The Almighty Dominance

Morning broke early, bringing with it a fresh start.

Alex rose, showered, and busied himself preparing breakfast-his signature Eggs Benedict.

Simple but irresistible. The aroma filled the kitchen just as footsteps echoed softly from behind.

"Something smells heavenly!" Sophia's voice broke the quiet.

She looked stunning, dressed impeccably in a tailored business suit, her face brightened by a gentle smile.

"Sophia? What are you doing here?" Alex blurted, confusion clear on his face. Today, of all days-why?

"I skipped breakfast, figured I'd swing by quickly on the way to work," Sophia replied casually, stepping closer to inspect the dish.

Alex narrowed his eyes skeptically. "Your office isn't anywhere near this neighborhood."

She let out a sigh and admitted reluctantly, "Fine. Lyra asked me to take you to meet someone before heading to my office. I've got some time to spare." She sat down with practiced ease, clearly dodging his pointed stare.

"Lyra could've just called me," Alex frowned deeply.

Sophia skillfully ignored his remark, brightening deliberately.

"Eggs Benedict, my favorite! How did you know?" Without waiting, she eagerly reached for a plate, determined to avoid further questioning.

Alex opened his mouth to protest, but before words could form, the front door swung open, revealing Jasmine in the doorway.

She stretched languidly, an oversized shirt slipping provocatively off one shoulder, hinting at silky lingerie beneath.

"Alex, darling, I'm starving. Breakfast ready yet?" she purred softly, halting abruptly as her gaze clashed with Sophia's shocked expression.

"What the hell are you doing here?" both women demanded simultaneously.

The atmosphere instantly turned explosive, the silent hostility palpable.

"Alex," Sophia's voice tightened dangerously, her eyes blazing with suspicion and betrayal, "care to explain what's going on?"

Her gaze flicked pointedly at Jasmine, whose attire was unmistakably Alex's shirt. Jasmine smiled slowly, her eyes glittering with mischievous triumph.

"Isn't it obvious, sweetheart?" She tugged suggestively at the shirt, exposing a delicate lace edge beneath. "Alex and I had a very... cozy night."

"You slept with her?" Sophia's voice trembled, fury and jealousy warring openly across her features. The thought of Alex giving in so easily stung deeply.

"Of course," Jasmine added. "Side by side the entire night. Skin to skin-it's a scorching night, after all."

"Alex?" Sophia's eyes shimmered with betrayal.

"Sophia, wait-it's not what you think," Alex quickly interjected, his head pounding with rising tension.noveldrama

But Jasmine wouldn't relent, stepping boldly forward. "Come on, Alex. She's caught us, why bother hiding?"

"Nothing happened," Alex insisted firmly, his voice edged with frustration. "Jasmine got injured last night. Her car broke down, and she needed help. That's all."

Sophia's gaze sharpened, finally noticing the faint bruises and scrapes marring Jasmine's otherwise flawless skin.

Her jealousy softened only slightly, suspicion lingering stubbornly. "Why not go to the hospital? Why come here? Why must stay on your room?"

Jasmine shrugged coolly, a defiant smirk playing on her lips.

"I can stay wherever I want. Besides, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you two divorced? Doesn't that mean Alex is free game?"

"Divorced doesn't mean finished," Sophia snapped fiercely. "We could always remarry."

Their eyes locked in a fierce, unspoken challenge, neither woman willing to yield.

"Marriage and divorce aren't some game, Sophia." Jasmine's smile dropped instantly, replaced by cold disdain.

"You chose to walk away once. Now face the consequences-set him free."

"Everyone screws up sometimes," Sophia shot back, eyes flashing defiantly. "The difference is who has the guts to make things right. I know where I went wrong, and I'm ready to prove myself."

Her gaze swung meaningfully toward Alex, hope and resolve blazing in her eyes.

Just then, Josephine walked calmly into the kitchen, took in the tense standoff, and quietly chose to busy herself instead.

Jasmine laughed bitterly at Sophia, shaking her head. "You think fixing something you shattered will make it whole again? Once broken, nothing is ever the same."

