Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 740

Chapter 740 The Southhall Compound

The two bodyguards gave a respectful nod. “Mrs. Cross.”

Claudia returned the gesture quietly.

One guard took the wheel, the other rode shotgun, while she settled into the back seat.

After confirming the departure time with Sebastian, she gazed out the window, her mind adrift.

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Everything felt surreal–a tangled mess that somehow fell into place. Something lingered uneasily beneath the surface, and yet it was as if fate had neatly tied every loose end.

The drive was smooth. They reached the law office without a hitch, as if every traffic light had turned green just for them that morning.

After finishing up at the notary, she said a quick goodbye to Sebastian.

He was flying overseas to handle a messy divorce case. She’d caught one name when he was talking to Zach earlier–Anders.

It didn’t register much at the time.

Little did she know their paths would cross again sooner than she expected.

*****

Claudia stepped outside holding a folder of documents. Walking beside her were a father and son she’d met briefly before–Shawn Kingston and his son Darren Kingston.

Shawn had been overseeing the Southhall Compound ever since Graham’s passing. Darren acted as general manager.

Now that Claudia was back, Shawn intended to gradually transfer responsibilities to her before stepping down into retirement.

“Ms. Bowman, shall we head back to the estate to discuss things?” Shawn’s tone was calm and measured, the kind that came from years of handling important matters,

“Please, just call me Claudia,” she replied softly.

She dismissed the two bodyguards. Shawn’s driver took over, while Darren rode up front, already sorting through Claudia’s schedule for the coming days.

In the back seat, Shawn began explaining how things worked at Southhall.

He’d started working for Graham at thirty–back when he and Darren had been struggling to get by. Graham gave him a chance, and Shawn had proven himself, eventually rising to manage the entire estate.

Now Darren was following in his footsteps.

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Chapter 740 The Southhall Compound

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Like his father, Darren was steady and capable–twenty–nine, in his prime, a Harvard graduate. Graham had mentored him, too.

Claudia hadn’t known any of this. Shawn filled her in along the way.

“Claudia, there’s no need to worry. Graham anticipated complications. If anything had gone wrong at the notary’s, I have another copy of the will. If the Bowman family tries anything, we’re prepared. You really don’t have to stress over it.”

Claudia frowned. It wasn’t worry she felt–more like a sudden, heavy wave of missing her grandfather.

He’d always looked out for her quietly, shielding her from hardship while he was alive. But after he passed the greed and scheming of the Bowman family had pulled her into the shadows.

Thankfully, she’d met Harold.

Her cheeks warmed. Why am I thinking about him now?

Southhall Compound was designed in a layout resembling a keyhole–three main wings connected by courtyards and corridors.

Beyond the grand ballroom and entrance hall, which wealthy families rented for events, the front and rear halls were reserved for meetings. When those were booked, much of the estate was closed to the public. Access required prior approval and scheduling.

The side buildings contained suites for important guests, along with lounges, libraries, art studios, game rooms–practically every luxury amenity one could imagine.

Claudia had never been inside before, but she understood its significance.

This sprawling property was where the wealthy and influential came to connect.

She couldn’t help but feel stunned. Her grandfather had owned all of this, and hardly anyone knew. No wonder the Bowman family had been circling like vultures after his death.

“Claudia, Darren will walk you through all the operational details. If anything’s unclear, you can always reach out to me. I’ll help however I can,” Shawn said.

He added, “Upstairs in the main office, there are some personal items Graham left behind. You should take a look when you have time.”

They had arrived at a section of the estate called Malus House.

They hadn’t entered through the main gate. The car pulled into a private parking area beside the building. Malus House was exclusive–the first floor held a reception lobby, the second contained studies and offices, and the floors above were private living quarters.

That was where Graham used to spend most of his time.

Claudia glanced at the floor plans in her hand. The place was so vast she’d likely get lost wandering alone.

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