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?"

laughed, "I've been helping govern Vermont with my father since I was ten. This isn't new-it's like picking up my

the 250 IQ." Alex chuckled. "But

record, you'll destroy Vermont within a month

could manage that in a week

"So tell me, Bella-will the wild Bella burn

was

now... she wasn't a

in their younger days?" Bella

gazed out over the land. "This state-Vermont-was my father's heart. He built it for decades, poured

I cherished what he cherished. And I want Alexis and

furrowed. Something felt off.

arm, firm and sure. Her eyes

"...Our son and daughter?"

Don't look

long I've

to owe

Angeles. Alfred Kingston's private

heavy with cigar smoke and the faint

at the head of the long oak table, Charles Kingston

don't believe young Bella

funneled money to the press and the influencers. Soon every corner of social media will turn against her. Public

comes, Kelly, you will strike back and claim the governorship of Vermont. Do you

her mind trapped

news reports replayed in her thoughts-Bella on the yacht, scattering Jericho's ashes

would marry, a thousand suitors from across the states clamoring

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

And Kelly remembered.

to her

like a whip. His frown deepened,

listening? If it

Jericho.

།

Bella Kane too. We still have the same poison that ended Without her, you will stand as the

stayed silent, her lips pressed

swung hard, his palm crashing across her face.

a gunshot, echoing off

dog," he spat. "My father is speaking, and you

flared with pain, the sting

eyes and whispered, "I'm sorry. I had

Charles's hand cracked across

for yourself,"

I tell you. Never forget who raised you when you were nothing. Your life belongs to us. Your

do whatever Father

tone was ice, his eyes

Vermont Rally your friends there Build an opposition party. Hit Bella Kane from

"Yes, Father," Kelly answered.

care of it immediately," Charles added,

her out of

colder, darker, but Charles's grip burned hotter than

her against the wall and clamped a hand

mistress," he hissed. "Next time, listen when my father speaks.

"Yes," Kelly gasped.

gleamed with

want a party tonight.

from Los Angeles and Vancouver. Line them up for me. I'll choose

s

"But your allowance from