"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"

Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.

Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.

If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.

But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground.

"I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly.

"O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out.

"Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.

Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h