Classic Blackwood
I felt the world tilt beneath me as my father's words rang through the council hall.
"Amal Blackwood is to be taken into custody immediately."
I turned to Chris, my father—the man who had shaped me, trained me, and now, without hesitation, issued the arrest of my wife.
The guards moved in before I could even process what was happening.
Amal stiffened beside me but didn't resist. She didn't need to—because I wasn't going to let this happen.
I rose to my feet in a flash, my voice sharp. "What is the meaning of this?"
Chris remained seated, his posture calm, but his gaze was cold. "Evidence has surfaced that connects Amal to Celeste's operations."
My pulse thundered. This had to be a mistake.
"What evidence?" I demanded, my voice edged with fury.
Ethan, ever the executor of my father's orders, stepped forward. "Encrypted messages. Coordinated movements. Celeste had someone inside. And the trails lead back to Amal."
I felt Amal tense beside me. "That's absurd," she said, her voice steady despite the storm swirling around her. "I've done nothing against this family."
Chris's stare bore into her. "Then you will have no problem submitting to an investigation."
The guards took another step forward.
I stepped in front of Amal, my body shielding hers. My hands curled into fists. "No one touches my wife."
A tense silence filled the hall.
Chris's gaze didn't waver. "Step aside, Classic."
"No." My voice was unwavering. "This is madness. You're arresting my wife without undeniable proof?"
Chris exhaled slowly, but there was steel in his eyes. "And if you refuse to comply, you defy the authority of this family."
My jaw tightened. "Then maybe it's time you start questioning who's feeding you this information. Because whoever they are—they want you to turn against me."
Skylar's voice cut through the tension. "Classic… think carefully."
I didn't look at her. My focus was on Chris. On the man I had followed all my life.
But now? He was wrong.
And if I let this happen—if I let them take Amal—I might never get her back.