An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked, turning to Simon.

"A guest has arrived, so we can't be rude. Invite them to the living room so we can discuss things properly," Simon replied calmly.

Anders represented the Mosey family, and regardless of his intentions, Simon couldn't simply turn him away. As for the proposed marriage alliance, it was a matter that required thorough consideration.

"Understood," the butler replied promptly before leaving.

"Go on with your meal. I'm going to meet with Anders," Simon said, excusing himself from the table.

Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian exchanged glances and, without hesitation, followed their father. They were curious to see what the Mosey family had in mind.

"Alright, let them handle it. Let's focus on our meal," Gemma Letcher, Natasha's grandmother, said with a smile and signaled everyone to continue eating.

Three minutes later, in the Ballard family's living room, Simon sat at the head of the table near the entrance. Jonathan and his brothers took seats to his left, arranged in order of age.

The butler soon returned, and he led several people inside.

At the front was a young man with striking features and a commanding presence. His sharp eyes gleamed with a cold intensity. This was Anders Mosey, one of Oakvale's four princes, also known as the "Veros Warrior". Behind him was an elderly man with white hair, accompanied by two broad- shouldered middle-aged men. The elderly man was around Simon's age. Though his face was weathered, his energy was unmistakable. He walked with a deliberate, almost regal gait. His hands were clasped behind his back, exuding an air of authority. This was Zack Mosey, Seamus' uncle and Anders' granduncle. Zack commanded immense respect within the Mosey family, and no one dared to cross him. Even Seamus had to treat him with deference.

As for the two middle-aged men behind Zack, they were grandmasters and consultants for the Moseys. Though their ranks were significant, they currently served as bodyguards.

"Greetings, Duke of Lachshire, and Mr. Jonathan, Mr. Jensen, and Mr. Jovian." Upon entering, Anders greeted them with a polite nod. His warm smile and effortless charm immediately created a favorable impression.

"Why didn't you inform us beforehand that a distinguished guest like you was visiting? Had we known, we would have prepared a proper welcome.” Simon smiled faintly.

"I apologize for the unannounced visit, Your Lordship. I hope you'll forgive me, "Anders replied.

He immediately understood Simon's subtle hint, but instead of playing the fool, he responded calmly and apologetically.

The three Ballard brothers were taken aback by his change in demeanor. From what they know of Anders, he was a proud and haughty man. At such a young age, he held great power, with an army at his command, and had a reputation for being difficult to deal with.

He wasn't exactly arrogant, but he was undeniably confident and assertive. Yet today, he was nothing like the forceful figure they knew. It seemed as if he had becmore composed and reserved.

Had he becmore thoughtful? "Mr. Mosey, may I ask what brings you to my home?" Simon got straight to the point.

"Before I get into that, allowto introduce someone." Anders stepped aside and gestured toward the elderly man. "This is my granduncle, Zack Mosey. He's a highly respected member of our family but tends to stay out of the public eye." "Ah, Mr. Zack. I've heard so much about you," Simon said as he stood up and gave a respectful nod.

He had heard of Zack, the third elder of the Mosey family. While Zack wasn't as famous as his two older brothers, he still held significant influence within the Mosey family.

"It's been a while, Duke of Lachshire.

You're as sharp as ever-your reputation certainly precedes you," Zack said with a polite gesture in return.

However, there was no smile on his face, just a stiff, almost forced expression. Deep down, he didn't take Simon seriously at all.

In Oakvale, the Mosey family was second only to the royal family in power among the four ancient houses. The Ballard, Fallon, and Spanner families lagged far behind them- especially the Ballard family, who was the weakest.

Although Simon held a high position, Zack viewed him as an old man with just a few years to live. Once Simon passed away, the Ballard family would only grow weaker by the day. By then, they wouldn't even be worthy of serving the Mosey family.

"You flatter me, Mr. Zack," Simon said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He could tell from Zack's cold attitude that something was off.

He turned to Anders and added, "Since you brought Mr. Zack along, I'm guessing there must be something important on the agenda."

"Your Lordship, your insight is truly remarkable. I am in awe." Anders offered a compliment before om continuing, "I'm here on behalf of the Mosey family to discuss a marriage alliance with your family." "A marriage alliance?" Simon raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.

"Yes," Anders replied with a smile.

Throughout history, marriage " alliances have been the best way to strengthen ties and maintain power. Both the Mosey and the Ballard families are among the four ancient houses. If we could form a union, it would surely make both families stronger." "Is this your idea or Sir Mosey's?" Simon asked tentatively.

A marriage alliance among two ancient houses-the descendants of the royal bloodlines-was never an simple affair. If it were a side branch of the family, it might not raise concern, but a union between the direct lines could easily provoke suspicion from the royal court. A powerful subordinate could overshadow their superior. Once two ancient houses united and joined forces, they could potentially threaten the throne.

The four ancient houses and the royal family had always understood this delicate balance. No one had ever crossed that line-until now. Anders's sudden visit hinted that he was testing those boundaries.

Simon needed to figure out if Anders was acting on his own or if Seamus was starting to harbor his own ambitions.