Taming My Sugar Mommy
Chapter 62: The Business Lunch

Chapter 62: The Business Lunch

Isabella paused at the door, her hand on the knob. A moment of clarity washed over her as she turned back to Liam.

"You should come with me," she said decisively.

Liam looked up from gathering his things, surprise evident on his face. "To the Davies meeting?"

"Yes." Isabella’s mind was already racing through the possibilities. "You know our operation inside and out. Plus, you have a knack for reading people that I could use today."

"Won’t Davies expect you to bring Jeremy the new CFO or Victoria?" Liam asked, buttoning his shirt fully.

Isabella shook her head. "Davies is expecting me to be desperate and predictable. Bringing my right-hand man rather than the CFO or COO sends a message—we’re evaluating him as much as he’s evaluating us."

A slow smile spread across Liam’s face. "Playing against type. I like it."

"Besides," Isabella added, her voice dropping slightly, "I trust your instincts. And I think we make a good team."

Something shifted in Liam’s expression—a flicker of something deeper than professional appreciation. "Give me fifteen minutes to go home and change."

"Make it ten," Isabella replied, already texting Jeremy to update him on the plan. "Davies doesn’t strike me as the patient type."

**

The Davies Tech headquarters occupied the top ten floors of a gleaming glass tower in the financial district. As their car pulled up to the entrance, Isabella took a moment to study the building—all cutting-edge architecture and intimidating height.

"Impressive," Liam commented beside her. In his charcoal suit and burgundy tie, he looked every inch the polished executive.

"It’s meant to be," Isabella replied, straightening her shoulders. "Power projection is Davies’ specialty."

The lobby was a study in minimalist luxury—soaring ceilings, white marble, and strategic lighting that highlighted the massive Davies Tech logo on the far wall. They were greeted by an impeccably dressed receptionist who escorted them to a private elevator.

"Mr. Davies is waiting for you in the Horizon Room," she explained as the elevator whisked them upward. "Forty-fifth floor."

Isabella nodded, maintaining her composure despite the slight flutter of nerves in her stomach. Beside her, Liam stood tall and confident, his briefcase in hand.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a stunning rooftop restaurant, enclosed in glass with panoramic views of the city. A host guided them through the dining area to a private section where Samuel Davies was already seated at a circular table with two other people.

Davies rose as they approached—tall, broad-shouldered, with salt-and-pepper hair and the kind of tan that spoke of expensive vacations. His tailored suit probably cost more than most people’s monthly rent.

"Ms. Ashworth," he greeted, his voice deep and smooth. "A pleasure to finally meet you." His eyes flicked briefly to Liam, assessing and dismissive.

"Mr. Davies," Isabella replied coolly, shaking his hand with a firm grip. "Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice."

"I believe in seizing opportunities when they arise," Davies replied, gesturing to his colleagues. "This is Patricia Winters, my Chief Legal Officer, and Ryan Baker, Head of Product Development."

Isabella nodded to each of them before introducing Liam. "This is Liam Campbell, my Personal assistant."

If Davies was surprised by Liam’s presence instead of someone from her executive team, he hid it well. "Interesting choice," he said, gesturing for them to sit. "I expected your CFO, given Ashworth’s... current situation."

The veiled reference to their financial troubles wasn’t subtle. Isabella kept her expression neutral as she took her seat.

"I prefer to bring the right people for the right conversations," she replied smoothly. "Today isn’t about balance sheets. It’s about vision."

Davies smiled, a predatory gleam in his eye. "I like the way you think, Ms. Ashworth. Shall we order first? The chef here prepares an excellent sea bass."

The first thirty minutes passed in a dance of polite conversation and subtle probing. Davies was charming but calculating, peppering Isabella with questions about Ashworth’s operations, client relations, and future plans. She answered each with measured confidence, neither revealing too much nor seeming evasive.

"Your company has an impressive roster of clients," Davies commented as their main courses arrived. "Old money, new tech billionaires, royalty—you’ve cornered the market on luxury experiences."

"We’ve built our reputation on discretion and excellence," Isabella replied, taking a sip of her water. "Our clients expect nothing less."

Davies leaned forward slightly. "And yet, rumors persist that Ashworth Events is facing financial oversight. Difficult to maintain excellence when you’re cutting corners."

