Classicprincecj

At university, Chris is just another student—quiet, reserved, and seemingly ordinary. But behind the scenes, he’s the heir to a hidden fortune, a secret he guards fiercely.

Then there’s Skylar—a girl born into wealth, now watching her privileged world crumble as her family faces financial ruin. When she crosses paths with Chris, an unexpected connection sparks between them.

Skylar falls for him, believing he’s just a regular guy. But when her family pressures her to seek a richer suitor, Chris finds himself at a crossroads—should he reveal his true identity to fight for their love, or let her go to protect his secret?

In a world where love and wealth collide, can their relationship survive the truth?

Masked Affluence

Chris leaned against his desk, his fingers steepled as he stared at Ethan. The glow from the massive screen behind him reflected off the sleek, dark office, casting long shadows.

"Ethan," Chris said, his voice calm but firm. "What is the name of Wren's company?"

Ethan didn't hesitate, already pulling up files on his tablet. "Vanguard Industries. A multinational firm specializing in tech, cybersecurity, and private intelligence. They've got branches in every major financial hub—New York, London, Tokyo."

Chris's eyes darkened. "And how many companies does he control?"

Ethan swiped through the data. "Directly? Seventeen. But through proxies and shell corporations? The number is much higher." He glanced up. "Wren doesn't own an empire like you do, but he's built a powerful network in the shadows."

Chris smirked. "And his rank in the world?"

Ethan's fingers tapped against the screen, bringing up the latest Forbes and business rankings. "Vanguard Industries sits in the top ten—somewhere around seventh or eighth." He locked eyes with Chris. "But you? Blackwood Enterprises is number one. No competition."

"So if I'm first… where exactly does he think he stands?"

Ethan exhaled. "He plays in the world of the elite, but he's not at your level. Not even close."

Chris's smirk faded. "Then why is he acting like he is?"

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Because Wren doesn't just want power. He wants control. And if he can't surpass you in wealth, he'll try to outmaneuver you in influence."

Chris's fingers tapped against the desk in a slow rhythm.

Ethan pulled up a live tracking system. "That's the real problem. Wren isn't sitting in some office building. He operates in the dark—off-grid locations, private jet routes, hidden servers. He moves fast, changes identities, and wipes his tracks before anyone can follow."

Chris's jaw tightened. "So, he's running."

Ethan smirked. "No, he's buying time."

Chris stood up, walking toward the massive window overlooking the city skyline. His reflection stared back at him, sharp and unreadable.

Chris turned, his expression unreadable. "By reminding him that no matter how fast he runs… the world still belongs to me."

Ethan's phone buzzed. He checked the screen and his smirk widened. "Interesting."

"Vanguard's stock just took a hit. Not a major one, but enough to raise eyebrows." Ethan looked up. "Someone's making moves against Wren."

Chris's smirk returned, cold and knowing. "Then let's add to the pressure."

Ethan chuckled. "I'll get the ball rolling."

Chris turned back to the window, watching the city below.

Wren thought he was playing a game of strategy.

Chris never played. He owned the board.

Chapter 42: The Power Divide