Everything is fair in love and war.

Logan's POV

"Either your fiancé is very cheap, or he cannot afford to buy you a ring. Which means he is only after your money. I don't believe it is the other way around. I don't believe you. I don't think for one second that the two of you are engaged. You don't look very in love. Please do not play games with me, boy. Go and play with your toys. I don't have time to play around. Now keep your nose out of my business. Get lost. I'm talking to Madeline," I say. 

"Who do you think you are to talk to me this way? What is between Madeline and me has nothing to do with you. Leave her alone. Can't you see that she doesn't want to talk to you? Besides, we need her in front. People want to speak to her. You know that there are many journalists and food critics here. You are keeping our CEO away from her duties. You can arrange an appointment with her if you want to see her. You're spoiling our party, Sir," The man says. I don't even know who he is. It means that he is not important in this town because I know all the important people in this town.

"It is okay, Lucas. I will be right there. Please tell everybody that I will talk to them soon," Madeline says. 

"Are you sure, my love? I can always ask the guards to throw him out," Lucas says. He is pretending, but I can see that he has feelings for Madeline. He looks very possessive of her. Well, I've got news for him. He is no competition for me. Madeline's eyes are cold, and there is no warmth in them when she looks at him. However, when she looks at me, her eyes sparkle, and they are full of life. I don't know if she hates me or loves me, but they say the line between hate and love is thin. At least, I am awakening some feelings in her. I would rather take her feisty side than the neutral side she shows to Lucas.

"I am sure. Mr Rossi will be leaving soon since his date has already left," Madeline says. 

Lucas walks away reluctantly. He keeps looking over his shoulder. He glares at me, and I smile. I'm not planning on leaving quickly. I know her family is going to be furious with her for starting her own restaurant, and I do not want to leave Madeline alone with that bunch of sharks. I know her father is furious. I could see it in his face, and her brother did not look happy at all. What did they think after the way they treated her? I know they wonder where she got the money from. I know where she got the money from. I know she inherited her grandfather's money, and I also know that her grandfather on her mother's side was much wealthier than anyone knew. I knew her grandfather very well, and he made me promise before he died that I would look after Maddie. I feel like I have failed him. 

"Now that we are alone again, just answer my question, and I will leave you alone. Is he your fiancé? I cannot believe it. I think you need a stronger man by your side, Maddie. But I am not going to leave the party. I believe that your family is going to come after you, and I want to be here to protect you. Do you know that they are a bunch of sharks, don't you?" I say. 

"What makes you think that I need your help? I can look after myself. Besides, my love life has nothing to do with you," Madeline says.

"I will find out the truth eventually. I have a lot of contacts in this town, and I can find out quickly who or what Lucas is to you. Please do not play games with me, Madeline," I say. 

"Listen, before I left this town, you told me not to bother you again. I never bothered you ever. So why are you bothering me now? You accused me of sleeping with you while I was married," Madeline says.

"About that night, I am sorry. I didn't know that you were already divorced, and I was shocked. I didn't believe that I could sleep with one of my friends' wives. I said the wrong things. Even if you were still married, it takes two to tango, and I was just as guilty as you were. I know I am clumsy when it comes to apologies, but please don't get me wrong. I don't apologise to people often. I am not wrong often. I want you to know that I am truly sorry. Those words were harsh, and you did not deserve them," I say. Madeline looks at me in surprise, as if she never expected me to apologise.

"Well, thank you for the apology. I appreciate it. But that does not change anything. I do not want anything to do with you again. I am engaged and happy. Now, can you please excuse me? I have a party to run," Madeline says. I will let her go for now, but this is not over. I will see Maddie again.

"We will talk again, Madeline," I say. I walk away, and I see Madeline standing there for a moment longer. Then I see her eyes turn cold again as she pulls back her shoulders and lifts her head high. She walks away to where everybody is waiting for her. I cannot help but admire her. She is radiating strength. She's radiating the feeling that she is the boss around here. I always liked strong women. It's just a shame that you don't get many of them these days. But I have a feeling that I just found my match. I have been looking for her for a long time, and she did not disappoint me. I did not understand my obsession with her until now. I know I love her, and I will fight for her heart. Even if I have to fight dirty. After all, everything is fair in love and war.