---
The ballroom was eerily silent, the weight of Chris's words hanging in the air. As the guests slowly regained their composure, some dared not speak or make a sound, too aware of the gravity of what had just transpired. Chris's actions had been swift, decisive, and uncompromising. The Empress's defiance was met with a display of raw power that no one in the room would soon forget.
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Chris Blackwood: "The night must go on, and all of you will witness what true power looks like. Let tonight be a reminder of what happens when you dare cross me."
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With his voice steady, unyielding, and filled with the full weight of his authority, Chris gestured for the music to resume. The orchestra, having paused in the chaos, began to play again, filling the room with a haunting melody. But the atmosphere had changed. The once-celebratory air now felt thick with the weight of fear and respect.
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Chris Blackwood: "Christiana, make sure our guest is dealt with properly. Do not allow any mess to remain."
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Christiana, having already disappeared to execute her father's order, was moving with purpose. She knew exactly how to deal with the Empress without leaving any trace of the incident behind. The Blackwood family's reputation had to remain untarnished, and this particular problem had to be resolved without drawing attention.
---
Meanwhile, Chris surveyed the room, his gaze piercing through the guests as they nervously resumed their conversations. His power was absolute, and each person in the room knew that they were at his mercy. The whispers began to die down as they realized how swiftly Chris had silenced those who would dare to challenge him.
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Chris Blackwood: "As for all of you, tonight is a celebration. But let it also be a reminder. This empire, my empire, operates by my rules. And those rules are not negotiable."
---
He smiled, but it wasn't a smile of warmth—it was a smile of a man who had won, and he knew it. No one in the room dared to oppose him. There was no need to raise his voice further. His presence alone was enough to remind them of the consequences of defiance.
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The night continued, though the earlier tension never fully dissipated. The grand ball was a spectacle of wealth, power, and authority, but it was also a demonstration of the price one would pay for stepping out of line.
---
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Christiana's Actions
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In the shadows of the palace, Christiana had already ensured that the Empress would not leave a mark on this event. The Blackwood family couldn't afford to have any loose ends, especially from someone as audacious as Empress Kai.
She gave the order, and the problem was taken care of quickly and efficiently. Empress Kai had been dealt with in a way that left no trace, no indication of what had happened, and no one would question the Blackwood family's power.
---
Christiana returned to the ballroom moments later, her expression as composed as always, her gaze meeting Chris's as she moved silently back to his side.
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Christiana: "It's done. No one will ever speak of her again."
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Chris nodded, his face unwavering.
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Chris Blackwood: "Good. Now, let the night continue as planned."
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The rest of the evening went on without another disruption. The Blackwood family had made their point. They were untouchable, and those who dared defy them would be eliminated without hesitation.
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Chris Blackwood: "This is my empire. And I will not allow anyone, not even the highest of royalty, to stand in my way."
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His gaze swept over the ballroom one last time, and for the guests still present, the message was clear. You were either with the Blackwood family, or you were nothing. The night continued, but everyone knew that Chris had won.