Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 338

“Dad, if we can’t come up with the money, the three of us will end up sleeping under a bridge. I’m just going to ask him for help, nothing more—I promise I won’t do anything reckless.”

Rowena would never have considered this path before.

But now, resentment, jealousy, and anger twisted in her chest like wild vines. She was desperate to turn her luck around.

*

Verdant Pavilion was one of the most exclusive lounges in Capitolion. Inside a private VIP suite, Preston lounged back carelessly on the leather sofa, a drink in one hand. Next to him sat Rowena, dressed in a little black V-neck cocktail dress.

With a lascivious grin, Preston gave her a light slap on her backside. “Go on, sweetheart—pour a drink for the gentlemen.”

Forcing down the nausea rising in her throat, Rowena mustered a brittle smile. She stood and glided gracefully around the table, offering drinks to each man in turn.

Her dress was cut scandalously short, barely skimming the top of her thighs. Each time she bent slightly to pour, she revealed more than she wanted—deliberately designed, she realized bitterly, to put her on display.

The room was filled with top investors from Capitolion, each surrounded by beautiful women eager to please.

Mr. Lennox, a venture capital mogul, let his eyes linger on her exposed skin. He drained the glass she’d just poured, then licked his lips with slow appreciation. “Mr. Dunbar, this one’s a real knockout. How’d you two meet?”

Preston, his hand resting on his ample stomach, slipped off his expensive watch and tossed it carelessly down the front of Rowena’s dress. The cold metal slid between her skin and the fabric, making her flinch.

“What, fancy her yourself? Too bad—she’s with me tonight.”

The other men chuckled knowingly, their laughter thick with innuendo.

Rowena clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white, trying not to shudder at the icy touch of the watch. Her face felt frozen, on the verge of cracking.

Just one night, she told herself desperately. Just one night, and I’ll have the money.

At that moment, the suite door swung open.