Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 882

Chapter 882 Zander Disappears Again

Chapter 882 Zander Disappears Again

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As the evening reception got underway, Claudia slipped into a gown as well. It hadn’t been part of her original plan for the night.

The Southhall Compound was collaborating with the family–owned winery run by Dolores‘ father. Since Dolores didn’t have any prior commitments that evening, she’d stepped into represent the business.

“You’ve got to look the part if you’re in management, otherwise no one takes you seriously,” Dolores insisted. She’d borrowed a couple of outfits from their friend Molly earlier, insisting Claudia change too.

“How are things between you and Harvey?” Claudia asked, adjusting the ribbon on Dolores‘ dress while they stood in front of the mirror.

Dolores offered a small, tight smile. “I called off the engagement with that jerk. Hanestly, I’m too nervous to go back to the office now–Harvey’s going to tear into me.” She pressed her lips together, her eyes drifting over Claudia’s black slip dress. “Harold really lucked out with you.”

Claudia returned the smile softly.

“What about those gifts you picked up for him…?” Claudia ventured.

Dolores‘ expression clouded slightly. “I never gave them to him.”

She still hadn’t figured out how to approach Harvey about the whole mess–the awkwardness was too much. Besides, Harvey was buried in a major real estate deal and hadn’t had time to check in on her. The only noticeable change was that, without her around to select his suits, he’d been cycling through outfits at a surprising rate.

According to Howard, Harvey’s moods had been all over the place lately–up one minute, down the next. Howard was practically begging Dolores to come back soon so he wouldn’t be stuck choosing Harvey’s ties and jackets every morning,

eturn. Harvey had formally requested time off for her after the Columbus Day weekend, and But Dolores was still too uneasy to more than a week had passed since. She still couldn’t muster the courage to clear the air.

Harvey, for his part, hadn’t pressed the issue–probably trying to give her space. That was why her father had gently pushed her to help out at the Southhall Compound tonight, hoping it would distract her a little instead of leaving her cooped up at home.

“If you’re not ready to go back to work, you could always help me out here for a while,” Claudia suggested, smoothing the fabric of Dolores‘ dress. “We’ve been pretty swamped lately.”

“Thank God I have you guys,” Dolores replied, managing to sound almost casual about it now. “Otherwise I’d really be in over my head.”

Still chatting lightly, the two women made their way downstairs.

As they reached the lower hall, Darren happened to be walking through with Zander in his arms. His gaze lingered on Dolores for a brief moment before shifting back to Claudia. “Everything’s set up on our end. No issues reported from Stella’s team.”

“Good,” Claudia said. Then, with a teasing smile, she added, “Planning to mingle? There are quite a few single women here tonight.”

Darren blinked, caught off guard.

Dolores chuckled “Claudia, that was way too obvious. You should’ve just asked him to keep an eye on the provi. Put it like that

10:46 am MM MM.

Chapter 882 Zander Disappears Again

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and of course he’s going to bolt.”

Sure enough, Darren’s ears turned pink. He hoisted–Zander a little higher. “I’ll, uh… go check on the back kitchen…”

“See? You scared him off,” Dolores laughed, watching him retreat.

“Guess I was too direct,” Claudia admitted, a suppressed smile playing on her lips.

Together, they stepped out into the softly lit yard, the sounds of the reception floating around them.

“Want to try this one?” Dolores held up a bottle. “It’s crafted for women–low alcohol, slightly sweet. Won’t knock you out.”

“I really shouldn’t. One glass is all it takes for me,” Claudia declined.

But Dolores was already pressing a glass into her hand. “Relax, I know what I’m doing. Henrietta told me you can’t handle much. Sure, one glass of fifteen- or twenty–percent would probably do you in, but this isn’t that. Look–everyone’s having some. You can’t just stand here empty–handed all night. Unless you’re planning to have Harold drink for both of you at your wedding?”

Goaded into it, Claudia accepted the sweet wine and took a small, cautious sip.

“Well?” Dolores watched her closely.

“Sweet,” Claudia said, and took another sip.

“Not bad, right?”

“Actually, yeah,” Claudia conceded.

“Just take it easy, though,” Dolores warned lightly. “Don’t overdo it. Harold might actually hit someone if you do.”

Claudia laughed. “He wouldn’t hit you.”

“Who knows? His reputation is pretty much rock–bottom…”

Guess Harold’s reputation really did precede him.

Midway through the party, Claudia realized Keith was no longer in sight, she’d spotted her earlier in a light blue dress, chatting with a small group, but now she’d vanished.

Given Keith’s history with her, Claudia wouldn’t have allowed her in at all if Stella hadn’t vouched for her. Keeping her guard up, Claudia signaled to one of the circulating servers.

“Looking for someone?” Dolores leaned in. following her gaze.

“A rat,” Claudia said quietly. “I don’t want her stirring up trouble tonight.” Her eyes flicked to the new bottle Dolores was

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