Taming My Sugar Mommy
Chapter 93: The Trap Tightens

Chapter 93: The Trap Tightens

Isabella stood at her office window, gazing at the city lights below as the clock ticked past midnight. The papers on her desk—dossiers on Jeremy’s recent financial hires—told a troubling story. Each connection, each inconsistency she’d highlighted in red, formed a pattern too deliberate to be coincidence.

’This isn’t just opportunism,’ she thought, tracing a line between two documents. ’This is a coordinated assault on my company.’

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. The door opened to reveal Marcus, his broad shoulders filling the doorframe, his expression watchful as always.

"You should be home," he said, stepping into the office. "It’s not safe to work this late alone."

Isabella smiled faintly. "I’m never truly alone, am I? You’re always somewhere nearby."

Marcus moved further into the room, his trained eyes scanning the office—a habit from his years as her security chief before becoming her personal bodyguard. "The building’s secure, but I don’t like how exposed this office is. Too many glass walls."

"The price of modern architecture," Isabella replied, turning back to her desk. "Has there been any unusual activity tonight?"

"Two of Jeremy’s new financial analysts accessed the server room at 9:30. When I questioned them, they claimed they were updating integration protocols for the Davies partnership." Marcus’s tone made clear his skepticism. "I had Davis from IT monitor their activity remotely. They installed something that created multiple access points to our financial database."

Isabella nodded, unsurprised. "Just as we suspected. They’re laying groundwork."

"For what exactly?"

"That’s the question, isn’t it?" Isabella gathered the documents into a folder. "How’s Sophia?"

Marcus’s expression softened slightly at the mention of his daughter. "She asked about you. Wants to know when you’ll come for dinner again."

"Soon," Isabella promised. "Once this situation is under control." She hesitated before adding, "Marcus, have you considered what I suggested? Taking leave to spend more time with her?"

His jaw tightened. "My daughter understands my responsibilities."

"She’s twelve," Isabella countered gently. "She needs her father, especially since her mother’s remarriage."

"What Sophia needs is stability," Marcus replied. "And right now, with what’s happening here, leaving you unprotected would be negligent."

Isabella studied him, recognizing the stubborn set of his shoulders. "You truly believe I’m in danger?"

"I believe Jeremy isn’t making these moves for simple financial gain." His eyes met hers, serious. "Corporate espionage sometimes becomes personal. Especially when the target is someone as... significant as you."

The undercurrent in his words hung in the air between them.

Isabella cleared her throat. "Well, then I suppose I should be grateful for your vigilance."

"It’s my job," he answered, though both knew it had become far more than that over the years.

"Then as your employer, I’m ordering you to go home and spend time with your daughter tomorrow evening," Isabella said, her tone lightening slightly. "I have that charity gala, and Liam will accompany me."

"Isabella—"

"That’s final," she interrupted. "One evening with your daughter won’t leave me vulnerable to corporate assassins."

Marcus reluctantly nodded. "As you wish. But I’ll have the security team on high alert, and I want Johnston to drive you."

"Agreed," Isabella said, gathering her coat. "Now, shall we both call it a night?"

As they walked to the private elevator together, Isabella felt the weight of the coming conflict settling on her shoulders. The trap was being set—on both sides—and soon, someone would have to spring it.

The following morning, Isabella deliberately arrived early, knowing Jeremy preferred to conduct his more sensitive work before others reached the office. She was not disappointed. As she approached the financial division, she caught sight of him huddled with two of his new analysts, their voices hushed, their postures tense.

"Good morning," she called, suppressing a smile as all three jumped visibly. "Productive start to the day?"

Jeremy recovered quickly, straightening his tie. "Isabella. You’re in early."

"As are you," she replied pleasantly. "I’m glad to have caught you, actually. I was hoping to discuss those revised projections you submitted."

Jeremy glanced nervously at his analysts. "Perhaps we could speak in my office?"

"Of course." Isabella followed him, noting how he hastily closed several files on his computer screen as they entered.

’Careless,’ she thought. ’Or perhaps he’s meant to be the obvious distraction.’

