Chapter 356: “If He Refuses, I Have a Daughter”

(Chris Blackwood's POV)

The room fell into silence, heavy with the weight of negotiations. King Salman had just laid out his terms, and I let them settle before delivering my own.

I leaned forward slightly, my fingers tapping against the armrest of my chair. "If Classic refuses…" I paused, watching the King's expression carefully. "Then I have a daughter."

Prince Khalid's expression flickered—surprise, interest, calculation. The King, however, remained composed, his gaze sharp. "Christiana Blackwood?"

"Yes." I let the name carry power. "If my son rejects this match, then my daughter becomes an option."

Ethan stood beside me, silent but fully attuned to the shift in the conversation. This wasn't a desperate counteroffer—it was a declaration of control. If Saudi Arabia wanted an alliance, they would have to earn it.

King Salman nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Your daughter is young."

"She is also a Blackwood," I countered. "And she is already being prepared for the throne. If Classic does not rule, Christiana will. My empire stays within my bloodline, one way or another."

Princess Amal, who had remained silent thus far, finally spoke. "A queen instead of a king?"

"A queen who will rule with the same iron will as her father," I said smoothly.

The King exchanged a glance with Khalid, silent communication passing between them. The Saudi royal family was traditional—male heirs always took precedence—but power was power. And Christiana Blackwood was not just any princess.

"Interesting," King Salman finally said. "But would your daughter agree to such a union?"

I smirked. "That is not your concern."

Prince Khalid's lips twitched in amusement, but the King remained unreadable. "Very well, President Blackwood. We shall see how things unfold."

I rose to my feet, adjusting my suit. "Yes, we shall."

Because whether it was Classic or Christiana…

A Blackwood would always rule.