Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 237

That afternoon, Isadora, Rowena, and Wendy arrived at Oakley Construction for the results of the Horizon Architects project bid.

Wendy was practically buzzing with excitement, eager to share every bit of insider info she’d picked up over the past few days. “There were fifteen design firms in the running, but they’re only choosing three to supply blueprints. I have faith in you, Rowena!” She grinned, nudging Rowena’s arm. “Plus, since the Horizon Architects project is tied to several of Capitolion’s biggest resorts and funded by major stakeholders, their decisions will be by the book. No need to worry about anyone cheating their way in.”

Despite Wendy’s optimism, Rowena couldn’t shake her nerves. Back when she’d studied abroad, she’d handled plenty of high-profile design cases and was even voted “Most Promising Designer” more than once. But ever since returning home and getting hit with setback after setback, she wasn’t as bold or confident as she used to be.

A smartly-dressed assistant from the King Group led the trio into an opulent conference room. By the time they entered, the place was already packed; the only seats left were near the back.

Up front, Abbott lounged in his chair with his legs crossed, projecting effortless arrogance. When he spotted them, he shot the women a sneer that made Rowena’s blood boil. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to march up and knock that smug look off his face.

Wendy fumed. “I can’t believe that jerk showed up here, too.”

Rowena took a long, steadying breath, her jaw set. “The Blaine family used to be one of the top three design firms in Capitolion—until Abbott stole it from us. He even changed the firm’s name. Of course he’s here for the Horizon Architects project.”

Isadora squeezed Rowena’s hand in silent support. “We’ll build something even greater together. One day, we’ll make the Blaine name shine again.”

Rowena nodded, determined not to let her emotions get the better of her. She excused herself to the restroom to splash cold water on her face and collect her thoughts.

It was only after Abbott betrayed her that Rowena learned the truth behind his motives. Abbott’s father had been a respected founding partner, trusted by Rowena’s father, Keeley, with significant responsibility. But one day, greed got the better of him—he embezzled company funds. He should have gone to jail, but Keeley, out of respect for his years of service, simply dismissed him instead of pressing charges.

Word spread quickly in their circles. Abbott’s father was blacklisted, shunned by his peers, and, unable to bear the disgrace, he ultimately took his own life. From that moment on, Abbott blamed everything on the Blaine family. He schemed to make Rowena fall in love with him, then used her to take everything her family had built.

Rowena met his gaze, her eyes cold and steady. “Maybe once I pitied your father, but now I see he got exactly what he deserved. It was his own weakness and greed that destroyed him. Don’t you dare put that on us.”

Suddenly, Abbott lunged forward, gripping Rowena’s chin in a bruising hold.