Billionaire's Disguise: The Next CEO

Chapter 1

The idea of my successor being unmarried is unbearable," expressed the voice on the phone with frustration. Getting married and starting a family represent levels of accountability and grown-up behavior. The future CEO of Blackwood Towers needs to meet this requirement, otherwise I will have to search for someone else. The clear impatience in the tone could not be missed.

Asher Blackwood's phone was gripped tightly by his fingers. Father, I comprehend the expectations you have for my replacement. "He assured his father, 'I promise I will bring her home soon.'"

Asher reclined in his luxurious office chair, the leather groaning from the burden of his nervousness. The room showcased his wealth with gold details, luxurious carpets, and large windows with a city view. However, the sight was ruined by an unforeseen storm, a shocking development that jeopardized all of his efforts.

The morning arrived with a sequence of pictures that made Asher's heart race. The photos on his mobile device showed his girlfriend, Emily, and his best friend, Thompson, meeting secretly. Asher's hands shook as he browsed the pictures, his thoughts finding it difficult to comprehend the consequences.

"Emily and Thompson!" – He exclaimed. Asher's voice was barely audible, heavy with a combination of bewilderment and disillusionment. How can they treat me like this? What reason could Emily and Thompson have for betraying me in this way?"

Asher never expected Emily's level of materialism and infidelity, it exceeded his wildest imaginations. The finding wasn't only a personal betrayal; but also posed a direct danger to his meticulously designed schemes. The expectation of finding a worthy heir by his father depended on Asher's capability to showcase an ideal relationship, and that illusion was now falling apart.

Asher's mind raced: Who was the true identity of Emily? What was Thompson's involvement for? And, above all, in what way would he confront them?

Struggling for solutions, Asher found his thoughts clouded. He couldn't contain his emotions, and he cried, tears flowing down his cheeks. He called out for Alex, his driver. "Alex!" he shouted, his voice breaking from the burden of his anguish.

Alex showed up very quickly, his worry visible. "Sure, boss?"

"Sir, what is the matter?" Alex inquired, his forehead showing signs of concern. "I was concerned that something had occurred to you."

Asher drew in a deep breath, trying hard to regain his composure. "Alex, everything is not correct." I've been deceived, and it feels like all my energy is draining away.

Alex's eyes expanded. "What are you trying to say, sir?"

Asher spoke softly as he disclosed, "Emily and Thompson are having a secret relationship."

It was clear that Alex was shocked. "Excuse me, can you repeat that?" "Which Thompson are you referring to, sir?"

Despair was evident on Asher's face. "Thompson, the closest friend I have." "And Emily will feel sorry for this," he said, his voice filled with a looming threat.

Asher quickly called Emily's number, but it went directly to voicemail. With his frustration increasing, he proceeded to call Thompson.

Greetings, my friend. How are you doing? Thompson's happy tone was a stark contrast to Asher's gloomy demeanor.

It's been some time. Where were you hiding? Asher's tone was brief and hinted with undisclosed stress.

Thompson responded that he was on a business trip yesterday and intends to come back the following day in the afternoon, appearing to be ignorant of the approaching storm.

Nevertheless, Asher was aware from the pictures that Thompson had visited the upscale Enigma Hotel in the city center a few hours ago. He struggled to maintain a steady voice. I have a significant announcement regarding an upcoming event that needs your participation. "Let's talk about it when you return," Asher stated in a cold tone.

Once the call was over, Asher reached for a bottle of wine, still with trembling hands. He glanced at Alex, who was watching him with a blend of worry and interest. Alex, what do you think we should do? "I believe Emily is at fault," Alex stated, his voice filled with tension. Emily barely overlooked Asher's call, but she should have responded to it by this point.

Alex's face displayed a pensive expression as he frowned. There is something wrong. We must investigate further, but we have to proceed carefully. Sir, this scenario could be more intricate than you realize.

Intent on exposing the truth, Asher decided to directly confront Emily and Thompson. "I am prepared to confront them, uncover the reality, and ensure they face consequences."

Alex's expression became more serious. We must be careful as we move forward. This circumstance may pose a greater threat than it seems."

The following day, Asher waited with nervousness for Thompson's promised call, but it never arrived. As the evening neared, he noticed that the charity luncheon in the downtown area was about to begin. With determination, Asher strengthened his resolve and departed from his home, feeling the burden of the situation weighing heavily on him.

The sophisticated ballroom at the luxurious five-star hotel where the luncheon was taking place was filled with excitement. Attendees socialized, the sound of laughter was abundant, and glasses chimed together in jubilation. Asher made multiple attempts to reach Thompson by phone, but Thompson did not pick up any of the calls. His vexation increased when one of his men indicated Thompson on the other side of the room, dressed perfectly and accompanied by two young ladies.

With a strong determination, Asher and his team pushed through the crowd to reach Thompson. Thompson was so engrossed in conversation that he failed to notice Asher's approach for a moment.

Without warning, Asher grabbed Thompson’s arm and yanked him aside. Thompson’s face showed a flicker of guilt as he turned to confront his friend.

