An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2578

Chapter 2578

The more Matthias thought about it, the more a chill crept down his spine.

If Grace really was the one behind everything, then something was seriously off.

She had always been a royalist, never involving herself in power struggles. So why would she suddenly make such a bold move?

What was her real motive?

Could it be that Grace had already chosen a side?

Maybe she saw the emperor’s health declining and was planning ahead for her own future?

The deeper Matthias thought, the more unsettled he felt.

Grace’s intelligence network was terrifying. It had completely blinded him—he hadn’t caught even the faintest warning.

And now, before the fight for the crown prince even officially began, he was already at a disadvantage.

“You’ve been so focused on your rival princes—fighting them, suppressing them—but you never thought about Grace,” Seamus said calmly. “She’s been quietly building strength under the radar and now holds enough power to change everything.”

To be honest, even Seamus hadn’t considered Grace a player until the purge the night before.

She had always kept a low profile, showing no ambition, never forming factions, always serving the imperial family quietly.

She was practically invisible.

But now, that “invisible” woman had revealed her hand—and it was powerful.

Only now did Seamus realize just how dangerous and clever she really was.

“Who would’ve thought Grace could be so cunning?” Matthias muttered, his brows furrowed. “Uncle, what should we do now? From the looks of it, Grace’s intentions aren’t good.”

“Good or bad, you still have to make contact,” Seamus replied calmly. “Start by investigating. Understand her position, then try to win her over. Even with all her power, Grace can’t be a threat to your claim to the throne. What matters now is whether she’s planning to throw her support behind one of your brothers.”

A woman could never become emperor—but with that much power, she could absolutely tip the balance. That made her a force to be reckoned with.

“I get it. I’ll start right away!” Matthias nodded, turned, and left without wasting another word.

He’d always been a man of action—once he set a goal, he pursued it with ruthless determination.

“Godfather…”

As soon as Matthias walked out, Frost entered.

He had been eavesdropping just outside the door and had heard everything.

“What is it?” Seamus raised an eyebrow.

“You already know about what happened in Oakvale last night. I’m worried,” Frost said seriously. “What if Matthias screws this up? One wrong move at this stage, and we could lose everything. Honestly, I don’t trust a reckless guy like him.”

“Then tell me—what’s your brilliant solution?” Seamus asked, smiling slightly.

“Godfather, I think we’re making a mistake putting all our eggs in one basket,” Frost said in a low voice. “Matthias might be powerful, but he’s impulsive. Beating Nathaniel won’t be easy, and if Matthias fails, we all go down with him.”

“If you want big rewards, you have to take big risks,” Seamus replied calmly. “That’s the nature of a power struggle.”

“I get that,” Frost pressed on, “and yes, Matthias is easier to control, so if he wins, we’ll gain more. But the risk is huge. If he loses, the entire Mosey Palace falls with him. It’s too dangerous to rely solely on him. If possible, we should have a backup plan.”

“And what plan are you suggesting?” Seamus asked again.

“It’s simple,” Frost said. “You keep supporting Matthias—don’t change your position. But I’ll switch sides and join Nathaniel. That way, no matter who wins, we have leverage. We won’t go down with one man.”

“That sounds good in theory,” Seamus said, taking a sip of tea. “But Nathaniel is naturally suspicious. You’re my adopted son, and I openly support Matthias. Why would Nathaniel ever trust or use you?”

“Earning Nathaniel’s trust won’t be hard—I already have a plan. But I’ll need your full cooperation,” Frost said with a grin.

“Oh? What kind of cooperation?” Seamus asked, now intrigued.

“We’ll stage a fake falling-out,” Frost said. “You and I publicly sever our relationship. That way, no one sees me as your son anymore. It won’t hurt your standing with Matthias, and I’ll be free to approach Nathaniel. With the right setup, he’ll buy it.”

“So you’ve already thought this through.” Seamus’s voice carried a subtle edge. “If I don’t agree, I’d seem heartless, wouldn’t I?”

“Please don’t take it the wrong way, godfather,” Frost said solemnly. “I’m not plotting anything behind your back. You raised me. I owe you everything. I’m doing this for your future, not mine. If you think it’s a bad idea, just forget I said anything.”

“Relax, I’m not doubting you.” Seamus smiled faintly. “It’s actually a good idea. We do need a backup plan. Let’s do it your way. I’ll leave the execution to you.”

Frost’s face lit up. “Thank you, godfather!”