Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Several well-dressed men arrived with their partners in tow, eager to introduce themselves.

"Mr. Fitzgerald, nice to meet you. I'm Mr. Lennox from Zenith Technologies."

"Mr. Fitzgerald, I'm Neil from Futurix Tech. And this must be your fiancée. You're truly a lucky man."

As the wealthiest family in Capitolion, the Fitzgeralds were the center of attention tonight.

Everyone wanted a chance to make themselves known or perhaps establish a connection. After all, the Fitzgerald Group's investment division was legendary-if they invested even a modest sum, it could breathe new life into any struggling project.

Meanwhile, the women accompanying these men watched Isadora with a mix of envy and admiration.

Victor stood tall and striking, his handsome face carrying an air of cool detachment. Surrounded by eager faces, he didn't even bother to force a smile, simply nodding in polite acknowledgment.

But his attention was fixed solely on Isadora. Leaning down, he asked quietly, "Are you thirsty?"

Before she could answer, a woman in a violet evening gown appeared with a cup of warm water for Isadora. "The party's just starting. It's a good idea to have something warm to drink," she said kindly.

This was Neil's date.

Isadora, realizing she was indeed a bit thirsty, accepted the cup. "Thank you."

Victor's dark eyes never left Isadora, but after a moment he looked up, glancing carelessly at Neil. "About that project you mentioned-send another proposal to my assistant later."

Neil's eyes lit up, barely able to contain his excitement. "Thank you, thank you, Mr. Fitzgerald. I really appreciate the opportunity."

Everyone knew that Neil's project had already been rejected by the Fitzgerald Group's investment team. Who would have guessed that a simple gesture-a cup of water-could change the course of his company's fate?

In that instant, the crowd understood: if you wanted to impress Victor Fitzgerald, you'd do best to befriend the woman at his side.

The other men shot annoyed looks at their partners, urging them to do something. Immediately, a circle of society ladies surrounded Isadora, each vying to greet her and make an impression.

A little while later, Meade Walsh, the president of Legacy National Bank, entered the room. At eighty-five, he leaned on a cane, supported by a servant, but still radiated energy. Seeing Victor, he broke into @warm smile.

"There you are, you rascal. I thought even my 85th birthday couldn't draw you out."

Victor smiled. "How could I possibly skip your birthday when you've personally invited me?"noveldrama

The Fitzgeralds and the Walsh family had deep ties-Victor's grandfather and Meade had once served together in the army; they were old friends and comrades-in-arms.

"It's a shame your grandfather passed so young... But let's not dwell on that tonight. Since you took over, the Fitzgerald Group has flourished even more than

in his day. You've truly outdone your predecessor."

"Legacy National has continued to thrive under your leadership as well, Mr. Walsh."

Meade chuckled, knowing Victor was only being polite. His own sons hadn't lived up to expectations, and if not for the solid foundation he'd built, the bank might have faltered long ago. That was why, even as he neared ninety, he couldn't bring himself to retire.

Finally, Meade noticed the woman at Victor's side. "And this young lady is...?"

Victor slipped an arm around Isadora's waist. "This is my fiancée, Isadora Vaughan, from the Vaughan Group."

At the word "fiancée," Meade's cloudy eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Miss Vaughan, you're very lovely. Victor has excellent taste."

Isadora blushed slightly. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Walsh."

Meade waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, please, call me Mr. Walsh-just like Victor does."

Meade was no fool. The moment

Victor introduced Isadora as his

fiancée, he understood the significance. By bringing her here.

tonight Victor was annou

everyone that she was the future Mrs. Fitzgerald. Strictly speaking, her background didn't quite measure up to this elite circle, but Victor was now the undisputed head of the Fitzgerald Group. For Meade, once honored to be called "Grandpa" by Victor, that was reason enough to treat her with respect-though he knew better than to overstep.

Suddenly, Meade narrowed his eyes, a thought coming to him.

"I seem to recall the Vaughan Group once had a loan with Legacy National, didn't they?"

Back when the Vaughan Group's Global Project was struggling with qualifications, Legacy National had only approved half the loan they requested. That was what led them to seek Victor's investment in the first place.