Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 140

Damian let out a soft snort, as if to say, "Do I need to file a report just to hold my wife's hand now?"

But he didn't make an issue of it. It is her first time meeting my family; she is probably just nervous.

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out together.

Damian reached out and draped an arm around her shoulders.

Isabelle tried to shrug it off, but he only pulled her closer.

Resigned, she gave up the struggle. When Damian decided to be domineering, resistance was futile.

As the elevator doors opened on the ground floor, the castle's grand hall was filled with delicacies, drinks, and desserts.

Chefs were on site, grilling steaks and preparing various dishes.

The spread was dazzling—this was no ordinary family dinner; it was practically a banquet.

The indoor area was elegant, while outside was the domain of hearty fun.

Over a dozen maids bustled about, also keeping an eye on the children to prevent any roughhousing.

Guards patrolled the grounds outside.

Isabelle felt a flutter of nervousness.

She'd only seen scenes like this in TV shows or novels; experiencing it firsthand was a first.

But most people were dressed casually, not stiffly formal like at a typical gala in suits and gowns.

Some noticed them stepping out of the elevator and began whispering.

"He actually came back."

"The one next to him must be his wife."

"I hadn't heard he was married. When Regina mentioned it before, I thought it was a joke. Turns out it's true."

Damian didn't pay them much mind, just gave a slight nod. Isabelle followed his lead, nodding politely before they walked on.

"Oh, my sweetheart! You're finally here." A familiar voice came from the side.

Damian and Isabelle turned to look.

Before they could fully see who it was, Regina rushed over and pulled Isabelle into a tight hug.

All eyes turned toward them.

Isabelle's appearance was striking.

Her blond hair, flushed cheeks, delicate features with light makeup—she looked refined yet understated.

Wearing a soft teal hooded faux-fur coat, she appeared graceful, gentle, and breathtakingly lovely.

Embarrassed by the hug and worried about passing on her cold, Isabelle gently pulled back. "Sorry, I overslept. That's why we're late."

Regina, upon hearing this, gave Damian's arm a solid thump.

Damian looked at her, baffled.

What did I do?

Regina scolded, "It's the middle of winter, and you let her catch a cold?"

Isabelle couldn't help but laugh.

Is this my real mom?

She has no concern for me, who just got home.

Did Isabelle just say "love you"?

I didn't mishear, did I?

Three months. I have succeeded.

She has lowered her guard and is stepping into my life.

He smiled.

"Look at him, so longing for his wife," Louis remarked, watching from nearby.

Theodore chuckled, "Wrapped around her little finger."

"Gotta say, the girl seems really nice," Damian's uncle, Forest Cross, chimed in. "But aren't you worried she's after the family fortune? People tend to scatter when times get tough, only to come flocking back when things are good again."

Forest was lean and had spent years working abroad, but his relationship with the family was solid.

Louis explained, "She's not just any girl. When Damian was recuperating abroad, she was the one making his meals every day. She might have a sharp tongue, but she's fiercely protective."

"Protective? She even stood up for me," Theodore said with a gleeful laugh.

Louis added, mock-complaining, "Yeah, she even cursed me out. Almost took a swing at me, too."

The group of men broke into laughter.

Just as the conversation was heating up, Damian walked over and sat down beside Louis.

"Grandfather. Dad. Uncle Forest," Damian greeted them evenly.

"So, when are you planning to get back to work?" Theodore asked, his tone casual.

Everyone looked at him. In previous years, he hadn't even come home.

Now they wondered how long he'd stay this time, worried he might leave the next day again.

"We'll see. After Christmas. No hurry," Damian replied.

Hearing that, they all breathed a silent sigh of relief.