Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 201

After leaving Summit Crest Estates, Isadora Vaughan suddenly remembered she was supposed to have dinner with her old friend, Rowena Blaine. The events of the evening had left her so unsettled that she'd nearly forgotten.

The restaurant Rowena had chosen was a cozy little bistro near Capitolion University. By the time Isadora hurried over, Rowena was already seated and had ordered their food.

Rowena looked every inch the consummate professional-her short hair styled neatly, a crisp white blouse tucked into a smart gray skirt. Isadora couldn't recall the last time she'd seen Rowena so put-together; back in college, she'd favored a far more relaxed look.

"Isadora, are you sure you want to join my design studio?" Rowena asked, her tone both hopeful and uncertain.

Isadora idly stirred her lemonade, studying Rowena's face before nodding. "I'm sure."

Rowena looked at her in disbelief. "But your family's business is thriving. You were a director, weren't you? What brings you to my tiny place?"

"I've left the Vaughan family business," Isadora replied calmly. “Unless, of course, you don't want me here?"

look down on me. You

it mildly. In

us—me, you, and Nanette-I was always the one with the advantages. Now

had been an only child from a wealthy family, even studying abroad in Europe during her sophomore year. But her marriage to Abbott Beaumont had been a disaster-he'd stripped her family of everything, leaving her and her parents with nothing. Even her design studio was on the brink of collapse, lacking

I'm starting over too. I was planning to open my own design

and Nanette, the two underdogs in their group, often helping them out when they were struggling. Over the years,

not really a company. It's just me—and a

this out of pity," she added softly,

reassuring smile. "You're overthinking it. I'm a businesswoman too. If I'm investing my time and money,

Rowena dabbed at her eyes with a

like since my family lost everything. I finally understand what it means to

to say there was a distance between us, and I never believed her. But after going through what you two did,

"Back then, you were the only one who never looked down on