Chapter 322: The Test Begins

Chris' POV

From his seat at the head of the ballroom, Chris Blackwood observed.

The gala was in full swing—deals whispered behind glasses of champagne, rivalries masked behind polite smiles. A kingdom in motion.

And at the center of it?

Elena Carter.

She had no idea.

Chris swirled his whiskey, his gaze cool as he watched Classic lead her through the crowd. Guiding her straight into the fire.

Christiana was watching too. Good. She understood the stakes.

Ethan leaned in slightly. "She moves well. Knows how to hold attention without demanding it."

Chris didn't respond. He was waiting.

Then, the first test arrived.

Senator Aldrich.

An old wolf in politics, a man who could smell weakness like blood in the water. He intercepted Classic and Elena with a charming smile, but his words were anything but friendly.

"Ah, the young Blackwood and his… guest. Interesting choice."

Classic didn't flinch. "Senator."

Elena?

She smiled—controlled, polite. "Pleasure to meet you, Senator Aldrich."

Chris leaned forward slightly.

Show me what you're made of.

Aldrich gave her a slow once-over, pretending not to recognize her last name. "Carter, was it? What does your family do?"

A test. A simple one. But deadly if she answered wrong.

Chris watched. Would she fold?

Elena didn't even blink.

"They survive," she said smoothly. "And sometimes, they win."

The senator raised an eyebrow, then let out a dry chuckle. "Smart girl."

Chris smirked slightly. Not bad.

But this was only the beginning.

Because what Elena didn't know?

The real test hadn't even started yet.