Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 728

Chapter 728 A Serendipitous Meeting

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She waited another two or three hours, fighting back a yawn before finally deciding to call it a night and return early the next morning to catch him. Just as she turned the key in the ignition, a familiar figure stepped out of the law firm–polite, composed, walking Sebastian to his car.

Jaden.

What was he doing here?

Claudia leaned forward over the steering wheel, squinting through the windshield. Sure enough, it was Sebastian beside him.

What a coincidence.

Or maybe not a coincidence at all–there had to be more to this than she knew.

She watched as Jaden escorted Sebastian to the car, opened the passenger door for him, and even placed a hand along the top of the doorframe so he wouldn’t bump his head.

Since when had Jaden ever been that attentive to anyone, let alone a woman?

Something was off. Without overthinking it, she started her car and pulled out to follow them.

They led her into the parking lot of Serene Manor.

Claudia bit her lower lip lightly.

Getting into Serene Manor wasn’t just about money—it was about status. What kind of status did she have?

A single meal here could easily run into the thousands. It was ridiculous.

But if someone like Jaden could walk right in, why couldn’t she?

After a brief hesitation, she watched them disappear through the entrance before finally stepping out of her car.

By the time she reached the host stand, Jaden and his party had already been escorted inside by a server.

The last time she’d been here, Harold had brought her. They’d walked straight in without so much as a question from the staff–just respectful nods and warm greetings. It was clear Harold was a regular; everyone knew him.

“Good evening, Miss. Do you have a reservation?” the hostess asked with a polished smile.

“No reservation. I was hoping to check whether my husband’s membership could cover a visit tonight.” Claudia replied, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

The word “husband” felt foreign on her tongue–she nearly stumbled over it.

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Chapter 728 A Serendipitous Meeting

“Of course. May I have the name and phone number on the account?”

Claudia provided Harold’s details.

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The hostess typed something into her terminal, then exchanged a quick look with a suited man standing nearby. He turned away briefly, phone already to his ear.

“And your name, please? For the notes. Spousal privileges are fully supported on joint accounts,” the hostess added kindly.

“Claudia.” She shifted slightly, trying to appear patient.

Not far off, the man in the suit kept his voice low, glancing toward Claudia now and then. “Yes, Claudia… understood.”

She didn’t catch his words or his gaze.

Less than a minute later, he returned and gave the hostess a slight nod.

“Mrs. Cross, Mr. Cross‘ account is in excellent standing–it could cover dinners here for years to come,” the hostess said, then glanced sideways as if double–checking her wording with her colleague.

Claudia blinked.

He was that well–off?

Enough to dine here on a yearly basis?

“Would it be possible for me to take a look inside?” she asked.

“Absolutely, Mrs. Cross.”

She still wasn’t used to being called that. A faint warmth rose to her cheeks.

With a quick thank–you, Claudia made her way inside, completely missing the hushed exchange that

continued behind her.

Jaden, Sebastian, and someone introduced as the assistant were seated in one of the standard private dining rooms. Claudia slipped into the one next door.

But the soundproofing was impressive–she couldn’t make out a word through the walls.

No wonder Serene Manor charged what it did.

She sighed quietly and settled in to wait them out.

Right then, her stomach growled loudly.

She held out until their dinner wrapped up–almost two hours later.

Jaden had already left, but Sebastian remained in the room.

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Chapter 728 A Serendipitous Meeting

Once she was sure Jaden was gone, Claudia stepped out and knocked lightly on Sebastian’s door.

There was a pause before it opened. His assistant, Zach Powell, stood aside with a polite smile.

“Ms. Bowman.”

He was letting her in.

Had they known she was here all along?

Pushing her surprise aside, she walked in.

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Sebastian was seated on a low sofa in the private room, a laptop balanced on his knees, documents open

across the screen.

He looked up when he heard her enter, his gaze landing on her fresh–faced, makeup–free features— striking, even under the soft light.

“Claudia?”

“Hi, Mr. Vale.” She offered her hand.

Their handshake was brief, professional.

In person, he was nothing like the stiff portrait hanging in the law firm lobby. If anything, he seemed cooler, more detached.

He had sharp, handsome features, his hair slightly tousled, a few strands falling across his forehead.

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