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.

harsh scowl, confronted the two guards at the

said, voice low and menacing. "You gonna stand aside,

guards exchanged uneasy

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Chapter 134.

weren't stupid. Most of Drake's crew had been diverted

cleared his throat. "This is Harlan Drake's territory," he said, stepping back. "You think you can just walk

claim it?"

sneer flickered across the

snarled:

hesitated, sweat beading on his forehead. "Same salary as Harlan?" he asked, a pitiful attempt

Carlos's men said, shrugging. "Suit up with us, or get

nightclub

new crew waged a swift, brutal takeover across the

loan shark office went under, then his security building,

the guards at each location given the same three options: submit, flee, or bleed

chose the

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

the Harlan's Mansion, he paced like a caged

slamming his fist

to stand the reports any longer, Hugo marched to Harlan's

twice, but got no

forcing the door open,

>>

froze, his stomach lurching. Harlan Drake lay on the rug, eyes

long moment, Hugo couldn't even breathe.

though he already

for a

as if saying the word would

Hans appeared, breathless

The cops are coming with Kingston's crew. We need to-"His words died

when he spotted Harlan's

his face into something

Harlan!" he blurted,

Hugo could stop him, his voice echoing

"Hugo killed the boss!"

giving chase, but Hans burst through the front doors,

dead! Hugo did it!" Hans shouted,

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Chapter 134

of

mob.

"Carlos's men are taking all our bases!hey're

voice yelled, "The police are coming

a panicked swarm, eyes darting left and right for an escape route. One cry cut through

That sealed it.

weren't about to risk their lives for

a dam bursting, the

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

but here.

as the kingdom he'd dedicated two decades to crumbled before his