An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2467

Chapter 2467

Night was falling.

Inside the palace’s meeting hall, Austin sat quietly, reading a book as he waited for results.

After turning the Grand Secretary of the Dragon Pavilion against his allies, it was only a matter of time before evidence surfaced against General Cardinal Dragon Marshal and the City Guard Commander-in-Chief.

In the past, their financial dealings had been overlooked. Corruption, after all, was an open secret in the palace. A bit of greed was tolerated.

But this time was different.

They had conspired to assassinate Tobias—a direct provocation, a blatant challenge to the palace’s authority. This wasn’t just corruption; it was betrayal.

If they weren’t made an example of, who knew how many others would dare to follow in their footsteps?

“Young Prince!”

Manuel St-Onge, captain of the law enforcement team, hurried into the hall, slightly out of breath. He had clearly run all the way, unwilling to waste a single moment.

“How did it go?” Austin set his book aside and asked calmly.

“My Lord, we’ve wiped out all the secret businesses run by General Cardinal Dragon Marshal and the City Guards. Their hidden networks—years in the making—have been dismantled one by one. We’ve also gathered concrete evidence of their crimes. Everything is documented here. Please take a look.”

Manuel presented a thick stack of documents with both hands.

Austin took the file and began reading.

Barely two pages in, his brows furrowed.

He had expected corruption—he knew these men were far from virtuous.

But seeing the extent of their crimes laid out in black and white still filled him with fury.

They had used their power to pillage, murder, and oppress the people. Their hands were stained with the blood of hundreds.

And that was only what could be proven. The true number was likely far higher.

What made it worse was that their families—those at the top—were just as ruthless. They had built their wealth and status by crushing the weak and exploiting the innocent.

Austin had never imagined that beneath the grandeur of West Lucozia Royal City, so much darkness lurked.

“These bastards…” His voice was cold. “With crimes like these, even death wouldn’t be punishment enough.”

Fury burned in his eyes as he hurled the document onto the floor. His face was dark with rage.

Setting aside Tobias’s murder, this evidence alone was enough to send both men to the gallows.

“Young Prince! Just give the order, and I’ll lead the law enforcement team to raid their homes immediately!” Manuel said, his own anger barely contained.

Anyone with a conscience would be enraged after reading those reports.

“Of course, they will pay,” Austin said, forcing himself to stay calm. “But before that, I need information from them.” His voice turned icy. “Go. Bring me the City Guard Commander.”

“Yes, my Lord!” Manuel responded and left.

Moments later, he returned, escorting the City Guard Commander into the hall.

The commander had been under house arrest in the palace for a day, and his patience was wearing thin. His attitude toward Austin was noticeably less respectful than before.

“Young Prince, I have pressing matters to handle at home,” he said, forcing a smile. “May I ask when I’ll be allowed to leave?”

“Leave?” Austin let out a cold chuckle. “I’m afraid that’s not happening.”

The commander’s expression darkened. “What do you mean, Young Prince?” He frowned. “I have always been a law-abiding official. I have never wronged you. Why are you targeting me?”

“Law-abiding?” Austin’s tone was laced with sarcasm. “You actually have the audacity to say that?”

“Young Prince, you seem to have a personal grudge against me.” The commander straightened, feigning righteousness. “But if you suspect me of wrongdoing, then show me proof. Otherwise, I ask that you release me and not abuse your power.”

Austin smirked. “Proof? I was waiting for you to say that.”

With a flick of his wrist, he grabbed the thick stack of evidence from the table and flung it at the commander’s face.

The impact sent him stumbling back, blood trickling from his nose.

“You—!”

The commander clutched his face in pain, ready to explode in anger—until he looked down.

His entire body went rigid, as if struck by lightning.

Scattered across the floor were documents detailing every crime he had committed in secret.

Letters from victims’ families. Records of illegal dealings. Photographs of horrific acts—assault, theft, murder.

Each piece of evidence meticulously documented.

And the most damning part?

He was in the photographs.

“How… how is this possible?!” His eyes widened in horror.

For years, he had taken every precaution.

After every crime, his men cleaned up the scene.

Most victims could be silenced with money. Those who resisted could be threatened or coerced.

And for the truly stubborn ones?

They were disposed of—tossed into the sea, never to be seen again.

He had operated like this for years. Without a single mistake.

Yet today, all his buried sins had been dug up and thrown at his feet.

What the hell was happening?!