Faux Vows, True Desires

Taking a closer look, Madeleine was young and stunning—a fact that didn't escape anyone, especially since her brother had mentioned she was only two years her senior. At twenty-six, Madeleine was set to marry a fifty-year-old man, which made everyone wonder what on Earth she saw in her aging beau.

Despite her meticulous makeup, a certain weariness couldn't be concealed. It was clear that she was under a lot of stress, probably thanks to Uncle Hayden's shenanigans. Lucy couldn't help but smirk internally: Serves her right!

She had never seen a society heiress so eager to tie the knot with an old chap. And the fact that he hadn't laid a finger on her didn't deter her; she even resorted to using some underhanded tactics. "Lucy, I'm here to see your mom, Janice."

Her tone was blunt, matching Lucy's own lack of cordiality.

As far as Lucy was concerned, there was no need for pleasantries between them-they were hardly old pals, and their families were practically at war. Straight to the point was best.

"Mom's not here. Whatever you need to say, you can tell me, and I'll pass the message."

Lucy could pretty much guess why Madeleine was there.

"Janice isn't here? Is it that she doesn't want to see me or is she afraid to?"

"And what if she doesn't want to see you? Who do you think you are that my mom has to meet with you on command?"

Madeleine was at a loss for words-she was used to getting her way and being defiant, but Lucy's rebuffs revealed her true colors.

"I have something to discuss with your mother, and it's about her and your father, Nathan."

"My parents can sort out their own issues. Even I, their daughter, don't interfere. What gives you the right?"

Lucy stood her ground.

"Ms. Porter, I told you to speak directly to me."

your father's girlfriend! Watch your tone with

flared,

girlfriend? My parents aren't even divorced yet. In my eyes, you're nothing but a mistress-a shameless one at

I haven't sicced the dog on you—that's me being civilized.

him. You think he still loves

Lucy was seething inside.

expected, mistresses always had the

kept her cool; showing anger would only

dad loves you so much that despite all your scheming, you still haven't made it to his

face turned a furious

managed to find her voice again, "Your father is just being respectful to me. He wants to preserve

what you want. Have you ever considered that maybe my

Madeleine was speechless.

the conversation, felt an indignant

he was in good shape, possibly

foyer fell into an awkward

from the staircase, nearly burst

"Maybe dad really isn't up to

around, whispering back, "Bro, you're up? I was just coming down when I saw

out of the way. But dad's okay, right? You called me the other

all these years. It was impressive he hadn't

up, "Lucinda, he's your father. Are you really going to slander him

that if he's completely fine, why hasn't he touched you

to speak but found herself

Nathan really