The Almighty Dominance

There were ten stacks of crisp $100 bills neatly arranged inside the bag-$100,000 in total.

Josephine stared at the money, her eyes wide with shock.

"Well, that's quite a sum," Alex remarked casually. "Looks like they regretted their actions."

Josephine snapped the bag shut and thrust it back toward him.

"We can't accept this."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "And why not?"

"Because it's dirty money!" she exclaimed.

"They earned it by selling drugs, extorting innocent people, forcing others out of their homes. Who knows what

other terrible things they've done? | won't have any part of it."

Alex studied her resolute expression.

Despite her obvious need, her principles remained unshaken. "Maybe we should ask the old lady inside. She

might have sadvice."

Inside the modest house, Ruth, the elderly woman in the wheelchair, eyed the money spread out on the table.

"I'm sorry, Alex," she said softly. "We can't accept this kind of money."

"Why not?" Alex frowned. "Money itself isn't evil. Politicians and businessmen use funds like this all the tand

live comfortably. The children here desperately need help."

But both Josephine and Ruth stood firm.

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Alright then, let's look at it differently-the money isn't for you or the orphanage, at least not directly."

Josephine looked puzzled. "What do you

mean?"

"It's a payment to me," he explained. "Compensation for my tand effort in dealing with their boss."

He gathered all ten stacks from the table, his gaze turning serious. "I'm a good citizen. | served my country, pay

my taxes, and try to do the right thing. When | make mistakes, | seek forgiveness. So, I'm a decent person."

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Josephine and Ruth exchanged a glance, taken aback by his self-justification.

"So, I'd like to donate $80,000 of this money to the orphanage," Alex continued. "Coming from someone like me,

there's no reason to turn it down, right?"

They looked at each other, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.

After a long pause, Ruth finally nodded. "Alright."

Josephine eyed the remaining $20,000 in Alex's hand. "And what about those two stacks?"

A sly smile played on his lips. "Consider it a processing f*e. Dirty money in, clean money out. Even good deeds

cwith expenses."

She glared at him, her voice laced with disdain. "You're shameless."

With that, she turned on her heel and left the room.

Alex watched her go, then turned to Ruth. "Do you think she hatesnow?"

Ruth chuckled softly. "On the contrary, | think she might be starting to like you." “Really?” He arched an eyebrow,

a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"Chere," she said, opening her frail arms. "It's been so long since | last saw you. Over a decade, isn't it?

You've grown into quite the man."

"You remember me?" Alex moved closer, embracing her gently.

"How could | forget one of my own?" she replied, her eyes misting. "How is the master who adopted you? Is he

well?"

He let out a light laugh. "That old rascal? Still as stubborn as ever.

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She reached up and touched his cheek tenderly. "Have you told Josephine who you are?"

Alex hesitated. “Not yet. She doesn't seem to recognize me."

"Could you keep it that way?" Ruth asked gently.

"Why?"

"She holds a lot of resentment toward you," Ruth explained. "She believes you abandoned her

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He looked away, guilt flickering across his face.

"She waited for you, you know," Ruth continued softly. "For ten years, she you'd return and take her

// Dedy

But you never cback."

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"| got caught up in the war," he said quietly. "It was chaotic. | couldn't return until now."

"And it was just a childhood promise, wasn't it?" Ruth looked at him knowingly.

He sighed, recalling that distant memory-their shared words, the innocence of youth. "I didn't realize how much

it meant to her.

"To her, it meant everything," Ruth said. "I tried to help her move on, to let go of the hope that was holding her

back."

"But I'm here now," he whispered.

"Yes, the promises of childhood are written in water, but the scars they leave are carved in stone." she

acknowledged, "but she's ed.

The wedding is in a few months."

"Engaged?" Alex shocked. (1

"Don't hold it against her," Ruth said, squeezing his hand.

"Carlo is a good man, the mine owner's son. He's been a great help to the orphanage. Josephine feels indebted

to him. That's why she

accepted his proposal."

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She paused. “If she knew you were back, it would only complicate things for her."

Alex nodded slowly. "I understand."

"Thank you," Ruth said, relief evident in her eyes.

"Now, would you mind pushingto my room? There's something I've been

keeping for you all these years."

He guided her wheelchair down the narrow hallway to an old room.

Ruth retrieved a small iron box, carefully unlocking it. From inside, she drew out a

faded postcard with worn edges.

She handed it to him. "This has the address of the person who first brought you to

the orphanage. He can tell you about your past."

Alex studied the postcard, emotions swirling within him.

As he stepped outside, the evening sun cast a warm glow over the yard.

Josephine stood by the doorway, arms crossed. "Leaving already?"

He slipped the postcard into his pocket, offering a faint smile.

"Actually, | think I'll stick around for a few days. Might as well make good use of

my money."

She rolled her eyes, but a subtle smile tugged at her lips. "Suit yourself."

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"Don't misstoo much," he teased.

"Jerk," she shot back, but there was a softness in her gaze that hadn't been there

before.

Chapter 67