?Chapter 1549:


    He never saw the silenced pistol in Christina’s hand until it was toote. She fired once, without hesitation.


    The bullet tore through his arm before he even registered the sound. The de slipped from his grasp and ttered to the floor.


    “Aah—!” he screamed, clutching the bleeding wound, his eyes wild with pain.


    The remaining three men turned instinctively to run.


    “Move, and you’re dead.” Christina leveled the gun at them, her voice devoid of mercy as she strode forward with controlled precision.


    “Tie him up,” she ordered coolly.


    None of them dared test her threat. Terrified, they obeyed without a word.


    Momentster, Trevor found himself bound to a chair,pletely powerless.


    “Let me go!” he barked, still trying to sound in control.


    Christina pressed the cold muzzle of the gun to his forehead. She said nothing—her silence more chilling than any curse—but the look in her eyes froze the air around them.


    Trevor had hated her for years, but he had never seen her like this before.


    She looked like an agent of death itself—calm, beautiful, and utterly ruthless.


    The icy barrel against his skin told him one wrong word could end his life.


    Sweat beaded along his hairline as a violent tremor racked his body.


    He didn’t even dare breathe too loudly, let alone speak.


    “Christina.” Bethel reached out and touched her arm, giving a small shake of her head.


    Only then did Christina lower the gun, her gaze still sharp and frozen on Trevor. “I’m letting you live because of Bethel. Don’t test me.”


    Trevor exhaled quietly, though bitterness still churned inside him.


    He couldn’t show it—not now. Pleading was his only option.


    “Mom, I understand, okay? Just tell her to let me go. I’m hurt… If I don’t get medical help, I might die. Do you really want your son dying right in front of you?”


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    Bethel didn’t spare him a nce. Instead, she turned to Christina.


    She cupped Christina’s cheeks with trembling hands, her voice soft and heavy. “Christina, I’m so sorry. I almost dragged you into this mess.”


    “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” Christina held her hands firmly. “Bethel, whatever you choose to do with him, I’ll stand with you.”


    “He’s still my son. I won’t take his life… But he’s no longer a member of the Dawson family,” Bethel said, her voice weary and worn-down.


    Trevor exploded. “You can’t just throw me out—”


    His words cut off as Bethel’s palm struck his cheek. Her furious stare pinned him in ce.


    “You still dare talk back?” she snapped. “You’ve never treated me like a mother. So don’t expect to stay in this family.”


    “I’m the one born a Dawson! You weren’t even part of it! If my father hadn’t been foolish enough to put the shares in your name, none of this would’ve happened!” Trevor shouted, rage ring anew.


    “So what if I’m not a Dawson by blood?” Bethel’sugh was cold. “I’m the one running the Dawson Group. If I decide to rename the entirepany tomorrow, I can.”


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