Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 127

"Looks like we might get to start our holiday early," one executive remarked, joining in the praise. "Mrs. Cross is full of surprises."

"We'll have to ask for her advice sometime."

"Mrs. Cross seems quite young, yet she pinpointed the market issue so quickly. She must be an expert."

Everyone was offering compliments.

Damian gave a slight smile. "Let's continue the meeting."

After leaving, Isabelle went to the small courtyard. Diana was taking inventory of the original items there.

The two were chatting when a familiar figure walked into the yard.

"Hello, the shop is under renovation and temporarily closed..." Diana began, then looked up and saw the sharply defined features.

Isabelle and Diana said in unison, "Collin."

Collin glanced around, gave a brief nod, and his gaze settled on Isabelle. "You're here, too."

Isabelle smiled, "Just lending a hand."

Diana set down her pen and notebook, pulling over a folding chair for him. "Mr. Dorfman, what brings you here?"

Collin smiled, "Just passing by. Nice place. Heard you're partnering with Muddlehead?"

In truth, he'd seen Isabelle's car parked nearby. Remembering he'd run into her around here last time, he guessed she'd be inside and came looking.

Diana said, "Yes. Starting up back home, it helps to have a mentor."

Collin sat down, stretching his legs comfortably, his eyes on Isabelle. "And you?"

"Same as always." Isabelle poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him.

"Why not come work for me? Whatever Cross Group is paying you, I'll top it," Collin offered.

Diana paused for a second, looking at Isabelle.

She shook her head. "You do high-end custom. The risk of messing up and getting criticized is too high. I'm fine just being a regular designer. Besides, you focus on menswear—not really my area."

He gave a small nod and didn't press further.

The three of them spent the afternoon chatting in the courtyard.

*****

Isabelle didn't return to Damian's office until six in the evening.

The meeting wasn't over, but it was winding down.

She slipped in quietly, and Damian's eyes immediately found her.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cross," someone called out the greeting, and soon everyone else followed suit.

Isabelle maintained a calm expression, nodding in acknowledgment, then went and sat in Damian's office chair, pulling out her phone to play a game.

Damian walked over to her, lifted a foot to perch on the edge of the desk, and looked down at Isabelle sitting in the large executive chair.

"You impressed me today," he said, pinching her nose playfully.

"You impressed me today, too." Isabelle pressed her lips together, then placed her phone on the desk, screen up.

It looked like an accusation.

Displayed on the screen was information: President of Cypher Group, age 28. Holdings include Cross Boutique, Cypher Autonomous Mobility, Cypher Technologies...

Even "Mountain Roots Estate" was just a small project among his many enterprises.

Although the information didn't show Damian's name or photo—making it hard for the average person to identify him—Isabelle had connected the dots. It was the man right in front of her.

Damian's lips curved into a smile. So she went and looked me up.

Isabelle looked up at him, waiting to hear what he had to say.

Now I finally understand why he always says, "You don't know your husband very well yet."

So he's this wealthy.

He holds the reins across all these industries.

Damian looked faintly caught. "So you found out."

"Were you planning to keep this from me forever if I hadn't looked it up?" Her tone was questioning. "You're the head of a huge conglomerate. Why are you working at a clothing company? Do your other companies not make money?"