Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 2

David watched her disappear inside and then returned his gaze to the city. Alone once more, he felt the silence press down on him, reminding him of his isolation in a way that felt sharper than usual. He had always prided himself on not needing anyone, on carving his success alone. But something was shifting, a nagging curiosity that refused to go away. Perhaps it was the realization that, for the first time in years, someone was daring to push back against him without fear.

A smirk pulled at his lips as he imagined his next encounter with Ruth. She would try, he was certain, to confront him, to take him on with that fierce determination she wore like armor. And he would be ready, armed with all the tools he had sharpened over decades in this ruthless industry. She would discover just how far he was willing to go to protect his empire.

He finished his bourbon in one slow, deliberate gulp, feeling the liquid burn its way down. Yes, Ruth Alcott would soon understand the lengths to which he’d go to maintain his position at the top. He would ensure that her defiance was met with a force she couldn’t withstand, one that would remind her why he was the most powerful name in the business.

Turning away from the city, David moved back inside, leaving the view of Manhattan behind him. Tomorrow would bring another battle, another round of negotiations and schemes. But tonight, he would let himself savor the anticipation of what was to come, knowing that the game was only just beginning.

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the New York skyline as David Blackwood strode through the halls of Blackwood Enterprises. He was a man of precision, his mornings choreographed to maximize efficiency, every movement calculated. He prided himself on being the first to arrive and the last to leave, setting an unspoken standard that few dared to question. Today was no different, except that his mind was humming with anticipation.

He barely noticed the greetings of the staff as he passed, a brisk nod serving as his only acknowledgment. Mary trailed behind him, her presence as punctual as ever, clutching a tablet that held his agenda for the day. He felt her studying him with that familiar mix of loyalty and curiosity, though he ignored it for now. His focus was elsewhere.

His corner office was already prepared, curtains drawn back to reveal a panoramic view of the city. He made his way to the large mahogany desk, pausing only to cast an approving glance at the papers meticulously organized in a neat stack. Everything in its place, just as he liked it.

Mary followed him in, setting her tablet on the desk with a quiet efficiency he had long come to rely on. She began listing his schedule, her voice low and steady. “You have a conference call with the London team at nine, then the board meeting at eleven. After lunch, you’re scheduled to meet with the real estate committee to discuss the Alcott deal.”

At the mention of Ruth’s name, David’s attention sharpened, though he kept his expression impassive. “The Alcott deal,” he repeated, his voice steady. “Have they confirmed attendance?”

Mary nodded. “Yes. Ruth Alcott herself requested to be present. She’s insisting on negotiating directly.”

David allowed a brief smile to slip, a shadow of satisfaction at her audacity. Of course, she would want to face him head-on. He wouldn’t have expected anything less. He was already calculating his strategy, weighing his options. Ruth’s presence added a new layer to the meeting, but it was one he was more than ready to confront.

He glanced at Mary, noting the slight tension in her gaze as she observed him. She hesitated, as if debating whether to say something, before she finally spoke. “Are you sure it’s wise to entertain her demands? She’s unpredictable, and frankly, she’s trying to undermine everything you’ve built.”

David leaned back in his chair, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. “Unpredictable, perhaps, but she’s also smart. Too smart to try anything reckless. Besides, if she insists on negotiating, then I’ll be there to remind her who she’s dealing with.”

Mary nodded, though her concern remained evident. She knew him well enough to understand his drive, but he sensed that her discomfort had less to do with business and more with a deeper, unspoken rivalry. It amused him, in a way, the subtle possessiveness Mary held toward him, though he knew better than to encourage it.

“Trust me, Mary,” he said, his tone calm. “This is exactly where I want her.”

The hours ticked by with an almost unsettling calm, each minute drawing him closer to the meeting with Ruth. He moved through his other appointments with his typical efficiency, though his mind occasionally wandered back to the thought of facing her again. There was something about her presence that felt like a challenge and that's a thrill he had long forgotten.

At precisely one o’clock, he made his way to the conference room, Mary at his side. The room was spacious, designed for comfort yet exuding the authority he wielded over every decision made within its walls. He took his seat at the head of the table, the leather chair a throne from which he would command his empire.

Moments later, the doors swung open, and Ruth entered. She moved with a confidence that was both unsettling and compelling, her gaze meeting his without a hint of hesitation. Dressed in a tailored suit that emphasized her authority, she looked every bit the businesswoman who refused to yield to him.

“Ms. Alcott,” he greeted, keeping his tone neutral as he motioned to the chair opposite him. “Thank you for joining us.”

Ruth inclined her head, her expression cool. “Mr. Blackwood,” she replied, her voice smooth, almost disarmingly so. She took her seat without breaking eye contact, the tension between them palpable, a silent battle of wills.