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.

herself to swallow the lump in her throat, determined not to let anyone see

Suddenly-

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

conversation. The next moment, Isadora found herself enveloped in a familiar

looked up and saw Magnus's stony

she immediately

wore a cool-toned gray suit, his tie perfectly

gaze remote and expression cold, a presence so imposing that the entire

stunned by

even noticed when

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

diamond necklace went to Pearl or

stepping forward to defend Isadora, the balance had clearly shifted

smile, trying 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

fell as she heard the sudden

she gazed at Eleanor, silently pleading for her mother to

Eleanor understood immediately.