Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 516

"We came here early hoping Nathan would step in, but now that he's gone, Madeleine, let's head home. Your father will stand up for you when he gets back," Mrs. Porter urged her daughter. The winds had changed for the Blue family, and even if they managed to get in, they wouldn't gain any advantage. Plus, Ashley was still around, and if she started another scene like yesterday, they'd be the ones embarrassed. Honestly, they didn't have a leg to stand on. Hayden hadn't divorced yet, and her daughter coming back with him to taunt the original wife was just asking for trouble.

Mrs. Porter sighed internally. Her daughter had been spoiled by her father and inherited his personality. She couldn't persuade her, only feel sorry for her. She regretted ever buying that love potion for her daughter. Without it, none of these troubles would have arisen.

"Amy, you should head home. Our madam has changed, and while the eldest daughter seems friendly, she's a wolf in sheep's clothing. If you go in, not only will Ashley give you trouble, but neither the madam nor the eldest daughter will let you off easily," Amy advised Madeleine.

Madeleine wiped away a tear, took her purse, and handed Amy a small red box, which Amy quickly hid. "Thank you, Amy," Madeleine said with a double meaning, hoping Amy would continue to side with her. "Ms. Porter, you should go home," Amy reiterated.

Madeleine reluctantly followed her mother home. She couldn't go to Nathan at the office to plead her case; that would only irritate him more. She blamed Hayden for ruining her life. She wouldn't rest until she turned Hayden and his family’s world upside down.

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Pinehurst. Serendipity Cafe.

Darlene parked her car outside the café. Cecilia spotted her from inside, welcoming her with a smile before she even spoke. "Darlene!"

"Morning." Darlene greeted Cecilia warmly, and Cecilia pulled her into the shop.

"Cecilia, I need a strong black coffee." As soon as they stepped in, Darlene asked for a coffee to shake off the bad night she had thanks to Keith.

"Sure, take a seat," Cecilia said, releasing her grip and letting Darlene sit.

Seeing the place was still quiet, Darlene settled into her favorite spot and asked, "Has business been okay since Lucy went back to Skywatch?"

"It’s been steady, no worries there. People come for the ambiance and good coffee, not just Lucinda." Though Lucinda, the esteemed Anderson family member, was no longer present, Cecilia, soon to be a Martinez, kept the prestige alive.

Cecilia brought over some pastries and sat across from Darlene, studying her for a moment. "Didn’t sleep well?" she asked.

"Yeah, tossed and turned all night," Darlene admitted.

Cecilia teased her, "Thinking about some handsome guy, perhaps?"

Darlene playfully scolded, "When did you become a fortune teller?"

Cecilia giggled, "Just teasing. But really, Darlene, with your beauty you'd think guys would walk into lampposts staring at you. No special someone yet?"

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