Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 11

The next morning, the sharp chime of David’s phone disrupted the quiet solitude of his penthouse. Still clad in his tailored pajamas, he crossed the living room, his steps measured as he answered the call.

It was James, his tone brisk and to the point. “We’ve got a situation, David.”

David’s grip on the phone tightened. “Go on.”

“Ruth’s team has leaked information about a potential merger with Hartford Global,” James said. “They’re a mid-sized competitor with a strong presence in the Midwest. If this goes through, it could stabilize her position.”

David exhaled slowly, his mind already turning over the implications. A merger with Hartford Global was an intelligent move on Ruth’s part. It would provide her with additional resources and potentially quell the doubts of her investors.

But it was also a gamble. Mergers were complex, fraught with delays, and subject to approval from various stakeholders. If Ruth thought this would save her, she was more desperate than he’d realized.

“Do we have any intel on Hartford’s leadership?” David asked, his tone sharp.

“Preliminary research shows they’re relatively conservative,” James replied. “Their CEO, Richard Hayes, is risk-averse but values loyalty. If Ruth has approached him, she’s probably playing up her stability and long-term vision.”

David nodded to himself, formulating a plan. “Schedule a meeting with Hayes. I want to know exactly what Ruth has promised him and what it’ll take to make him reconsider.”

“On it,” James said. “I’ll have the details by the afternoon.”

David ended the call, his focus already shifting to the next steps. He couldn’t allow Ruth to regain her footing. If Hartford Global became an ally, it would make dismantling her empire significantly harder. This wasn’t just a move he had to counter, it was one he had to crush.

By mid-afternoon, David was seated in a private dining room at the exclusive Belmont Club, a discreet venue where deals were often made and power was exchanged. Richard Hayes arrived promptly, his demeanor cautious but polite. The two men shook hands, and David gestured for him to sit.

“Richard,” David began, his tone smooth and cordial. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I’m aware you’ve been in discussions with Ruth Alcott.”

Hayes raised an eyebrow, though he didn’t seem surprised. “Word travels fast, I see.”

David offered a small smile. “In our world, it always does. I wanted to have this conversation because I respect your position and your instincts. You’re a man who values stability, and I imagine that’s what Ruth is offering you.”

Hayes leaned back, studying David carefully. “She’s made a compelling case. Hartford Global could benefit from the resources Alcott Industries provides.”

David nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I’m sure she has. Ruth is an excellent strategist. But she’s also in a precarious position, one that could jeopardize not just her company, but anyone associated with it.”

Hayes frowned slightly, the faintest hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. “What are you suggesting?”

David leaned forward, his tone calm but firm. “Ruth’s losses have left her vulnerable. Her investors are questioning her stability, and a merger with Hartford might seem like a lifeline. But consider this, if her foundation is already cracking, what happens when the weight of a merger is added? Do you really want Hartford tied to a company that’s one misstep away from collapse?”

Hayes was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the polished table in front of him. David could see the gears turning in his mind, the calculations being made.

“Ruth claims she’s weathered worse storms,” Hayes finally said, though his tone lacked conviction.

David nodded, respecting the man’s attempt at diplomacy. “Perhaps she has. But even the strongest structures weaken over time. Hartford deserves a partner that can guarantee growth, not one that’s scrambling to survive.”

Hayes tapped a finger against his glass, his expression unreadable. “And I suppose you’re offering Hartford that guarantee?”

David allowed a faint smile. “What I’m offering is an alternative. Blackwood Enterprises isn’t just stable as we’re expanding. Our projects on the East Coast are thriving, and we’re looking for partners who share our vision. If you’re willing to reconsider your position, I’d be happy to discuss how Hartford could benefit from aligning with us instead.”

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken considerations. Hayes was clearly weighing his options, and David knew better than to push too hard. The key was planting the seed of doubt, allowing it to grow until it overshadowed any loyalty Ruth might have inspired.

After a moment, Hayes nodded slowly. “I’ll think about it.”

David extended his hand again, his grip firm. “That’s all I ask.”

As Hayes left the room, David felt a surge of satisfaction. The meeting hadn’t been a definitive victory, but it had served its purpose. Ruth’s plan was no longer certain, and Hayes’s doubt would ripple through his board of directors, complicating any potential agreement.

Returning to his office, David found Mary waiting for him with a report in hand. She followed him inside, her expression more serious than usual.

“David, there’s something you need to see,” she said, placing the report on his desk.

He opened it, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the contents. It was a dossier on Ruth’s recent activities, including several meetings she’d held with key figures in her industry. One name in particular caught his attention, Margaret Langston, a renowned public relations strategist.

“Margaret Langston?” David said, glancing up at Mary.

Mary nodded. “She’s been working with Ruth for years, but it seems their collaboration has intensified recently. If Ruth is bringing her in, it’s likely part of a larger strategy to regain control.”

David’s jaw tightened. Langston was known for her ability to turn even the most disastrous situations into victories. If she was involved, it meant Ruth was preparing to escalate the fight.

“Get me everything we have on Langston,” David ordered. “I want to know her methods, her connections, anything that can give us an edge.”

Mary nodded, already making notes. “Understood.”

As the day turned to evening, David stood by the window of his office, the city skyline glowing in the fading light. Ruth was proving to be a formidable opponent, her moves calculated and precise. But David wasn’t deterred. If anything, her resilience only fueled his determination.

This wasn’t just a battle for dominance, it was a test of endurance, strategy, and willpower. Ruth had played her hand, but David had yet to reveal his full strength.

As he watched the lights of the city, a small, confident smile played on his lips. The game was far from over, and he intended to win.