The Ultimate Dominance

Chapter 3

Cain moved through the narrow streets, boots scuffing wet asphalt, mind sharp. He had little time. Every second wasted could mean failure. The Ethereal Root had been sighted with the Hart family, and nothing about this job allowed mistakes.

“Last seen with the Harts… third most powerful in the city… got it,” he muttered under his breath. His eyes scanned the street, calculating the quickest path. Alone. No entourage, no witnesses. Just him, a poor man in tattered clothes, stepping into the lion’s den.

The Hart estate loomed ahead: massive gates, polished marble floors, ornate carvings catching the faint light of lanterns. Guards glanced at him suspiciously as he passed, lips twitching in amusement. A poor man wandering into the house of the powerful? Bold, or stupid.

But Cain didn't care

Somehow, it seemed today was a good day because the mansion was filled to the brim.

A grey-haired man lay on a silk rug in the center of the room, surrounded by frantic family members. Every remedy known to medicine and magic had been tried—nothing worked. Bottles toppled, herbs scattered, soft cries echoing off the marble walls.

“Ezekiel… please!” one young Hart shouted, shaking the elder’s shoulder. “Come on… wake up!”

“Step back, all of you,” a doctor barked, adjusting his spectacles. “You’re doing more harm than good!”

He was the best doctor in the city known for his prowess.

"The old man is as good as dead already. The only thing we can do is pay some respect to his body!"

Those words caused even more sobs and wails. A memo had been sent to the public stating a good reward for anyone that could help the Patricch of the Hart family but none could help.

Cain stepped forward and eyes twitched with disdain, people muttering curses under their breaths.

"What does he think he's doing!"

"Does he think this's child's play!"

"Beggars, they would skip the slightest opportunity to beg. How pathetic!"

Those words caught Cain's ears but he didn't care as he continued moving.

“I can help him,” Cain said, voice low but steady, enough for everyone in the room to hear.

At first, there was a sudden pause and looming silence. After which, a loud roar of laughter tore right through the halls, harsh and incredulous.

“You?” Dr. Selwyn Hart almost choked on his words. “Do you even know what you’re saying?!”

Margaret Hart, Ezekiel’s granddaughter, snorted. “Probably here to impress Aria. Don’t waste your breath, punk Or your time.”

A few servants muttered behind their hands, whispering rumors. “Who does he think he is? Some street rat trying to steal our fortune?”

Cain’s dark eyes swept the room. Calm. Observing. Calculating. Not a hint of arrogance, but not a shred of fear either.

“Let me see him,” Cain said simply.

“Excuse me?” the doctor barked. “Do you know what you’re attempting? This man is… he’s—”

“Dead if you don’t step aside,” Cain finished for him, tone casual.

More laughter.

“Oh, he’s joking!” Margaret clapped mockingly, her voice mixed with anger and pain.. “Look at him. Does he even have the right to speak in this house?”

Cain didn’t move another step forward. Silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable. Then, as if drawn by the tension, the heiress entered.

Aria Hart walked in, tall and graceful, a commanding presence in a simple black dress. Her eyes swept the room, landing on Cain with cool curiosity.

There was lingering in her eyes as she stepped forward, trying to catch any hope to save her grandfather.

"Are you really sure?" Her face was clouded with emotions.

Margaret's eye's dripped with disdain.

"Sister, don't tell me you would allow this lowlife touch father!"

"If that's enough to save his life, then I would definitely do it!" Aria added with a strong voice that glazed with the authority of an heiress.

"We can't make such a mistake. Just look at him, he doesn't even look like he could pull a needle!"

She quickly turned to Cain, a bitter sensation rising through her throat.

"Tell everyone what you do. And if you dare to lie, we are going to find out and make sure we stick your tongue out of your mouth."

Cain didn’t flinch. He looked at her, then at the elder on the floor, and finally back at her.

“I used to sell drugs,” he said simply. “Nothing more.”

A pause.

Liora Vale, Aria’s companion, tilted her head, lips curling in a faint smirk. “That’s… candid,” she said. “And utterly useless here.”

“Candid? Perhaps,” Cain replied. “Useless? That remains to be seen.”

Margaret gasped, scandalized. “Sell drugs? In our house? Are you mad?”

Cain shrugged, casual, almost bored. “I did what I had to. Survived. Nothing more.”

Dr. Selwyn’s face reddened. “You’re mocking us! Do you even know who you’re talking to?”

Aria’s expression didn’t waver. She studied him, her eyes sharp, measuring, as though weighing every word. Liora leaned slightly forward, interest piqued.

“Sell drugs,” Aria repeated, her voice smooth. “And now you walk into the Hart estate claiming you can heal my grandfather?”