Faux Vows, True Desires

When Olina got mad, she never cared where she was and why she was there. Her face was clouded over as she barked, "Owen!"

Owen thought he was hallucinating when he heard his mother's voice. How could she possibly be here?

"Owen, you actually had the gall to ask your grandfather for your grandmother's jewelry to give to Cecilia? I haven't even worn any piece of the jewelry, and who is she to deserve it?" Olina was seething with jealousy.

Jealous of the attention her son bestowed upon Cecilia.

Her husband had always treated her well, mainly because he had fought with his father to marry her. But ever since then, he rarely did anything against his father's wishes. After unsuccessfully trying to secure the family heirlooms for her, he never brought it up again.

If Owen could get them, surely her husband could have too, if only he had persisted.

"Mom? What are you doing here?"

Finally, Owen caught sight of his Olina..

He let out an astonished cry, then immediately asked, "Mom, are you here to bring trouble to Cecilia again?"

Olina stepped forward, her voice dripping with annoyance, "I haven't done anything. I was just passing by and thought I'd take a look. Don't assume I'm here to hassle her every time you see me. With her temperament, how could I possibly bother her?"

"She has no respect for the elders," Olina complained.

Before Cecilia could retort, Lucy jumped in to confront Olina, "Elders? I fail to see how Megan qualifies as an respectable elder to Cecilia. She waltzed in here and called Cecilia a harlot. We were merciful just dousing her with a bucket of water. Lucky for her she's swift on her feet, or I would've snipped her tongue out to feed to the dogs."

"A tongue that can't speak kindness might as well be cut out."

up for Cecilia, she found it more fitting to scold Cecilia for not respecting Megan. Who

apologize to that vile woman, Mr. Martinez, your mother excels at

only behave so recklessly because of the

"Lucy!"

mad

son's darkening handsome face, Olina hurriedly explained, "Owen, don't believe Lucy's words. She's in cahoots with Cecilia, and she's Stefan's wife. Stefan is your arch-enemy. She'd

Martinez, would you like to review the security footage? I can arrange

Olina was speechless.

instead. I won't wear it. I was intended to accompany you tonight, but after this

of this evening gown and give it back to you. Being cursed for wearing this dress you gave me, I never knew you could be

Cecilia turned

Olina was dumbfounded.

Cecilia were her nemeses. Every time she came looking for trouble,

Owen hurried

his mother, "Mom, Megan's just flattering you, cozying up to you

family is too noble to have Cecilia joined, right? Well, if I can't make Cecilia come with me tonight, I'll resign as president of the Ikella Group tomorrow. And I'll renounce my ties to the Martinez family shortly. When I have

Cecilia will be superior to me in every way-more noble, wealthier and better. It's me who won't be worthy of her, not the other

Olina's face went pale.

father-in-law had said he would respect his choice if he truly decided to forsake the world. "Owen, you're threatening

threaten you, Mom. But

your wife? Stop letting her and Megan get together to do things that hold me