Reborn Heiress Is Remarrying
Chapter 106: A Seat At The Table

Chapter 106: A Seat At The Table

Chapter 106: A Seat at the Table

As the car ride to the estate was a bit too silent, Diane couldn’t stop thinking of ways to defend herself from Isla’s stupid behaviour.

Gabriel’s fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel, but Diane knew better than to mistake the casual rhythm for calmness.

He was tense. He looked stressed.

And she understood why.

Gabriel’s father Victor Frost was a man of power, legacy, and impossible standards.

A man who saw the world in black and white, winners and losers.

And tonight, Diane would be under his scrutiny.

The estate was finally ahead, a huge and massive structure of pristine stone and glass...it showed all its presence as imposing as the man who ruled it.

As they pulled up to the grand entrance, a line of uniformed staff stood ready to receive them.

Diane exhaled slowly, gripping the edge of her dress. "Let’s get this over with."

Gabriel glanced at her. "You don’t have to prove anything to him."

Diane smirked. "I know. But he thinks I do. And that makes it so much more fun."

Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head as he stepped out and walked around to open her door.

They ascended the marble steps together, the heavy doors opened before they even had to knock.

The dining room was extravagant, a long mahogany table stretching down the center, with candles and fine china.

Victor Cross sat at the head, a glass of red wine in hand.

He was a tall man, his aura alone was commanding all sorts of respect.

Though he had aged gracefully, his strict features and gray eyes still had an intensity that could strip a person bare with just a look.

"Gabriel," Victor greeted, he sounded short but civil. "And Diane, finally gracing us with your presence."

Diane smiled politely, refusing to shrink under his gaze. "Mr. Frost, it’s a pleasure."

Victor gestured to a seat. "Sit."

They did.

Isla was already there, sitting comfortably, swirling her wine with a knowing smirk.

Her sons as if expecting looked perfect in their little suits, sat obediently beside her, trained for moments like this.

Victor’s eyes settled on Diane almost immediately. "You’ve had quite an eventful year, haven’t you?"

Diane took a sip of her water. "You could say that."

Victor hummed. "And reuniting with your father... What a heartwarming story. Though I imagine it must be difficult stepping into such a powerful family after so many years away."

Diane’s smile didn’t change a bit. "I manage."

Isla let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, I’m sure she does."

Victor barely acknowledged his daughter, his eyes still on Diane. "You’re still young, aren’t you?"

Diane arched her brow. "I’d like to think so."

Victor nodded, his fingers tapped against his glass.

"Youth has its advantages... and its shortcomings." He lookee toward Isla. "My daughter gave me heirs immediately. A true proof of her dedication to this family."

Diane’s fingers tightened around her fork.

"I’m sure she did," Diane said, her tone was light but edged. "I imagine it was a great personal sacrifice."

Isla smirked. "Not at all. Some of us know how to prioritise family."

Diane let out some sighs, slowly, glancing at Gabriel, expecting—something.

But he said nothing.

Instead, he reached for his wine, taking a slow sip.

Diane turned back to Victor.

"It’s wonderful that Isla was able to fulfill those expectations so quickly. Truly." She smiled, moving her chin up. "But not everyone is in a rush to become a glorified incubator."

Victor’s brow lifted slightly, but amusement could be seen in his cold eyes.

"Spoken like a woman who has yet to understand the importance of legacy."

Diane kept her smile. "Or perhaps like a woman who values choice over obligation."

The tension at the table thickened, Isla hiding a satisfied smirk behind her wine glass.

Victor let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh, Gabriel... I see why she amuses you."

Diane’s stomach growled in silence like a monster, ready to be unleashed.

She wasn’t here to amuse anyone.

Before she could respond, the doors opened, and Martin walked in, with a ruined haircut but wearing his usual cunning grin.

"Apologies for my delay," Martin said smoothly, taking his seat beside Isla. "Business."

Victor barely spared him a glance. "Business? Or excuses?"

Martin chuckled. "Can’t they be both?"

Victor sipped his wine, his disapproval looked too obvious to be hidden.

"Your greatest achievement, Martin, is marrying my daughter. Try not to forget that."

Martin’s jaw tightened for a second before his charming mask slipped back into place.

Diane watched as Victor dismantled him with just a few words. So, he does see through him.

Victor’s attention shifted back to Diane.

"You have quite the spirit, Hoffman. Though I do wonder..." He leaned back a bit, watching her. "Do you love my son?"

Diane blinked, caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

Victor’s lips curved more. "I assume you’re not here just for the name, or the security that comes with being attached to a Frost?"

Diane’s pulse quickened.

She had expected judgment. Expected scrutiny.

But to be called a gold digger to her face?

Diane exhaled, forcing herself to smile. "Oh, Mr. Frost... That’s adorable."

Victor’s brow lifted slightly. "Adorable?"

Diane leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table.

"I understand your concern. Truly. A woman like me—young, recently reconnected with her family, standing beside a man like Gabriel? Of course people might think I have ulterior motives."

Victor said nothing, waiting.

Diane’s smile widened.

"But I find it hilarious that you think I’d need to rely on Gabriel’s fortune when my own father’s net worth is more than yours."

The silence that followed was too defeating.

Even Isla blinked in surprise.

Victor studied her like a research project, his fingers tightened on his glass. "That’s quite the claim."

Diane shrugged. "Facts aren’t claims."

For the first time, Victor seemed genuinely considering her. "Hmm."

But Diane didn’t miss the way Isla was enjoying this.

Because while Diane had won that round...

Gabriel still hadn’t said a damn word.

She had been alone in that conversation.

No backup. No support.

And that—that hurt more than anything Victor could have said.