The Almighty Dominance

Sofina still felt lightheaded when she stepped out of Marlena's office.

The world looked unreal-like she was walking through someone else's dream. In her hand, she held a check worth one hundred million dollars-the down payment for the Wolfsbane Group's collaboration with the Eden Group.

Her heart raced. She could barely believe it.

As Sofina crossed the Eden building's garden, sunlight danced across the glass walls and the sound of water filled the air.

She spotted Alex by the fountain, sleeves rolled up, focused on his work.

Her heart leapt. She waved both hands, shouting, "Alex! Alex!" Her voice rang out -bright, breathless, full of joy that couldn't be contained.

Alex looked up instantly. The moment he saw her face, he dropped his tools and rushed over. "How did it go?" he asked.

"Alex, I did it! I really did it!" Sofina threw her arms around him, laughing through her breathless excitement.

Alex smiled, though a shadow crossed his eyes. He knew the truth― every happiness is built on some hidden sorrow.

Sofina still carried the sting of Heinrich's cruelty; she could hide it from everyone else, pretend to be strong-even fool herself-but not Alex. He saw right through her.

Still, he played along, voice full of mock surprise. "You pulled it off? That's incredible, Sofina. Nobody closes a deal like that. You're amazing."

She shook her head quickly. "No, it's not me. It's like... they just gave it to me. Like the whole thing was already decided."

Alex frowned. "What makes you say that?"

"I don't know. Just a feeling," she said softly. "Whatever it is... I'm just glad it's done." Her smile returned, warm and relieved. "So-will you come home with me?"

Alex gave a small shrug. "Can't. Not yet. I've still got work to finish. I'm the new guy here—I can't start slacking or they'll toss me out." He grinned faintly. "See you at home later, alright?"

"Alright," Sofina said, matching his grin. "The new house Beatrix gave us, right?" "Exactly," he said.

She laughed, the sound light and real. For the first time in weeks, she felt free. But as she walked toward the exit, her steps slowed.

Heinrich appeared from behind a row of hedges, leaning casually against a marble post as if he'd been waiting all along.

"What do you want, Heinrich?" Sofina asked, instantly wary.

slow step forward. "Sofina... I know you still love me. How about we make this simple? Leave that pauper you married. Be with

"You can be my mistress. I'm at the top of Winchester now-you'd live

a cold smile curling on her lips. "And rule over what, Heinrich? Your

smirked. "Over everything my name

gave a short, bitter laugh. "Funny. I always thought your name only commanded waiters-and the fool I

tone hardened, his smile fading. "Careful, Sofina. I

met his gaze without flinching. "You already did," she said quietly.

to talk about," Sofina said flatly, brushing past

glistened in her eyes, but she forced

Heinrich followed, voice dropping to a darker tone. "Don't walk away from me, Sofina. You're wasting yourself

"Then let me waste myself in

know why

half-slave," Heinrich sneered,

closer. "You

make me jealous. Well,

congratulations-you did. I'm

want you,

three

eyes hardened. "And what about Katarina? I heard you're

gave a

the heir

family promised

Thave no

But you-" his lips

can be

Heinrich. We're finished!" Sofina shouted, her voice shaking with

after all this

still

it almost brought

her wrist, his grip tight and possessive. "Don't get arrogant, Sofina. You were the one begging

that I'm offering it, you dare reject me? Listen to me. Divorce that useless man, and I'll take you

go!" Sofina cried,

hold-then her palm lashed out,