Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 267

Chapter 267 A Heartbreaking Confession

For a moment, his sorrowful eyes were like a dense fog shrouding the skyline…

Cancer.

The word felt both foreign and terrifyingly close.

91

+20 Free Coins

Isabelle’s heart clenched, as if squeezed by an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe.

Linda was a kind soul who had always been supportive of their studies and endeavors–it was impossible not to feel a deep pang of distress for her.

“She doesn’t know. We’ve all kept it from her, but we can’t shield her from the truth much longer. It’s metastasized.” The sudden catch in Collin’s voice only deepened Isabelle’s sadness.

“What can I do?” Isabelle asked softly.

Just as Collin and Linda were preparing to leave, they encountered Damian stepping out of his black sedan at the studio entrance.

“Darling.”

Damian stood by the car door, a slight smile playing on his lips, a distinctive bakery box held in one hand.

Whenever this man called her ‘darling‘ in that particular tone, it usually preceded some form of trouble.

Isabelle felt a small shiver.

“Damian, what are you doing here?”

“Came to pick up my wife.” He tugged at the corner of his mouth and closed the distance, his free hand coming to rest possessively on her shoulder.

“Mr. Cross.” Collin offered a polite, if stiff, greeting.

Linda didn’t know Damian personally, but judging by his commanding presence and expensive suit, he was clearly a man of consequence. The way he called Isabelle “Darling” left no doubt about his identity. She offered a respectful nod.

“Mr. Dorfman. You seem to have a great deal of free time on your hands,” Damian remarked, his tone deceptively light.

Collin smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Just discussing some matters with Isabelle and

1/4

11:21 Sat, Jun 6

Chapter 267 A Heartbreaking Confession

Diana today, and having a few pieces made for my mother.”

91

+20 Free Coins

“Collin, a man of your standing has access to the best designers. Why come to our little studio?” His tone carried a faint, unmistakable edge of mockery.

“As you’re well aware, my label specializes in menswear. I’m rather out of my depth with womenswear, so I had no choice but to trouble Isabelle.”

Damian’s smile turned razor–thin. “A good thing I ran into you today. Otherwise, people might have gotten the wrong idea–like you’d brought your mother here to meet your girlfriend.” He paused, his gaze sharpening. “By the way, Mr. Dorfman, are you seeing anyone?”

Isabelle was taken aback, glancing up at him sharply. How could he say something so pointed?

Damian shot him a maddeningly dismissive look.

Collin’s gaze flickered to Isabelle before he pressed his lips together in a tight smile. “Mr. Cross, you flatter me. I’m not currently looking. There’s already someone in my heart.”

Isabelle stiffened slightly. His gaze was intense and unreadable. She forced a light, social laugh. “We were actually thinking of introducing you to a friend. Seems we overstepped.”

Collin simply shook his head, at a loss for a reply.

Damian, standing beside them, looked practically triumphant.

He didn’t like Collin–the man was too perceptive, too persistent. A threat.

“Alright, sweetheart, your ankle isn’t fully healed. Standing too long isn’t good. Let’s go inside and sit down, unless you want to be complaining about the pain again tonight.”

Complaining about pain tonight?

It didn’t hurt!

It hadn’t hurt for days.

“Linda, Collin, I won’t keep you. Have a safe drive back,” Isabelle said, her voice carefully neutral.

“Of course.” Collin’s reply was accompanied by a faint, resigned smile.

Damian didn’t grant them another glance, turning instead to guide his wife back toward the studio with a firm arm around her shoulders.

“Collin, there’s someone you like? Do I know her? When will you bring her home…” Linda’s

2/4

11:21 Sat, Jun 6

Chapter 267 A Heartbreaking Confession

91

+20 Free Coins

questions bubbled forth in a concerned stream as Collin helped her into the passenger seat.

“Mom, it’s… not that simple. Please, don’t ask so many questions right now. When the time is right, I’ll bring her to meet you,” Collin reassured her with a soft smile before closing the car door.

“Mr. Cross, could you try not to be so blatantly territorial? You’re a CEO. Shouldn’t you mind your public image a little?” Isabelle frowned once they were inside the foyer.

Childish?

Damian was aware of it himself, but where she was concerned, restraint seemed impossible.

“What image is that, exactly?”

“A total caveman…” she muttered under her breath.

Damian let out a low chuckle. “If I’m not possessive over you, what should I be? Politely asking, ‘So, how’s your day been?“”

Isabelle was rendered speechless.

“Besides,” he added, his voice dropping, “I’m not some show pony, here to perform for an audience.”

As they stepped into the central courtyard, they saw Diana walking out, a chic leather tote slung over her shoulder.

Diana slowed her pace, taking in the sight of the two wrapped up in each other’s space, and felt her planned afternoon escape slipping away.

“Mr. Cross.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify