Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 4

There was a pause on the other end, the faint sound of paper rustling. “Nothing significant,” James replied. “The acquisition is proceeding as planned. Alcott Industries is maintaining their stake, but they haven’t made any aggressive moves.”

David’s eyes narrowed slightly, detecting a hint of something in James’s tone, though he couldn’t quite place it. “Interesting. Ms. Alcott seemed quite determined to fight for her share during today’s meeting.”

James chuckled, the sound low and calculated. “She’s ambitious, I’ll give her that. But ambition without caution is a dangerous game.”

“True enough.” David leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the window, the cityscape stretching out before him. “Keep an eye on her, James. I want to know if she makes any changes to her strategy.”

“Of course,” James replied smoothly. “Anything else?”

“No, that will be all.” David ended the call, though his thoughts remained on Ruth and the unpredictable nature of her ambitions. She was bold, yes, but was she reckless? Or was she simply playing the long game, waiting for the right moment to strike?

The door to his office opened, and Mary stepped inside, carrying a folder. She placed it on his desk with a respectful nod, her gaze flicking to his with a hint of concern.

“What is it?” he asked, glancing at the folder.

“Background on Alcott Industries,” she replied, her tone professional but her expression thoughtful. “I thought you might want a closer look at her company’s recent movements.”

David raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Taking matters into your own hands, Mary?”

She shrugged, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I know how you operate, David. I thought it might save you time.”

He opened the folder, scanning the documents within. Financial records, recent acquisitions, partnerships, Mary had compiled a thorough report, leaving little room for doubt about Ruth’s determination to maintain her company’s foothold in the industry. Yet, as he reviewed the data, he found himself more intrigued than ever.

“She’s been strategic,” Mary noted, watching his reaction closely. “Ruth is careful, methodical. She doesn’t make a move without considering every angle.”

David nodded, closing the folder with a soft thud. “Then she’s learned well. But no amount of strategy will change the outcome.”

Mary seemed to hesitate, her gaze steady on his. “David, are you certain that’s what you want? To crush her completely?”

He looked at her, surprised by the question. “What are you suggesting, Mary?”

She shrugged, her gaze unflinching. “You don’t usually give rivals this much of your time. It’s just… unusual, that’s all.”

He chuckled, though the sound held a trace of bitterness. “Ruth Alcott is a distraction, nothing more. A challenge to be overcome.”

Mary nodded, though her expression betrayed doubt. She offered him a final, searching look before she turned and left his office, leaving him alone once more.

As the door clicked shut behind Mary, the stillness of his office seemed to press in on David, thickening the air. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting toward the city skyline. From this vantage point, he could see the vast expanse of Manhattan, a city that mirrored his own power, relentless and untamed. The thought usually filled him with satisfaction, a sense of ownership over all he’d built. But tonight, it felt different.

In the silence, his mind drifted back to Ruth, the only person who had dared to stand against him with such unwavering resolve. She was a distraction, a point of fascination that was beginning to complicate his neatly ordered life. He knew it was dangerous to dwell on her, to allow her presence to seep into his thoughts, yet he couldn’t quite shake the feeling.

He considered the file Mary had left him, the meticulous records detailing every move Ruth had made since taking control of her father’s company. Most of his competitors played their hands too early, revealing weaknesses he could exploit. But Ruth… she was like a chess player, anticipating moves he hadn’t even thought to make.

For years, David had seen rivals rise and fall, people who’d attempted to challenge him only to crumble under the weight of his influence. But Ruth was different, and that difference gnawed at him like an itch he couldn’t scratch. He had studied her moves, her strategy, yet she continued to surprise him.

He shook his head, dismissing the thought as quickly as it had come. She was a competitor and nothing more. Allowing her to occupy his mind like this was a weakness he couldn’t afford.

His phone buzzed, breaking the silence, and he glanced at the screen. A message from James: Meeting secured with Alcott’s board. Details in your inbox.

David allowed himself a small smile. If Ruth was determined to play this game, then he would meet her on every front. He opened his laptop, scanning through the email James had sent. The meeting with Ruth’s board was scheduled for the following week and that's a chance to observe her team, analyze their cohesion, and identify any potential cracks he could exploit.

Satisfied, he closed his laptop and leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping absently on the armrest. He had built his empire by outsmarting rivals, by understanding their motivations and anticipating their moves. Ruth, however, presented a different kind of challenge. She didn’t act out of greed or ambition alone. There was something more, something personal driving her.

He was still lost in thought when a soft knock at the door interrupted him. He glanced up, expecting Mary, but instead found himself staring at his friend and confidant, Mike. Tall and solidly built, Mike had an easy confidence about him, a calm demeanor that contrasted with David’s more intense presence.

“Thought I’d find you here,” Mike said with a grin, stepping into the office and closing the door behind him. “Burning the midnight oil as always?”

David chuckled, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. “You know me. Some things never change.”

Mike settled into the chair, studying him with a curious gaze. “Or maybe some things do. Word around town is that you’ve got a new rival, Ruth Alcott, right?”

David raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. “She’s persistent, I’ll give her that.”

Mike leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “Look, David, I know you’re used to handling competition, but Ruth… she’s different. You need to be careful with her.”

David smirked, a trace of amusement in his voice. “Why? Afraid she’s going to bring down my empire?”