Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Tonight, Olivia wore a pale yellow evening gown that shimmered under the spotlights, the hem swirling like a mermaid's tail. She glided with youthful grace, radiating confidence and charm.

Andrina squeezed her hand. "Olivia, you've got this. Show them what you're made of."

"Don't worry, Mom," Olivia replied with a wink. "After all those performances abroad, this is nothing. Just wait and see—your daughter's going to shine tonight."

With that, she stood up, offering a poised wave to the cameras before heading towards the stage.

Their seats were in the second row, but Olivia's path to the stage took her straight past the front row-where Isadora and Nanette happened to be sitting.

Balancing on three-inch heels, Olivia strode forward, her fingers clenched in determination. She fought back the urge to slap Isadora as she passed, still seething over that "ten million dollar" humiliation from earlier.

Just then, as Olivia walked by, Nanette casually stuck out her leg.

Olivia didn't notice-until it was too late.

"Ah!"

She stumbled, nearly pitching forward onto the floor in a most undignified sprawl.

Instinctively, she reached out to steady herself, grabbing for the nearest person- Isadora. Isadora coolly brushed her hand away, leaving Olivia to crash down with a thud, landing awkwardly on her knees.

Nanette burst out laughing.

"My, Miss Walsh, such generosity! No need for grand gestures on my account."

Furious, Olivia pushed herself up, glaring daggers at Nanette. "You witch! How dare you trip me!"

Nanette feigned innocence with a shrug. “Trip you? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Face flushed with both embarrassment and rage, Olivia's voice rose. "Don't play dumb! It was you!"

The commotion caught the attention of everyone nearby. All eyes were on Olivia as she scrambled to her feet, the moment thick with awkward silence.

Andrina hurried over and steadied her daughter. "It's alright, Olivia. They're just jealous, trying to rattle you before your performance. Don't let them win."

Though Olivia's anger simmered, she gritted her teeth and forced herself to focus. Shooting Nanette

one last venomous glare, she

straightened her dress and strode confidently onto the stage.

She'd make them pay for this later. But first, the show.

As Olivia disappeared onto the stage, Andrina turned to face Isadora and her companion, her voice icy. "I never expected such behavior from you, Mrs. Fitzgerald."

Isadora smiled coolly. "I don't need Mrs. Walsh to hand me a medal for good conduct. Besides, what are you going to do about it?"

And in truth, there was nothing Andrina could do at least not tonight.

But the night was young, and the story far from over.

Andrina was nothing if not patient. After a steadying breath, she returned to her seat.

On stage, Olivia sat center spotlight, the very picture of poise and elegance. With her cello cradled in her arms, she bowed her head and drew the bow across the strings. Music flowed out-clear, rich and mesmerizing. sŵnovel

The melody twisted and soared, sometimes plaintive, sometimes bold, like a mountain stream tumbling over rocks, sparkling and bright.

The entire audience fell under her spell, utterly captivated by the music.

"Miss Walsh isn't just beautiful—her musicianship is extraordinary. She's a true lady of distinction."

"I heard she's the eldest daughter of the CEO of Legacy National Bank

just returned from studying

overseas. What a remarkable young woman. Whoever marries her will be the luckiest man alive."noveldrama

Sitting nearby, Andrina listened to the praise for her daughter. For the first time

that evening, a genuine smile lit up her face.