"Over the years, I often lamented my bad fortune, secretly complaining that it was my lowly background that caused me to lose to Lin Ronald. I always felt that I was steady and reliable, and if I had been a little luckier, I would have been the East Prison Town Commander."
"It wasn't until recently that I understood the true difference between myself and someone like Master Lane. Even without Lin Ronald or Master Lane, I would never have been able to come close to the position of Commander."
Owen Bertram's decision wasn't based solely on interests, because elusive factors like "justice," "public opinion," and "obsession" could also influence many things in the unseen world.
If he were in Master Lane's position, he would definitely compromise and cooperate with the Ronald Clan, losing the "greater good" on his side and his own understanding.