The tension in the room escalated instantly. The scarred man truly hadn't expected Adam to hit him.
But right now, 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. Alvarez, 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 was laced with cruelty.
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 dark 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 had Adam's baby inside her.
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."
Carly beamed. "Adam, let's go."
Adam cast one last look at Celine. Then he turned and walked away, carrying Carly with him.
He then left with Carly.
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 taste just as fiery."
With a sick grin, he lunged toward her.
Outside, Adam carried Carly to safety and then gently sat her down.
Then, without a word, he turned back toward the warehouse.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Divorce Prescription (Celina and Adam)
Such a wack writer....
And now we're onto another sets of characters that weren't included from the beginning....
Nathan and Michelle???...
Thought Celine got pregnant before Hailey…..how come Celine is 3 months and Hailey 7?...
if there is already a surveillance video as evidence for the poisoning of Hailey, why go all the trouble of pretending? Celine is also pregnant right? What is happening to them, and what about Adam's headaches ......
Why is this writer like this! Seems it’s going to be a never ending story!!! Rebecca or Melody, why is she here again!!! Don’t these female characters move on!!! Goshhhhh...
A man with a team of invisible bodyguards that only appear on orders and disappear in time of troubles. Hmm😆🤏...
When will Hailey show that she is Adam's cousin and be ruthless? Joanne needs to be put in her place and realize Jonah does not want her. Ewan is just as bad as she is. Hailey needs to get help from Celine or Adam if she doesn't want Jonah to find out what's happening....
If the focus has to go on other characters in the book, at least make it more interesting! They were separated for three years, and still having love rivals! Especially one from the past!!! Why can’t Ewan and Joanne move in together and move on!!...
Imagine the long read if they decide to switch back to Adam and Celine. Not reading this with the same enthusiasm from the beginning....