The Almighty Dominance

I've got a shred of dignity."

Florence scoffed. "Ha! Don't flatter yourself, Jack. No one can sink to Alex's level. He's the champion of

freeloaders. Now, Charles-there's a real man: young, shrewd, polished. Didn't have to sell his soul for success."

Jack nodded so aggressively it looked like his head might pop off.

"Right? If that shameless con artist Alex hadn't wheedled his way into Jasmine's life, Charles would be ruling

Vancouver."

"You said it," Florence agreed, voice ringing with disdain. She shot Charles an approving look. 1

"Honestly, Charles, you're at the prage for marriage. Why not settle down with Sophia? You could crank out a

baby, and Alfred Kingston would probably roll out the red carpet for you. Instant promotion to top dog in

Vancouver."

"Mom, are you for real right now?" Sophia all but growled, shooting her mother a lethal glare. "This conversation

is completely out of left field."

Florence threw her hands up. "Just a little dose of reality, sweetheart. Marry Charles, pop out an heir, and watch

him becthe new king. It's simple math."

Sophia opened her mouth to snap back, but Charles lifted a hand gently. "Alright, let's not let our food turn into

ice. Relax and enjoy the meal."

His words worked, at least momentarily. Florence and Jack stuffed their faces, seething commentary on pause for

the sake of food.

A short while later, Florence dabbed daintily at her mouth with a napkin. “Jack and

| have business to discuss. We'll leave you two... alone." She gave Jack a meaningful side-eye.

"Uh-huh," Jack said, rising abruptly.

They scuttled away, smirking like they were leaving a 'Do Not Disturb’ sign behind.

With them gone, Charles leaned closer to Sophia. "I really am sorry about the mess | made with that Lancaster

Kingston partnership. | know it caused a stir. Letmake it up to you."

Sophia sighed, exhaustion flickering in her eyes. "It's water under the bridge, and you've already straightened it

out. Let's not dig it all up again."

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Chapter 171.

Charles's lips curled into a smirk, just shy of a genuine smile, "Gilad to hear that. By the way, | recall you did

smodeling before? | was quite the admirer. And as your mother said, it all makes sense."

What does?" Sophia asked.

"The marriage and the baby," Charles said with a chuckle. Maybe if | do those, my father would finally

acknowledge me."

Sophia searched for a way to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Um... excuse me, | need to use the restroom." She practically fled the table.

Charles watched her walk away, his gaze brimming with predatory intent.

The second she disappeared, he slipped a small packet of white powder from his pocket, emptied it into her

wine, and swirled it lazily.

The whole gesture reeked of smug satisfaction.

A few tables over, Alex was lingering discreetly when a waiter approached him.

"Sir, as you instructed, I've been keeping an eye out for that guest," the waiter murmured. "I just saw him with

Miss Sophia... he put something in her drink."

Alex's features hardened. "You're absolutely sure?"

The waiter nodded, anxiety lacing his voice. "Clear as day.

Lyra, seated next to Alex, narrowed her eyes. "Is there a problem?"

Alex rose to his feet, expression grim. "I need to step in. You two go ahead without me."

At that exact moment, Sophia returned from the restroom.

Charles instantly passed her the spiked wine, his smile practically oozing false warmth. "Sophia, here's to fresh

starts. Cheers."

"Fine," she said flatly. "But after this, I'm leaving. I've got too much on my plate tomorrow."

"No rush," Charles replied airily, taking a long gulp of his own drink while watching her closely.

Sophia lifted the wine to her lips-only to be halted by a sharp voice slicing through the tense silence:

"I wouldn't drink that if | were you."

She spun around and saw Alex marching toward them. "What's your deal now?" she demanded.

Alex pointed at the glass in her hand. "Charles spiked it. Don't let that trash get the better of you."

She blinked in confusion, her gaze ping-ponging between Alex and Charles. Charles's expression faltered

momentarily before slipping into an innocent grin. "Oh, here we go again. Alex, you're delusional."

Alex looked ready to lunge at him. "You and | both know what you did, you snake."

Charles turned to Sophia, his face an expert mask of wounded innocence. "Sophia, do you really believe I'd stoop

so low as to drug you?"

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Chapter 171

Sophia chewed on her lip, feeling torn. "Alex, got any actual proof?"

Alex gestured to the waiter by his side. "He saw everything

"Right," the waiter agreed, voice steady despite the tension. He stabbed a finger in Charles's direction. "I literally

watched you pour something in her wine."

Sophia folded her arms. "That's still kind of thin, Alex. | mean, you just have this guy's word. He is your worker."

Alex's temper flashed. "Oh, con. Why the hell would | make this up? If you need a full-blown CSI team, be

my guest."

Sophia let out a shaky breath.

She'd always seen Charles as an upright member of Kingston family, but Alex rarely invented such serious

accusations. Then again...

Charles's tone turned indulgent, like he was speaking to a confused child.

"Sophia, this is ridiculous. If that glass is tampered with, I'd blAlex. He owns this restaurant, the wine is from

his place."

Charles added, "Look at him- clearly he wants to sabotage me. Tries to act like a knight in shining armor in front

of you just to makelook bad. It's beyond pathetic."

Sophia squinted at Alex. "Why would you stage something like that?"

"He hates me, that's why.: Charles sighed tically. "He and my sister would love nothing more than to see