Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 458

Chapter 458 A Costly Kiss

“Come with me,” he said, reaching for Diana’s hand to pull her away.

“Hold on.” Diana turned back toward Brian. “Mr. Hughes, you haven’t paid yet.”

Gareth’s expression twisted, but before he could speak Brian waved a dismissive hand.

“Sure! My wife calls the shots,” Brian said, taking out his phone and initiating a transfer immediately.

“Ding-”

Brian transferred five hundred million dollars.

Diana held up her phone, flashing the notification right in front of Gareth’s eyes. “Five hundred million.”

“Satisfied, Mrs. Hughes…?” Brian chuckled, pulling her comfortably against his side.

Gareth stood rooted to the spot.

Mrs. Hughes…

+10 Free Coins

“Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to introduce us properly earlier–we’re married. Legally. He’s my husband,” Diana said, pressing her lips together to suppress a triumphant smile.

“Appreciate you looking out for my wife, Mr. Williams,” Brian added with a cordial but distant smile.

Gareth felt a lump form in his throat.

That girl hadn’t changed one bit!

When it came to outmaneuvering him, her creativity was endless.

But he could hardly demand the money back now.

At least she hadn’t been taken advantage of by a stranger.

Then again, when had Diana ever been the one to lose?

He’d seriously underestimated her.

“Well, I won’t intrude on your evening any further,” Gareth managed, forcing the words out before turning to leave, his shoulders visibly slumped in defeat.

Diana gave a cheerful little wave. “Bye–bye now.”

Once Gareth was out of sight, Diana finally let out a long, relieved breath.

“Your biological father?” Brian asked quietly.

“Not in any way that matters,” Diana said with a dismissive pout. “I’m starving, honey.”

Brian simply smiled. If she didn’t want to elaborate, that was fine–he could certainly afford to indulge her.

1/3

11:22 am

Chapter 458 A Costly Kiss

+10 Free Coins

Alright, he’s gone. No need for the performance anymore,” Isabelle said, feigning a shudder. “It’s getting a bit much to watch.” “Who’s performing? We are legally married.” Diana glanced sideways at Brian. “Right?”

“Right,” Brian affirmed, sliding the plate of steak he had just finished cutting for her closer. “Care for some wine?”

“Just a little,” Diana said, spearing a piece of steak and beginning to eat.

She hadn’t planned on a big meal–just dinner and then heading home to crash–but of course someone had to show up and sour the mood halfway through.

She noticed Gareth’s business card still on the table, picked it up, and tossed it neatly into a nearby trash bin.

“Ordered all this wine?” she asked, gesturing to the bottles.

“Compliments of the house,” Brian replied.

“The owner’s being generous, sending over bottles this nice.”

The other three exchanged a glance but said nothing.

Mrs. Cross, i wouldn’t mind a little taste of wine myself,” Damian said carefully, nudging the plate of steak tartare toward Isabelle as he spoke in a cautious, almost pleading tone.

It had been a long time since he’d had any alcohol. His leg was largely healed now–a small amount wouldn’t hurt–but he was wary of the smell bothering her.

“Then transfer me five hundred million too. No–you have to top Brian. Make it more.”

Damian gave a rueful smile. “At least Brian got a kiss for his money. All I want is a sip…”

Isabelle cupped his face with both hands and planted a firm kiss on his lips. As soon as she pulled back, she kissed him again, a series of quick, light pecks that felt more like an enthusiastic bird than a romantic gesture.

Damian was momentarily stunned. Was she trying to bankrupt him?

“So, Mr. Cross, what’s your offer?” Isabelle grinned.

She really was something else.

“Alright, that’s enough, you two…” Brian interjected, sounding genuinely pained.

He was pretty much full already.

Full from all the second–hand romance.

Diana was halfway to tipsy but still fairly coherent. Since neither of the men could drive, Brian called for a car service.

Damian had Bruce come to pick them up.

Brian and Diana left first.

Isabelle held Damian’s hand as they strolled along the riverbank path, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

2/3

11:22 am

Chapter 458 A Costly Kiss.

+10 Free Coins

“That Gareth guy.. he didn’t seem entirely heartless. At least he just handed over three hundred million like it was nothing,” Isabelle mused, resting her head against Damian’s shoulder.

“And?” Damian scoffed lightly.

Abandoning his wife and daughter, and now trying to play the concerned father once she’s grown?

“It just feels like there might be a shred of conscience left in him.”

Especially when Diana was leaning in to kiss Brian–Gareth had looked like he was about to have an aneurysm!

And yet he still forked over the three hundred million. Back then, he’d tried to fob her off with three thousand. Who would have guessed he’d later toss out thirty million just as easily, and now three hundred.

“If he had a conscience, he wouldn’t have walked out on his family when they were struggling. What you’re seeing now is probably just for show. The three hundred million is guilt money–that’s not a conscience, that’s a guilty conscience,” Damian explained patiently.

Isabelle listened and nodded. That did make sense. Then she asked, “But will he try to get it back later?”

“He won’t get it back. Knowing Diana, she’d sooner throw the money into this river than give it back to him. And he probably won’t ask.”

“Why?”

“Now that he knows Brian is Diana’s husband, why would he sabotage a potential golden connection? If he demanded the money back, he’d likely lose out on far more. You think Brian wouldn’t dismantle his entire company?” Damian chuckled. Brian always came across as easygoing and polite, but he was far from naïve.

“Honey, you’re so sharp!” Isabelle couldn’t help but look up at him with genuine admiration.

Hearing such open praise from her made Damian’s lips curve into a satisfied smile, his pleasure plain to see. “If I weren’t at least a little perceptive, how could I have been lucky enough to marry you?”

Isabelle giggled and hugged his arm a little tighter as they continued their walk.

3/3

11:23 am