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...

her for a moment. "Alright. I'll keep

Alex a

over letting Megan smash the bucket of flowers and confronting him about her growing suspicion that his three-

end,

she spun on her heel

they love the most, because they expect them to heal the

unopened bottle of wine clutched in his hand like a

back, once,

embers remain,

living room hummed with layered voices, and the scent of a catered feast

Ashford-seated in what

Florence Lancaster's scathing gaze

elders waiting,"

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

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

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

2

kid."

jealousy

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

Today's

Chapter 1/4

lavishly decorated wine box for all

this out. Marco just dropped by with a Domaine de la

leaned forward,

Romanée-Conti? That's one of those outrageously

bet," Marco said with a self-satisfied

a 2005 vintage, and it

erupted

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

Marco with a mix of surprise and pride. "Good heavens,

admonishing tone, she

now the suitor she had her heart set on for her

the concern with a dismissive

got another whole barrel of this at home.

on him with

you're

wonderful

until Florence finally turned her gaze on

wasn't about to miss an opportunity to take

or two from Marco, huh? Look at the fine wine he's brought. I bet whatever you have came straight from the

with a swift kick to

but

what Alex brought," he said, voice dripping

tore open Alex's wine box, revealing a

would you look at that?"

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 than a couple hundred

the Lancasters-let

had. We wouldn't foist them off on our stable

cheapskate!" Florence exclaimed, her lip curling in

fake high-end labels on their bottles to

into buying trash just so he

up."

18

*

know they're cheap or take when you've never even tasted 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 isn't everything," Alex answered. "And you have no chte what these bottles

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

"

yet here you are, trying to save your sorry

"He's

spat.

explaining good wine to those who won't taste it

for silence. "That's enough. What matters

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