The Almighty Dominance

There were ten stacks of crisp $100 bills neatly arranged inside the bag-$100,000 in total.

Josephine stared at the money, her eyes wide with shock.

"Well, that's quite a sum," Alex remarked casually. "Looks like they regretted their actions."

Josephine snapped the bag shut and thrust it back toward him.

"We can't accept this."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "And why not?"

"Because it's dirty money!" she exclaimed.

"They earned it by selling drugs, extorting innocent people, forcing others out of their homes. Who knows what other terrible things they've done? I won't have any part of it."

Alex studied her resolute expression.

Despite her obvious need, her principles remained unshaken. "Maybe we should ask the old lady inside. She might have some advice."

Inside the modest house, Ruth, the elderly woman in the wheelchair, eyed the money spread out on the table.

"I'm sorry, Alex," she said softly. "We can't accept this kind of money."

"Why not?" Alex frowned. "Money itself isn't evil. Politicians and businessmen use funds like this all the time and live comfortably. The children here desperately need help."

But both Josephine and Ruth stood firm.

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Alright then, let's look at it differently-the money isn't for you or the orphanage, at least not directly."

Josephine looked puzzled. "What do you

mean?"

"It's a payment to me," he explained. "Compensation for my time and effort in dealing with their boss."

He gathered all ten stacks from the table, his gaze turning serious. "I'm a good citizen. I served my country, pay my taxes, and try to do the right thing. When I make mistakes, I seek forgiveness. So, I'm a decent person."

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a glance, taken aback

to the orphanage," Alex continued. "Coming from someone like me, there's no reason to turn it

at each other, uncertainty flickering

pause, Ruth finally

eyed the remaining $20,000 in Alex's hand. "And

"Consider it a processing f*e. Dirty money in, clean money

her voice laced with

that, she turned on her heel and

watched her go, then turned to Ruth. "Do you think

softly. "On the contrary, I think she might be starting to like you." “Really?” He arched an eyebrow,

arms. "It's been so long since I last saw you. Over a decade, isn't it?

moved closer,

my own?" she replied, her eyes misting. "How is

light laugh. "That old rascal? Still

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reached up and touched his cheek tenderly. "Have you told Josephine who

She doesn't seem to

you keep it that way?" Ruth

"Why?"

a lot of resentment toward you," Ruth explained. "She

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looked away, guilt flickering across

softly. "For ten years, she you'd return and take

// Dedy

never

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in the war," he said quietly. "It was chaotic. I couldn't

childhood promise, wasn't

sighed, recalling that distant memory-their shared words, the innocence of youth. "I didn't

it meant everything," Ruth said. "I tried to help her move on, to let go of the hope that was holding her

I'm here now," he

written in water, but the scars they leave

acknowledged, "but she's ed.

in

"Engaged?" Alex shocked. (1

hold it against her,"

He's been a great help to the orphanage. Josephine feels indebted to him. That's why