Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 196

His phone suddenly rang.

Chomping down his toast, Owen pulled out his phone. He froze when he saw the caller ID.

He didn't pick up immediately.

Cecilia teased him on purpose: "Ruby's calling, isn't she? Scared to pick up because you don't want her to find out we're together?"

She remembered the last time Ruby slapped her. NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

If Ruby messed with her again and slapped her, Cecilia would definitely fight back, leaving Ruby's face covered in bruises.

After all, she didn't love Owen, so she didn't have to worry about offending him.

Owen had forced her to marry him because he'd once helped her. As generous as his payment was, she wasn't about to let herself be treated poorly.

Owen shot her a glare, admonishing her, "Could you not be so sharp-tongued? Ever since I met you, you've always been like this. A well-mannered, beautiful girl like you should watch what you say. Don't be so cutting and so crude, or you'll scare off all the guys who want to chase you. Then you'll end up an old maid."

Cecilia chuckled: "As long as I have money, who needs men? Sure, I'm married now, but my husband's heart is with another woman. What's so great about being married to a man? Money is more reliable. Just remember, after Trenton passes away, you better hold up your end of the deal. If you dare to back out," Cecilia suddenly threatened viciously, "I'll make you lose a certain part of you. So you can only watch your beloved woman but not touch her. That'll piss you off."

Owen: "You're really ruthless."

"Hurry up and pick up your phone. Don't keep your goddess waiting too long, or she might start crying."

Ruby was a two-faced person. She was arrogant in front of them but gentle and weak in front of Stefan and Owen, easily stimulating Owen's protective instinct.

Mr. Coleman was really wise.

He saw through Ruby's hypocrisy at a glance and stayed away from her.

After two calls from Ruby, Owen finally picked up.

"Owen."

The moment he picked her up, he heard Ruby crying.

Owen shot Cecilia a quick glance. Seeing her laugh, his face darkened, but he couldn't say anything.

"Owen, why did you answer so late?"

Ruby asked through her tears.

Owen coolly lied, "I was driving. Ruby, what happened? Don't cry; just talk to me slowly."

Ruby sobbed, "You usually have a driver to take you to and from work. Why are you driving today? You used to pick up my calls immediately. Today it took you so long, I thought you didn't want me anymore."

"Owen, I was bullied. That bitch not only insulted me but also hit me. You have to avenge me."

Hearing this, Owen immediately turned serious and asked hurriedly, "Someone dared to bully you? They had the audacity to lay a hand on you; don't they know you're under my protection?"

In the past, the Scott family had a certain status in Pinehurst because Megan was acquainted with the Anderson and Martinez families. So, many people didn't dare offend the Scott family because they had the support of these two powerful families.

Even when the Scott family immigrated abroad and moved their company overseas, Ruby's status in Pinehurst didn't decline because Owen was protecting her. She was still a rich young lady with status.

Ordinary people really didn't dare to mess with Ruby, let alone hit her.

"It was Stefan's."

Ruby started crying again at this point.

Upon hearing Stefan's name, Owen's heartache cooled a bit, and his face turned terrible.

Last night, Ruby cried her eyes out over Stefan.

Today, Ruby was crying again because of Stefan.

Last night, despite being exhausted, he went to the Scott family to comfort her in the middle of the night. She thought that it was only natural and didn't appreciate his kindness.

Because of Ruby, he didn't get a good rest last night; his mood was bad, and he even skipped breakfast.

And the person who gave him warmth and joy was Cecilia, his wife in name.

Owen took a big bite of his toast and choked.

Cecilia quickly picked up the cup of milk he put down when he answered the phone and handed it to him. He took a few sips before he recovered.

"Was it Lucinda?" Owen asked.

Ruby cried, "No, it was Stefan's suitor, Adrienne. That bitch dared to hit me and mock me for being old. Owen, I want to bankrupt the Dewey family, bring misfortune to the Deweys, and make Adrienne kneel before me crying for mercy."

So it was the Dewey family.

Owen's face relaxed a bit.

He thought Ruby had angered Lucinda again.

If it was Lucinda, Owen would really have to think carefully before acting. Stefan was a man deeply in love with his wife, and he wouldn't dare mess with Lucinda lightly.

Owen sneaked a glance at Cecilia.

And, Lucinda and Cecilia were good friends.

He had to show some respect to his wife.

"The Dewey family is currently in trouble. Their house next to Stefan's is about to be sold off to pay off debts."

As a competitor, Owen had been keeping an eye on Stefan's movements.

Stefan was doing the same to him.

Owen knew Ascend Global was secretly suppressing the Dewey group. As for why Stefan was suppressing the Dewey group, he guessed that Stefan, now married, didn't want to be bothered by suitors anymore. So he used this method to ward off this suitor.

If anyone ever said Owen was a meanie and Stefan was a saint, he'd bring this up as his counterargument.

Stefan was the big cheese at Ascend Global. After he took over, the company grew even stronger, proving that Stefan wasn't as gentle as he seems, he's really a tiger in sheep's clothing.

And he's been fooling people with his gentle facade.

Stefan used to stick to his principles. He was clear about keeping work and personal life separate and would never use his power to suppress other companies for personal reasons.

Adrienne was the lucky one; she became the first example of Stefan using personal matters to suppress other companies.

"I plan to buy the Dewey family's house, Owen. Keep an eye on their movements for me. As soon as they decide to sell, no matter the price, I'm game."

Owen mulled it over for a bit before saying, "You just moved your business back home and have hit some snags. You're also planning to renovate your house, all of which requires money. Do you still have enough dough?"

Ruby had always been overseas, where her fashion designs were more in line with foreign trends. Back home, her designs didn't really cut it.

Though she could switch up her style to cater to local tastes, she had just returned and her business hadn't quite found its footing yet.