Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204 An Unexpected Ally

Isabelle frowned slightly as she watched Celeste’s performance.

She chose not to expose her–after all, the more this lie inflated, the better.

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The more Celeste boasted about her connection to Muddlehead, the greater the impact would be when Isabelle later appeared in the finished gown and reclaimed the narrative. How far Muddlehead’s renown would spread now depended entirely on the height of Celeste’s vanity.

This was the kind of publicity money couldn’t buy.

“Mrs. Cross.” The woman who had spoken first called out to Isabelle again.

Isabelle glanced at her, her expression one of mild disinterest.

“Do you know Muddlehead, then?” the woman pressed.

All eyes swung back to Isabelle.

“Of course. We’re quite close, actually,” she said airily, letting the words ‘quite close‘ hang in the air.

Quite close?

Celeste felt a jolt of panic.

Did Isabelle genuinely know Muddlehead?

It seemed she needed to secure an introduction to the designer herself, and fast–otherwise, if her lie was uncovered, the fallout would be far worse than she’d imagined.

People in these social circles were experts at amplifying scandals. This could blow up into

but her credibility would be entirely at the

something major or remain a minor.

mercy of Muddlehead’s true identity.

“That’s not another fabrication, is it?” Lenora shot a contemptuous look first at Celeste, then turned her skeptical gaze to Isabelle.

Lenora had noted

s discomfort,

Celeste was still loosely connected to

Damian, she held back full conf Celeste was

still loosely connected to

“If you say it’s a fabrication, then it is,” Isabelle replied, her tone suggesting she couldn’t care

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Chapter 204 An Unexpected Ally:

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less.

“Aren’t you afraid of being exposed?”

“Why would I be? It’s the liars who should worry about exposure.” With that final line, Isabelle gathered the hem of her skirt and turned to leave.

A fresh wave of whispers erupted behind her.

It’s the liars who should worry—

Celeste felt another surge of anxiety but forced herself to maintain a calm façade.

“So, Ms. Snow knows Muddlehead as well?” Helena’s voice suddenly cut through the chatter as she appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.

Helena had become an overnight sensation in these circles–everyone recognized her now.

The small group offered Helena respectful nods and murmured greetings.

Isabelle noticed that not only was Helena here, but Ronan was also standing a short distance away, watching.

She wondered how their conversation had gone last night. Helena hadn’t brought it up, and Isabelle hadn’t pried.

Celeste remained silent, her smile strained.

She had hoped the awkward exchange would end there, but Helena’s arrival felt like being pushed back underwater just as she’d come up for air.

The sensation was stifling almos

unbearable.

Fortunately, Helena didn’t press

the

further.

After teaming up with Isabelle the

Helena was well aware that I was Muddlehead.

revious night and having their partnership solidified,

Hearing Celeste and the

othe

scuss it felt like listening to a poorly rehearsed farce.

Helena’s eyes flicked to Lenora, who was to shrink behind Celeste, and let out a soft,

derisive sound.

Everyone understood the dynamic between those two–they just didn’t voice it aloud.

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Chapter 201 An Unexpected Ally

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Even though Lenora had attached herself to a wealthy older man, Helena’s own fortune and status were self–made. The difference in their positions was obvious.

Noticing Ronan’s gaze from across the terrace, Lenora mumbled an excuse and quietly slipped away.

Isabelle linked her arm with Helena’s and murmured, “Let’s get some air.”

Helena offered no objection and walked with her away from the group.

“Why did Ronan come with you?” Isabelle asked, glancing toward the brooding figure in the distance.

Helena sighed. “The man is refusing to sign the divorce papers. When the mandatory separation period ended, he simply didn’t show up to finalize it.”

Isabelle offered a sympathetic smile. “Maybe he’s had a change of heart. Any thought of giving him another chance?”

“I’ve given him more chances than he deserved. When he first got involved with Lenora, I’d already started planning my exit. I used to think if I turned a blind eye, we could maintain some semblance of peace. But then he started bringing her around, letting her disrespect me in my own home… that’s when I realized men like him are utterly replaceable.”

Helena seemed to have released the last of her bitterness. “My lawyer is preparing to file contested divorce proceedings. I was too naive before, thinking we could settle amicably. Now I don’t just want the divorce–I want every dime he spent on her returned.”

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