Chapter 401: The World Without Chris Blackwood

Ethan Carter

The weight of his command settled over me like a storm cloud.

Announce his death.

Throw the empire into chaos.

Watch, report, and wait.

Chris Blackwood was many things—ruthless, strategic, calculating—but this? This was a move even I hadn't predicted.

I kept my expression neutral as I met his gaze. "Understood. I'll handle it."

He gave a small nod, satisfied. "Make sure everything is flawless. No leaks, no suspicions. If even one person doubts, the test fails."

I already knew what to do. The official statement had to come from the palace physicians—heart failure, sudden and tragic. The world would grieve. Power players would scramble. Classic would be forced onto the throne, unprepared.

And in the shadows, Chris would watch.

I inclined my head. "It will be done."

Chris's gaze lingered on me. "And Ethan—"

I paused. "Yes?"

A flicker of something passed through his expression—something almost unreadable. "Be careful who you trust."

I held his stare for a moment before giving a small nod. "Always."

With that, I turned and walked out, my mind already calculating every step.

By the time the sun rose, the world would believe the King was dead.

And the real game would begin.