Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 7

The next morning, David arrived at his office with a renewed sense of purpose. The sun had barely risen over the Manhattan skyline, casting long shadows across the city. He thrived in these early hours, when the world seemed still and his mind could focus sharply on what lay ahead.

As he took a seat at his desk, his gaze shifted to the stack of documents that Mary had left for him. Ruth’s plans, her business model, her recent moves and everything was there, a map of her ambitions spread before him. He skimmed the files, analyzing her partnerships, her projects, her alliances. Each one represented a thread in the web she had woven, a network she depended on to keep Alcott Industries afloat.

The game was simple: find the weakest thread and pull until the entire structure unraveled. Ruth’s business, like any other, was only as strong as its most vulnerable point. He knew that if he could destabilize one of her key alliances, it would create a ripple effect, weakening her position and forcing her to focus on damage control rather than expansion.

A knock on his door broke his concentration. David looked up to see Mary entering, a fresh cup of coffee in hand. She set it down on his desk with a small smile, her eyes glinting with the unspoken knowledge of his plans.

“Good morning, David,” she greeted, her tone as brisk and professional as ever.

“Morning, Mary,” he replied, his gaze shifting back to the files. “Any updates?”

“Just a reminder that you have lunch with Mr. Carlson today,” she said, referencing his meeting with a real estate partner who had recently worked with Alcott Industries. “He’s confirmed for noon at the Trillium.”

“Perfect,” David replied, nodding. “Mr. Carlson may be just the person we need to get a better look at Alcott’s operations.”

Mary hesitated, her gaze steady on him. “Do you think he’ll be willing to share information?”

David smirked, a hint of amusement flickering across his face. “Everyone has a price, Mary. It’s simply a matter of finding it.”

She nodded, though there was a trace of concern in her expression. “I just don’t want you wasting time on someone who might not cooperate.”

“Trust me,” he said, his tone reassuring. “Mr. Carlson will cooperate.”

Mary offered a small smile, though he could see the loyalty and worry mingling in her gaze. She’d been by his side long enough to know the risks he was willing to take, but he could sense that her concern for him went deeper than just professional obligation.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” she said before leaving him alone with his thoughts once more.

As the hours passed, David lost himself in his work, the quiet hum of his office a comforting rhythm. He reviewed financial projections, market reports, and updates from his team, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the meeting with Carlson. Ruth had meticulously built her company, relying on strong partnerships, but David knew that even the strongest alliances could be broken under the right pressure.

At noon, he arrived at the Trillium, a high-end restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. The sleek décor and ambient lighting made it a favored spot for business meetings, a place where powerful people could discuss powerful matters without interruption.

Mr. Carlson was already seated, a man in his late fifties with a silver mane and sharp eyes that hinted at a life spent navigating New York’s corporate world. He rose to shake David’s hand, his grip firm, his gaze appraising.

“David,” Carlson greeted, his tone warm but guarded. “Good to see you.”

“Likewise,” David replied, taking a seat across from him. “I appreciate you making the time.”

Carlson waved it off, his smile polite. “For you? Always. So, what’s on your mind?”

David leaned back, studying Carlson with the practiced ease of a man who knew how to read people. He didn’t intend to reveal too much, but he knew that to get Carlson’s cooperation, he’d need to tread carefully.

“I wanted to discuss our mutual interests in the real estate sector,” David began, his tone casual. “Particularly, any insights you might have into Alcott Industries.”

Carlson’s eyebrows lifted slightly, though he didn’t look surprised. “Ah, Ruth Alcott. She’s made quite a splash, hasn’t she?”

“Indeed,” David replied, keeping his expression neutral. “She’s ambitious, and I admire that. But sometimes ambition blinds people to the risks they’re taking.”

Carlson chuckled, nodding. “You’re not wrong. She’s definitely one to watch.”

David leaned forward, his gaze intent. “I was hoping you might have some insights into her recent projects. I understand you’ve worked with her recently on the Eastside development?”

Carlson hesitated, glancing around as if to ensure their conversation was private. “Yes, we partnered on that project. She’s sharp, knows her way around a negotiation.”

David nodded, masking his impatience. “And yet, there have been rumors about some… instability within Alcott Industries. Small cracks that could affect their ability to complete larger projects.”

Carlson’s expression shifted, a flicker of interest crossing his face. “Interesting. I hadn’t heard that.”

David offered a faint smile. “I’m simply looking out for our mutual interests, Mr. Carlson. If Alcott Industries were to struggle with a project, I’d hate to see it affect our sector.”

Carlson considered this, his gaze calculating. David could see the wheels turning, the subtle hint of self-interest taking root. “Well, there might be something to what you’re saying. I have noticed that her company relies heavily on a few key investors. If anything were to happen to those relationships…”

David nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. This was precisely the leverage he needed, a potential weakness in Ruth’s financial foundation. If he could disrupt one of those key alliances, it would force her to divert her focus, leaving her vulnerable in other areas.

“Thank you, Mr. Carlson,” David said, his tone appreciative. “Your insight is invaluable.”

Carlson gave him a knowing smile. “Happy to help, David. Just remember the business is a two-way street.”

“Of course,” David replied smoothly, offering a slight nod. “I believe in mutually beneficial arrangements.”

The rest of their lunch passed in a pleasant exchange of business pleasantries, though David’s mind was already racing with ideas. As he left the restaurant, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Ruth’s foundation was vulnerable, and he now had the information he needed to exploit it.

He returned to his office, his thoughts focused on the strategy he would put in place. Carlson’s insight had given him a direction, a clear path to destabilizing Ruth’s position. Now, it was simply a matter of executing the plan.

That evening, as he sat in his penthouse with the city lights stretching out before him, he allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. The pieces were aligning, the strategy taking shape, and soon Ruth would feel the impact of his moves.

Whatever illusions she held about competing with him would be shattered, and she would finally understand the cost of challenging David Blackwood.