Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 201

After leaving Summit Crest Estates, Isadora Vaughan suddenly remembered she was supposed to have dinner with her old friend, Rowena Blaine. The events of the evening had left her so unsettled that she’d nearly forgotten.

The restaurant Rowena had chosen was a cozy little bistro near Capitolion University. By the time Isadora hurried over, Rowena was already seated and had ordered their food.

Rowena looked every inch the consummate professional—her short hair styled neatly, a crisp white blouse tucked into a smart gray skirt. Isadora couldn’t recall the last time she’d seen Rowena so put-together; back in college, she’d favored a far more relaxed look.

“Isadora, are you sure you want to join my design studio?” Rowena asked, her tone both hopeful and uncertain.

Isadora idly stirred her lemonade, studying Rowena’s face before nodding. “I’m sure.”

Rowena looked at her in disbelief. “But your family’s business is thriving. You were a director, weren’t you? What brings you to my tiny place?”

“I’ve left the Vaughan family business,” Isadora replied calmly. “Unless, of course, you don’t want me here?”

Rowena’s confidence faltered. “It’s not that. I just thought... maybe you’d look down on me. You know things haven’t exactly gone well for me lately.”

That was putting it mildly. In truth, things had gone terribly.

Rowena’s mind drifted back to better days. “Back in college, the three of us—me, you, and Nanette—I was always the one with the advantages. Now look at me; I’m the one who’s lost everything.”

Rowena had been an only child from a wealthy family, even studying abroad in Europe during her sophomore year. But her marriage to Abbott Beaumont had been a disaster—he’d stripped her family of everything, leaving her and her parents with nothing. Even her design studio was on the brink of collapse, lacking both funds and connections.

Isadora reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Rowena, I’m starting over too. I was planning to open my own design firm, but you’re already ahead of me. Why not join forces?”

In college, Rowena had always looked out for Isadora and Nanette, the two underdogs in their group, often helping them out when they were struggling. Over the years, though, distance and time had eroded their closeness.

Rowena dropped her gaze, her voice barely audible. “It’s not really a company. It’s just me—and a fresh-out-of-school assistant I can barely afford.”