Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 419

As the arch-nemesis of Stefan, and with his ex-wife's best friend Lucinda in the middle of it all, Owen was privy to more inside information than the average Joe.

Madeleine was Nathan's girl, and back when Janice was off on her wild tangents, it was Madeleine who stepped in, acting the part of the lady of the house in all the public events, fulfilling the duties expected of a partner to a high-profile man like Nathan.

Everyone in the town of Skywatch knew about Madeleine and Nathan's situation. They all thought she was set for life, that Janice would be left in the dust.

Owen was no stranger to these rumors.

When Madeleine suddenly showed up at his door, Owen had a hunch about what she wanted. It was likely a partnership she was after.

Owen sat behind his desk, waiting for her arrival.

"Boss, Ms. Porter's here," announced his secretary, escorting Madeleine in.

With a nonchalant "hmm," Owen stood up, reached out his hand as Madeleine approached, his voice polite but his expression frosty.

He wasn't exactly known for being chatty with outsiders.

"Ms. Porter, a pleasure."

Madeleine shook his hand while sizing him up.

In her eyes, Owen was a catch – young, handsome, loaded, and fiercely loyal. His unwavering dedication to Ruby was well known, even to someone like her who didn't pay much attention to the Martinez family.

She couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with Ruby, passing up on a gem like Owen and instead chasing after Stefan like a dog with a bone.

But then again, she understood – when you're as ambitious as Ruby, you aim for the perfect one.

Like herself – if she were to marry, it would be to the cream of the crop in Skywatch, regardless of age.

Owen's first impression of Madeleine was that she fell short of Mrs. Bright's standard.

The secretary poured them each a glass of warm water and set one in front of Madeleine, saying politely, "Ms. Porter, please, have some water."

Annoyed that Owen hadn't even bothered to ask what she wanted, just assuming she'd want lukewarm water – something she would only drink at Nathan's behest – she masked her irritation.

Owen motioned for the secretary to leave.

Once alone, he asked, "So, Ms. Porter, to what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?"

He took a sip of his water, holding Madeleine's gaze with sharp eyes.

Madeleine, too, pretended to sip her water, her lips barely touching the liquid.

"Let's cut to the chase," she said with a smile. "I'm here to discuss a potential partnership with Mr. Martinez. The Ikella group doesn't have a presence in Skywatch, and as you know, the Porters don't have stakes in Pinehurst. What kind of partnership could we possibly have?"

She continued, undeterred by Owen's skeptical look, "This isn't about business, though a successful partnership could extend there. Your enemy is Stefan, correct? There's an old saying, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' With a common foe, why not join forces against Stefan?"

Owen inwardly sneered; he knew she was here to use him as a pawn against Stefan.

Madeleine, miles away in Skywatch, needed a local ally to take on Pinehurst's top dog, and Owen was her chosen accomplice.

"Truthfully, Mr. Coleman hasn't wronged me personally, but his wife, Lucinda. She's a thorn in my side. I intend to strip her of her power and see how high and mighty she acts then."

Madeleine laid her cards on the table, revealing her true intentions.