Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 13

The bourbon swirled in David’s glass, the amber liquid catching the dim glow of his penthouse lights. His conversation with Margaret Langston played on a loop in his mind, her calm yet pointed tone a thinly veiled warning. Ruth was escalating, and Margaret’s involvement signaled a new level of aggression. David relished the thought; the more desperate his opponents became, the more predictable their moves.

As he sat in his armchair, contemplating his next steps, his phone buzzed on the table beside him. It was a message from James.

James: Urgent update. Ruth is hosting an impromptu investor meeting tomorrow morning. Unclear if it’s a reaction to Hayes pulling out or Langston’s doing. Thought you’d want to know.

David’s eyes narrowed. Ruth’s meeting wasn’t just about damage control, it was a counterplay. The timing was too coincidental to ignore. He texted James back.

David: Thanks. Keep me updated on any leaks or notable attendees. Let’s make sure we’re prepared.

Placing his phone down, David leaned back, allowing himself a moment of stillness. Tomorrow was critical. Ruth would either stabilize her footing or slip further, and David intended to ensure it was the latter.

The next morning, David arrived at Blackwood Enterprises earlier than usual. Mary was already at her desk, engrossed in her work. She glanced up as he entered, sensing his urgency.

“Morning, David,” she greeted, handing him a file. “I’ve compiled everything we know about Ruth’s meeting. It’s being held at the Montgomery Hotel. Key investors and a few high-profile media outlets will be present.”

David scanned the file, his mind racing. “She’s aiming for maximum visibility. If this goes well for her, it could buy her time.”

Mary nodded. “But if it doesn’t…”

“It’ll accelerate her downfall,” David finished, his voice firm. “What’s our angle?”

Mary tapped on her tablet, bringing up a series of documents. “We’ve flagged three of her top investors who’ve shown signs of doubt, small withdrawals, questions about her liquidity, and hesitation during recent negotiations. If we approach them strategically, we could turn their uncertainty into defection.”

David’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Who’s our strongest lead?”

“Evan Carlisle,” Mary replied without hesitation. “He’s been vocal about his concerns regarding Ruth’s management. His investment accounts for nearly 15% of Alcott Industries’ operating capital. If he pulls out, the domino effect could be catastrophic for her.”

David leaned forward, his gaze sharp. “Good. Let’s focus on Carlisle. Arrange a meeting with him for later today. I want to personally make our case.”

Mary hesitated, then added, “There’s one more thing. Ruth has scheduled a private luncheon with Marcus Tillman before the investor meeting. It’s not public knowledge yet, but our source inside Alcott Industries confirmed it this morning.”

David’s expression darkened. “She’s trying to win him back. Clever.”

“Do you think she’ll succeed?” Mary asked, her tone cautious.

David’s jaw tightened. “She’ll try, but Tillman’s not one to let sentiment dictate his decisions. As long as we keep offering him a better deal, he’ll stay aligned with us. Still, I want eyes on that lunch. Have someone from our team discreetly monitor it.”

“Understood,” Mary said, jotting down notes.

David stood, straightening his tie. “Today, we apply pressure. Ruth wants to shore up her defenses, but we’ll ensure her efforts crumble before they can take hold.”

A few hours later, David sat across from Evan Carlisle in a sleek, private dining room at one of Manhattan’s most exclusive restaurants. Carlisle, a middle-aged man with graying temples and an air of meticulous caution, studied David with wary curiosity.

“I’ll be honest, Blackwood,” Carlisle said, swirling his wine. “I was surprised to get your call. I didn’t think you were the type to court other companies’ investors.”

David chuckled lightly, setting his glass down. “I’m not usually. But you’re not just any investor, Mr. Carlisle. You’re someone who values stability and growth, two things I can provide in ways Alcott Industries simply cannot.”

Carlisle raised an eyebrow. “And why should I believe that? Ruth’s company has weathered storms before.”

David leaned forward, his voice calm but deliberate. “This isn’t just a storm, Carlisle. It’s a reckoning. Ruth’s overextended herself. Her partnerships are unraveling, and her recent losses have made her vulnerable. Investors like you are carrying the weight of her missteps. I’m offering you a lifeline, a chance to redirect your capital into ventures that guarantee returns, not uncertainty.”

