Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 435

Meade frowned, feeling things had truly gone too far.

He glanced at Victor, hoping to use his own standing to plead for his daughter-in- law. But Victor stood there, face cold and impassive, radiating the kind of authority that made people instinctively hold back—a presence that demanded respect and brooked no defiance.

In that moment, Meade realized Victor was no longer the young boy who used to call him "Grandpa." He was now Victor Fitzgerald, ruthless in business, a man who could go toe-to-toe with Legacy National Bank. This was Mr. Fitzgerald, a force to be reckoned with.

For the first time, Meade felt the weight of his own age. The world really did belong to the next generation.

In this society, power and influence dictated everything. And tonight, it was painfully clear that Victor was the one in control.

Meade pressed his lips together, his voice heavy. "Catherine, go teach your daughter some manners."

When Andrina heard this, her eyes widened in disbelief and she stumbled backwards, blood draining from her face.

She had been the matriarch of this family for decades-her husband died young, but Meade had given her real authority. For over forty years, she had managed the household, maintaining her position and her dignity.

Now, she was being told to bow her head and apologize, lumped together with a mere girl. All those years spent cultivating her image, all the respect she'd earned, seemed to vanish in an instant.

Andrina's breathing grew shallow, her chest rising and falling with emotion.

But she held herself together.

and grabbed Olivia's hand. Olivia tried to pull away, but

Andrina bent in a deep, formal bow, then forced Olivia's head down as well. Her voice trembled with humiliation and tears, but she forced out the words, one by one: "I'm sorry, Mrs. Fitzgerald. Olivia

hissed at Olivia to apologize

her jaw, refusing to

"Do you want your mother to stand here and

flickered in Olivia's eyes, but

before her, her face calm. "I hope you'll think twice about your words and

face twisted

cut her off. "That's enough! Both of you,

Olivia kept mouthing off, not even he could protect

his command, Andrina dragged her daughter away, the two of them stumbling out of the

turned to Victor and Isadora, lowering

properly. Isadora, please accept

Victor had stood up for her, Isadora didn't want anyone thinking he was abusing his power or disrespecting his

no need for that. They've apologized. Let's put

exhaustion, Meade excused himself to rest and asked his

mood in the banquet hall had shifted. Where just moments ago people had watched Isadora with gossip and envy in

out the back the moment

the garden lawn bathed in the gentle glow

led Isadora by the hand, guiding her step by step across