Classicprincecj

At university, Chris is just another student—quiet, reserved, and seemingly ordinary. But behind the scenes, he’s the heir to a hidden fortune, a secret he guards fiercely.

Then there’s Skylar—a girl born into wealth, now watching her privileged world crumble as her family faces financial ruin. When she crosses paths with Chris, an unexpected connection sparks between them.

Skylar falls for him, believing he’s just a regular guy. But when her family pressures her to seek a richer suitor, Chris finds himself at a crossroads—should he reveal his true identity to fight for their love, or let her go to protect his secret?

In a world where love and wealth collide, can their relationship survive the truth?

Masked Affluence

The capital of Nigeria was no longer Abuja.

With a single decree, I had shifted the seat of power to Imo State.

I stood in the newly established command center, a massive fortified complex that overlooked Owerri, the heart of Imo. Engineers and architects had been flown in from the U.S. and Europe to redesign the city. A new government headquarters was under construction—one that would serve as the central hub for Blackwood's rule over Nigeria.

Skylar's voice came through the video conference screen. She was still in Abuja, overseeing the final stages of the transition.

"You're moving the capital to Imo?" she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.

I met her gaze, unwavering. "Yes. Abuja was built by the old system. It represented everything weak about Nigeria—corruption, indecision, and failed leadership. That city is a relic."

Ethan leaned against the wall, smirking. "Besides, moving the capital disrupts any remaining resistance movements. They'll be disorganized before they can even react."

Skylar exhaled, nodding slowly. "And why Imo?"

I turned, looking out over the city from the balcony of my temporary command post. "Imo has strategic positioning. It's deep in the southeast, far from the old power structures of the north. It's an economic and industrial hub. And most importantly—" I paused, my voice lowering slightly, "it was never truly given the chance to thrive under the old regime. Now, I will make it the most powerful city in Africa."

There was a long silence before Skylar spoke again.

"You're not just ruling Nigeria. You're rewriting it."

A small smirk played at my lips. "Exactly."

Days Later – Imo State, The New Capital

The transition was in full effect. Government offices, military command posts, and international embassies were ordered to relocate. Troops flooded the streets, enforcing martial law to maintain control.

In the heart of Owerri, construction had already begun on the Blackwood Administrative Complex—a towering glass-and-steel fortress that would serve as my center of power in Africa.

I walked through the site, flanked by heavily armed guards. Engineers and city planners surrounded me, showing blueprints and progress reports. Imo would become more than just a capital. It would be a symbol. A city built in my image.

Ethan walked beside me, scanning the surroundings. "We'll need to secure the oil refineries in the south and reinforce supply chains. Moving the capital is one thing, but we need full economic control."

I nodded. "Already in motion. Our forces have locked down the Niger Delta. The oil is under my authority now. The global markets will have no choice but to recognize my rule."

Ethan chuckled. "You know the international community is panicking, right? They've never seen a country get taken over like this before."

My eyes darkened. "Anyone who resists will be erased. This isn't just a transition. It's a rebirth. And the world will learn to accept it."

And Imo State was the new heart of my empire.

Chapter 202: The Heart of a New Empire