Classicprincecj

At university, Chris is just another student—quiet, reserved, and seemingly ordinary. But behind the scenes, he’s the heir to a hidden fortune, a secret he guards fiercely.

Then there’s Skylar—a girl born into wealth, now watching her privileged world crumble as her family faces financial ruin. When she crosses paths with Chris, an unexpected connection sparks between them.

Skylar falls for him, believing he’s just a regular guy. But when her family pressures her to seek a richer suitor, Chris finds himself at a crossroads—should he reveal his true identity to fight for their love, or let her go to protect his secret?

In a world where love and wealth collide, can their relationship survive the truth?

Masked Affluence

Months had passed since the test began.

Classic sat on the throne, but the empire did not kneel so easily. Every decision he made was met with scrutiny. Every command was questioned. The ministers who once bowed to Chris now hesitated before obeying Classic. The generals watched him like wolves, waiting for the first sign of weakness.

I stood at his right hand, watching, guiding—but never interfering more than necessary.

Tonight, the council chamber was filled with voices. Classic sat at the head of the long table, his expression unreadable as the ministers debated.

"The Eastern trade agreements are failing," one minister said. "Without your father's influence, the foreign markets do not trust our negotiations."

"Perhaps we should reconsider certain policies," another suggested carefully. "Loosen our grip—"

Classic's voice cut through the noise like a blade. The room fell silent.

I tilted my head slightly, studying him. He wasn't hesitating anymore. That was good.

"We do not loosen our grip," he continued, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. "We tighten it."

A few ministers exchanged nervous glances.

"If they doubt our influence, we remind them why the Blackwood Empire is untouchable. Raise the tariffs on noncompliant regions. Redirect resources to our allies. And as for the ones stalling trade? Make an example of them."

A calculated move. Brutal, but effective.

The hesitation in the room was palpable, but no one dared challenge him outright.

I leaned forward slightly, resting my chin on my fingers. "Bold," I mused. "Are you prepared for the consequences?"

Classic turned his gaze to me. "Are you asking as my right hand or as my father's watchdog?"

I chuckled under my breath. He was learning.

He held my stare for a long moment before speaking. "Then you already know the answer."

Chris had been watching from the shadows all this time, waiting to see if Classic would crumble. But he hadn't. Not yet.

Still, there was one truth I knew better than anyone else:

The weight of the throne was not in ruling.

It was in knowing that, at any moment, Chris could take it back.

Chapter 485: The Weight of the Throne