Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 122

"Just alright," he said.

"Oh." Her reply was drawn out, full of meaning.

She thought of Caroline.

Maybe this kind of distance is for the best.

Everyone had their own lives now—no need to disturb or interfere.

"You once said that if I ever refused you, you'd pester me for the rest of my life. So, stop overthinking things that don't matter." Damian finished his last bite of pasta. "In my world, there's only 'till death do us part.' No such thing as divorce."

Isabelle froze for a second. Did he misunderstand?

Damian demanded, "You hear me?"

Isabelle replied, "I heard you."

The way he said that last part was so overbearing—it honestly startled her.

The next afternoon, Theodore's courtyard was resolved—it wasn't rented or transferred.

They'd directly put the property under Isabelle's name.

She was floored and wanted to refuse.

But Louis himself had handled the paperwork—there was no real way to turn it down.

Originally, they'd just been looking for a studio space for Diana.

Nobody expected the Cross family to hand over full ownership to Isabelle.

It also conveniently cut off any thought Theodore might have had about working there again.

Diana waved the ownership certificate teasingly. "What a close call! I thought after mouthing off to Louis, the Cross family would kick you to the curb. Instead, they're practically fighting to keep you in the inner circle."

Isabelle sat in the courtyard, her cheeks flushing as she watched the certificate in Diana's hand.

To the Cross family, Isabelle was the ray of light in Damian's life.

"Let's stick to the plan," Isabelle said.

Theodore had gone for a check-up. The shop wasn't taking orders, so it was pretty much entirely in their hands now.

"Guess who else I saw on the participant list?" Diana asked.

"Who?"

"Ashley! Your husband's ex."

Isabelle tilted her head and looked at Diana.

Ashley had quit her job. Was she also trying to land the government collaboration?

Diana pulled up the information on a tablet nearby. "She started her own studio a while ago. It hasn't gained much traction yet, but this time could be different."

With the government's endorsement, her studio's rise would be practically guaranteed.

"Her skills rank pretty high in the design circle. If we want to secure our position, we'll have to step up our game. Best if we get to know some insiders, learn what the higher-ups prefer," Isabelle said.

Diana nodded. "And we can't lose to her in the final selection."

*****

The annual gala was underway.

"Time off tomorrow. My worn-out body finally gets to rest." Eleanor tugged at her gown in the restroom, adjusting her bust.

Isabelle chuckled softly, glancing at what little there was to adjust.

Eleanor covered herself hastily. "Hey, it's still something! Don't stare."

"I'm not staring—it's not like I don't have my own," Isabelle said, checking the faint kiss mark on her neck that was barely covered. I really hope it doesn't show.

Isabelle didn't plan to chat.

Seeing her just made Isabelle think of Finley.

Ashley studied Isabelle's gown closely.

A pineapple-tulip bust design, soft yellow pleated skirt falling just above the ankles.

It revealed smooth, rounded shoulders, delicate collarbones, and a swan-like neck adorned with a pearl necklace.

With her blond hair flowing down, she seemed to glow.

"This dress... must be over a hundred thousand dollars? Which designer made it? It's stunning," Ashley remarked, surprised.

Isabelle glanced down with a modest smile. "Thank you. I made it myself. The craftsmanship is nothing special."

Ashley was taken aback. She hadn't expected that.

The style didn't look like something a designer with only two years of experience could pull off.

Isabelle really is full of surprises.

Just then, Diana walked over. "What's up? It's about to start. Let's head in."

"Let's talk another time," Ashley said, not pushing further.

Isabelle nodded.

Ashley hadn't realized Isabelle was so close to a well-known designer like Diana.

She couldn't help feeling a twinge of envy.

Isabelle was pulled away by Diana.

As soon as they entered, Diana headed to the back courtyard, while Isabelle stayed in the front.