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

Chris exhaled slowly, his fingers still drumming lightly against the chair's armrest. The hospital room was quiet except for the faint beeping of the monitors—an irritating reminder that his body had yet to fully recover.

It didn't matter. What mattered was that Ava was finally in custody.

Ethan lowered his phone after confirming the order with Cole. "He's already en route. Should be here within the hour."

Chris nodded, his gaze unreadable. "Did he say anything else?"

Ethan hesitated. "No details. Just that she's secure."

Chris scoffed, leaning forward slightly. "That's unlike him."

Ethan frowned. He knew what Chris meant. Cole wasn't the type to leave things vague. If he had Ava, he would've sent more details—where he found her, how she resisted, whether she had anyone else backing her. The silence meant something.

Chris exhaled, his eyes darkening. "I don't like it."

Ethan crossed his arms. "You think something's off?"

Chris tapped his fingers against the chair again, thinking. "Cole isn't reckless. If he acted, it means he had reason to believe Ava was a threat—or an opportunity."

Ethan's expression hardened. "You think he's making a play?"

Chris didn't answer right away. He had trusted Cole for years—loyal, efficient, deadly when needed. But trust had limits. Especially in a world where power could shift in an instant.

"If he is," Chris said finally, "he'll regret it."

Ethan nodded. "I'll have extra security in place before they arrive."

Chris glanced toward the window, his gaze distant. Ava. The woman who had stabbed him, who had somehow been tangled in this mess deeper than he originally thought.

What had she been thinking in that moment? Had she intended to kill him? Or had it been an act of desperation?

Chris exhaled slowly. "When she gets here, I want her brought straight to me. No detours, no interruptions."

Chris's grip on the chair tightened slightly. "And Ethan?"

Chris's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.

"If Cole hesitates—if I even sense a second thought from him—you put a bullet in him."

Ethan studied Chris for a moment before giving a short nod. "Got it."

Chris leaned back, closing his eyes for a brief second. His body ached, but his mind was sharp. Ava thought she had slipped away.

She was about to realize she had only delayed the inevitable.

Chapter 260: A Reckoning Awaits