Ethan Carter
I gripped the edge of my desk, my mind racing.
Chris' voice was clear, unwavering. "Remove the Prime Minister."
I exhaled sharply. "Chris, you are dead to them. How am I supposed to do that? On whose authority?"
His chuckle was low, almost amused. "Ethan, have you forgotten who I am?"
I clenched my jaw. "No. But the world has. And that's the problem."
The Prime Minister was a powerful man, but more than that—he had influence. He had used Skylar's rise to solidify his position, weaving himself deeper into the government. If I moved against him now, without a visible order, it could trigger chaos.
Chris knew this.
And yet, he still wanted it done.
The Silent Coup
"I need leverage," I said finally. "Proof of corruption. Scandal. Something that makes his removal a necessity."
Chris hummed in thought. "You've always been resourceful, Ethan. Find something. And if you can't… create something."
I straightened. "You're asking me to fabricate evidence?"
"I'm asking you to win."
I took a slow breath. "Understood."
"You have one week."
The line went dead.
The Setup Begins
One week.
That was all the time I had to dismantle a man who had spent years fortifying his position.
I ran a hand through my hair, already thinking of my next moves.
I needed intel. Financial records, secret dealings—anything I could use to force him out without raising suspicion.
Because until Chris returned, I wasn't just handling this for him.
I was handling it for the future king.