An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2449

Chapter 2449

As Stephan followed Austin into the room, his nerves were on edge.

Though he had visited the palace before, those visits had always been for official business, with guards or servants leading the way. This time was different. It was a private matter, and Austin himself had personally escorted him in. Stephan felt both flattered and bewildered.

When did he become important enough to warrant such attention?

Austin didn’t even acknowledge high-ranking officials like the Cardinal Dragon Marshal, yet here he was, showing favor to Stephan. Could it be his conspicuous bald head that caught the prince’s attention?

Lost in his thoughts, Stephan barely noticed when they reached the conference room.

“Sit.”

Austin motioned to a chair after taking his place at the head of the table.

“No, no need. I’ll just stand here,” Stephan stammered, his smile apologetic.

“Sit down if I tell you to. Why are you so nervous? I’m not going to eat you,” Austin said, irritation flickering in his voice.

“Yes, of course, as you command.” Stephan hurriedly sat, stiff as a board.

At nearly 1.9 meters tall, the usually imposing man now looked like a nervous rabbit. He sat upright, barely daring to move.

“Someone, bring tea,” Austin ordered with a casual wave of his hand. Moments later, a servant entered with a pot of fragrant tea, pouring a cup for Stephan.

“Thank you, young prince, for the tea.”

Stephan quickly picked up the cup and took a sip, barely noticing how hot it was. He winced but forced himself to swallow, steam escaping from his nose and mouth.

“What’s your name?” Austin asked abruptly.

“My name is Stephan Chapman. I work in the military, I’m forty years old, and I have twin children…” Stephan rattled off his details nervously, afraid of leaving anything out.

“Stephan, is it? I heard you’re acquainted with Tobias Ballard, the third son of the Ballard family?”

“Yes, Tobias and I are old friends. He arrived in West Lucozia this morning, and I personally welcomed him,” Stephan replied eagerly.

“Where is he now?” Austin asked, his tone authoritative.

“He should be resting at his hotel,” Stephan answered.

“Call him and ask him to come to the palace. If he has anything to discuss, he can say it to me directly,” Austin commanded.

“You’re meeting Tobias in person, young prince?” Stephan blurted, astonished.

“Of course. If a distinguished guest has come to see me, it’s only proper to extend a warm welcome,” Austin said nonchalantly.

“Understood, I’ll contact him immediately,” Stephan said, his face lighting up with a mix of relief and excitement.

Just as Stephan reached for his phone, Austin raised a hand to stop him. “Wait. Don’t call. Take a few people and go invite him personally. Ensure his safety.”

“Are you worried someone might cause trouble?” Stephan asked, quickly grasping the implication.

Austin had dismissed numerous influential figures earlier, choosing instead to entertain Tobias. This might provoke jealousy and lead to complications.

“Just do your job and don’t ask questions,” Austin said, cutting off further speculation.

He signaled two of his personal guards to escort Stephan out through the palace’s back door.

Recently, representatives from various factions in Oakvale had arrived in West Lucozia, each vying for influence. Competition among these forces often led to underhanded tactics. Ensuring Tobias’s safety was paramount—Austin couldn’t afford to fail his eldest brother, Dustin, in this matter.

Stephan hurried out, boarding one of the palace’s official cars. In under half an hour, they arrived at the hotel where Tobias was staying.

Tobias, about to take a nap, was startled by the sound of the doorbell. Opening the door, he was greeted by Stephan and two guards with sharp, imposing gazes.

“Stephan, you’re sweating. Did something happen?” Tobias asked, confused.

“There’s no time to explain. Come with me. The young prince wants to see you,” Stephan said, grabbing Tobias’s wrist and pulling him out.

“The prince wants to see me? Does that mean you’ve already made arrangements?” Tobias’s face lit up with excitement.

“Great job, Stephan! I didn’t expect you to be so efficient. That’s incredible!”

Tobias had assumed he’d have to wait a day or two for an audience, but here he was, summoned in mere hours.

Stephan coughed awkwardly. “Actually, I didn’t do much. The young prince is giving face to the Ballard family. I’m just the messenger.”

“Oh, Stephan, your only flaw is that you’re too modest,” Tobias said, shaking his head with a grin.

While the Ballard family held some influence in Oakvale, it was insignificant in West Lucozia. Tobias was convinced that Stephan’s connections were the key to this swift progress.

“Alright, let’s not dwell on this. The young prince is waiting at the palace. Let’s go,” Stephan said, redirecting the conversation. His face reddened slightly as he led Tobias to the car.

The journey back was smooth, thanks to the palace’s special escort. Stephan couldn’t help but wonder if things would’ve been different had they used his personal vehicle.

Once they arrived, they entered the palace through the back door. Guided by the guards, they approached the meeting room.

Before they could step inside, Austin emerged with a bright smile.

“I’m Tobias Ballard. It’s an honor to meet you, young prince,” Tobias began, bowing respectfully.

Before he could lower himself further, Austin raised a hand to stop him.

“Uncle Ballard, what are you doing? Please, come in and sit down!”

“Uncle Ballard?”

The title left Tobias completely bewildered.