Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 138

"Yeah." Isabelle's nerves were still on edge.

Damian said, "Wait in the car for a bit."

"Okay." She let out a sigh of relief.

Damian got out of the car and walked toward Muddlehead as if greeting a long-lost friend, opening his arms.

The dog rushed over, nuzzling and rubbing against him affectionately.

Damian ruffled its head, murmured something to it, glanced back at Isabelle in the car, and then let go.

Just then, a knock came on the window.

Isabelle snapped out of it and rolled the window down.

A woman with an air of refreshing elegance came into view.

Her long hair looked sleek and professional.

Paired with a long blazer, her presence was commanding.

A man with an inscrutable, half-smiling expression stood beside her.

"Isabelle?" The woman's voice was as pleasant as a songbird's. "I'm Damian's elder sister, Abigail Cross."

Isabelle was momentarily stunned.

Damian is handsome, but I hadn't expected Abigail to be so strikingly beautiful.

She was spellbound.

Abigail chuckled softly.

Isabelle, remembering the dog still sitting obediently on the lawn, realized she should get out of the car to avoid being rude.

"Sorry, that was embarrassing," she said, carefully opening the door and stepping out.

"Don't worry about it. Our oversight," Abigail replied.

The man beside her extended his hand. "Jonathan Tucker, Abigail's husband."

Isabelle smiled, "Hello."

They shook hands briefly.

Damian walked over then.

The dog sat wagging its tail in the distance, not following.

Louis and Regina had gone out for groceries and hadn't returned yet.

The group further away on the lawn was watching them, looking at Isabelle.

Theodore was organizing things nearby, saying something to them and occasionally laughing in Isabelle's direction.

His eldest grandson, Brandon Cross, rubbed his nose, his gaze resting on Isabelle.

He pressed his lips together, smiling slightly.

*****

"Hi, Abigail, Jonathan." Damian greeted them simply, then he and Jonathan shared a brief hug, giving each other friendly pats on the back.

Abigail smiled and took Isabelle's hand, "They went to the same high school. Jonathan was his senior. They got into fights, had parents called in—that's how I met him."

Isabelle let out a knowing "well." So that's how their connection started.

The day he came to pick up the clothes... was that his first time home in years?

Because of me?

Oh, no, did I cause trouble?

Did I make him a target?

Guilt washed over her. He must have seen the messages between Theodore and me in the elevator that day. Otherwise, why would he suddenly decide to come back?

They chatted idly for a few more minutes before Abigail suggested they go upstairs to see if their room was suitable, drop off their luggage, and rest a bit before the evening barbecue on the lawn.

Isabelle looked out at the acres of grassland around the castle, remembering what Damian had said in the car.

He must be really pleased with me; otherwise, he wouldn't be thinking about it all the time.

A blush crept up her cheeks unnoticed.

Isabelle didn't notice Damian had already wheeled the luggage over to her. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," she said.

"Nothing? Your face is all red. What are you imagining in your head?" he chuckled, reaching out to boop her nose.

"Damian, what are you thinking about?" Isabelle's face flushed even more, a mix of embarrassment and amusement. She playfully punched his chest, but it felt more like a gentle tap.

Damian just smiled.

He loved seeing her like this—flustered and cute.

Two maids approached. One took the luggage inside, the other led the way. "Mr. Cross, Mrs. Cross, please follow me."

Damian took Isabelle's hand, handed the car keys to a bodyguard nearby, and followed the maid inside.

Their room was on the sixth floor, a suite at the far end near a large balcony.

The suite was already prepared in a minimalist style—a living area, a bedroom, and a small balcony.

As they entered, the maid took slippers from the closet and placed them at their feet.

Isabelle still felt a bit awkward with the formality, but Damian moved with familiar ease.