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.

birthday—a major milestone. As your

through her purse for her

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

lingered on Isadora. "You're the one who said your boyfriend was coming. Now you claim he's not

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

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

phone. "I said my boyfriend was coming, but as it happens, he's away on

Wainwright Group's executive office hasn't said a word about any business

flicker of irritation crossed Isadora's face. "Where Magnus is has nothing to do with

your boyfriend? Then who is? Everyone knows you're engaged to the Wainwright family-who else would

of the Vaughan Group. Unless you can find a

Isadora fell silent.

much this means to your parents? Why are you making a mess

quiet. Then Isadora's