Faux Vows, True Desires

Staring at the ruffian hanging around Cecilia and that woman with the surname West-oh, it was certainly a pseudonym-they were just petty crooks on Kris's payroll, clueless about who Kris's actual contact was.

Cecilia's expression shifted, her grip on Lucinda's hand suddenly firm.

"Lucy, you don't think Mr. Malicious is in trouble, do you?"

Lucinda quickly reassured her, "No way, Mr. Malicious loves to showboat. The only time he doesn't want a crowd is when he's with you, to avoid a third wheel. Otherwise, he's always surrounded by a squad of bodyguards."

"His status and his clout mean the Porter family wouldn't dare hurt him directly. If Madeleine's peeved with him, she'd go after you to make him regret it, rather than confront him head-on."

"But why hasn't he come around in days? He's usually like clingfilm, practically stuck to me 24/7. If he's not here, he's definitely up to something risky behind my back."

Lucinda was at a loss for words.

She truly had no idea what Owen had been up to these past few days.

"If you're that worried, why not call him now and see what he's doing?"

Cecilia immediately dialed Owen's number.

It took him a while to pick up.

"Mr. Malicious, what are you busy with?"

Owen chuckled, "Cecilia, when did I become Mr. Malicious again? I was just getting some shut-eye when your call woke me. It's been days since I've had a good night's sleep, I'm beat." "What's been keeping you so busy that you can't even sleep right?"

Cecilia's voice softened unconsciously.

Lucinda stood up and walked away.

She took a seat across from Darlene.

Upon seeing her approach, Darlene set down the coffee she'd been nursing and gazed at Lucinda with tender eyes.

"Darlene."

"Mhm."

was soft, like a gentle spring

was so soothing, it almost lulled her to

could be this tender,

"You're truly beautiful!"

was as warm as the first days of spring. She was naturally stunning, but in Lucinda's eyes, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Watching her smile, Lucinda was mesmerized, her hands reaching out to gently cup Darlene's face, "Darlene, stop smiling, or I'll fall at your feet and end up

and her brother, even if it meant competing for Darlene's affections. "Lucy, you're not

removed

her hand again, caressing it with gentle, greedy

soft hands didn't seem like they belonged to a

grips and rough, calloused hands, but Darlene's were smooth, slender, and well-maintained, betraying no signs

might show up and see you like this-he'd

he did, I'd keep your hands safe

Darlene was speechless.

let Stefan

sheepishly, realizing she'd been a bit

you seem preoccupied. You were staring out the window earlier; lost in thought,

offered a smile, "Not really, I just enjoy quietly watching people. Sometimes, I like to

from my brother

out a lot, even though he didn't know what she' looked like. Based on a brief encounter, he

of Darlene, Lucinda praised

outstanding in many ways, just seemingly indifferent to

he showed no interest

met

stoic as your brother could paint so well.

you can ask Keith about anything. I'll make

laughed, "Keith is extremely busy, and with him in Skywatch, it's better not to bother him. I paint to pass the time, and Keith's time is as precious

brother painted that girl, did he try to find her? I'm just