Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 883

Chapter 883 Harvey’s Open Hand

She had just returned from overseas. The two of them had met abroad previously.

“Yeah, that’s her,” Keith said, glancing over at Claudia once more.

“She seems nice,” Ruth remarked. She wasn’t aware of Keith’s past history with Claudia.

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Keith shot Ruth a frustrated look. “She’s engaged to Harold. They have a child together–but that kid isn’t even biologically theirs.”

“Seriously?” Ruth was taken aback.

She’d caught wind of a few things about Harold.

He’d only sent invitations to close friends and immediate family. Anyone outside that inner circle hadn’t made the list.

Not many people knew much about the Cross family, either.

Seeing Ruth’s reaction, Keith continued, “So if she and Harold have their own child someday, you really think Zander won’t be pushed to the sidelines? Sent off to some relative out in the country?”

“The Cross family is well–off. Feeding one more child isn’t exactly a hardship,” Ruth pointed out.

Keith let out a short, dry laugh. “Claudia’s marrying up. There’s no way she’s going to be okay with another woman’s child hanging around long–term. She tolerates Zander now because of Harold. Once she has her own baby? Whether she’ll still have any time for him–that’s a whole other story.”

“I don’t think Ms. Bowman is like that,” Ruth replied, growing uneasy with the direction of the conversation.

She knew how people gossiped in these circles, but Stella–who hosted these gatherings–didn’t keep company with backbiters. If Stella overheard this kind of talk, Ruth doubted she’d want to work with her, either.

Besides, there was that clip Lysandre had posted online–the one of Claudia rescuing Zander at the riding academy. It had made the rounds, even overseas.

Ruth had heard the whole incident might have had something to do with Keith.

question Keith’s character a bit.

seemed to have forgotten that episode entirely.

he conversation elsewhere, but Keith kept going “Zander’s just a foster kid. Once she’s married into the family. have him placed elsewhere sooner or later.”

n’t help cutting in. “Maybe we shouldn’t speculate about other people’s family matters. It’s really not our business, And ss family has a long military background–they’re not naive. If Ms. Bowman had bad intentions, they’d probably see right ugh it.”

eith looked at Ruth and offered an awkward smile, realizing she might have overstepped

Not long after their conversation wrapped up, the reception began winding down.

Then, Darren’s tense voice carried over from the backyard

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10:47 am MM MM

Chapter 883 Harvey’s Open Hand

Zander was missing–again.

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Claudia had been walking back toward the main house with Dolores when she caught the news. Her stomach dropped.

Zander wasn’t the type to wander off with just anyone.

He was a careful kid. Both Damian and Harold had killed safety into him. There was no chance he’d follow a stranger.

He’d been to the property plenty of times, too–it wasn’t like he’d get lost on the grounds.

Claudia threw a quick glance toward the server who’d been nearby.

The server promptly explained, “I kept an eye on her the whole time. She was mostly talking to Ruth. Didn’t speak much with anyone else, never left the area or went anywhere unusual.”

Hearing that only made Claudia more anxious.

If Keith had been involved, at least she was still here–they could question her directly.

But according to the server, nothing seemed out of place.

Darren hurried over. “He was right with me the whole time. We’ve also got security posted at the rear exit. They knew today was important, so they were extra vigilant. No one went out. Zander has to be somewhere on the property.”

Dolores muttered under her breath, “How do you lose a kid right under your nose?”

Darren looked genuinely embarrassed. This one was

s on him.

“Where was the last place you saw him?” Claudia asked, pushing aside the urge to assign blame.

The last time Zander went missing

up

the mountains. She was terrified he might have been lured away again.

“By the small pond out back,” Darren answered.

They’d just returned from the second patio, laughing and sharing cake as they walked.

Only a handful of guests remained, chatting in small groups.

f

Darren had exchanged a few words with an acquaintance–and when he turned back, Zander was gone.

He’d already had someone pull the security footage and organize a search team. He’d also instructed the front gate to tighten checks and screen everyone coming or going.

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