Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 523

"Janice."

The voice was unmistakable, one that neither mother nor daughter particularly enjoyed hearing.

Madeleine was draped in black, her long hair cascading down her back, a black mask and sunglasses concealing her face.

Not that anyone could see the bruises anyway.

After all, she had been in two fights just the day before and was still recovering.

Upon receiving the news, she came straight over.

She wanted a word with Janice.

"May I sit down?" Madeleine asked, already maneuvering herself into a chair across from the mother and daughter.

Janice remained silent, but Lucinda quipped, "Ms. Porter, you're already sitting, aren’t you?"

Madeleine glanced at Lucinda.

Janice, as always, was dressed in white. Her time at the Pinehurst retreat had done wonders, her complexion now a healthy glow instead of the previous pallor. Janice had always been beautiful, with an air of maturity and grace.

Madeleine could feel her own temper flaring.

Though she was over twenty years younger than Janice, sitting together now, they might have been mistaken for contemporaries.

No wonder Nathan seemed to be warming up to the idea of reconciling with Janice after Hayden had tarnished Madeleine's reputation.

A rejuvenated Janice was a force to be reckoned with.

"Lucinda, I need to speak privately with your mom," Madeleine stated bluntly.

It was a coffee shop, after all, a fitting place for a discussion.

"My mom has nothing to discuss with you," Lucinda retorted.

"Lucy," Janice interjected softly. "Why don't you go for a walk? I'll be fine."

Janice knew exactly who had informed Madeleine. If Madeleine wanted a heart-to-heart with the ex-wife, so be it.

"Mom, call me if you need anything."

Since her mother was willing to face Madeleine's challenge, Lucinda didn't press further. Rising from her seat, she left the café.

Once outside, she called her dad.

"Lucy, what's happening? Is your mom alright?" Nathan asked as soon as he picked up.

Lucinda rolled her eyes. "Really, Dad? What about asking if I'm okay?"

"What could possibly be wrong with you? If something were up, you wouldn't be calling me; you'd be contacting Stefan. So, what's the scoop with your mom? Did you guys buy anything nice while shopping? Oh, and Lucy, your dad's packed on a few pounds; none of my clothes fit anymore. You know what to do."

Lucinda laughed, despite herself. "Dad, you look like you've lost weight lately."

"Lost weight, gained weight, either way, my clothes aren't fitting right, so you better sort it out."

No matter his size, he always managed to turn it into a reason for new clothes.

"Dad, Madeleine's here, talking to Mom."

Nathan's tone turned serious. "What does she want with your mom? Where are you? Send me your location, I'll be right there."

"Okay, I'll send it over. It's your mess, so you better come sort it out, and let Mom take a break."

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