Taming My Sugar Mommy

The dining hall now stood empty, the faint clink of silverware and the shuffle of servers long gone. Isabella sat still for a moment, her gaze fixed on the flickering candlelight in the ornate chandelier above. Her mind raced, circling back to the earlier phone call. David. She hadn't heard that name in years, yet here he was again, like a ghost dredged from a past she had buried.

Her fingers curled lightly on the edge of the table, a subtle reminder of the tension coiling within her. 'He doesn't know. He can't know about Liam.' A dangerous thought crept in, laced with both fear and defiance. She straightened in her chair, a plan already taking form in her mind. Tonight would require careful precision. A single misstep, and everything she'd worked to build could unravel.

Isabella rose from her chair. "Marcus," she said, her voice calm but carrying a note of quiet authority.

Her loyal bodyguard immediately stepped forward, his expression attentive.

"Walk with me," she commanded, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. As she approached the door, she turned her gaze briefly to Liam. He had been watching her, a flicker of curiosity evident in his eyes.

"Get some rest," she said to him, her tone gentler now. "Tomorrow will be a busy day."

Before he could reply, she swept out of the room, Marcus close behind.

Liam lingered for a moment before pushing his chair back and standing. Christina shadowed him, her movements so silent that he almost forgot she was there until he felt her presence at his side.

"You don't have to follow me everywhere," he said, offering her a tired smile as they walked toward his quarters.

"It's my job," she replied simply, her tone unwavering.

Back in his quarters, Christina walked ahead of Liam and opened the door for him with practiced ease. Stepping aside, she gestured for him to enter first.

"This isn't really necessary," Liam said, glancing at her. "I think I can manage walking into my own room without an escort."

Christina didn't respond immediately, her expression remaining calm as she followed him inside. "It's not about necessity," she said. "It's about following orders."

Liam dropped onto the edge of the bed, exhaling as he glanced around the room. His gaze landed on Christina, who stood near the door with her hands clasped behind her back. Her posture was impeccable, her presence steady but not overbearing.

"Alright," he said after a moment, leaning forward slightly. "About earlier—this whole thing with the dressing. You're really serious about that being part of your job?"

Christina's expression didn't waver. "It's what's required," she said simply.

"Required by Lady Isabella, I assume?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Yes," she replied without hesitation.

Liam studied her for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "It just seems... unusual, that's all. I mean, you're clearly capable of more than just ensuring my wardrobe is on point."

Her lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but she caught herself. "It's not about capability. It's about trust. Lady Isabella expects me to ensure you're prepared for any situation. That includes how you present yourself."

He leaned back, crossing his arms. "I see. So it's all about appearances?"

"Partially," she admitted, meeting his gaze. "But it's also about discipline. You're adjusting to a very different world now, Mr. Campbell. Lady Isabella's world. Everything here is deliberate, down to the smallest detail."

Liam considered her words, his initial skepticism giving way to understanding. Lady Isabella did have a way of bending reality to her will, creating a life where nothing seemed impossible. "So she really does control everything," he murmured, more to himself than to Christina.

Christina didn't respond immediately. Instead, she shifted slightly, her gaze softening. "It's not about control. It's about ensuring that things run smoothly. You'll see that in time."

He nodded slowly, letting her words sink in. There was a truth to them, but something about her earlier insistence still nagged at him. "Alright," he said finally, his tone lighter. "But for the record, I can dress myself. You don't need to worry about that."

Her expression flickered—something between amusement and resignation—before returning to its usual calm. "Of course," she said, her tone neutral. "But I'll still be here to assist when needed."

Liam chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Fair enough. Thanks, Christina."

She gave a small nod, stepping back toward the door. "Get some rest," she said. "Tomorrow's a big day."

As the door clicked shut behind her, Liam stretched out on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. He still wasn't entirely sure what to make of Christina—or Lady Isabella's world, for that matter. But one thing was clear: he wasn't in control anymore. 'Her rules, her world. I just need to figure out how to keep up.' He was lost in thought before sleep took him.

-----

Morning light streamed through the tall windows of the estate, but it wasn't the gentle warmth that stirred Liam from his sleep. No, it was the low hum of voices—unfamiliar, melodic, and yet oddly piercing—filtering through the walls of his quarters. A laugh, soft and lilting, followed by another, warmer tone. The noise grew persistent, dragging him from his slumber with a mix of curiosity and frustration.

Sighing, Liam threw off the covers, dressed quickly, and made his way toward the source of the commotion. He descended the sweeping staircase, his footfalls soft against the polished wood, and froze halfway down as his gaze landed on the two women standing in the parlor below.