"Who said I want it the same?" Sophia's voice trembled with determination. "I want it better."

"Fine. If you won't step aside willingly, we'll see who can handle this better." Jasmine slid gracefully into her seat at the dining table and pulled a plate of Eggs Benedict toward herself, smiling triumphantly.

"Thank you for breakfast, sweetheart. You always know what I love."

Sophia snatched the plate back swiftly. "Hold on. Alex knows Eggs Benedict are my favorite. He made these especially for me."

"Stop flattering yourself, Ms. Lancaster." Jasmine tugged at the plate once more, her voice tight. "The past is gone. This meal is mine now."

"Ms. Kingston, it's pathetic to steal someone else's favorite dish. These eggs are tailored to my taste, and mine alone."

"What makes you think you have exclusive rights? Everything Alex cooks suits me perfectly."

"That's your delusion talking. Just because you like something doesn't mean it suits you."

"That's my decision, not yours!"

Their voices rose, each stubbornly yanking the plate back and forth like it was a lifeline, unwilling to concede even an inch.

Alex rubbed his temples, questioning how he'd gotten caught in this storm.

"Alex, settle this. Who gets these eggs?" Sophia demanded sharply, Jasmine nodding fiercely beside her.

Both women stared at him, waiting like hawks for his verdict.

Sweat broke out on Alex's forehead. He opened his mouth, struggling to find words.

Josephine smoothly stepped in, placing fresh plates of Eggs Benedict in front of everyone.

"Ladies, there's plenty for all. Stop fighting over eggs." She gently set the coffee in front of Alex.

“Alex already works hard enough. Don't pile more on him. If you really care, let him rest-he still has work today."

Her calm authority silenced the room.

Josephine took her seat, clasping her hands together. "Let's say grace and be grateful for what we have."

Jasmine looked around uncomfortably. "I'm an atheist.”

Josephine smiled gently. "True Source welcomes everyone."

She lowered her head and whispered a quick prayer. For a second, the room softened just enough to notice the tension before it cracked again.

Sophia and Jasmine locked eyes one last time, the bitterness unmistakable. Then, as if cued by some invisible referee, they turned away in silence.

The morning passed with strained civility. They ate breakfast without a word too many, but curiosity refused to be swallowed.

Sophia finally broke the silence. "Josephine, do you know if they slept together?"

Josephine didn't flinch. "Yeah, I do. But don't stress, Miss Lancaster. Nothing happened between them. I was there too-on guard duty, keeping the devil at bay."

Sophia choked mid-sip. "Wait-you slept with them too?!"

Josephine shrugged, unfazed. “Yep. And trust me, it was scorching hot... the room, I mean." She wiped her mouth and turned to Alex with a mischievous glint. "By the way, did you bring something weird to bed?"

Alex blinked. "Huh? No. Why?"

"I swear I saw something stiff poking out from your pocket last night. Looked like it

stood tall the whole night."

Sophia and Jasmine both snapped their heads toward Alex, eyes narrowing as his

cheeks flared red.

Jasmine smirked and used the

moment. She slid her foot under the

table, grazing his leg, biting her lip like a predator tasting the edge of the hunt. The message was clear-Round Two was coming.

Alex cleared his throat fast. "So, uh, Sophia-did Lyra tell you who we're meeting

today?"

“Just said it's a family who needs help. It's business, Alex," she added sharply.

"Maybe if you do this right, you'll earn something. Show you're not just mooching off others."

Her eyes sliced toward Jasmine.

Jasmine laughed coldly. "And what if he does rely on someone? Not everyone's lucky enough to be taken care of." She leaned in, her voice like syrup over steel.

"Alex, you don't need to work. Just stay with me. Whatever you want-consider it yours."

Josephine let out a deep sigh. "Alex, don't listen to any of them. Just do what makes you happy. No matter what happens, I've got your back-always."

Across town, inside the opulent Montclair estate, one of Chicago's most powerful families sat in tense silence. The matriarch leaned

forward, eyes locked on Lyra with sharp impatience.

"Lyra," she snapped, her tone icy, "where is this man you promised? The one who

can heal my husband. Why hasn't he shown up yet?"