The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 218

Jack felt the blood rushing to his head, ready to let loose a storm of expletives.

His shoulders were tense, fists clenched by his sides, when Florence stepped between him and the inevitable

disaster.

"Jack, enough!" she said, her voice cutting through his fury

"Clara's your aunt. You're going to show her a bit of respect. She came all the way from Vermont, and this birthday bash could help her make some connections. Let her head out with Charles and Sophia."

Jack's glare shifted from Florence to Clara. "Oh, I heard it loud and clear, Mom. Helping dear old Auntie Clara rub shoulders with Miss Kane-great plan. Let me know when can book my slot to kiss her ring."

Clara raised her chin and smirked. "See that? I'll be on the fast track to the high life once I befriend Miss Kane. Maybe I'll toss a few crumbs your way too!"

That was the match on Jack's fuse.

He slammed his open palm down on the edge of an antique vase, rattling it violently. "Do us all a favor, Clara, and don't make promises you can't keep," he growled.

"Jack, watch your tone," Florence snapped.

"My tone was fine before your precious sister showed up," he spat, then stomped off, slamming the door so hard the walls vibrated.

Ever since Clara's arrival, the spotlight had swung from him to her.

Meanwhile, Charles had arranged a limousine to pick up Sophia and Clara.

Outside, the car was sleek and polished under the porch lights.

A private hangar awaited them, where a gleaming jet stood ready to whisk them away.

They sank into the limo's leather seats, the city lights spinning past tinted windows.

Charles cleared his throat. "Sophia, right, I almost forgot." He reached into his blazer and pulled out an ornate jewelry box. "I thought you might like this for the party tonight."

Clara's eyes glittered with curiosity.

reveal a delicate diamond necklace-somehow both understated and

said softly, though her discomfort was obvious. "But I already have something from

a casual smile.

him off. She snatched the box in a flash, practically shoving it under

attention. "A little

and awe. "Why would you turn down something so precious? Charles, put it on me just so I can see how

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Chapter 218

for his response, she held out the necklace Her eyes shone

Charles's movements were hesitant.

to offend either woman. But Clara's eagerness left no room for

and clasped it

batted her lashes. "Well, Charles, how does it

uncomfortably, hands settling in his lap. "It

course it's nice," Clara interrupted, flipping her

overly sweet smile. "Don't worry Charles. Sophia can take it back from me after the party if she wants.

wasn't worried about the necklace itself-she hated how Clara could twist a simple offer into something cringingly

back now," she said, voice

rolled her eyes. "Relax, dear niece. It's just for one night. Don't be

calm. "It's not about

"We're all family. And Charles here is so generous. Why would I waste

a woman necklace- less, especially on a big night. And later, you can

felt a surge of protective anger clamp her heart. She knew Clara's game: promise to return something later," only to magically

how Clara stepped all over people's

you will make the best speech

opted

apologetic, then returned to Clara with

clear he

jet, a pristine white aircraft

immediately scooted closer to Charles, filling the flight with her laughter, coy touches,

an ivy, eager for his

out the

thought. Clara's a

the air, they