Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 177

Isadora's hand slipped, and her phone tumbled to the floor.

A woman's voice was still coming through the speaker, but Isadora ended the call on reflex.

Maybe it was just an accident.

She tried to reassure herself, but her fingers trembled on the steering wheel.

For a long moment, Isadora just sat there, folding her hands over the wheel and lowering her head against it, lost in silent, tangled thoughts.

From outside the car, the interior looked dim and shadowed. Her slender figure was hunched in the driver's seat, shoulders shaking ever so slightly with quiet despair.

***

Across the Atlantic, in Solstrand.

Victor emerged from the bathroom wearing gray lounge pants, a black sweater thrown on carelessly, and a towel draped around his neck. His hair was damp and a bit tousled.

He paused when he saw the tall woman in the living room, dressed in a crisp white shirt and jeans.

furrowed, his expression darkening.

It was Nannie Hayes.

had once sacrificed himself to save Victor's mother during a kidnapping. In gratitude, Mrs. Fitzgerald had taken responsibility for Nannie, supporting her and providing for

changed the entire course

were close in age, and as a child, Nannie had often played with him, always at his side. If you squinted, you could almost call

almost like a chess piece: as long as she obeyed, prosperity and privilege were hers. But one day, this loyal pawn

she sent Nannie abroad. Nearly ten years had

only here because the old lady had called, asking her

the man

as breathtaking as ever: sharply defined features, a strong nose, and those hooded eyes that always held a hint of mischief. Nothing about him

glance, and she felt her heart

lady

me to check on you. She was worried you'd get so caught up

insulated container on

the towel once more through his damp hair, tossed it into the laundry basket, and,

ducked her head, uncomfortable. "Yes. I was going to bring it

between his long fingers, his gaze turning cold. "Unless it's important,

quietly, obedient as ever.