The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 77

Josephine stood over the sizzling stovetop in the restaurace Kitchen, the fauillier come of sautéed weedies and spices filling the r

With the old staff retired, she no longer had to shonides every responsibly done

Four dedicated workers bustled around her, two of whots were seasoned cocks from the pontious ownership.

In this small, strugding, marking town, gloymryd was a rare blessing, and the camaradere in the Kitchen warmed her heart.

"Hey, Jo, where did that handsome helper disappear to? I't seem khu these past few days," Stidey asked, a playful glint in her eyes as she wiped down the

commer

"How should I krw?" she replied with a casual shrug, "His ex-wife showed up, and be left with her

"Did he say if he's coming back?" Shirley pressed

"Not a word," Josephine said, a hint of infitation creeping into her voice. "Honestly, I'm considering letting him

"Oly, don't be hasty!" Shirley protested. "It's not every day we get someone that easy on the eyes around here. Give him a chance"

Josephine rolled her eyes, trying to mask her own conflicted feelings. "We'll see. Let's finish up and get out of here. There are plenty of eligible men out there for you, Shirley"

“None as handsome as him," Shirley teased, winking,

Forcing a smile, Josephine retreated to the back room to change.

As she opened her locker, she noticed a small box with a handwritten note attached. It had been there for a few days already,

She unfolded the letter:

"You're right-we poor folks have to stick together. No one messes with one of our own. I heard you're getting married soon, and I hope to be there. In case I can't make it here's a little gift for you."

She lifted the lid of the box to reveal two neat stacks of bills-$20,000 in total.

"That jerk," Josephine whispered.

"Jo, your fiancé's here!" one of the staff called from the front

"Coming!" she responded, quickly tucking the box into her bag

She composed herself and headed outside, where Carlo waited in his pickup truck.

Climbing in, she closed the door gently as he started the engine.

Carlo chatted animatedly during the drive, but Josephine found herself distant, his words fading into the background.

Her mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts she couldn't quite unravel.

As they pulled up in front of her modest home, Carlo noticed her silence. 1

"You okay?" he asked.

Chapter 77

at him, taking

with a

financial help-and his proposal-had seemed like the only option. But

I've been thinking," she began softly. "I still want to be close to my mother. She's all I

flashing across his face. "We've been over this, Jo. I

Her heart tightened.

the orphanage we just got word that a donor is planning to rebuild it back in Vancouver. Once it's

on the

Jo. Let the

a care facility. We need to focus on

shook her head, resolve hardening in her

bag, she pulled out

and placed it inside before

startled gaze. "I've added $1,500 for interest.

etched across his features.

door and stepped out. "There's no need for us to see each other

just a minute!" Carlo exclaimed, scrambling out of the truck. "You

him. "We don't have anything in

need to change to fit into my

should I be the one to change?"

the man! It's your job to

"I'm sorry you feel that

into some money? Think

restaurant?" His words dripped

she replied, turning to walk

arm tightly. "You're not going anywhere. You're my

of anger rose within

law, rebellion becomes duty.

arm free. "I'm not your property, Carlo. Even if we were married, I

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Chapter 77

shouted, his face twisted with rage

I'll

ahead. Who's going to come? All you have are a

woman who can't

toward her, trying to pull her

and fury collided within

she cried, struggling against

this a long time ago," he growled, attempting to force

all her strength, Josephine drew back her fist and struck him square

nose.

between his fingers. Breathing hard,

a sturdy wooden pole that rested by the porch, she turned to face him. "Leave now, Carlo, before I

nose