Chapter 227: Chris Blackwood’s Next Move

Chris leaned against his desk, fingers tapping against the polished wood. The weight of the situation settled heavily on his shoulders, but his face remained unreadable.

Ethan had left minutes ago, and already, Chris's mind was working through every possible outcome.

Skylar was gone.

And Ethan had let her go.

Chris inhaled slowly, exhaling through his nose. He had trusted Ethan with this task, and for the first time, Ethan had failed him. Unacceptable.

Still, Skylar's escape changed things. She wouldn't have taken off without a plan. Which meant she either had outside help… or she had always been preparing for this moment.

Either way, he needed answers.

Chris pressed a button on his desk phone.

"Bring Cole to me," he instructed.

Minutes later, the door opened. Cole Bennett. Loyal, efficient, and lethal in ways most people never saw coming.

"You wanted me?" Cole asked, stepping forward.

Chris turned, his gaze sharp. "Where is she?"

Cole didn't react—he never did. "Ethan is handling it."

Chris's fingers drummed once against the desk. "Ethan already mishandled it." His voice was calm, but it carried an edge that made the air heavier. "So I'll ask again. Where is she?"

Cole exhaled slightly, shifting his stance. "No confirmed location yet. But she's not moving alone."

Chris's jaw tightened. "Who?"

"We're working on it. But if she's with someone, they were prepared. The vehicle she used had falsified records, wiped surveillance. She's being careful."

Chris turned toward the window, looking out over the White House lawn. His reflection stared back at him—calm, composed, but beneath that? A storm brewing.

Skylar running wasn't just a problem.

It was a challenge.

Chris didn't like being challenged.

His voice was quiet but firm when he spoke again.

"Find her, Cole. I don't care what it takes."

Cole gave a short nod. "And when we do?"

Chris's lips pressed into a thin line. "She comes back alive."

Cole studied him for a moment, then nodded again. "Understood."

As Cole left, Chris remained standing by the window, his mind already ten steps ahead.

Skylar had slipped away.

But not for long.