Chapter 84: A Gift Beyond Wealth

The grand hall shimmered under the dazzling chandeliers as the auction came to a close. The atmosphere was still electric, whispers of the billion-dollar deals rippling through the elite crowd. But Ethan wasn't done yet.

Stepping back onto the stage, he raised his hand, commanding the attention of every powerful figure in the room.

"Tonight has been historic, but Blackwood believes in rewarding those who stand with us. As a token of appreciation, every guest here will receive an exclusive gift—something beyond money, beyond status."

The room fell silent, curiosity thick in the air.

At that moment, a procession of staff in crisp black suits entered, carrying sleek velvet cases on polished silver trays. With synchronized precision, they moved through the crowd, placing a case before each guest. The weight of the box alone hinted at something extraordinary within.

"Please, open your gifts," Ethan invited with a smirk.

The quiet clicks of locks being undone filled the room, followed by gasps of astonishment. Inside each case lay a collection of rare diamonds, exquisite jewels, and priceless artifacts—each handpicked from Blackwood's most exclusive vaults.

Necks craned, eyes widened in disbelief. Some guests lifted up their treasures—a sapphire-encrusted necklace, a flawless blood-red ruby, a golden pocket watch encrusted with emeralds, an ancient artifact with inscriptions from a forgotten dynasty. These were not just luxury items; they were irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind relics worth fortunes.

The magnitude of the gift sent waves of excitement and envy through the crowd. Owning such pieces wasn't just about wealth—it was about holding a piece of history, a symbol of untouchable power.

Skylar's hands trembled slightly as she gazed down at her gift—a breathtaking diamond bracelet, the stones so clear they seemed to capture light itself. She swallowed hard, her mind racing. This was beyond generosity. It was a statement.

Ethan's voice rang out again.

"These are more than gifts. They are symbols of your connection to Blackwood. Wear them, treasure them, or lock them away—but remember, only those present tonight will ever hold such treasures."

A wave of applause erupted, some guests already securing their cases protectively, fully understanding the weight of what they had just received.

Chris, standing at the edge of the room, remained unreadable. He watched as Skylar traced her fingers over the diamonds, her brows knitting in thought. She had no idea who was truly behind this, no idea that the man standing just a few feet away was the very force making this possible.

And she still had no clue how much deeper into his world she was about to fall.

Ethan adjusted his cufflinks, his expression cool and composed as Samuel Vance struggled against security. But before they could drag him out, Ethan raised a hand, signaling for silence.

His voice cut through the room like a blade.

"One last thing."

All eyes turned to him. Samuel froze, his breathing ragged, hope flickering in his desperate gaze.

Ethan smirked. It was over.

"Effective immediately, Blackwood will no longer recognize or associate with Samuel Vance or any of his businesses."

A collective gasp rippled through the hall.

Ethan's gaze sharpened, sweeping across the powerful men and women gathered.

"And I highly suggest that every company in this room follows suit."

Silence.

Samuel's face drained of color. His breathing became erratic as realization crashed over him. This wasn't just about losing a deal.

This was exile.

Every CEO, investor, and industry leader present knew what this meant. To defy Blackwood's word was suicide. Within hours, Samuel's name would be wiped from every contract, every partnership, every future deal.

His business empire? Finished.

The weight of Ethan's words settled like a death sentence.

Samuel stumbled back, his voice barely a whisper. "No—Ethan, please. You can't do this. You—"

Ethan's smirk deepened.

"I just did. Get him out of my sight."

Security tightened their grip, dragging Samuel away as he struggled, his cries of desperation swallowed by the grandeur of the Blackwood gala.

And just like that, Samuel Vance ceased to exist in the world of power.

..