EuropeNovelChapter 146 Eleanor glided into the room on Richard's arm, draped in a pearl-trimmed shawl over her one-shoulder gown, while Richard looked every bit the part in his tailored suit.
Eleanor barely waited for the door to close before asking, "Isadora, the party's already started where on earth is Magnus?" Isadora stood up from the sofa as they entered. "Magnus isn't coming tonight." Eleanor's face tightened with a frown.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEveryone in high society knew that Isadora and Magnus were on the rocks; gossip traveled fast in their world, and the stories always grew more twisted the farther they spread. Now people were whispering that Isadora had lost to Elise, that she was playing games with Magnus she couldn't possibly win, that she was out of her league. Eleanor had felt utterly humiliated among the other society ladies. Just yesterday at the spa, she'd spotted Faustina and had hurried over, hoping to say a few flattering words. But Faustina had looked at her like she was something stuck to her shoe. Eleanor had nearly choked on her own indignation.
Tonight, she was counting on Magnus to show up. She'd even orchestrated an affectionate opening dance for Isadora and Magnus-an attempt to quash all the ugly rumors swirling about the family.
Now, with Magnus' absence, it felt like the entire Vaughan family's reputation was on the line.
"Why isn't Magnus here? This is your twenty-fourth birthday—a major milestone. As your fiancé, he should be here. That's it, I'm calling him." She dug through her purse for her phone, already dialing.
Isadora stepped forward and pressed Eleanor's hand down, voice icy. "He isn't my concern anymore. Why should I be the one to make him come?" Eleanor's sharp gaze lingered on Isadora. "You're the one who said your boyfriend was coming. Now you claim he's not your concern? Isadora, what are you playing at?" Richard, who had been silently observing, spoke in a low voice, "Isadora, your mother's gone to great lengths to make this birthday special. All our most important guests are here tonight." The implication was clear: this wasn't just Isadora's birthday—it was the Vaughan heiress's birthday. And if her fiancé didn't bother to show, the gossip would only get worse.
Isadora glanced at Eleanor's unmoving phone. "I said my boyfriend was coming, but as it happens, he's away on business." Eleanor snorted. "Business trip? The Wainwright Group's executive office hasn't said a word about any business trips this week." A flicker of irritation crossed Isadora's face. "Where Magnus is has nothing to do with me. He's not my boyfriend." Eleanor stared in shock. "Magnus isn't your boyfriend? Then who is? Everyone knows you're engaged to the Wainwright family-who else would dare date you?" Richard's brows drew together. "Isadora, your father's made it clear-your marriage is tied to the future of the Vaughan Group. Unless you can find a husband who brings even greater benefit to the family, there's nothing to discuss." Isadora fell silent.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEleanor, seeing her daughter's stubbornness, was beside herself. "Isadora, do you have any idea how much this means to your parents? Why are you making a mess of such an important day?" For a long moment, the room was quiet. Then Isadora's voice rang out, calm and clear.
"Victor." Richard's eyes flashed. "What did you say?" Isadora stared them down, enunciating every word. "I said, my boyfriend is Victor." It took Eleanor a few seconds to process. Her lips trembled. "Victor... as in, the Fitzgerald heir?"
"Do you really expect us to believe that? Just because the Fitzgeraldh Group invested eight billion into the Vaughan Group, you think Victor is interested in you?"
"The Fitzgeralds have a century of power behind them, even more than the Wainwrights. They've got international assets worth billions. Do you honestly believe their heir would look twice at a family like ours?"
"Sweetheart, everyone wants to marry up. Landing Magnus wasm already hitting your ceiling. The Fitzgeralds? Don't kid yourself."
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