The Almighty Dominance novel Chapter 66

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? I 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 some advice.”

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 time and 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 time and effort in dealing with their boss.”

He gathered all ten stacks from the table, his gaze turning serious. “I’m a good citizen. I served my country, pay my taxes, and try to do the right thing. When I make mistakes, I seek forgiveness. So, I’m a decent person.”

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Chapter 66

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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 come with 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 hates me now?”

Ruth chuckled softly. “On the contrary, I think she might be starting to like you.”

“Really?” He arched an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

“Come here,” she said, opening her frail arms. “It’s been so long since I 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 I 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.

“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.”

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 pushing me to 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, I 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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Chapter 66

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“Don’t miss me too much,” he teased.

“Jerk,” she shot back, but there was a softness in her gaze that hadn’t been there before.

Chapter 67