Chapter 238: The Cost of Defiance

A flash of movement.

Before anyone could react, Ava lunged.

The blade in her hand sank deep into Chris's side.

Skylar gasped. The soldiers around them froze, stunned by the unexpected attack. For the first time, Chris staggered slightly, his breath hitching as blood bloomed against his black coat.

Ava's eyes burned with defiance as she twisted the knife. "Guess I did have another shot."

Chris exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening, but he didn't crumble. Didn't fall.

Instead—he smiled.

Ava's confidence faltered.

Chris's hand shot out, gripping her wrist with crushing force.

Ava let out a sharp gasp as he ripped the knife from his own flesh and turned it against her, pressing the bloodstained blade to her throat.

The air was thick with tension.

Skylar's heart pounded. "Chris—"

He didn't even look at her. His focus was solely on Ava.

"You should've killed me," he murmured, voice calm but laced with something lethal.

Ava swallowed hard, refusing to flinch. "Maybe next time."

Chris's grip tightened. Blood dripped from the knife, staining her collar.

Then, after a long beat, he shoved her backward.

Ava stumbled, breathing heavily, but Chris didn't follow. He simply wiped the blade against his coat before dropping it. The metal clattered against the concrete.

Skylar rushed forward instinctively, but Chris caught her wrist, stopping her. His fingers were warm—even with blood on them.

His gaze met hers. Cold. Controlled. Unshaken.

"You're done running," he said, voice like iron. "We're leaving. Now."

Skylar's chest tightened. She didn't have a choice anymore.

Outside, the vehicles waited.

The trap had been set.

And this time—

Chris had won.