Chapter 86: A New Order
The weight of a Blackwood contract was unlike any other. It wasn't just a business agreement—it was an unspoken oath, a declaration of loyalty.
As the final signatures dried on the pristine white pages, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Some of the most powerful figures in the world had just sealed their allegiance, knowingly stepping into a world where Blackwood's influence was absolute.
Ethan let the silence linger, allowing the reality to sink in.
Then, he leaned forward, fingers interlocked.
"From this moment on," he said, his voice smooth but firm, "your companies are no longer just players in the market. You are part of something bigger."
The executives exchanged glances. Some were eager, others wary. They all knew this wasn't just about money anymore. This was about power, dominance, and survival.
Ethan tapped the sleek black folder in front of him.
"These deals are now in effect. Blackwood's resources, networks, and influence are at your disposal. In return, you will operate under our guidance."
He let that statement settle before continuing.
"There is no room for error."
His words were met with silence.
Then, one of the men—a seasoned CEO with graying hair and a sharp gaze—cleared his throat.
"What happens to those who refuse to comply?" he asked carefully.
Ethan's lips curled into a smirk. "You already know the answer."
He let his words hang in the air.
Samuel Vance had been the perfect example.
A man who once stood tall among the elites was now completely erased from the financial world. The businesses that remained loyal to him were already facing consequences—severed deals, declining stock values, closed doors at every turn.
The message was clear.
"Now," Ethan continued, "since you've chosen to align with Blackwood, let's discuss what that means for your companies moving forward."
He nodded at his assistant, who handed out a second set of documents.
"These outline the first phase of your new business strategy," Ethan explained. "You'll notice that some of your current partnerships are marked for termination."
The executives scanned the pages. Some frowned. Others nodded in understanding.
Ethan's voice remained steady. "Blackwood will compensate for any losses. But understand this—any ties to Samuel Vance, no matter how small, must be cut immediately."
A few of them hesitated, clearly weighing their options.
Ethan's gaze hardened. "If you hesitate, you're already making a mistake."
That was all it took.
One by one, they nodded.
"Good," Ethan said, his smirk returning. "Now, let's move on to the real opportunities ahead."
---
Expanding the Empire
For the next hour, Ethan outlined the future of Blackwood's empire.
Each executive was given a personalized briefing on how their companies would integrate into Blackwood's vast network. New partnerships were assigned. Sectors were reorganized. Some businesses were redirected into entirely new industries, while others were given exclusive access to Blackwood's most powerful assets.
"Consider this," Ethan said, "a rebirth for your companies. You won last night, but today is where the real work begins."
By the time the meeting ended, the tension in the room had been replaced by something else—awe.
They had all known Blackwood was powerful.
But now, they understood something deeper.
Blackwood wasn't just a corporation. It was an empire.
And today, they had become part of it.
---
After the Meeting
The executives left the conference hall one by one, escorted by Blackwood's elite security team. Some made phone calls the moment they stepped outside, issuing immediate orders to cut ties with Samuel Vance. Others moved in silence, processing the magnitude of what had just happened.
Meanwhile, inside the building, Ethan sat back, watching the city skyline.
A knock at the door.
"Enter," he said.
The door opened, and Chris walked in.
Unlike the executives who had just left, he wasn't tense. He wasn't nervous.
He was calm. As if he had orchestrated everything from the beginning.
Ethan smirked. "They signed."
Chris nodded. "Of course they did."
Ethan leaned forward, watching him carefully. "So, what's next?"
Chris's lips curled into a smirk.
"Now?" he said. "Now, we let the world know that Blackwood owns everything."
Chapter 89: Breaking News – The Rise of Blackwood
The world woke up to a storm.
News channels were flooded with headlines. Every major financial network, business column, and social media platform was buzzing with the same story:
BLACKWOOD TAKES OVER – BILLION-DOLLAR DEALS SIGNED OVERNIGHT
On-screen, reporters scrambled to keep up with the unfolding events.
"In a shocking turn of events, some of the world's most influential corporations have officially aligned with Blackwood, effectively shifting the balance of global power. This historic moment was sealed at last night's exclusive Blackwood event, where top business moguls competed for the opportunity to partner with the elusive empire…"
Footage rolled.
Glimpses of the extravagant Blackwood party flashed across the screen—champagne glasses clinking, auction paddles rising, powerful figures shaking hands. The final, most electrifying moment played last: Ethan, standing on stage, announcing the ultimate $100 billion deal.
The news anchor continued, her voice filled with urgency.
"What makes this more fascinating is the secrecy behind Blackwood itself. While Ethan Pierce is publicly recognized as its chairman, there are whispers of an even greater power behind the scenes… A hidden force guiding Blackwood from the shadows."
The camera cut to a panel of analysts.
One of them, a seasoned economist, shook his head in disbelief. "This is unprecedented. Blackwood has just secured deals worth over $100 billion in a single night. The sheer influence they now hold is beyond anything we've ever seen."
Another analyst leaned forward, adjusting his glasses.
"Let's not forget what this means for Samuel Vance."
The mention of his name triggered an immediate reaction.
The screen switched to footage of Samuel Vance's corporate headquarters.
Deserted.
The massive glass doors, once bustling with executives and investors, now stood eerily still. Security teams guarded the entrance, blocking reporters from stepping inside.
The news ticker at the bottom of the screen flashed:
"BLACKWOOD SEVERS ALL TIES WITH SAMUEL VANCE – COMPANIES CUT CONNECTIONS IMMEDIATELY"
A live reporter stood outside the building, microphone in hand.
"We're here at the headquarters of Vance Global Holdings, where chaos has erupted. Following Blackwood's official announcement this morning, dozens of businesses have publicly withdrawn from all contracts linked to Samuel Vance. Employees are seen leaving in droves, and sources confirm that major investors have already pulled out."
The camera zoomed in.
A luxury car peeled away from the building—one of Samuel's top executives, fleeing the disaster.
Back in the studio, the analyst folded his hands.
"Samuel Vance is finished."
Silence filled the room.
Then the anchor asked the question on everyone's mind.
"Who is truly behind Blackwood?"
---
Inside Blackwood Tower
Ethan sat behind his desk, watching the broadcast with a smirk.
Everything was going according to plan.
He glanced at Chris, who stood by the window, gazing down at the city below. From this height, the world looked small, insignificant.
Chris took a sip of his coffee, unfazed by the global frenzy.
"You think they'll figure it out?" Ethan asked, amusement lacing his voice.
Chris smirked. "Let them try."
For years, he had remained a ghost. The true architect of Blackwood. The one everyone feared, yet no one could name.
And he intended to keep it that way.
Because as long as the world remained blind to the real power behind Blackwood—
He was untouchable.