Chapter 66: The Illusion of Normalcy

The roar of luxury engines faded as the convoy pulled up near the university, but Chris stayed seated, watching the students go about their daily routines. Laughter, hurried footsteps, casual conversations—it was a world far removed from the one he had just left.

Here, he was not Blackwood. Not the man who had just seized control of the most powerful council in the world.

Here, he was just Chris.

An ordinary student with no last name worth remembering.

Ethan remained silent beside him, awaiting further instructions. Chris finally spoke.

"Drop me off a block away."

Ethan gave a curt nod, signaling the driver, and the convoy took a turn, stopping at a discreet location. Without another word, Chris stepped out, his simple hoodie and backpack a stark contrast to the world he truly belonged to.

The convoy pulled away, disappearing into the distance.

No security. No guards trailing behind him. No hint of the power he wielded.

Just Chris.

---

On Campus

Chris walked through the bustling campus, blending effortlessly into the sea of students. A few nodded in recognition, but no one truly paid him any mind. That's how he had designed it.

The contrast between this life and the one he had just left was almost laughable. A few hours ago, he had dictated the fate of billionaires. Now, he was just another student heading to class.

But then—

"Chris!"

He turned just in time to see Skylar rushing toward him, her expression a mix of relief and frustration.

His gaze flickered over her carefully.

She looked stressed. Her father had definitely spoken to her.

"Where have you been?" she asked, slightly out of breath. "I tried calling you last night."

Chris offered a small, unreadable smile. "Busy."

Skylar frowned. "Too busy to even text?"

He let out a soft chuckle, effortlessly diverting the subject. "Something happen?"

Skylar hesitated before exhaling. "My dad… He told me about Zayne's arrest."

Chris kept his expression neutral. "Yeah?"

Her voice lowered slightly. "He was… furious. Not about Zayne being in jail, but about what it meant. He said someone powerful was pulling the strings."

Chris raised a brow, feigning curiosity. "And?"

Skylar bit her lip, watching him carefully. "He kept warning me to be careful about who I trust. That the world isn't as simple as I think it is."

Chris chuckled lightly. "He's not wrong."

Skylar gave him a long look. "You don't seem surprised."

Chris tilted his head. "Should I be?"

She sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know, Chris. Sometimes, I feel like… like there's so much happening around me that I don't understand."

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You don't need to understand everything, Skylar." His voice was calm, steady. "Just know that you're safe."

She searched his eyes, as if trying to find something beneath the surface. But Chris had spent years perfecting this mask. She wouldn't see anything he didn't want her to.

Finally, she sighed, leaning against his shoulder for a brief second.

"Just promise me you're not caught up in anything dangerous."

Chris smirked, looking ahead.

"Of course not."

And the biggest lie he had ever told slipped effortlessly from his lips.