Chapter 265

Chapter 265
Scarlett’s POV
Alexander's voice flowed from his tightly pressed lips, cold as a winter wind blade.
"Marvin, let her go."
Though his words were directed at Marvin, his gaze remained fixed on me, that intense look making my heart race wildly.
My hands instinctively shielded my abdomen, protecting the life not yet fully formed.
My child, our child.
The scene before me frightened me to the point of near suffocation.
I saw Alexander's expression change.
That man who was always composed, calm, and calculating, for the first time lost the self-control he prided himself on.
He abruptly rose from the sofa, those typically icy blue eyes now burning with a fury I had never witnessed before.
He had barely taken a step when the crisp sound of bullets being chambered echoed around us.
God, is this about to turn into a shootout?
My breathing quickened, fear washing over me like a tide.
Marvin, with his prominent position in political circles, was also a figure who navigated the edges between legal and illegal in the shadows.
Coming to Silverpeak City alone, he undoubtedly brought elite bodyguards.
Alexander's gaze swept the surroundings before returning to my face.
I could feel him rapidly assessing the situation.
His lips curved slightly upward. "Mr. Thomas, why go to such unnecessary lengths?"
His voice was surprisingly calm, yet carried an unmistakable threat.
I watched him walk around the chair, heading directly toward Marvin, and my heart nearly stopped.
Has he gone mad? Marvin's men will shoot!
But Alexander's eyes never left mine.
Even in this situation, he could still make me feel that intense possessiveness.
I had never seen such an expression on his face—a mixture of anger, concern, and love.
A warmth suddenly rose in my heart.
Every previous test, every carefully calculated move—all this was to get a clear answer from his lips.
I do.
Looking into Alexander's eyes, I suddenly felt a strange calmness.
This dominant man, this imperious heir to the Gray family, had actually been conquered by me.
"Mr. Thomas, everything is negotiable," Alexander's voice reached me. "Why destroy the relationship between our two families over a woman?"
Marvin let out a cold laugh, full of contempt and danger.
"Alexander, when did we ever have a relationship? Or should I have accepted your uncle's business and eliminated you?"
I could feel Marvin tightening the arms encircling me.
"Since Mr. Thomas doesn't wish to discuss our relationship," Alexander's voice grew colder, "then let's talk about what you want. What are your conditions for handing her over to me?"
Alexander's smile disappeared as he raised an eyebrow, and the people around no longer restrained themselves, drawing their guns and aiming at Marvin.
My heartbeat nearly burst through my chest.
Dozens of guns pointed at us simultaneously. Bullets were blind—with the slightest misstep, my child and I would both perish here.
But Marvin showed no fear.
I knew he had served in the military in his early years, experiencing missions beyond ordinary imagination.
"Alexander, do you think this is enough?" Marvin's voice sounded in my ear as he held me tighter, almost choking me.
In that moment, I clearly felt a warm liquid flowing between my legs.
Panic surged like a flood.
No, no, no! This can't be happening! Overwhelming fear consumed my entire being.
My child, my child couldn't be saved!
Until now, I had never feared anything so deeply, nor had I ever thought of begging Marvin for anything.
But this time, I completely surrendered.
I was no longer the clever, decisive Scarlett, just a desperate mother-to-be.
"Marvin, I was wrong! I was truly wrong!"
Tears blurred my vision, my voice so choked it was barely recognizable. "I beg you to save me. I don't want to lose this child! I'll be good, I'll stay obediently by your side! I really will behave!"
I never imagined there would come a day when I would plead so humbly to Marvin.
But for my child, I was willing to set aside all dignity.
Marvin looked down at me, a cold smile spreading across his face.
"Scarlett, liars must swallow ten thousand needles," his voice was gentle, but his eyes were merciless. "You're too fond of lying. I don't believe you."
These words were like a knife, pushing me directly into hell.
Tears of despair spilled from my eyes as I felt more blood draining from my body.
My child, our child, was it going to disappear like this?
By now, Marvin had also noticed the bloodstains, but his expression didn't fluctuate in the slightest.
He was never one to be swayed by emotions.
"Mr. Gray, we must act immediately! Miss Smith won't last much longer!"
Noah and Luke's voices were filled with urgency.
In my daze, I saw Alexander's expression become exceptionally ferocious as he snatched a gun from Noah's hand.
The next second, gunfire erupted in the lobby.
The sound of shattering glass, people screaming, bullets firing.
Everything blended together, transforming the spacious hotel lobby into a battlefield.
My consciousness began to blur, but I could still discern that this was Vernon's territory.
The situation was spiraling out of control. Although Marvin had many people around him, they were being steadily pushed back by Alexander's firepower and determination.
"Mr. Thomas... you should retreat!" I heard one of Marvin's subordinates say anxiously.
His words were cut short as Alexander struck him violently in the face with the butt of his gun.
The sound of breaking bone made me shudder.
Under Luke's cover, Alexander effortlessly charged to our side.
I had never seen him so out of control, so reckless.
"Mr. Thomas, I told you, she is mine!"
His gun pressed directly against Marvin's temple, his voice low and dangerous.
Meanwhile, the chaotic scene immediately ceased with a shout from Noah.
Alexander's tongue traced across his teeth, his finger resting on the trigger, ready to pull it at any moment. "Marvin, either her or your life. Think carefully..."
Marvin's breathing was steady and heavy as he stared directly into Alexander's eyes, showing not the slightest fear even with a gun against his temple.
This was Marvin, never bowing to threats.
But what he never expected was that I would make a choice at this crucial moment.
I saw Luke approach and grabbed a gun from his hand.
Despite feeling weak throughout my body, with blood still draining, survival instinct gave me strength.
I pointed the gun at Marvin, trembling as I broke free from his arms, moving step by step toward Alexander.
My vision blurred, barely making out Alexander's outstretched hand.
When our fingers finally intertwined, an unprecedented sense of security enveloped me.
I chose you, from the very beginning it was you.