The statement hung in the air, challenging and direct. Isabella felt Liam tense beside her.

"I don’t believe in rumors, Mr. Davies," she said calmly. "I believe in facts. And the fact is, Ashworth Events continues to deliver unparalleled experiences to our clients while exploring strategic growth opportunities."

"Like this potential partnership," Davies supplied, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Exactly." Isabella smiled, unruffled. "Though I’m curious—why is Davies Tech suddenly interested in event planning? Your company has focused primarily on hardware and software solutions."

Davies glanced at Ryan Baker, who leaned forward eagerly. "Our new immersive platform isn’t just about technology," Baker explained. "It’s about creating experiences that blur the line between digital and physical reality. We need partners who understand how to craft moments that resonate emotionally."

"And you believe Ashworth can provide that expertise," Liam spoke up for the first time, his voice calm and measured.

Davies turned to him, as if noticing him properly for the first time. "The assistant speaks," he said with a thin smile. "Yes, Mr. Campbell. That’s exactly what we believe."

Isabella watched the exchange with interest, noting how Davies had deliberately minimized Liam’s role. To his credit, Liam remained perfectly composed.

"Strategic Operations encompasses every aspect of our business model," Liam replied smoothly. "Including identifying partnerships that align with our vision while providing mutual benefit. I’m curious about the integration timeline you’re proposing."

Davies blinked, clearly reassessing Liam. "We’re looking at a phased approach over eighteen months," he said, his tone shifting to something more respectful. "Starting with a showcase event within the next quarter."

"That’s ambitious," Isabella commented. "Your technology is ready for deployment that quickly?"

"It’s been in development for three years," Ryan interjected. "We’re ready to go public."

Patricia Winters, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Of course, we’d require exclusive rights to deploy our technology through Ashworth Events for the duration of the contract."

"Exclusivity works both ways," Isabella countered. "We’d expect the same commitment from Davies Tech."

Davies smiled, a calculating look in his eye. "I’ve always admired your directness, Isabella. It’s a quality we shared even back in our university days."

Isabella kept her expression neutral, though she felt a jolt of surprise. She had no recollection of meeting Davies before, let alone attending university with him.

"I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage," she said smoothly. "I don’t recall us crossing paths at university."

Davies’s smile widened slightly. "Perhaps I’m thinking of someone else. Though I’m quite certain we have... mutual acquaintances."

The comment hung in the air like a threat. Isabella maintained her composure, but she felt Liam shift beside her, subtly tensing.

"The business world is small at the top," she replied evenly. "I’m sure we share many connections."

The rest of the lunch proceeded with the same undercurrent of tension. Davies continued to probe, asking questions that occasionally veered into territory that felt too personal, too informed. Isabella parried each one with practiced ease, even as her internal alarms grew louder.

By the time they stood to leave, she had secured a follow-up meeting with Davies’s technical team and a promise of draft contract terms by the end of the day.

"I look forward to exploring this partnership further," Davies said as they shook hands. His grip lingered a moment too long. "I have a feeling our companies will fit together... perfectly."

In the elevator descending to the lobby, Isabella and Liam maintained their professional demeanor. It wasn’t until they were safely in the back of their car that Liam finally spoke.

"I don’t think this duel sounds normal," he said quietly. "It seems like he knows you before."

Isabella stared out the window, watching the city pass by. "It’s a power play. He probably had someone dig into my background."

"No," Liam shook his head. "This felt personal. The way he watched you, the references to university... He’s playing a longer game."

Isabella turned to him, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. "I’m used to power plays, Liam. Every man in this industry thinks he can intimidate me."

"This isn’t intimidation," Liam insisted. "This is something else. Be careful."

Isabella reached for his hand, squeezing it briefly before letting go. "That’s why I brought you. You see things I might miss."

As the car pulled up to the Ashworth building, Isabella straightened her jacket and resumed her CEO persona. "Have Marcus gather the team. If Davies sends those terms today, I want our people ready to analyze every line."

Liam nodded, his expression serious. "What about us?"

Isabella paused, her hand on the door handle. "One crisis at a time," she said softly.

But as they walked into the building, side by side but carefully not touching, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Samuel Davies knew far more about her than he should.

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