Taming My Sugar Mommy
Chapter 64: Uninvited Guest

Chapter 64: Uninvited Guest

The Ashworth Gallery sparkled under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, transformed from its usual minimalist aesthetic into an intimate gathering space. Isabella had personally overseen every detail—from the curated guest list of sixty elite clients and potential partners to the precise arrangement of white orchids cascading from brushed gold pedestals. Everything needed to be perfect tonight.

"The Davies team just arrived," Marcus murmured, appearing at Isabella’s side as she greeted the Chinese ambassador. "They’re in the east wing."

Isabella nodded almost imperceptibly, finishing her conversation with practiced charm before excusing herself. Marcus fell into step beside her, his tailored suit concealing the athletic build of someone who did more than just carry her schedule.

"How many?" she asked quietly.

"Four. Samuel Davies, Patricia Winters, Ryan Baker, and someone new—a woman named Elise sasaki. Looks like their head of marketing."

Isabella processed this information, adjusting her strategy. "Interesting. I wasn’t expecting sasaki. She rarely makes public appearances."

"Should I have Christina monitor them?" Marcus asked.

"No," Isabella replied. "Let her stay with Liam. I want to know if Davies approaches him directly."

Marcus nodded, his expression betraying nothing. Yet Isabella caught something—a flicker of hesitation perhaps—that seemed out of character for her usually steadfast head of security.

"Everything alright, Marcus?" she asked, pausing in a quiet alcove.

"Of course," he replied smoothly. "Just managing the perimeter. The guest list expanded by twelve percent compared to our initial projections."

Isabella studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Keep me updated on any... unexpected arrivals."

She continued through the gallery, greeting guests with the perfect balance of warmth and authority. To the outside observer, she appeared completely at ease—the consummate hostess. Inside, her mind cataloged every interaction, every potential business connection, every subtle shift in the room’s dynamics.

Liam was engaged in conversation with a group of investors, his natural charm evident in their attentive expressions. Isabella allowed herself a brief moment to appreciate how he commanded attention without seeming to try. Christina stood nearby, elegant in a black dress that cleverly concealed her practical shoes and, Isabella suspected, at least one weapon.

Isabella made her way to the small stage where a string quartet was concluding their set. Taking the microphone, she addressed the room with practiced ease.

"Distinguished guests, thank you for joining us tonight. Ashworth Luxury Events believes in creating moments that transcend the ordinary—experiences that linger in memory long after the evening ends." She paused, her gaze sweeping the room. "Tonight marks the beginning of a new Chapter as we explore innovative partnerships that will redefine luxury experiences."

Her eyes landed on Samuel Davies, who raised his glass in acknowledgment. Isabella continued, delivering a speech that was carefully crafted to hint at the Davies Tech partnership without making any binding commitments.

As she spoke, a movement at the entrance caught her attention. A tall figure slipped into the room, exchanging a few words with the security team before being waved through.

Isabella’s heart constricted painfully, but her voice remained steady as she concluded her remarks. David Harrison had arrived—uninvited and unwelcome.

David moved through the crowd with familiar ease, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries as if he belonged. His dark hair was longer than when she’d last seen him, brushing the collar of his impeccably tailored jacket. He’d always possessed a dangerous charm—a quality that had once captivated her and now filled her with cold dread.

"Isabella," Victoria appeared at her side, oblivious to the new arrival. "The Saudis are interested in discussing the winter gala. Shall I direct them to you or Liam?"

Isabella forced herself to focus. "Liam can handle it. I need to circulate."

Victoria nodded, disappearing into the crowd. Isabella took a deep breath, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She needed to intercept David before he could cause any damage.

Across the room, Liam had noticed the change in her demeanor. His eyes found hers, questioning. Isabella gave a subtle shake of her head—*not now*—before turning toward the east wing where Davies and his team were gathered.

"Ms. Ashworth," Samuel Davies greeted her, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "An exquisite event. Your reputation for excellence is well-deserved."

"Mr. Davies," Isabella replied coolly. "I’m pleased you could join us. I believe you’ve met most of our key clients?"

"Indeed," Davies gestured to the elegant woman beside him. "This is Elise sasaki, our Chief Marketing Officer. She’s been instrumental in developing the consumer experience for our new platform."

Isabella extended her hand. "Ms. sasaki, your reputation precedes you. Your work on the Nexus campaign was revolutionary."

sasaki’s handshake was firm, her assessment of Isabella equally direct. "High praise from someone who understands the value of experience. I’ve studied your events extensively, Ms. Ashworth. You have a gift for creating moments that feel both exclusive and genuine."

The conversation shifted to potential collaborations, with Isabella carefully steering it toward public aspects of the partnership rather than the contentious contract terms. As they spoke, she maintained awareness of David’s position in the room. He was chatting with a group of investors, but his eyes frequently found her.

She also noticed Christina’s position had shifted. The bodyguard maintained her watch over Liam but kept glancing toward Marcus. Following her gaze, Isabella observed something odd—Marcus seemed more focused on Liam and herself than on monitoring the room. His stance was tense, his attention divided.

"If you’ll excuse me," Isabella said to the Davies group. "I should check on our other guests."

She was halfway across the room when David intercepted her, stepping into her path with practiced timing.

"Isabella," he said, his voice low and familiar. "You look stunning, as always."

She kept her expression neutral, aware of the eyes on them. "David. Once again, I don’t recall seeing your name on the guest list."

He smiled, the same smile that had once made her heart race. Now it only triggered warning bells. "Some doors still open for me in this city."

"Not mine," she replied coldly. "What are you doing here? And who let you in this time? I’m still trying to figure out who was responsible for the last event."

David sipped his champagne, glancing around the gallery. "Supporting my ex-wife’s business ventures. Is that a crime?"

"It is when you’re using my events to network for your own gain." Isabella kept her voice low, her smile fixed for the benefit of onlookers. "You need to leave."

"Not before we talk," David said, stepping closer. His cologne—still the same after all these years—brought back unwanted memories. "You’re making dangerous friends, darling. You sure you want to be in bed with Davies?"

Isabella’s eyes narrowed. "My business decisions are no longer your concern."

"They are when I still own shares in your company," he reminded her. "And when I know things about your new... partners."

Before she could respond, David leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Be careful, Isabella. Davies isn’t who you think he is. But then again, neither is your handsome assistant."

He pulled back, his expression unreadable. "Give my regards to Seraphina. I’m sure she’s watching this all unfold with great interest."

With that, he melted into the crowd, leaving Isabella standing rigidly, her composure threatened for the first time that evening. She took a steadying breath, forcing her features into a mask of calm as she continued circulating among her guests.

But David’s words lingered like poison. How did he know about Liam? About Davies? And why mention Seraphina?

Isabella sought out her friend in the crowd, but Seraphina had sent regrets, claiming a previous engagement. Now, that absence felt significant.