Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 385

Chapter 385 Unwanted Encounters

Collin didn’t say anything more.

A part of him actually wanted to stay near Isabelle a little longer.

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Somehow, being around her seemed to soften the edges of his pain-at the very least, the ache in his chest didn’t feel quite as sharp

But he knew his place. He couldn’t use his own grief to lean on her for comfort; that would have felt almost like manipulation.

“Mrs. Cross, it’s about Mr. Cross…” Bruce picked up his phone, giving it a slight wave.

Isabelle’s attention instantly snapped from Collin to Bruce’s screen. She took the phone from him and was about to look closely when she suddenly remembered where she was. Turning back to Collin, she said, “I’m sorry. I’ll visit the prefessor another time.”

Collin paused, his eyes lingering on the phone in her hand. “Alright.”

Perhaps it was that very instinctive shift of her focus that made it even clearer to Collin-Isabelle trury cared for Damian.

Bruce pressed his lips together and followed Isabelle out without a backward glance.

Isabelle sat on a bench in the hospital corridor, scrolling through the photos and videos Lucas had sent Bruce.

Damian was out of surgery-somewhat conscious, though he’d drifted back to sleep quickly.

The procedure had gone smoothly. However, since the bone fragments had been lodged in his knee for some time, there would inevitably be some lasting effects.

In the video, she could see Regina and Louis were there, and Bryan too. Just as she’d guessed-everyone was there.

Everyone knew… and everyone had kept it from her.

All because they didn’t want her to blame herself.

Slowly, Isabelle handed the phone back to Bruce and remained seated on the bench, quiet and still, for a long time.

Not far away, Collin watched her, his brow furrowed.

What was wrong?

She looked genuinely distressed. And just moments ago, after receiving that message about Damian, her expression had turned heavy.

What exactly was going on between them?

For some reason, Collin felt a pang of heartache for her.

She just sat there, completely motionless. He kept his eyes on her the entire time she stayed.

“Mrs. Cross, I’m getting hungry,” Bruce said carefully beside her.

Isabelle snapped out of her thoughts and realized it was already past two in the afternoon.

12:43 pm

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Chapter 385 Unwanted Encounters

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uld you like to eat?” she asked.

“You promised me steake” he reminded her gently

“Alright, let’s get you that steak,” Babelle said with a faint smile, and they left the hospital

It was too late to go home and cook, and by now Isabelle’s own stomach was growling. They picked the first decent looking casual dining spot they saw and took a seat.

Isabelle ordered Bruce two full sirloin steaks with sides and asked the server to bring some desserts as well.

When the steaks arrived, the plates were still sizzling, filling the air with the rich, savory scent of seared reeat and herb butter- enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

“Go ahead, don’t wait for me,” Isabelle said-her own order hadn’t arrived yet.

Bruce looked like he was genuinely famished.

IsabeЛle took a small sip of her ice water with lemon.

With her permission, Bruce didn’t hold back and picked up his knife and fork.

She wasn’t really in the mood to eat, but her body was protesting fiercely. When her own grilled salmon arrived, site forced herself

to start.

She didn’t notice that at a table just a short distance away, a man was watching her intently.

“Gary…” The woman sitting across from him glanced over her shoulder but didn’t spot Isabelle-Bruce’s broad frame was blocking

the view.

“What are you looking at?” the woman smiled, following Gary’s distracted gaze.

“Nothing. Let’s eat,” Gary said, pausing as the hand holding his fork stiffened slightly.

Isabelle had moved on to a new man, spoiling him like this, even letting him order two steaks.

Damian really was something-had he already lost interest so quickly?

Gary frowned, his emotions tangled. He never imagined Isabelle would end up in a situation like this.

He picked up his phone and started typing a message to the number he still knew by heart.

“How have you been lately?” He typed the words, then deleted them one by one. “Is Damian treating you well?”

He let out a quiet sigh and finally cleared the message entirely, locking his screen without sending anything.

Isabelle probably wouldn’t want to hear from him, even if Damian wasn’t in the picture.

He’d already hurt this woman too deeply.

“Gary,” the woman said, spearing a piece of her steak and offering it to his mouth.

Gary forced a smile and accepted it.

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Chapter 385 Unwanted Fonunters

sabette didn’t notice any of it. She didn’t even recognize Gory.

Gary looked much more worn now, noticeably thinner, dressed in off brand casual ear. Even the meal on their table

steak platter he’d gotten using a discount coupon from a deal app.

He just never expected to run into Isabelle here.

“Is that enough? Do you want to order something else?” Isabelle asked Bruce with a soft smile.

Bruce’s mind worked in straightforward ways, but he was careful and thorough-no wonder Damian had placed him by her side

“No, this is perfect, Mrs. Cross. You should eat too,” he replied, still chewing enthusiastically.

“I’m going to make some broth later-do you think you can find a way to get it delivered?” Isabelle asked.

Hearing that, Bruce slowed his chewing. “Shouldn’t be a problem.”

Isabelle nodded and picked up her own pace with the meal.

Right after surgery, Damian would likely only be able to handle clear liquids or very mild food. It’d be best if she could get the broth to him before Regina or anyone else brought something.

“Damian didn’t want me to know about his surgery, so please don’t mention any of this to anyone else, okay?” she reminded him gently.