Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 45

“Pudding, you little rascal, how did you get out here?”

The security guards had no time to worry about Isadora now. All their attention was on blocking Pudding, who was bounding toward the gate. They circled around, hands outstretched, but no one dared grab him too roughly.

Everyone knew Pudding was Mr. Fitzgerald’s pride and joy.

There was a time a new housekeeper, not knowing any better, treated Pudding like any ordinary pet. She was out in the garden one afternoon, sweeping up the autumn leaves. Pudding, ever playful, dashed through and scattered the neat piles everywhere. Frustrated, the housekeeper gave him a gentle tap with her broom.

That was all it took.

Victor found out—and fired her on the spot.

After that, everyone at Stratus Manor understood: this dog was as much the master of the house as Victor himself.

Now Pudding barked excitedly, dodging left and right, making a beeline for Isadora.

“Don’t hold me back! I smell someone who feels just like mom,” his every movement seemed to say.

Isadora stared at the big, fluffy white dog barreling toward her. It was a Samoyed, strong and nearly up to her waist, clearly getting on in years but still agile and full of energy.

Strangely, Isadora felt an instant bond with him. Had they met before?

When she was a child, she’d always loved cats and dogs. She once found a stray puppy with a limp by the roadside, brought it home in secret, and hid it in her room. The next day, Carla found out and, in a fit of cold rage, crushed the pup in its cradle.

Isadora had screamed and sobbed until she was breathless, standing up to Carla for the very first time.

Carla had jabbed a finger at her head. “I already have to feed you, you little burden. Now you want me to take care of a dog too?”

Lost in thought, Isadora instinctively opened the car door and stepped out.

Pudding stopped just a couple of feet in front of her, studying her face with bright, eager eyes.

He barked—loud, wild, almost ecstatic.

The staff and guards looked on, bewildered and amazed.