《The Heir's Secret Bride》


 Chapter 1

    It was only October, but the air in Kleymond was already crisp and cold.


    Early in the morning, Maeve Reese was still curled up in bed, deep in sleep. Suddenly, her mother, Valda Reese, burst into the room, her voice slicing through the silence. "Maeve,e on! Stopzing around. You''ve got to get ready-today''s the big day. You and Jeff Graves are getting your marriage license. Don''t make him wait!" The words "marriage license" hit Maeve like a bucket of ice water. She shot up in bed, hesitating for a moment before lowering her gaze. "Mom, I don''t want to marry him," she mumbled.


    "What the hell did you just say?" Valda''s voice spiked with disbelief. "Are you out of your damn mind? Jeffes from a rich family! Marrying him means you''ll be set for life. Do you know how many people would kill for this chance, and you''re saying you don''t want it?" "He''s screwing around with someone else. There''s no way I''m marrying him," Maeve said firmly.


    Just yesterday, she had gone to bring Jeff some hangover medicine, only to stumble upon a gut-wrenching truth. Peeking through a crack in the door, she had seen Jeff tangled up in bed with another woman.


    The sight was a brutal wake-up call, shattering the illusions she''d held about him and making her realize just how little she really knew about him.


    Maeve had first met Jeff at the hospital when her father was seriously ill and in desperate need of an expensive surgery the family couldn''t afford. It was Jeff''s father, Wace Graves, who had stepped in to help, covering the costs and even offering Maeve''s father a job at the Graves familypany.


    Out of gratitude for the Graves family''s support and feeling crushed by the pressure from both sides to make a match, Maeve eventually gave in to Jeff''s advances.


    At first, Jeff seemed like the perfect guy-kind, attentive, and always looking out for Maeve. But as soon as she refused to take their rtionship to a physical level, his attitude took a sharp turn.


    Jeff became distant, dismissive, and often downright cruel. He''d call her in the middle of the night to bring him medicine or deliver booze, not giving a damn about her needs or feelings.


    Over the past year, Maeve had been feeling more and more drained, both mentally and physically. In her rtionship, she felt less like a girlfriend and more like an unpaid maid.


    Last night, Maeve had cried softly under the covers, hoping that talking to Valda this morning would bring somefort, maybe even a bit of understanding.


    But instead, Valda''s response was harsh and unyielding. "We''ve already blown through most of the engagement money from the Graves family. If you back out now, where the hell are we supposed to find the tens of thousands we need for your brother''s tuition? "Have you ever thought about what this means for your dad and me? Do you expect us to sell our blood to cover the costs?"


    Maeve stared at her in shock, thinking, ''I''m the one who''s been wronged, and all she cares about is the damn money? I didn''t even know they''d already received the Graves family''s engagement gift!''


    "Mom!" Maeve''s frustration erupted, even more intense than the night before. "He cheated on me! How can you expect me to go through with this?"


    "Stop with the excuses," Valda snapped. "Every man messes up. As long as he straightens out after the wedding, what''s the big deal? Now hurry up and stop making Jeff wait!"Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Valda couldn''t care less about Maeve''s pain. She wasn''t about to let go of the money she already had her hands on. She dragged Maeve out of bed, rushed her through a quick wash and change, and practically shoved her out the door toward the city hall. Standing outside the city hall, surrounded by couples buzzing with excitement and anticipation, Maeve felt an overwhelming sense of despair. She should''ve known-no one in her family cared about her feelings.


    Her entire life had been controlled by her parents: the schools she went to, the friends she had, and the career she chose. But today, she wasn''t going to let them control her anymore-not when it meant marrying a man who treated her like a doormat. After twenty-three years of being the obedient daughter, Maeve suddenly had a bold idea. Before Jeff showed up, she''d find someone else to marry and put an end to her family''s ns once and for all.


    ''But where the hell am I going to find someone to marry on such short notice?'' she wondered.


    Just then, a deep, chilling voice sliced through the air behind Maeve. "So, you''re telling me it took you this long to figure out my fianc¨¦e ran off with a bodyguard?"


    The words "fianc¨¦e" and "ran off" hit Maeve like a p, forcing her to turn around.


