Chapter 196: The World Stands Against Him

 (Skylar's POV)

The United Nations Headquarters in New York was a battlefield of words.

Delegates from every major nation filled the massive hall, their voices clashing in heated debates. The emergency Security Council meeting had been called just hours after the world witnessed the fall of Nigeria.

I was here representing the United States.

Or, more accurately—I was here to defend Chris.

I sat at the U.S. delegate's table, my hands clasped tightly together. The air was suffocating. Every eye in the room carried judgment, every whispered conversation was about the man I had pledged my loyalty to.

At the center of the hall, the French ambassador stood, slamming his palm on the podium.

"This is an act of pure imperialism! The President of the United States has not only violated Nigerian sovereignty but has also defied the very foundations of international law!"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the hall.

The British Prime Minister leaned forward. "Madam Skylar, with all due respect, does your administration understand the gravity of what has happened? An entire nation has been conquered in less than twenty-four hours! The world cannot allow this."

I took a slow breath. This was exactly the kind of storm I had been expecting.

I leaned into my microphone, my voice steady. "The United States did what had to be done. President Okonkwo was a threat, and his government was hostile to international stability. We acted in defense of order."

The Russian representative scoffed. "Do not insult us with excuses! You did not act in defense—you acted in domination! This was an invasion, plain and simple!"

The hall erupted into chaos. Voices overlapped, fists slammed on tables.

They wanted war.

I knew Chris was watching this from the White House. I knew he had sent me here not to negotiate, but to observe—to see how the world would react.

And their reaction was clear.

The Chinese ambassador finally stood, raising a hand to silence the room. "Madam Skylar, if the United States does not withdraw from Nigeria immediately, China will be forced to take action."

I froze.

That was a declaration of war.

My heartbeat pounded in my ears. Chris, what have you done?

I leaned forward again, carefully choosing my next words. "President Chris is willing to discuss terms. But let me be clear—" I met the ambassador's gaze. "—the United States will not be threatened."

Silence.

The room was one wrong word away from collapsing into global war.

And the worst part?

I didn't know if Chris even cared.