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.

twenty-fourth birthday—a major milestone. As

through her purse for

and pressed Eleanor's hand down, voice icy. "He isn't my concern anymore. Why should I

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

in a low voice, "Isadora, your mother's gone to great lengths to make this

wasn't just Isadora's birthday—it was the Vaughan heiress's birthday. And if her fiancé didn't bother to show, the gossip

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

Group's executive office hasn't said a word

Magnus is has nothing to do with

Everyone knows you're

"Isadora, your father's made it clear-your marriage is tied to the future of the Vaughan Group. Unless you can find

Isadora fell silent.

have any idea how much this means to your parents? Why

room was quiet.