Chapter 154: The Game Begins

The grand hall of the Royal Palace of Madrid was a masterpiece of history—gold-trimmed walls, towering chandeliers, and centuries of power woven into its very foundations. Yet, despite its magnificence, Chris saw it for what it truly was.

A battlefield.

He stepped forward, his gaze locking onto the King of Spain, a man who had ruled with tradition but was now staring at the future—the future standing in front of him.

Beside the king stood Princess Isabella, her regal posture unwavering, but there was something else in her eyes. Interest? Defiance? Or perhaps… calculation?

Chris had dealt with kings before. The King of England had already acknowledged his rise, albeit with careful restraint. But Spain? Spain was different.

Here, his name carried weight, but not control.

Not yet.

The King studied him, his expression unreadable. Then, at last, he spoke.

"You stand in my home, Mr. Blackwood. Tell me—why should I trust a man who seeks control?"

Chris didn't blink. The room was silent, the air heavy with unspoken truths.

"Because trust is irrelevant, Your Majesty," he answered smoothly. "What matters is that I never lose."

A tense pause. Then a low chuckle from the King.

"Ambitious. Dangerous." The King folded his hands behind his back. "But Spain is not for the taking, Christopher."

Chris tilted his head slightly, his smirk barely visible.

"Everything is for the taking, Your Majesty. It just depends on how much you're willing to sacrifice to keep it."

The words settled like a storm in the room. Isabella inhaled sharply, but she said nothing. She was watching—studying him, as if trying to understand the mind of the man who had risen beyond expectation.

Chris turned slightly as footsteps echoed behind him.

Ethan had arrived.

"You're late," Chris muttered without turning.

Ethan smirked. "Didn't want to steal your moment."

Chris turned back to the King. "Shall we begin?"

Because this wasn't just a meeting.

This was a war.