Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 102 Victor froze, caught completely off guard by Isadora's words.

A shadow flickered across his eyes as he fell silent, saying nothing.

Isadora felt a chill run down her spine under the intensity of his sharp, striking gaze. She shifted uncomfortably, clearing her throat.

"That day, Magnus and I ended things for good," she explained, her voice a bit shaky. "So... what happened between us-it wasn't saffair. You weren't the other man." Isadora wasn't the type to get involved with someone else while still tied to Magnus, even if her mind hadn't been clear that night.

Victor noticed the faint flush creeping up her cheeks, her eyes shining with embarrassment, and the way she fidgeted reminded him of a skittish fawn.

Suddenly, he broke the tension with a small, amused smile. "So what are you saying, Miss Vaughan? Are you askingto take responsibility?" Isadora's eyes widened in alarm.

That wasn't what she meant at all. She just wanted Victor to know she and Magnus were truly over-and that she wasn't someone who fooled around lightly. She didn't want him to think she was lying or playing games.

Before she could protest, Victor let out a casual hum. "If anyone needs to take responsibility, it's you. For me." That left Isadora blinking in confusion, staring at him in disbelief.

With an easy motion, Victor reached out and gently pinched her earlobe-warm and delicate beneath his fingers. "It was my first time, too," he said, his tone lazy and teasing. "You took advantage of me, Isadora. Did you realize that?" Her already wide eyes grew even bigger.

She couldn't quite believe it. Victor, of all people-how could that have been his first time? Practically every woman in the city of Capitolion would have killed for a chance to end up in his bed. How could it be possible? Her voice cout barely above a whisper. "But... you seemed so... experienced?" He grinned, laughter in his words. "Maybe I just learn quickly. I've always been a fast study." His hand, broad and strong, slid to the small of her back and pulled her firmly against him. He bent his head, his lips brushing lightly over her blushing cheek before lingering near her ear.

"But if I've earned your approval, Miss Vaughan, that's an honor. I'll do my best to improve for next time." His breath was warm against her ear, sending heat straight to her heart. Paired with Victor's shameless teasing, Isadora's face lit up like a flare. She let out an involuntary squeak.

"Don't say things like that..." she stammered.

Victor's usual edge melted away, replaced by a gentle warmth as he pressed a finger to her flushed lips. He teased her in a low murmur, "Shh, my office walls are thin. If you want to make noise, next twe can find somewhere private-then you can let loose as much as you want." Isadora didn't buy that for a second-everyone knew the CEO's office was nearly soundproof-but she still worried someone might hear. Instinctively, she pounded his chest in protest, her gesture more playful than angry, like a girlfriend pouting at her boyfriend.

Realizing what she'd done, she quickly dropped her hand, only relaxing when Victor didn't seem the least bit bothered.

It was all his fault, she thought, exasperated. He made her lose her composure every tshe was around him.

But seeing the mischief in his eyes and the teasing curve of his mouth, Isadora decided to seize the moment and steer the conversation back on track.

She ventured carefully, "About the remaining four billion-can you transfer it to The Vaughan Group?" Victor arched a brow, his voice drawling, "Didn't your father ever teach you how to ask for a favor?" After so many nights tangled up together, Isadora finally understood what he meant. This infuriating man! But since they'd already crossed that line, there was no point pretending to be coy now. She rose up on tiptoe and pressed a quick, feather-light kiss to his lips.

Her ears burned. "Now will you do it?" Victor's voice dropped, rich and indulgent. "Isadora, a kiss for four billion?" He chuckled. "You drive a hard bargain. Maybe I should kiss you and you givefour billion." She glared, realizing he was just toying with her. With a huff, she pushed him away. "Forget it, then." Victor smirked. "That's it? You're giving up so easily?" Her temper flared. She pursed her lips. "If I don't push back, you'd just keep teasing me." He met her gaze with a hint of playful scolding. "Miss Vaughan, that's not how you ask for help."

She squared her shoulders. "Mr.

Fitzgerald, you're obviously just messing with me. You promised The Vaughan Group eight billion, and then you suddenly stopped halfway-now you're forcingto chere myself." Victor didn't get angry. His laughter was soft and clear. "Looks like you're finally catching on." Isadora looked up at him, her eyes searching. "So what's your real motive?" Victor's dark eyes locked onto hers, his tone loaded with meaning. "What do you think?"

The intensity of his gaze made Isadora's heart skip a beat. Shem turned away, suddenly shy. "I'm not a mind reader. How could I possibly know what you're thinking?" Victor watched her, thoughtful. He'd been waiting, hoping she'd cto him on her own. He wanted to give her time.

But when he saw that photo of her in a wedding dress-when he realized she might forgive Magnus and say yes-he was consumed by jealousy. He was terrified that next time, it might not be pretend. It might be real.

Victor realized he couldn't wait another moment. If she wouldn't cto him, he'd just have to keep her close and give her tto fall for him.

His gaze softened as he spoke, voice low and certain. "Isadora, I want you to be my girlfriend."