Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 5

No,” Mike replied, his tone firm. “But I am afraid she might get under your skin in a way that others haven’t. Ruth isn’t just here to play business games, David. For her, this is personal.”

David felt a flicker of annoyance, though he kept his expression neutral. “You seem to know a lot about her motives.”

Mike hesitated, his gaze shifting briefly before meeting David’s again. “I used to know Ruth, years ago. We were… involved, if you could call it that.”

David’s interest piqued, though he masked it well. “Involved?”

Mike sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It was a long time ago. I made some mistakes, and she’s the kind of woman who doesn’t forget.”

David leaned forward, his gaze intent. “What are you saying, Mike?”

“I’m saying that Ruth isn’t like the others you’ve dealt with. She’s not interested in just winning a deal or making a profit. She’s here for revenge, David. I wronged her once, and I think she sees you as a way to settle an old score.”

David processed the information, his mind working through the implications. Revenge. It added a new dimension to Ruth’s motivations, one that explained her relentless pursuit and refusal to back down. Yet, oddly enough, the revelation didn’t diminish her allure. If anything, it intensified his interest.

“Good to know,” David replied, his tone measured. “But it changes nothing.”

Mike shook his head, his expression troubled. “Just be careful, David. Ruth is more than capable of taking this to a place you might not be prepared for.”

David offered a reassuring smile, though he could see that Mike’s concern ran deeper than he was letting on. “I can handle Ruth Alcott. Trust me.”

Mike sighed, rising from his chair. “I just don’t want to see you dragged into something messy. You’ve worked too hard to get here.”

David nodded, understanding his friend’s concern, even if he didn’t share it. “I appreciate the warning, Mike. Really, I do.”

Mike lingered for a moment, as if debating whether to say more, before finally nodding and heading toward the door. As he left, David felt a renewed sense of determination settle over him. If Ruth was here for revenge, then he would be ready. He had built his empire by outsmarting opponents, and Ruth would be no exception.

But as he returned to his desk, a part of him couldn’t shake the feeling that this was different, that Ruth was different. She wasn’t just another competitor. She was someone who challenged him in ways he hadn’t anticipated, ways that went beyond business.

He dismissed the thought, focusing instead on the meeting next week. It would be his chance to see Ruth’s team up close, to identify weaknesses, and to remind her why no one crossed David Blackwood and came out unscathed. He would match her move for move, strategy for strategy, until there was no doubt who was in control.

As he glanced out the window, the city lights shimmered in the distance, a constant reminder of the empire he had built. This was his world, his domain, and he would protect it at all costs.

The game was only just beginning, but he was ready for whatever Ruth had planned. She would soon learn that David Blackwood was not a man to be crossed.

David sat in his office early the following morning, the city still waking up outside his window. He thrived in these quiet hours, the moments before the day’s demands took hold, before meetings and decisions consumed his thoughts. But today, his mind was restless, circling around his conversation with Mike the night before.

Revenge. The word had lingered in his thoughts longer than he liked. He prided himself on being impenetrable, untouchable. Yet, the idea that Ruth might view him as a means to settle old scores unsettled him in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

He took a deep breath, running a hand over his jaw as he scanned the documents laid out before him. The upcoming meeting with Ruth’s board members was his immediate focus. He wanted to know exactly what kind of foundation her company rested upon, and if there were any weaknesses in her team or her strategy. Knowing that her motives went deeper than just business made him more determined to stay ahead.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Mary stepped in, holding a fresh cup of coffee. Her gaze lingered on him, a hint of curiosity evident in her eyes, though she didn’t press him with questions.

“Good morning, David,” she greeted, setting the cup down on his desk.

He nodded, offering a brief smile. “Morning, Mary. Any updates?”

She nodded, pulling out her tablet. “I’ve secured additional information on Alcott Industries, including recent shifts in their financial structure. I thought you might want to review it before the meeting next week.”

“Excellent,” he replied, glancing over the file she handed him. Mary had always been thorough, a quality he valued in her, though he sensed that her attention on Ruth went beyond simple professionalism.

As he skimmed through the data, he noticed a slight shift in Mary’s posture, her expression contemplative. He could tell she wanted to say something, though she hesitated.

“Is there something on your mind, Mary?” he prompted, looking up.

She pursed her lips, weighing her words carefully. “I… wanted to ask if you’re sure about this approach, David. Ruth Alcott is clearly prepared for a fight. It’s just… unusual to see you so focused on one person.”

David raised an eyebrow, his gaze steady. “Unusual?”

“Yes,” she admitted, her tone hesitant. “You’re not usually this… engaged with competitors. Most don’t require more than a single move from you. But with her, it’s almost like you’re… intrigued.”

David let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. “Intrigued is not the word I’d use, Mary. Ruth is a threat, and I’m simply making sure she understands her place.”

Mary seemed to consider this, her expression thoughtful. “Just be careful, David. I wouldn’t want her to use your focus against you.”