Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen wanted to grab a bite with Stefan and the gang, but he chickened out at the last second and just stood there like a lost puppy as Cecilia walked away with them. They were out of sight, and Owen turned to leave.

He decided he wouldn't spend a dime at the Ascend Hotel.

These two hotels were rivals.

If he were spotted at the Ascend Hotel, god knew what the gossip columnists would say.

After a few steps, Owen stopped in his tracks.

He thought it over, turned back, and walked back into the hotel.

He suspected Cecilia was on a date with Keith!

The thought of not keeping an eye on her made him uneasy!

Owen decided to throw his dignity out the window. Even if it meant being laughed at by his rivals, he was going to have a meal there, and he'd foot the bill if he had to!

The Ascend Hotel had a revolving restaurant at the top. Stefan didn't know what Nathan's favorite food was, so he chose to dine at the restaurant and asked Eric to prepare a variety of delicious dishes in advance.

Whatever Nathan wanted, he had it covered.

They had just settled down at the restaurant when Eric got a phone call.

After a few words, he turned to Stefan and said, "Stefan, Owen wants to treat us; should we let him?"

Stefan didn't answer Eric right away; instead, he asked Nathan for his opinion.

"Since Mr. Martinez is being so generous, we should give him a chance."

Nathan was pleased that Stefan asked for his opinion. He was aware of the rivalry between Owen and Stefan, so he was willing to help Stefan.

"You're right; we should give him a chance to treat us. I've known him since we were kids, and he's never treated me to a meal before. This time, I'm going to feast. Eric, order a few more dishes, the most expensive ones, and the priciest wine."

Lucinda, "Owen's going to feel the pinch

at her; her eyes were

and said, "It's a rare opportunity; we

should make him cough

for Eric, everyone else was looking at Cecilia,

But he's loaded, and we're just small fries; we can't fight him. If we have a chance to make him

need to be polite. Eat up; good thing we've

laughter at the two

at his daughter

Cecilia blushed a little.

face and he was sure she was on a date with Keith; otherwise, she wouldn't be blushing. He'd

met him, she dressed so extravagantly that it was almost repulsive; she even ate garlic, and her breath

could

date with Keith, she was

bit salty, but he couldn't let

a contract; he couldn't just announce that Cecilia

Owen had no qualms about sitting next to

shot Stefan

relationship with Cecilia, yet he was still

didn't argue with him; instead, he smiled and said, "Owen, you're treating us today. We've known each other for years, but this is the first time you've treated me to a meal. Thank you." Owen forced a smile. "Eating alone is no fun; I just wanted some company, that's

say you had any

a

real identity was kept under wraps, and everyone

had a good

was satiated. Cecilia even rubbed her full belly and patted Owen's shoulder, grinning, "Mr. Malicious,

to push him away, squeezing it to

Malicious in front of

only Mr. Malicious in her

one else would call him that, so

"Sure!"