One, of course, was Isabella—poised as ever, her dark hair pinned back in elegant waves, her dress tailored to perfection. But it was the woman beside her who stole his breath. She was striking, with waves of auburn hair cascading over her shoulders, her sharp green eyes alive with warmth and mischief. Dressed in a deep emerald gown that seemed to shimmer faintly in the light, she carried herself with an effortless grace.

For a moment, Liam simply stood there, taking in the scene. He didn't think it was possible for anyone to match Isabella's beauty, but this woman—Seraphina Ravenswood, he overheard—was like something out of a painting.

"You know," Seraphina said, her voice smooth and refined, tinged with an Italian accent, "I almost didn't recognize you, Isabella. You've changed."

"Changed?" Isabella laughed softly, tilting her head. "You mean I've aged."

Seraphina waved a hand dismissively, her laughter rich and melodic. "Hardly. If anything, you've only grown more…intimidating."

"Is that a compliment or an insult?" Isabella teased, her lips curving into a smirk.

"Both," Seraphina admitted with a wink. "You always did have that air about you. Even back in Milan, the professors seemed a little afraid of you. Do you remember Professor Calvino?"

"Ah, the poor man," Isabella said, shaking her head. "He was terrified every time I challenged his theories."

Seraphina leaned in conspiratorially. "And you always were right, weren't you?"

"Not always," Isabella admitted, though her tone suggested otherwise. "But enough about the past. Tell me about you. It's been, what, five years?"

"Six," Seraphina corrected. "And as you might have guessed, I've been busy. Family obligations, business ventures, the usual. You know how it is."

"Too well," Isabella said, her gaze softening. "I've missed you, though. It's been far too long."

As the two women continued their conversation, Seraphina's gaze flicked upward—and froze. Her vibrant green eyes locked onto Liam, who still stood halfway down the stairs, his presence unnoticed until now. There was a flicker of something in her expression—curiosity, intrigue—before her lips curved into a small, knowing smile.

Isabella, noticing the shift in her friend's focus, followed her gaze and turned to see Liam standing there. Her brow arched slightly, though her expression remained composed.

"Liam," she said smoothly, motioning for him to come forward. "You're up early."

He descended the remaining steps, his movements calm yet deliberate, and inclined his head politely. "Good morning, Lady Isabella. I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Not at all," Isabella replied, her tone polite but measured. "Allow me to introduce you. This is Seraphina Ravenswood, an old friend of mine. Seraphina, this is Liam Campbell."

Liam extended a hand, his posture effortlessly elegant. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ravenswood."

Seraphina took his hand, her grip firm yet gentle, and her smile deepened. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Campbell. I must say, Isabella, you didn't mention having such charming company in your household."

Isabella's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though her smile remained intact. "Liam is still adjusting to life here, but he's proven himself quite capable."

"I can see that," Seraphina murmured, her gaze lingering on Liam for a moment longer before she released his hand. "And where do you hail from, Mr. Campbell?"

"Originally from London," Liam replied smoothly. "Though my time there feels like a lifetime ago."

"London," Seraphina repeated, her tone thoughtful. "I've always found it fascinating how people from such different worlds find themselves here. Isabella does have a talent for gathering…unique individuals."

"Unique is one word for it," Liam said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Isabella stepped in, her tone light but firm. "I'm sure Seraphina has many questions, but Liam has a full schedule today. Perhaps we can continue this conversation later."

Seraphina tilted her head, her smile playful. "Of course. I wouldn't dream of monopolizing your time, Mr. Campbell."

Liam inclined his head again, his gaze briefly meeting Seraphina's before he turned back to Isabella. "If you'll excuse me, Lady Isabella, I have to prepare for work."

Isabella nodded, watching as he walked away, his movements unhurried but confident.

Once he was out of earshot, Seraphina turned back to Isabella, her eyes gleaming. "Well, well. He's interesting."

"Don't get any ideas," Isabella warned, her tone sharper than before.

"Who, me?" Seraphina asked innocently, though her smirk betrayed her. "He's handsome, poised, and clearly intelligent. If you're not careful, Isabella, someone else might snatch him up."

Isabella's lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't respond. Seraphina's laughter filled the room, light and teasing, but Isabella's mind was already racing, the weight of David's call looming over her thoughts.

---

Liam returned to his quarters, his mind briefly replaying the encounter with Seraphina. There was something intriguing about her, but he didn't have the time to dwell on it. He moved quickly, taking a shower, selecting a suit before Christina could arrive, and getting ready for the day ahead.

As he fastened his tie, he caught his reflection in the mirror and let out a small sigh. Whatever lay ahead, he'd face it like he always did—focused and ready.