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.

good shape," Finley announced, straightening up. "Just a bit of a sensitive stomach. He's

barked loudly in protest-clearly

in amusement. "You know, I've been looking after this

he'd been Pudding's doctor for almost a decade now. This pampered mutt didn't know

half-smile. "Maybe he

shot back, feigning offense. "Everyone in

apparently, for Pudding-whose world revolved around Victor

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

not a puppy anymore. Try not to drag me out to play fetch every

his head with dignified indifference

laugh. "Honestly, he's

flowers. With

maids arrived, setting down a platter of fresh fruit and a pot of coffee on

did you really call me here just to give Pudding

spoiled this dog rotten-he had two live-in pet sitters, and Finley was only one of

lingering on Pudding playing nearby.

Finley blinked. "Wait, what?"