Chapter 23

In Scarlett's Perspective:

Lucas's blood splattered on my face, and the world before me seemed to be stained crimson.

He wiped the blood from my face and then unsteadily stood up.

The men Lucas brought had already rushed forward, clashing with Alexander's people.

Blood was everywhere.

The man who shot from the shadows was killed by Mark in the first moment.

"You get a shot." I couldn't help but exclaim, but Lucas's finger pressed against my lips.

"It's okay. Let's get out of here." Lucas put his uninjured arm around my shoulder and turned to leave.

Unexpectedly, Alexander shouted. "Stop, all of you!" Alexander clutched his head, screaming in pain, occasionally glancing at me.

I wanted to walk away indifferently, but I couldn't. I couldn't be like Alexander, witnessing so many deaths without pity.

"Stop!" I shouted at Lucas's men, but none of them stopped.

Their knives and bats were already stained with blood, creating a chaotic scene. 

Suddenly, a group of men in black suits appeared, encircling the hospital. They were clearly well-trained enforcers and quickly subdued both sides of the fight.

Gabriel walked over.

"This is quite the welcome ceremony," Gabriel said with a smile, pointing his cane at me, "I want to talk to you."

I could tell his words were not a request but an undeniable command.

"No." Lucas immediately tensed up, wanting to refuse Gabriel.

Before he could finish, Gabriel interrupted him. "I just want to chat with my granddaughter. Is that not allowed?" He looked at Lucas, his eyes filled with displeasure.

Lucas fell silent, lowering his head and then closing his eyes helplessly.

People directed their gaze towards me, seemingly surprised by the connection between Gabriel and me. I was taken aback for quite some time upon initially discovering it.

"Let's go." Gabriel pointed to his car, signaling me to leave with him.

I didn't respond but looked at Lucas. His eyes were complicated, but he finally nodded. Only then did I follow Gabriel out.

Gabriel's office was even more immaculate than I had anticipated. The wooden desk and the classic lamp added to the oppressive atmosphere of the office.

"Let's sit down and talk." Gabriel pointed to the chairs outside his desk while he sat behind it.

"I completely misjudged you earlier," Gabriel said with a smile as he handed me a glass of water, "I initially thought you were as weak as my useless daughter. Surprisingly, you are a resilient girl. You're quite impressive." 

Gabriel's praise appeared genuine, but I was taken aback by this unexpected side of him.

I couldn't figure out what Gabriel wanted, and I didn't dare drink the water he handed me.

"Thank you." I nodded slightly to him.

I had no connection or feelings for Gabriel. Unsure of how to communicate with him, I remained silent.

"You know, your mother was my only daughter," Gabriel said with a regretful expression, "We poured a lot of effort into her and doted on her immensely. But what was the result? She still betrayed the Bennett family." Speaking of this, Gabriel's emotions clearly became agitated.

His hatred for my mother was genuine.

I listened quietly.

"I've already lost my only daughter. I can't lose my son too," Gabriel sighed helplessly and said, "I'm an old man with not much time left, and my only hope is for my kid to live a better life. I can't just watch Lucas was on the wrong path, can I?" Gabriel looked up at me and continued, "Lucas is my only stepson, and I just want him to be with someone more suitable. Not with his niece, doing such disgraceful things."

I sensed Gabriel's disapproval, but he was correct about one thing: I was not weak. When I chose to be with Lucas, I had already considered the challenges ahead. Once I made a decision, I would not waver easily. I looked at Gabriel, shook my head, and smiled as I pushed the water glass toward him.

"I am concerned about you. Leaving Lucas is good for everyone." He tapped his fingers on the table and said, "Your relationship will never be blessed."

"You said you cared about my mother and me, so where were you when we were living in the slums?" I asked him, "When my mother and I depended on each other, why didn't you show up? After I lost my parents, you even told me to fend for myself." I couldn't accept what Gabriel said, not even to deceive myself.

He never showed up during all the years I lived with my mother. After her passing, it was Lucas who discreetly brought me to his house.

None of this had anything to do with Gabriel, so how could he talk about his feelings for my mother with a straight face?

I thought I should have known long ago that in Gabriel's eyes, emotions were just another bargaining chip.

Gabriel's gaze hardened, and his hand moved towards the desk drawer.

"I won't leave Lucas." I looked into his eyes, enunciating each word clearly.

Gabriel's face grew darker, and he took several deep breaths before slamming the table and standing up.

"Enough." He pulled out a gun, aimed it at me and asked, "Are you willing to risk your life for Lucas?"

I was honestly terrified. The handgun was undeniably real, making me feel chillingly cold. As Gabriel picked up the gun, I realized it was loaded.

"Go ahead. Shoot me." I looked into his eyes without flinching and said, "I'm already pregnant with Lucas's child."

Gabriel froze for a moment. But he still glared at me, nearly pressing the gun to my forehead.

"Have you not satisfied lost your daughter already? Do you now wish to destroy your granddaughter as well?" I sat up straight and moved closer to the gun. "If you shoot me, there will be no one left in the world who carries on your bloodline."

"Shut up!" Gabriel trembled with rage and pulled the trigger.

I closed my eyes, waiting for death to come.

At the moment the gun fired, the door to Gabriel's office was kicked open.

I wasn't dead; the bullet hit the painting behind me.

"Scarlett! Are you okay?" I opened my eyes to see Gabriel lowering his gun in defeat, and Lucas's voice rang in my ears.

Lucas hurriedly entered and quickly pulled me out, looking anxious with sweaty palms.

"Listen. I will never approve of your relationship! You will never have a good ending!" Gabriel shouted, banging his cane behind us.

Gabriel didn't kill me; he could still be soft-hearted. But he remained harsh toward me and Lucas. Just like he despised my mother, Gabriel probably always despised me too.