Chapter 184: The First Strike

 (Skylar's POV)

Chris's words hit like a hammer.

"Let's go. We're withdrawing all American ministers from Nigeria and shutting down every U.S.-owned company and property in the country."

I froze. "Chris, that's—"

"Not up for discussion," he cut in. His tone was final, his gaze unwavering. "If Okonkwo thinks he can play games, I'll remind him exactly what happens when you challenge the United States."

I felt the room spin slightly. This wasn't just retaliation. This was economic warfare.

I took a breath. "Chris, do you realize what this means? You're about to cripple Nigeria's economy. Hundreds of businesses, thousands of jobs—gone. Overnight."

Chris's jaw tightened. "They had a chance to protect you. They failed. Now, they'll understand the cost of that failure."

I knew better than to argue when Chris was like this, but the weight of his decision pressed against my chest.

I swallowed. "And what about the ministers? The diplomats? Pulling them out signals the end of formal relations."

Chris didn't blink. "Good. Let Okonkwo feel what isolation looks like."

My heart pounded. "Chris, this is too fast. Too extreme. Give Okonkwo a chance to fix this."

Chris exhaled sharply and took a step closer. "Skylar, I don't play defense. I don't wait for people to 'fix' things. I take control."

I held his gaze. "Then let me handle it. Give me 48 hours. If nothing changes, then do whatever you want."

Chris studied me. The silence stretched, tense and heavy. Finally, he gave a slow nod. "Fine. 48 hours."

I exhaled, barely concealing my relief. "Thank you."

But I knew—if I failed, Chris wouldn't hold back.

And Nigeria wouldn't survive what came next.

---

48 Hours Later – Presidential Villa, Abuja

I stood in President Okonkwo's office, hands clenched at my sides.

"Mr. President, I don't think you understand what's at stake."

Okonkwo leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable. "Oh, I understand just fine. Your president is trying to bully us."

I swallowed my frustration. "He's responding to an attack on his minister."

Okonkwo exhaled. "And you believe shutting down our economy is a reasonable response?"

I met his gaze. "Chris doesn't make empty threats."

The Nigerian leader studied me for a long moment, then chuckled bitterly. "I underestimated him."

I didn't reply.

Finally, Okonkwo spoke again, voice quieter. "Tell him I'll handle it."

Relief flooded me. "You have 24 hours."

---

The White House – Situation Room (Chris's POV)

The screen in front of me showed live feeds from U.S. intelligence sources in Nigeria—government buildings, American embassies, corporate headquarters. Everything Skylar fought for.

Ethan stood beside me. "Skylar called. Okonkwo caved. He's personally ensuring her safety."

I nodded but didn't relax. "I want proof."

Ethan smirked. "Always two steps ahead."

I turned to one of my generals. "Keep the shutdown orders ready. If Okonkwo slips, we press the button."

He saluted. "Understood, Mr. President."

Ethan crossed his arms. "So… you're giving Skylar her win?"

I smirked. "She earned it."

But in my mind, one thought remained—this wasn't over.

Okonkwo backed down this time.

Next time, he might not get the chance.