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.

in good shape," Finley announced, straightening up. "Just a bit of a sensitive stomach. He's getting older, so maybe go easy on

in protest-clearly refusing to

looking after this dog for years, and he

director of the city's animal hospital, and he'd been Pudding's doctor for

in a lazy half-smile. "Maybe he just

Finley shot back, feigning offense. "Everyone in Capitolion knows I'm the

world revolved around

his chair, one leg crossed over the other, idly

You're not a puppy anymore. Try not to drag me out to play

head with dignified indifference

laugh. "Honestly, he's

kaleidoscope of flowers. With their sharp features and tall frames, they looked like they'd stepped out

down a platter of fresh fruit and a

grape into his mouth. "So, did you

sitters, and Finley was only one of at

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

Finley blinked. "Wait, what?"