Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 319

Eleanor sat stiffly on the sofa opposite Mrs. Fitzgerald, her posture just a bit too formal, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She could feel the chill of Deanna Fitzgerald’s hostility even before a word was spoken.

Still, for Isadora’s sake—for her daughter—she had to try. She owed her that much.

With a small, ingratiating smile, Eleanor began, “Mrs. Fitzgerald, I’ve heard so much about you over the years. It’s truly an honor to finally meet you. I brought a little token of my respect—please accept it.” She opened the velvet box she’d been holding and gently slid it across the polished coffee table.

Inside was an exquisite emerald bracelet, deep green and sparkling, clearly an antique of extraordinary value.

Deanna took a slow sip of her Earl Grey, her gaze barely flickering toward the bracelet. Her expression remained unchanged—impenetrable and cold.

To think she could buy my favor with a piece of jewelry, Deanna thought with disdain. How little she understands the Fitzgerald family.

“Enough. If you’ve got something to say, say it. My time is valuable.” Deanna’s tone was clipped, her patience already wearing thin.

Eleanor tried to keep her smile in place. “It’s about our children. My daughter Isadora and Mr. Fitzgerald have grown quite fond of each other. I came today hoping you might give them a chance.”

Deanna gave a short, derisive laugh and finally looked Eleanor in the eye. “Not as clueless as I thought. What, you think a handful of rundown shopping centers means the Vaughan family can marry into ours?”

She leaned forward, her voice icy. “Let me make this clear: people like you aren’t even fit to polish our shoes.”

Eleanor had braced herself for this, but the words still stung. She gripped her hands together, willing herself to stay composed.

“I understand how important family background is to someone like you, Mrs. Fitzgerald,” she said quietly. “But sometimes, happiness finds its own way. I only hope you’ll let them make their own choices.”

Deanna set her teacup down with a sharp click, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“And who are you to lecture me?” Her voice was like steel. “Take my advice and keep your daughter away from my grandson—or you can kiss those little malls of yours goodbye.”

With that, Eleanor was dismissed—ushered out of the Fitzgeralds’ imposing front gates. As the heavy iron doors clanged shut behind her, she stood on the curb, a knot of worry tightening in her chest. She thought of Isadora, of the secret she carried.