    A tall, impably dressed man stood under a nearby tree, his back partially turned as he spoke into his phone. He was devastatingly handsome, and his dark suit was tailored to perfection, exuding an air ofmanding elegance. Even from several feet away, Maeve could feel the intense, almost palpable authority radiating off him.


    A spark of hope flickered in Maeve''s eyes as she quietly followed him.


    His lips curled into a sardonic smile as he listened to the voice on the other end. "Don''t bother looking," he said coolly. "Are there really no other women out there? Do I seriously have to settle for someone who''s already run off with another man?" "But Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Gilbert Mcdaniel insists that you either find another suitable woman or just grab someone off the street. He''s made it clear that no matter what, you''re getting married today. Otherwise..." The voice on the other end hesitated. "He said he won''t go on living..."


    Byron McDaniel rubbed his temples in frustration, about to fire back when he suddenly felt a gentle tug on his sleeve.


    He turned to see a woman standing there, her voice barely above a whisper. "Excuse me, sir," she said tentatively. "Since your bride has run off... would you consider marrying me instead?"

 Chapter 2

    "I


    Maeve popping up out of nowhere threw Byron for a loop. He''d been on the phone and didn''t really catch what she said. Frowning, he asked, "Wait, what did you just say?" I asked if you''d think about marrying me," Maeve said, mustering up all courage. fact, this wasn''t


    In t


    ''t her first run-in with Byron. Justst night, on her way to drop off hangover meds to Jeff, she''d walked by an alley and saw Byron getting chased and beaten up.


    He was covered in blood, lying on the ground. Without a second thought, she jumped in to save him, and he''d also promised her a favor in return. Worried Byron might think she was nuts, she added, ''Actually, I saved your lifest night. You remember?"


    Byron paused, narrowing his eyes as a flicker of recognition crossed his face. "That was you?"


    "Yup, that was me," she confirmed, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.


    this is your big ask?" Byron''s gaze turned icy as he studied Maeve''s slightly flushed face.


    He''d been puzzled why she didn''t ask for anything that night, but now he figured it out-she must''ve figured out who he was, and realized marrying him was way better than a quick favor. Was all that kindness just a front? What a phony woman! At that thought, disdain flickered in his eyes as he looked at Macve, his expression turning distant. "Are you sure this is what you want?


    Caught up in her own nerves, Maeve didn''t notice the chill in his tone and quickly nodded. "Yes," said she. Looking at


    at the worn and faded hem of his suit, Maeve figured he didn''t have much going for him. And with what she''d seen, Last night, it was clear he was in deep trouble. She knew marrying aplete stranger, especially a guy like him, was a big gamble, but she was really at her wit''s end. On the bright side, Byron was way better looking than Jeff. Just looking at him feels like a win, she thought. ''Marrying him doesn''t seem like a loss at all. Byron''s long silence started to make Maeve uneasy. Just when she thought about backing out, assuming he was going to turn her down, Byron finally lifted his chin with a cool shrug "Fine. Let''s go," said he. With


    With his


    family pushing him to get married today, it felt like the right move; he needed to settle down anyway. At this point, any girl would do. Maeve, still a bit dazed, blinked and asked, "Where to?"


    Byron shot her an impatient look. "Didn''t you say you wanted to get married?" Without waiting for a reply, he turned and headed for the entrance of the city hall.


    "Oh! Right!" Maeve scrambled to keep up.


    Half an hourter, Maeve walked out of the city hall, clutching the newly issued marriage license, feeling like she was in a ze. She kept ncing at Byron''s sharp profile beside her, barely able to believe any of this was real. This was, hands down, the wildest thing Maeve had ever done in her twenty-three years-marrying aplete stranger. As for Byron, he was as cold as ice and hadn''t smiled once the whole time. Walking next to Byron, Maeve felt a weird mix of excitement and dread about what wasing next.


    fort. She pu


    pulled out a spare key to her


    Now that they were officially married, she figured she should at least make some effort.


    1/


    "GB.


    apartment and handed it to him.


    "Here''s the key to my ce," she said, keeping it casual Pinehurst Apartments, mumber 1008. Move in whenever you''re ready. And since you''re hurt, if you need help with your stuff, just let me know. Byron narrowed his eyes. "So moving in is part of the deal now?


