The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 338

Sophia couldn't grasp why Alex was treating her so harshly.

Didn't he realize she'd given up everything just to ensure his safety?

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to think positively. Perhaps the military ordeal had left him shaken and unsettled.

Maybe he was just hurt, emotionally raw.

She stepped forward cautiously, eyes full of concern.

"Alex, what's wrong? Are you injured? Do we need to get you to a hospital?" Her voice trembled slightly with genuine worry.

Alex stared back incredulously, unable to fathom her thinking.

How could she be standing next to another man yet still pretend to care about him?

Was there something seriously wrong with her head?

He glared, bitterness coloring every word, "I'm perfectly fine, Ms. Lancaster.

Thank you very much for your concern. But maybe you should worry more about your date. Your boyfriend deserves your full attention."

"Boyfriend?" Sophia glanced nervously at Gilbert, instantly realizing the misunderstanding.

She turned desperately back to Alex. "No, Alex, you've got this all wrong. We're just friends."

Gilbert's expression darkened, eyes narrowing sharply.

"Friends? Sophia, we're discussing marriage seriously. At the very least, I'm your fiancé."

"Gilbert, please-" Sophia pleaded.

"No, Sophia, you listen to me," Gilbert cut her off coldly.

"You made a promise. Laura has already fulfilled her end of the deal. Are you really going back on your word after everything she's done?"

Sophia's heart sank painfully. She stared pleadingly at Alex, her mind reeling.

The deal she'd struck with Gilbert and Laura was the only reason Alex was safe

now.

And if they had fulfilled their obligations, she had to honor her side of the bargain. With a forced smile masking deep anguish, Sophia gestured toward Gilbert.

"Alex, let me introduce Mr. Gilbert from Paris. He has a close relationship with Laura. You got out so quickly thanks to..."

hesitated, almost confessing her sacrifice, but stopped short, unwilling

his

idea what you're trying to imply here, but neither

stepped forward fiercely, her

for what

snapped

proof is standing right here—Alex is free because

head slowly, his voice dripping with

what fantasy you've invented in your head, Gilbert, but you're seriously overestimating

hesitated, confusion

trusted Lyra deeply, yet logically, Lyra, a fallen noble like herself, had no power to

son of the Governor of

spoke

him this way? Gilbert

clenched as anger surged through

Sophia-I never asked for anyone's help. You can't force gratitude from me for something that never

you or Gilbert anything. You did nothing,

slammed her foot on the before forcing

blazing

such a scene,

scene?" Alex

from his seat. "Am

arm tightly. Her voice trembled

into you? I already told you, Gilbert and Laura helped you. Why

you?" Alex spat the words like venom, wrenching his arm

me. They lied to you,

help you, Alex!" Sophia protested fiercely, desperation

Sophia,” Alex snapped back, fury

chose to believe their lies over me. Don't drag me back into your twisted little

heart sank, guilt flooding

painfully, reminding her how often she'd doubted

had promised herself she would learn to trust Alex. Yet, now she was

sacrifices truly meant

I do believe

Alex's voice was raw with emotion,

you really trust me, you'll

Laura, forget whatever crap they've sold you. Just come with me

eyes flickering uncertainly

for Gilbert, gratitude

Alex when no one

she really

was