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.

be to the cream

that she fell short of Mrs. Bright's

a glass of warm water and set one

something she would only drink at Nathan's behest -

asked, "So, Ms. Porter, to what do

of his water, holding Madeleine's gaze with

to sip her water, her

"I'm here to discuss a potential partnership with Mr. Martinez. The Ikella group doesn't

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

sneered; he knew she was here to use him as a pawn

ally to take on

hasn't wronged me personally, but his wife, Lucinda. She's a thorn in my side. I intend to strip her of

cards on the table,

in trouble, and you'd have won her over

pride couldn't swallow that indignity. You must despise them as much as I do. The Porter family may not wield power in Pinehurst,

contemplation before asking, "Ms. Porter, what kind of

a partnership with the Porter

some time to think

not waning, "Of

you

this is just Ms. Porter's solo act. If it's the latter, I'll need to give it some serious

choked back her

card," she said, extending it towards Owen. "Once Mr. Martinez has

her card and handed it to