The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 143

Marco raised his spoon and rapped it smartly against the rim of his wineglass.

A bright, ringing note sliced through the air, snapping heads around to face him. He cleared his throat, letting the hush settle. "Folks, I have some damn good news," he began with a wide, self-assured grin.

"I made a killing today, and I want to celebrate with all of you."

The crowd stirred, excitement flickering in every eye.

Florence straightened in her seat, practically brimming with curiosity. "Well, don't keep us in suspense, Marco! Spill it already!"

With exaggerated pride, Marco leaned forward. "I just sunk my entire fortune-one hundred million dollars-into a stock. In a week, that investment will shoot straight to a billion."

Gasps rose around the table. Jack nearly choked on his drink, eyes bulging. "A billion? Are you out of your mind?"

"Oh, I'm in my right mind,” Marco retorted, his tone smug.

"It's Vermont National Life Group-Vermont's top company. Jericho Kane owns it, and everyone knows him. This isn't some rinky-dink operation."

Florence nodded so vigorously her curls bounced.

"Of course we know it. Vermont might be another state, but National Life Group has made headlines everywhere. It's enormous. Pays hefty dividends, too-just as big as Kingston in Vancouver."

A faint buzz ran through the group.

Someone spoke up with uncertainty. "But isn't Vancouver under Kingston's state laws? As far as I know, Vancouverites can't invest in out-of-state companies."

Marco's grin widened, like a wolf that just spotted easy prey.

"Not anymore. Vermont National Life is about to open a branch here in Vancouver. They'll start selling stock locally for the first time. Right now, the shares go for only ten bucks a pop, but once the official launch hits, I'm betting on a tenfold-no, maybe twentyfold-jump."

Jack narrowed his eyes, still skeptical. "You sure about that?"

Marco, as if letting them in on a grand secret, lowered his voice.

after the announcement, "You know my ties to Charles Kingston, yeah? He just signed the approval papers for Vermont National Life to enter Vancouver. By tomorrow morning, it'll be front-page news. I threw in my entire hundred million. Believe me, those shares will explode in value."

A hush hung over the gathering, thick with tension and greed.

Jack finally broke the silence. "Marco... think you can help me get in on this?" Marco drummed his fingers on the table, feigning hesitation.

"Oh, I don't know. Normally, it's forbidden. But since I'm tight with Charles Kingston and Jericho Kane-two of the biggest power players around-they'll let me buy as many shares as I want

"If you want a piece of the action, I can sneak you in before the price goes through the roof. You'd be considered a new investor, and trust me, you'll be rolling in money when it all goes up."

That lit a fire under the group.

as they jockeyed for Marco's favor.

a million!" Jack practically shouted, slapping his palm

do five million!" Florence's eyes shone with

me up for

me-I'll scrape

in

out took hold, turning rational

set his gaze on Sophia, giving her a smooth, almost

the party? I

Her hesitation was palpable.

the hard way never to

breath. "I appreciate the offer, Marco. But I have to be cautious. My current dealings with the Kingstons- and the whole Chris Roland fiasco-have left me on

creeping in. "Don't compare Chris Roland's bumbling nonsense to Marco's business savvy. That's

moment, softened his

money is safe. If this deal goes south, I'll personally give every cent back. Now, how much have

the weight

is company money,"

with triumph. "Perfect. Honestly, you'll only have it in there for a week-maybe less. Once the official news hits in three to five

her a bright, almost desperate smile. "Don't be a fool, Sophia! This is the kind of

nodding vigorously. “Mr. Ashford's looked out for you

exhaled in a long, theatrical sigh,

believe in me, invest in National Life. If not,

in a hundred million of my own money. You really think I'd risk

hesitated, glanced around, then exhaled. "Alright...

his help, and refusing him now would

face.

the deal sounded genuinely

moment, Marco's gaze shifted like a hawk to Alex,

want a piece of the pie? Minimum buy-in's a million, but for Sophia's sake, I'll let you in with just

to sit on the sidelines looking

didn't even

flickered across Marco's face, but his eyes brimmed with

Chapter 143

matter? Don't have the cash? Or maybe you're

to see a good deal staring you

face?"

not interested in a

the festive buzz

crowd

in that moment they all wondered if Alex knew something they didn't-or

hardened as though he hadn't heard Alex