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?

she could say more, Victor said

stared at him in disbelief. "You... you

just been talking

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

of Nannie's smile

her heart aching with a

she'd ever heard Victor-the Fitzgerald Group's golden boy- admit

spoke about her, his eyes took on a depth and glow, like sunlight shimmering on a lake. Nannie saw that tenderness, clear as

couldn't help wondering what kind of woman could have found

she was relieved as long as it

her. Even when she was the daughter of the man who'd

immediately

opening the small,

exquisite

had been carefully cut and polished, sparkling like

was a rare

learned what this sapphire bracelet meant. That's

The phone rang.

the steering wheel, her eyes rimmed

her phone, letting it ring, the