An Understated Dominance

“Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves.

“Austin said with a faint smile.

Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?

“First, I investigated Mr. Langdon’s assets and income sources,” Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table.noveldrama

He explained firmly, “His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings.

“Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask-where did all this money come from?”

The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.

Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.

“Langdon, is this what you call being upright and innocent?”

Austin flipped through the documents and barely skimmed them before tossing them at Langdon’s feet. His words landed like a punch to the gut.

“No! This is impossible. Someone is framing me!” Langdon barked, kicking the papers aside. But the forced bravado in his voice did little to hide his unease. “I’ve always served with integrity. How could I possibly be involved in corruption? Every bit of this is a lie.”

“You didn’t even look at it. How do you know it’s fake?” Axel sneered.

“Hmph! Everyone knows how your enforcement team twists the truth. Even the most innocent person would become a criminal in your hands. Your so-called evidence is completely unreliable,” Langdon snapped.

“So, you’re saying none of these assets Axel mentioned belong to you?” Austin raised an eyebrow.

“Of course not! They have nothing to do with me. This so-called evidence is fake.” Langdon remained defiant.

“Okay. Since these assets aren’t yours, they’ll be confiscated.” Austin glanced at Axel.

Axel grinned. “I’ll send someone to take care of it.”

Langdon’s lips twitched, but he didn’t dare protest.

With tens of billions in assets built over the years, he would be lying if he said it didn’t hurt when they were about to be confiscated. But for now, he had no choice but to swallow his bitterness in silence.

As long as he kept denying it, he was safe. But the moment he admitted it, he’d be finished.

To him, wealth was just something to be gained and lost. As long as he wasn’t caught, he could always rebuild his fortune through corruption.

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

“The assets are just one part of it,” Axel replied. “Despite his age, Mr. Langdon has maintained quite an active personal life.

He has eight mistresses and has fathered 17 illegitimate children. Some are already adults, while others are just learning to walk. The annual cost of supporting them is no small sum.”

“Oh?” Austin’s gaze shifted toward Langdon as he spoke with a cold, insincere smile. “He’s nearly 70 and still has so many children. Impressive.”

“You… You’re spouting nonsense!”

Langdon’s face flushed red as he scrambled to defend himself. “I have only one wife and one son. Where are all these illegitimate children coming from? This is pure defamation.”

“Mr. Langdon, you’re truly heartless. You won’t even acknowledge your own children?” Axel scoffed. “Why don’t we do a paternity test and see if you’re telling the truth?”

“Nonsense! Why should I entertain such ridiculous accusations?” Langdon turned his head away in defiance.

“Since these women and children have nothing to do with you, our castle will take them in,” Austin said with a faint smile. ” Axel, arrange for them to be brought to the castle, and ensure they are properly cared for-no mistreatment or negligence allowed.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” Axel responded immediately and began issuing orders to his subordinates.

“Hold on!”

Seeing how things were escalating, Langdon could no longer hold back.

Losing his assets was one thing-there were always ways to embezzle more. But if his children were taken away, that would be the end of his bloodline.

“What is it, Mr. Langdon? Do you have something to say?” Austin asked.

“There are plenty of social welfare programs. Is it really necessary to bring them to the castle?” Langdon frowned.

“That’s not for you to worry about,” Austin replied with a smirk. “After all, they have nothing to do with you, right?”

“I…” Langdon was at a loss for words.

His assets were confiscated, and now his children were being taken from him. If this continued, he’d be left with nothing.

“Axel, continue.” Austin snapped his fingers.

“Yes, Your Highness!” Axel nodded and took out another stack of documents.

He continued, “Besides corruption, I’ve also uncovered Mr. Langdon’s dealings with various officials. Here are the ledgers detailing those transactions. Your Highness, please have a look.”

Axel handed the ledgers to Austin.

Austin skimmed through them before tossing the ledgers at Langdon’s feet. ” Care to explain? And don’t even try to deny it-every entry here is in your own handwriting. Let’s see how you talk your way out of this one.”