Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 160

Isadora stood there, feeling like an item on display, waiting to be appraised and sold.

Today, she wore a simple white dress with delicate pleats at the neckline— minimalist, yet undeniably elegant. The dress hugged her slender figure, accentuating every subtle curve. She wore no jewelry; her light brown hair, softly curled, was pinned back in an unadorned style, revealing a fresh, luminous face with sparkling eyes and a bright smile.

She really was a beauty.

No wonder her grandson was so taken with her.

Deanna's gaze lingered for a moment before she spoke, her tone calm and measured. "Miss Vaughan, please sit."

Isadora wondered why Mrs. Fitzgerald had invited her here so suddenly. Her only impression of this woman came from that phone call she'd overheard-Deanna's voice had sounded warm and loving as she spoke to Victor.

Now, in person, Deanna looked every bit the gracious matriarch, but there was an unmistakable authority in her eyes-a quiet intensity that made Isadora inexplicably nervous.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Fitzgerald."

stood nearby, heating water and preparing tea. The garden surrounding them was filled with rare and beautiful flowers—Isadora even spotted what looked like an edelweiss among the

gentle clink of china as the tea was poured, a serene ritual that carried a strange undercurrent of tension, making Isadora's nerves hum

last, Deanna broke the

Vaughan, do you

tea was clear and golden, the aroma rich and lingering, the taste impossibly smooth, with a sweetness that blossomed on her

Isadora could tell this

she

tea of this quality. Each year, only a few precious ounces are produced. That sip you just

Fifty thousand a sip?

choked on

sharp, appraising eyes. Forcing herself to

Deanna's smile never wavered.

our only grandchild. His parents died when he was just six, and my husband and I devoted

fingers pressing tightly around