Chapter 156: SURRENDER

Alex's POV

I had reached my limit.

For years, I had let my father control me, manipulate me, use me. Even after knowing the truth, a small part of me had held back, hesitating to completely turn against him.

Not anymore.

Scarlet had nearly been taken because of him. He had played his last game.

I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as I drove straight to the prison. My beta had just informed me of what happened-my father had used his illness as an excuse to lure Scarlet into a trap. He wanted her, maybe to use her against me, maybe for something even worse.

The thought made my blood boil. The moment I arrived, I didn't wait for clearance. I stormed through the gates, ignoring the guards calling after me. My rage was a force of its own, pushing me forward.

"I need to see him. Now," I demanded.

The guard hesitated before exchanging glances with the officer beside him.

"He's not here," one of them finally said.

My muscles tensed. "What do you mean he's not here?"

"He escaped," the officer muttered, clearly afraid to meet my gaze. "A few hours ago. We were about to inform you-"

I didn't let him finish. My mind blanked, my body moving on autopilot as I turned and rushed back to my car. My heart slammed against my ribs as I sped toward the house.

I needed to get back to Scarlet. The roads blurred past me, but all I could think about was her.

Please be safe. I should have never left. I should have been there. I should have known my father would make a move the moment I turned my back.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, my gut was twisting in dread.

The house was eerily quiet. Too quiet.

I shoved the car door open, bolting toward the entrance. My instincts screamed at me as I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the living room.

And then I saw them.

My father stood in the middle of the room, his posture calm, composed-like he hadn't just escaped prison.

Like he hadn't just destroyed lives. But my gaze wasn't on him. It was on Scarlet.

She was on the floor, motionless.

A sharp pain tore through my chest as I rushed forward, dropping to my knees beside her. Her skin was too pale, her breathing faint.

I touched her face, my hands trembling.

"Scarlet," I whispered, gently shaking her. "Wake up."

Nothing.

My head snapped up, my vision blurring with rage.

"You bastard," I growled, rising to my feet. "What did you do to her?"

My father smirked, like this was nothing but a game to him.

"You left her unprotected," he said simply. "Did you really think I wouldn't come for her?"

My fingers curled into fists. "I swear to God, if you-"

He tsked. "Now, now. No need for threats. She's alive. For now."

Something inside me snapped.

I lunged at him, slamming my fist into his face. The satisfying crack of bone filled the room, but I didn't stop. I hit him again, and again, pouring every ounce of rage, pain, and betrayal into each strike.

This was the man who ruined everything, killed my mother and turned me into his puppet.

I wasn't his pawn anymore.

He grunted, stumbling back, blood dripping from his mouth. But his smirk remained.

"You still have my temper," he chuckled, wiping his lip. "Just like your mother."

I froze. The way he said it-so casual, so cruel-made my stomach twist.

"You killed her," I breathed. "Didn't you?"

His expression didn't change. "You already know the answer to that."

Rage blinded me. I grabbed him by the collar, slamming him against the wall. "You took everything from me."

"And yet, you're still my son," he said, his tone mocking. "No matter how much you try to fight it."

I wanted to end him. But a soft groan from the floor snapped me back.

Scarlet.

I released my father, letting him drop to the ground before rushing back to her. I scooped her into my arms, brushing her hair back as her eyelids fluttered weakly.

"Scarlet," I whispered.

My grip on Scarlet tightened as I turned back to face him.

He was still sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall, a cruel smirk on his bloodied face.

"I wouldn't move if I were you," he warned, pulling something from his pocket. A small, silver remote. "Unless you want her to die right here."

My heart pounded against my ribs.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I growled.

His smirk widened. "Do you really think she would have been able to stab you so easily that night?"

A chill ran down my spine.

"What?"

"You think she was the one who decided to poison you?" he continued, his tone dripping with amusement. "No, son. I gave her that dagger. I made sure it was in her hands."

I felt the blood drain from my face.

No.

That night, the moment Scarlet stabbed me-had it been his doing all along?

"You're lying," I hissed.

He chuckled. "Am I?"

Scarlet stirred slightly in my arms, letting out a soft whimper. I swallowed hard, brushing my hand against her cheek.

The poison.

He had planned it all.

"You bastard," I seethed.

He sighed, shaking his head. "You still don't get it, do you? You were never meant to disobey me. You were never meant to be anything but what I created you to be. And yet, you continue to disappoint me."

My hands curled into fists.

"You killed my mother," I spat. "You used me. You used Scarlet."

"And yet," he mused, tilting his head, "you still hesitate."

I glared at him.

"You could end me right now," he continued. "You could kill me where I stand. But you won't."

He pressed a button on the remote, and a sharp beep echoed through the room.

Scarlet suddenly gasped, her body twitching in my arms.

"No!" I shouted, shaking her gently. "Stay with me, Scarlet!"

A slow laugh filled the air.

"You see," my father drawled, "she's connected to me now. One press of this button, and the poison inside her will finish what it started."

My breath hitched.

Scarlet wasn't just poisoned by accident-he had control over it.

I felt my body go rigid.

"If you want her to live," he continued, "you will obey me."

I looked down at Scarlet. Her skin was pale, her breathing weak.

Damn it.

Damn him.

I had no choice.

My hands trembled as I slowly loosened my hold on her and stood.

"Fine," I said, gritting my teeth. "You win."

His smile was triumphant.

I clenched my fists, every muscle in my body screaming to tear him apart.

But I couldn't.

Not while Scarlet was still in danger.

Not while he had control.

"You finally understand," he said, getting to his feet. He straightened his suit, completely unfazed by the blood staining his face. "You should have done this from the start."

Scarlet let out another weak groan, and I forced myself to stay still.