Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 15

The Vaughan Group’s 30th Anniversary Gala

The mansion was buzzing with life, its grand chandelier blazing overhead, bathing the entire ballroom in golden light.

A renowned pianist played a graceful, flowing melody on a glossy black Steinway, while waiters in crisp tuxedos glided through the crowd, silver trays of champagne flutes balanced expertly in their hands.

Tonight, every man was dressed to the nines in tailored suits, while the women floated by in an array of designer evening gowns.

Isadora had chosen a simple, high-necked, one-shoulder black dress that hugged her figure. The elegant cut drew subtle attention to her porcelain skin—though she was careful to hide the faint marks Victor had left at her collarbone.

Earlier, Eleanor had sent over a slinky, jewel-toned gown for Isadora to wear: plunging neckline, open back, the sort of thing designed to make a statement. Isadora had barely glanced at it before tucking it away. There was no way she’d step out in that tonight.

When she finally entered the ballroom, she caught sight of Pearl immediately.

Pearl’s hair was swept into a graceful chignon, her makeup flawless, and she wore a sapphire velvet gown adorned with shimmering crystals that glittered each time she moved. The deep V neckline and dramatic open back left little to the imagination, and her sweeping train gave her the air of a princess holding court. A crocodile-skin designer clutch dangled from her wrist, and she clung possessively to Eleanor’s arm, the two of them inseparable.

From a corner of the room, a whisper of gossip floated over the clinking glasses and laughter.

“Look at Pearl, strutting around like she owns the place. She wants everyone to know she’s the favorite. Who doesn’t know about the Vaughan family’s little scandal all those years ago—the whole real-versus-fake daughter mix-up?”

“I still don’t get it. The Vaughans dote on the girl who isn’t even their own, but their real daughter barely gets a second glance.”

“I see Eleanor everywhere with Pearl! Last week I spotted them at the mall—Eleanor was buying her armfuls of designer bags, with bodyguards trailing behind, struggling to carry it all.”

“And poor Isadora. She finally got reunited with the Vaughans, but she didn’t kick Pearl out—she’s still the one getting sidelined. She’s the real daughter, but somehow she’s the one treated like a stranger.”