Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 18

This sort of thing was hardly a big deal in Richard's eyes.

Just a petty spat between his two daughters-nothing more than a flash of

jealousy.

But he couldn't have this kind of childish spectacle turning into a laughingstock at the Vaughan family's 30th anniversary gala.

It would be a stain on the family's reputation and dignity.

Richard just wanted the matter settled quickly. Glancing at Pearl's tear-stained face, he turned to Isadora and said, "Isadora, hand the necklace back to Pearl for now. We'll discuss this after the party."

As soon as the words were out, the guests turned their eyes on Isadora, and she felt the weight of their sympathy, pity, and thinly veiled amusement.

She watched Eleanor comforting Pearl, Richard shielding Pearl-together, they looked every bit the picture of a loving, united family.

And she? She felt like the unwelcome outsider, the villain ruining their peace.

to swallow the lump in her throat, determined not

Suddenly-

hall—measured, but with a sharp edge of anger. "If this diamond necklace is meant as a daughter's wedding gift from the Vaughan family, then it belongs with Isadora. Why should she give it

cut through the hum of conversation. The next moment, Isadora found herself enveloped in a familiar but

looked up and

furrowed instinctively, and she immediately pulled away

gray suit, his tie perfectly straight, adding

cold, a presence so imposing

stunned by his icy

noticed when

outstripped that of the Vaughans-and to

necklace went to Pearl or Isadora didn't matter to

forward to defend Isadora, the balance

you've walked in on a bit of family squabble. Just a harmless misunderstanding between my daughters. The diamond necklace was

fell as she heard the sudden change

eyes shining with tears, she gazed at Eleanor, silently pleading for her

Eleanor understood immediately.