Arrogance of a Billionaire CEO

Chapter 9

David leaned back in his chair, savoring the quiet triumph of the moment. The subtle crack he’d placed in Ruth’s alliance with Marcus Tillman was already starting to widen. He could see it in the flicker of curiosity in Tillman’s eyes, the unmistakable interest in his voice as he asked for more details.

“I understand that Alcott Industries has been a promising partner for you,” David began, his tone calm and confident. “But with Blackwood Enterprises, you wouldn’t just be growing your footprint. You’d be entering new markets, backed by resources that only we can offer.”

Tillman’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his interest was clear. “I’ll admit, David, the offer is tempting. But I need more than promises. I need guarantees.”

David nodded, his expression unchanging. “Of course. Guarantees are part of any strong partnership. And I’m prepared to outline a path that will not only secure your current projects but expand your influence across the East Coast.”

He slid a document across the table, watching as Tillman skimmed over the proposal. It was carefully crafted, presenting him with opportunities for higher returns than anything Alcott Industries could provide. David had made sure of that. Every term, every clause, was designed to appeal to a businessman of Tillman’s ambitions.

“You’re certainly thorough,” Tillman remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. “But if I leave Alcott now, there will be fallout. Ruth won’t take it lightly.”

David allowed himself a small smile. “You leave the fallout to me. Alcott Industries is hardly in a position to retaliate. With the right support, your projects will be insulated from any setbacks she might attempt.”

Tillman hesitated, clearly weighing the risks against the rewards. He was a cautious man, but David could see that the promise of greater power was tipping the scales. Tillman was the kind of man who pursued influence above all else, and David was giving him a path to it that Ruth simply couldn’t match.

Finally, Tillman nodded, setting the document back on the table. “Alright, David. I’m willing to discuss this further. But I’ll need your assurance that any transition will be smooth. My reputation is important to me, and I can’t afford unnecessary obstacles.”

“You have my word,” David replied, extending a hand. “We’ll make this a seamless shift. By the time Alcott realizes what’s happened, you’ll already be moving forward.”

They shook hands, a silent agreement passing between them. David felt a surge of satisfaction. This was the first step in dismantling Ruth’s support system, and he knew that once the foundation began to crack, her empire would soon follow.

As he left the club, David’s mind was already working through the next steps. He would ensure that Tillman’s transition from Alcott Industries to Blackwood Enterprises appeared as smooth and unremarkable as possible. Ruth would be preoccupied with damage control, too distracted to realize the extent of his influence until it was too late.

The city lights stretched out before him as he walked, a constant reminder of the empire he had built and the lengths he would go to protect it. Ruth had underestimated him, and now she would learn the cost of challenging David Blackwood.

The next morning, David arrived at his office early, ready to set his plans into motion. He settled into his chair, reviewing the finalized documents for Tillman’s new role within Blackwood Enterprises. He would oversee several projects on the East Coast, a subtle but decisive move that would solidify Blackwood’s influence in the market Ruth had been aiming to dominate.

Mary entered with her usual efficiency, a fresh cup of coffee in hand and a stack of documents she’d prepared overnight.

“Good morning, David,” she greeted, her gaze lingering on him with a hint of pride. “I’ve heard the news about Tillman. Impressive move.”

David smiled, nodding as he accepted the coffee. “Thank you, Mary. It was a necessary step.”

She placed the documents on his desk, her expression thoughtful. “Ruth will likely respond once she realizes what’s happened. She won’t take this lightly.”

“Let her respond,” David replied, his tone calm. “Every move she makes will be in reaction to us. She’ll be too busy patching holes to advance her own agenda.”

Mary nodded, though her expression remained contemplative. “I have to admit, David, this rivalry with Ruth… it’s different. She’s more resilient than most of your competitors.”

David regarded her, sensing the underlying question in her words. “Resilient, yes. But that won’t change the outcome.”

Mary hesitated, as if weighing her next words carefully. “I just hope you’re prepared for how far she might go to defend herself. Ruth isn’t the type to back down, no matter the odds.”

David’s smile was faint but confident. “I know exactly what she’s capable of, Mary. And I’m prepared.”

With that, Mary left him alone, leaving him to focus on the next steps of his strategy. He knew Ruth would eventually discover Tillman’s defection, and he was prepared for her reaction. In fact, he welcomed it. This was a game of power and endurance, and he was confident that he could outlast her.

As the morning wore on, David’s phone buzzed with a message from James.

David, you might want to see this.

Frowning, David opened the attachment James had sent, a screenshot of a recent news article. His eyes scanned the headline, his interest piqued: Alcott Industries Faces Financial Setback as Key Investor Withdraws.

The article detailed Tillman’s decision to withdraw his funding from one of Ruth’s major projects, a move that was already causing ripples throughout her company. Investors were becoming nervous, questioning the stability of Alcott Industries. David allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. His plan was unfolding exactly as he had envisioned.

A few minutes later, James stepped into his office, a satisfied look on his face. “It’s spreading quickly. Ruth’s investors are already making inquiries about her stability. It won’t be long before the pressure mounts.”

“Good,” David replied, his tone cold. “I want her to feel it. The more she scrambles, the more mistakes she’ll make.”

James nodded, his gaze steady. “Ruth won’t let this go easily. She’s bound to fight back.”

“Let her,” David said with a smirk. “Every move she makes now will only serve to exhaust her resources. She’s on the defensive, and that’s exactly where we want her.”

James gave a slight nod, his expression thoughtful. “I’ll continue monitoring her team. If there are any signs of further instability, you’ll be the first to know.”

David leaned back, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. He had anticipated Ruth’s moves, calculated her responses, and now he was watching his plan take effect. She would struggle, certainly, but he knew that her foundation was beginning to crack.

As the day drew to a close, David allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. Ruth had underestimated him, but he understood now that he couldn’t afford to do the same with her. She was determined, clever, and unyielding all qualities he respected. But in the end, they wouldn’t be enough.

When he returned to his penthouse that evening, the city lights sprawled out before him, reflecting the power he held. Ruth was formidable, yes, but David was more than prepared to see this through to the end. She had started a game she couldn’t win, and he would be there to watch her empire fall.

As he sipped his bourbon, a small smile played on his lips. The pieces were in place, and soon, Ruth would learn the price of crossing him.