Chapter 34: Unmasking the Threat

Chris leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together as he processed Ethan's report. Zayne Lancaster wasn't just another entitled rich heir trying to claim what wasn't his—he was a carefully placed pawn in a much bigger game. And someone was moving the pieces.

Ethan sat across from him, his usual composed demeanor in place, but there was an edge in his tone when he spoke. "Zayne's got deep roots. His family's old money, but the real power isn't in his inheritance—it's in his connections."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "Connections to who?"

Ethan tapped the file. "A few offshore accounts lead back to individuals known for financing the kind of business deals that never make it to the front pages. Arms trade, discreet asset laundering, political buyouts. These aren't the type of people who leave trails."

Chris flipped the page, his eyes narrowing as he recognized a particular name. His voice was calm, but there was an undeniable sharpness to it. "Nathaniel Wren."

Ethan's expression darkened. "That's the one."

Nathaniel Wren. A power broker in the underworld—one of the few who had the influence to make things disappear, to erase scandals before they ever became headlines. His reach extended into politics, finance, and even law enforcement. If he was backing Zayne, it meant this wasn't just about Skylar.

It was about control.

Chris exhaled slowly, his patience thinning. "So Zayne isn't acting alone."

"Not even close." Ethan leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly. "Think about it, Chris. Skylar isn't just a girl from a wealthy family—her father has strong ties in the business world, even if his company is on the decline. If someone like Wren wanted leverage over multiple elite families, inserting Zayne into her life would be a strategic move."

Chris clenched his jaw. He'd spent years keeping his identity buried, ensuring no one connected Christopher Blackwood to the simple university student. Yet, somehow, the game had reached his doorstep.

And that was a mistake.

Ethan studied him for a moment before speaking. "What's the play?"

Chris leaned forward, his fingers pressing against the polished surface of his desk. "Zayne thinks he's maneuvering in the shadows. He thinks I don't see the strings being pulled."

A smirk ghosted across Ethan's lips. "But you do."

Chris's eyes darkened. "And now? I start pulling them myself."

Later That Night – A Move in the Dark

Chris stood on the rooftop of one of Blackwood's private buildings, the city lights stretching endlessly beneath him. The air was crisp, carrying the distant sounds of cars and nightlife, but his mind was focused elsewhere.

His phone buzzed. He didn't have to check the caller ID—he already knew who it was.

"Speak."

Ethan's voice came through the line, steady and controlled. "We made contact with one of Zayne's former associates. Someone who used to move funds for him before things got a little too hot."

Chris's interest piqued. "And?"

"He's willing to talk. But he's asking for protection."

Chris smirked. Typical. "Set up a meeting. Discreet. If this guy is the key to unraveling Zayne's operation, I want every detail."

"Already done." A pause. "But there's something else."

Chris's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

"There's been movement on Wren's side. Small but noticeable. Someone's cleaning files, erasing digital footprints."

Chris exhaled. Of course. Wren wasn't just powerful—he was careful. He had people covering his tracks long before anyone could get close. But Chris wasn't just anyone.

"Let them try," he said coldly. "They can cover their tracks all they want. It won't change the outcome."

Ethan chuckled. "I figured you'd say that."

Chris ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket, his mind already calculating the next move.

Zayne had made a mistake when he thought he could stand on the same playing field. Wren had made a mistake when he thought Chris was just another elite heir who didn't know how the game was played.

And Skylar?

She had no idea just how far Chris was

willing to go to protect what was his.

But she was about to find out.