The executive conference room overlooked Aurelion's financial district.
Isabella sat at the head of the table while two senior executives joined them.
"Sterling Tower is valued at £300 million," she explained. "Our board would consider an offer close to that figure, provided the buyer can demonstrate sufficient funds."
Davis nodded.
"I'll purchase it for £320 million."
The executives exchanged startled looks.
Isabella's smile disappeared.
"You're offering twenty million above the asking price?"
"Correct."
"Why?"
"Because I want the property, and I don't intend to waste your time."
One executive cleared his throat.
"Mr. Blackwood, we need evidence that you can complete such a transaction."
Davis opened his banking application and placed his phone on the table.
The account balance showed more than £1 million.
The executive stared at it.
Then he looked at Davis.
"That's nowhere near enough."
Davis smiled.
"You're right. It isn't."
He opened the system interface privately.
[MISSION REQUIREMENT: ACQUIRE STERLING TOWER.]
[AVAILABLE FUNDS: £1,000,000.]
[SYSTEM FINANCING OPTION: AVAILABLE.]
A new option appeared.
[ACTIVATE CAPITAL ADVANCE?]
Davis selected it.
[CAPITAL ADVANCE APPROVED.]
[TEMPORARY ACQUISITION FACILITY: £350,000,000.]
[NOTE: FACILITY SUBJECT TO SYSTEM CONDITIONS.]
Davis looked up.
"Give me until tomorrow morning to provide formal proof of funds."
Isabella studied him.
"You realize that if you're playing games with my company, I'll have you removed from the premises."
"I'm not playing games."
Their eyes met.
For the first time, Isabella wondered whether this young man was far more dangerous than he appeared.