White House Situation Room – Midnight
Back in Washington, the Situation Room was alive with tension. A dozen officials sat around the table, waiting for Chris's update. The deal with China had the potential to change everything—or ignite global tensions.
Ethan was the first to break the silence. "So? How did it go?"
Chris exhaled, tossing a folder onto the table. "China agreed."
Murmurs rippled across the room. The Secretary of State leaned forward. "What are the terms?"
Chris folded his hands. "They reduce dependency on Russian oil and energy. In exchange, we fast-track U.S. business integration into their supply chain. They get stronger trade deals—we get a stranglehold on their market influence."
The National Security Advisor frowned. "This will shake the global economy. Russia will retaliate."
Chris smirked. "Let them."
Ethan chuckled. "You really don't give them room to breathe, do you?"
Chris leaned back. "Why would I? The moment they catch their breath, they start making moves of their own."
The Secretary of Defense cleared his throat. "Sir, with China leaning toward us, the EU will be forced to make a decision. They can't stay neutral forever."
Chris nodded. "Good. Keep the pressure on. Schedule high-level meetings with European leaders. Make them see that aligning with me is the only logical step."
Ethan smirked. "And Russia?"
Chris's eyes darkened. "We squeeze them. They've thrived on instability for too long. If they want to play games, let's see how they handle losing."
---
Moscow, Russia – Kremlin Headquarters
Across the world, in the dimly lit chambers of the Kremlin, President Viktor Petrov stared at the latest intelligence reports.
His Defense Minister spoke cautiously. "Blackwood just made a deal with China. Their oil imports will decrease significantly by the end of the year."
Petrov clenched his jaw. "He's cutting us off."
"Yes, sir. And his military presence near our border remains strong."
Silence.
Then, Petrov smirked. "He thinks he can box us in?" He turned to his generals. "Prepare countermeasures. If Blackwood wants a war of influence—then we'll give him one."
---
White House – Oval Office
Chris stood by the window, gazing at the city lights. He could feel it—history shifting under his hands.
Ethan poured a glass of whiskey. "You know Russia won't take this lightly."
Chris smirked. "I'm counting on it."
Ethan chuckled. "So what's next?"
Chris took the glass, staring at the amber liquid before answering.
"We push harder."
And just like that, the world edged closer to a new order—one shaped by Christopher Blackwood.