Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 60

Ableson strode quickly over to Isadora’s table, hunching forward with exaggerated humility.

“Ms. Vaughan, the chairman would like you to come upstairs and sign the contract on behalf of The Vaughan Group and The Fitzgerald Group.”

Isadora didn’t even glance up. She took a small sip from her champagne flute, lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“My father didn’t even want me at this dinner in the first place. Funny how he suddenly remembers me now.”

“That was just a misunderstanding, Ms. Vaughan. Right now, bigger things are at stake.”

Isadora’s eyelids fluttered lazily. Her voice was soft, yet there was no room for negotiation.

“A misunderstanding, was it? Do you believe that, Ableson?”

Ableson was at a loss. He turned helplessly to Eleanor, shooting her a pleading look—hoping she could help.

Eleanor cleared her throat awkwardly, recalling how she’d just misjudged Isadora herself. She knew Isadora’s temper lately; trying to persuade her now would be like walking straight into a trap. But what choice did she have? Eight billion dollars in investment was at stake.

Money talks.

Eleanor forced a smile. “Isadora, the Vaughan family needs you right now. Please, sweetheart, don’t be stubborn. Go sign the contract, will you?”

Isadora glanced at Eleanor’s uncharacteristically conciliatory expression.

That was rare.

She let her face fall, feigning a touch of wounded sorrow. “Mom, that’s not what you said earlier. You called me a disappointment, said I’d never measure up to Pearl, accused me of picking fights with her on purpose. You told me not to be rude to Pearl—hearing you say those things, it really hurt.”

She sighed for effect. “But then again, that’s nothing new. Pearl’s always been your favorite. Me? I’m the outsider—no one’s darling, just the unlucky one. Every time Pearl and I argue, you always take her side.”

Eleanor’s headache flared. She cut Isadora off before she could go on.

“I’m sorry, honey. I promise—I’ll be fair from now on. I won’t take things out on you anymore, okay? Please, just forgive me this once.”