Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 233

Chapter 233 An Unwanted Introduction

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Isabelle nodded. She had seen Elva in industry publications before, though they had never met. Running into her tonight was a

fortunate coincidence.

“Elva thinks very highly of you,” Maddox remarked

“Hmm? Of me?” Isabelle was genuinely surprised. She and Elva could hardly be considered acquainted.

She’d only heard Collin and Griffin speak of her occasionally.

As they were talking, both Elva and Derek glanced over in their direction.

Celeste naturally followed their gaze.

She shot a cold look their way, a knot of discomfort tightening in her chest.

Elva smiled politely at Sean. “Forgive me, I won’t be able to keep you company this evening. Some matters require my attention. Another time?”

Sean’s eyes flicked toward Isabelle, who was engaged in animated conversation with Maddox nearby.

He forced a tight smile. “Of course.”

Derek added from beside him, “I shouldn’t intrude on your evening further either.”

The smile on Celeste’s face stiffened.

Elva and Derek were the very people Sean had specifically sought out tonight. They hadn’t been speaking for five minutes, and now they were leaving?

Earlier, she had subtly floated the idea of mentorship, but both had deftly sidestepped the invitation each time.

Sean and Celeste couldn’t fully mask their embarrassment, yet they maintained their polite facades.

Celeste had always been a quick study since childhood–music, strategy, literature, art, she excelled at everything. It was only in the realm of fashion design that she continually met resistance.

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Watching Elva and Derek make their way toward Isabelle and Maddox,

Celeste clenched her fists. Her knuckles around the wineglass turned white, and her smile became a frozen mask.

What standing did Isabelle have that attracted such influential figures to approach her willingly?

Celeste refused to believe it. Sean, too, was taken aback.

In their minds, they convinced themselves the pair were going over to speak with Maddox, not Isabelle.

“Isabelle, Diana,” Elva spoke first, gently interrupting Maddox and Isabelle’s conversation.

Isabelle and Diana turned their attention toward them.

“Elva! Mr. Lowe!” They greeted in unison.

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Chapter 233 An Unwanted Introduction

Handshakes were exchanged all around.

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Elva and Derek had been classmates and friends for over two decades, so their ease with each other was natural.

“The last few times I visited the atelier, never managed to catch you. Finally, we meet in person!” Elva said warmly, taking Isabelle’s hand as if she were a prized discovery

So, when Elva visited the studio, aside from observing the project, her main purpose had been to see her?

Isabelle was both flattered and taken aback.

“I’m honored that you took the time to visit.”

“That wasn’t the primary reason for my visit,” Elva said with a knowing, kindly smile.

Diana, standing beside them, seemed to pick up on a subtle subtext in that remark. The corner of her mouth curved, and she gave Isabelle’s sleeve a barely perceptible tug.

Isabelle, too, sensed something layered in the statement.

“I should probably be going. I’ve got some things to handle. Will you be alright here?” Diana seemed to have seized on an excuse for an exit.

Isabelle was momentarily flustered. She really didn’t want Diana to leave right now.

She’d heard that Elva had a son who graduated from a top–tier university at twenty–two. Recently, he’d been subtly presented to several eligible young women from prominent families, but none had seemed to interest Elva.

If Diana was bolting, she must have heard the rumors.

“Some friend you are!” Isabelle whispered, though part of her reasoned that Diana might be using this as a chance to check on Brian.

Diana was about to respond when Maddox spoke up beside her.

“Ms. Williams, allow me to see you out.”

Diana didn’t hesitate. “Alright.”

Isabelle wanted to say more, but Elva gently held her back.

“Are those two together? They make quite a striking pair.”

Hearing Elva say that, Isabelle finally noticed the particular way Maddox was looking at Diana.

Oh no. Was Brian about to have some unexpected competition?

“Isabelle,” Elva said, drawing Isabelle’s focus back.

“Yes, Elva?” Isabelle replied, her internal calm utterly shattered, though she maintained a polite smile.

“How would you feel about an introduction?”

“Of course.” Isabelle’s agreement was tinged with reluctance.

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Chapter 233 An Unwanted Introduction

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No sooner had she spoken than Elva took Isabelle’s hand and guided her toward a quieter sitting area off the main hall.

Sure enough, the person Elva wanted her to meet was her son.

“This is my son, Kayden Jarvis,” Elva said to Isabelle, then turned to the young man. “Kayden, this is Ms. Foster, the designer I’ve told you so much about.”

“A pleasure.”

“Likewise.”

They exchanged polite nods.

Kayden had a refined, scholarly air. Dressed in smart–casual trousers and a tailored shirt, with a slight wave in his sandy hair, he looked every bit the accomplished academic.

Isabelle was searching for something appropriate to say when she noticed Elva’s hand had come to rest lightly on Derek’s arm.

Elva’s husband had passed away two years prior. Derek had just returned stateside last week, and here they were together. So, those two…

She paused, momentarily forgetting her words.

“Ms. Foster, might I offer you a drink? Perhaps we could speak privately?” Kayden’s gaze was steady, appreciative as he looked at the woman before him.

Clearly, Kayden was interested. His attention was fully fixed on her.

Tonight, Isabelle wore a sage green, square–neck midi dress with sleek long sleeves and a low back that elegantly highlighted her figure. It was a look designed to captivate.

Just as Isabelle was formulating a graceful refusal, Elva spoke up, “Please, go ahead. Derek and I have some things to discuss. You two take your time.”