    Maeve shrugged. "Look, I don''t know why you didn''t go to the hospital after getting hurt that badly. But now that we''re married, I''ll do i my best to keep things together. You don''t have to do those dangerous jobs anymore." She hadn''t been able to intervene before, but now that he was her husband, she wanted him to be safe.


    Byron''s expression darkened as he thought, ''Is she already trying to control me now? Since when do I need a woman to take care of me? What a joke!


    "Let''s get one thing straight, Byron said, his voice icy. Just because we''re married doesn''t mean you get to interfere in my life. You need to understand that."


    Maeve flinched at his tone but nodded, a bit stunned. "Alright. Do you need help moving your things now?"


    "No," Byron cut in sharply. "T''ve got ns. Without another word, he turned on his heel and started walking toward the street, barely sparing her a nce. He did, however, keep the key she''d given him.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Maeve felt there was something different about Byronpared tost night, but she couldn''t quite pin it down. She decided not to dwell on it and hailed a cab.


    As soon as she plopped down in the backseat, her phone buzzed. It was Jeff calling. After a quick second of hesitation, she hung up and blocked his number. or not was was his


    She''d already said all she needed to in the message she sent before heading to city hall. Whether he read it or


    issue


    now.


    With that settled, Maeve nced down at the marriage certificate on herp and smiled, feeling a wave of nerves mixed with relief wash over her. It''s gonna be okay, she told herself.


    Not long after Maeve left, a sleek ck Maybach pulled up to the curb. A man stepped out from the front seat, moving quickly to open the back door. "Mr. McDaniel, please get in," he said with a respectful nod to Byron, who was still lingering by the roadside. Byron slid into the backseat, casually crossing his long legs. He looked pale and exhuasted-jumping back into his normal routine before he was fully healed was clearly wearing him down. "Call the Anthony," he ordered. "ed my wound checked and redressed."


    Archer Bax, his assistant, replied smoothly, "Anthony''s already on his way. And we''ve managed to throw Mr. Gilbert McDaniel''s men off your trail-they still don''t know you''re hurt


    If Gilbert found out about Byron''s injuries, Gilbert wouldn''t have rushed his grandson into marriage. But that would also mean that Byron''s injuries would beid bare for the rest of the McDaniels, putting him at a serious disadvantage. That was why Byron insisted on keeping it a secret from everyone else. Byron leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes for a quick moment of rest. He carelessly tossed the copy of the marriage license to the side, but it ended up slipping to the floor without anyone noticing.

 Chapter 3

    At Pinehurst Apartments Maeve had taken the day off to prepare the room where By big space, but getting it ready had taken up her entire afternoon would soon be staying. It wasn''t


    After dinner. Maeve started browsing online for some bedding. The prices at the local stores were way too high, while the online options were much more affordable and just as good. "But what style would Mr. McDaniel like she wondered.


    Out of courtesy to her soon-to-be roommate, she thought about calling him to ask. That''s when it hit her-they hadn''t even exchanged phone numbers.


    It wasn''t her fault: Byron had been so aloof throughout the whole marriage registration process that she''d found him a bit intimidating.


    Maeve sighe!


    put away the drying rack, and was about to head back to her room when there was a sudden knock at the door.


    She quickly went over and opened it to find Byron standing outside, leaning against the wall. His face was unusually pale, and his expression just as cold as ever.


    She nced around, surprised to see he hadn''t brought any luggage. Didn''t you bring anything with you?" she asked. puzzled.


    Byron''s decision toe over had been made on the spur of the moment. Gilbert''s people were keeping an eye on his house, and having the doctor visit there would only draw attention to his injury. His other properties were also under surveince. After considering his options, Maeve''s apartment was the only ce that wasn''t being watched.. Can Ie in


    "Can


    in Byron asked, his voice rough


    I "Sure, Maeve replied, quickly stepping aside when she noticed how unwell he looked. Byron walke walked in, his gaze sweeping over the small but impably tidy living room. The decor was simple but charming- flowers on the table, wind chimes by the window, and a few stuffed toys scattered on the couch. The space radiated warmth and life. Despite its modest size, it felt cozier and more inviting than the massive vi he owned in the city''s most exclusive neighborhood. For a moment, something flickered in Byron''s brown eyes-something he couldn''t quite put into words. With Byron''smanding presence filling the space, Maeve couldn''t help but feel a bit uneasy, even though he was now her husband.


