Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 164

Isadora's voice was cold as ice. "Funny, isn't it? When I needed you most, you were nowhere to be found. Now, I don't need you anymore."

Eleanor's heart twisted in pain. "Isadora, even mothers make mistakes. If you'd grown up with me if you'd been by my side all those years ago-none of this would have happened. You would have always been the one I loved most."

That was the last straw for Isadora. Her composure collapsed, and her anger spilled over.

"So it's my fault for not growing up with you?" she shot back, her voice shaking. "That's why you turned your back on me?"

She drew a ragged breath, fury and heartbreak tangled in her eyes. "It was Carla's selfishness that switched me and Pearl's places. For Pearl, she was willing to give up everything. And you my own parents-I thought you'd be my shelter, my support. But all the storms I've weathered came from you."

Eleanor saw agony flicker across Isadora's face, and it felt like a knife twisting in her chest.

She wanted to say something more, but Isadora had already turned and run.

Eleanor stood frozen, watching her daughter's retreating figure disappear without a hint of hesitation. Tears stung her eyes.

Isadora, this is all my fault.

Isadora raced down to the underground parking garage, slid into her car, and took a long, trembling breath.

sat quietly for a moment, trying to steady herself, before finally starting the engine and pulling

arrived at the event, the

staff member quickly ushered her to the

and tonight's guest list was filled with Capitolion's elite: socialites, celebrities, top journalists, and

reception was opulent, draped in European elegance. Waiters glided by

was busy mingling with M Boutique's executives, a glass of champagne in hand. When she spotted Isadora arrive, she hurried over and introduced her

greeted Isadora with a polite smile-gone was his former arrogance. He even attempted an awkward greeting in English, his

"Hello, Miss Vaughan."

smiled politely and nodded.

said, "I must apologize for last

I hope you

name made Isadora pause,

to be joining with The

from across the room. Mason clapped him on the chest. "Long time no see! You keep dodging my invitations for

were old friends from their Northmarch university days, and their camaraderie

between Isadora and Magnus. He turned to introduce her. "This is Miss Vaughan-her

and forth between them, a mischievous glint in his eye.