Chapter 23: A Battle of Wits

Isabella knew Alexander Blackwood wouldn't take his loss lightly. If he had gone as far as stealing Titan Freight's biggest clients, then he wasn't just playing defense—he was launching an all-out war.

Which meant she had to strike back harder.

Carter Consulting – Choosing the Target

Isabella stood at the head of the conference table, scanning a list of Blackwood Enterprises' biggest shipping partners.

Philip Langston folded his arms. "If we're retaliating, we need to be smart about it."

Claire tapped a name on the screen. Everton Maritime.

"They're one of Blackwood's oldest accounts, but sources say they've been frustrated with his rising costs," she explained. "They've been looking at alternatives."

Isabella smirked. Perfect.

"If we take Everton from him, it won't just be a financial loss," she said. "It'll be a public statement—that Blackwood Enterprises isn't as untouchable as it seems."

Philip raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about this?"

Isabella met his gaze, unwavering. "I don't start battles I don't intend to win."

The First Move

That evening, Isabella arrived at Everton Maritime's corporate office. The CEO, Thomas Everton, greeted her with a firm handshake.

"I have to admit, Ms. Carter, I was surprised by your call," he said as they entered his private lounge. "Blackwood has handled our business for years."

"And has he handled it well?" Isabella asked smoothly.

Everton paused.

She continued, pressing her advantage. "He raised your rates last quarter. Ignored your requests for priority shipments. Restricted your expansion into international markets."

She slid a customized proposal across the table. "Carter Consulting can offer lower rates, guaranteed priority, and a long-term partnership that values your growth—not just your contract."

Everton studied the proposal, intrigued. She had his attention.

Then his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting.

"I see Blackwood found out about our meeting."

Blackwood Enterprises – The Counterattack

Across the city, Alexander sat in his car outside Everton Maritime, his phone pressed to his ear.

"Sir," Lily reported, "Isabella is inside. She's making her pitch."

Alexander's smirk was cold. Of course, she was.

He had expected this move. And he had already prepared his counter.

"Tell our legal team to draft an exclusive contract," he said. "We offer Everton a five-year deal—on our terms. If he walks away, he loses access to every major supplier we work with."

Lily hesitated. "If we do that, we're locking ourselves in too."

Alexander's gaze darkened. "I don't care. Everton stays with us."

Because Isabella thought she was playing the same game as him.

She had no idea how far he was willing to go.