Chapter 11: Elena’s Choice
Chapter 11: Elena’s Choice
Elena had spent months imagining Adrian’s downfall.
She had never expected to be tied to a chair while it happened.
The guard behind her watched the ballroom broadcast on a tablet. His attention remained fixed on the chaos below.
Elena tested the restraint around her right wrist.
The metal clasp had cut her skin, making it slick with blood.
Another contraction tightened through her body.
This one was stronger.
She closed her eyes and breathed quietly.
The guard glanced down.
“Don’t start.”
Elena said nothing.
The contraction passed.
She pulled against the restraint.
Her hand slipped halfway through.
On the tablet, Adrian dragged Julian from the stage.
Elena twisted harder.
Pain ripped across her thumb.
The restraint came free.
She waited until the guard looked toward the door.
Then she seized a glass paperweight from the desk and struck him behind the ear.
He collapsed.
Elena grabbed his gun but did not know whether it was loaded.
She reached the office door as Julian and Adrian entered from the private elevator.
Adrian held his weapon against Julian’s back.
“Elena,” Julian warned.
Adrian turned.
Elena aimed the guard’s gun with both hands.
“Let him go.”
Adrian laughed.
“You don’t even know how to fire that.”
“I don’t need to be good. You’re standing six feet away.”
Adrian shifted behind Julian.
“You won’t risk hitting your husband.”
Elena’s voice shook.
“I already risked everything for him.”
Julian looked at her.
Even exhausted and bruised, she stood between Adrian and their child.
Adrian’s attention moved to her stomach.
That was his mistake.
Julian slammed his elbow backward.
The gun fired into the ceiling.
Elena pulled the trigger.
Nothing happened.
The weapon was empty.
Adrian struck Julian and raised his gun again.
Before he could fire, Camila appeared in the doorway.
She shot Adrian in the shoulder.
He collapsed with a roar.
Camila stood frozen, staring at the weapon in her hands.
“You betrayed me,” Adrian gasped.
Camila lowered the gun.
“You betrayed everyone.”
Police officers rushed into the office behind Marcus.
Adrian was restrained.
Julian crossed the room and caught Elena as her legs gave way.
“It’s the baby,” she whispered.
A wave of pain seized her.
Her water broke across the marble floor.
Julian lifted her into his arms.
“Stay with me.”
Elena gripped his jacket.
“The drive.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It proves everything.”
May you like
“You and the baby are the only things that matter now.”
For the first time in eight months, Elena believed him.
