Rebirth of a Billionaire Heir

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Jonathan’s Gambit



Ethan sat in the war room, surrounded by glowing screens and the hum of the Cheat Investment System. The insight from Zurich replayed in his mind: Jonathan Carter consolidating control over Carter Holdings' international division. Immediate counteraction required. The Vanguard Initiative was fractured, but Jonathan's next move was already in motion. This wasn't just a battle for Zenith anymore—it was a fight for the future of the Carter empire itself.

Sophia entered the room, holding a tablet loaded with fresh intel. "We've confirmed it. Jonathan's positioning himself as the head of Carter Holdings' international operations. He's quietly securing alliances with board members, promising them shares in the subsidiary expansions."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "He's turning the board into his personal army."

"Not just the board," Sophia added. "He's been reaching out to foreign investors, pitching them on Carter Holdings' new vision. If he succeeds, he'll have the capital to dominate global markets—and block Zenith at every turn."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Jonathan wasn't just playing to win—he was playing to erase every trace of opposition. But if his father thought Ethan would back down, he was sorely mistaken.

The first move was to disrupt Jonathan's consolidation efforts. Using the system's insights, Ethan identified a series of key meetings Jonathan had scheduled with influential investors and board members. Each meeting was critical to securing their support, and Ethan planned to derail them one by one.

The system chimed softly, offering a suggestion:

Strategic Opportunity Identified: Leverage personal and professional vulnerabilities of key Carter Holdings board members to sow distrust in Jonathan's leadership.

Ethan smirked. "If Jonathan wants to rally the board, we'll make them question whether he's worth following."

The plan began with a targeted media campaign. Ethan's team planted articles and opinion pieces questioning Carter Holdings' aggressive international expansion. The articles subtly hinted at Jonathan's role, painting him as a risk-taker with a history of overextending the company's resources. The goal wasn't to outright attack Jonathan but to create a narrative that made board members uneasy.

At the same time, Ethan reached out to Sarah Clarke and Victor Hale, his allies within the company. He provided them with key talking points and insider information to challenge Jonathan's proposals during board meetings. The goal was to sow doubt and slow Jonathan's momentum.

The first cracks began to show within days. Sarah reported back that several board members were privately voicing concerns about Jonathan's plans, questioning the wisdom of such rapid expansion. Victor, always blunt, called Ethan directly.

"You've got them rattled," Victor said. "But Jonathan's not stupid. He'll counter this."

"That's what I'm counting on," Ethan replied. "When he counters, we'll be ready."

Jonathan's counterstrike came quickly. At the next Carter Holdings board meeting, he unveiled a bold new initiative: a $3 billion investment in a high-tech logistics network spanning Asia, Europe, and South America. The network, he claimed, would position Carter Holdings as the undisputed leader in global supply chains.

The announcement was met with mixed reactions. Some board members were enthusiastic, but others expressed concerns about the financial risks. Jonathan, ever the strategist, addressed their doubts with carefully crafted projections and reassurances.

Ethan watched the meeting unfold through a secure feed, his expression cold. Jonathan was good—too good. But even the most carefully crafted plans had weaknesses.

Sophia, seated beside him, tapped her pen against the table. "The numbers he's showing—they're inflated. He's overselling the projected returns to win support."

Ethan nodded. "Then we expose him."

The next phase of the plan involved undermining Jonathan's credibility. Using the system, Ethan's team analyzed Jonathan's financial projections, identifying inconsistencies and inflated figures. They compiled the data into a detailed report and leaked it to a prominent financial analyst known for their sharp critiques of corporate overreach.

The resulting article was scathing. "Carter Holdings' Global Gamble: Ambitious or Reckless?" The piece dissected Jonathan's proposal, highlighting the risks and casting doubt on the viability of the logistics network. The article quickly gained traction, sparking heated debates in industry circles.

The system chimed again:

Public Perception Shift Detected. Board Confidence in Jonathan Reduced.

As the fallout unfolded, Jonathan made his next move. He called an emergency board meeting, framing the negative press as a smear campaign orchestrated by external forces. His strategy was simple: rally the board around a common enemy and solidify their support through a show of unity.

But Ethan was already a step ahead. Using the system, he intercepted Jonathan's communications, gaining insight into his talking points and counterarguments. Armed with this knowledge, Sarah and Victor went into the meeting prepared, challenging Jonathan at every turn.

The meeting ended in deadlock. While Jonathan retained significant support, the board was divided, with several members openly questioning his leadership for the first time.

That evening, Ethan received a message from Jonathan. The text was brief but pointed: "You've made your move. Now watch as I make mine."

Ethan stared at the message, his mind racing. His father wasn't bluffing. Whatever Jonathan was planning next would be bigger, bolder, and aimed directly at Zenith.

The system chimed softly, offering a new insight:

Critical Threat Identified: Jonathan Carter leveraging external partnerships to secure exclusive trade routes. Immediate counteraction required.

Ethan exhaled sharply. The battle for Carter Holdings was escalating, and the next move would determine the future of both Zenith and the Carter empire.


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