The Almighty Dominance

Alfred Kingston shook his head slowly, his voice edged with disdain.

"Alex, I'll admit you have courage. But the line between bravery and stupidity is razor-thin."

"And right now, you're nothing but a fool who doesn't even know his own limits. You're nothing-worthless. You're not even qualified to be our enemy."

Alex's gaze was unflinching. "Mr. Kingston, a man is meant to be destroyed, not defeated."

Alfred's lips curled into a bitter smile. He exhaled sharply, then barked, "Fine! Very well! You're fearless, I'll give you that. If you want to be destroyed, so be it."

"But for the sake of our past ties, I'll give you one chance. Stop seeing Jasmine. Cut all ties with her, and I won't hold this against you. But if you persist, you'll face the consequences. We will crush you. Now get out."

He rose from his chair, his body language final-conversation over.

Alex rose to his feet and walked toward the door. After a few steps, he stopped and turned. His voice was calm, deliberate.

"Mr. Kingston."

Alfred's eyes narrowed. "What? Have you changed your mind?"

Alex shook his head. "I will never change my mind. But because of our past connection, I'll say this. Your health is failing. I doubt you'll last another week."

The words hit like a hammer. Alfred's brow furrowed, his voice harsh. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Alex's gaze hardened, cutting like a blade. "Your skin is dark, your pupils clouded with a sickly hue. If I'm not mistaken, you've been poisoned."

Alfred snapped back, fury and disbelief flaring.

"Nonsense! You think you can scare me with cheap tricks? Just because you're a doctor, you want me to beg for my life? You underestimate me!"

"Mr. Kingston," Alex's voice was grave, steady. "I'm not joking. This isn't a normal poison. Within a week, it will flare up, and when it does... it will kill you."

"Enough!" Alfred roared, refusing to hear more. "Get out of my sight."

"I've done all I can," Alex said quietly, then walked toward the exit. But as he opened the door, he froze. Charles Kingston stood in the doorway.

Alex's eyes flicked between father and son. A dry smile touched his lips. "So... father and son are back on the same side?"

are

but blood is

I

blocked

"I want you to deliver

for what doesn't

"What are you talking

state of Paris," Charles hissed. "She has no right to sit

shot back, "She has documents showing the Guise family gave her everything. It's her

"And I have information she caused Guise's death. A

if she's unfit to be governor... who's more fitting?

his voice sharp

it right. When I kill you and finish Guise's revenge, his last will gives

the absurdity. He turned to

two support this madness? You

cold and

has every right to become governor. And I

wants to kill me, Alfred. That

gaze shifted to Kelly. "And you?

flinching. Her voice

means Sophia goes down, then yes, I'll support him. He's a

Alex's chest. He stared at

them behind. Hours later, Alex stepped into the dim light outside

stretched above him, stars scattered like distant fires, but none of

his mind heavy

Kingston, Lyra Thompson, and Sophia Lancaster-all allies, building

that dream was

side with Charles in his

fate tangled in his schemes-her marriage promised to

held slipped through his fingers like

that remained was disappointment,

"Alex."

the silence. He turned and saw