still trying to say these ledgers are fake and have nothing to do with you?” Austin added, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Y-Yes! They’re fake. I don’t keep ledgers like this. Someone is trying to frame me!” Langdon insisted stubbornly.

At that moment, he felt he had no choice but to stick to his story, no matter the consequences.

But no one believed him anymore. Even the royal advisors looked at him with contempt.

Was there any point in continuing this denial?

No matter how firmly he rejected the truth, the evidence laid out before him was enough to convict him.

Sometimes, refusing to admit the truth only made things worse, turning his downfall into a more humiliating experience.

“Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant,” Austin sneered.

He laughed and clapped his hands. “I’ve never met anyone as unashamed as you. If you had admitted your wrongs and shown some regret, I might have spared your life out of respect for our past. But since you refuse to confess and keep twisting the truth, you have no one to blame but yourself,” he said.

Austin turned to Axel. “Bring out all the evidence against Langdon. I want every crime exposed today.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” Axel replied. He took a thick stack of papers from one of his subordinates and began to read them aloud.

“Eight years ago, driven by desire, Langdon assaulted a woman. The victim later took her own life. To hide his actions, he bribed officials and threatened the victim’s family.

“Five years ago, he teamed up with a wealthy merchant named Lemur Pratt to murder Patch Sharmon and his family to steal their assets.

“Three years ago, Langdon’s son, Zeron Rhys, attacked and killed a government official’s daughter. When the official reported the crime, Langdon used ruthless methods to silence him, framing the official for various crimes. The official ended up in prison and died under suspicious circumstances.

“Our investigation shows that Langdon has been involved in over a dozen deaths, either directly or indirectly. His crimes are terrible and unforgivable.

“These are the collected evidence and testimonies, Your Highness. Please take a look.” Axel finished his report and placed the stack of evidence in front of Austin.

As Austin flipped through the pages, his expression grew serious. He had initially thought Langdon was just another corrupt and greedy official. He never imagined the man had caused so many deaths.

“How will you explain this?” Austin asked coldly, throwing the documents at Langdon’s face.

“Lies! It’s all lies. I won’t admit to anything,” Langdon shouted as he hurried to pick up the scattered papers.

Langdon angrily ripped the documents into shreds, throwing away any pretense of calm.

“Do you really dare to destroy evidence in front of us?” Axel exclaimed, his eyes burning with anger as he reached for his sword.

But Austin raised his hand, stopping him. “Let him tear them up,” he said.

Langdon shouted defiantly, “These are all fake! Every single one of them is fake!”

With many eyes watching, Langdon continued to shred the papers. Austin stood silently, not trying to stop him, but his face was as cold as ice.

“Are you finished?” Austin asked flatly. “Do you have any last words?”

“Austin! You can’t intimidate me!” Langdon yelled, panic creeping into his voice. “I won’t admit to anything. You’re framing me, and I’ll report you to the prince!”

Austin’s response was quick and firm. “No last words? Then take him away and execute him in three days.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” Axel grinned cruelly. He had waited for this moment and was ready to make Langdon suffer.

“You dare?” Langdon’s bravado faded, replaced by fear. “I’m part of the Rhys family! I’m your elder and your father’s brother. If you execute me, you’ll be committing treason against your own bloodline!”

Austin remained unmoved. “You’re just a distant branch of the Rhys family. Your wealth and status come from my father. How can you demand respect from me?”

He continued, “If you had chosen to enjoy your fortune quietly, you might have lived a peaceful life. But you decided to break the law and harm the innocent. If I don’t make an example of you today, how many more will follow your path?”

Langdon was left speechless.

“Guards! Take him away and…”

“Show no mercy,” Austin commanded.

“Yes, Your Highness!” replied Axel.

Axel waved his hand, signaling his men to shackle Langdon and pull him toward the door.

Suddenly, Langdon couldn’t take it anymore. He broke down.