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.

- if she were to marry, it would be to the cream of the crop in Skywatch, regardless of

first impression of Madeleine was that she

warm water and set one in

something she would only drink at Nathan's behest - she masked her irritation. Owen motioned for the secretary

alone, he asked, "So, Ms. Porter, to what

his water, holding Madeleine's

water, her

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

Stefan, correct? There's an old saying, 'The enemy of

she was here to use him as a pawn

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

side. I intend to strip her of her power and see how high and mighty she acts

the table,

not for them, your sweetheart wouldn't have been in trouble, and you'd have

The Porter family may not wield power in Pinehurst, but our business is vast. Cooperate with the Porter Group, and you'll triumph in both the boardroom and the

"Ms. Porter, what kind of partnership are you

a partnership with the

time to think it

her smile not waning, "Of course, that's

will you

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

choked back

extending it towards Owen. "Once Mr. Martinez has made up your mind, feel free to give

out her card and handed