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.

swallow the lump in her throat, determined

Suddenly-

edge of anger. "If this diamond necklace is meant as a daughter's wedding gift from the Vaughan family, then it belongs

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

and saw

and she immediately pulled away

perfectly straight, adding to

above the crowd, gaze remote and expression cold, a presence so imposing that the entire room seemed to shrink

was stunned by his

noticed when

far outstripped that of the Vaughans-and to Richard,

went to Pearl or Isadora didn't

to defend Isadora, the balance had

to smooth things over. "Magnus, I'm afraid you've walked in on a bit of family squabble. Just a harmless misunderstanding between my daughters. The diamond necklace was always meant as a wedding gift from the Vaughan family-naturally,

as she heard the sudden change

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

Eleanor understood immediately.