The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 134

The previous night.

A restless moon hung over Vancouver that night, casting a pale glow across the cramped apartment block where Marco Ashford arrived in a breathless rush.

His heart thudded louder than his footsteps, though he kept his face carefully composed.

Inside, Florence stood in the faint hallway light, her cheeks streaked with tears, her shoulders trembling.

"Florence, what happened?" he asked, mustering his best tone of concern.

She clutched at his arm, her grip so tight it hurt.

"Marco-oh God-my daughter! They took Sophia! You've got to help her!"

Marco forced a sympathetic frown, fighting the guilt that coiled in his stomach.

"Who took her?" he asked quietly, even though the answer was already gnawing at him.

He'd sold Sophia's address to Hans, and the shame of that betrayal pressed like a cold stone against his chest.

Florence's voice cracked, her tears renewing. "I-I don't know. It was so fast. Please, Marco-you have connections, you can do something!"

He nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Take it easy," he said softly, sounding smoother than he felt. "I'll call my people. I promise they'll find Sophia. Nothing will happen to her."

Florence let out a shaky breath, clinging to his reassurance as though it were the only thing keeping her upright.

"Thank you," she whispered, eyes red and desperate. "You are the only one I believe."

Stepping aside, Marco pretended to dial a number, anxiety tightening his gut.

Returning to her, he wore the mask of a grim messenger.

"I got some news," he said heavily. "Harlan Drake is after Sophia because of Alex. He attacked Drake's prince. Jasper's in the hospital." He paused, letting the gravity of the words sink in.

"Drake's out for blood."

Florence's knees nearly gave out. "My baby... my Sophia..." The heartbreak on her face made Marco's throat close up.

"Don't worry," he lied, gentling his voice. "I've got people on it. She'll be safe, I swear." As he spoke, the hope twisted his

stomach.

Part of him silently wished the entire mess-Alex, Sophia, all of it would just vanish.

His life depended on it.

When the axe entered the forest, the trees said, "The handle is one of us.'

Elsewhere in Vancouver, the tension was a physical thing, crackling through the air like static.

At one of Harlan Drake's nightclubs, about thirty men stomped inside, assault rifles drawn and ready.

wearing a harsh scowl, confronted the two guards at the

said,

guards exchanged uneasy

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Chapter 134.

men, but they weren't stupid. Most of Drake's

"This is Harlan Drake's territory," he said,

claim it?"

across the intruders'

leader snarled: "Join us

beading on his forehead. "Same salary

Carlos's men said, shrugging. "Suit up

Drake's nightclub

new crew waged a swift, brutal takeover across the

his security building, then his many shady

location given the same three options: submit, flee,

the

carnage and betrayal filtered back to Hugo, one of Drake's most trusted

Mansion, he paced like a caged

slamming his fist on car door. "They will go down

stand the reports any longer, Hugo marched

twice,

forcing the door

>>

on the rug, eyes vacant, blood trickling

even breathe. He walked to Harlan's

whispered, though

felt for

he choked, as if saying the word would

appeared, breathless

coming with Kingston's crew. We need to-"His words

he spotted Harlan's

his face into something

blurted, stumbling

the hall before Hugo could stop him, his voice echoing through

"Hugo killed the boss!"

burst through the front doors, broadcasting his accusation to the crowd

dead! Hugo did it!" Hans shouted, fear and

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Chapter 134

reaction was immediate-a ripple of shock and confusion

mob.

are taking all

"The police are coming with Kingston's people! Five

panicked swarm, eyes darting left and right for an escape route. One cry cut through the mayhem: "Who's gonna pay

That sealed it.

their lives

bursting, the crowd broke

scrambled for their bikes, their cars, or the safety of dark

but here.

hopelessly watching as the kingdom he'd dedicated