Chapter 119
Chapter 119
+25 BONUS
As time passed, the number of guests steadily grew in the grand Vancouver Convention Centre.
Though the banquet event had yet to officially begin, Jasmine was already moving briskly between tasks.
“Mr. Alex, feel free to look around. I have to excuse myself. You can ask anyone here if you need anything,” she said with a composed smile.
“Alright. Thanks,” Alex replied.
Jasmine turned to her event manager with a sharp gaze.
“Mr. Howard, please keep a close eye on Mr. Alex. He is the most important guest for me. Whatever he wants, you treat it as my direct command. Don’t you dare make a mistake in front of him.”
The older man straightened immediately and gave a respectful bow. “Yes, Miss Jasmine. I will treat him as if he were your husband.”
Jasmine bit her lip and smiled widely. “Good. I’ll raise your salary by 25%.”
“Thank you very much.” His tone was brimming with gratitude, though it was clear he knew exactly how to win favor.
Alex rolled his eyes but let the old man guide him through the bustling event with the utmost courtesy.
“Ms. Kingston…” Joe Thompson’s voice called out as Jasmine entered one of the quieter rooms.
Joe, the father of Lyra Thompson, was already waiting with an organized stack of papers in hand.
“Here is the information you asked for,” Joe said as he handed the documents to her.
“After several screenings, we’ve narrowed down our allies in Vancouver–and identified some enemies who still refuse to acknowledge Kingston ownership over Vancouver. Please review it and let me know if you need anything further.”
Jasmine hummed in acknowledgment, scanning the papers.
Her eyes sharpened as she read. There were still pockets of Vancouver’s territory under the influence of old factions who hadn’t yielded.
Some had even secured alliances with other cities–traitors still loyal to the old king.
Joe hesitated before speaking again. “Ms. Kingston, Jasper Drake from the Drake Group arrived earlier. He wishes to meet you,” he informed her with a slight bow.
Jasmine’s head snapped up, surprise flickering across her face. “Jasper? Harlan Drake’s only son? What’s he doing here?”
Joe’s expression darkened. “He claims he wants to discuss business matters, but I don’t believe that’s his true intention. I found out he’s trying to marry you off.”
“What?” Jasmine’s eyes widened.
“A political marriage,” Joe clarified. “I believe that’s his plan.”
“For what reason?” Jasmine frowned, puzzled. She knew the Drake Group was small–hardly a match for Kingston.
Joe’s gaze hardened. “The Drake Group’s main stronghold is in Vermont City, which remains loyal to the old
1/3
Chapter 119
+25 BONUS
king’s faction. Jericho Kane, Vermont’s lord and the old king’s son–in–law, still despises the new regime.”
Jasmine narrowed her eyes.
Joe continued, “I believe Jasper is here to test you. If you reject his marriage proposal, he’ll twist it into an insult -claiming you humiliated him or looked down on him. Hell use Vermont’s power as leverage to strike Kingston, with Vancouver as theri ultimate target.”
“The Drake Group hides behind a corporate facade, but they’re little more than a ruthless syndicate. With the Walker family’s grip on the underworld gone, they’ve bared their fangs–seizing control of Vancouver’s northern territories through violence and fear.”
A slow, cold smile spread across Jasmine’s lips. “so, Harlan sent his son here to try me?”
She let out a soft, dangerous chuckle. “No matter. Let’s see what tricks he has up his sleeve.”
Joe hesitated. “Should I have the guards remove him? The best victory is the one won before the battle even begins.
31
Jasmine’s eyes gleamed with determination. “No need. This time, we have the perfect shield.”
Joe blinked. “Who?”
Her voice dropped to a near–whisper, laced with certainty. “My future husband.”
“Sir Alex?”
Jasmine smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You know? He’s basically Superman in real life. And…” her voice softened, “my one and only.”
As the words left her lips, a faint blush colored her cheeks.
Old Joe sighed heavily, a mixture of amusement and resignation. He knew too well that his own daughter, Lyra, had fallen for the same man.
Also Lyra wasn’t the type to admit defeat easily.
She was like a cunning wolf–determined, ruthless, and willing to do anything to achieve her goal.
Jasmine, on the other hand, was a sly fox–charming and strategic, with a quiet but unbreakable resolve.
Joe wasn’t sure whether he should pity Lyra or Jasmine.
They were both unyielding forces, destined for a collision.
He chuckled to himself, imagining Alex caught in the middle of their tug–of–war.
Poor kid’s probably going to have a massive headache.
The hall of the Vancouver Convention Centre buzzed with life.
On the grand stage, Vancouver’s most famous singer commanded attention, their powerful voice captivating the audience.
Below the stage, well–dressed business moguls, politicians, and celebrities filled the room. Crystal glasses clinked as some whispered to each other, while others enjoyed the performance in quiet admiration.
Alex found an empty seat near the back and eased into it, swirling a glass of wine as he listened.
His mind wandered, analyzing the delicate chessboard of power.
2/3
Chapter 119
+25 BONUS
If Kingswell’s group were to succeed, they’d have to unify the entire nation.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Almighty Dominance