Chris moved through the ballroom like a shadow, his presence barely acknowledged by the guests who had just witnessed Damian's failed attempt to humiliate him. He wasn't surprised. People like Damian thought wealth was measured by how loudly they could flaunt it.
But true power? That moved in silence.
As he reached the side of the room, Ethan approached him with his usual composed demeanor. He hadn't interfered earlier, knowing that Chris never needed saving. Instead, he had simply observed—like a wolf watching a reckless cub bare its teeth at a lion.
Ethan tilted his head slightly. "You handled that well. Though, I have to admit, I was tempted to put him in his place myself."
Chris gave a faint smirk, setting his tray down on an empty table. "No need. He'll learn soon enough."
Ethan's eyes gleamed knowingly. "I assume you want me to make sure he learns the hard way?"
Chris took a slow breath, his fingers tapping lightly against the edge of the tray. Then, in a voice so casual it was almost unsettling, he murmured—
"You know what to do."
Ethan's smirk widened. "Consider it done."
There was no need for more words. Ethan already knew what that meant. A quiet shift in the balance. A subtle reminder that Damian Kingsley was playing in a world he didn't even realize had already swallowed him whole.
Ethan stepped away, pulling out his phone as he made his way toward the exit. Chris knew that by morning, Damian would wake up to a reality slightly different from the one he had so arrogantly stood in tonight.
Nothing obvious. Nothing loud.
But a missing investment deal here. A sudden business complication there. A few quiet whispers to the right people, causing doors that once opened for Damian to close before he even reached them.
Chris had no need to shout his victories.
The world had already bowed to him without even knowing his name.