EuropeNovelChapter 164 Isadora's voice was cold as ice. "Funny, isn't it? When I needed you most, you were nowhere to be found. Now, I don't need you anymore." Eleanor's heart twisted in pain. "Isadora, even mothers make mistakes. If you'd grown up withif you'd been by my side all those years ago-none of this would have happened. You would have always been the one I loved most." That was the last straw for Isadora. Her composure collapsed, and her anger spilled over.
"So it's my fault for not growing up with you?" she shot back, her voice shaking. "That's why you turned your back on me?" She drew a ragged breath, fury and heartbreak tangled in her eyes. "It was Carla's selfishness that switchedand Pearl's places. For Pearl, she was willing to give up everything. And you my own parents-I thought you'd be my shelter, my support. But all the storms I've weathered cfrom you." Eleanor saw agony flicker across Isadora's face, and it felt like a knife twisting in her chest.
She wanted to say something more, but Isadora had already turned and run.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEleanor stood frozen, watching her daughter's retreating figure disappear without a hint of hesitation. Tears stung her eyes.
Isadora, this is all my fault.
Isadora raced down to the underground parking garage, slid into her car, and took a long, trembling breath. She sat quietly for a moment, trying to steady herself, before finally starting the engine and pulling away. The delay meant that by the tshe arrived at the event, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for M Boutique was already over.
A staff member quickly ushered her to the next part of the evening—a lavish cocktail reception.
M Boutique was the premier luxury brand in Northmarch, and tonight's guest list was filled with Capitolion's elite: socialites, celebrities, top journalists, and photographers.
The reception was opulent, draped in European elegance. Waiters glided by with silver trays, offering drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
As the brand ambassador, Nanette was busy mingling with M Boutique's executives, a glass of champagne in hand. When she spotted Isadora arrive, she hurried over and introduced her to the group.
Mason, one of the company's directors, greeted Isadora with a polite smile-gone was his former arrogance. He even attempted an awkward greeting in English, his accent thick.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Hello, Miss Vaughan." Isadora smiled politely and nodded. "Hello." Mason hesitated, then said, "I must apologize for last time. I didn't realize you knew Mr. Fitzgerald. I hope you don't hold it against me." The mention of Victor's nmade Isadora pause, just for a moment.
"M Boutique is lucky to be joining with The Vaughan Group," Mason added. "Wainwright!" someone called out. Magnus was making his way over from across the room. Mason clapped him on the chest. "Long tno see! You keep dodging my invitations for drinks lately." The two were old friends from their Northmarch university days, and their camaraderie was obvious. Mason, still new to Capitolion, didn't know about the history between Isadora and Magnus. He turned to introduce her. "This is Miss Vaughan-her family owns the mall where M Boutique is opening." He glanced back and forth between them, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Wow, you two look like a couple tonight. Matching gray suits and everything."
Magnus's gaze grew dark and intense, fixed on Isadora. Nanette rolled her eyes and stepped forward, deliberately blocking his line of sight. Just then, one of the M Boutique executives raised his glass and called out, "Let's have a toast to celebrate tonight!" In the next moment, Magnus picked up a glass of red wine and handed it to Isadora. "You shouldn't drink spirits. This is better for you." Nanette clenched her jaw in annoyance. Late attempts at tenderness-what a joke.
Isadora didn't take the wine from Magnus. Instead, she lifted her own glass and took the tiniest of sips, just for show.
Those closest to Isadora knew she couldn't handle hard liquor, evema little would leave her flushed and lightheaded. But a sip of wine was harmless. Magnus frowned and leaned in, keeping his voice low so only she could hear. "Isadora, you don't need to hurt yourself just to spite me." At that moment, a commotion erupted at the entrance-camera flashes burst in rapid succession as someone important swept in.
Isadora looked up, her gaze traveling over the crowd and the dazzling om lights, landing on the familiar, striking figure of a man striding in with effortless confidence, a crowd trailing in his wake.
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