The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 140

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"Why?"

*1 Just wondered because Kelly's been gone too," she said, her ton clipped.

An uneasy silence hung between them. Then she continued, "Anyway, Kelly just updated me about the Charles problem-my brother."

"And?" Alex prompted.

"I need to handle this on my own--no help from my father. It's a kingston family issue, and if I don't confront him directly, Charles will never respect me. Think of it as my final test before I can truly step into my role in Vancouver. Just promise you won't say anything to my father."

"Are you sure?" he asked, eyeing the empty shoreline where the helicopter had departed.

"I have to be. Besides, I know you're close to my father, but let him stay out of it. If I fail, Lfail on my own terms."

Alex exhaled. "Fine. I won't tell him."

Jasmilte hesitated. "I may still need your help. Can I call if things get rough?"

"I'll help if I can," he said, though his thoughts wandered to the chaos that could erupt if the new king used Kingswell's resources to quash any opposition.

With the country already teetering, they couldn't risk a civil war.

His watch buzzed again-Sophia calling. He clenched his jaw, muttering, "No rest for the wicked."

"Where the hell have you been?" Sophia's voice snapped through the speaker.

"You vanish for three days, phone off, no explanation. Were you off with some woman?"

He stifled an exasperated groan.

'How is it that women always seem to activate their psychic senses at the worst moments?'

"What do you want?" he asked, his tone sharper than intended.

She paused, clearly still fuming. "It's my grandfather's birthday celebration today. Are you coming or not? We've been waiting. And do you even have money for a gift? If not, say the word-I'll send you some."

Alex glanced around his private villa, his gaze settling on an exquisite bottle of vintage wine-a costly token he'd once received from a grateful patient.

"I have something suitable," he replied.

"Don't show up with some cheap knockoff," Sophia bit out, then hung up without waiting for a response.

Before he could catch his breath, his watch lit up again: Lyra Thompson.

"Where have you been these past three days? You're not answering your phone." "What do you want?" he said, annoyance flaring.

"I'm out of miracle pills," Lyra explained calmly. "Do you have more? My clients are asking."

"Yeah, I can get some to you," Alex agreed. The need for money was growing urgent he had too many goals to reach, and fast.

There was a pause before Lyra asked, "Alex?"

"Yes?"

"Did you sleep with any girls in the last three days?"

Alex sighed deeply, muttering under his breath, "Not again..."

That evening, Alex made his way to the Emerald Villa-a sprawling estate hidden

behind ivy-covered walls and manicured grounds.

He found Sophia at the entrance, tapping her foot impatiently.

"We need to talk," she said curtly.

He braced himself. "So talk."

She lowered her voice, refusing to meet his gaze. "I haven't told Granddad about

divorce. His health is fragile, and... I don't want

moment. "Alright. I'll keep

casting Alex a look heavy with

flowers and confronting him about her growing suspicion that

the end,

word, she spun on her heel in mounting frustration and

most, because they expect them to heal the wounds

followed her, the unopened bottle of wine clutched in his

looked at Sophia's back, once,

only embers remain,

with layered voices, and the scent of a catered feast mingled with an underlying tension unique

face-Marco Ashford-seated in what should have

the room, Florence Lancaster's scathing gaze locked on

elders waiting," she snapped, each word dripping

Jack, chipped in, brandishing a bandaged arm from their previous clash. "Careful, Mom," he drawled, feigning concern. "Wouldn't

fog, until

that everyone's finally here, let's eat." He beckoned Alex with a welcoming grin. "Come sit

2

kid."

jealousy flaring in his narrowed

at his grandfather's fondness for someone outside the family

Today's

Chapter 1/4

a lavishly decorated wine box for all to

Domaine de la

forward, eyebrows

those outrageously pricey

bet," Marco said with a self-satisfied

vintage, and it set me back a cool hundred

room erupted with shocked

a $100,000 bottle

pride. "Good heavens,

her admonishing

suitor she had her heart set on

off the concern with a dismissive

I've got another whole barrel of this

descended on him

you're unbelievably

wonderful treat

with each compliment, until Florence finally turned her

an opportunity to take a jab and

huh? Look at the fine wine he's brought. I bet whatever you have came straight from the bargain bin. Don't be such a

punctuated her mockery with a swift

but forced a

see what Alex brought," he said, voice dripping

Alex's wine box, revealing a

look at that?"

decent, but no. These labels are practically prehistoric-and not in a good way. I'd wager these sad little craft brews aren't worth

of the Lancasters-let out a sneering

whatever value they once had. We wouldn't foist them off on our stable hands,

exclaimed, her

these cheap wineries slap fake high-end labels on their bottles to

buying trash just so

up."

18

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his eyes and scoffed, "You're not seriously comparing your penny ante plonk to Marco's six-figure wine, are you?" "Sometimes price isn't everything," Alex answered.

with a spiteful

"

you are, trying to

arms crossed. "He's nothing

spat.

explaining good wine to those who won't taste it

raised his hand for silence. "That's enough.

not its price tag. I'd like to try this older bottle. Sincerity