Chapter 90: The Official Revelation

The grand press hall was packed beyond capacity. Every major news agency, billionaire investor, and corporate powerhouse had gathered, all waiting for one thing—the revelation of Blackwood's true leader.

For years, Blackwood had operated in secrecy. Ethan was the face, the one the world bowed to. But today, everything was about to change.

Cameras rolled, journalists prepared their questions, and the tension in the room was suffocating. Then—

The heavy doors at the back of the hall swung open.

Silence.

Chris stepped in, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his presence commanding. The murmurs turned into stunned gasps as realization dawned.

They had seen him before. A quiet student, a nobody in their eyes. But today, he wasn't just Chris.

He was Christopher Blackwood—the true heir.

Ethan stood by the podium, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice steady, "I present to you the rightful leader of Blackwood Empire—Christopher Blackwood."

The entire hall erupted in chaos.

Journalists scrambled over each other to ask questions. Executives who once thought they held power now sat frozen, realizing they had been blind this whole time.

Chris stepped onto the stage with a calm, unreadable expression. The murmurs died down. He reached the podium, adjusted the microphone, and looked over the sea of people.

Then, he spoke.

"Good afternoon," his voice was smooth, controlled. "For years, Blackwood has operated behind closed doors, its true leadership hidden from the public eye. Many of you assumed Ethan was the one in charge. He wasn't. He never was."

Gasps rippled through the room.

"I am Christopher Blackwood, the rightful heir and owner of everything you see before you."

Silence. No one dared to breathe.

Chris's gaze swept across the hall. "Many of you have done business with us. Many have profited under Blackwood's shadow. But make no mistake—this empire belongs to me. And from today onward, you will see it move at my command."

A journalist shot up. "Mr. Blackwood, why did you hide your identity all these years?"

Chris smirked slightly. "Because power is best wielded when unseen. But now, it's time for the world to know exactly who they answer to."

Another journalist stood. "What does this mean for Blackwood's future?"

Chris leaned forward slightly. "It means we are expanding. Faster, stronger, and without hesitation. Those who can't keep up will be left behind."

The room buzzed with tension.

A third journalist spoke up, their voice hesitant. "What about Samuel Vance? There are rumors that he has been cut off from Blackwood."

Chris's eyes darkened slightly. "That's not a rumor. That's a fact. Effective immediately, any business still associated with Samuel Vance will suffer the same fate."

A wave of fear rippled through the audience. This was a declaration—Samuel was finished.

Chris straightened. "This press conference is not just an introduction. It's a warning. Blackwood is no longer a mystery. It is a force. And from this moment on, you will either move with us…" He let his words linger, his cold gaze locking onto the most powerful figures in the room. "Or be crushed beneath us."

Silence.

The journalists had no more questions. The executives in the room were too stunned to speak.

Chris had made his mark.

With that, he stepped away from the podium, nodded at Ethan, and exited the stage.

Blackwood's era had just begun.