[Scene – Downtown Capital District, 10:40 AM]
The city was loud with headlines and gossip.
Holo-billboards still replayed the slap — frame by frame — across skyscrapers.
But far from the palace walls, a convoy rolled silently down the business district.
No flags. No guards. No royal emblem.
Inside a black, unmarked hovercar sat Chris Blackwood — no crown, no armor, no announcement.
Just the King, dressed in a dark charcoal suit, expression carved from ice.
---
Driver (nervously):
"Your Majesty, we've arrived at Titan Industries — biggest private firm in the Union, owned solely by Director Halden Pike."
Chris didn't reply.
He simply adjusted his gloves, eyes fixed on the building that towered like arrogance made of glass.
---
[Cut – Titan Industries Headquarters]
The reception area was all chrome and ego.
Employees rushed, holo-screens flickered with profit graphs.
Nobody recognized the man who walked through the doors with silent authority.
A young receptionist stopped him.
Receptionist (smiling):
"Good morning, sir. Appointment?"
Chris looked at her — calm, polite, terrifyingly composed.
Chris:
"No. Just a walk-in. I hear your Director doesn't take them."
Receptionist (laughs softly):
"Oh, no sir, he's very busy—"
Chris cut her off with a glance that made her heartbeat audible.
Chris (quietly):
"Then I'll make him less busy."
He walked past before she could breathe another word.
---
[Cut – 44th Floor, Executive Lounge]
Halden Pike, mid-50s, confident, billionaire by trade, sat in a conference with his managers.
The door opened without a knock.
Everyone froze.
Chris stepped in like a storm dressed as a man.
Halden (irritated):
"Who are you—"
Chris removed his glasses.
Recognition hit like a slap.
Halden (stammering):
"M-My King…"
The managers instantly dropped to their knees.
Chris circled the table slowly.
Chris:
"Sit down, Director Pike. This isn't a palace visit. It's business."
Halden:
"Of course, Your Majesty. I— I didn't know you'd—"
Chris:
"That's the point. You never know when your King is watching."
---
Chris (stopping at the window):
"You run the largest private empire under my rule.
Over 700,000 employees.
You own half the shipping lines, three banks, and six arms suppliers. Tell me, Halden… what does it feel like to be so close to the throne without sitting on it?"
Halden (sweating):
"An honor, sire. I serve the Union faithfully."
Chris (smirks):
"Faithfully? Or profitably?"
The silence was heavy.
You could almost hear the hum of the city outside.
---
Chris (turns, cold):
"I watched your broadcast interviews. You said the 'private sector keeps the Union alive.'
That's cute. The throne built your oxygen, Halden.
You just learned how to breathe it for money."
Halden (swallows hard):
"My King, I meant no disrespect—"
Chris:
"You meant truth. And I appreciate truth."
He walked closer, resting a gloved hand on the man's shoulder.
Chris (low voice):
"But truth without loyalty… is treason's rehearsal."
---
Halden's managers stared, trembling.
Chris:
"From today, Titan Industries is no longer 'private.' It will operate under the Blackwood Economic Authority.
You will remain as Director — for now.
But your company's assets, employees, and profits belong to the Union."
Halden (stunned):
"Your Majesty— that makes me—"
Chris (cuts in):
"An employee."
He stepped away, fixing his gloves again.
---
Chris (to the managers):
"Keep working. Nothing changes except who you truly work for."
He looked at the room — frozen in fear, awe, and submission.
Chris (softly):
"The people slap us because they forget what power looks like.
Remind them — gently."
He turned toward the elevator.
Security bowed. Cameras followed silently.
As he entered, his reflection split in the golden doors — one man, two shadows.
Chris (to himself, almost a whisper):
"The King bleeds once. The world kneels twice."
Doors close.
---