On September 10, David began trading U.S. stocks. Before the market closed, he had completed a high-leverage short-selling position on the index.
If history followed its original course and the 9/11 attacks occurred as scheduled, David would receive at least a billion pounds in profit. But if history shifted, then David's risky bet would leave him with nothing.
However, this time, David wasn't as anxious as he had been with his previous risky investments. All the signs pointed to this world following a similar path to his past life after his rebirth.
In fact, he had only provided broad guidance to his trader, predicting a market panic and downturn, while leaving the specifics of the trades to maximize profits in the hands of the experts. David himself knew very little about the intricacies of the stock market.
Once the market closed on the 10th, David quietly returned to England. After the attacks on September 11, U.S. stocks would be suspended for a while, not reopening until September 17. Staying in the U.S. seemed pointless.
Back in England, Notts County was preparing for the second round of the English League Cup. The draw had produced a favorable—yet also challenging—matchup: they would face Premier League team Middlesbrough.
For lower-league teams, drawing a Premier League opponent in the cup is both an opportunity and a challenge. Middlesbrough's current form wasn't good, however. They had lost four straight games in the Premier League and were sitting at the very bottom of the standings.
Given their poor league record, Middlesbrough was unlikely to prioritize the League Cup. This meant that Notts County might face a weakened, unmotivated opponent.
Even if Notts County had to fight hard, Love was confident they could overcome Middlesbrough's weakened side. After all, Middlesbrough had made no significant changes to their lineup, with many of their top players expected to rest.
Despite Middlesbrough's poor form, Love couldn't ignore the quality of their Premier League squad. Even if they weren't at full strength, their players were still capable of causing trouble, and it was possible they would use the cup match as a way to regain some morale after their terrible league run.
To prepare, Notts County had done their homework, scouting Middlesbrough's likely lineup and figuring out which players would start. The fact that Notts County wouldn't face Middlesbrough's strongest squad took some pressure off Love's shoulders. Still, he knew that the team needed to be fully focused.
While the team prepped for the match, David's mind wasn't on the game. His thoughts were far across the ocean, on a different continent entirely. He was waiting for the inevitable—waiting for an aircraft to collide with a building.
David knew it was a cynical and inhumane way of thinking, especially given the tragic loss of life in the attacks, but he couldn't help it. After all, he was prepared to profit immensely from the destruction that was about to unfold.
As the September 11 attacks occurred, news of the tragedy spread worldwide in an instant, with the eyes of the globe fixed firmly on the United States. Despite the loss of human life, David's heart raced with excitement. He knew his gamble had paid off.
Just as David was lost in his thoughts, reveling in his success, his beautiful secretary knocked on the door, pulling him back into the present.
"Sir, here's today's Times," she said, handing him the newspaper. "There's an interview with Middlesbrough's coach, McLaren." Her face showed signs of anger.
David immediately understood the situation. Middlesbrough's outspoken manager, McLaren, had likely said something about Notts County. Otherwise, his secretary wouldn't have come in looking so upset.
Sure enough, McLaren had spoken out of turn. During the interview, when the reporter didn't even ask about Notts County, McLaren decided to bring them up on his own.
"According to the FA regulations," McLaren had said, "the two teams will share the ticket revenue from the cup match. It's a good thing for Notts County that they get to face Middlesbrough. The revenue from a game like this is enough for them to fund their season."
"They should consider themselves lucky and grateful. If they asked, we might even donate half of our ticket income to them as a charity for the weaker teams in the lower leagues, just like many Premier League teams have done in the past."
David didn't even finish reading the article before he flung the newspaper across the room, causing his secretary to jump in surprise.
"Damn it!" he shouted, his fury palpable. "How dare he look down on Notts County? If he doesn't know the power of Notts County tomorrow, I'll make sure he does!"
David was livid. Yes, Middlesbrough was a Premier League team, but they had been languishing at the bottom of the league with four consecutive losses. They had effectively locked themselves into a relegation spot.
Now, McLaren had the audacity to speak as though Notts County were beggars, coming to the Premier League team with their hands outstretched for charity. It was infuriating.
Notts County, despite its financial struggles, would never grovel before anyone. They might be in a tough spot, but they would fight for every penny and not beg for anyone's pity.
And besides, when David's dealings in U.S. stocks were completed, who were Middlesbrough to anyone? Notts County would have more money than they could ever dream of.
"Go on, beg me!" David muttered under his breath, mockingly mimicking McLaren's high-handed tone.
He had no intention of accepting anyone's charity. Notts County's strength wasn't just in the money—it was in the fight, and David was determined to make sure the world knew that.