    She stammered. "Um... I didn''t expect you toe over tonight. I just finished getting your room ready this afternoon, but I haven''t had a chance to buy any furniture or bedding yet."


    "Don''t bother," Byron replied, his gaze turning toward her, eyes deep and hard to read. Tm only staying for a couple of nights. There''s no need to go out of your way. Besides, I could offer you a better ce to live, aspensation." Maeve blinked, caught off guard for a moment, before quickly shaking her head. "Oh, no, no, I''m perfectly happy living here. I know your work keeps you busy, so there''s no need to go through all that trouble or expense over something so minor."


    She hesitated, then added, almost as an afterthought, "Besides, we''re married now. No need to be so formal about everything"


    212


    Byron stared at Marveveamest face and felt a strange difort creeping in. He cleared his throat and looked away Look. even though we''re married, some things should stay separate. But if you''re going to insist, fine-do whatever you want "Alright... Maeve bit her lip, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks and her palms start to sweat.


    The atmosphere in the living room shifted, a subtle tension settling in.


    Do you have a first-aid kit Byron asked, pulling his gaze back to her.


    Yeah, j


    just a second. I''ll go get it," Maeve replied, nodding before heading to the TV cab. She didn''t bother asking why he hadn''t gone to a hospital, clearly, he had his reasons.


    Byron gave a nod and sank down onto the e sofa


    Maeve quickly found the first-aid kit and ced it on the table. "Need any help?


    Byron''s tone was curt as he pulled up his shirt, revealing bandages around his abdomen, stained with traces of blood.


    Maeve felt a chill run through her. "You should really go to a hospital. No one''s chasing you now, so it should be safe...


    Her words sounded so naive that Byron almostughed. But just as a hint of a smile crossed his lips, it vanished. He''d spotted something-a tiny red dot in the corner of the living room. He immediately stood up and walked over to the TV cab, grabbing a small stuffed bear.


    "What''s wrong? Maeve asked, confused.


    Byron didn''t answer. Instead, he twisted the bear''s head, revealing a hidden mini camera tucked behind its eyes.


    "A camera" Maeve''s face drained of color. "Why the hell would there be a camera hidden in a stuffed toy!"


    The bear had been set up directly facing the couch. Maeve''s mind raced. ''Has someone been watching my every move? This is your house-why do you look so shocked?" Byron''s voice dripped with sarcasm as he crushed the camera in his


    had it hand. His eyes turned cold and piercing as he red at her. "A camera in a toy''s eyes... I gotta admit I didn''t think youBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    in you?


    He almost couldn''t believe how easily he''d been fooled by her innocent act.


    Maeve''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You think I put that camera there to spy on you? I had no idea it was even there!" "You seriously expect me to buy that?" Byron''s voice was like ice, filled with contempt. "Marrying a sneaky piece of work like you is probably the dumbest thing I''ve ever done.


    0


    14-39 Mon,

 Chapter 4

    Marrying me was that a mistake?'' Maeve thought, feeling a sharp, painful knot tighten in her chest. The words cut deep, leaving a bitter sting in their wake, and a wave of anger surged through her. She couldn''t hold back. "What the hell gives you the right to say that? Do you even know me?"


    Just dealing with a nightmare she had only ever seen online was bad enough; now, confronted with Byron''s doubts, Maeve felt a deep sense of injustice wash over her. Byron was about to respond when a series of violent bangs reverberated through the apartment, followed by Jeff''s furious, usatory voice.


    "Maeve! You b***! I waited at city hall for half an hour, and here you are screwing around with another guy! If I hadn''t checked the security footage. I wouldn''t have known you dragged some random guy into your ce! I know you''re in there! Open the d***n door"" Jeff''s voice was a frenzied roar, his rage so intense it practically seeped through the wood, each relentless pound punctuating his fury. Byron frowned and turned to look at Maeve. She was on the verge of tears, her eyes red and swollen from holding them back. He watched her closely, a flicker of realization crossing his face. So, she didn''t put up t So, she didn


    Maeve didn''t didn''t notice


    the ¨¨ camera? Maybe I got t this all wrong... he thought.


