Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207 Awkward Encounters

“Please don’t say that, Mr. Cross. I was only doing my job.” Celeste replied, feigning innocence as if she’d missed his implication entirely.

“Mm.” he acknowledged tonelessly.

+10 Free Cons

“May I join you the day after tomorrow?” Celeste pressed, eager to seize the opening. Damian glanced at her sideways, his eyes sweeping over her before pausing briefly. “Fine.

Celeste exhaled a silent sigh of relief, a tentative smile touching her lips as some of the tension eased.

With that, he turned and made his way toward the restrooms.

Celeste watched his retreating figure, her gaze lingering.

Broad–shouldered, with a trim waist and a tall, athletic build–the man was compelling from every angle.

After parting ways with them, Frank ambled over to where Isabelle and Brian were sitting.

“Come by the ranch for a barbecue the day after tomorrow. I’ll slow–smoke a whole brisket!” Frank announced, giving Isabelle’s shoulder a hearty pat.

“Absolutely, Frank!” Isabelle agreed cheerfully.

Brian, however, remained conspicuously silent beside her.

Frank’s expression soured, and he pointed a finger at his son. “And don’t you forget what you promised me!”

“I know…” Brian muttered, his tone resigned.

To secure Frank’s crucial investment commitment, Brian had reluctantly resorted to pleading with his father.

Frank’s terms were straightforward—either return home alone to take over the family business, or return home with a girlfriend if he refused the succession.

In other words, bring a partner to meet the family—or the investment was off the table.

Frank gave a final, dissatisfied huff and strode away from the gathering, while Isabelle bit her

1/4

00

26

OIG O

12:34 Tue, May 26 MO

Chapter 207 Awkward Encounters

lip to suppress a laugh beside him.

+10 Free Coms

From a distance, Celeste observed the scene, her irritation mounting. Why did Isabelle seem to be connected to everyone?

They actually knew each other, too!

Had Isabelle somehow sabotaged a perfectly viable investment opportunity?

She refused to believe it!

By the time Damian returned, the terrace had filled with a small, familiar group.

Aside from Isabelle and Brian, Collin, Griffin, and Celeste had also joined.

Isabelle was seated between Griffin on her left and Brian on her right, while Celeste had taken the chair next to Griffin.

As Damian approached, Celeste’s eyes tracked him hopefully.

There was an empty seat beside her, and just as she anticipated he would take it, Brian stood up. He moved his own chair aside, fetched a fresh folding chair for Damian, and then took a seat next to Collin instead.

Damian settled in naturally beside Isabelle.

He stretched his legs out comfortably, his knee coming to rest against hers, placed one hand casually on her thigh, and picked up his wineglass with the other, taking a slow sip.

The subtle, possessive gesture did not go unnoticed by those present.

Isabelle glanced at him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

Even through the layers of their clothing, she could feel the warmth of his leg against hers.

She tried to shift slightly away, but his hand gave her thigh a gentle, warning squeeze. He then leaned past her smoothly to address Griffin, his movement so fluid it seemed entirely incidental.

Isabelle felt a faint warmth rise to her cheeks at his audacity.

“I didn’t expect to see you here tonight, Mr. Whitaker. It’s a genuine pleasure,” Damian said with a cordial smile.

Griffin replied with his characteristic calm, “I simply drop in on occasion to observe and

2/4

00 26

• OOG

12:34 Tue, May 26 M

Chapter 207 Awkward Encounters

learn from the dynamism of your generation.”

“You’re too modest, Mr. Whitaker,” Damian responded.

A brief, comfortable silence followed.

30

+10 Free Coms

“Your studio opens tomorrow, if I’m not mistaken?” Griffin asked, turning his attention to Isabelle.

Isabelle nodded. “I’ll be expecting you.”

“Of course. Seeing you and Collin establishing yourselves independently fills me with pride.” Griffin said, nodding approvingly at both of his former students.

Celeste stiffened, catching the specific wording.

Her heart gave an uncomfortable lurch, but she tried to dismiss the thought.

It couldn’t be. There is no way Isabelle is Griffin’s student.

Damian’s gaze also shifted thoughtfully to Collin, as if reassessing a puzzle.

“We owe any success to your guidance, Mr. Whitaker,” Isabelle said respectfully.

Griffin leaned slightly closer and asked, in a voice meant only for her, if she was indeed Muddlehead. Isabelle gave a small, confirming nod.

Across from them, Collin’s lips curved into a knowing smile,

They had both pieced it together some time ago.

“Well done.” Griffin said, his expression one of deep satisfaction.

“Not many receive such praise from Mr. Whitaker. Mrs. Cross is quite fortunate,” Celeste interjected, unable to resist probing further. “Mrs. Cross, you wouldn’t happen to be another one of Mr. Whitaker’s students, would you?”

Isabelle met her gaze with a calm smile. “I am.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify