Chapter 88: The Blackwood Assembly

 The conference hall of Blackwood Tower was a sight to behold. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, while the massive Blackwood insignia sat proudly at the head of the room. Seated around the long obsidian table were the most powerful figures in the empire—CEOs, board members, and key investors.

The tension was thick. Conversations buzzed in hushed tones as people speculated about why this emergency meeting had been called. For years, they had answered only to Ethan, the man they believed to be the head of Blackwood. But today felt different.

At exactly 9:00 AM, Ethan walked in, his presence silencing the room instantly. He took his seat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Ethan began, his voice carrying authority. "We all know why we're here. Blackwood stands at the top, unmatched in wealth and influence. But what most of you fail to realize…" He leaned forward slightly. "…is that the real power behind Blackwood has never been me."

Murmurs spread across the room. Confusion, disbelief, and even unease flickered in the eyes of those seated.

Ethan let the tension linger for a moment before glancing at the doors.

"Let me introduce you to the man who truly owns everything you see before you."

The doors swung open.

Chris stepped in.

The room fell into complete silence.

His steps were slow and deliberate as he walked down the long aisle toward the head of the table. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, the weight of his presence filling the space effortlessly. For years, these men had operated under a carefully crafted illusion. And now, that illusion had shattered.

Chris reached the head of the table, standing beside Ethan. He let his gaze sweep over the room, reading every expression—shock, fear, realization.

Then, he finally spoke.

"My name is Christopher Blackwood."

The weight of those words sent a ripple through the room. Some executives stiffened, while others leaned in, as if trying to process the revelation.

"For years, I allowed this empire to operate under a mask. Ethan acted as the face, while I remained in the shadows, watching, building, deciding." Chris's voice was calm, steady, undeniable. "But the time for secrecy is over."

He stepped forward, resting his hands on the table. "Blackwood is mine. It always has been. And from today, it will no longer operate under false pretenses."

Silence.

Then, one of the senior board members finally spoke, his voice cautious. "You… you're the true heir?"

Chris met his gaze with an unwavering stare. "I'm not just the heir. I'm the owner. The one who built everything you see today into the empire it is."

Ethan leaned back with a satisfied smirk, watching as the room processed th full weight of what had just been revealed.

Chris's gaze sharpened. "Now… let's talk business."