Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Isadora hesitated, caught off guard for a moment.

The man standing before her radiated an intense presence-so overwhelming that every one of her senses seemed to sharpen in self-defense as he drew closer.

Taking a steadying breath, she spoke up. "Yes, I came here because I need to talk

to you."

Victor, holding his fluffy white dog Pudding, stared at her. Both man and dog watched her with equal vigilance.

His voice was calm and unreadable. "What is it?"

Isadora faltered. Discussing business like this, in such a setting, felt oddly formal.

"Could we maybe talk somewhere more private?"

Victor gave Pudding a lazy glance, as if amused by the dog's clueless expression. "Beatty, take Pudding for a bath."

Beatty, who had been waiting quietly in the background, stepped forward to collect the dog. But the moment Pudding hopped down from Victor's arms, he flopped onto the floor between Victor and Isadora, refusing to budge. He barked insistently, ignoring Beatty's coaxing.

Isadora bent down, gently rubbed Pudding's head, and smiled at him. "Be good, Pudding. Go have your bath. I'll come find you later.”

Just like that, Pudding's attitude changed completely. He wagged his tail and trotted off obediently with Beatty.

Victor frowned, watching them go.

Traitor, he thought. After all these years caring for you, and now you're ready to ditch me the second she says a word.

Isadora cleared her throat. "How old is Pudding?"

"Thirteen."

"That's impressive." She smiled warmly. "You've really taken good care of him."

"You don't remember him at all?"

Isadora looked at Victor, her eyes bright and clear.

Should she remember? She couldn't recall ever owning a dog that old.

Victor could tell she had no memory of it-the fact that Pudding was once a stray she'd rescued herself.

He let it go. "Alright, what did you want to talk about?"

Isadora pressed her lips together, searching for the right words.

"I'm sorry for showing up at your home like this. I actually went by The Fitzgerald Group today to look for you, but you weren't there, so... this seemed like my best option."

Victor raised an eyebrow, his tone casual. "You stopped by my office, and now you're here. Must be important."

Isadora nodded, her demeanor shifting to something more businesslike.

"It is. My company, The Vaughan Group, is launching its Global Project to expand overseas. I was hoping you might consider coming on board as an investor. The expected returns are strong, and I believe it fits The Fitzgerald Group's investment criteria."noveldrama

Victor's dark eyes studied her. After playing with Pudding, her cheeks were flushed, a fine sheen of sweat on her brow. When she spoke about work, though, she was focused and determined her whole expression lighting up with purpose.

He couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction that she'd come to him instead of Magnus for this project. Still, he kept his face neutral and simply nodded. "So, let me get this straight="

He cut himself off, then said, "With those kinds of returns, I imagine Wainwright Holdings would jump at the chance to invest."

In other words: Why come to him instead of Magnus?

Isadora carefully considered her answer.

"I believe The Fitzgerald Group has a more robust track record with international investments. That's why The Vaughan Group reached out directly."

It was true, though not the whole story.

But Victor wasn't satisfied with that answer.

"Isadora, The Fitzgerald Group has an investment division. If you're looking for backing, you could have gone through the official channels-submitted your proposal to the investment team and waited for their review."

She knew all about The Fitzgerald Group's formidable investment department. It was legendary in the industry. Around the world, whenever someone had a promising project and needed an angel investor, The Fitzgerald Group was always the first name that came to mind.