Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 112

Isadora's expression darkened, the last traces of drowsiness vanishing from her mind.

She hugged her arms around herself, her voice cool and distant. "So this is how you reward women, Mr. Fitzgerald?"

Victor could feel the shift-moments ago, the woman in his arms had been soft and affectionate, but now her mood seemed to turn on a dime.

He never understood how women's minds worked.

He just wanted to give her something, that was all.

But despite her even tone, Isadora's words were edged with distance.

Victor lowered his gaze and fixed her with a penetrating look. "I've told you before -I've only ever slept with you."

Sleep together? Sure, they had. But everyone in the city knew Victor Fitzgerald had a string of women vying for his attention. Of course he was used to handing out gifts and favors as if it meant nothing. Why would she be any different?

Isadora replied, "There's nothing I want, but thank you for your... generosity, Mr. Fitzgerald."

With that, she shifted away from Victor's embrace, moving to the far side of the bed.

Victor's eyes grew cold.

of him figure

quiet breathing the

over and gently turned

cheek, thumb brushing lightly over

you so

words cut straight to her core, stripping away the thin

Yes, she was sensitive.

to live with the Vaughans, she'd felt like an outsider, always treading carefully, desperate to

she was being good, she'd say, "Isadora, you've done well lately. What would

She was happy to accept whatever was

until one day, Pearl swaggered in wearing an amethyst necklace-the one Eleanor had won at the Northmarch charity auction and given to

sneered, "That laptop you've got? It's worth, what, a couple hundred dollars? You think that's a sign they love you? They hand out little trinkets like that to the housekeepers when they

ask for anything and not feel ashamed, not sit around waiting for scraps. You're pathetic, you know that? Just a pitiful

not before tossing over her shoulder, "Oh, and in case you didn't notice, my necklace is worth more than eighty grand.

down the hallway, leaving

need the Vaughans' charity anymore, but the memories still made

in Isadora's eyes as she whispered,

caught the emotion