Chapter 237: A Standoff

Ava stepped in front of Skylar, raising her gun without hesitation. The barrel was aimed directly at Chris's chest.

"Not another step," she warned.

Chris halted, his gaze flicking to Ava with mild interest. The soldiers around him tensed, hands hovering over their weapons, waiting for a command. But Chris? He didn't flinch. Didn't blink.

Instead, he sighed. "Ava, lower the gun."

She didn't move. "Turn around and leave, or I swear—"

Chris chuckled, low and unimpressed. "Swear what?"

Ava's grip tightened. "That I'll put a bullet in you."

Chris's expression remained unreadable, but there was something behind his eyes—not fear. Not concern. Something colder.

"You won't," he said simply.

Ava's jaw clenched. "Try me."

Chris took a single step forward.

Ava's hands shook—just for a second.

Chris saw it. So did Skylar.

"That hesitation?" Chris murmured, taking another step. "That's why you're already losing."

Ava's finger twitched on the trigger. The tension in the air was suffocating. One wrong move, and bullets would fly.

Skylar's breath caught. This was spiraling.

Chris kept walking. "Go ahead," he said softly. "Shoot."

Ava exhaled sharply.

For the first time, she looked uncertain.

Chris didn't stop. Another step. Then another.

The gun was now pressed against his chest. Point-blank.

"You should have pulled the trigger by now," Chris murmured.

Ava's breathing was shaky.

Chris leaned in just slightly. His voice was low, final.

"You can't."

The gun trembled in Ava's hands.

Then, with lightning speed—

Chris snatched the weapon from her grip.

Ava gasped, stepping back, but it was too late.

Chris held the gun in one hand, inspecting it casually before tossing it behind him. One of his men caught it with ease.

Ava's face twisted in frustration. "Damn it—"

Chris cut her off. "That was your only shot."

He turned his gaze to Skylar, his expression darkening.

"Now," he said, voice cold. "It's time to go home."