Chapter 99: The Rising Storm

The days leading up to the election were chaos. Every news outlet, every social media platform, every discussion in the country revolved around one name—Chris Blackwood.

His rallies were packed. His speeches resonated. But with every rise in power came an equally forceful opposition.

Chris stood in his private office, watching the news coverage on the massive screen. Analysts debated his policies, journalists speculated about his past, and opponents launched attack ads.

"They're desperate," Ethan remarked, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "They know they can't beat you fairly, so they're trying to turn public opinion against you."

Chris smirked. "Let them try."

Ethan took a sip and leaned against the desk. "We have a problem, though. The opposition is digging into Blackwood's dealings. They're searching for anything they can use against you."

Chris didn't flinch. "And what have they found?"

"Nothing they can touch," Ethan admitted. "But they're spreading rumors. Whispers about corruption, hidden wealth, even connections to criminal activities. They want to make you look like a villain."

Chris chuckled. "Let them. The more they attack, the more people see that I'm the only real threat to their power."

Ethan smirked. "Then it's time to hit back. We have information on the current administration—corruption, hidden scandals, offshore accounts. We can destroy them with a single announcement."

Chris shook his head. "Not yet. Timing is everything. Let them exhaust themselves first."

Ethan nodded. "Understood. Also, the rally is set for next week. We're expecting record-breaking numbers."

Chris turned away from the screen, his mind sharp, his resolve unshaken.

"Good. Let's give them a show they'll never forget."

---

Meanwhile…

Skylar sat in her family's estate, her phone clutched in her hands as she scrolled through the news.

Chris's face was everywhere.

His speeches. His rallies. His growing influence.

She barely recognized him.

The man she had fallen in love with—the one who had seemed so ordinary, so simple—was now the most powerful man in the country.

And she had never truly known him.

Her father entered the room, his expression unreadable. "You see now, don't you?"

Skylar looked up. "See what?"

"Who he really is. Chris Blackwood isn't just some man. He's a king. And you? You were never meant to be part of his world."

Skylar's heart clenched, but she said nothing.

Because deep down, she was beginning to wonder if her father was right.