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

and... I don't want him to know

a moment.

muttered, casting Alex a look heavy

him about her growing suspicion that his three- day disappearance might have

the end, instinct trumped

spun on her heel in mounting frustration

ones they love the most, because they expect them to

followed her, the unopened bottle of wine clutched in his hand like a peace offering he wasn't sure

looked at Sophia's back, once, they burned

embers remain, scattered by the

and the scent of a catered feast mingled with an underlying

new face-Marco Ashford-seated in what should have been his chair

Lancaster's scathing gaze

to keep your elders waiting," she snapped,

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

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

eat." He beckoned Alex with a welcoming grin. "Come sit

2

kid."

glowered, jealousy flaring in

his grandfather's fondness for someone outside the

Today's

Chapter 1/4

hoisted a lavishly decorated wine box for

de la Romanée Conti Grand Cru. We ought to crack it open and

forward,

of those outrageously

Marco said with a

a 2005 vintage, and it set

erupted with

bottle of wine was

surprise and pride. "Good

beneath her admonishing tone, she practically

suitor she had her heart set

waved off the concern with

whole barrel of this at home.

descended on

Ashford, you're unbelievably

a wonderful treat for

puffed up with each compliment, until Florence finally

to miss an opportunity to take a jab and make him look

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

punctuated her mockery with a swift kick to Jack's

winced but

brought," he said,

open Alex's wine

would you look

bring something remotely decent, but no. These labels are practically prehistoric-and not in a good way. I'd

distant cousin-one of the

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

Florence exclaimed, her lip

cheap wineries slap fake high-end

buying trash just so he

up."

18

*

"How do you know they're cheap or take when you've never even tasted them?" Jack rolled his eyes and scoffed, "You're not seriously

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

"

attention, yet here you are,

crossed. "He's nothing but

spat.

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

silence. "That's enough. What matters is how

its price tag. I'd like to try this older bottle.