The tension in the room escalated instantly. The scarred man hadn't expected Adam to hit him. But Adam was his golden ticket, his big payday, so he didn't want to burn that bridge. He swallowed his anger and forced himself to stay calm.

"Mr. Abrez, did you bring the money?" the man asked.

Adam's voice was cold and unwavering. "I brought it—every cent. But we do this fairly. I give you the money; you give me the hostages."

The scarred man smirked. "Sure, we'll trade fairly. But I'm only giving you one of them."

Adam's sharp eyes narrowed, his deep voice turning ice cold. "What do you mean?"

"We agreed on a trade, one person for one billion dollars. I never said anything about handing over two. That money only buys you one." The scarred man's grin widened.

Adam's jaw tightened. "I'll pay more!"

"Mr. Alvarez, this isn't about money. This is how things work in my world. You only get one. Now, make your choice—your ex-wife or your girlfriend. One walks out with you. The other stays with us." He let out a short chuckle.

Celine's face paled. She hadn't expected this twist. He was making Adam choose between her and Carly.

Carly immediately turned to Adam, her voice urgent. "Adam, this isn't even a question. You're obviously choosing me, right? My heart isn't in good shape. I need to get out of here!"

Adam glanced at Carly briefly, then looked at Celine.

Celine met his gaze. "Mr. Alvarez, would you choose me if I begged you?" Celine wasn't stupid. Of course, she wanted to leave. But it wasn't just about her anymore. She carried Adam's baby. If she pleaded, would Adam choose her?

Adam frowned slightly, but he said nothing.

The scarred man clapped his hands together. "Tick-tock, Mr. Alvarez. I'm giving you until the count of three. If you don't pick, you leave here alone. One... two..."

Carly's voice turned desperate. "Adam! Did you forget your promise to me? You said you'd take me with you! You swore you'd always take care of me!"

The final count was about to fall when Adam spoke. "I choose Carly." He had made his choice. He chose Carly.

Celine wasn't surprised—not even a little. Because when it came down to her and Carly, Adam had never chosen her. Not once. And yet, hearing him say it still hurt. Her hand drifted toward her stomach. The baby was still inside her. "Little one," she thought, "your father just abandoned us before you were even born. He left us behind."

The scarred man laughed. "Mr. Alvarez, I like a man who makes quick decisions. Take her and go."

At his signal, one of his men stepped forward and cut Carly loose. The moment she was free, Carly scrambled to her feet and threw herself at Adam. "Adam, I knew you'd choose me! My legs are so weak from being tied up. Carry me!" She pouted and clung to him like a child.

Adam sighed and lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

Carly beamed. "Adam, let's go."

Adam cast one last look at Celine. Then he turned and walked away, carrying Carly with him.

Celine curled her lips into a faint, mocking smile.

The scarred man sauntered over, gripping her chin between his fingers. "See that, sweetheart? You're the one who got left behind. Mr. Alvarez doesn't want you." Celine jerked her face away, shaking off his touch.

The scarred man chuckled. "Still got some fight in you, huh? Let's see if you last as fiery." With a cruel grin, he lunged toward her.

Outside, Adam carried Carly to safety and gently sat her down. Then, without a word, he turned back toward the warehouse.