The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 171

Florence and Jack glowered by the window, practically brimming with poisonous contempt as they tore into Alex's name.

"I swear to God," Jack hissed, slamming his palm on the table, "the world's gone completely insane if that incompetent asswipe actually owns this hotel."

Florence leaned forward with a vicious glare, her words dripping with venom. "You're telling me. That leech is just mooching off Jasmine's good graces. Without her pity, he'd be homeless, rolling around in his own filth somewhere."

Jack gave a low, humorless laugh,

eyes brimming with envy

"He probably crawled on all fours, begging like a stray dog to get this place under his name. And don't even get me started on the 'man-whore' shtick-if I wanted to stoop that low, I'd blow that loser out of the water. At least I've got a shred of dignity."

Florence scoffed. "Ha! Don't flatter yourself, Jack. No one can sink to Alex's level. He's the champion of freeloaders. Now, Charles-there's a real man: young, shrewd, polished. Didn't have to sell his soul for success."

Jack nodded so aggressively it looked like his head might pop off.

"Right? If that shameless con artist Alex hadn't wheedled his way into Jasmine's life, Charles would be ruling Vancouver."

"You said it," Florence agreed, voice ringing with disdain. She shot Charles an approving look. 1

"Honestly, Charles, you're at the prime age for marriage. Why not settle down with Sophia? You could crank out a baby, and Alfred Kingston would probably roll out the red carpet for you. Instant promotion to top dog in Vancouver."

"Mom, are you for real right now?" Sophia all but growled, shooting her mother a lethal glare. "This conversation is completely out of left field."

Florence threw her hands up. "Just a little dose of reality, sweetheart. Marry Charles, pop out an heir, and watch him become the new king. It's simple math."

Sophia opened her mouth to snap back, but Charles lifted a hand gently. "Alright, let's not let our food turn into ice. Relax and enjoy the meal."

His words worked, at least momentarily. Florence and Jack stuffed their faces, seething commentary on pause for the sake of food.

A short while later, Florence dabbed daintily at her mouth with a napkin. “Jack and

I have business to discuss. We'll leave you two... alone." She gave Jack a meaningful side-eye.

"Uh-huh," Jack said, rising abruptly.

They scuttled away, smirking like they were leaving a 'Do Not Disturb' sign behind.

With them gone, Charles leaned closer to Sophia. "I really am sorry about the mess I made with that Lancaster Kingston partnership. I know it caused a stir. Let me make it up to you."

in her eyes. "It's water under the bridge, and you've already straightened

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Chapter 171.

curled into a smirk, just shy of a genuine smile, "Gilad to hear that. By the way, I recall you did some modeling before? I was quite the admirer. And as your mother said,

What does?" Sophia asked.

Maybe if I do those, my father would finally

for a way to steer

to use the restroom." She

his gaze brimming

of white powder from

reeked of

few tables over, Alex was lingering discreetly when

for that guest," the waiter murmured. "I just saw him

hardened. "You're absolutely

anxiety lacing his voice. "Clear as

to Alex, narrowed

feet, expression grim. "I need to step in. You two go

Sophia returned from

spiked wine, his smile practically

leaving. I've

Charles replied airily, taking a long gulp of his own drink

lips-only to be halted by a sharp voice

drink that if

toward them. "What's your deal now?"

spiked it. Don't let that trash get

Alex and Charles. Charles's expression faltered momentarily before slipping into an innocent grin. "Oh, here

ready to lunge at him. "You and I both know what

"Sophia, do you really believe I'd stoop

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Chapter 171

chewed on her lip, feeling torn. "Alex, got any

waiter by his side. "He saw

the tension. He stabbed a finger in Charles's direction. "I literally watched you pour something

kind of thin, Alex. I mean, you just have this guy's word. He

make this up? If you need a full-blown CSI

let out