The Almighty Dominance

At the top of the Eden Building, the penthouse office gleamed like a glass crown over the city.

When Alex stepped into the elevator and swiped his black access card, a soft chime echoed.

Moments later, every staff member in the penthouse office received an alert:

"The Founder is on his way to the office."

In an instant, tension filled the air.

Secretaries straightened their desks, executives rushed to the elevator doors, and assistants smoothed their clothes like soldiers before inspection.

When the elevator opened, Alex stepped out. The entire staff bowed.

"Welcome, Young Master."

Alex shook his head. "Next time, disable the announcement system. I don't need the whole floor knowing where I'm going."

"Yes, sir," they replied in unison, scattering back to their posts.

Then she appeared.

Countess Marlena von Adler-elegant, confident, eyes glittering like a challenge.

"Founder, you're finally here," she said with a warm smile. "I've missed you."

Marlena had the bearing of nobility, but not the fortune.

Her title came from a line of ruined aristocrats. Her father had gambled away their wealth in smoke-filled dens until the family was left with nothing but their name.

She grew up among gangsters and street hustlers, learning to survive by wit alone.

Years later, when Alex took control of the underground nightclubs, he found her.

She was the quiet mind behind one of the city's most profitable bars-smart, calculating, ruthless when needed. She had a gift for smelling money, and everyone knew it.

Alex saw potential where others saw trouble. He pulled her out of the slums and made her the public face of his empire.

Only a noble could legally register a company of Eden's magnitude, so on paper, Marlena von Adler became the official Chairwoman.

In truth, Alex was the real owner, the power behind the throne.

Still, Marlena had earned her place. Her cunning and composure helped turn Eden Group into a corporate fortress. But there was one flaw in her-her obsession with Alex.

She stepped closer now, her perfume rich with desperation.

"Founder," she said softly, "how could you divorce Katarina and marry Sofina at the same time? Why not me? I've been waiting for you for three years."

Her voice trembled, caught between pride and longing. "Look at me. I'm a Countess young, beautiful, noble. And you're powerful, wealthy, untouchable. Together we'd be perfect."

union of nobility and wealth," Marlena purred.

into a sneer. "Perfect? You tried to poison me

not poison, Alex. That's passion. Can't you see? I'd merge my soul with

dry laugh.

"Exactly. Equal

his head, amused and tired all at once. "Funny. Every time you say that, the paperwork

on, Alex," she teased, her tone dripping with honey. "I'm just trying my luck. Why not

voice low and heavy. "Tell me something, Marlena... do you even

"Love? Don't start with that nonsense. Emotions are unstable. They shift with moods. Contracts are

like a business deal," Alex

course," she replied,

closer, studying her face. "And what's the penalty

bullet-depends on who defaults first." Alex sighed.

blinked, puzzled for a moment, then smirked. "Sex? It's just a sport, right? Like a game people play

tone turned colder. "And how many men have you... played

hundred and fifty-six, give

slowly, "And that," he said quietly, "is exactly why we were never meant to

be logical,

eight, with a body sculpted like temptation itself-slender, curved,

to the blind. Those without heart

smiling smoothly. "Alright, Founder. Tell me what you

the gardener

softly. "A gardener? As far as I know, you're the only one who actually enjoys

answer, the intercom on Marlena's desk crackled

through. "A Mr. Nikolaus

them to wait another hour.

raised a brow. "Nikolaus

key partners. Several of their major projects in

you to halt all

the flirtation slipping

I need to know the full impact-every connection, every risk.

us two years ago, back when the Eden Garden project was still

fortune off us. If we cut them off, there are dozens of families waiting to take

It's time we move on and bring

nodded slowly. "Good. Then we cut

"We'll need a reason, something official. What should we tell

inside

smirked. "Enough? More than enough. Whether he likes it or not, he'll accept it. We could throw them out without saying

curved slightly. "Then add this-tell him that even

here, we wouldn't

Marlena chuckled softly. "Understood."

Nikolaus Krüger and Annabella Wolfsbane sat

Nikolaus said

owe their rise to us. Without me, there wouldn't even be an Eden Group. They'll listen to what I say. You'll get your contract,