Isabella wasn't naïve enough to believe that winning the Everett Deal meant she had won the war. If anything, it had only escalated the battle.
She spent the next morning in her office, combing through new project proposals, when Claire rushed in, face pale.
"You're not going to like this," her assistant said, placing a tablet in front of her.
Isabella frowned, scanning the breaking news article displayed on the screen.
BLACKWOOD ENTERPRISES SECURES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH SUMMIT TECH
A chill ran down her spine. Summit Tech was one of the most influential software firms in the market—one Isabella had been courting for months for an exclusive deal of her own.
And now, Alexander had swooped in and taken it.
Her grip tightened around the tablet.
"That bastard."
Claire hesitated. "Do you think he—"
"Of course he did," Isabella snapped, already grabbing her phone. He knew I was after Summit. He did this on purpose.
With fire burning in her veins, she scrolled through her contacts and hit call.
Blackwood Enterprises – Alexander's Office
Alexander picked up after two rings.
"Good morning, Carter," he greeted smoothly, his voice filled with amusement. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Isabella clenched her jaw. "You stole the Summit Tech deal."
A pause. Then, the unmistakable sound of his smirk. "Oh? I prefer the term outmaneuvered."
Her nails dug into her palm. "That was dirty, even for you."
"You of all people should know that business isn't about fairness," he countered. "It's about winning. You made the first move with Everett. I simply made the next."
Her pulse pounded. He was toying with her. Enjoying this.
But she wasn't going to let him think he had won.
"Enjoy your victory while you can, Blackwood," she said coolly. "Because the next time you see me, I'll be three steps ahead of you."
Alexander chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "I look forward to it."
And with that, the line went dead.
Isabella's Office – Moments Later
Isabella exhaled slowly, forcing herself to stay calm. This wasn't the end. This wasn't even close.
She turned to Claire. "Get me everything we have on Blackwood's upcoming ventures. I want weak spots, vulnerabilities—anything I can use."
Claire nodded and rushed out.
Isabella stared out the window, heart pounding.
If Alexander wanted a war, he had just gotten one.
And this time, she wasn't going to play nice.