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.

priceless artifact. "Here it is the

his voice cutting through the tense air in

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

snapped, "Florence, control your

him a warning glare as she fumbled for her wallet. With a

7/3

Chapter 212

card,"

smirked with smug satisfaction. "Go ahead, Sister

then, a shout from the doorway turned every head in

woman's voice rang out. "That Verdantheart

couple

behind Clara, stiffened in

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

got Jasmine. Now Kelly too? Unbelievable,"

all the

her polite smile vanished

the greatest threat to Alex's affection-a

to Alex and Kelly. "What luck.

sneered, mostly out of envy. "Alex, you can't be satisfied with one girl, can you?

the

that your shouting outside?"

"It was me. Boss," she addressed the

was sharp. "You think you can waltz in and claim it? Who do you think you are? I've already paid half

urgent need. Would you be willing to do us a favor?

I look broke to you? I'm

shopkeeper. "Half a million, right?

murmur rippled among the other customers, and

"You're intentionally trying to

Clara. "This herb is worth