Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 55

Isadora stepped into the office building.

The whole place was buzzing with activity—employees darted back and forth, caught up in a sudden whirlwind of urgency. It felt like something big was about to happen, maybe even cause for celebration.

Spotting a colleague from the marketing department, Isadora reached out and gently stopped her. “Hey, what’s going on? Why is everyone setting up the conference hall? Is there some major event today?”

The colleague, a nervous intern, clearly wasn’t yet familiar with the complicated power plays within the Vaughan family business.

“Ms. Vaughan, The Fitzgerald Group just agreed to invest in our Global Project. President Vaughan called a banquet and meeting to announce it.”

An investment? From The Fitzgerald Group? That quickly?

Isadora frowned in thought. “Strange. Why didn’t I get any notice about this?”

The intern blinked, startled, and seemed to realize something. “Oh… Actually, I think you weren’t on the list for this meeting. From what I heard, it’s mainly for signing the contract with The Fitzgerald Group and, um, to congratulate Ms. Pearl for her achievement.”

The words tumbled out before the intern realized what she’d said. She flushed, mortified, and looked like she wanted to bolt.

Isadora narrowed her eyes, sensing something off. “Why is Pearl getting all the credit for The Fitzgerald Group’s investment?”

The intern hesitated, fidgeting with her hands, when suddenly—

A sharp, self-assured female voice rang out behind them, accompanied by the staccato click of heels on marble.

“That’s because I’m the one who brought in the Global Project’s investment.”

Isadora turned to see Pearl sweeping in on Eleanor’s arm. The two of them looked like they’d just stepped off the red carpet, their cocktail dresses sparkling under the lobby’s lights—far more glamorous than anyone else in the office.

Pearl’s lips curled into a sneer. “Isadora, I know you’re jealous because I landed The Fitzgerald Group’s investment while your Magnus hasn’t done a thing for us. Don’t be upset—we’re all working for the good of the Vaughan family. I’ll even tell Dad you tried your best.”

Isadora’s tone didn’t change. “Pearl, do you really think I need your help?”

Pearl’s voice rose, pitching towards drama. “Why are you always so bitter, Isadora? Last time, you grabbed my necklace. Now you’re making snide remarks. We’re sisters, aren’t we? Even if you don’t like me, at least show some respect for our parents. Can’t you just accept that I’m better at this than you are?”

She then turned, clinging to Eleanor’s arm and whining, “Mom, look at how Isadora bullies me over and over. I brought in Victor to secure an investment for the Vaughan family—shouldn’t that be something to celebrate? But Isadora’s being so spiteful, doubting me like this.”

Isadora watched the whole performance, at a loss for words.

All she’d done was ask a simple question—was Pearl really the one who secured the investment? She hadn’t even had a chance to say anything more, and already Pearl was playing the victim.

Typical.