David Blackwood stood on the balcony of his penthouse, surveying the vast cityscape of Manhattan as dusk settled over the city. The skyline, jagged with towering skyscrapers, mirrored the empire he’d carved from steel, sweat, and ruthless ambition. At 46, he was at the pinnacle of success, the name “Blackwood” etched into California’s and New York’s economies alike, a brand synonymous with power and control.With a sigh, he took a sip of the bourbon in his hand, letting the warmth slide down his throat as his mind drifted. In this world, David’s name commanded respect, sometimes even fear, but he felt a strange emptiness creeping in at the edges of his carefully constructed life. Wealth and influence had cost him countless relationships, yet he wore it as a badge of honor. Love, sentiment, companionship, those were luxuries for weaker men, distractions for those who didn’t understand the cost of power.For David, sentiment was a liability, one he couldn’t afford. And so, he’d always k

The other executives filed in, filling the seats around them, but David barely noticed their presence. His focus was solely on Ruth, her every move, every glance, as though they were the only two in the room. The meeting commenced, reports and analyses flowing in a carefully choreographed order, but he sensed that Ruth was merely waiting for her moment, her patience a silent declaration of her resolve.When the time finally came to discuss the real estate project, Ruth leaned forward, her gaze challenging as she addressed him directly. “I understand that Blackwood Enterprises has been aggressively expanding into this sector, but I’d like to discuss the implications of monopolizing the market,” she began, her tone poised.David raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. “I wasn’t aware that Blackwood Enterprises needed to justify its growth, especially not to competitors.”Her gaze didn’t falter. “Competitors have a right to raise concerns when one company’s actions affect

No,” Mike replied, his tone firm. “But I am afraid she might get under your skin in a way that others haven’t. Ruth isn’t just here to play business games, David. For her, this is personal.”David felt a flicker of annoyance, though he kept his expression neutral. “You seem to know a lot about her motives.”Mike hesitated, his gaze shifting briefly before meeting David’s again. “I used to know Ruth, years ago. We were… involved, if you could call it that.”David’s interest piqued, though he masked it well. “Involved?”Mike sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It was a long time ago. I made some mistakes, and she’s the kind of woman who doesn’t forget.”David leaned forward, his gaze intent. “What are you saying, Mike?”“I’m saying that Ruth isn’t like the others you’ve dealt with. She’s not interested in just winning a deal or making a profit. She’s here for revenge, David. I wronged her once, and I think she sees you as a way to settle an old score.”David processed the informat

The next morning, David arrived at his office with a renewed sense of purpose. The sun had barely risen over the Manhattan skyline, casting long shadows across the city. He thrived in these early hours, when the world seemed still and his mind could focus sharply on what lay ahead.As he took a seat at his desk, his gaze shifted to the stack of documents that Mary had left for him. Ruth’s plans, her business model, her recent moves and everything was there, a map of her ambitions spread before him. He skimmed the files, analyzing her partnerships, her projects, her alliances. Each one represented a thread in the web she had woven, a network she depended on to keep Alcott Industries afloat.The game was simple: find the weakest thread and pull until the entire structure unraveled. Ruth’s business, like any other, was only as strong as its most vulnerable point. He knew that if he could destabilize one of her key alliances, it would create a ripple effect, weakening her position and for

David leaned back in his chair, savoring the quiet triumph of the moment. The subtle crack he’d placed in Ruth’s alliance with Marcus Tillman was already starting to widen. He could see it in the flicker of curiosity in Tillman’s eyes, the unmistakable interest in his voice as he asked for more details.“I understand that Alcott Industries has been a promising partner for you,” David began, his tone calm and confident. “But with Blackwood Enterprises, you wouldn’t just be growing your footprint. You’d be entering new markets, backed by resources that only we can offer.”Tillman’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his interest was clear. “I’ll admit, David, the offer is tempting. But I need more than promises. I need guarantees.”David nodded, his expression unchanging. “Of course. Guarantees are part of any strong partnership. And I’m prepared to outline a path that will not only secure your current projects but expand your influence across the East Coast.”He slid a document across the