Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 423

The Fitzgerald Mansion.

Finley followed the butler down a long corridor and out into the sprawling back garden.

The garden was a riot of color, with rare and exquisite blooms everywhere. In the center stood a delicate marble fountain, its clear water spilling gently from the mouth of a stone cherub.

Victor was dressed casually, crouched on the grass, tossing a rubber ball for his fluffy dog, Pudding.

Each time Victor raised his arm and sent the ball sailing across the lawn, it was impossible to tell where it landed; he threw it that far. But after a moment, Pudding would always come bounding back, ball held proudly in his teeth.

Catching sight of Finley out of the corner of his eye, Victor rose with his usual easy nonchalance and headed over to one of the garden chairs.

The next time Pudding returned, Finley, toolbox in hand, knelt down, opened his case, and pulled out a stethoscope. With practiced movements, he began a quick check-up.

Pudding obediently dropped the ball onto the grass and sat perfectly still, as if he knew the drill.

When Finley finished, Pudding trotted straight back to Victor's side and plopped down by his feet.

"Just a bit of a sensitive stomach. He's

barked loudly in protest-clearly refusing

tongue in amusement. "You know, I've been looking after this dog for years,

the city's animal hospital, and he'd been Pudding's doctor for almost a decade now. This pampered mutt didn't know how

curled in a lazy half-smile. "Maybe he just

face?" Finley shot back, feigning offense. "Everyone in Capitolion knows I'm the most popular guy

around Victor alone.

over the other, idly stroking Pudding's soft fur. "Did

anymore. Try not to drag me out to play fetch every five

head with dignified

"Honestly, he's just like you. All

sat at the edge of the garden, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of flowers. With their sharp features and tall frames,

couple of maids arrived, setting down a platter of fresh fruit and a

his mouth. "So, did you really

this dog rotten-he had two live-in pet sitters, and Finley

coffee, his gaze lingering on Pudding playing nearby. "I'm going

Finley blinked. "Wait, what?"