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

I stood beside Classic in the grand hall of the Blackwood Imperial Palace, watching as the world reacted in chaos to the announcement of the Blackwood Crown (BWC). Monitors displayed live feeds from financial districts worldwide—panic in Wall Street, economic ministers in emergency meetings, and currencies crashing at an unprecedented rate.

Classic remained still, but I could feel the tension radiating from him. The BWC had changed everything. And now, the weight of what it meant to be a Blackwood ruler was pressing down on him harder than ever.

Chris sat on his throne, calm, unshaken, watching the world bow.

The Crown Prince turned his gaze toward his father, his expression unreadable.

Chris leaned forward, his tone unreadable. "Tell me, do you understand what has happened today?"

Classic exhaled slowly. "The world belongs to us."

Chris smirked. "Good. Then tell me… what happens next?"

I glanced at Classic, knowing this was yet another test. A ruler does not wait to be told. A ruler decides.

After a beat, Classic met his father's gaze, voice steady.

"We consolidate. Every nation under the Blackwood Union must implement the BWC immediately. All financial institutions that refuse will be seized. Any nation resisting will face full economic isolation. And those who seek entry… will pay tribute for the privilege."

Chris gave an approving nod. "Correct. And Ethan, what do we do about the remaining democracies?"

I stepped forward, folding my arms. "They'll fall within weeks. The economic collapse will force their leaders to beg for entry. But we won't make it easy. They must surrender not just their economy—but their sovereignty. No more weak governments. Only absolute rule under the Blackwood Union."

Chris's smirk deepened. "Exactly. We do not rule by force. We rule because they have no other choice."

Classic tilted his head slightly. "And what of the nations too proud to surrender?"

Chris's gaze darkened slightly. "Then we remind them that pride does not fill empty stomachs."

I chuckled under my breath. Classic was beginning to see it now—the full scope of power he would one day inherit.

"Classic, as my heir, this is your test. Take full control of this transition. Ethan will advise you, but this is your burden to carry. Any failure will be yours alone."

Classic's jaw tightened, but he gave a curt nod. "Understood."

Chris leaned back into his throne, satisfied. "Then go. Show the world what the Blackwood name will never be challenged."

Chapter 528: Ethan’s POV – The Weight of the Crown