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.

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

voice cutting through the tense air in the

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

snapped, "Florence, control your

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

7/3

Chapter 212

pay by card,"

smug satisfaction. "Go ahead, Sister

a shout from the doorway

voice rang out.

fell on a couple stepping inside: Alex and

standing behind Clara, stiffened in

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

got Jasmine. Now Kelly too? Unbelievable," she

are all the

and her polite smile vanished

to Alex's affection-a woman she

her disdainful gaze flicking to Alex and

mostly out of envy. "Alex, you can't be satisfied with one girl, can you? Jasmine's not enough, so you've moved on to Kelly? Some

sized up the newcomers with thinly veiled

that your shouting outside?" she asked

stepped forward, chin high. "It was me. Boss," she addressed the shopkeeper pointedly, "we

sharp. "You think you can waltz in and claim it? Who do

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

you? I'm

glanced at the shopkeeper. "Half a million, right? I'll give you a

murmur rippled among the other customers, and the shopkeeper's

"You're intentionally trying to

Clara. "This herb is worth a higher