Scarlett weighed her options. Grayson's smirk widened as he gestured toward Simeon.
"Funny how betrayal works," Grayson mused. "I gave Simeon everything—power, wealth, trust. But trust is such a fickle thing, isn't it?"
Simeon, still kneeling, clutched his leg. His face contorted in pain, but his gaze was locked on Scarlett.
"Grayson will kill you, whether you comply or not. Don't give him the satisfaction of surrender."
Scarlett's eyes darted to the men encircling them, calculating the odds. Her hand remained steady on her weapon; her breath controlled despite the rising tension.
"You're stalling, Scarlett," Grayson drawled, his tone mockingly patient. "Don't waste my time."
She shifted her aim slightly, aligning her sights on Grayson's lieutenant to the left. Without warning, she fired. The bullet found its mark, the man dropping instantly. Chaos erupted as Grayson's men retaliated, shouting orders and unleashing a hail of gunfire.