Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 54

If Pearl really managed to land a marriage alliance with the Fitzgerald family, Richard thought, he’d end up as the father-in-law of the heir apparent to Capitolion’s most powerful dynasty. The Vaughan family would be untouchable in the city—no one would dare cross them. The value of the Vaughan Group would skyrocket overnight.

The mere thought made Richard grin uncontrollably, his smile stretching wide and stubborn as if glued in place. He could practically see the Vaughan Group’s name climbing its way up the Forbes list.

Meanwhile, Pearl had just received a call with incredible news: Victor Fitzgerald himself had decided to invest in the Vaughan Group. She could hardly believe it. She remembered Victor being completely uninterested in their project just days ago—so why the sudden change of heart? And not only was he investing, the amount had doubled.

Pearl double-checked, just to be sure. “You’re certain the Fitzgerald Group is investing in us?” she asked.

Ableson, ever the slick operator, didn’t hesitate to shower her with praise. “Absolutely! Even the chairman said it’s all thanks to you that we landed this investment. He told everyone how impressed he is—President Vaughan sees you in a whole new light now. Not just the chairman, but the entire company is proud of you. If you come on board, with your talent and hard work, you’ll put Isadora to shame. The future of the Vaughan Group is in your hands.”

Pearl felt like her head was floating. Maybe Victor really had been won over by her charm and sincerity.

She snapped out of her daze. “Alright, I’ll head to the office now,” she said, hanging up.

In her dressing room, Pearl rifled through her wardrobe before settling on a striking crimson velvet gown with a plunging neckline and a floor-sweeping, ruffled hem. She’d had it custom-made in Northmarch last time she was there—it cost her a small fortune, an entire month’s allowance, but it was perfect for important occasions like this.

Pearl’s monthly allowance was three hundred thousand dollars—a world apart from Isadora’s modest ten-thousand-dollar salary. But even that kind of money never seemed enough; her spending always outpaced her income, and she’d racked up some debt on the side. That was one of the reasons she was so eager to join the Vaughan Group and earn a stake for herself.

She spun in front of the full-length mirror, admiring her reflection. Even she had to admit—she looked stunning. No wonder Victor was taken with her.

Eleanor had her doubts, but if Richard was making the call, it had to be real. She broke into a proud smile. “Pearl, you really are my pride and joy.”

Pearl’s confidence soared. “Mom, I told you—I’m more capable than Isadora and more thoughtful, too. I’m the one who truly has the family’s best interests at heart.”

Eleanor knew Pearl had always been sensitive about Isadora. One was the daughter she’d raised for twenty years; the other, her own flesh and blood. Truth be told, Eleanor loved them both. But today, Pearl was happy, and she didn’t want to dim her light.

She smiled warmly. “Pearl, you’ve always been the one closest to my heart. Give me a minute—I’ll change, and we’ll head to the office together.”