Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 423

The Fitzgerald Mansion.

Finley followed the butler down a long corridor and out into the sprawling back garden.

The garden was a riot of color, with rare and exquisite blooms everywhere. In the center stood a delicate marble fountain, its clear water spilling gently from the mouth of a stone cherub.

Victor was dressed casually, crouched on the grass, tossing a rubber ball for his fluffy dog, Pudding.

Each time Victor raised his arm and sent the ball sailing across the lawn, it was impossible to tell where it landed; he threw it that far. But after a moment, Pudding would always come bounding back, ball held proudly in his teeth.

Catching sight of Finley out of the corner of his eye, Victor rose with his usual easy nonchalance and headed over to one of the garden chairs.

The next time Pudding returned, Finley, toolbox in hand, knelt down, opened his case, and pulled out a stethoscope. With practiced movements, he began a quick check-up.

Pudding obediently dropped the ball onto the grass and sat perfectly still, as if he knew the drill.

When Finley finished, Pudding trotted straight back to Victor's side and plopped down by his feet.

"He's in good shape," Finley announced, straightening up. "Just a bit of a sensitive stomach. He's getting older, so maybe go easy on the high-intensity fetch."

Pudding, as if he understood, barked loudly in protest—clearly refusing to admit he was getting old.

Finley clicked his tongue in amusement. "You know, I've been looking after this dog for years, and he still acts like I'm the enemy."

He wasn't just any vet—he was the director of the city's animal hospital, and he'd been Pudding's doctor for almost a decade now. This pampered mutt didn't know how good he had it.

Victor's lips curled in a lazy half-smile. "Maybe he just doesn't like your face."

"Doesn't like my face?" Finley shot back, feigning offense. "Everyone in Capitolion knows I'm the most popular guy in town."

Except, apparently, for Pudding—whose world revolved around Victor alone. It almost hurt his feelings.