Chapter 1774 by Marina Vittori
An Understated Dominance
As Rufus unleashed his sudden burst of anger, Reuben felt a surge of fear, his face drained of color. In his experience, the prince seldom displayed joy, making his furious outburst all the more unexpected.
After all, Russo had only been involved with an ordinary woman. Surely, it didnât warrant such fury?
âYour Highness, itâs my fault for not disciplining him properly. If my son has erred, Iâm prepared to shoulder all the blame!â Reuben knelt on the floor, presenting an image of righteousness.
âCan you handle that responsibility?â Rufus, abruptly seizing a handful of letters, delivered them with a swift slap to Reubenâs face.
The force sent Reuben sprawling. His face was aflame. âWhatâs all this about? âPerplexed, Reuben gathered the scattered letters and began to examine them.
The deeper he delved, the more his panic intensified. His entire body shook like a sieve, with cold sweat forming.
âNo way! This canât be ⦠Itâs impossible!â Reuben shook his head repeatedly, utterly unwilling to believe what was unfolding.
The letters laid bare the transgressions of the Vern family, encompassing not just his son Russo but also numerous influential members, even detailing Reubenâs misdeeds.
From embezzlement to murder, every crime was explicitly listed. Many of these deeds he had long forgotten, only to find them now on Rufusâs desk.
What was happening? Why had Rufus resorted to agents to investigate the Vern family? Had he made any mistakes?
âReuben, do you understand now? Do you have anything left to say?â Rufus demanded sternly.
âYour Highness, spare me! Spare me, Your Highness!â Wide awake to reality, Reuben knelt on the floor, frantically begging for mercy.
His head banged against the floor with each word, even if it meant bleeding and no respite.
Finally grasping why Rufus was so furious, the Vern familyâs myriad crimes could lead to their complete annihilation now that it was exposed.
âSpare you?â Rufus scoffed. âWhen the Vern family was committing those murders and arsons, did you think of sparing the lives of innocents?â
âYour Highness, I acknowledge my mistake! I promise to reform. Please, considering my many years of dedicated service and hard work, show mercy!â Reuben, still bowing, begged desperately, intertwining apologies with emotional appeals.
He knew today marked a catastrophe for him. He didnât hope for complete safety. He just wanted to preserve his life.
âYour Highness, Mr. Linden is here!â A guard abruptly entered, bowing to report.
âBring him in!â Rufus ordered coldly.
âUnderstood!â The guard acknowledged and swiftly departed.
After a while, the slightly hunched Ambrose entered with a submissive demeanor.