Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 18

This sort of thing was hardly a big deal in Richard’s eyes.

Just a petty spat between his two daughters—nothing more than a flash of jealousy.

But he couldn’t have this kind of childish spectacle turning into a laughingstock at the Vaughan family’s 30th anniversary gala.

It would be a stain on the family’s reputation and dignity.

Richard just wanted the matter settled—quickly. Glancing at Pearl’s tear-stained face, he turned to Isadora and said, “Isadora, hand the necklace back to Pearl for now. We’ll discuss this after the party.”

As soon as the words were out, the guests turned their eyes on Isadora, and she felt the weight of their sympathy, pity, and thinly veiled amusement.

She watched Eleanor comforting Pearl, Richard shielding Pearl—together, they looked every bit the picture of a loving, united family.

And she? She felt like the unwelcome outsider, the villain ruining their peace.

Isadora forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat, determined not to let anyone see her pain.

Suddenly—

A man's voice rang through the hall—measured, but with a sharp edge of anger. “If this diamond necklace is meant as a daughter’s wedding gift from the Vaughan family, then it belongs with Isadora. Why should she give it back?”

The words cut through the hum of conversation. The next moment, Isadora found herself enveloped in a familiar but distant embrace.

She looked up—and saw Magnus’s stony jawline.

Isadora’s brow furrowed instinctively, and she immediately pulled away from him.

Tonight, Magnus wore a cool-toned gray suit, his tie perfectly straight, adding to his air of restraint and formality.

He stood above the crowd, gaze remote and expression cold, a presence so imposing that the entire room seemed to shrink around him.

Everyone was stunned by his icy authority.

Richard hadn’t even noticed when Magnus had arrived.