The Almighty Dominance

"Mother," Sophia pleaded desperately. "Please don't make me do this."

But Florence stayed on her knees, gripping Sophia's hands tightly.

"Sophia, for God's sake, I'm your mother! I know what's best for you, whether you see it now or not. One day, you'll thank me for this."

Sophia's eyes filled with tears, blurring the world around her.

The happiness she'd longed for was finally within reach-so close she could almost touch it—yet fate snatched it away like a cruel joke.

Why did it have to be this hard? Why did love with Alex feel like a battle she was always destined to lose?

Hadn't she already paid the price in tears and silence? How much more did she have to bleed just to be happy?

"Sophia, I will stay here on my knees until you agree," Florence declared stubbornly.

Jack also followed his mother and start kneeling.

"Sister, are you really going to abandon your own family? Do you have no heart left to save us?"

"We're not asking you to die-we're asking you to marry Gilbert Guise. He's going to be the future governor of the Paris State. Can't you see what that means? This is your chance to secure everything-for you, for us. Or would you rather watch us all fall?"

Florence added, "Sophia, if your heart is cold enough to watch us rot in prison, then maybe I should just end my life right here with Jack. At least that would be less painful than watching my own daughter turn her back on us."

Sophia took a shaky breath, heart breaking as the tears spilled freely down her face. "Fine. I'll do it..." she whispered, defeated.

She had given up for her own happiness.

Inside an exclusive bar, Gilbert Guise smirked triumphantly as Sophia's voice came through his phone.

"Perfect. I'll see you tonight. You better not disappoint me again," he warned smoothly before hanging up.

His entourage, a group of stylishly dressed men and women, erupted into applause and cheers.

"Congratulations, Mr. Guise! You're finally marrying your dream girl!" one woman praised enthusiastically.

Another chimed in with admiration. "It took a while, but nothing's impossible for you, Mr. Guise."

Gilbert's smile twisted darkly as he addressed his loyal followers. "I'll throw in an extra ten thousand each for your flawless execution."

"Thank you, Mr. Guise!" they chorused eagerly.

One man sneered, "That idiot Jack was so wasted, he never even realized what hit him."

"And that Jacqueline," the woman scoffed contemptuously.

"How dare she hide the fact she was carrying your child? She's better off dead. Let that fool Jack take the blame."

chuckled cruelly,

made this possible. Sophia would've never caved if I hadn't had her

rare beauty slip

blond man

reputation, you could easily have your fun without tying the knot. You're already legendary with 299 women. Why

from

question. But first of all, I always get what I want. And I made a promise to the media years ago—I'd marry her. So I will. At

her aside once she turned out to be

and cheers exploded among his followers, eagerly celebrating

one of them shouted

let us share a bed with a

and generosity-Mr. Guise, we'll follow

every word. He stood there like a king among

of the men. "What about the task I gave you

the man nodded. "I've confirmed everything with the people we planted

continued, "the Montclaire family is barely hanging on in Chicago. With Laura behind bars, the old

desperate—and now she sees Sophia as her last hope to restore the family's name. Especially now that Sophia's best friend, Lyra, just became the new governor of

another chimed in. "Better lock her down now, Mr. Guise,

Guise, didn't you previously consider marrying Jasmine Kingston?

don't worry, that plan is still underway. Charles Kingston has already agreed to

over?" asked another

million dollars, he promised

her to my room. Perfect for a

situation. Imagine having that

said,

ruthless ambition.

trust Charles Kingston?" another

but he's desperate. That spoiled brat has run out of money, willing to do anything for cash-even betraying his own sister. When the time comes, you'll help him

nove

understood?"

always treated us like family; we'll do whatever

blond man raised his glass, smiling widely. "Then let's toast to Mr. Guise's upcoming marriage

and the room filled with sinister laughter and applause, the

hotel's

in a private room, her mother Florence at

you really have to follow us everywhere?" Sophia's voice

hardened, her

accusation. I'm here to make

ruining our only shot at fixing this mess. Consider tonight

made a silent vow-Sophia would marry Gilbert, no matter the

with his usual swagger, flashing a smile as he called for every

the room like a politician at his