The Almighty Dominance

"Alex, what the hell's wrong with you? So you saved the old man-good for you. That doesn't mean you get to "treat us like garbage!" Florence spat, practically shaking with rage.

She glanced at Sophia, her eyes flashing with worry.

If Alex dares to talk to my daughter like this, how long before he's stepping on my entire family?

"You think we're all beneath you now just 'cause Grandpa owes you his life?"

Alex answered with a dismissive snort. "At least I did something. All of you just stood around twiddling your thumbs while he was halfway to the grave. That's on you. Maybe try having some shame next time."

Florence's face turned an unpleasant shade of purple. "You. You ungrateful little- Don't go thinking you're suddenly this big shot! You're still nobody compared to our family."

Before the shouting match could ramp up into fists flying, Abraham's gravelly voice cut through like a razor.

"Enough! Both of you, shut it. You're making fools of yourselves. Florence, take the others and get out, I need a word with Alex-alone."

Florence glared one last time, then stomped out, dragging half the crowd with her.

The moment they were in the hall, the whispers turned vicious:

"You think Old Man Lancaster's changing his will or something? Why else would he want that punk alone?"

"God, I hope not. Jack's his actual grandson! Alex is just some nobody. Grandpa's losing it in his old age!"

"Shh, shut up... He's already made it clear he favors that guy for some weird reason. With our luck, maybe the entire family fortune's going to him next."

A sudden ringing cut through the gossip. Jack glanced at his smartwatch. "Sorry, that's my buddy. Gotta run."

Sophia's eyebrows shot up. "Where are you going?"

Florence sighed, exhausted. "Where else? Some bar. When has he ever been useful for anything besides guzzling beer?"

"Tch, yeah, real responsible," Sophia muttered darkly. With a brother like Jack, no wonder Grandpa seemed more impressed by Alex.

Inside the hospital room, Abraham leveled a grim look at Alex. "Thank you for helping me out."

Alex folded his arms, "You're not the type to roll over that easily. Someone must've gone to serious lengths to slip you poison. Any idea who?"

Abraham closed his eyes, his expression turning stormy. "Charles Kingston."

had a feeling. He's got his claws out

fists clenching against

with her two days ago, spouting some nonsense about wanting to marry her. I told him to buzz off. Next thing I know, I'm coughing up

exhaled, frustration edging his

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luck convincing your family. Half of them think he's some business savior. They're practically rolling out the red carpet,

sank into uneasy

still in her business attire, panting

Something bad's

Sophia asked,

bar-Paradiso, I think-and he's gotten into a fight. He's drunk off his backside, and he's in real danger.

"Who dares lay a finger on my son? I'll kill

winced. "I, uh... I heard he started the fight.

"He's my brother. Let's

family in their wake, each of them ready to

of the

voice crackled on the other end. "Yo, Alex. I found that five-hundred- year-old Wild American Ginseng you wanted. Are you free right now?

eyes lit up.

"Paradiso Bar. Come quick."

I'm

Bar half an hour later-only to spot the entire Lancaster

eyes. Can't I go anywhere without running into

huge crowd had formed around the barstools, half gawking at the spectacle, half acting

commotion? Jack and his ragtag

black eyes, others clutched bloody noses, looking like they'd gone twelve rounds with a freight train. Sophia pushed through, her voice tight with anger. "Jack,

at the sight of his sister. "Sis! Thank God! You gotta help us! They

blazing. "My boy! Which worthless scum touched you? Point 'em out! I'll tear 'em to

a shaky finger toward

in a slinky red dress sat sipping her

the younger man beside

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Chapter 187

spat on the floor in front