Carlisle frowned, his skepticism faltering. “You make a compelling argument, but abandoning Alcott Industries isn’t a decision I can make lightly. My reputation will remain intact,” David interrupted smoothly. “In fact, it will flourish. Aligning with Blackwood Enterprises isn’t just about profit; it’s about positioning yourself on the winning side. Ruth’s empire is crumbling. When the dust settles, you’ll want to be with the company that came out stronger.”

Carlisle hesitated, the conflict clear in his expression. David saw the doubt taking root, and he pressed further.

“I understand loyalty, Evan,” David said, his tone softening. “But loyalty to a sinking ship only drags you down with it. I’m not asking you to abandon principle, I’m offering you a chance to protect your interests and ensure your legacy.”

Silence hung between them as Carlisle mulled over David’s words. Finally, he nodded slowly.

“I’ll consider it,” he said, his voice measured. “But I’ll need more details before making any decisions.”

“Of course,” David replied, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. “Mary will send over a full proposal by the end of the day. Take your time, and if you have questions, my door is always open.”

They shook hands, and as Carlisle left, David felt the first ripple of victory. Ruth’s foundation was cracking, and Carlisle’s potential defection would be a devastating blow.

Meanwhile, across town, Ruth Alcott sat in a private booth at an upscale restaurant, facing Marcus Tillman. She exuded confidence, her sharp green blazer a reflection of her composed demeanor.

“Marcus,” she began, her tone warm yet firm. “I’ll cut straight to the point. I know Blackwood’s been whispering in your ear, offering you promises that sound too good to be true. But you and I both know David’s tactics. He’s ruthless, yes, but he’s also reckless. His alliances rarely last because he doesn’t value them.”

Tillman sipped his espresso, his expression unreadable. “And you do, Ruth?”

“I do,” she said without hesitation. “Our partnership is built on more than just profit. It’s about vision and about creating something lasting. David doesn’t build; he dismantles. And when he’s done using you, he’ll cast you aside like everyone else.”

Tillman leaned back, his gaze assessing. “You make a strong case, Ruth. But let’s not pretend this is purely about principle. What are you offering me that Blackwood isn’t?”

Ruth smiled, prepared for the question. “Equity,” she said simply. “A significant share in the profits from our California project. Something Blackwood wouldn’t dream of giving up.”

Tillman’s interest was evident, though he remained cautious. “Equity is tempting, but it comes with risks. Can you guarantee stability?”

“I can,” Ruth replied confidently. “I’ve already taken steps to address the challenges we’re facing. The investor meeting tomorrow will solidify our position. With your continued support, Marcus, we’ll not only recover, we’ll thrive.”

Tillman nodded slowly, the gears turning in his mind. Ruth felt a flicker of hope. She wasn’t out of the woods yet, but if she could secure Tillman’s loyalty, it would buy her the time she needed to rebuild.

Back at Blackwood Enterprises, James entered David’s office with an urgent expression.

“We’ve got a problem,” James said without preamble. “Ruth’s lunch with Tillman went longer than expected. Our source says he looked... convinced when he left.”

David’s jaw tightened. “She’s offering him something substantial. Equity, perhaps.”

“Most likely,” James agreed. “What’s our move?”

David leaned back, considering his options. Ruth was playing her cards well, but he wasn’t about to let her regain control.

“Keep the pressure on Tillman,” David said finally. “Remind him of the volatility he’d face staying with Alcott. And double down on our other targets, Carlisle especially. If Ruth’s gaining ground with Tillman, we’ll ensure she loses it elsewhere.”

James nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes. “Understood.”

As James left, David turned his gaze to the city skyline. The game was intensifying, the stakes climbing higher with each move. But David thrived under pressure. Ruth might have gained a foothold with Tillman, but she was still playing catch-up.

And David had no intention of losing the upper hand.

By the end of the day, David’s phone buzzed with another message from Mary.

Mary: Carlisle has requested a follow-up meeting. Looks like he’s leaning in our favor.

David smiled faintly, his resolve solidifying. The cracks in Ruth’s empire were widening. Tomorrow, when her investors gathered, those cracks would become fractures. And David Blackwood would be there to watch it all come undone.