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?"

helping govern Vermont with my father since I was ten. This isn't

with the 250

record, you'll destroy Vermont within a month of taking

laughed. "Please. I could manage that

me, Bella-will the wild Bella burn Vermont to

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

she wasn't a child anymore.

gone wild in their

gazed out over the land. "This state-Vermont-was my father's heart. He built

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

felt off. "Who are Alexis

hand gripped his arm, firm and sure. Her

"...Our son and daughter?"

look

I've been a father

owe

Alfred

air was heavy with cigar smoke

of the long oak table, Charles Kingston

"And I don't believe young Bella Kane can govern Vermont. She's reckless.

and the influencers. Soon every corner of social media will turn against her. Public

eyes narrowing on Kelly. "When that moment comes, Kelly, you will strike

silent, her mind

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

she would marry, a thousand suitors from

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

And Kelly remembered.

her own promise to her father-that she would

whip. His frown deepened, lines of fury etching his

even listening? If

Jericho.

།

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

her

and swung hard,

rang out like a gunshot, echoing off

is

the sting ripping

lowered her eyes and whispered, "I'm sorry. I had too

hand

think for

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

I'll do whatever Father

Alfred's tone was ice, his

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

"Yes, Father," Kelly answered.

We'll take care of it immediately," Charles added,

dragged her out of

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

the wall and clamped a hand around her

time, listen when my father speaks. Don't you dare shame me again.

"Yes," Kelly gasped.

eyes gleamed with

a party tonight. Bring

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

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your allowance from Father