Chapter 181: Unshaken

(Skylar's POV)

I stood on the balcony of the Presidential Safehouse in Abuja, looking out over the dimly lit city. The night air was heavy, thick with humidity and the distant hum of traffic. I should have been inside, but I needed space to think.

The attack had been minor—at least, in my eyes. A single man breaking through security, grabbing my arm, throwing a few words my way. It wasn't an assassination attempt. It was a warning.

I had dealt with worse.

But Chris? Chris didn't tolerate warnings.

The moment I reported the incident, he took control. Within hours, extra security was flown in from Washington, doubling my protection. By morning, my team informed me that President Okonkwo had received a direct warning from the White House.

Chris's way of saying: Touch her again, and you'll regret it.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. This wasn't supposed to be about me.

I came here to implement real change—to work on policies that would empower women, create opportunities, and make a tangible difference. Instead, I was now the center of a geopolitical power play.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in."

Ethan stepped inside, his expression unreadable as always. "You should get some sleep."

I smirked. "You sound like Chris."

"That's because I know what he'd say if he were here. 'You're no good to me if you're exhausted.'"

I chuckled softly. "That does sound like him."

Ethan leaned against the doorframe. "He handled it. Nigeria knows not to touch you again."

I crossed my arms. "You really think that's the end of it?"

He exhaled. "No. But it sends a message."

I shook my head, turning back to the city view. "I don't want Chris fighting my battles for me."

"He knows that."

I glanced at him. "Then why did he go nuclear the second I got grabbed?"

Ethan's lips twitched. "Because he's Chris Blackwood. You think he'd just let it slide?"

I didn't respond. Because I knew the answer.

Chris was calculated, ruthless when he needed to be. But when it came to me? His control slipped.

And that was dangerous.

---

Morning – High-Level Meeting in Abuja

The next day, I walked into the National Assembly complex flanked by an even larger security detail. News of the attack had spread overnight, and suddenly, everyone wanted a meeting with me.

Ministers, governors, business leaders—some out of concern, others out of curiosity. They wanted to know if I would pack up and leave.

They didn't know me.

Inside the meeting hall, I sat at the center of a long table, facing representatives from various Nigerian ministries. President Okonkwo wasn't present—he was sending a message of his own.

Fine. I could play that game too.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, a sharp-looking man in his fifties, cleared his throat. "Madam Minister, before we proceed, let me extend our apologies for the unfortunate incident yesterday. We assure you, Nigeria is a safe place for diplomatic engagements."

I met his gaze. "That's good to hear. But let's not waste time on reassurances. I'm still here. Let's talk business."

A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he nodded. "Very well. You requested discussions on women's economic empowerment. What exactly is the U.S. proposing?"

I leaned forward. "Investment. Policy collaboration. And accountability."

Murmurs went around the table. The Minister of Finance adjusted his glasses. "That's quite broad. What are your priorities?"

I didn't hesitate. "Education, business grants, and security for women."

The Minister of Trade scoffed slightly. "Security? You believe that falls under economic empowerment?"

I turned my gaze to him, unwavering. "How do you expect women to build businesses if they don't feel safe walking the streets? If their workplaces are unsafe? If financial access is blocked because of outdated systems?"

Silence.

I continued. "I'm not here to dictate how Nigeria runs its affairs. But I will be blunt—if we're going to collaborate, there needs to be real change. The U.S. is prepared to invest, but we won't pour money into empty promises."

The Finance Minister frowned. "That sounds like a demand."

I smiled. "No, Minister. It's an expectation."

Another silence. Then, the Minister of Internal Affairs spoke again. "You have strong views, Madam Minister."

I met his gaze head-on. "I have results."

---

Later That Evening – Call with Chris

As soon as I was back in the safehouse, I dialed Chris.

He answered instantly. "How did the meeting go?"

I smirked. "They expected me to be shaken. I think I surprised them."

I could hear the approval in his silence. "Good."

I hesitated for a second, then sighed. "Chris… you didn't have to threaten Okonkwo."

"Yes, I did."

I sighed again. "You can't just go around issuing threats every time something happens to me."

His voice dropped slightly. "Skylar, if I don't, who will?"

That shut me up.

Because the truth was… he was right.

After a moment, I chuckled softly. "You're impossible."

Chris chuckled too. "And you're reckless. We make a great team."

I leaned back against my chair. "I'm handling this, Chris. I need you to trust that."

He was quiet for a moment. Then, finally, he spoke. "I do trust you, Skylar. But understand this—you may be handling it, but you're not alone. And if anyone dares to test that?"

His voice turned ice-cold.

"They won't like what happens next."

I closed my eyes, exhaling slowly. Chris Blackwood didn't make empty threats.

And Nigeria had just learned that firsthand.