"Your concerns about the Davies timeline are valid," she began, taking a seat opposite his desk. "But I’ve decided we’ll maintain our original schedule."

Jeremy’s eyes widened. "But the financial risk—"

"Has been accounted for," Isabella finished. "I had our external auditors review the numbers overnight. They found no justification for the delays you proposed."

This was a calculated lie—there had been no external review—but Isabella needed to gauge his reaction.

"External auditors?" Jeremy’s voice rose slightly. "Without consulting me, the CFO?"

"An oversight," Isabella replied smoothly. "In the interest of efficiency."

Jeremy’s fingers twitched slightly—a tell she’d noticed whenever he felt cornered. "May I see their report?"

"It’s being formalized," Isabella said, standing to signal the conversation’s end. "I’ll have Liam send it over once it’s complete."

"Isabella," Jeremy called as she reached the door. When she turned, his expression had shifted to one of concern. "I’m only trying to protect Ashworth’s interests. We’ve seen how quickly partnerships can sour when rushed."

"Your dedication is noted, Jeremy," she replied. "And appreciated."

As she walked away, Isabella knew his next move would be to contact his allies. The pieces were in motion.

In the executive dining room, Liam sat alone at a corner table, ostensibly reviewing documents while waiting for his lunch. He carefully observed the interactions around him, noting who spoke with whom, which executives clustered together, which voices lowered when certain names were mentioned.

He spotted Jeremy entering with two board members—Collins and Zhang—their conversation appearing casual but their body language suggesting otherwise. Liam adjusted his position slightly to better hear their exchange.

"...timeline concerns are legitimate," Collins was saying. "Isabella’s rushing this integration dangerously."

"She refuses to consider the financial implications," Jeremy replied, his voice carrying just enough for Liam to catch. "I’ve tried presenting the data..."

They moved out of earshot, but the exchange confirmed what Isabella had suspected—Jeremy was working to undermine confidence in her leadership.

Liam’s phone vibrated with a text from Isabella: Keep ears open. J making moves with board.

He replied: Already on it. J with Collins and Zhang now.

After finishing his lunch, Liam made his way to Isabella’s office, finding her deep in conversation with Marcus.

"Johnston confirmed it," Marcus was saying as Liam entered. "One of Jeremy’s new hires was seen leaving the building with Davies’s head of technology last night. They spent two hours at The Meridian bar."

"Interesting choice of venue," Isabella remarked. "Very public."

"Very deliberate," Marcus agreed. "They wanted to be seen."

"Or to make us think they did," Liam added, closing the door behind him.

Isabella looked up. "What did you observe downstairs?"

"Jeremy’s working the board," Liam reported. "Collins and Zhang seem receptive to his concerns about the integration timeline."

Isabella nodded thoughtfully. "Expected, but still problematic." She turned back to Marcus. "Continue monitoring Jeremy’s team. I want to know everyone they meet with—especially anyone from Davies’s organization."

"And the server access?" Marcus asked.

"Have IT create a shadow system," Isabella decided. "Let them think they’re seeing our actual financial data, but feed them controlled information. I want to know exactly what they’re looking for."

Liam took his usual seat at the small conference table in Isabella’s office. "What about tonight’s gala? Still planning to attend?"

"Absolutely," Isabella replied. "It’s the perfect opportunity to gauge Davies’s true intentions. If Jeremy is working with someone at his company, Davies’s behavior will tell us much."

"I don’t like it," Marcus stated flatly. "Too exposed."

"Which is precisely why it’s the ideal setting," Isabella countered. "No one would attempt anything significant at such a public event."

Marcus remained unconvinced, but nodded reluctantly. "I’ll coordinate additional security measures. And I’ll still be taking that evening with Sophia as you ordered, but I’ll be available if needed."

"Enjoy your daughter, Marcus," Isabella said firmly. "Liam will keep me safe for one evening."

After Marcus departed, Liam turned to Isabella. "You think someone else is pulling the strings behind Jeremy, don’t you?"

Isabella’s expression was contemplative. "Jeremy’s ambitious but not creative. This operation has too many layers, too much subtlety for him to have orchestrated alone."

