Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 413

"Every time I see her silhouette and those eyes, I swear they ring a bell. It's quite possible we've crossed paths at one of those galas we've attended. You know, the ones where the room is filled with society wives. Could be she's some matron in disguise."

"You can't be serious about setting your brother up with a matron, right? Let's wait until we uncover her true identity before we start playing matchmaker."

Lucinda tossed and turned all night but couldn't place the enigmatic woman. Hearing her husband's words, she deflated, "Forget it, it's my brother's business, not mine. It's a shame, though. I really liked Darlene for him. I thought she'd make the perfect sister-in-law, but that seems unlikely now."

Her brother's disinterest in Darlene, a delicate greenhouse flower, might stem from his upbringing.

Even if she suspected Darlene played coy to hide her true strength.

"If this mystery woman turns out to be a young lady and your brother learns who she really is, and there's a spark, that could be a blessing in disguise. She might be a better fit for him than Ms. Darlene."

Stefan always thought of Darlene as gentle and refined.

But Belinda Bishop left a much stronger impression.

One sister was as cold as ice, the other as tender as a dew-covered rose.

Considering the Blue family's dynamics, Lucinda couldn't help but agree.

"Let's not dwell on it. It's late; we should sleep. You've got work tomorrow."

Stefan planted a kiss on his wife's forehead.

"Honey, after Liam and Tiffany's wedding, I'm heading back to Skywatch."

She had hoped to learn the ropes at Ascend Global, but as a greenhorn in the corporate world, rapid growth seemed elusive.

Might as well return to her roots, learn as she goes, and handle adversaries on her turf.

Stefan considered her words, then agreed, "Alright, after the wedding, I'll go back with you to Skywatch. We can also check on the new branch we're setting up."

Skywatch was home to several influential families, not just the Blues and the Porters. The other families maintained a low profile, unlike the high-profile Blues or the brash Porters. For any outsider looking to carve out a slice of Skywatch's pie, it was a tough nut to crack.

Ascend Global's plan to establish a branch in Skywatch needed more than a few executives; Stefan had resolved to take the helm personally.

With his status as a Blue family son-in-law and Ascend Global's reputation, Skywatch's other great houses would think twice before crossing him.

"Thank you, darling."

Lucinda sat up, quickly straddled Stefan, and kissed him gratefully.

Stefan wrapped his arms around her, speaking tenderly, "We're partners, love. Your concerns are mine. No need for formalities."

They embraced, Lucinda grateful, "I'm so lucky to have you."

Stefan chuckled softly, "And I'm blessed to have you. You've filled my life with sunshine and color."

She was the wife he'd waited eleven years to marry, the one he'd cherish and protect with a lifetime of tenderness.

In the Bishop family's villa, the second-floor study was Belinda's sanctuary, where no one, except Darlene, could enter without permission.

Darlene took care of the study's upkeep, never leaving it to the staff.

In the still of the night, the study's light remained on, not with Belinda working, but with Darlene.

Sitting at the desk, she examined a portrait Keith had spent the afternoon perfecting.

She mused to herself, "The likeness is uncanny. I could've sworn it was a photograph."