Chapter 50: The Aftershock uh

Chris knew it was coming.

The moment Zayne Lancaster was arrested, it was only a matter of time before Skylar's family reacted.

And sure enough, Ethan stepped into the office, holding up his phone. "You called it. Her family's in chaos."

Chris leaned back in his chair, unimpressed. "What are they saying?"

Ethan smirked, scrolling through the messages. "They're furious. Zayne was supposed to be their golden ticket out of their financial mess. Now, he's behind bars, and they're scrambling for answers." He glanced up. "They don't know who pulled the strings, but they know it wasn't an accident."

Chris's lips curled slightly. "They suspect me?"

Ethan shook his head. "No. And that's the best part." He tossed the phone onto the desk. "As far as they know, Zayne got himself tangled in dirty business. They think it was his own fault."

Chris exhaled slowly. Perfect.

He wanted Zayne gone, but he didn't want the attention. The Blackwood name remained untarnished, and his true power stayed hidden.

Ethan leaned forward. "But here's where it gets interesting. Skylar's father is desperate. Now that Zayne's out of the picture, he's looking for a replacement—fast."

Chris's eyes darkened. Of course, he was.

Ethan continued. "They're already lining up new suitors. Wealthy, powerful men. The kind that can 'save' their family."

Chris clenched his jaw. Another one? They were already trying to sell her off to someone else?

Ethan smirked. "You don't look happy, boss."

Chris's voice was cold. "I'm not."

Ethan chuckled. "Then what's the move? Let them keep playing matchmaker? Or shut it down?"

Chris's gaze flickered to the city lights outside. He had taken down one man who got too close to Skylar. He wasn't about to let another step in.

His voice was quiet but firm. "We end this. Permanently."