The tension in the room escalated instantly. The scarred man truly hadn't expected Adam to hit him.

But right now, Adam was his golden ticket, his big payday, so he didn't want to burn that bridge.

He swallowed his anger and forced himself to stay calm.

"Mr. Alvarez, did you bring the money?" the man asked.

Adam's voice was cold and unwavering. "I brought it-every cent. But we do this fairly. I give you the money. You give me the hostages."

The scarred man smirked. "Sure, we'll trade fairly. But I'm only giving you one of them."

Adam's sharp eyes narrowed, his deep voice turning ice-cold. "What do you mean?"

"We agreed on a trade, one person for one billion dollars. I never said anything about handing over two. That money only buys you one." The scarred man's grin was laced with cruelty.

Adam's jaw tightened. "I'll pay more."

"Mr. Alvarez, this isn't about money. This is how things work in my world. You only get one. Now, make your choice-your ex-wife or your girlfriend. One walks out with you. The other stays with us." He let out a dark chuckle.

Celine's face paled. She hadn't expected this twist.

He was making Adam choose between her and Carly.

Carly immediately turned to Adam, her voice urgent. "Adam, this isn't even a question. You're obviously choosing me, right? My heart isn't in good shape. I need to get out of here!"

at Carly briefly, then looked

gaze. "Mr. Alvarez, would you choose me if

course, she wanted to leave. But it wasn't just about her anymore. She had

would

but he said

together. "Tick-tock, Mr. Alvarez. I'm giving you until the count of three. If you don't pick, you leave here

me? You said you'd take me with you! You swore you'd always take care of

count was about to fall

had made his choice.

surprised-not even

and

hearing him

her stomach. The baby

"Little one,

aba Tather just

us before you were

us behind," she the to

man laughed. "Mr. Alvarez, I like a man who

one of his men

to her feet and threw herself at Adam. "Adam! I knew you'd choose me! My legs are so weak

to him like

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255