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.

straightening up. "Just a bit of a sensitive stomach. He's getting older, so maybe go easy

loudly in protest-clearly refusing to admit he

know, I've been looking after this dog for

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

a lazy half-smile.

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

around Victor

in his chair, one leg crossed over the other,

You're not a puppy anymore. Try not to drag

his head with dignified indifference and turned

"Honestly, he's

of the garden, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of flowers. With their sharp features

platter of fresh fruit and a pot of coffee

mouth. "So, did you really call me here

pet sitters, and Finley was only one

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

Finley blinked. "Wait, what?"