Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 540

"Hey, bro, if you ever need anything, just let me know," Stefan whispered, lowering his voice as he glanced around. Even though they were in his father-in-law's private estate, much safer than Sunnyglade Abbey, he still remained cautious.

"Even though I came back with Lucy on my own, a lot of things can be arranged with just a phone call," he added.

Edgar had enlisted the help of the Howard family's heiress, who had taken quite an interest in him. Since he was already entangled with her, Stefan felt no guilt in making use of Edgar's connections.

Edgar wasn't entirely indifferent to Ms. Howard either; she was just too young for him. At twenty, she was significantly younger than Edgar, who was around Stefan's age. In fact, she could almost call Edgar 'uncle' without it being too much of a stretch.

So, Edgar tamped down any fondness he had for Ms. Howard, treating her like a kid. Unless it was absolutely necessary, he wouldn't reach out to her for help.

Knowing his brother-in-law's assistant Edgar was quite capable, Keith said, "You've been helping with the investigation and gathering evidence. Right now, just stay with Lucy for a few days. After the party, your Ascend Global branch here will start operations, won't it?"

"Yeah," Stefan nodded.

"Don't worry, when I need you, I won't hesitate to ask," Keith assured him, patting Stefan on the shoulder. "Your assistant is incredibly talented, just like Owen's right-hand man, Walter."

He had confidants in his company too, but they didn't quite measure up to Edgar and Walter.

"Owen once tried to lure Edgar away with a high salary, and I've thought about poaching Walter myself. Neither of us succeeded," Keith admitted with a chuckle.

Edgar was Stefan's trusted assistant, highly capable and loyal. Walter was the same for Owen. Stefan had tried to bring Walter over, hoping to bolster his team, but without success.

"Bro," Lucinda interjected, unable to hold back any longer as the two men discussed business.

Both men turned to her.

"Bro, I think our mom is getting too bored at home. It's always full of drama and scheming, which affects her mood. I want to invest in a shop with her, give her something to do so she doesn't get too restless," Lucinda proposed.

Stefan agreed with her idea.

But Keith looked troubled. "Dad won't agree to Mom opening a shop. Women who marry into the Blue family are expected to stay home and focus on family, even if they can socialize a bit, it's always alongside their husbands."

"Any income they have usually comes from their dowry, like properties or shops given by their own family."

Lucinda frowned. "Wasn't Grandma a powerhouse herself when she was young?"

"Well, yes, but that's Grandma. She could do whatever she wanted, but she won't let her daughters-in-law step out of line," Keith explained.

Lucinda rolled her eyes. Her grandmother was indeed quite selfish, always guarding her own husband closely while expecting Lucinda's mother to be forgiving and tolerant of her father's social escapades, practically suggesting she should be fine with her father having a mistress.

She had sacrificed her career for her marriage.

Before marrying Nathan, she knew the Blue family tradition meant women couldn't be out working or running businesses. But her love for Nathan made her accept these terms.

"Mom, you studied jewelry design?" Lucinda was taken aback, realizing how little she knew about her mother, given they'd only reconnected a few months ago.

"Yes, I loved jewelry from a young age, so I pursued it. But it's been so long; I've probably lost my touch. Though opening a jewelry store wouldn't be affected. I could start designing again, slowly finding inspiration," Janice said, her eyes lighting up with renewed enthusiasm.

"Then let's open a jewelry store together. You can design when you're inspired, and when you're not, just manage the shop, keeping yourself busy," Lucinda suggested.

Janice considered it. "If you have such plans, I support you. Let's discuss it more after the party. Lucy, you'll need to network at the event; the wealthy socialites in Skywatch love buying jewelry, bags, getting beauty treatments, and traveling," she advised, guiding her daughter into the world of high society.

Because they had more money than they knew what to do with and plenty of time on their hands, their days were filled with shopping sprees, throwing lavish parties, traveling, indulging in spa days, and little else.

"Mom, if you put the jewelry store under Lucy's name, Grandma's going to have a fit when she finds out, and Dad's not a fan of you making public appearances either," Keith cautioned his mother instinctively.

Janice remained calm, although her words carried a chill. "Why should I care about their opinions when deciding what to do now? Whether your dad likes it or not is none of my concern. Keith, don't you dare see your mother as just an extension of your father."

"Your mom is independent! Not some accessory for anyone! And listen, don't pick up those outdated views from the men in your family. Take a page from Stefan's book, so your future wife doesn't leave you over something as basic as her freedom."