Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 146

Eleanor glided into the room on Richard's arm, draped in a pearl-trimmed shawl over her one-shoulder gown, while Richard looked every bit the part in his tailored suit.

Eleanor barely waited for the door to close before asking, “Isadora, the party's already started where on earth is Magnus?"

Isadora stood up from the sofa as they entered. “Magnus isn't coming tonight.”

Eleanor's face tightened with a frown.

Everyone in high society knew that Isadora and Magnus were on the rocks; gossip traveled fast in their world, and the stories always grew more twisted the farther they spread. Now people were whispering that Isadora had lost to Elise, that she was playing games with Magnus she couldn't possibly win, that she was out of her league.

Eleanor had felt utterly humiliated among the other society ladies. Just yesterday at the spa, she'd spotted Faustina and had hurried over, hoping to say a few flattering words. But Faustina had looked at her like she was something stuck to her shoe. Eleanor had nearly choked on her own indignation.

Tonight, she was counting on Magnus to show up. She'd even orchestrated an affectionate opening dance for Isadora and Magnus-an attempt to quash all the ugly rumors swirling about the family.

Now, with Magnus' absence, it felt like the entire Vaughan family's reputation was on the line.

Magnus here? This is your twenty-fourth birthday—a major milestone. As your fiancé, he should be here. That's

through her purse for her phone, already

voice icy. "He isn't my concern anymore. Why should I be the one to make

boyfriend was coming. Now you claim he's not your concern? Isadora, what

low voice, "Isadora, your mother's gone to great lengths to make this birthday special. All our most

implication was clear: this wasn't just Isadora's birthday—it was the Vaughan heiress's birthday. And

unmoving phone. "I said my boyfriend was coming, but as it happens,

“Business trip? The Wainwright Group's executive office hasn't said a

irritation crossed Isadora's face. "Where Magnus is has nothing to

who is? Everyone knows you're engaged to the Wainwright

future of the Vaughan

Isadora fell silent.

was beside herself. "Isadora, do you have any idea how much this means to your parents? Why are you making a mess of such

moment, the room was quiet. Then Isadora's voice rang out,