Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 49

“Ready yet?”

Victor’s voice was low and steady. “Are you sure you’re ready, Isadora?” he asked. “Ready to be mine?”

Isadora felt her mind go blank, as if someone had just set off fireworks inside her skull.

She had thought that chapter of her life was over, that it was safely behind her. She hadn’t let herself consider it—at least, not when she was in her right mind. She never dared.

But now, staring at Victor’s strikingly handsome face only inches away, she felt her ears burn hot. The flush crept down her neck, betraying her.

Victor reached out and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were intense, smoldering, like the midday sun—so fierce, her heart trembled and her body shivered.

He had planned to let Isadora come to him, to take things slow, to reel her in at her own pace. But then Pearl had shown up, and Victor started to worry Isadora might go to Magnus for investment instead. That’s when he realized his calm had been a façade; patience was no longer an option.

Three years ago, when he’d just returned to the country, Victor had spotted Isadora at a business gala. He recognized her immediately—she was the girl from all those years ago, the one he’d searched for but could never find after she’d vanished without a word. The joy and disbelief in his heart that night had been impossible to hide.

She’d grown up beautifully. Dressed in an elegant white gown that floated around her like a cloud, her softly curled hair brushed her shoulders. Her features had matured into a delicate grace; her eyes sparkled like stars, and her smile was as luminous as the full moon.

She walked toward him, each step making his anticipation swell. Victor was sure she recognized him too. He reached out a hand, ready to speak—“Is—”

But she walked right past him, eyes fixed on the tall man behind him. She didn’t even glance his way.

Victor knew that man—Magnus, the heir to Wainwright Holdings, and one of the Fitzgerald family’s biggest rivals.

Isadora slipped her arm through Magnus’s, her lips curved in a gentle smile, her eyes shining just for him.

Isadora could barely breathe. Her whole body tingled, her knees buckled, and she would have collapsed if Victor hadn’t held her so close.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Victor broke the kiss. He looked at her, her lips swollen from his kisses, her eyes shining with emotion.

Isadora gasped for breath, leaning against him for support. “Victor, is that enough to prove I’m serious?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Victor let out a low, amused laugh, finally understanding her game. “You’ve gotten braver, Isadora,” he teased, smirking. “Trying to seduce me, are you?”

Seeing the playful glint in his eyes, Isadora took a shaky breath and ventured, “Will you approve the $400 million investment for the Vaughan Group?”

Victor’s eyes narrowed, his lips twisting into a lazy smile. “Agree to my terms, and the Fitzgerald Group will invest.”