An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2454

Chapter 2454

After making up his mind, Tobias didn’t hesitate. He immediately instructed the driver to turn around and head straight to the meeting place.

The meeting location was a restaurant not far from the palace. Turning back midway would take only ten minutes.

When Tobias and Stephan arrived at the restaurant, they found it eerily empty. Aside from a few receptionists, there wasn’t a single customer in sight.

It was clear the restaurant had been cleared out.

“This way, please. The general is waiting upstairs,” said the restaurant owner, who personally greeted them at the door and escorted them to a private room on the second floor.

Inside the private room, Cardinal Dragon Marshal, the city guard commander, and the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion were seated, leisurely sipping tea.

The three men were laughing and chatting until Tobias and Stephan entered the room. Their conversation immediately ceased as their gazes shifted toward Tobias.

They were curious. Who was this person important enough for the young prince to meet privately—and even dine with at the palace?

After all, such treatment was a privilege even they hadn’t received.

But when they saw Tobias in person, they couldn’t hide their disappointment.

Tobias was of average build with ordinary looks. He appeared unremarkable, with nothing about him standing out.

Yet, despite his plain appearance, Tobias carried himself with a straight back and an air of confidence, giving off an impression of fearlessness and integrity.

“You’re here. Sit down,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal said, his tone neutral as his sharp eyes scanned Tobias.

He remained seated, as steady as a mountain, making no move to rise and greet Tobias.

Though framed as a dinner invitation, the atmosphere felt more like a superior summoning a subordinate, with the Cardinal’s aloof demeanor making his authority clear.

The other two officials wore similar expressions, showing little regard for Tobias. It was obvious they were trying to unsettle him.

Stephan, observing the chilly reception, frowned slightly but didn’t dare speak out. Instead, he forced a smile and took the initiative to ease the tension.

“General, this is the third young master of the Ballard family. As soon as he heard you wished to treat him to a midnight snack, he came straight here without delay,” Stephan said, adding a subtle hint to his words.

The message was clear: Tobias had honored their invitation, and they ought to show some basic courtesy.

“I understand. You can leave now. You’re not needed here,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal said dismissively, waving his hand as if shooing away an insignificant fly.

Stephan hesitated, clearly uneasy.

Conversations held behind closed doors carried more weight, and he feared leaving Tobias alone with these three cunning officials. If something went wrong, the repercussions would be severe—not just for Tobias but also for the young prince who had sent him.

“Is there a problem? Do I need to repeat myself?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s tone turned cold, his impatience evident.

“When did a mere deputy general become so bold as to disobey a direct order? Do you have a death wish?” the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion sneered, his sharp words cutting through the air.

Tobias intervened with a calm smile. “Stephan, it’s fine. I’ll handle this. I trust the gentlemen won’t make things difficult for me.”

Stephan hesitated but eventually nodded. “Very well. I’ll wait for you outside.”

Before leaving, he gave Tobias a subtle look, signaling him to stay cautious. The two had agreed beforehand: if anything went wrong, Stephan would immediately alert the young prince for backup. Given the restaurant’s proximity to the palace, help would arrive quickly.

As the door to the private room slowly closed, the atmosphere inside grew tense.

Yet Tobias appeared unaffected. He sat down calmly, his composure unsettling the three men, who couldn’t determine whether he was genuinely confident or simply naive.

“So, General, may I ask why you invited me here?” Tobias said, breaking the silence and easing the heavy atmosphere.

“I heard you visited the palace today,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal began.

“Yes,” Tobias replied with a nod.

“I also heard you dined with the young prince?” the Cardinal continued.

“That’s correct,” Tobias confirmed, his tone steady.

“Very good,” the Cardinal said with a faint smile. “It seems you’re a smart man. I like dealing with smart people.”

The Cardinal’s satisfaction hinted that Tobias’s directness had saved him from the need for manipulation.

“What did the prince say during dinner?” the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion interjected abruptly, unable to contain his curiosity.

“The young prince said quite a lot. May I know what specifically you’re referring to?” Tobias replied with a polite smile.

The Grand Secretary nearly revealed his hand, starting to blurt out the answer, but he quickly caught himself. Coughing twice to cover his slip, he masked his embarrassment.

Some things couldn’t be spoken aloud. Once the veil of ambiguity was lifted, it could lead to criticism and leave room for accusations.

As a seasoned politician, the Grand Secretary wasn’t one to make such a careless mistake.

“Of course…what I mean is…” he stammered, trying to recover.

“Of course what, sir? Please enlighten me,” Tobias said, maintaining his calm demeanor.

This time, the Grand Secretary was at a loss for words.