The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 367

Henny was growing older, her authority fading fast since her daughter Laura— Montclair's last reigning matriarch and one of Chicago's powerful lords—was thrown behind bars.

With Laura's downfall, Henny's once iron grip on Montclair weakened drastically.

Now, one of the elders who had long opposed Laura temporarily filled the void, becoming the acting matriarch until the family officially named Sophia as the new leader.

Just days ago, everyone bowed and listened when Henny spoke.

Now, she found herself forced to kneel, humiliated and scorned.

It was unbearable.

"Florence!" Henny barked, eyes blazing with fury.

"Is this how you raise your child? Your daughter doesn't even know how to respect her elders-the very people who could lift her to greatness."

"I warned you clearly: bring Sophia back here immediately to beg my forgiveness!"

"Yes, yes, Madam Henny!" Florence stumbled over herself, rushing frantically toward the door.

By the time she reached the gate, Sophia's car was already vanishing in the distance.

"Sophia! Sophia!" Florence shouted desperately, chasing after the car until her voice cracked.

Breathless and panicked, she dialed Sophia's number, but the calls wouldn't connect.

Returning with dread, she faced Henny.

"Madam Henny, Sophia already left. Maybe she had something urgent. But I promise, the moment I reach her, I'll have her return and apologize. She always listens to me."

Madam Henny seethed, enraged by the disrespect Alex and Sophia had shown her.

Her pride had been crushed.

"Tomorrow," she hissed, standing tall, "Sophia will return to Montclair and apologize personally. If she refuses, she will never become the matriarch."

With that threat hanging in the air, Henny turned and walked away, Clarissa trailing her closely, leaving Florence and Jack bowing in shame.

Meanwhile, Alex and Sophia drove silently toward the clinic.

"You sure about this?" Alex asked gently. He knew Sophia too well; what she'd done wasn't typical of her.

"Why not?" Sophia responded firmly, eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"Because you're not the type to strike first. You're usually..."

"Always hesitating?"

"Something like that," Alex conceded softly.

change, Alex. I've got to be strong now. If I don't, everyone will

glad you changed," Alex said softly, a

car, unspoken words drifting gently between them all the way

lingered a moment, feeling

both knew there was something they needed to discuss, yet neither was brave enough to break the fragile quiet

onto his, filled with raw longing. "Can't we go back to how things

not the right time,"

Guise's widow. Maybe once you

and things settle down, we can talk

about ruling Paris," Sophia said fiercely. "All I care about

gentle smile, masking the ache in his

You'll be too busy to worry about us anyway. I'm not going anywhere." "You're

loved Sophia deeply, but true love meant setting her

from the car, watching

Paris, Florence's name

urgently. "I begged Madam Henny not

bother, Mom. I don't regret a

Even if you despise

Sophia

need you to return to Montclair and apologize to Madam

hesitation, Sophia ended the call, determined never to

her hand, utterly stunned. "Jack,

eyes narrowed instantly. "Sophia's never done

fool is clearly influencing her

right. All

flown back to

straight into work, her secretary rushing to assist her. She worked late into

mother, but

Sophia

was firm but kind. "Sophia, Montclair is under pressure from Lyra Thompson. We've finally agreed to support your claim

hesitated, suspicion creeping

knew Montclair was only supporting her to solidify their

cautiously,

Montclair is

if we

without any conflicts. There's

from Henny's

easily if you

a small

she knew was coming. "What

need me to do?"

Just a few simple words and it's done. Trust me, it's better to have her as a friend than an enemy. You'll be an excellent governor,

“Grandma, I don't think that's