Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 280

“When I have money, I’ll buy a big house, and we’ll all live there together.”

She was painting Carla an impossible dream.

“Would you really want to live with your mother?” Carla asked, voice tinged with disbelief.

“Of course—if you can get rid of Isadora first.”

Carla had raised Isadora for years. She knew all her daughter’s weaknesses.

A flicker of cold determination crossed her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her quietly. She won’t even see it coming.”

*

The next morning, Isadora arrived at her office. A knock sounded at the door.

“Ms. Vaughan, the midyear summary meeting for Metropolitan Mall needs your participation,” her assistant announced.

Metropolitan Mall was a joint venture between the Vaughan family and the Wainwrights—an old project Richard had once convinced Magnus Wainwright to invest in.

These minor mall meetings were rarely important enough for Magnus to attend.

After a moment’s thought, Isadora replied, “I’ll join the meeting online.”

A few minutes later, she logged into the conference call. The mall’s general manager had just finished his year-end report when, suddenly, some movement came through the speaker.

“Mr. Wainwright, what brings you here?” someone asked in surprise.

Magnus had just entered the conference room. He scanned the table, searching for Isadora, but she was nowhere to be seen. Disappointment clouded his face.

“I’m just here to listen in. Please, continue,” Magnus said quietly, taking a seat.

Isadora froze at the sound of his voice.

As the meeting wound down, the manager addressed her, “Ms. Vaughan, are you satisfied with this year’s revenue plan, or do you have any suggestions?”

“Everything seems fine,” Isadora replied, thoughtful for a moment. “From now on, the Vaughan Group will be withdrawing from all operations at Metropolitan Mall. This year’s dividends will go exclusively to Wainwright Holdings.”

Isadora had a full day of work and left the office late. She made her way to the underground parking garage.

Without warning, the entire garage was plunged into darkness.

Isadora frowned, a chill creeping up her spine. She hurriedly pressed her car key—her car’s lights blinked red in the distance.

Suddenly, heavy, hurried footsteps echoed behind her—sharp and jarring in the empty parking lot.

Isadora’s heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she turned, but before she could fully face the threat, a shadow flashed before her eyes.

A split second later, a wooden club swung through the air and struck her head with brutal force.

Isadora crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Carla tossed the club aside. Her eyes, cold and predatory, glittered with malice as she stared down at Isadora. A cruel smile curled on her lips.

Then, grabbing Isadora under the arms, Carla began dragging her slowly toward the shadowy stairwell.