Chapter 317: The Summons

Chris' POV

Chris didn't waste time. He picked up his phone, his voice calm but carrying the weight of authority.

"Summon Classic and Christiana. Now."

Ethan gave a sharp nod and left the office.

Chris leaned back in his chair, staring at the city skyline from his private office in the Blackwood Tower.

This wasn't just about some girl.

This was about control.

Classic was nearing adulthood. He had been given freedom—but freedom didn't mean recklessness.

And Christiana?

She had his instincts. Ruthless, sharp, and unshaken. But she was still young. She needed to learn that knowing something wasn't enough—you had to play it right.

Tonight, both of them would understand one thing.

A Blackwood does not get played.

Minutes later, the doors opened.

Classic walked in first, dressed in his usual effortless style—black hoodie, hands in his pockets, but his gaze sharp. He knew this wasn't just a casual meeting.

Behind him, Christiana.

She walked with purpose, her expression unreadable.

Chris let the silence stretch before speaking.

"Tell me everything."

Christiana didn't hesitate.

"Elena Carter is dangerous," she said simply. "She's working her way into Classic's life, and her father is dealing with the Cortez family."

Classic's brows furrowed slightly, but he stayed silent.

Chris shifted his gaze to his son.

"And you?" he asked. "What do you think?"

Classic exhaled. "I think you're both overreacting."

Wrong answer.

Chris leaned forward, his tone quiet but sharp.

"The last person who ignored my warnings ended up buried."

Classic tensed, but he held Chris' gaze.

"She's not a threat," Classic said, his voice controlled. "Not to me."

Chris studied him.

And then he smiled.

"Good."

Classic frowned slightly, confused by the reaction.

Chris leaned back. "Then prove it."

Christiana watched, intrigued.

"If she's harmless, it won't matter if we test her, will it?" Chris continued. "A Blackwood doesn't gamble. We calculate. We control. So let's see how much control Elena really has."

Classic clenched his jaw. He knew there was no arguing with his father.

"Fine," he said. "What do you want me to do?"

Chris smirked.

"Simple. Invite her to the gala."

Christiana's eyes gleamed with understanding.

Classic?

He wasn't so sure.

And that's exactly what Chris wanted.