“Asher Blackwood, my bosom friend.” Thompson said, his voice low and guarded. “What brings you here?”

Asher wasted no time. He held up a photo from his phone. “Who are these people?” he demanded, thrusting the image toward Thompson.

Thompson momentarily lost his composure. He clenched his jaw and forced a strained smile. “Emily and I? These pictures must be manipulated,” he stuttered.

“There are many pictures, Thompson. Don’t play dumb,” Asher snapped.

“This must be a setup, Asher. You know I would never do this to you. We’ve been friends since childhood. Someone is trying to drive a wedge between us,” Thompson said, his voice pleading.

Asher’s voice was filled with hurt and anger. “Thompson, I’m deeply disappointed. You’ve betrayed me despite everything I’ve done for you.”

“Does this look like a setup?” Asher added, his tone harsh as he waved the photos in Thompson’s face.

The young women nearby exchanged uneasy glances and took a step back, leaving Thompson and Asher to their confrontation.

“You know how much I love Emily and how crucial it is for me to marry now. Thompson, this is truly wicked of you,” Asher said.

“O my God!” Asher exclaimed. “It is now clear: Is either you are playing Emily or she’s also an accomplice. Where is she? What are you doing with these women?” He pressed further.

"You are obviously guilty." You lied about your trip because you were with Emily, Asher accused.

Thompson's gaze sparkled with rage. Your main focus is solely on your ambition to reach the position of CEO. Emily is only a secondary priority.

Emily required more than just financial assistance, she also needed time, attention, and love. "You did not give her any of that," Thompson added sharply.

Asher's rage peaked and he delivered a forceful slap to Thompson's face. "You should get better than this, you ingrate." This is only the beginning. You will surely regret this.

Thompson became enraged and got ready to fight back. Asher's men promptly stepped in, halting any more aggression.

During a moment of intense emotion, Thompson verbally attacked Asher. You are a selfish loser. Emily's love is not for you; rather, it is for me. You have been taken advantage of and thrown away; you will never see her again and I guarantee you, you will never become the CEO.

The argument escalated rapidly into a brawl, catching the eye of the hotel security, who stepped in to end it.

The next day, Asher was by himself in his living room, dealing with the consequences of the betrayal. The pressure to marry within three months in order to guarantee the CEO position appeared to be insurmountable.

After being betrayed by his closest friend, Asher experienced a deep feeling of disappointment. It was clear that the people surrounding him were driven only by their selfish-interest, and the familiar world was falling apart.

Asher was deep in thought while sitting on the couch. He started connecting the dots of Emily's lies, understanding how it had happened without him noticing. "He whispered that this has been happening without his knowledge."

"Sir, I understand the importance of this for you and Blackwood Towers," Alex said softly while passing Asher a glass of wine. Considering your father's request, a contractual marriage could potentially provide a solution.

Asher's expression turned sober. A marriage based on a contract is not the issue. I want true love, not just someone who is drawn to my status or wealth. I desire a woman to create a genuine family with.

"Join me," Asher said to Alex while taking a sip of his drink. "What is your strategy?" "We appear to have no other choices available."

Alex inhaled deeply. It's important to look in unconventional places for a truly compatible partner. We can assess her earnestness and verify that she is not driven by financial gain and material possessions.

Alex confidently suggested, "Let's disguise you as an average person and observe how potential candidates react." By doing this, you will not fall for deception once more.

Asher's anger surged. Alex, are you joking? This is ridiculous. "I can’t do it."

Please relax, sir. I understand that it's hard, but it's essential. "We are running out of time," Alex insisted with urgency.

An intense disagreement broke out between Asher and Alex regarding the proposed plan. Alex's commitment to assisting his boss allowed him to maintain his focus, communicating in a composed and respectful manner.

"You will accept a position in a distant location for one week, in order to meet potential candidates."

Alex made a suggestion. In the event that you come across someone who is truly authentic, you have the option to resign from your job, citing a more promising opportunity. Allow me to take care of the specifics. If I don't succeed, you have the permission to dismiss me.

Asher, sensing the gravity of the situation, called out, "Alex!"

Alex's gaze showed determination. Excuse me, sir. You have to have faith in me regarding this matter. If we do not take quick action, you could potentially lose some of your possessions.

Asher's irritation peaked, yet he started to understand the gravity of the situation. He felt a heavy burden thinking about the chance of losing some of his hard-earned belongings.

In just hours, Asher's world was completely disrupted, and he understood that to become C.E.O of Blackwood Towers would demand more than just strategic planning. It would require resilience, resourcefulness, and a steadfast dedication to revealing the truth and solidifying his position in the world he had put so much effort into creating.

Asher glanced once more at the pictures that had brought him immense suffering, before steeling his resolve. The path forward was unknown, but he was prepared to confront it, no matter the challenges it presented.

The risks were significant, and Asher was ready to face the obstacles directly, regardless of their outcomes.

“Alex!” Asher curiously called out again after reminiscing.