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.

"Here it is the Verdantheart Root. Feel

cutting through the tense air in the cramped shop. Clara's face

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

snapped, "Florence, control your

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

7/3

Chapter 212

card," she declared

satisfaction. "Go ahead,

a shout from the doorway turned every head

rang out. "That

on a couple stepping inside: Alex

behind

of Kelly clinging close to him, and a pang of

Kelly too?

all the

spotted Sophia, and her polite smile vanished into an

her mind, Sophia was the greatest threat to Alex's affection-a woman

gaze flicking to Alex

one girl, can you? Jasmine's not enough, so you've

meanwhile, sized up the newcomers with

your shouting outside?"

Boss," she addressed the shopkeeper pointedly, "we need that Verdantheart Root.

can waltz in and claim it? Who

Would you be willing to do us a favor? We'll pay double whatever

snapped. "Do I look broke to you? I'm not

the shopkeeper. "Half a million, right? I'll

the other customers, and the shopkeeper's eyes lit

bristled. "You're intentionally trying to start trouble, aren't

turned her gaze on Clara. "This herb is worth a higher price. I'm just