Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 123

This year's gala was lively, with prize drawings, bonuses, and various awards.

Afterwards, the dance party began, followed by eating, drinking, and general merrymaking.

Isabelle, as hoped, won first place in the company's clothing design competition.

Veteran staff members all looked at her with newfound respect.

The old prejudices seemed to have faded away.

"Ms. Foster." A man in a tailored suit, holding a glass of red wine, walked toward Isabelle as she chatted with colleagues.

Everyone turned to look.

He wasn't a Cross Group employee.

Damian had invited him.

All the important guests were in the back courtyard.

This was Maddox Savage, the Defense Department liaison working with Isabelle.

After her design was selected in the final competition a few days prior, Isabelle had to be present.

Originally, another officer was supposed to meet her, but for some reason, Maddox ended up handling it personally—someone of his rank usually wouldn't bother with such minor details.

"Mr. Savage," Isabelle said.

He smiled and nodded politely to her colleagues.

Catching the hint, they all nodded back and excused themselves.

A woman said, "Who's that? He's so handsome."

Another echoed, "Oh my god, he and Ms. Foster look great together."

"See the calluses on his hands? That guy definitely has abs," the first woman said.

Maddox had a strong, trustworthy face. He was tall, and his suit couldn't hide his powerful build.

"Care for a walk?" he asked.

Isabelle nodded. "Sure."

They moved away from the crowd, heading towards the back courtyard.

It was less crowded there; regular employees couldn't enter, only important figures and specially invited guests.

"I didn't expect to find you working here," Maddox said.

Isabelle gave a modest smile. "Just earning a living."

Maddox looked at her, his expression full of admiration. "The quality of your design work is exceptional."

"You're too kind."

"Why use the online handle 'Muddlehead'?"

She swirled her wine glass. "Just a silly name I picked when I was younger."

Maddox chuckled, "No offense meant. I just think it's cute."

Isabelle didn't mind, taking a sip of her wine.

"We should have dinner sometime," Maddox said.

Isabelle wasn't sure if he was being serious or just polite, but she agreed anyway. "That sounds nice."

As they entered the courtyard, there were two steps.

I'm afraid if I look at him one more time, he'll drag me off to some corner for another make-out session...

Huh? Nova is his cousin? What a coincidence. Isabelle quickly played along. "Yes, I take on some private commissions in my spare time. I hope you don't mind, Mr. Cross."

Damian seemed displeased by the word "our." His brow furrowed. "Mr. Savage, a word?"

Maddox glanced at Isabelle. "I'll just have a quick chat with Mr. Cross."

Isabelle was confused. He didn't need to explain himself to her.

This makes it seem like I'm his date.

She shot an innocent look at Damian.

Damian's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

Ashley watched the two men walk away, an unreadable expression in her eyes. "You and Mr. Savage seem quite familiar."

"We've only met once. There's no real connection," Isabelle said, not wanting to elaborate. She changed the subject with a smile. "I wasn't sure you'd come today."

Ashley found a seat, and Isabelle sat down with her. "I'm sure you've all heard about what happened between him and me. But nobody believed me—not even him."

A flicker of disappointment passed through her eyes. "What would you do if you were me?"

The question caught Isabelle off guard. "What's past is past."

"But I don't want to give up."

"Have you considered that maybe he's moved on? Or that he might like someone else now?"

Ashley took a sip of her wine, her gaze fixed on Damian in the distance. "I can believe he's moved on. But I don't believe there's someone else."

In her eyes, Damian wasn't the type to fall for someone easily.

And there was no woman around who was really worthy of him.

Isabelle really wanted to tell her the truth, to make her let go.