Chapter 484: The Unshaken Throne

Christiana's POV

The hall was still heavy with tension. Classic had been handed the empire—on a trial basis. Ethan had been assigned as his right hand. Even Classic's assistant had been repositioned under Dad's watchful eye.

And me?

I swirled the wine in my glass, watching the power shift like a game of chess, yet my place on the board had not been mentioned. It was almost amusing. Almost.

Then, I spoke.

"Dad… what of me?"

The room turned silent again. Classic turned slightly in my direction, his expression unreadable. Ethan's lips quirked upward like he was expecting this moment. Skylar simply raised an eyebrow, watching, waiting—just as she always did.

Dad exhaled slowly, then turned his gaze toward me. It was the same look he had given me all my life—not one of doubt, but of measured calculation.

"You," he said, voice calm yet absolute, "already hold power."

The ministers stiffened. The generals exchanged glances. Everyone knew what he meant.

"You rule the government. Every law, every decision, every strategy—it all passes through you." He took a slow step forward, his presence suffocating. "Tell me, Christiana… do you wish for more?"

The corner of my lips curled upward. He was testing me, but he knew the answer before I even spoke.

"No," I said smoothly. "I am exactly where I need to be."

There was a flicker of approval in his eyes before he turned back to the room. "Then nothing changes."

The unspoken truth settled over everyone.

Classic was being tested. Ethan was overseeing. The assistant was reporting. But me? I wasn't on trial.

I was already untouchable.

I raised my glass to my lips, meeting Classic's gaze as I took a slow sip.

"Good luck, big brother."