Chapter 21: A Shift in the Game

The deal with Victor Harrington was all but secured. Isabella had played her hand perfectly, and now Titan Freight had the financial backing it needed to withstand Blackwood's attack.

But Isabella knew one thing for certain—Alexander Blackwood would retaliate.

She just didn't expect it to happen so soon.

Carter Consulting – The Morning After

Isabella walked into her office the next morning, a rare sense of victory humming in her veins. Claire greeted her with a smug grin.

"Harrington's team already sent over preliminary documents," Claire said. "It's happening. Titan Freight is moving forward."

Isabella smirked. "Which means Blackwood has officially lost."

But before Claire could respond, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

Her expression shifted. "It's Philip Langston."

The moment Isabella took the phone, she knew something was wrong. "Philip?"

His voice was tense. "We have a problem."

Blackwood's Next Move

An hour later, Isabella was sitting in a sleek downtown café, staring across the table at Philip Langston, his expression grim.

"Blackwood struck back," he said. "And this time, it's not just a financial play."

She frowned. "What did he do?"

Philip exhaled. "He went after Titan Freight's biggest clients."

Isabella stilled. "What?"

"Blackwood offered them a deal they couldn't refuse. Lower rates, priority shipping, exclusive contracts. Titan Freight just lost three of its largest accounts overnight."

Her mind raced. Alexander hadn't just targeted the deal—he had gone after Titan's long-term stability.

Claire, sitting beside her, muttered a curse. "That bastard. He's not even trying to hide it."

Isabella gripped her coffee cup tightly. He was escalating this war.

And if that was the case, she was ready to escalate too.

Blackwood Enterprises – A Silent Victory

Alexander sat at his desk, scrolling through the reports. Titan Freight's client loss had already begun causing ripples. He could practically hear Isabella's frustration from across the city.

Lily walked in, a knowing smirk on her face. "Titan Freight is already scrambling."

Alexander leaned back in his chair. "Good. Let's see how long they last without their biggest accounts."

Lily hesitated. "Carter won't take this lying down."

Alexander's smirk deepened. "I'm counting on it."

Because this wasn't just about business anymore.

It was about proving who would break first.

And he had every intention of making sure it was her.