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.

lump in her throat,

Suddenly-

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.

moment, Isadora found herself enveloped in a familiar but distant

and saw Magnus's stony

furrowed instinctively, and she immediately pulled away from

suit, his tie perfectly straight,

a presence so imposing that the entire room

stunned by his icy

hadn't even noticed

of the Vaughans-and to Richard, family advantage was

diamond necklace went to Pearl or Isadora

stepping forward to defend Isadora, the balance had clearly shifted

quickly plastered on a 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.

heard the sudden change in Richard's

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

Eleanor understood immediately.