Faux Vows, True Desires
Chapter 169

"What does Cecilia look like? Who's more beautiful compared to Ruby?" Megan asked.

Olina pondered for a moment, then replied, "Cecilia is not bad either; each has their own charm when compared to Ruby. Honestly, I've always had a soft spot for Ruby. Even if another woman marries Owen, I wouldn't accept her."

"Ruby and Owen have known each other since they were kids. Their bond is pretty solid. Not just anyone can come between them."

Olina continued, "I just don't get what's going on in Trenton's head."

"I'm so pissed off; I can't stand being around Trenton at home, so I came to chat with you."

Megan said, "Don't be mad; he still calls the shots in your family. People in your family are eyeing your power. You shouldn't piss off Trenton over such a small matter. You'll be the one at a loss."

"As for Owen marrying that woman, I believe Owen won't make it easy for her. Once Ruby is back, she won't matter anymore."

As a wife, seeing her husband being so good to another woman would definitely make her lose it. Once Cecilia can't stand it anymore and went to make a fuss with Owen or cause trouble for Ruby, she would be asking for trouble and getting a taste of Owen's wrath.

Megan knew how deep Owen's affection was for his daughter. Anyone who dared to bully Ruby, Owen would fight them tooth and nail. He treated Stefan that way because Stefan wasn't good to Ruby, Olina nodded. She also hoped that Ruby would return soon.

With Ruby and Megan helping her deal with Cecilia, once Owen divorced Cecilia, if Trenton was still alive, she would match Owen with a better-off girl, much better than an average girl like Cecilia. As for Ruby.

As long as Trenton is alive, Ruby is not allowed to enter the Martinez family.

If Owen really can't bear it, he can keep her as a mistress for now and plan for the future when Trenton is gone.

The two mothers, although scheming, had a very similar mindset.

Cecilia didn't know Olina went to the Scott family. She received a call from Lucinda saying that she couldn't come to the store today, so she arrived early to watch the workers being busy. Around ten in the morning, Ike showed up.

"Ike."

Cecilia walked towards him with a smile and asked, "Are you here for Lucy? Lucy had something to do today and couldn't make it."

"Lucy's not here? I thought she was here. I just happened to pass by and thought I'd drop in. I'll call her later, then."

Ike looked around the store and asked, "How many more days until the renovation is done?"

"At the earliest, four or five days, I guess."

Ike nodded.

"Ike, do you want some water? I can pour you a cup. There's also coffee and milkshake. I prepared milkshakes for the workers and made some desserts."

Ike glanced at his watch and said, "Just a cup of water is fine; no need for desserts."

Cecilia invited him to sit at a clean table with a smile, then turned to pour Ike a cup of water.

Ike took the water and drank a few sips.

"Is there anything I can help with?"

"Not now, but if there is, I won't hesitate to ask for your help."

Ike said with a smile, "Right, don't be shy. You and Lucy are like my sisters."

After a thought, he reminded her, "Ruby's mother is back in the country. She spoils her daughter and might cause trouble over Ruby. Now that Lucy has Stefan's support, Megan might be restrained." Despite his dissatisfaction, Ike had to admit that with Stefan, his sister could act without fear in Pinehurst.

Ike felt a bit guilty, thinking that as a brother, he didn't have enough power to be Lucinda's strong support and had to rely on Stefan.

"Thanks for the reminder; no one has been causing trouble for me recently. No matter who it is, as long as I'm in the right, I'm not afraid." Ruby was in the wrong.

Even if Owen came to support Ruby, she's not scared, let alone Megan.

In Pinehurst, Owen was more formidable than Megan, who had been abroad for many years.

"Anyway, be careful."

Cecilia nodded. After experiencing Lucy being deceived and kidnapped, they would be extra careful.

"Sit for a while; I'll prepare some desserts for you to try when you're free."

"I'm not a big fan of desserts."

Perhaps many men didn't like sweets.

At least Ike and his friends didn't like sweets.

Cecilia joked, "If you don't like them, you can give them to a girl you like."

"I don't have a girl I like."

Ike, who said these words, somehow blushed.

Cecilia's eyes lit up.

It seemed Ike has something going on.

She had to tell Lucy to snoop around.

"I'll go prepare some desserts for you."

Cecilia turned around with a smile.

Ike didn't stop her again.

A few minutes later, Cecilia came back with a bag containing two boxes of pastries she had made that day.

She handed the bag to Ike.

"I told you I didn't need it, and you still brought it."

Although Ike said he didn't want it, his hand honestly took the bag. He finished the rest of the water, stood up, and said to Cecilia, "I'm leaving now; call me if you need help."

"Sure."

Cecilia saw Ike out.

They were chatting and laughing.

As soon as she stepped out the door, Cecilia saw a familiar convoy slowly coming and finally stopping by the roadside.

Owen walked over under the protection of his bodyguards.

He met Ike, who was about to leave.

Both of them stopped.

Ike and Stefan were classmates and knew Owen. Thinking of Owen's help when Lucinda was kidnapped, Ike greeted Owen with a smile.

Owen's gaze first fell on the two boxes of pastries in Ike's hand. Without asking, he knew they were from Cecilia.

They've known each other for many years. Owen knew Ike, like himself, didn't like sweets.

But right now, Ike was holding two boxes of desserts. Were they made by Cecilia?

Or were they from Lucinda?

Owen's gaze bypassed Ike again, falling on Cecilia, who's standing at the shop entrance. Through the open door, he can see workers bustling about inside. But there's no sign of Lucinda.

This meant these two boxes of sweets must be Cecilia's handiwork!

Ike really did respect Cecilia!

"What's that you're holding?"

Even though Owen already knew the answer, he asked it on purpose.