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."

the bridge, and you've already straightened it out. Let's not dig it all

1/4

Chapter 171.

just shy of a genuine smile, "Gilad to hear that. By the way, I recall you did some modeling before? I was

What does?" Sophia asked.

chuckle. Maybe if I do those, my father would

way to

use the restroom." She practically fled

her walk away, his gaze brimming with predatory

small packet of white powder from his pocket,

whole gesture reeked

over, Alex was lingering discreetly when

as you instructed, I've been keeping an eye out for that guest," the waiter murmured. "I just saw him with Miss Sophia... he put

features hardened.

nodded, anxiety lacing

seated next to Alex, narrowed her eyes. "Is there a

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

exact moment, Sophia

the spiked wine, his smile practically oozing false warmth. "Sophia,

she said flatly. "But after this, I'm leaving.

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

her lips-only to be halted

that

around and saw Alex marching toward them. "What's

at the glass in her hand. "Charles spiked it. Don't let that trash get the better

in confusion, her gaze ping-ponging between Alex and Charles. Charles's expression faltered momentarily before slipping into an

and I both know what you did, you

to Sophia, his face an expert mask of wounded innocence. "Sophia, do you really believe I'd stoop so low as to

2/4

Chapter 171

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

to the waiter by his side. "He saw

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

her arms. "That's still kind of thin, Alex. I mean, you just have

come on. Why the hell would I make this up? If you need a full-blown CSI

let out a shaky