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

flicker of hesitation crossed her face.

in, mischief sparking in his gaze. "Just humor me for the

could protest, he was guiding her toward a waiting taxi and whisking her straight

first stop-a high-end boutique with dizzying price

heart nearly stopped the second she glanced at row of

people out of their minds? That dress is fifteen hundred

unbothered. "Pretty sure that's

damn mind?" Josephine blurted, eyes blazing as she jabbed a finger at the obscene price

do? That could feed an entire

marching out of the store

hit her, a bitter, mocking laugh slipped past her

eyes

said, voice laced with quiet

world where money's just something you waste... instead of

a more wallet- friendly store-jeans and shirts ranging from ten to

triumphantly moments later, a small bag in hand and

Josephine glow with satisfaction, Alex decided to up the ante by

at the thousand-dollar entrée prices sent Josephine's jaw

his arm

of racket are they running in there?” she burst out, eyes

restaurant is an

hands into his pockets, unruffled.

it."

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

laugh rumbled low. "Alright, so you want something simpler.

"You sure you have money? You're not just blowing

?"

promise, my bank

then pointed down the block. "Fine.

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

2/4

Chapter 163

they were relaxing in a park near

of spices and smoked meats curled around

closed her eyes, and just

is... oh my God," she moaned, practically inhaling

trying this for ages. You

park bustled with chatter, warm sunlight filtering through the

lips curved into a soft smile, how the light in her eyes shone when she was happy, how she never seemed to

glances.

soak in attention; a good meal

was gorgeous. The kind of beauty that

lost in their conversation and the easy

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

But this?

the way her eyes lit up

you could buy, something waiting behind glass windows and