Chapter Title: The Worth of Power

---

Chris's POV – Continuing the Family Meeting

Chris folded his hands in front of him, a quiet stillness settling in the room after his declaration. Then, without looking up, he asked:

"How much have we generated from the entry fees so far?"

Ethan was already ready for it. He tapped the holo-tab again, projecting the figure mid-air—golden numbers gleaming in the dim light of the chamber.

"9.7 Trillion Blackwood Credits."

The silence that followed wasn't from shock. No—this family had long become immune to the weight of numbers. But even Christiana raised an eyebrow.

Chris gave a slow nod of approval. "Excellent. That alone could fund the defense of the Union for two years straight."

"Not to mention," Ethan added, "most of the guests are still in line to pay their security deposits and personal staff clearances. We're looking at at least another 3 trillion before the week ends."

Chris leaned back in his chair. "Good. Then this isn't just a ball. It's the most profitable event in history."

He turned now, gaze softening slightly as he looked at Skylar. "And on that note…"

He smiled.

"I want you," he said, "to wear the most expensive attire ever made by human hands."

Skylar blinked, then smirked like the Empress she was. "Define expensive."

Chris stood, walking toward the massive central screen in the room. With a wave, he summoned the Royal Artisan Registry—a collection of elite fashion creators who'd sworn loyalty to the Blackwood Crown.

"I'm authorizing full access to every luxury vault across the Union. Jewels from the mines of Emberforge, silk from the floating cities of Aeonreach, gold-thread lace spun from lunar spiders... I want your gown to be made of legends. Not fabric."

Skylar raised a brow. "And the budget?"

Chris didn't blink.

"Unlimited."

Even Classic chuckled at that, and Christiana gave a rare nod of approval.

"I want the world to see you enter the ballroom and forget the throne exists," Chris continued. "For one night, you will be the vision of Blackwood wealth. And beside you—our children, our power, our legacy."

Skylar's smile turned radiant—dangerously beautiful.

"Then I shall wear the Empire itself, my love."

Chris turned to the rest of the family. "Let this ball reflect what we are—not just rulers, but gods among kings. And let no one forget… who built the world they now live in."

---