An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2485

Chapter 2485

“Oh? Is that so? Then show us the evidence and let everyone see the truth,” Austin said with a smile.

“Gulp…”

Adonis swallowed hard, his expression turning cold.

Had all his secrets been exposed in just half a day?

“First, I looked into his financial records,” Manuel said firmly, placing a document on the table. “Master Rhys’s expenses far exceed his income. He owns 18 luxury houses, dozens of high-end cars, gold reserves, priceless paintings, and other private collections—his total assets are worth over 100 million! Given his salary as a high-ranking official, it would take him thousands of years of saving—without spending a single penny—to accumulate that kind of wealth. So, I have just one question: Where did all this money come from?”

The moment those words were spoken, all eyes turned to Adonis.

Everyone knew he was greedy, but no one expected this level of excess. Just his fixed assets were worth hundreds of millions—who knew how much more he had in liquid wealth?

“Adonis, is this what you call being upright and honest?” Austin picked up the file, glanced through it, then tossed it at Adonis’s feet. His voice was sharp and demanding.

“No! This is impossible! It’s a setup!” Adonis kicked the documents aside and shouted, “I have always been an honest official! How could I possibly be corrupt? It’s fake! All of it is fake!”

“You haven’t even looked at the evidence. How do you know it’s fake?” Manuel asked with a mocking smirk.

“Hah! Everyone knows your law enforcement team twists the truth. Even an innocent man would be made to look like a criminal in your hands. Your so-called evidence is completely unreliable!” Adonis retorted.

“So, are you saying these assets have nothing to do with you?” Austin raised an eyebrow.

“Of course not! This so-called evidence is fabricated!” Adonis insisted stubbornly.

“Alright then, since the assets don’t belong to you, we’ll confiscate them,” Austin said casually, exchanging a glance with Manuel.

“I’ll take care of it immediately,” Manuel replied with a grin.

Hearing this, Adonis froze, his face twitching.

He had spent years amassing his fortune, and now, in an instant, it was all being taken away. The pain was unbearable, but he had no choice but to swallow his anger.

If he refused to admit to the charges, he might still have a way out. But if he confessed, prison would be unavoidable.

At the end of the day, wealth was external—he could always find a way to reclaim it later.

“Apart from these questionable assets, is there anything else?” Austin asked.

“Financial misconduct is just one part of the issue,” Manuel continued. “Master Rhys is quite vigorous for his age. He has eight concubines and seventeen illegitimate children. The eldest is already an adult, while the youngest has just learned to walk. His yearly expenses for these children alone are substantial.”

“Oh?” Austin’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he smirked. “You’re almost seventy, and yet you’re still fathering children? Impressive.”

“You—stop spreading lies!” Adonis’s face turned red with rage. “I have only a wife and a daughter! Where did all these so-called illegitimate children come from? You’re just trying to slander me!”

“Master Rhys, denying your own children? How heartless,” Manuel sneered. “How about we conduct a paternity test? That should settle the matter.”

“Hah! Ridiculous! Why should I entertain such nonsense?” Adonis scoffed, turning his head away in defiance.

“Since these poor women and children have nothing to do with you, we’ll take them under the palace’s care,” Austin said lightly. “Manuel, send for them. Make sure they are well taken care of.”

“Understood!” Manuel nodded and issued the order immediately.

“Wait!” Adonis finally lost his composure.

Losing his wealth was one thing—he could always embezzle more. But if his children were taken away, his bloodline would be severed.

“What’s wrong, Master Rhys?” Austin asked, feigning innocence.

“There are plenty of welfare institutions. There’s no need to take them to the palace, right?” Adonis asked with a deep frown.

“That’s none of your concern, Uncle Rhys. After all, these people have nothing to do with you, right?” Austin smirked.

“This…” Adonis was speechless.

His wealth was gone. His children were about to be taken. If this continued, he would have nothing left.

“Manuel, go on,” Austin said, snapping his fingers.

“Understood.” Manuel nodded and continued, “Besides financial crimes, we’ve uncovered evidence of Master Rhys’s dealings with various officials. Here are the relevant account books for your review, Young Prince.”

He handed the documents over to Austin, who skimmed through them before tossing them at Adonis’s feet.

“Explain this, Adonis. And don’t bother denying it—the handwriting in these books is yours. There’s no escaping this now.”