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.

her throat, determined not to let anyone see her

Suddenly-

rang through the 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.

through the hum of conversation. The next moment, Isadora found herself

and saw

instinctively, and she

Magnus wore a cool-toned gray suit, his tie perfectly straight, adding

crowd, gaze remote and expression cold, a presence so imposing

by

even noticed when Magnus

influence far outstripped that of the Vaughans-and to Richard, family advantage

went to Pearl or Isadora didn't

Magnus stepping forward to defend Isadora, the balance

I'm afraid you've walked in on a bit of family squabble. Just a harmless misunderstanding

as she heard the sudden

gazed at Eleanor, silently pleading for her mother to stand

Eleanor understood immediately.