The Almighty Dominance

The next day, the headlines screamed across every state:

Jericho Kane, governor of Vermont, his wife Lidia, his sister Beatrice, and five doctors-every one of them dead from poison.

The news tore through the country like wildfire.

Because the poison in their bodies was so lethal, there could be no funeral. No open caskets.

No mourning ceremonies. The bodies were cremated quickly, the ashes carried away, erased from the earth.

Out on one of the family's massive yachts, Bella stood at the bow with Alex beside her.

The sea stretched endless and cold.

She held an urn, her father's ashes swirling in the wind before falling into the dark waves.

Her face was dry, untouched by tears. Her lips moved softly.

"Goodbye, Father."

Alex studied her in silence.

After a long pause, Bella turned, "You're wondering why I don't cry?"

"Maybe," Alex said.

"I cried enough yesterday," she answered flatly.

"And I remember what Father told me... If the day came that he died, he wanted me to smile. To smile at him, and tell him he had been a good father."

Her mouth twisted into a wide, forced grin.

She raised her voice against the wind.

"Thank you for being my father! You were the greatest! Even when I went astray- when I hurt people you stood by me, cheering me on. You were insane, but you were insane with love for me!"

Her chest heaved as she spoke louder, her words thrown into the sea.

"You left me with wealth beyond imagination, with the governor's seat that men would kill for."

"You were the craziest father anyone could ask for, and now I'll take it from here." "Go on your next journey without worry-I'm strong enough to conquer this world. I'll make a legend of my own, and when I die, I'll tell you about it.”

"I'll even bring you the grandchild you always wanted to see."

Alex caught the glint of moisture in her eyes. She tried to hide it, but the sea wind betrayed her.

Bella Kane, strong and unshaken, was still her father's daughter-and no smile could mask the storm inside her.

"Father, I promise you this-within two months I'll take Los Angeles from Alfred Kingston's hands. And when I do, I'll build your statue in front of the Governor's Office," Bella said cutting through the sea breeze.

Alex gave her a crooked smile. "That's one hell of a promise."

"I've already started," Bella replied without hesitation.

Alex drew in a long breath. "Tell me, Bella-do you hate the King for choosing your father as Governor? It caused his death faster."

Bella's lips curved into a soft smile. "The night he was sworn in, I saw his face light up like a boy again. He was genuinely happy. It was the best thing that ever happened to him."

"Losing the governorship a year ago was his deepest regret. Even if he only held the seat for a few days, I saw it-the peak of his joy. For that, I thank the King. He gave my father his last, brightest moment before death."

Her voice turned fierce. "My father was the kind of man who'd rather ride a rocket and die in a blaze of glory than live a long life on the ground with nothing to show for it."

'It is not length of life, but depth of life.'

Alex turned his gaze toward the horizon. "The Kingstons are already attacking you in the media. They're saying you'll never be able to govern Vermont. What do you make of that?"

my father since I was ten.

the 250 IQ."

Vermont within a month of taking

laughed. "Please. I could manage that in a week if

tell me, Bella-will the wild Bella burn Vermont

She knew her past was pure chaos-reckless, violent, and out of

a child anymore.

gone wild in their

the land. "This state-Vermont-was my father's heart. He built it for decades, poured everything he had into

I can say I cherished what he cherished. And I want Alexis and Isabella to see their grandfather's legacy

off. "Who are

sure. Her

"...Our son and daughter?"

look so

long I've been a father without

owe them college

Angeles. Alfred Kingston's

was heavy with cigar smoke and the faint

sat at the head of the long oak table,

Alfred said coldly. "And I don't believe young Bella Kane can govern

Soon every corner of social media will

Kelly, you will strike back and claim the governorship

silent, her mind trapped

in her thoughts-Bella on the yacht,

a thousand

answer had echoed across Vermont: "I promised my father-I will only marry Alex.

And Kelly remembered.

remembered her own promise to her

His

even listening? If

Jericho.

།

We still have the same poison that ended Without her, you

silent, her lips

swung hard,

like a gunshot, echoing

spat. "My father is speaking, and you dare ignore

cheek flared with pain, the sting

whispered, "I'm sorry. I had too

Charles's hand

for yourself,"

my father and I tell you. Never forget who raised you when you

I'll do

was ice, his eyes filled

your friends there Build an opposition party. Hit Bella Kane from every side-attack her weaknesses never give her peace Do it without

"Yes, Father," Kelly answered.

care of it immediately,"

and dragged her out of

outside was colder, darker, but Charles's

against the wall and clamped a hand around

my mistress," he hissed. "Next time, listen when my father speaks. Don't you

"Yes," Kelly gasped.

eyes gleamed

party tonight.

and Vancouver. Line them up for me. I'll choose my wife from them." Content

s

voice trembled. "But your allowance from Father is already gone...