Chapter 108: The Day Power Changes Hands

The morning sun barely touched the horizon, but the world was already awake. News stations ran live coverage, streets were flooded with voters, and security presence was at an all-time high. This wasn't just an election—this was a power shift.

Inside Blackwood Tower, the war room was alive with movement. Analysts monitored live updates, security teams double-checked protocols, and Ethan stood at the center, overseeing it all.

Chris entered, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. He carried himself like a man who already knew the outcome.

"Status?" His voice was calm, sharp.

Ethan turned to him, nodding toward the screens. "Turnout is massive. Media coverage is split—half painting you as a revolutionary, the other half calling you dangerous."

Chris smirked. "Let them talk. It won't matter soon."

A security officer approached. "Sir, your motorcade is ready. We've cleared all routes to the voting center."

Chris glanced at the screen one last time before turning to Ethan. "You know what to do."

Ethan gave a slight nod. "Everything is in motion. Blackwood branches have activated their orders. By tonight, every critical sector will be aligned."

Chris adjusted his cufflinks, his movements precise. "Good."

THE MOTORCADE

Chris stepped out of Blackwood Tower, met with a wave of flashing cameras and reporters shouting questions. He ignored them. Security flanked him as he entered the armored black SUV, the convoy rolling out toward the voting center.

Inside, he checked his phone. A single unread message from Skylar.

"You're about to win, aren't you?"

Chris smirked, typing a response.

"Did you ever doubt it?"

No reply. Just the three blinking dots before they disappeared.

He put the phone away, his gaze shifting to the streets outside. Crowds gathered, some chanting his name, others holding protest signs. It didn't matter. Public opinion could be controlled.

Power, however, could only be taken.

As they neared the voting center, Ethan's voice crackled through the earpiece.

"Chris… we might have a problem."

Chris's gaze hardened. "Talk."

Ethan's tone was clipped, serious. "One of the opposition's top backers made a move. We don't know what yet, but whatever it is… it's happening now."

Chris exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening into a fist.

The final challenge had begun.