"Davies himself?" Liam suggested.

"Perhaps," Isabella allowed. "But there’s something we’re missing—some connection we haven’t yet identified."

That evening, Isabella entered the Grand Plaza ballroom on Liam’s arm, her burgundy gown drawing appreciative glances from the assembled elite of Manhattan’s business world. The charity gala, benefiting children’s education, had drawn the usual crowd of executives, politicians, and socialites.

"Samuel Davies at your three o’clock," Liam murmured discreetly. "He’s been watching since we arrived."

Isabella nodded almost imperceptibly. "As expected. Stay close, but give us privacy when he approaches."

They circulated through the crowd, Isabella effortlessly engaging in the social chess that was second nature to her. When Davies finally made his move, approaching with two champagne flutes, Isabella was deep in conversation with the mayor’s wife.

"Isabella Ashworth," Davies greeted, offering her a glass. "Stunning as always."

Isabella excused herself from her conversation, accepting the champagne with a practiced smile. "Samuel. I didn’t expect to see you here."

"Education has always been a cause close to my heart," he replied smoothly. "May I steal you for a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss."

Isabella allowed him to guide her toward a quieter corner of the ballroom, aware of Liam positioning himself at a respectful distance—close enough to observe but not to hear.

"Our partnership is proceeding well," Davies commented, his silver hair gleaming under the crystal chandeliers.

"Indeed," Isabella agreed. "Your team has been surprisingly... accommodating."

Davies smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "I believe in removing unnecessary obstacles when objectives align."

"And what objectives might those be?" Isabella asked directly.

"Mutual success, of course," Davies replied, though something in his tone suggested deeper currents. "Though I am concerned about some personnel matters at Ashworth."

Isabella took a measured sip of champagne. "Such as?"

"Your CFO, for one," Davies said, watching her reaction closely. "Jeremy Coleman has been reaching out to my financial team directly, without copying your office. Unusual protocol, wouldn’t you say?"

’So that’s how it’s being played,’ Isabella thought.

"Jeremy can be... overzealous," she replied carefully. "I appreciate you bringing this to my attention."

"Of course," Davies nodded. "We’re partners now, after all." He paused, then added, "I find it interesting that certain executives at Ashworth seem to be operating with their own agendas."

Isabella maintained her composure, though inwardly her suspicions intensified. "In any organization of our size, there are always competing perspectives."

"Indeed," Davies agreed. "Though I prefer my own house to be in order before inviting guests inside."

The implicit warning was clear.

Before she could respond, they were interrupted by a commotion near the entrance. Isabella turned to see Marcus striding purposefully through the crowd, his expression grim, formal attire doing little to soften his imposing presence.

"If you’ll excuse me," Isabella said to Davies, already moving toward her bodyguard.

"What’s happened?" she asked quietly when she reached Marcus.

"Security breach at Ashworth," he replied, voice low. "Someone accessed the secure server using your credentials thirty minutes ago."

Isabella’s eyes narrowed. "From where?"

"That’s the interesting part," Marcus said. "From an unused office on the executive floor."

Isabella absorbed this, her mind racing. "And Sophia?"

"Safe with her aunt," Marcus assured her. "I wouldn’t be here otherwise."

"We need to go," Isabella decided, glancing back at Davies, who was watching their interaction with undisguised interest.

As they moved toward the exit, Liam fell into step beside them. "What’s happened?"

Isabella quickly brought him up to speed as they waited for the valet to bring around Marcus’s car.

"This accelerates our timeline," she said, her voice tight. "They’re making their move sooner than anticipated."

"Or they want us to think they are," Liam suggested. "This could be a diversion."

Marcus opened the car door for her. "Either way, it confirms our suspicions that someone with high-level access is involved."

"Yes," Isabella agreed, sliding into the backseat. "And now we know exactly what game we’re playing."

As the car pulled away from the glittering venue, Isabella stared out at the city lights, her reflection in the window resolute and determined.

"The trap is set," she murmured. "Now it’s time to see who gets caught in it."