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

health is fragile, and... I don't want him

studied her for a moment.

Alex

lingered there, torn between admitting her guilt over letting Megan smash the bucket of flowers and confronting him about her growing suspicion that his three- day disappearance might have involved another woman-a thought

end,

spun on her

the ones they love the most, because they expect

his

Sophia's back, once,

remain, scattered

of a catered

landed on a new face-Marco Ashford-seated in

Lancaster's scathing gaze locked

your elders waiting,"

previous clash. "Careful, Mom,"

gathering, thick as fog, until Abraham Lancaster's booming voice

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

2

kid."

glowered, jealousy flaring in his narrowed eyes.

at his grandfather's fondness

Today's

Chapter 1/4

wine box for

Domaine de la Romanée Conti Grand Cru. We ought

leaned forward, eyebrows

those

bet," Marco said with a

2005 vintage, and it set me

room erupted with

$100,000 bottle of wine was the stuff of fairy

Marco with a mix of surprise and pride. "Good heavens, Marco. That's a bit excessive,

admonishing tone,

now the suitor she had

concern with

got another whole barrel of this at

descended on

you're unbelievably

wonderful

puffed up with each compliment, until Florence finally turned

to take a jab and make him

learn a thing or two from Marco, huh? Look at the fine wine he's brought. I bet whatever

mockery with a swift

winced but forced a

what Alex brought," he said, voice dripping

open Alex's wine box,

would you look at that?"

he might bring something remotely 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 more

of the Lancasters-let

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

a cheapskate!" Florence exclaimed,

cheap wineries slap fake high-end

Maybe Alex got duped into buying trash just so

up."

18

*

rolled his eyes and scoffed, "You're not seriously comparing your penny ante plonk to

still yapping?" Jack said with a spiteful grin. "Face it: you re too broke

"

attention, yet here you are, trying to

crossed. "He's nothing but

spat.

point explaining good wine to those who

hand for silence. "That's

to try