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."

cruelly, savoring

them; what's done is done. I'm grateful you made this possible. Sophia would've never caved

couldn't let such a rare

man eyed Gilbert

With your reputation, you could easily have your fun without tying

drag from his vape, his eyes gleaming

But first of all, I always get what I want. And I made a promise to the media years

to toss her aside once she turned out to be

among his followers,

one of

a man like you would let us share a bed with a top

and generosity-Mr. Guise, we'll follow you

soaked it all in, drunk on their praise, his ego swelling with every word.

"What about the

nodded. "I've confirmed everything with

like the headlines say," he continued, "the Montclaire family is barely hanging on

Sophia as her last hope to restore the family's name. Especially now that Sophia's best friend, Lyra, just became

she'll have the influence," another chimed in. "Better lock

"Mr. Guise, didn't you previously consider marrying Jasmine Kingston? Whatever

underway.

over?" asked another man,

a million dollars,

my room. Perfect for a sex

situation. Imagine having that

Gilbert said, eyes cold

ruthless ambition.

Kingston?"

but he's desperate. That spoiled brat has run out of money, willing to do anything for cash-even

nove

understood?"

Guise," one of the men assured confidently. "You've always treated

his glass, smiling widely. "Then let's toast

and the room filled with sinister laughter and applause, the celebration echoing

one of the hotel's most exclusive bars

room, her mother Florence at her

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

her

saved me from that humiliating accusation. I'm here

only shot at fixing this mess. Consider tonight your

a silent vow-Sophia would

his usual swagger, flashing a smile as he called for

room like a politician at his own victory