Chapter 193: The Art of Power

 (Chris's POV)

The Situation Room was in chaos. Officers barked orders, analysts scrambled to interpret incoming data, and the red glow of emergency alerts painted the room in an eerie light.

But I remained still.

Calm. Unshaken.

Because I knew exactly what I was doing.

Russia and China had reacted predictably—panic, aggression, and a blind rush to retaliate. They didn't understand the game I was playing.

I turned to Ethan. "Intercept their launches. Deploy the THAAD and Aegis defense systems. Shoot everything down."

He hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "Yes, Mr. President."

Within moments, the command was relayed. The U.S. missile defense grid activated—interceptor missiles launched at supersonic speeds.

One by one, the enemy warheads were targeted.

One by one, they were eliminated.

I exhaled slowly, watching the red warning lights flicker.

The world thought this was war.

No.

This was a demonstration.

A reminder.

I turned back to the comms officer. "Patch me through to Moscow and Beijing. Live broadcast. No delays."

The screen flickered. Within seconds, the faces of Russian President Konstantin Volkov and Chinese Premier Zhao Jianhong appeared.

Their expressions were exactly what I expected—rage, disbelief, and a hint of fear.

I leaned forward, my voice steady. "You seem to have forgotten something. Let me remind you—this war does not concern you."

Volkov's glare was pure fire. "You launched nuclear missiles on a sovereign nation, and you expect us to stay silent?!"

I smirked. "I don't expect anything. I demand it."

Jianhong's face darkened. "The world will not tolerate your reckless aggression, Mr. President."

I chuckled softly, leaning back in my chair. "You signed the treaty. You know the rules. This is an American matter."

They said nothing.

Because they both knew I was right.

The Global Power Treaty—an agreement signed decades ago—had clear terms. Regional conflicts were not to be interfered with unless directly provoked.

Nigeria had provoked me.

I tilted my head. "Now, let me be very clear—if you continue this reckless retaliation, I will consider it a violation of the treaty."

I let the words sink in.

Then I delivered the final blow.

"And a violation of that treaty means war. Not just with Nigeria, but with the United States."

Silence.

Volkov clenched his jaw. Jianhong exhaled sharply.

They knew I wasn't bluffing.

They knew I had already won.

I leaned closer, voice dangerously low. "Withdraw your forces. Now."

More silence. Then—Volkov turned to someone off-screen, muttering an order in Russian. Jianhong did the same.

Seconds later, the red alerts on the screen faded.

The threat was gone.

Just like that.

I smiled.

Power wasn't given. It was taken.

And tonight, I had taken it all.