Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 17

Pearl was just basking in her own satisfaction when, out of nowhere, Isadora stepped forward.

Without warning, Isadora yanked the diamond necklace from around Pearl's neck, snapping the chain so abruptly that Pearl barely registered what had happened. All she felt was a sharp, burning pain-as if her neck had been torn right along with the necklace.

A thin red scratch was already blooming across her skin, blood beginning to bead along the line.

"Ah!" she cried, pain stinging her eyes with tears. Her whole neck felt like it was on fire.

The commotion drew the attention of everyone in the ballroom. Heads turned as curious onlookers made their way over, eager for gossip.

Eleanor rushed over, flustered and anxious. "What on earth is going on?"

herself into Eleanor's arms. "Mom, did you hear the way Isadora was speaking to you just now? I told her not to talk to you like that, and instead she just

angry, bleeding scratch on Pearl's neck. She shot Isadora a furious glare. "Isadora, what do

necklace up for everyone to see. The gems sparkled coldly beneath the lights, the

taking back the necklace my grandmother left to me,"

that she hadn't even noticed Pearl was wearing it. If she had, she never would have let her daughter put it

away. Back then, she'd tried to gently persuade Pearl to return it, promising her a piece of jewelry of equal value in exchange. But Pearl had burst into tears, asking if Eleanor didn't love her

the daughter she'd raised and loved for twenty years, couldn't bring herself to

her lips together, Eleanor said stiffly, "That necklace was given to Pearl on her eighteenth birthday. You weren't even back with the Vaughan family

on your fake daughter, don't you, Mom? Aren't you afraid

hush fell over the crowd; the word "fake daughter" echoed in the air, sparking a fresh wave of whispers. Pearl's anger flared, overshadowing the pain

darkened. Embarrassed and furious, she snapped, "Isadora, that's enough! If you hadn't come back to the Vaughan family, this necklace would have belonged to Pearl-end of