The Almighty Dominance (by Sunshine) novel Chapter 285

“Goddammit, Alex! What kind of monster have you become?” Sophia's voice trembled violently, each word cracking like lightning through a storm.

"Ever since Jasmine slithered into your life, you've turned into someone I don't even recognize.”

“Was it really worth it—denying them even a sliver of that damned root? Would it have cost you an arm or a leg?”

“Tell me, what's your price? A million bucks? Two million? Just name it! I’ll sell my soul if I have to—but stop hurting my mother and brother!"

Her rage boiled hotter with every word, her fists shaking uncontrollably, knuckles white and eyes blazing.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Alex?!” she exploded, tears of fury beginning to well in her eyes.

“Have you completely lost your goddamned heart?!”

Alex stood unmoved, his face cold and detached as stone. "You really think this is about money? Let me spell it out for you, Sophia—the root isn't mine to give."

Sophia felt her chest clench painfully, fury slicing deeper at his indifferent tone.

"Oh, of course. Did you give it all to Jasmine? Is that it?”

“So now your loyalty to her runs so deep that you'd rather watch my family suffer and die than take even a scrap from your precious Jasmine? You absolute bastard!"

“Could you calm down for one damn second?” Alex's jaw clenched, frustration seeping through his carefully maintained composure.

“Can’t we just talk rationally?”

“Rationally?” Sophia scoffed bitterly, a mocking laugh ripping from her throat.

“Am I the irrational one? Or are you just a heartless coward who's bored of his old toy and eager to impress the shiny new one?”

“Am I really worth so little to you? Not even worth a single piece of some damned herb?”

Her voice cracked, and she gasped as if a knife twisted deeper into her heart.

Jasmine’s name burned in her mouth, acid and betrayal mingling in every syllable.

Alex rubbed his temples, taking a sharp breath.

“Look, Sophia, if this is why you dragged me here—to fight about the same tired accusations—then we have nothing left to discuss.”

Sophia's eyes flared dangerously. “Fine! Forget the root—let's talk about Clara. Did you frame her for that arrest?”

“I warned Clara,” Alex said evenly, eyes narrowing.

“I begged her to back off, but she insisted on digging her own grave. Would you honestly believe me if I said I had nothing to do with it?”

Sophia's voice rose to a furious roar.

"Believe you? Charles saw everything. He said you pinned false charges on her—used your goddamn badge to lock her away.”

“How could you be so vindictive, so utterly cruel, over something so small? She’s family, Alex—my aunt! Do you have any idea how twisted and sick you sound?!”

Alex felt his own anger rise, his voice now edged with biting sarcasm. "And you'd rather trust Charles? Really? Am I just some petty, narrow-minded monster in your eyes?"

Sophia spat the words venomously. “Why wouldn’t I believe him? He’s never stabbed me in the back, unlike you!”

Alex laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and jagged. “What if I told you Charles set Clara up himself? Would you even listen?”

“More lies!” she screamed, cutting him off savagely.

“Every word from your mouth is poison! You’ve lied, betrayed, and hurt everyone around you—why the hell should I believe anything you say?!”

Silence fell heavily, each of her words echoing cruelly between them.

Alex's gaze darkened with a profound weariness, a self-mocking smile curving bitterly on his lips.

He no longer had the strength—or even the desire—to argue.

The seeds of distrust she'd sown had taken root, spreading through their hearts like a merciless poison.

He had tried so damned hard, fighting to bridge the chasm of mistrust between them.

But every attempt seemed to drag them deeper into pain and resentment. He should have known better.

Hoping for reconciliation was torture—pointless agony.

No matter what he did, no matter how deeply he bared his soul, she'd always see him as the villain, never believing, never forgiving.

Every minor disagreement ignited into a blazing inferno.

That endless cycle had broken them both.

He had fought enough. It was time to surrender—to let go. There was nothing left to salvage, and the realization twisted sharply inside him.

Maybe it was time he finally gave up.

"What does Charles want with it?" Sophia demanded sharply, suspicion thick in her voice.

Jack winced, gently rubbing the bruise on his cheek.

“I’ve got no idea what it is — some pharmaceutical secret from Kingston. But can you help me get the root? Charles is offering a few million for it.”

He sighed, frustration creeping into his voice.

“I really need that money. Those bastards wrecked my car and beat me half to death. I’ve got nothing left.”

Sophia's expression darkened.

‘Thugs? Wait—thugs did this? Didn’t Jack accuse Alex?’

Their tense silence shattered abruptly as flashing lights painted the mansion windows.

A police cruiser halted aggressively outside, its sudden arrival cutting like lightning through the gloom.

Clara sprang from the backseat, her voice lively and victorious as she bounded inside.

"I’m back!" she shouted triumphantly, her presence jolting through the somber room like a live wire.

"Clara!" Florence gasped, eyes wide with shock. "You're alright?"

"You’re free already?" Jack blurted out incredulously.

"Just half a day in lockup," Clara shrugged, brushing back her hair with a carefree gesture.

"They dragged me in over some Kingston manager’s bogus claims about substandard products—total nonsense."

Florence’s eyes gleamed sharply.

"Charles Kingston. He must’ve used his influence. Without his intervention, you'd be rotting in a cell right now."

Clara nodded, her relief palpable. "I’ll thank him personally."

Jack slammed his fist onto the bet in frustration, bitterness boiling inside him. "Great. Just great. I got beaten half to death by the thugs for nothing. What a damn joke."

Sophia turned on him coldly, her voice dangerously quiet. "Funny how quickly your story changes, Jack. Didn't you swear Alex did this to you?"

Jack’s face twisted into a mask of panic, sweat trickling down his bruised temple as he hurriedly looked away.