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

is fragile, and... I don't want him to know

her for a moment. "Alright. I'll

casting Alex a

the bucket of flowers and confronting him about her growing suspicion that his three- day disappearance might have involved another woman-a thought that only stoked

end, instinct

her

most, because they expect them

his

at Sophia's back, once, they

only embers remain, scattered by the

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

face-Marco Ashford-seated in what should have

Florence Lancaster's scathing gaze

keep your elders waiting," she snapped, each word dripping

clash. "Careful, Mom," he drawled, feigning

spread through the gathering, thick as fog, until Abraham Lancaster's booming voice cut through with a genial

beckoned Alex with a welcoming grin. "Come sit beside me, "Sure," Alex replied, managing a polite smile as he helped the old

2

kid."

glowered, jealousy flaring in

muttered, baffled at his grandfather's fondness for someone outside

Today's

Chapter 1/4

wine box

Marco just dropped by with a Domaine de la Romanée Conti

forward, eyebrows

Romanée-Conti? That's one of those outrageously pricey labels,

Marco said with a self-satisfied

baby's a 2005 vintage, and it set

erupted

the Lancaster clan, a $100,000 bottle of wine was the stuff of

of surprise and pride. "Good heavens, Marco. That's a bit excessive, don't

admonishing

Marco was now the suitor she had her heart set

waved off the concern with a

I've got another whole barrel of this at home. It's my pleasure to

family descended on him

you're

a wonderful

until Florence finally turned her

to take a

boy, why don't you learn a thing or two from Marco, huh? Look at the fine wine he's brought. I bet whatever you have came straight

punctuated her mockery with a

but forced

he said,

tore open Alex's wine box, revealing a old

would you look at that?" Jack

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

We wouldn't foist them off on our stable hands, let alone

exclaimed, her

wineries slap fake high-end labels

Maybe Alex got duped into buying trash just so he could pretend

up."

18

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them?" Jack rolled his eyes and scoffed, "You're not seriously comparing your penny ante plonk to Marco's six-figure wine, are you?" "Sometimes price

yapping?" Jack said with a spiteful grin. "Face

"

you are, trying to save your

leaned back, arms crossed. "He's nothing but a stubborn

spat.

just sighed. "No point explaining good wine to those who

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

like to try this older bottle. Sincerity counts more