The Almighty Dominance

Inside the locked room, Florence paced anxiously, her mind racing faster in these past thirty minutes than it had in the last three years.

Panic gnawed at her chest as she frantically searched for a way out-for herself and her precious son.

Suddenly, the lock clicked, and the door swung open.

Florence turned sharply as Ricardo, their family lawyer, stepped inside.

"Ricardo! Thank God!" Florence rushed toward him. "You have to understand- didn't plan any of this. James didn't kill anyone! You must help us!"

Ricardo set his briefcase down on the table and sat across from them, his expression grim.

"I'm doing everything I can."

Florence grabbed the table, her knuckles white.

"Ricardo, this is a huge mistake! We shouldn't even be here!"

"Listen carefully, Mrs. Lancaster," Ricardo said calmly.

"This isn't about guilt or innocence anymore. If the authorities say James killed that girl, then in their eyes, he's guilty."

Florence stared at him in disbelief. "What are you saying? Where is the justice in that?"

Ricardo sighed deeply.

"This isn't about justice. Innocent or guilty, once the police decide, it's done. It's all part of a game, and right now, we're losing."

James slammed his fist on the table. "I didn't do it!"

"Believe me," Ricardo's voice fell to a weary whisper, "some of the men locked up are innocent. It doesn't matter. They'll still rot behind bars for decades."

Florence's face drained of color as the reality sank in.

Prison meant a lifetime behind those cold, iron bars-no escape, no hope.

"Ricardo," she pleaded desperately, eyes brimming with tears, "please, tell me you've found something. Anything!"

Ricardo hesitated briefly, then leaned forward.

"I have found one way out for both of you. But I'm not sure you'll agree to it."

Florence's eyes brightened urgently. "What is it? Tell us!"

"The officer handling your case is on Gilbert Guise's payroll. If Guise tells him you're innocent, the charges will vanish."

"Guise?" Florence frowned. "You mean Gilbert Guise, the son of Herbert Guise, the governor of Paris State?"

Ricardo nodded solemnly. "Exactly."

Florence's heart sank. "But I don't have any connection to him."

Ricardo raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because that's not what I heard."

you hear?" Florence's

leaned back, studying

Lancaster was spotted having dinner with Gilbert Guise just last night. It's

he once said

Florence froze, stunned.

up with Charles Kingston, only to watch that pathetic fool

Gilbert Guise-he was practically

a state far richer and more

it would be the greatest triumph

eyes. "If that's true, then this will be easy. Sophia can

Ricardo shrugged uncertainly.

Sophia outside. She seemed hesitant almost unwilling-to

slammed her hand on the table, making everyone

need to talk to

Sophia stood reluctantly in front of her

sharply, wasting no time, "call

uneasily, looking

this. I'm working on it another way. I

give him a

Florence's voice rose dangerously.

end this nightmare right

"I don't

hand. "Then give me his number!

determination blazing in her

phone and dialed Guise's number, her hands trembling

Gilbert? This is Florence Lancaster-Sophia's mother. Listen, my son

pull some

voice came back cool and

Florence, I'd

I'm still

body stiffened, and she

had run

women would kill to share

deeply regrets what happened," Florence

about you two have another date tonight? I'll personally make

softly, clearly

your son. But make sure Sophia herself calls me-I certainly won't

of course," Florence

way, Mr. Guise, didn't you once say you wanted to marry Sophia? Do

still feel that way?"

softened with

love nothing more

seized the opportunity immediately. "Wonderful! Don't worry, she'll

laughed, his tone

true, I'll start preparing the wedding this

pressed further, desperate to lock down the deal.

it this