Almighty Dominance

The room reeked of the sharp blend of expensive perfume and cigarette smoke. A low-hanging crystal chandelier cast a dim shimmer across Vivienne Blackthorn's face. The middle-aged woman with silvery blonde hair reclined in a deep crimson leather chair, her piercing gaze locked on Ethan. Her icy demeanor radiated menace, like a coiled serpent ready to strike.

"Don't ever set foot in this place again, Ethan," Vivienne said, her voice low and razor-sharp, cutting through the air like a dagger. "If you insist, I won't hesitate to break your legs."

Despite his rumpled black suit, dusted from a brief scuffle, Ethan stood tall. His arms were pinned by two hulking men at his sides, but his eyes burned with defiance. "You can't scare me, Vivienne," he said, breath heavy but unwavering. "I'll take Sofia away from here-with or without your blessing."

Vivienne's lips curled into a cruel grin, baring her perfectly white teeth. "You dare challenge me, Ethan? Do you think your father's name-Christian Knight-means anything here? In Crestfall City, I am the queen. Anyone who disrupts my business meets a swift and merciless end, even if it means killing you."

From a corner of the room, Sofia sobbed quietly, her tear-streaked face pale and stricken. Seeing Ethan struggle broke her heart. Trembling, she crawled toward Vivienne, her hands shaking.

"Madam," she croaked, her voice hoarse and barely audible. "Please, let him go. I swear... I'll never see him again if you just let him leave."

Ethan's voice cracked with anguish. "Sofia! What are you doing?" he shouted, horrified to see the woman he loved groveling before Vivienne. "You don't have to lower yourself like this! I won't let you stay here. No matter what, I'll take you with me."

Sofia turned her pleading eyes toward him. "Ethan, please... don't fight. Just listen to her. I can't bear to see you hurt."

"No!" Ethan's voice was resolute, his defiance unyielding. "I won't back down. I'll get you out of this cursed place-no matter the cost!"

Sofia's sobs grew louder as she clutched the hem of her dress, her whole body trembling. "Ethan... please don't do this. I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to you."

Vivienne sighed heavily, waving her hand in a gesture of dismissal. "Enough of this pathetic drama!" she snapped, her tone dripping with disdain. "Draco, get this man out of here. Make sure he never comes back."

"Yes, ma'am," replied Draco, a towering, bald brute, as he seized Ethan's arm and dragged him unceremoniously toward the exit.

Ethan fought back, shouting curses, but the grip was unrelenting. Outside, rain poured down, soaking the dark streets. A few curious onlookers paused as Ethan was thrown onto the wet pavement.

Draco smirked down at him. "Leave, young master. And don't even think about coming back."

Rising slowly, Ethan brushed dirt from his expensive suit, his eyes alight with smoldering rage. "You'll regret this," he said coldly, turning and vanishing into the storm-drenched night.

---

Back inside the crimson-walled room, dim light flickered against the shadows. Sofia sat trembling on the floor, tears streaking her pale face. The faint strains of jazz music wafted up from the lower level. Her eyes, red and swollen, stared blankly into space.

Vivienne stood over her, resplendent in a sleek black gown with a daring slit, her hair perfectly coiffed. But it wasn't her beauty that froze Sofia; it was the glacial glare in her eyes, a wordless promise of terror. Vivienne leaned down, her face inches from Sofia's.

"This is your final warning," she hissed, her words slicing through Sofia like knives. "Do not see Ethan again-unless you want to watch him die."

Sofia's lips trembled as she tried to speak, but Vivienne silenced her with a chilling smirk. "Have you forgotten what I did to David?" Vivienne's smile turned venomous. "Just because he roughed you up so badly you couldn't work for a week, I destroyed his life. Ethan will suffer a far worse fate if you dare cross me."

The name "David" struck Sofia like a thunderbolt. Her mind replayed the horrors of that night-an abusive client who had left her battered and broken. Vivienne's retaliation had been swift and ruthless, utterly annihilating him. That memory alone was enough to paralyze her.

Bowing her head, Sofia clenched her fists tightly on her lap. "Yes, Madam," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I promise... I won't see Ethan again."

Vivienne straightened, satisfied. "Good. I hope, for your sake, you're telling the truth. Otherwise..." She left the threat hanging in the air, heavy with unspoken menace.

"Now, go back to your room," Vivienne ordered coolly. "Clean yourself up and get ready. There's another client waiting for you. Remember, Sofia-you're my most valuable asset. I won't let anyone or anything jeopardize my business."

With a trembling nod, Sofia rose on unsteady legs. "Yes, Madam. I'll get ready," she replied, her voice cracking as she walked toward the door, head bowed low.

As Sofia disappeared into the hallway, Vivienne paced the room, her stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms. Her face flushed-not with embarrassment, but with seething anger.

"This cannot stand," she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with venom. She stopped in front of an ornate gold-framed mirror, staring into her own reflection, dark and menacing. "Christian Knight needs to know. He deserves to know that his precious son is groveling for a whore."

Her lips curved into a malicious smile. "Let's see how he reacts to that. I'll make sure this scandal destroys his family's name."

She twisted the massive diamond ring on her finger, a habit she indulged in while scheming. "No one crosses me without consequences," she vowed.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Draco stepped inside, bowing slightly. "It's done, Madam. Ethan is gone."

Vivienne nodded, her expression unreadable. "Good. Prepare the car. I have an important meeting tonight."

As Draco left, Vivienne turned back to the mirror, her smile growing sharper. "Christian Knight... prepare yourself. I'm going to shatter your world."