Chapter 265: A Shot in the Dark

The gunshot exploded through the room like a thunderclap.

But Chris didn't fall.

The bullet struck the wall just inches from his head. A deliberate miss. A warning.

A choice.

Ethan moved instantly, grabbing Skylar's wrist and yanking the gun from her grip before she could fire again. Cole took a sharp step forward, his jaw tightening, but he didn't interfere.

Chris remained completely still, his expression unreadable. The only sign that he had registered what happened was the slow, deliberate blink of his eyes.

Skylar was breathing hard.

The tension in the room was suffocating. No one spoke. No one dared to move.

Then—

Chris laughed.

Low. Quiet. Almost amused.

Ethan didn't loosen his grip on Skylar, but his eyes flicked to Chris, waiting for his next move.

Chris exhaled sharply, his smirk widening. "You had your chance."

Skylar's chest rose and fell rapidly. "If you wanted her dead, you wouldn't have handed me the gun. You just wanted to see what I would do."

Chris tilted his head slightly. "And now I know."

He gestured lazily, and Ethan released her, though the tension in his body remained.

Chris turned his gaze to Ava, who had remained silent throughout it all. Her expression was unreadable, but there was something in her eyes—calculation.

He exhaled and leaned back against the hospital bed, the weight of the moment settling.

"Take her away," he said finally, his tone casual. "I'll decide what to do with her later."

Ethan didn't hesitate this time. He grabbed Ava's arm, pulling her toward the door. She didn't fight him, but as she passed Skylar, she gave her a single, lingering glance.

Skylar didn't know what it meant.

As the door shut behind them, leaving only Chris, Skylar, and Cole, the room felt even heavier.

Chris turned to Skylar, watching her closely. Then he shook his head with a small, knowing smirk.

"You really think you understand me, don't you?"

Skylar's hands curled into fists. "I understand enough."

Chris chuckled, but there was something dark beneath it.

"Then tell me, Skylar…" His voice was soft, yet razor-sharp.

"If you understand me so well, why are you still standing?"