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?"

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

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

diamond necklace up for everyone to see. The gems

taking back the necklace my grandmother left to me," Isadora said coolly. "Is that really worth all this

necklace in Isadora's hand. She'd been so busy tonight that she hadn't even noticed Pearl was wearing it. If she had,

a point of contention ever since Eleanor's mother-in-law passed 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 anymore. Ever since Isadora had come back into the family, Pearl had

couldn't bring herself to insist. She'd figured

necklace was given to Pearl on her eighteenth birthday.

let out a derisive laugh, the sound brittle and cold. "You really do dote on your fake daughter, don't you, Mom? Aren't you afraid Grandma will come back

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

you hadn't come back to the Vaughan family, this necklace would