When Alfred Kingston returned home, Jasmine was already waiting anxiously by the front door.
As soon as he stepped inside, she rushed forward and embraced him tightly.
"Thank God you''re safe, Father," she whispered, relief evident in her voice.
Alfred hugged her back, his grip firm. "And you as well, my dear. I was worried."
He pulled back and looked into her eyes.
"Come inside; there''s something important we need to discuss."
They moved to the living room, the soft glow of the firece casting warm shadows across the room.
Once seated, Alfred turned to her with a grave expression.
"Jasmine, what I''m about to tell you must remain between us. Can you promise me that?"
She nodded, concern knitting her brow. "Of course, Father. What''s going on?" He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.
"You know that our family holds significant influence here in Vancouver. We''ve always been loyal to the new king, carrying out their directives faithfully."
Jasmine nodded, remembering the turbulent times when the new king fought the old one for control of the country.
Her father had chosen to support the new king, and in the end, the new ruler had
won.
Alfred''s eyes met hers, a hint of excitement breaking through his seriousness. "The king has asked me to take over operations in Los Angeles."
Jasmine''s eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
Their country had twelve major cities, each one controlling different parts of thend.
Vancouver was rankedst-city number twelve-filled with poverty, slums, and the least education among all the cities.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, was ranked number eleven.
Being asked to take over that city meant the new king fully supported Alfred.
He nodded, a proud smile spreading across his face.
"But what about Vancouver?" she asked softly. "Who will manage things here?"
Alfred reached out and took her hand gently.
"That''s where youe in. The leadership has agreed to let you oversee Vancouver in my absence. You''ll need to manage our operations here, including dealing with any factions that may oppose us."
Jasmine hesitated. "Do you really think I''m ready for this?"
Alfred''s gaze softened. "Jasmine, you''ve always been the smartest and most capable person I know. M sess is because of your insight and guidance. I haveplete faith in you."
of our
She looked down for a moment, then met his eyes again. "What about David Sinir? I know he opposed you
fiercely."
Alfred''s expression turned steely. "David Sinir passed away suddenly-heart attack, they say. His organization is in disarray. It''s the perfect time for us to make
our move
"Alright, Father. I''ll do it. I''ll take care of Vancouver while you focus on Los Angeles."
He smiled warmly. "That''s my girl. Remember, I''m just a call away if you need anything."
"What about Charles?" she asked.
"Your brother will apany me to Los Angeles," Alfred replied. "He needs to learn the ropes firsthand."
Jasmine took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I won''t let you down."
"I know you won''t," he said softly.
Late that night, the Lancaster family was thrown into turmoil. Abraham Lancaster had been rushed to the hospital.
"What happened to Grandfather?" Malvin demanded as he paced the hospital waiting room, his face etched with
worry,
"I don''t know," Mike replied, his voice shaky. "When I got to grandpa room, he was already on the floor."
After what felt like an eternity, the doctor emerged, his expression serious.
"How is he?" Justin asked urgently.
The doctor sighed. "He''s stable for now, but he''s slipped into aa. We found a bruise on his head. Did he have a fall recently?"
Grandma Amelia stepped forward, her face pale. "He was alone in his room. Perhaps he fell and hit his head." The doctor nodded thoughtfully. "At his age, a fall can be serious. We''ll do everything we can, but it''s hard to say when-or if he''ll wake up."
A heavy silence settled over the family as they absorbed the news.
In Abraham''s hospital room, the family gathered around his bed. The steady beep of the monitors was the only sound.
Malvin cleared his throat, his eyes glistening. "I was looking through Father''s belongings," he began.
"I found some documents and messages on his smartwatch. It seems he was working tirelessly to secure a future for our family."
"What do you mean?" Florence asked.
"He reached out to his old contacts and managed to secure a partnership with the Kingstons," Malvin exined. and BioHealthpany will receive their support back. We''re saved."
Gasps and murmurs spread through the room.
"Is this true?"
Malvin nodded. "And that''s not all. Somehow, Father acquired one of Chris Rnd''s mansions, It''s wo forty million dors. We can use it to stabilize our finances.
around
Relief and joy washed over the family members.
$28 BONUS
Tears welled up in Amelia''s eyes as she moved to her husband''s side. "Abraham, you''ve always taken care of us,” she whispered, gently holding his hand. "I''m sorry for any pain I''ve caused you. Pleasee back to us,"
She turned to face the family, her expression resolute. "While your grandfather is recovering, I''ll assume leadership of the Lancaster family.”
She looked directly at Sophia. "As for you, Sophia, your involvement with Chris led us into this crisis. You''ll step down as CEO."
Sophia felt her heart sink. "Grandmother..."
Amelia raised a hand to silence her.
"Furthermore, you''ve ended things with Alex. It''s time you moved on. The Smith family''s grandson has shown interest in you. Youll marry him."
Sophia''s eyes filled with determination. "I haven''t divorced Alex. Grandfather wanted us to stay together, and I intend to honor his wishes."
Amelia''s eyes narrowed. "But you signed the divorce papers."
00
"I tore them up," Sophia replied. "Alex is my husband, and that''s not going to change."
"You''re being foolish," Amelia snapped. "Think of the family. The Smiths can offer
us stability."
"I will never betray Grandfather again," Sophia dered, making her choice at
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