The Almighty Dominance

Clara squared her shoulders, staring down the skiny shopkeeper with unwavering confidence.

"What's with that look?" Clara demanded. "Think I can't afford whatever it is I want? Just name your price."

The shopkeepet taised his hand, spreading five skinny fingers. "If you truly want it, I won't stop you. But it'll cost fifty grand."

"Fifty grand?" Florance eyebrows shot up. "Half a million dollars? You must be crazy. What do you think this stuff is-gold?"

Florence's mind spinning at the amount. She had guessed it would be high, but hearing the price out loud made her stomach drop.

"The price is fair at half a million," the shopkeeper said firmly. "Trust me, this is the best deal you'll get. Quality comes at a cost."

Florence tried a gentler approach. "Is there any way to lower it a little? That's... steep."

But her plea only seemed to irritate him. "You must be new here. Our store's called The King of Herbal for a reason. We don't do haggling. If you want to bargain, go haggle with the Grim Reaper when your time's up see if he cuts you a deal."

He exhaled sharply. "Take it or leave it."

"But-"

Florence was about to speak again when Clara cut her off.

"Enough! Sister Florence, don't make a scene. It's just half a million dollars. We're buying it." Clara rolled her eyes. "Haggling over such a precious item...have some pride."

The shopkeeper's tense demeanor vanished, replaced by an eager grin. "I like that spirit, Miss."

He disappeared behind the counter. "I'll fetch the Verdantheart Root right now."

Jack, standing near his mother, shook his head. He scoffed, Pride, huh? If you so proud, why don't you use your own money?"

Clara narrowed her eyes at him. "Florence, you should teach your son some manners. I'm offering you all a chance to profit, yet he acts ungrateful. No wonder he's always a failure."

The shopkeeper returned, hands wrapped around a large wooden box.

on the counter with the care of someone handling a priceless artifact. "Here it is the Verdantheart Root. Feel free to inspect it.

flatly, his voice cutting through the tense

money, why don't you buy it yourself?" Jack added,

"Florence,

enough!" Florence hissed, shooting him a warning glare as she fumbled for her wallet. With a sharp

7/3

Chapter 212

card," she

smirked with smug satisfaction. "Go ahead, Sister

a shout from the doorway turned every

a woman's voice rang out.

on a couple stepping

who'd been standing behind Clara,

you doing here?" She caught sight of Kelly clinging close to him, and a

already got Jasmine. Now Kelly too? Unbelievable,"

all the

and her polite smile vanished into an

the greatest threat to Alex's affection-a

disdainful gaze flicking to Alex and Kelly. "What luck.

can't be satisfied with one girl, can you? Jasmine's not enough, so

the newcomers with thinly

your shouting outside?" she asked

addressed the shopkeeper pointedly, "we

in and claim it? Who do you think you are?

you be willing to

snapped. "Do I look broke to you? I'm not about to beg for your

million, right?

rippled among the other customers, and

intentionally trying to start trouble,

Clara. "This herb is worth