Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Isadora stopped in her tracks. “Mom, what are you talking about?"

Eleanor shot her a look. "Trust me, I know what I'm seeing. That Terrell boy is polite, well-educated, and he's from the Fawcett family-a family known for generations of scholars. They'd never look down on you because of your background. If he really likes you, I think you should give it a try."

The more Isadora listened, the less comfortable she felt.

"Stop. Terrell and I aren't what you think. I don't like him like that."

Eleanor waved her off. "Oh, 'like'-what does that even matter? You liked Magnus

at first, then things got all complicated with Victor. But neither of those men

were... right for you..."

Eleanor suddenly realized she'd said too much.

She quickly backtracked. "Isadora, I'm sorry. I just don't want your life to be so hard, that's all."noveldrama

Isadora's response was firm. "Let's not talk about this again."

At a five-star luxury hotel, Preston rolled out of bed and slipped on his bathrobe.

Rowena lay sprawled on the sheets, the fading bruises on her skin now joined by fresh, angry welts-red and raw to the eye, horrifying in their violence.

Over the past few days, whenever Preston had a spare moment, he'd summoned her for his own vicious release. And he never used the same method twice-first it was a belt, then electric shocks, and tonight it was a whip.

A few more nights like this, and she wasn't sure she'd survive.

Don't be fooled by Preston's wealth. Rich men could be just as stingy. Every time he was finished, he'd toss her a few thousand-barely enough to put a dent in her debts.

The thought made Rowena's stomach turn. The lingering smell on her skin only made her want to retch.

Preston lounged on the sofa, lighting a cigarette and curling his lips into a sneer. "When are you going to get me that woman? I'm bored stiff with you already."

Rowena wiped a tear from the corner of her eye with the back of her hand and bit down hard on her lip. She drew a shaky breath, then mustered a brittle smile as she turned around. "Mr. Dunbar, it won't be fong now. Just wait for my good news."

*

Evening.

After leaving the office, Isadora followed the address Wendy had texted her and ended up at a small restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley.

She parked outside and walked a short distance before finally finding the place.

Inside a private dining room, she spotted Wendy and greeted her with a smile. "Why'd you pick this place? And a private room, too? Why not just eat out in the main area?"

Wendy looked a little uneasy, forcing a laugh. "Don't let the looks fool you-the food here is actually really good."

The truth was, Rowena had begged Wendy to help set up this meeting with Isadora. She wanted to apologize, to plead her case.

At first, Wendy wanted nothing to do with it. But Rowena's tearful pleas wore her down-she argued that et even criminals deserved a second chance, that she just wanted to offer a sincere apology. Reluctantly, Wendy agreed.

Rowena had chosen the restaurant and insisted on a private room, saying it

would be easier to talk without the crowd in the main dining hall.

Isadora noticed the odd look on Wendy's face but didn't press. Wendy handed her the menu and got to her feet. "Take a look and see what you want to eat. I... need to run to the restroom."

Wendy left the room.

From a shadowy corner, Rowena emerged and approached.

"Wendy, you can go now. I'll talk to Isadora myself."

Wendy frowned. "I'll wait outside for you. After you apologize, I'm still having dinner with Isadora."

Rowena glanced at the room. The drug she'd slipped in should be kicking in soon.

She hurriedly tried to usher Wendy out. "Next time, okay? Just let me have a moment alone with Isadora. You'll only get in the way if you stay."