Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 178

Here's a culturally localized, natural English adaptation for a Western novel audience:

"I'm not getting engaged—and even if I were, it certainly wouldn't be to you."

Nannie knew Victor's temper all too well; he never cared about saving anyone's pride, not even for a moment.

If he didn't care about someone or something—he wouldn't even bother with empty politeness.

A sharp pang twisted in Nannie's chest.

She forced a smile, though it barely reached her eyes. "My mom's birthday is coming up. Grandma finally agreed to let me fly home for a visit. Would it be all right if I traveled with you?"

Victor's reply was as flat as ever. "That's not going to work."

Nannie was caught off guard.

They'd grown up together, more or less childhood friends, and even after all these years apart, she thought at least a trace of that old bond remained.

Besides, her father had died saving the Fitzgerald family.

Would it really be such a big deal to share his private jet for a few hours?

before she could say more, Victor said bluntly, "My girlfriend wouldn't be comfortable

at him in disbelief.

the woman he'd just been talking to on

glacial as it flicked over her. "Is that any of

smile faded. "Right. I'll be

out, her heart aching with a bitter, sour

time she'd ever heard Victor-the Fitzgerald

spoke about her, his eyes took on a depth and glow, like sunlight shimmering on

woman could have found her

as long

when she was the daughter of the man who'd

Victor immediately dialed

his ear, absentmindedly opening the small, elegant black velvet

sapphire bracelet-dozens of exquisite blue gems linked

stone had been carefully cut and polished, sparkling like a

was no question: the bracelet was a rare treasure, and its

cared much about jewelry—until he learned what

The phone rang.

from the steering

her phone, letting it ring,