The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 315

Alex sat on the very edge of the rooftop, legs dangling over the ledge, a half- empty glass of wine resting in his hand.

Alone, high above the sleeping city, he was lost in his thoughts as the night wrapped around him.

The moon hung low, casting silvery shadows that danced across the concrete beside him.

Far below, the homeless huddled around small fires, their laughter and chatter drifting faintly upward.

Even with their hardships, they seemed content, savoring simple moments together.

Yet Alex stood isolated, tormented by indecision.

Life seemed straightforward enough—people ran from pain and chased after happiness.

But when wounds reopened again and again, each scar dug deeper into the heart, turning memories into haunting nightmares.

He sighed deeply.

Could there really be happiness with Sophia Lancaster?

He used to believe so. But every time he reached for her, he came away more battered, more broken.

Just when he found the strength to walk away, she'd whisper a promise of happiness—just enough to chain him again with that maddening, cruel hope.

'Woman... ahhh.'

"Hey! What are you brooding over up there?" Josephine's voice pierced the quiet from below.

"Just trying to figure things out," Alex called back, without turning.

"Mind if I join? I could use a taste of that wine."

"Be my guest."

Josephine swiftly scaled the roof, nimble as ever. Snatching the bottle, she took a swig and instantly widened her eyes

"Holy hell! This must cost a fortune! I've never tasted anything like it."

Alex smirked, "You speak like a connoisseur."

Josephine laughed heartily, wiping her mouth.

"Hardly. First sip of wine in my life. Orphans like us never have the luxury. Seriously, what's this worth?"

Alex shrugged nonchalantly, "Maybe ten grand."

"What?!" Josephine gasped, nearly dropping the bottle.

"Ten grand? Think how long that could feed the orphanage!" She eyed the half- empty bottle regretfully.

"Is this still worth anything?"

"It's worthless now, you've contaminated it," Alex teased, watching her shocked expression.

"Dammit, Alex, warn a girl first! Did I ruin something precious?"

me," Alex said quietly. "Jasmine gave it to me. Money

then defiantly

pretend I didn't know its

nudged him playfully. "You know, Alex, you're a lucky bastard. Jasmine's the governor of Vancouver; Sophia's the new CEO. Two of the city's greatest beauties, and they're both smitten with you.

"Why do you

pretending. With women like them, you're set for life. No worries, no struggle. Fancy cars, luxury,

gravely. "Ever heard the saying? A hero can't resist beauty, a beauty can't

women, and women

her eyes

torn between two dazzling

Jasmine's sweet and charming. Damn, even

Alex snapped, frustration breaking

lose everything for a woman. But women? They never lose themselves.

to a somber whisper, drifting on the night breeze. "And that's the tragedy, Josephine. Love makes fools of men, but

swirling the amber liquid in his glass, his

got to women-every scrap of strength, every dime-and women take it, sure enough, without daring to

eyes snapped wide, glittering with

just a damned prostitute? If you're gonna shell out cash expecting feelings served up on a platter, you better stick to hiring a woman

four ragged men clustered around a sputtering fire, their laughter and rough singing drifting through the night

at those homeless guys. They got nothing-just scraps of food-but look at 'em. They're happy because they're sharing what little they have. That's what

voice grew rougher, edged with bitter

safety, a home-and suddenly, it's all just expected. It becomes 'normal. Women start to believe it's simply a

his face. "Is that

a weary sigh, heavy with

are creatures of feeling, too. They might never beg for love, Jo, because they're conditioned from

doesn't mean they

cracked slightly, betraying an

will see them, appreciate them-love them. But the closer people

are

without a word of complaint. They protect the ones they love,

her

to be loved," Alex murmured, staring deeply into the crackling firelight below, "but men? They are born to be broken-because only in

closer, slipping her arms around Alex and gently patting

sudden tenderness caught

softly, her voice thick with emotion, "you're the strongest man I've ever known. You've stood your ground against

sake."

felt his tense shoulders relax under her touch, a rare warmth flooding through him as Josephine laid her head gently

touched his lips as

are excellent actors, Jo. Men hide their

admit weakness. They'd rather break into ashes than

to be

suddenly burst out laughing, holding her sides as if a forgotten

sharp with

now?"

softened her expression, eyes warm

Alex, not at all," she said quickly.

forgotten suddenly

her warily. "And what's

her wine, eyes distant, gazing into memories