Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 348

Chapter 348 A New Beginning

It was enough to make Ashley sweat.

Hiring hackers to breach private systems was, of course, illegal.

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Lucas was acutely aware of how serious the consequences could be, which was why they had avoided that route initially.

Diana, however, wasn’t afraid.

The hacker she had contacted was the notoriously untraceable Lynx–no one knew his real identity. Whenever he took a job, he left no digital fingerprints, and no one would ever connect the task back to Diana.

Lucas had once asked Diana how she knew Lynx. She hadn’t answered. Instead, she’d shot back, “Can’t you handle something this simple? A whole team of men falling short.”

After that, Lucas never brought it up again.

Once she had wrapped up matters overseas, Diana finally headed home.

She had pulled several all–nighters in a row, and the moment she settled into the car, her mind shut down faster than she could even register being tired.

She didn’t stir when they reached the underground parking garage.

Brian walked around to the passenger side.

“You awake? Should carry you up, or can you make it on your own?”

“Carry me,” Diana mumbled, reaching out sleepily.

Brian grinned, letting her loop her arms around his neck as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist.

He lifted her effortlessly, securing her with one arm under her thighs, then grabbed her suitcase from the trunk with his free hand.

When he carefully laid her down on the bed, Diana simply rolled over and sank back into sleep.

Brian pulled the comforter over her, drew the blackout curtains, and quietly left the room.

He took off his jacket, tied on an apron, and headed to the kitchen to prepare a proper meal for her.

*****

“Where are we going?” Isabelle asked from the passenger seat, noticing Damian driving in the opposite direction of their current home. “I thought we were having dinner at home?”

“We are,” Damian replied, glancing at her. “Just at our home. The one we always planned for.”

Our home..

So that was why he’d asked if she was free today—he had really planned something.

When Isabelle didn’t respond, Damian glanced over again. He couldn’t quite read her expression, but a soft blush had spread from

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Chapter 348 A New Beginning

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her earlobes down to her neck.

Isabelle hadn’t thought that far ahead and had no idea he’d arranged all of this.

She had grown attached to the penthouse–more than attached, she loved it, especially the terrace filled with hydrangeas.

That home held so many of their early memories.

“Why all of a sudden…”

“It’s not sudden. The renovations finished over six months ago,” Damian said.

He simply hadn’t told her, wanting it to be a surprise. He hadn’t anticipated so much unfolding in the meantime.

He didn’t see any point in waiting any longer.

“The place we’re in now is wonderful too,” Isabelle offered.

“It is,” Damian agreed softly as he turned into a gated residential enclave. “But it might start to feel a little cozy once the baby arrives.”

Seems a bit early to be planning the nursery.

Isabelle rolled down the window and leaned out slightly, taking in the view.

Unlike Cross Manor with its expansive, manicured lawns, this property was lush and overflowing with blooms. The perimeter fencing was draped with climbing roses, making her feel as though she had stepped into a painting.

“It’s beautiful,” she couldn’t help but whisper.

“Not fully yet. Many of the perennials haven’t bloomed,” Damian said, watching her reaction.

She seemed pleased, and that put him at ease.

The property featured a main house and a separate guest cottage, with a detached carriage house at the rear for staff.

Isabelle was so captivated by the grounds that she momentarily forgot Damian was still in the car when she stepped out.

Damian didn’t disturb her. He simply stood to the side, quietly watching her.

The new estate manager approached, took the car keys from Damian, and handed them to a valet.

The afternoon sun spilled over the wrought–iron gates, lighting up rose bushes with petals like soft velvet.

A gentle breeze drifted down the flagstone path, stirring petals scattered on the ground like confetti.

Further in, hydrangeas bloomed in generous, cloud–like clusters, their weight bending the stems gracefully.

Not far off, a gazebo overlooked a tranquil koi pond…

Dainian stepped up beside her, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear before carefully wrapping his arms around her

from behind.

“Well, Mrs. Cross… are you satisfied?”

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Chapter 348 A New Beginning

His warm breath brushed against the sensitive skin of her neck.

A soft, lingering kiss tanded just below her ear.

He rested his chin on her shoulder, and she could almost feel the steady, strong rhythm of his heartbeat against her back.

“Mr. Cross, I am thoroughly satisfied,” Isabelle said, turning her head slightly until her lips met his warm, soft ones.

Damian smiled, kissing the corner of her mouth tenderly.

“Shall we see the inside?”

Damian led her from the garden into the foyer.

Along the way, staff members greeted them warmly.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Cross. Mrs. Cross.”

Damian didn’t seem to find it unusual–he acted as though it were completely normal.

Isabelle felt a flutter of shyness but acknowledged each greeting politely.

“How do they all know who I am?” she whispered.

“You’re the lady of the house. If they didn’t recognize you, they wouldn’t be working here tomorrow.”

Since when had Damian become so dryly witty?

The comment seemed meant for the staff within earshot.

With his large hand enveloping hers, Isabelle felt a profound warmth–not just from his touch, but from something much deeper.

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