Chapter 85: The Blackwood Oath

The grand conference hall inside Blackwood Empire was nothing short of a masterpiece—towering glass walls, a sleek obsidian table, and an aura of power that made even the wealthiest men feel small.

Seated around the table were the elite winners of the previous night's auction. Some adjusted their ties, others tapped their fingers anxiously against their contracts. They had secured deals worth billions, but today was where the true test began.

At exactly 10:00 AM, Ethan entered.

The room fell into complete silence.

Dressed in an impeccable black suit, he exuded the authority of a man who could decide the fate of industries with a single word. His sharp gaze swept over the room before he took his seat at the head of the table.

"Good morning," he said smoothly. "Let's get straight to business."

The tension in the room thickened.

Ethan's expression remained unreadable as he rested his hands on the table. "Last night, you didn't just win contracts—you entered a new playing field. Blackwood does not engage in simple business transactions. What we offer is a partnership."

His fingers tapped lightly against the surface. "But partnerships come with rules."

The room was so silent that the faint hum of the city outside could be heard.

Then, his voice sharpened.

"Samuel Vance is finished."

Some of the executives stiffened. Others remained composed—they had already received the message loud and clear.

"From this moment forward," Ethan continued, "Blackwood will not conduct business with anyone who associates with Vance. And if you value your future, you won't either."

A heavy silence.

Ethan leaned back slightly. "If that's a problem for anyone, the door is right there."

No one moved.

A smirk ghosted across his lips. Good. They understood.

He gestured to his assistant, who swiftly handed out the official contracts.

"These documents outline the specifics of your deals. Once you sign, you align your company with Blackwood. You'll have access to resources beyond your imagination—but with that privilege comes responsibility."

The executives glanced at one another, then at the papers before them. It was a choice—enter a world of power or risk everything by hesitating.

One by one, they signed.

As the last signature was placed on paper, Ethan exhaled slowly.

"Welcome to Blackwood."

A new era had just begun.