An Understated Dominance - Chapter 490

At that moment, many of them nodded in agreement. Usually, no one dared to challenge them since they were the bullies. Even when they were wrong, it didn’t matter to them. The stronger fighter always seemed to win.

“What do you plan to do?” Spring asked with narrowed eyes, clearly upset.

“I want to send out the shadow guards and make that kid pay!” Autumn replied, boiling with anger.

“That’s ridiculous!” Spring shouted, slamming his hand on the table. “The shadow guards are the backbone of our family. You can’t just use them like that!”

“I don’t care! I want revenge! If you don’t support me, I’ll go to Father!” Autumn insisted stubbornly.

“Who’s looking for me?” Just then, an elderly man with a white beard and brows walked in slowly. He had his hands behind his back and appeared calm. Though he didn’t seem powerful, he carried an air of authority with every step.

“Sir Paul!”

Everyone quickly stood up to show their respect. Even Autumn, who had been so defiant before, became submissive.

Paul sat at the head of the table, looking indifferent. “Who wants to send out the shadow guards?”

Everyone, including Spring, stood silently, too nervous to speak.

“It’s me, Dad,” Autumn said boldly.

“And why do you want to do that?” Paul asked, sipping his tea without looking at him.

“Someone hurt my son and injured at least two hundred of our best fighters. We can’t let that go unpunished!” Autumn exclaimed, frustrated.

Paul replied calmly, “So, you’re saying your son was beaten because he’s weak, and now you want the whole family to get involved because of his mistakes?”

“What?” Autumn was shocked. He struggled to understand what Paul was saying.

Paul was shocked by his father’s response.

“Dad! It’s your grandson who was hurt! Don’t you feel sorry for him?” Autumn tried to appeal to his emotions.

“He deserved it for being a poor fighter. If he had any ability, he would defend himself. He’s just a weakling hiding behind the family’s strength,” Paul replied without showing any emotion.

“But-”

“Don’t try to reason with me!” he cut her off.

Autumn wanted to explain, but Paul raised his hand to stop her. “The Hill family was built on martial skills. Every generation fought hard and faced challenges. But your generation is spoiled and weak. You’ve forgotten our family’s teachings and the honor of being a martial artist. Did you think martial artists lived in luxury with all the comforts?”

“A martial artist works hard, faces danger, and fights bravely. They emerge from battles, often covered in blood. Look at you all. How many of you have faced true danger? How many have been on a real battlefield? Today, even a young kid can easily handle you, and yet you dare to complain to me? You are all useless!”

With that last insult, the room fell silent. Everyone, including Autumn, felt cold sweats. They realized Paul was not angry about the trouble, but about their lack of skill.

“Today’s events should be a wake-up call for you all.” Paul stood up and brushed off his clothes. “Autumn, take your son and apologize to Dustin. That boy has a bright future ahead, and he’s not…”

“He’s someone we should definitely not make enemies with. Honestly, you all can’t afford to offend him,” Paul said firmly.

“Dad,” someone began to protest.

“If you don’t listen, I will kick you out of the family.” With that, Paul walked away, leaving the rest of the family staring at each other in fear and regret.