The Almighty Dominance

Scarface approached Josephine with a carefully practiced smile, his voice mild yet charged with tension.

"Forgive me, Ms. Everheart. I bear full responsibility for that slob's behavior. Clearly, I've failed in keeping my people in line. I promise to make it right."

Josephine raised an eyebrow, leveling him with a cool, assessing look. "My, aren't you the picture of fairness and justice, Mister Scarface. I'm almost impressed."

He let out a strained chuckle, something guilty flickering behind his eyes. "Just doing what's right, ma'am. That manager's long overdue for a lesson in manners."

He gestured for her to head back into the office. "If you'd follow me, we can wrap up the paperwork. I'll see to it that the money's wired into your account by day's end."

Josephine hesitated, glancing at the contract on Kelvin's battered desk. "I only need a hundred thousand," she said, a cautious lilt in her voice.

Scarface dismissed her concern with a flick of his wrist.

"Trust me, it's fine. This bank is part of Mister Carlos' holdings. He's got a soft spot for needy causes-especially orphanages. He'll happily throw money at any project that helps kids get a better start."

Even as he spoke, Scarface's gaze drifted to Alex, hunting for approval.

The subtle nod Alex offered looked less like a friendly okay and more like a silent command. Scarface swallowed, forcing down a rush of nerves.

When Josephine emerged from the office, her signed contract in hand, she found Kelvin and the entire staff lined up as if they were greeting royalty-each one bowing at a precise ninety-degree angle.

She blinked, taken aback. "Alex, I've never seen a bank with... such warm hospitality."

Alex smirked. "Yeah, they're really pulling out all the stops"

Josephine sighed, checking her watch. "Well, the day's still young. I've got a few hours before my bus home.", "How about we do a little shopping?" Alex

suggested, the corners of his mouth curling up.

"Lunch too, maybe a new phone while we're at it."

Josephine huffed a laugh. "Please. I'm not made of money."

Alex flashed a playful grin. "I'll pay. I won the lottery last week."

She shot him a skeptical look. "Really?"

"I'm swimming in spare cash. Do me a favor and help lighten my wallet, would you?" He gave her a winning smile.

Josephine set her hands on her hips. "I'm not comfortable taking handouts."

Alex heaved a melodramatic sigh. "Fine. I guess I'll suffer alone, weighed down by all these bills.'

Rolling her eyes, Josephine shook her head. "You're impossible."

“Come on,” he teased, voice dropping to a gentle plea. “You spend your money on kids, helping everyone else. Let someone return the favor for once. Or are you just too proud to accept a little kindness?"

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Chapter 163

hesitation crossed her face.

mischief sparking in his gaze.

was guiding her toward a waiting taxi and whisking her straight into

boutique with dizzying

second she glanced at row

these people out of their minds? That dress is fifteen hundred dollars. And

shrugged, looking comically unbothered. "Pretty sure that's

Josephine blurted, eyes blazing as she

That could feed an entire orphanage for two months! Who the hell throws that much cash

turned on her heel, marching out of the store in stony silence,

as the absurdity of it all hit her, a bitter,

eyes dark

said,

live in a world where money's just

the street until Josephine spotted a more

practically marched inside and emerged triumphantly moments later, a small bag in hand and a grin on her

glow with satisfaction, Alex decided to up the ante by taking her

single glimpse at the thousand-dollar entrée prices sent Josephine's

She snatched his arm again

are they running in there?” she burst out,

it a restaurant is an

into his pockets, unruffled. "But I

it."

could've melted steel. "You're missing the

"Alright, so

crossed. "You sure you have

?"

my bank

then pointed down the block.

The plates are a little pricey, but nowhere near what we just

2/4

Chapter 163

in a park

and smoked meats curled around them

one bite, closed her eyes, and just about

God," she moaned, practically inhaling the rest of

You

park bustled with chatter, warm sunlight filtering through the tall trees. Alex found himself

in her eyes shone when she

glances.

luxuries or soak in attention; a good meal and decent company

she was gorgeous. The kind of beauty that turned heads without

lost in their conversation and the

he could ever spend. Cars, penthouses, designer suits.

But this?

the air, the way her eyes

could buy, something waiting behind glass windows and neon signs. But happiness wasn't