Chapter 161: The Kremlin’s Response

The rhythmic bursts of gunfire echoed across the Russian border, rattling the air like distant thunder. No bullets struck enemy soil, no bodies fell—but the message was clear.

Chris sat in the study of the Royal Palace of Madrid, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. The room was dimly lit, shadows flickering against the wooden panels. Across from him, Ethan leaned against the desk, watching his phone screen as encrypted reports came in.

"They heard it," Ethan said after a moment. "Moscow has gone silent, but the Kremlin's top officials have been pulled into an emergency meeting."

Chris smirked. "As expected."

The Russians were predictable in some ways—proud, calculating, and never reactive without purpose. They wouldn't attack blindly. Not yet. But they would take this seriously.

A buzzing sound cut through the silence. Ethan glanced at the screen. "You've got a call. Kremlin line."

Chris took the phone, exhaling slowly before answering. "Blackwood."

There was a brief pause, then a voice—calm, controlled, and laced with quiet menace. "You're playing a dangerous game, Mr. President."

Chris's smirk didn't fade. "And yet, you picked up the phone."

A sharp breath on the other end. "Firing near our border is an act of provocation. Do you think we will sit by and watch?"

Chris leaned back in his chair. "I think you will do exactly what you're doing now—talking." He let the silence linger. "Because you know, just as I do, that war isn't decided by bullets in the air. It's decided by who controls the board."

The Russian official didn't respond immediately. Chris continued. "So let's stop pretending. You know why I did it. You know what I want."

A heavy pause. Then, the voice lowered. "You want control."

Chris's smirk sharpened. "And you want to know what happens if you don't give it to me."

Another silence. Then, finally—

"We will call you back."

The line went dead.

Chris set the phone down, his expression unreadable. Ethan exhaled. "They won't ignore this."

"Good." Chris finished his drink and stood.

"Now we see what move they make next."