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 with

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

he'd just been talking

as it flicked over her. "Is that any of

last remnants of Nannie's smile faded. "Right. I'll

aching with a bitter, sour

she'd ever heard Victor-the Fitzgerald Group's

glow, like sunlight shimmering on a

couldn't help wondering what kind of woman

deep down, she was relieved as long as it wasn't some strategic

the daughter of the man who'd given his life for them,

immediately dialed

the small, elegant

a sapphire bracelet-dozens of exquisite blue

like a string of tiny stars

question: the bracelet was a rare treasure, and

had never cared much about jewelry—until he learned what this sapphire bracelet meant.

The phone rang.

up from the steering wheel,

at her phone, letting it ring, the persistent