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

of hesitation crossed her face.

his gaze. "Just humor me

toward a waiting taxi and whisking her straight into downtown

boutique with dizzying price

heart nearly stopped the second

"are these people out of their minds? That dress

unbothered. "Pretty sure that's

you out of your damn mind?" Josephine blurted, eyes blazing

know what that kind of money could do? That could feed an entire orphanage for two months!

marching out of the store in stony silence, her lips

hit her, a bitter, mocking laugh

eyes dark with

be nice," she said, voice laced with quiet

be real nice to live in a world where money's just something you waste... instead of something you fight

down the street until Josephine spotted a more wallet- friendly store-jeans and shirts ranging from

emerged triumphantly moments later, a small bag in hand and a

satisfaction, Alex decided to up the ante

thousand-dollar entrée prices sent

floor. She snatched his arm again and dragged him

running in

it a restaurant is an insult to real thieves."

hands into his pockets, unruffled. "But I

it."

could've melted steel. "You're

so

you have money? You're not

?"

my bank account's

the block. "Fine. In

The plates are a little pricey, but

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Chapter 163

were relaxing in a park near the slums, digging into Franklin BBQ's

of spices and smoked meats curled

took one bite, closed her eyes, and just about

my God," she moaned, practically inhaling

for ages. You might've just made

through the tall trees. Alex found himself watching

her lips curved into a soft smile, how the light in her eyes shone when she

glances.

demand luxuries or soak in attention; a good meal and

kind of beauty that turned heads

in their conversation and the easy comfort of

than he could ever spend. Cars, penthouses,

But this?

Josephine-the way her laughter spilled into the air, the way her eyes lit up over the smallest

happiness like it was something you could buy, something waiting behind glass windows and neon signs. But happiness wasn't out there,