But this time, Adam didn''t even spare Carly a nce.


    She was like the boy who cried wolf-left defenseless when she finally needed saving the most.


    Celine stepped forward, towering over Carly. "Carly, stop deceiving yourself. There was never going to be a surgery."


    Carly''s eyes widened as the truth hit her. "I understand now... This was all a setup! You knew from the start that I was pretending to be you. You pretended to agree to the surgery, but in reality, this was all part of your n to expose me. That''s why you brought Alfred here today-to unveil the truth!"


    A mocking smile spread across Celine''s lips. "Well, well, you''re not as dumb as I thought. That''s right. I nned everything. Today was the day I was going to rip off your mask and reim what''s mine."


    "Celine, you''re so cruel! We share the samest name! How could you do this to me?"


    Celine scoffed, a harshugh escaping her. "Cruel? So now you remember we''re family, huh? Where was that sentiment when you stole my identity? Why is it that you''re allowed to hurt me, but I''m not allowed to stand up for myself?"


    Sonia stumbled forward. "Celine, please, I''m your grandmother-"


    "Enough! I don''t need a grandmother like you. Go dote on Carly instead!"


    Celine''s eyes swept over the entire Tate family, cold and unwavering.


    "I''ve made myself clear-whoever poisoned my father, you know exactly what you did. Either turn yourselves in and spend the rest of your lives repenting behind bars or prepare for a war. Because I''ll never stoping for you. This is a fight to the death!"


    Her words hit like a bolt of lightning, sending a surge of fear through the Tate family.


    Just then, Perry stepped forward. "Celine, you''re pregnant. You shouldn''t let your emotions get the best of you. Come, let''s go rest."


    Celine gave a nod. "Alright."


    Without another word, she turned and followed Perry, leaving the scene behind. Hailey and Robin turned to Adam. "Mr. Alvarez, we''ll leave these people to you."


    A cold shiver ran down Carly''s spine. "Adam, I know I was wrong! Please don''t be so heartless-I beg you!"


    Adam regarded her with nothing but contempt. "I never want to see you again. Take her away."


    At hismand, two men in ck stepped forward and seized Carly.


    Lucy and Hayden panicked, stepping forward frantically. "Mr. Alvarez, please don''t do this! Carly is sick, and her heart condition is serious! She won''t survive this!" Adam''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "Her condition has nothing to do with me. If she dies, then consider it her punishment for stealing Celine''s identity."


    Carly''s breath caught in her throat. "Adam-"


    "Take her away!" Adammanded coldly.


    ???


    As Carly was hauled away, a sharp, agonizing pain tore through her chest. A wave of sheer panic crashed over her, the suffocating fear of death tightening its grip. She knew Adam no longer cared of she lived or died.


    Desperation filled her eyes as she


    turned to Lucy and Hayden, her


    voice trembling. "Mom, Dad, please save me! My heart really hurts. I don''t want to die! Please help me!"


    Before she could say another word, a firm hand covered her mouth. The


    bodyguards tightened their grip. dragging her forward as she


    stumbled. She was too helpless to resist.


    Lucy and Hayden rushed forward in desperation, but Adam''s men swiftly blocked their way. Trapped, they could only watch in horror as Carly was dragged away.


    "Carly! Carly!"


    Adam''s piercing gaze turned to the remaining members of the Tate family. "And as for the rest of you-"


    Sonia rushed forward. "Mr. Alvarez! Please, we had nothing to do with Carly''s lies! Don''t punish us for her mistakes! We don''t want to suffer because of her!"