Chapter 146: Lockdown

White House – Situation Room

The moment Princess Isabella's convoy left the White House, Chris turned to Ethan. His voice was sharp, decisive.

"Lock everything down."

Ethan didn't hesitate. With a quick nod, he relayed the order through his earpiece. Within minutes, the White House was on full lockdown.

🔴 Security protocols activated.

🔴 All exits secured.

🔴 Airspace around D.C. restricted.

🔴 Intelligence teams monitoring all movements.

The situation room buzzed with urgency as military officials and security personnel moved swiftly to enforce the lockdown. Something was coming.

Chris turned to the large digital screen displaying real-time updates. Satellite surveillance. Global threats. Enemy movements.

Skylar stood beside him, her arms crossed. "This isn't just about Isabella, is it?"

Chris exhaled. "No. It's about what happens next."

He turned to Ethan. "Give me an update on Russian troop movements."

Ethan's fingers flew across the keyboard. Within seconds, a classified military report flashed onto the screen.

📍 Russian forces have advanced further along the Ukrainian border.

📍 Unusual military activity near European NATO bases.

📍 Cyber intelligence reports unusual data breaches from Chinese networks.

Skylar glanced at Chris. "They're testing you."

Chris's jaw tightened.

"Then it's time they get my answer."

He turned to his national security team.

"I want all military bases on high alert. Increase border defenses. Move additional troops to Eastern Europe. And…"—his eyes flickered to another report—"…double-check China's response time to our last negotiation. If they think I've forgotten our deal, they're mistaken."

One of the generals hesitated. "Mr. President, a full lockdown and immediate military repositioning could escalate tensions further."

Chris's gaze was cold, unyielding.

"Tensions were already escalated the moment they thought I was weak."

He turned back to Ethan. "I want a direct message sent out immediately—Russia will remove their forces, or they'll face consequences. No negotiations. No second warnings."

Ethan nodded. "On it."

Skylar watched him carefully. "You're making a statement tonight."

Chris smirked slightly. "No. I'm making history."

Dropping a nuclear bomb would have global consequences, including retaliation, mass destruction, and the risk of total war. If Chris wants to maintain power and control, he would not use nuclear weapons as a first move—it would make him the villain of the world.

Instead, if you want a powerful military strike, here's how Chris could handle it without triggering global disaster:

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