Chapter 260

Rachel's POV

The moment the door opened, I found myself staring down the barrel of a gun aimed directly at my forehead.

My eyes narrowed sharply as adrenaline surged through my body. The two security guards behind me reacted instantly, drawing their weapons and training them on the figures in the doorway.

The scene before me made my blood run cold-at least ten men in black suits formed a wall of dark fabric and gleaming metal, their weapons all pointed in our direction. Through the gap they maintained in their formation, I could see my cousin, Atticus Thorne, seated in his wheelchair at the far end of the corridor. His expression was utterly devoid of emotion, a coldness in his eyes that sent chills down my spine.

What alarmed me even more was the sight of my two guards who had been stationed outside-both unconscious on the marble floor.

I could feel the color draining from my face as I processed the situation.

"What exactly are you trying to accomplish here, cousin?" I demanded through gritted teeth.

"Whatever you're trying to accomplish, dear cousin," he replied, his voice as cold as winter frost.

"Is turning siblings against each other over a woman really worth it?" I attempted to reason with him.

"Are you certain it's this woman that's turning us against each other?" His tone dripped with sarcasm.

I drew in a deep breath, changing tactics. "If there are misunderstandings between us, we can have Grandfather Clarence and Grandfather Silas discuss them properly."

I deliberately invoked Silas Thorne and Clarence Thorne's names as leverage. But my cousin seemed to have anticipated this move.

"You've always loved playing games, cousin, but I'm tired of them. Will you release Serena or not?"

"And if I refuse?" I responded with steel in my voice.

"She dies, and you'll join her."

"You wouldn't dare!" Rage colored my words. "Are you really prepared to kill me in cold blood? Do you think my grandfather would let you live if I died?"

"He wouldn't let me live either way!" Atticus shot back with devastating accuracy.

My heart skipped a beat at his words.

He continued, his voice growing colder with each word: "Everyone knows who was behind the recent accident. If Lucas hadn't tried to save Serena, if she hadn't insisted on pulling me out too, I would be dead already. Perhaps it's time we settled that score as well." His voice sent ice through my veins.

"What proof do you have that I was behind the accident?" I challenged, fighting to keep my voice steady.

"None," he stated simply. "And I don't need any."

I pressed on, trying to maintain control of the situation: "Have you considered the consequences of your actions? How will you maintain your position in the family? How will your grandfather explain this? Forget about him-your actions will bring the full force of the law down on you! Your entire family will crumble."

"Now that you mention it..." I noticed my cousin's momentary hesitation.

A glimmer of triumph flashed in my eyes. Our family had always been ruthless when it came to protecting our interests, often at the expense of our conscience. We would abandon even our closest relatives if necessary, let alone someone who merely owed us their life.

But his next words froze the blood in my veins.

"I just realized something," he said, a dangerous edge to his voice. "If we continue this standoff, your grandfather or brother might order you to kill Serena immediately. Then I'd have to kill you in retaliation. After that, your grandfather and brother would have the police arrest me, and without me, my family would have no way to challenge yours. What a convenient solution for them, don't you think?"

The color drained from my face as an icy realization gripped my heart.

He was right-terrifyingly right. While not absolutely certain, there was a high probability of exactly that scenario playing out. If our standoff continued and my grandfather and brother learned of the situation, they might very well give such an order.

The men surrounding me might appear to be my protection, but ultimately, they answered to my grandfather. They would follow his commands without question.

"Your time to decide is running out, cousin," Atticus reminded me, his voice cutting through my thoughts.

I clenched my jaw in frustration. The thought of letting this opportunity slip through my fingers was maddening.

But to trade my life for Serena's? That was a step too far. Who was she to be worth such a sacrifice? What right did Serena Sinclair have to be considered equal to my life?

"What is it about Serena that makes everyone willing to throw their lives away for her?" The words burst from my lips, sharp and bitter. The question had been eating at me for days, watching how people gravitated toward her, protected her, sacrificed for her. "First you, and then Lucas Harrington-both of you ready to destroy everything!"

Atticus's steel-gray eyes met mine, his composure unwavering. The fading sunlight caught the edge of his profile, highlighting the resolution etched into his features. "I can't speak for Lucas," he replied, his voice steady and measured. "But Serena saved my life. It's ironic, really-if your family hadn't tried to have me killed, I might never have formed such a deep bond with her. So in a way, I should thank you for that."

His words struck like individual daggers, each one precisely aimed. I could see the ghost of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he added, "So, dear cousin, have you made your decision? Time isn't exactly on our side here."

The weight of the moment pressed down on me. I knew exactly what he meant-every second I hesitated could have devastating consequences. The choice before me was clear, yet the words stuck in my throat like thorns. My nails dug deeper into my palms as I wrestled with my pride, with the fury that threatened to consume me.

Finally, through clenched teeth, I turned to my security team and commanded, "Release her."

The sound of a door opening behind me was followed by slow, uneven footsteps. I turned to watch as Serena emerged from the adjacent room, leaning heavily on a crutch. Her face was pale but composed, her chin held high despite her obvious discomfort. She didn't spare me a single glance as she made her way toward Atticus, her steps deliberate and determined.

I felt my face contort with rage and helplessness as I watched them. Serena's strength, even in weakness, only fueled my anger. Her simple gray dress and disheveled hair couldn't mask the dignity she carried, and it made me want to scream. How dare she maintain such composure after everything?

Atticus placed a protective hand on her elbow, supporting her as they moved toward the door. His security team filed out after them, their footsteps echoing in the tense silence. I remained rooted to the spot, watching as my carefully laid plans crumbled before my eyes.

The room felt suddenly vast and empty, the afternoon light now harsh and unforgiving. The silence was broken by the distinct sound of a phone vibrating. One of my security guards cleared his throat.

"Who is it?" I demanded, not bothering to turn around.

"Mr. Garrett Thorne, ma'am."

My stomach clenched. "What does he want?"

"He asked if Miss Sinclair had been collected by Mr. Atticus."

"And?" The word came out sharp enough to cut.

"I confirmed that she had left with him. Mr. Thorne ended the call after that."

The implications of that brief exchange hit me like a physical blow. A cold realization crept up my spine as I pieced together what it meant. My brother had known-he had known all along that I would have to let her go. The thought made me feel sick.