Faux Vows, True Desires

Darlene flashed a gentle smile, "I haven't heard about that."

But inside, she was panicking.

The achievements she had worked hard for over the years were being questioned by Lucinda as if they were mere tall tales!

It seemed if she couldn't impress Keith, all her efforts could turn to dust.

Keith had the power to ruin everything for her.

"You're such a sweet and beautiful girl, and Ms. Bishop has always kept an eye out for you. It's normal that you haven't heard about it. I always thought that to run a detective agency, you need to have clout in the shades of gray. Plus, the detectives there have to know a thing or two about self-defense, or they'd be in trouble easily."

"I heard the real boss of Cipher Detectives is a young, stunning woman."

Darlene hummed in curiosity, "Lucy, who told you that? A woman in that line of work? Sounds risky."

"I just heard it through the grapevine."

Darlene hummed again, letting the conversation drop.

She had a hunch that Lucinda was probing her, possibly suspecting her.

Considering how Keith had portrayed her in his sketches - lifelike and vibrant - and now that she and Lucinda were friends who often met up, it wouldn't be surprising if Lucinda found her familiar. "What are you two chatting about so intently?"

Cecilia, having finished a call with Owen, seemed to be in much better spirits as she joined their conversation.

"Just small talk. Are you two done chatting? Mr. Malicious is on a business trip, right?"

As Cecilia sat down, she replied, "Yes, he had to rush off to deal with some emergency at the branch office. He didn't get the chance to tell me before leaving."

"He'll be back in a couple of days. He's still keen on being the best man for Liam. Told me to check in with Tiffany about it and to make sure she talks to your brother."

on business for the company and

made her realize her feelings for him

a man

she the

she didn't

that's hard to bounce back

you talked to

maid of honor, so he already volunteered to be Liam's

determination that won

bitterness of pining away, are

couldn't help but

that's that! When he gets back, I'm planning a date - a

burst into laughter, "Are you thinking of giving yourself to

her a playful pinch on

ask me to be your maid of honor." "I'm just worried you'll steal the show. You're so beautiful, like a goddess among mortals.

just teasing, of

married, you'll definitely be my maid of honor. After all, Mr. Malicious only has eyes for me. He's

coming in, and Lucinda and Cecilia got

flew by during her leisurely

Soon, evening approached.

painted the sky fiery

to pick up Lucinda, and Darlene said

nestled in Stefan's

lady who's been helping my brother. But she's got an incredible poker face. I blatantly questioned the reputation of her detective agency, and she

can you be so sure she's the

concerned about whether Darlene

opening of the new branch in Skywatch, on helping his father-in-law and brother-in-law get through the transition of power