The Almighty Dominance

Inside his office.

Bernard slouched in his plush leather chair, puffing cigar smoke toward the ceiling like he owned the entire damn city-which, if you asked him, he practically did.

"Hey, Mr. Bernard," Viper began, voice laut. "Any chance that scrawny Kid confessed yet?"

Bernard snorted, a cruel grin twisting his jowls.

"Confess, not confess-doesn't make a damn bit of difference. That clueless little runt'll talk soon enough. They all break under pressure in the end."

Viper rubbed a hand over his mouth, "You sure? If I were you, I'd handle him quick. Things can get... unpredictable."

Bernard slammed his meaty fist on the desk, the thud echoing off the walls.

"You telling me how to run my station? My station. My rules. I call the shots here, and don't you dare forget it."

Viper raised both palms in surrender.

"Easy, Mr. Bernard, easy. I know you're the king around these parts. I just fear the Kid has someone big in his corner. Powerful folks poking their noses in your business can turn everything upside down."

Bernard let out a barking laugh that did nothing to soften his glare.

"They can line up and kiss my boots, for all I care. I've seen plenty of folks claiming they'd take me down- haven't seen a single hero yet. You ever see a hero, Viper?"

Before the Viper could respond, a squad leader burst through the door, nearly cracking the wood with his knuckles.

"What's so urgent you gotta break my damn door?" Bernard growled, cigar clenched between yellowed teeth.

"Sir, the Lancaster family wants Sophia Lancaster's bail set at two million," the officer reported, swallowing hard.

Bernard made a noise somewhere between a bull snort and a laugh.

"Two million? Is that a joke? Raymond's offering ten, and I'm not in the habit of trading gold bars for pocket change. Tell 'em to shove it unless they come back with something better."

retreated, but moments later returned, face pale. He hovered at the threshold like he'd rather be anywhere

darkened. "The hell do you

just got a call from Ms. Jasmine Kingston. She says we nabbed the

vanished, replaced by a flicker of

long moment,

he turned his gaze to Viper, beads of sweat glistening on his

certified nightmare. That woman's a walking nuke-money, power, the works. Christ, you

1/3

Chapter 195

eyes bulging in denial. "Don't pin this on me! I had no clue she'd waltz into

cigar, but he managed

deal with it. If she's sniffing around, I'll deny we ever

leader to deliver his lie-tell Jasmine they had no Alex

the second the guy

glanced at the caller ID. "Alfred Kingston," he muttered voice

unease.

Looks like the entire Kingston

phone to his ear. "Mr. Alfred! Long

11

Alfred hissed. "I'm only calling for one reason. Did you arrest a young man

out strangled. "Alex? No, why would I- Are you sure my men

screw around, you bloated blowhard. Release him immediately, or I swear, I'll cut you off for

into a fist, nails digging into his palm.

some incompetent rookie happened to nab a random kid, I'll

warning you: if a single hair on his head is harmed, I'll see to it you and your entire miserable bloodline

came the

stared at his phone, heart slamming

got Jasmine and Alfred Kingston breathing down my neck, all for that stupid Kid. Didn't you say he was a nobody, Viper? You worthless piece

sweat pooling at his temples. "There was no hint- I swear, no one mentioned anything