An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2483

Chapter 2483

“Adonis, I finally understand now. Are you just pretending to be clueless, or are you actually that foolish?”

Austin smiled, but his eyes were ice-cold. “You wanted physical evidence—I gave it to you. You wanted witnesses—I provided them. Now, with solid proof, testimony, and even a confession from the criminal himself, what more do you want?”

“Hmph! The political world is corrupt. I just want justice and to make sure no innocent lives are taken!” Adonis stood firm, radiating righteousness.

Some of the ministers who had previously supported him now remained silent.

They could tell Austin was truly enraged, and none of them dared to provoke him further. More importantly, they had lost their confidence.

The evidence was undeniable, staring them right in the face. There was no room for doubt.

Adonis, as a member of the Rhys family and Austin’s elder, could speak without restraint, but they could not afford to be so reckless.

If they pushed Austin too far, the consequences would be severe—at best, they’d lose their wealth; at worst, their entire families could be wiped out.

After all, Austin had already arrested the city’s guard commander and the Grand Secretary of the Dragon Pavilion. What chance did they stand?

“Who exactly is innocent here? You? Or them?”

Austin’s gaze swept between Adonis and the other ministers, his expression sharp and unyielding. “If you ask me, you old men are the real problem!”

“What are you implying? Are you trying to blame us after falsely accusing others?”

Adonis lifted his chin high, standing his ground with unwavering conviction.

The other ministers, however, avoided Austin’s gaze, unwilling to challenge him.

“Adonis, for the sake of the Rhys family, I’ll give you one last chance.”

Austin took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “If you take your people and leave right now, I’ll act as if nothing happened. I’ll let it all slide. But if you insist on causing trouble, don’t blame me for what happens next.”

“What? Are you threatening me?” Adonis sneered. “I have lived my life with integrity. I fear no threats, especially from a young man like you. Even if the prince himself were here, I would stand by my principles. I will never compromise!”

“Good! Such noble integrity!”

Austin suddenly clapped his hands, his smile vanishing in an instant.

“Since you claim to be so righteous, let’s see if you have anything to hide.”

His voice turned sharp as he commanded, “Manuel! Bring in the law enforcement team. Search Adonis’s residence immediately. I suspect him of corruption and harboring criminals!”

“I obey!” Manuel responded without hesitation and turned to leave.

He had long despised Adonis, a troublemaker who stirred chaos without cause.

The young prince had been patient, but Adonis kept pushing. Now, he had crossed the line.

This time, they would turn his house upside down.

“Austin! Y-You… You’re abusing your power!”

As soon as he saw the law enforcement team leave, Adonis panicked, his voice rising in anger. “I have done nothing illegal! What right do you have to search my home?”

Austin met his fury with a cold stare. “Isn’t my authority as the head of the palace enough of a reason?”

“The prince is in charge here, not you! If you overstep your bounds, I’ll go straight to him and report you!” Adonis threatened.

“Go ahead,” Austin replied indifferently. “I’d love to see what exactly you plan to report.”

“You—!” Adonis was speechless.

The prince had gone into seclusion. Even if Adonis wanted to file a complaint, it would take too long to reach him.

By then, the law enforcement team would have already uncovered any evidence against him.

“Austin! You’re ruthless today! Let’s go!”

After a brief hesitation, Adonis finally relented, motioning for his people to leave.

But just as they reached the door, a group of guards blocked their way.

“Austin! What’s the meaning of this?” Adonis turned back angrily.

“You think you can just come and go as you please? Do you take this place for a playground?”

Austin’s voice was calm but firm. “No one is leaving until the search results are in.”

“You… You’re going too far!” Adonis trembled with fury.

He had already backed down. He had accepted defeat and was ready to leave. But Austin still wouldn’t let him go.

“If you’re innocent, why resist the search? Or are you afraid of what they’ll find?” Austin remained unmoved.

“Nonsense! I have always been an honest man. You won’t frame me!” Adonis snapped.

“Relax. Let’s all sit and wait. By nightfall, we’ll know the truth.”

Austin leaned back, sipping his tea, completely unbothered by the chaos around him.

This storm had exposed the corruption lurking in the shadows.

He had initially been reluctant to take drastic measures, fearing the panic it might cause.

But now, he had changed his mind.

If these parasites weren’t eliminated in time, countless lives would suffer.

This time, he would root them out completely—no more mercy.