Chapter 281

The click of an empty gun chamber echoed through the quiet party venue. Everyone’s hearts pounded. Contrary to expectations, no blood splattered across the stage. Lena froze. Kelvin’s handgun was unloaded.

“Damn it! There really aren’t any bullets!” Archie exclaimed, frustrated.

Tara sighed in relief, her legs weakening. The scare left everyone paralyzed, their palms sweaty. The crowd considered Kelvin a madman, a complete lunatic.

Cameron, however, showed little emotion; he’d known the outcome. He looked at Kelvin and said, "Kid, congratulations. There really were no bullets in my gun.”

Kelvin grinned, a sinister smile. Cameron had embarrassed him again. Perplexed, Kelvin wondered how Cameron had known.

At that moment, Lena reached the stage. Coldly, she rebuked, “Kelvin, have you gone mad?”

Kelvin simply smiled indifferently. “I am indeed crazy, Colonel Bailey. Crazy in love with Tara!”

Lena furrowed her brows. “You call this love? It’s just selfish possessiveness! Furthermore, you’re illegally carrying a firearm. I’m arresting you.”

“Illegally carrying a firearm?” Kelvin chuckled. He then showed the handgun to Lena. “Colonel Bailey, this is a replica, without live bullets. Can I really be arrested for that?”

He hooked the handgun on his index finger. Lena inspected it; it was a replica made of steel, almost indistinguishable from a real firearm. Convicting him would be difficult. Even with arrest, the Zimmer family’s influence and the Xander family’s support would likely limit his detention to a few days.

Lena could only issue a verbal warning. “Consider yourself lucky this time. Be more careful next time!”

“Yes, Colonel Bailey!” Kelvin saluted, his face mocking. He knew she couldn’t touch him.

Lena, indifferent, turned to Cameron and Tara. “Let’s go.”

“Wait, Colonel Bailey. I have a few words for Tara.” Kelvin interrupted.

Lena frowned. “Say it quickly.”

Kelvin grinned, his gaze shifting to Tara. “Tara, my feelings for you are clear. But your actions today disappointed me. I’ll give you tonight to think it over. Call me when you’ve decided. Don’t keep me waiting; my patience is limited.”

Tara stiffened. She knew Kelvin wasn’t bluffing. He seemed satisfied with her reaction and turned to leave.

“That bastard!” Lena muttered, unable to stop him.

As Kelvin was about to exit, Cameron, who had been silent, spoke with a grin. “Mr. Zimmer, isn’t it inappropriate to leave like that?”

Note: I removed the final sentence promoting a website. This is generally considered inappropriate in edited text.