Chapter 305: Moving In The Right Direction

Morgan’s expression remained unreadable.

He didn’t need to ask what had happened up there.

The rings told him enough.

This cunning man moves quickly, Morgan thought.

Kristoff Dalton had apparently decided that if he couldn’t win over Isobel’s family through conventional means, he would simply establish his position first and let everyone else catch up.

He was truly bold.

Infuriatingly bold!

And, judging by Isobel’s expression, it was not entirely unwelcome.

Morgan said nothing.

Julian, however, had no intention of letting the matter go.

"Isobel, what did he say to you?"

Before she could answer, Kristoff interjected smoothly.

"I told her the truth. I want to be with her."

Julian glared at him.

"And who gave you permission?"

"Does that mean I should submit a formal application?"

"Kristoff!" Isobel’s voice rose, warning him.

"All right, all right." Kristoff raised his free hand in surrender, though the mischievous smile tugging at his lips betrayed him. "I’ll behave."

Julian looked as though he was seriously debating whether punching some sense into the man would be worth the trouble.

Then his gaze dropped to Isobel’s hand.

He froze.

A platinum ring gleamed on her finger, catching the light as if deliberately flaunting its existence. Julian’s eyes narrowed. He glanced at Kristoff’s hand, where the matching ring seemed to mock him.

"Who would’ve thought the dignified Kristoff Dalton could be so shameless?" he scoffed.

"You failed to put that ring on her finger earlier, so you resorted to kidnapping her and putting it on her up there?"

His gaze snapped to Isobel, his expression turning serious.

"Did he force you into this? Just say the word, sweetheart. Your father will handle it."

"Dad, I agreed to it." Isobel lowered her eyes, suddenly finding the ground below far more interesting than anyone around.

Julian let out a long, exasperated sigh. His daughter was simply too softhearted for her own good. Still, at least it wasn’t an engagement ring. He could tolerate that much.

For now.

Leanne stepped forward and gently rested a hand on her husband’s arm.

"Julian, let them be. It’s getting late, and the children are already asleep. Whatever needs discussing can wait until tomorrow."

Her gaze briefly settled on Isobel’s ring before returning to her face. A small, knowing smile curved her lips.

"Besides, Isobel doesn’t look particularly unhappy to me."

Julian turned to his wife in disbelief.

"You’re taking his side?"

"I’m taking no one’s side," Leanne replied serenely. "I’m simply stating what’s obvious to everyone but you."

Kristoff’s smile widened.

Julian caught it at once.

"And you!" He pointed an accusing finger at Kristoff. "Don’t you dare look so pleased with yourself!"

Instantly, Kristoff schooled his features into an expression of solemn respect.

It lasted exactly two seconds before the corners of his mouth betrayed him again.

Morgan finally spoke.

"Sis, it’s getting late. Let’s go home. It’s been a long day, and you need some rest."

Isobel nodded.

"All right."

She glanced at Kristoff. For a moment, their eyes met.

He didn’t try to stop her or ask her to stay. Instead, he gave her hand one last gentle squeeze before letting go.

The gesture was small, but it made her heart soften.

"I’ll call you later," he murmured.

Isobel’s fingers brushed against the ring on her middle finger.

"Don’t do anything foolish," she warned quietly.

His smile returned.

"I’ll try."

"Kristoff."

"I promise to try very hard."

She gave him a helpless look before turning to follow the Fosters toward the car park.

Kristoff watched her go.

He watched the gentle sway of her hair, the way Morgan slowed his pace to walk beside her, and the way Julian continued grumbling even as Leanne tried to calm him down.

When Isobel disappeared around the corner with her family, Kristoff finally lowered his gaze to the platinum ring on his middle finger. He twisted it once, a quiet smile spreading across his face.

Isobel was officially his girlfriend.

It wasn’t a marriage proposal. Nor was it a promise of forever.

But it was a beginning, and for Kristoff Dalton, that was more than enough to put him in an unusually good mood.

He had spent most of his life pursuing whatever he wanted with unwavering confidence. Yet somehow, winning Isobel’s heart had proven to be a far more complicated battle than any business deal he had ever negotiated.

The irony wasn’t lost on him.

His relationship with Isobel seemed to be unfolding backward, as though someone had decided to count down instead of up.

They had shared a bed before they ever started dating. Then came their son. He had proposed, only to receive an indirect rejection. And now, at last, she had agreed to be his girlfriend.

What a peculiar progression.

Still, he wasn’t about to complain. At least they were finally moving in the right direction.

But if he wanted to make this relationship work, he would have to put in the effort. No more relying on his usual confidence and expecting things to fall into place. He needed to court Isobel properly and win her heart one step at a time.

And there was another problem he couldn’t afford to overlook.

The men of the Foster family.

They were already suspicious of him, and judging by Julian’s reaction tonight, they would hardly roll out the welcome mat for him. If Kristoff wanted a future with Isobel, he would have to win over her family, too.

A daunting task, perhaps.

But Kristoff Dalton had never been one to back down from a challenge.

He slipped his hands into his pockets and headed toward Ballroom No. 3, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

For the first time that evening, his steps felt remarkably light.

The cocktail party was still in full swing. Famous musicians were entertaining the guests, champagne flowed freely, and influential businessmen were gathering in small circles to discuss investments, acquisitions, and the next lucrative opportunity.

Kristoff had a feeling tonight would be a good night for business.

After all, he had already secured one victory.

Perhaps he could close another deal or two before the evening ended.

He entered the ballroom with a spring in his step, the platinum ring glinting beneath the chandeliers.

For once, Kristoff Dalton had every reason to be in a good mood.

And he intended to enjoy every minute of it.