(Christiana's POV)
I twirled the pen between my fingers, staring down at the official decree.
My name. My title. The next heir to the Blackwood empire.
A slow smile crept onto my lips.
"So, big brother is hesitating," I mused, glancing at Ethan, who stood across from me.
He didn't react, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Your father has prepared for every outcome."
"Of course, he has." I leaned back in my chair, crossing my legs. "Classic has always had the illusion of choice. But if he truly believes he can defy our father and walk away unscathed?" I scoffed. "He's not as smart as I thought."
Ethan remained silent.
I tapped the document with my nail. "And if he steps down, everything here is mine?"
"Everything."
I inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of those words settle in my chest. I had always known I was capable. Always known I had the intelligence and ruthlessness to rule. But now? Now it was becoming a reality.
Classic might have been born first, but I was the one willing to do what was necessary.
"What about my mother?" I asked suddenly.
Ethan hesitated for the first time. "She is… not pleased."
I smiled. "Oh, I imagine she isn't."