Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 417

Taking a closer look, Madeleine was young and stunning—a fact that didn't escape anyone, especially since her brother had mentioned she was only two years her senior.

At twenty-six, Madeleine was set to marry a fifty-year-old man, which made everyone wonder what on Earth she saw in her aging beau.

Despite her meticulous makeup, a certain weariness couldn't be concealed. It was clear that she was under a lot of stress, probably thanks to Uncle Hayden's shenanigans.

Lucy couldn't help but smirk internally: Serves her right!

She had never seen a society heiress so eager to tie the knot with an old chap. And the fact that he hadn't laid a finger on her didn't deter her; she even resorted to using some underhanded tactics.

"Lucy, I'm here to see your mom, Janice."

Her tone was blunt, matching Lucy's own lack of cordiality.

As far as Lucy was concerned, there was no need for pleasantries between them—they were hardly old pals, and their families were practically at war. Straight to the point was best.

"Mom's not here. Whatever you need to say, you can tell me, and I'll pass the message."

Lucy could pretty much guess why Madeleine was there.

"Janice isn't here? Is it that she doesn't want to see me or is she afraid to?"

"And what if she doesn't want to see you? Who do you think you are that my mom has to meet with you on command?"

Madeleine was at a loss for words—she was used to getting her way and being defiant, but Lucy's rebuffs revealed her true colors.

"I have something to discuss with your mother, and it's about her and your father, Nathan."

"My parents can sort out their own issues. Even I, their daughter, don't interfere. What gives you the right?"

Lucy stood her ground.

"Ms. Porter, I told you to speak directly to me."

"Lucy, I'm your father's girlfriend! Watch your tone with me!"

Madeleine's usual domineering personality flared, but Lucy just laughed.

"My dad's girlfriend? My parents aren't even divorced yet. In my eyes, you're nothing but a mistress—a shameless one at that. You think you can lose all self-respect and still demand respect and kindness from others?"

"Ever seen children cozy up to their father's mistress? I haven't sicced the dog on you—that's me being civilized. I don't want to stoop to your level."

"Your dad stopped loving your mom ages ago. The only reason they haven't divorced is out of some misplaced sense of loyalty. He worries about what would become of your unhinged mother without him. You think he still loves her? He loves me, and you better advise your mother to get the divorce over with. If I'm happy, maybe I'll convince your dad to cut her in on some of the assets, so she doesn't walk away empty-handed."

Lucy was seething inside.

Just as expected, mistresses always had the thickest of skins.

But she kept her cool; showing anger would only play into Madeleine's hands.

After Madeleine had finished her piece, Lucy responded coolly, "Yeah, my dad loves you so much that despite all your scheming, you still haven't made it to his bed. Instead, you spent a night with Uncle Hayden. Shouldn't you be pressuring him to take responsibility instead of bothering me at the crack of dawn?"

Madeleine's face turned a furious shade of purple.

After a long pause, she managed to find her voice again, "Your father is just being respectful to me. He wants to preserve my honor until after we're married."

"Keep fooling yourself if that's what you want. Have you ever considered that maybe my dad's just not capable anymore?"