Faux Vows, True Desires

As the arch-nemesis of Stefan, and with his ex-wife's best friend Lucinda in the middle of it all, Owen was privy to more inside information than the average Joe.

Madeleine was Nathan's girl, and back when Janice was off on her wild tangents, it was Madeleine who stepped in, acting the part of the lady of the house in all the public events, fulfilling the duties expected of a partner to a high-profile man like Nathan.

Everyone in the town of Skywatch knew about Madeleine and Nathan's situation. They all thought she was set for life, that Janice would be left in the dust.

Owen was no stranger to these rumors.

When Madeleine suddenly showed up at his door, Owen had a hunch about what she wanted. It was likely a partnership she was after.

Owen sat behind his desk, waiting for her arrival.

"Boss, Ms. Porter's here," announced his secretary, escorting Madeleine in.

With a nonchalant "hmm," Owen stood up, reached out his hand as Madeleine approached, his voice polite but his expression frosty.

He wasn't exactly known for being chatty with outsiders.

"Ms. Porter, a pleasure."

Madeleine shook his hand while sizing him up.

In her eyes, Owen was a catch - young, handsome, loaded, and fiercely loyal. His unwavering dedication to Ruby was well known, even to someone like her who didn't pay much attention to the Martinez family.

She couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with Ruby, passing up on a gem like Owen and instead chasing after Stefan like a dog with a bone.

But then again, she understood - when you're as ambitious as Ruby, you aim for the perfect one.

it would be to the

that she

water and set one in front of Madeleine, saying politely,

hadn't even bothered to ask what she wanted, just assuming she'd want lukewarm water - something she would only drink at Nathan's behest - she masked her irritation. Owen motioned

alone, he asked, "So, Ms. Porter, to what do I owe the pleasure of this

his water, holding Madeleine's gaze with

too, pretended to sip her water,

with Mr. Martinez. The Ikella group doesn't have a presence in Skywatch, and as you know,

business, though a successful partnership could extend there. Your enemy is Stefan, correct? There's an old saying, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' With a common foe, why not join forces

he knew she was here to use him as a pawn against

a local ally to take on Pinehurst's top dog, and Owen was

thorn in my side. I intend to strip her of her power and see how high and

on the table, revealing her true

them, your sweetheart wouldn't have been in trouble, and you'd have won her over by now. They've been a thorn in

that indignity. You must despise them as much as I do. The Porter family may not wield power in Pinehurst, but our business is vast. Cooperate with the Porter Group, and you'll

before asking, "Ms. Porter, what

partnership with

time to think it

smile not waning,

you need,

to know if the Porter clan is keen on teaming up with me or if this is just Ms. Porter's solo act. If it's the latter, I'll need to

back

Owen. "Once Mr. Martinez has made up your mind, feel free

spoke, she took out her