EuropeNovelChapter 176 "Oh?" Deanna's sharp gaze flicked over the file in Isadora's hands, but she made no move to take it. "Miss Vaughan, are you turning your nose up at my gift?" Isadora drew in a deep, steadying breath.
She knew Deanna had been waiting for her today, deliberately setting this meeting. Otherwise, with the Vaughan family's modest standing in the business world, how could they possibly have caught the eye of the Fitzgerald matriarch? Not to mention, the Fitzgeralds were one of the most elite families in Capitolion. Every season, the world's finest new jewelry designs were sent straight to their door for their choosing.
Isadora lifted her eyes and met Deanna's gaze. Her voice was unwavering. "I don't want to make a deal with you." Deanna's lined face was unreadable, but her deep-set eyes fixed on Isadora, unwavering.
Her voice, worn with age, betrayed no emotion. "What's this, then? Have you set your sights on Victor? Want to be the next Mrs. Fitzgerald?" Isadora's hand trembled as she clutched the file, her expression shifting, her throat tightening painfully.
"Mrs. Fitzgerald, I know my position is awkward and I'm hardly qualified," she said, her voice low but steady. "I don't want to marry into your family, but I... I care about Victor. I'm sorry, but I won't leave him." As the words left her mouth, the crushing weight in Isadora's chest seemed to lighten, if only a little. She was still Isadora-at her core, always bold in love.
Ever since she realized her feelings for Victor, she'd hesitated, she'd been afraid, even tried to pull away. But in the end, she chose to follow her heart, no matter the risk.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe couldn't even pinpoint when she'd fallen for him. Maybe it was that night he looked at her with such unexpected gentleness as the city lights blurred by. Maybe it was when he shielded her from malice with a simple, "I won't let anyone hurt you." Her feelings for Victor were different from what she'd once felt for Magnus. This went deeper, wilder.
She was certain-she loved Victor.
She loved his reckless charm, his wild spirit, the way he lived as if nothing could hold him back.
And she wanted, desperately, to hold onto him.
Deanna's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness.
"You young women these days are greedy," she said coolly. "If you won't take these shares, I can just as easily give them to your brother, or to Pearl." Isadora stared, momentarily stunned.
Deanna's initial warmth had vanished, replaced by the commanding tone of someone accustomed to authority. "So you like my grandson-hardly news. But are you really so sure you're the only one for Victor?" The words struck a raw nerve, and Isadora's face paled.
Deep down, she suspected Victor cared for her, maybe even liked her. But love? She wasn't sure.
Deanna's lips curled into a knowing smile. "You thought his trip to Solstrand was just business? Gemma, the heiress to LS Capital Holdings, is turning twenty-two this week." Isadora's expression faltered, her heart sinking, and Deanna noticed.
"Everyone in Capitolion knows the Fitzgeralds once promised Victor in marriage, but his fiancée never showed up. That's only because she hadn't graduated yet. Our families' alliance will be sealed this year. I do hope you'll cto the celebration, Miss Vaughan." With that, Deanna let her housekeeper help her up, and walked out with slow, deliberate dignity.
Isadora felt utterly drained, as if she'd just fought a losing battle.
She'd finally mustered the courage to speak her truth, to reveal the secret she'd guarded so carefully.
But in the end, it felt as if someone had laughed in her face as if her feelings were worthless. She had no idea how she made it back to the car.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
All she knew was that her chest ached, painfully tight, as if something heavy was pressing on her heart. She needed to do something-anything-to keep from falling apart.
With numb, icy fingers, Isadora unlocked her phone and dialed that long-distance number.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
The static on the line felt even colder than usual, as though distance alone could freeze her.
It was just a minute, but for Isadora, m it stretched into an eternity.each second thick with dread. At last, the call connected.
Her voice was hoarse. "Vi-" "Hello? Who is this?" A young woman's unfamiliar voice answered instead.
"Victor's in the shower. He'll call you back later."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
