Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 3

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 the industry as a whole. Your approach leaves little room for others to operate.”

A murmur ran through the room, executives exchanging glances, but David barely noticed. His focus was on Ruth, on the defiance in her eyes, the unwavering determination. She was challenging him openly, without fear, and he found himself almost… admiring her tenacity.

“Business is about survival, Ms. Alcott,” he replied smoothly. “If your company can’t keep up, perhaps it’s time to consider alternatives.”

She leaned back, a small, enigmatic smile gracing her lips. “I’m afraid I have no intention of backing down, Mr. Blackwood. Alcott Industries will continue to compete, whether or not you approve.”

Their eyes locked, a silent war raging between them, a battle of pride and determination. David felt the thrill of it, the excitement of a worthy opponent, a challenge that went beyond contracts and acquisitions. Ruth Alcott was unlike anyone he had encountered, and in that moment, he realized she had become more than just a rival.

As the meeting concluded, he lingered behind, watching her gather her things with a calm efficiency. She glanced up, catching his gaze, and for a split second, he saw something flicker in her eyes, a recognition, an acknowledgment of the tension between them.

“Until next time,” she murmured, her voice soft, yet laced with the promise of their ongoing rivalry.

David watched her leave, the thrill of the game simmering beneath his calm exterior. He knew this was only the beginning.

David watched as Ruth left the conference room, her heels clicking purposefully against the marble floors. The sound faded as she disappeared down the corridor, but the quiet tension she’d left behind lingered, hanging in the air like an unfinished conversation. He sat back in his chair, fingers steepled as he stared at the door through which she’d exited, considering the subtle war she’d started.

“Sir?” Mary’s voice broke into his thoughts, hesitant yet expectant. She had lingered, the other executives having already filtered out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.

David turned his gaze toward her, noting the wary expression in her eyes. “Yes, Mary?”

“Is there anything you need me to… follow up on?” Her tone was even, but David could sense the deeper question beneath it. She was asking if he wanted her to look into Ruth, perhaps investigate any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that might be exploited. Mary, in her loyalty, understood his need for control, especially over his competition. But this wasn’t a typical business rivalry. Ruth was far more complicated than that.

David shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “No need, Mary. Ms. Alcott and I understand each other well enough.”

She hesitated, her brow furrowing as if she wanted to question him further. Instead, she merely nodded, her expression shifting to one of concern. “Just… be careful, David. She’s clever, and she clearly knows how to get under your skin.”

He chuckled, though the sound held no real amusement. “I’m aware of that, Mary. I’m also aware that she’s not like the others.” He rose from his chair, adjusting the cuffs of his suit jacket with a casual precision. “I’ll handle her.”

Mary nodded, though the disapproval remained etched in her features. She was the one constant in his life, the one person who had stood by him through every acquisition, every hostile takeover, every boardroom battle. But her concern this time seemed different, almost personal.

As David walked back toward his office, he allowed his mind to wander to the thought of Ruth. She was a different kind of opponent, one he couldn’t predict or control as easily as he could his business rivals. He relished the challenge, the way she defied him without fear. It was both infuriating and exhilarating.

Back in his office, he settled into his chair and opened his laptop, reviewing the reports and projections from the meeting. Yet, as he scanned through the numbers, his mind drifted, replaying the conversation he’d had with Ruth earlier. Her words echoed in his head, the confidence in her voice as she’d declared her intent to continue competing against him. Most competitors faltered under his gaze, their resolve wilting at the first sign of resistance. But not Ruth.

He glanced at his watch, noting the time. It was still early in the afternoon, and he had no pressing meetings for the next hour. On impulse, he picked up his phone and dialed a familiar number.

After a few rings, the call connected. “James,” David greeted, his voice calm.

“David.” James’s voice was smooth, professional, but there was an edge to it, a tension that David had come to expect from his right-hand man. James was as sharp as they came, a man who understood the intricacies of business as well as he did. But David knew better than to trust anyone completely, even James.

“I need an update on the real estate venture,” David continued, keeping his tone casual. “Any developments I should be aware of?”