At nine o'clock, Davis arrived at the Sterling Grand Hotel.
A black luxury sedan stopped outside the entrance.
The doorman hurried forward.
"Good morning, sir."
Davis stepped out and straightened his jacket.
Inside, wealthy businessmen and elegantly dressed guests filled the lobby.
He approached the reception desk.
"I'd like to meet someone from Sterling International regarding the sale of Sterling Tower."
The receptionist examined his appearance.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No."
"Then I'm afraid you can't meet the directors without one."
Before Davis could respond, a woman's voice came from behind him.
"Actually, he can."
He turned.
A beautiful young woman stood several steps away.
She had chestnut-brown hair, hazel eyes, and an elegant cream-colored suit. Her confident posture suggested that she was accustomed to being obeyed.
The receptionist immediately stood straighter.
"Miss Sterling!"
The woman glanced at Davis.
"I'm Isabella Sterling, acting director of Sterling International. What business do you have with my company?"
Davis held out his hand.
"Davis Blackwood. I'm interested in purchasing Sterling Tower."
Isabella looked at his hand before shaking it.
"Sterling Tower is worth hundreds of millions of pounds."
"I know."
"And you believe you can afford it?"
"I wouldn't be here if I couldn't."
A faint smile touched her lips.
"Confidence is attractive, Mr. Blackwood. But confidence doesn't pay invoices."
"Neither does underestimating people."
For a moment, Isabella simply stared at him.
Then she laughed.
It was a genuine laugh, not the polite sound she used during business meetings.
"Interesting. Very interesting."
She gestured toward the private elevator.
"Come with me, Mr. Blackwood. Let's see whether your confidence is supported by your bank account."
Davis followed her.
He had no idea that the woman walking beside him would eventually become one of the most important people in his life.
And Isabella had no idea that the young man she was about to test would change her family's destiny.