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 kept his expression relaxed as Skylar leaned against him, unaware of the storm raging beneath the surface. He had spent years mastering the art of deception—this was no different.

But the longer he stayed by her side, the harder it became to separate the illusion from reality.

And yet, she still didn't truly know who he was.

Not the lengths he had gone to for her.

Not the truth behind her father's sudden change of heart.

Chris exhaled quietly, steadying himself.

For now, the illusion remained intact.

Later That Evening – Blackwood Estate

The grand study was dimly lit, the scent of aged leather and polished wood filling the air. Chris stood by the massive floor-to-ceiling window, watching the city lights flicker in the distance.

Behind him, Ethan poured a glass of whiskey, his movements precise.

"She's getting closer," Ethan stated, placing the glass on the desk.

Ethan studied him for a moment before speaking again. "Skylar's father has been asking questions."

Chris finally looked away from the window, his expression unreadable. "What kind of questions?"

"The kind that suggests he's starting to wonder if the man who handed him a blank cheque is really just a 'nobody' student."

Chris smirked faintly, though there was no humor in it. "He won't find anything."

Ethan took a sip of his drink, nodding. "True. But he's desperate. Desperate men take risks."

Chris leaned against the desk, fingers drumming lightly against the surface. "Then we let him take them."

Ethan arched a brow. "And when Skylar inevitably finds out?"

Chris's jaw tightened for a split second before he masked it with a careless chuckle. "Then I'll deal with it."

Ethan watched him carefully. "And if she leaves?"

Because for the first time in years, he didn't know.

Ethan's phone buzzed. A single glance at the screen, and his expression darkened.

Chris noticed immediately. "What is it?"

Ethan placed his glass down with deliberate slowness. "Zayne's gone."

"Escaped," Ethan corrected. "Less than an hour ago. No trace."

Chris clenched his jaw, his mind already racing. Zayne wasn't just some spoiled elite who got caught up in the wrong business—he was dangerous. And now, he was desperate.

"How?" Chris asked, his voice low.

Ethan exhaled. "An inside job. Someone wanted him out."

Chris's fingers tapped against the desk rhythmically. "And we don't know who."

"Not yet," Ethan admitted. "But he won't stay quiet. He'll come for revenge."

Chris smirked, though his eyes remained cold. "Let him try."

Ethan gave him a pointed look. "Skylar is still unaware of what's really happening. If Zayne makes a move—"

Ethan studied him for a moment. "You're walking a fine line, Chris. The deeper she gets, the harder it will be to keep her in the dark."

Chris's gaze flickered, but he said nothing.

Because deep down, he knew Ethan was right.

And soon, the illusion of normalcy would come crashing down.

Chapter 67: The Weight of Secrets