The Almighty Dominance

Ten minutes later, Charles emerged, a chillingly composed smile etched onto his handsome face, his attire immaculate once more, betraying no hint of the destructive storm he'd just unleashed.

But beneath his polished exterior, Charles burned with an insatiable hunger for revenge.

He had to triumph this time—especially considering the astronomical losses he'd inflicted upon his mother due to the failed SkinDews venture, which had bled nearly half a billion from their coffers.

Charles knew he had to act fast; his financial lifeblood was slipping away.

Pulling out his sleek phone, Charles quickly dialed one of the managers from Kingston.

His voice was coldly decisive, leaving no room for hesitation: "That offer you gave me—I'll accept. Meet me immediately in the meeting hall."

The voice on the other end responded hastily, anxiety apparent. "Right away, sir. I'm coming to you."

A few moments later, a lean, cunning-faced man with narrow eyes approached Charles, bowing obsequiously.

It was Hans, the fox-faced manager of Kingston Pharmaceuticals.

From a discreet distance, Alex watched warily, sensing the sinister conspiracy brewing between the two men whispering furtively in the shadowy corner.

Yet Alex could effortlessly read their lisping speech and understand every word they meant to say.

Hans leaned in close, his voice a cautious whisper dripping with discontent.

"Sir, our new chief has gone completely mad. For products barely a few points below standard, he's ordered thousands of perfectly good boxes destroyed. You wouldn't believe how much inventory we've wasted this month alone, simply because of his obsessive need to impress Miss Jasmine."

"How many exactly?" Charles inquired sharply, his eyes narrowing greedily at the possibilities unfolding before him.

Hans hesitated briefly before answering softly, "About ten thousand boxes, sir. Elixir Vitae, our high-profit product-though the company insists on discarding those hundred thousand bottles, calling it a negligible loss, we employees see clearly that this chief has no real business sense. He only cares about impressing Jasmine Kingston."

"That's exactly why I call you Sir-you're far better than Jasmine, no doubt about it. You understand this better than anyone else."

Charles's eyes shimmered with the cold glint of ambition. "Tell me, just how substandard are these batches?"

Hans leaned forward, voice low and quick.

"Hardly at all, sir. If our top-grade products score a solid nine on quality, these would be an 8.9—maybe a seven at the very worst. Still highly effective, no real danger or concern."

from slight temperature inconsistencies during production. The machines sometimes swing a few degrees off the standard. That's what

expression twisted

usable stock over the tiniest flaw-just to look good in front of Jasmine. It's not about quality anymore-it's about showing off. We're trying to make money, and

leaned in, voice

We can offload these 'imperfect' batches to you- quietly, no paperwork-for just ten percent of their retail price. You flip them,

greed fueling his thoughts. Ten

predatory smile; finally, fortune was within his

A few minutes later.

toward Clara's

going?" Charles asked, voice strained with discomfort. "Sorry about stepping out earlier, family issues. Did they talk

her eyes shadowed with

she began softly, "it seems like they're not willing to give you a distribution license. Major markets like Los Angeles and Vermont already have competitors lined

his frustration boiling beneath

listens more to Alex than she ever has

my own sister into my enemy.

voice faltered, shoulders slumping under the emotional

swear, sometimes it feels like I'm the only sane person left in this

did I ever do wrong, Clara? Why does Alex despise me? I got close to Sophia, yes—but Alex already has Jasmine. Why must he punish me and reduce me to

hand gently covering Charles', warmth and understanding

You're a good man, and good men eventually find justice. Let me see what I

cracked slightly, vulnerability

my

his weariness and

bottle," Clara whispered reassuringly, stepping away toward the refreshment area, filled with complimentary

grasped two cold bottles, another hand brushed

aren't you?" a low, cautious

sizing

explained quietly, his voice edged

and it isn't right. Jasmine and Alex are treating him

her

slightly, his voice dropping

production

of about ten