Faux Vows, True Desires

"Every time I see her silhouette and those eyes, I swear they ring a bell. It's quite possible we've crossed paths at one of those galas we've attended. You know, the ones where the room is filled with society wives. Could be she's some matron in disguise."

"You can't be serious about setting your brother up with a matron, right? Let's wait until we uncover her true identity before we start playing matchmaker."

Lucinda tossed and turned all night but couldn't place the enigmatic woman. Hearing her husband's words, she deflated, "Forget it, it's my brother's business, not mine. It's a shame, though. I really liked Darlene for him. I thought she'd make the perfect sister-in-law, but that seems unlikely now."

Her brother's disinterest in Darlene, a delicate greenhouse flower, might stem from his upbringing.

Even if she suspected Darlene played coy to hide her true strength.

"If this mystery woman turns out to be a young lady and your brother learns who she really is, and there's a spark, that could be a blessing in disguise. She might be a better fit for him than Ms. Darlene." Stefan always thought of Darlene as gentle and refined.

But Belinda Bishop left a much stronger impression.

One sister was as cold as ice, the other as tender as a dew-covered rose. Considering the Blue family's dynamics, Lucinda couldn't help but agree.

"Let's not dwell on it. It's late; we should sleep. You've got work tomorrow." Stefan planted a kiss on his wife's forehead.

"Honey, after Liam and Tiffany's wedding, I'm heading back to Skywatch."

She had hoped to learn the ropes at Ascend Global, but as a greenhorn in the corporate world, rapid growth seemed elusive.

Might as well return to her roots, learn as she goes, and handle adversaries on her turf.

Stefan considered her words, then agreed, "Alright, after the wedding, I'll go back with you to Skywatch. We can also check on the new branch we're setting up."

Skywatch was home to several influential families, not just the Blues and the Porters. The other families maintained a low profile, unlike the high-profile Blues or the brash Porters. For any outsider looking to carve out a slice of Skywatch's pie, it was a tough nut to crack.

establish a branch in Skywatch needed more than a

a Blue family son-in-law and Ascend Global's reputation, Skywatch's other great houses would think twice before

"Thank you, darling."

up, quickly straddled Stefan,

"We're partners, love. Your concerns are mine. No need

Lucinda grateful, "I'm so

blessed to have you. You've filled my life with

marry, the

second-floor study was Belinda's sanctuary, where no one, except Darlene, could enter without

of the study's upkeep, never leaving

the night, the study's light remained on, not with Belinda

examined a portrait Keith had spent

"The likeness is uncanny.

was none other than

roaming the

been Lucinda's brother, she would've stepped in

assistance, but now Keith

her face, keeping Ms.

incident as a fleeting

a lasting impression, it was Keith's formidable skills. He could have been a standout in her line

had even offered a hefty sum for her agency to

about her silver-masked alter ego hadn't been

her detective work,

her job, but to keep her sister at ease, she played the part of