The Ruthless CEO

The grand ballroom at Blake Corporation’s headquarters shimmered beneath crystal chandeliers, their golden light reflecting off polished marble floors. Hundreds of distinguished guests—shareholders, executives, and senior employees—gathered to witness the inauguration of the company’s newly appointed president.

Excitement and rumors buzzed softly through the crowd.

"I heard he studied overseas."

"They say he's even more ruthless than the former chairman."

"I've worked here eight years, and I've never seen him."

Though stories about Adrian Blake had circulated for years, almost no one had met the mysterious heir.

At the front of the hall, the host stepped onto the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. The ceremony is about to begin."

As the room fell silent, a speaker approached the microphone. "Please welcome the newly appointed President of Blake Corporation... Mr. Adrian Blake."

Thunderous applause erupted. Camera flashes lit up the stage as guests craned their necks toward the entrance.

Seconds passed.

The applause slowly died down, replaced by confused whispers.

"Where is he?"

"Is he running late?"

Instead of Adrian, a tall man in a tailored black suit walked calmly onto the stage. Executives immediately recognized him as Ethan Cole, the president’s secretary.

Ethan offered a polite bow. "Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Ethan Cole, executive secretary to President Adrian Blake."

Even William Blake, seated in the front row, lowered his teacup with a helpless sigh.

Ethan unfolded a sheet of paper. "On behalf of President Adrian Blake, I will now deliver his inauguration address."

He cleared his throat and read, "First, I would like to thank everyone who organized today's ceremony." A few relieved smiles appeared. "However, I clearly instructed that no inauguration ceremony should be held."

The smiles instantly vanished.

"Blake Corporation exists to create value—not to waste time and money on unnecessary celebrations," Ethan continued, the atmosphere growing painfully awkward. "I look forward to meeting all of you properly... when business requires it. Thank you."

With another bow, Ethan left the podium without taking questions, leaving the room in shocked silence before quiet discussions broke out.

Among the crowd, Victoria Hayes turned to Chloe Bennett with an amused smile. "So... where exactly is our new president?"

Chloe smiled softly, looking at the empty stage. "I don't know. But whoever he is, he certainly knows how to make an entrance without actually appearing."

"I have a feeling working under him won't be easy," Victoria chuckled.

While the guests filtered out of the ballroom, Adrian was already handling company matters elsewhere.

On the peaceful fairways of an exclusive private golf course, James Sterling was casually practicing his swing when Adrian quietly approached. Without a word, Adrian picked up a golf club and struck a ball cleanly into the distance with a smooth, effortless motion.

James turned, his smile stiffening. "President Adrian... What happened to your inauguration ceremony?"

"I had something more important to attend to," Adrian replied calmly. "I've heard you've been very busy recently."

James frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Accepting bribes. Using company connections for personal business. Selling contracts to relatives," Adrian listed, his expression unreadable. "And hiring your nephew—a third-rate celebrity—to front a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign."

James’s face drained of color. "President Adrian... those are misunderstandings."

"Are they?" Adrian stepped closer. "I saw the advertisement myself. It promoted your nephew better than our product."

"I can explain—"

"You will," Adrian cut in, his calm voice dripping with quiet authority. "I've spent too many years overseas, allowing people to mistake Blake Corporation for their personal playground. That ends today."

Adrian turned and walked away.

"President Adrian, please!" James panicked, running after him. But his polished shoes slipped on the damp grass, sending him crashing to the ground.

By the time James looked up, Adrian had already disappeared toward the clubhouse, leaving him frozen in realization: the era of getting away with everything was officially over.