Chapter 25: The Trap is Set

Isabella sat in her office, fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk as she waited for the call. Thomas Everton was supposed to confirm his decision today.

The meeting had gone well—better than expected. He had seemed genuinely interested in her proposal, and she had been confident he was leaning toward Carter Consulting.

But then, radio silence.

Claire walked in, her expression grim. "Everton just released a statement."

Isabella's heart sank. "What does it say?"

Claire handed her the tablet. "They've signed a five-year exclusive contract with Blackwood Enterprises."

Isabella's stomach twisted as she scanned the press release.

A five-year deal.

Blackwood hadn't just countered her offer—he had locked Everton in so tightly they couldn't leave, even if they wanted to.

Philip Langston entered the office a moment later, shaking his head. "This wasn't a negotiation. This was a shutdown."

Blackwood's Move

Across the city, Alexander leaned back in his chair, watching as the headlines rolled in.

BLACKWOOD ENTERPRISES SECURES LONG-TERM DEAL WITH EVERTON MARITIME

A slow smirk spread across his face. Let Isabella fight. Let her try to outmaneuver him.

He had been playing this game far too long to lose now.

Lily walked in, crossing her arms. "Everton was a drastic move."

Alexander glanced up. "It was a necessary one."

She sighed. "And what happens when Carter retaliates?"

His smirk deepened. "She already tried." He leaned forward, eyes darkening. "Now, she has to deal with the consequences."

Isabella's Next Move

Isabella slammed the tablet down on her desk. "He thinks this is over?"

Philip raised an eyebrow. "You have something in mind?"

A slow smile crept across Isabella's face.

"If Blackwood wants to lock clients in with restrictive contracts, then we'll take the one thing he can't control—his investors."

Claire's eyes widened. "You want to go after his financial backing?"

Isabella nodded. "He's forcing people to stay with him. That means he's afraid of losing them."

She met their gazes, fire burning in her eyes.

"It's time we show his investors that Blackwood Enterprises isn't as powerful as it looks."

Because this wasn't just a battle anymore.

This was a war for dominance.