Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 331

Thapter 331 The Afternoon Gathering

She turned to stop her, but Regina gently pressed her back into her seat. “Just stay right there, dear.”

Without allowing any argument, Regina fastened the clasp of the necklace. The pendant settled just above her collarbone, adding a delicate shimmer to her slender neck. A few strax strands of hair fell loosely near her temples, giving her an elegant yet effortlessly graceful appearance.

“You’re part of the Cross family now–only something like this does you justice. A Cross should never look underdressed,” Regina continued, almost thinking aloud. “Besides, I don’t believe I’ve ever given you a proper gift. Consider this a little something for the baby.”

Isabel e caught her own reflection in the mirror and was reminded of Damian standing behind her last year, his hands trembling slightly as he fastened that ring necklace around her neck.

A faint smile touched her lips, but her mood soon sobered.

The afternoon gathering was held in the backyard of the mayor’s wife’s residence.

By the time Isabelle and the others arrived, many guests were already there, admiring the landscaped gardens and the elegant home.

Their hostess was Beatrice Crowther, the wife of the newly elected mayor, Ryan Crowther.

Beatrice was just past fifty but could easily pass for someone in her thirties–a timeless beauty with soft curves. Though she carried a little extra weight, it suited her, giving her a warm, approachable kind of charm. Isabelle found herself glancing over more than

once.

Beatrice wore a tailored cocktail dress, clearly custom–made and exquisitely detailed, likely chosen specially for today’s event. This wasn’t just a casual gathering–it was a carefully orchestrated social occasion Beatrice had put together to build connections and lay the groundwork for the years ahead.

Most of the guests were wives and daughters from established business families, each with her own notable background.

Regina, as it turned out, was an old school friend of Beatrice’s.

“Regina, you made it!” Beatrice ignored the other guests for a moment and stepped forward to give Regina a warm hug.

୮ “Am I late?” Regina returned the embrace lightly.

They parted almost in sync, then walked side by side, leading the group toward a shaded gazebo overlooking the garden.

“Right on time. And thank goodness–there aren’t many people here I can really talk to.”

Beatrice sounded mildly exasperated. She enjoyed socializing, but preferred meaningful conversation over small talk

“Now, introduce everyone! Wait–let me guess. This must be your lovely daughter in law!” Beatrice took Isabelle’s hand, looking her over with an appreciative smile. “You’ve always had an eye for quality, even when it comes to choosing a daughter in law. Wilbur is still single at thirty…”

Wilbur?

Was this the same Wilbur who had studied abroad?

1/2

=

tsabette smiled gently “The best is yet to come, Mrs Crowther. I’m sure wonderful things are ahead for your family.”

Beatrice beamed. “Whata charming thing to say!”

She then turned to Caroline. “And the two of you look so much alike–like mother and daughter!”

Beatrice’s smile was genuine. She had met Caroline once before and remerabered her fondly.

“We change a little every day, but you–you look exactly as you did at thirty. Not a day older!” Caroline replied warmly.

Beatrice laughed delightedly.

Regina smiled and gently guided Linda forward. “This is Linda, Collin’s mother. Linda was quite a talent in the fashion world in her day!”

‘Collin?” Beatrice gave Linda a polite, appraising glance.

inda was quieter by nature, and Beatrice didn’t linger long–after a brief, courteous exchange, she moved on.

Beatrice soon excused herself to attend to other guests, reminding Regina to make herself at home–which, given their long riendship, she truly was. Before leaving, Beatrice arranged for a maid to remain nearby should they need anything.

Once Beatrice was out of earshot, Isabelle leaned slightly toward Regina and asked softly, “Is Beatrice’s son the Mr. Crowther who vorks at Damian’s company?”

Damian…

t had been a while since she’d spoken his name aloud, and it almost caught in her throat.

She pressed her lips together briefly.

Regina didn’t seem to notice the slight stumble. She lowered her voice almost to a whisper. “Shh…” She glanced around casually >efore continuing. “Wilbur does work at Damian’s firm, but it’s better not to mention it openly. Ryan has just taken office–if people tart making connections and stirring up gossip, it could get complicated.”

sabelle nodded and said no more.

They strolled down a long garden path and paused at a pavilion set beside a tranquil pond, dotted with water lilies and shaded by willow trees. Colorful ornamental fish drifted just beneath the surface.

‘I heard this estate was purchased fairly recently. It belonged to some disgraced former official who built it privately–cost a ortune. Ryan isn’t one to shy away from bold moves; he bought the place even before being sworn in…”

Regina, Caroline, and Linda settled at a nearby table, sipping coffee and speaking in hushed tones about Beatrice and her family

isabelle asked the maid for a small container of fish food and began scattering it thoughtfully across the water

The fish seemed to sense the offering, gathering eagerly near the edge where she stood

She let the pellets fall from her fingers one pinch at a time, her mind drifting.

Not far away, a familiar pair of eyes watched her, filled with a quiet, restrained ache