Chapter 150: The Price of Power

The silence in the room was deafening. Every world leader seated around the grand conference table was processing Chris's words, measuring their next move. He had shaken the foundation of their authority, and now he was about to break it.

Chris leaned back in his chair, exuding the calm of a man who knew he had already won. "Let's not waste time. You called this meeting to pressure me into compliance. But I'm here to set my terms."

The EU President's expression hardened. "Terms?"

Chris folded his hands together. "Yes. If you want continued access to my administration's economic and defense agreements, here's what I require."

He let the weight of his words settle before listing his demands:

"One. Trade restrictions imposed by your bloc on my industries are to be lifted immediately. Any sanctions against my administration will be met with economic countermeasures that you won't recover from."

Some of the diplomats exchanged glances, but no one interrupted.

"Two. Your reliance on my nation's energy exports puts you at a disadvantage. I'll ensure that supply continues—but only under renegotiated terms that favor my administration."

Murmurs filled the room. The German Chancellor adjusted his tie, visibly uncomfortable.

"Three. The international financial institutions you control will no longer attempt to interfere with my economic policies. Your influence over global markets is outdated. I will establish new partnerships that challenge your monopoly."

The French diplomat's face turned red. "This is absurd! You expect us to dismantle decades of international policy just because you say so?"

Chris smirked. "I expect you to do it because you have no choice."

Skylar watched from the sidelines, feeling the shift in the air. Chris wasn't negotiating. He was dictating the future.

The EU President leaned forward, her voice sharp. "And if we refuse?"

Chris's smile vanished. His tone dropped, cold and precise. "Then I will ensure that the global balance of power no longer includes you. Your economies will collapse under the weight of your own arrogance, while I move forward—without you."

A heavy silence followed. No one spoke. No one dared to.

Chris stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "You have 72 hours to make your decision."

Without another word, he turned and walked out, leaving the most powerful leaders in the world to realize the truth—Chris Blackwood was no longer just a player in the game.

He was the one writing the rules.