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?

say more, Victor said bluntly,

in disbelief. "You... you

it be the woman he'd just been talking

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

smile faded. "Right. I'll

out, her heart aching with a bitter,

time she'd ever heard Victor-the Fitzgerald

took on a depth and glow, like sunlight shimmering on a lake. Nannie saw that tenderness, clear as

kind of woman could have

deep down, she was relieved as long

had room for her. Even when she was the daughter of the man who'd given his life for

Victor immediately

absentmindedly opening the small, elegant

of exquisite blue

and polished, sparkling like

bracelet was a rare treasure, and its value was

about jewelry—until he learned what

The phone rang.

steering

her phone, letting it ring, the persistent sound