    Byron''s stare; she was too focused on the door that was now trembling under Jeff''s violent assault. Her face had gone pale as she grappled with the situation. Outside, Jeff kept screaming, his voice aContent protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    hen he was pi***d or drunk. He could get violent over the smallest thing. With Byron hurt and just the two of us here, letting Jeff in could turn deadly, she thought, anxiety gripping her.


    Jeff had never been the patient type, especiating mix of rage and bitterness. "You w**e! No wonder you''ve been ying coy, acting all high and mighty while sneaking around with some random guy behind my back! Think you can just not open the door? Fine!"


    A loud, thunderous crash reverberated as something heavy mmed against the door, shaking the walls. Several more brutal hits followed, and then, with a final shattering impact, the door splintered and crashed inward.


    Maeve instinctively jumped back, bumping into Byron. Remembering their earlier argument, she quickly pulled away, but hisrge hand shot out, catching her and pulling her behind him


    His voice was calm but steely as hemanded, "Stay back."


    Maeve froze for a moment, her heart racing, and by the time she snapped out of it, Jeff had already barged into the apartment.


    Clutching a metal rod, his face twisted with fury, Jeff''s eyes burned with venom as he spat on the floor. "You filthy cheaters! Did you really think a locked door would keep me out?"


    Maeve''s expression hardened. "Jeff, you''re the one who cheated arst. I already told you it''s over. Who I''m with now is none of your f****g business-


    "Shut the f****k up" Jeff bellowed, his rage boiling over. "I''ll deal with this a***le first, then I''ll take care of you, you s**t!"


    He swung the metal rod with a vicious force, aiming straight for Byron''s head, the kind of blow that could cause serious damage or worse, kill.


    Maeve''s face turned as white as a sheet, her heart pounding with fear. She barely managed to shout, "Mr. McDaniel, watch


    GB.


    out!"


    ¦°


    Just as the rod came hurtling down, a powerful hand shot out, stopping it mid-swing. Byron stood there, unfazed, his eyes cold and filled with contempt as he stared Jeff down. His arm muscles tightened, strong and defined, as he gripped the rod as if it weighed nothing. In one swift motion, he twisted his body and grabbed Jeff''s arm, yanking it backward with a quick, brutal snap. The sickening crunch of bone filled the room, followed by Jeff''s piercing scream.


    But Byron wasn''t done. His leg shot out, delivering a vicious kick to Jeff''s chest. The blow was brutal; the sharp crack of ribs echoed in the air. Jeff didn''t even have time to groan before he copsed to the floor, unconscious.


    Byron''s movements, however, reopened his wounds. He grimaceel, his face growing visibly paler.


    Maeve noticed right away and rushed over to him, not sparing a nce for Jeff, whoy motionless on the floor. "Did you tear your wound open? Do we need to get to a hospital?"


    "Tm fine." "Byron grunted, but his eyes unintentionally flicked to Maeve''s cleavage peeking out from her nightgown before he quickly shifted his focus back to Jeff. "What are we supposed to do with this piece of trash? His voice was cold and dismissive, as if Jeff were nothing more than garbage waiting to be tossed out.


    Maeve felt a small, unexpected smile tug at her lips, but it faded as she looked around at the broken door and the wreckage in her living room.


    She shuddered at the thought of what might have happened if Byron hadn''t shown up. The idea of being watched by Jeff every single day made her skin crawl and her stomach churn.


    I


    Thank God ver married him, she thought, biting her lip, trying to steady herself.


    Maeve blinked,


    I herself again, she noticed Byron on the phone, calm and collected as he spoke. "Yeah, get it done and bring it over. Fast."


    When Maeve y dyguards arrived. They quickly took photos, collected evidence, and dragged Jeff off to the police station. They also grabbed the hidden camera and the metal rod-key pieces of evidence.


    Ten minutester,


    Not long after the bodyguards left, a team of workers showed up to install a new door. They worked efficiently for about half an hour, and soon, the door was securely in ce.


    Marve, grateful for their hard work, wanted to offer them something to drink, but before she could say a word, they were already gone, leaving her with nothing to do but abandon the thought. She looked at the brand-new door and smiled. This door looks pretty solid. It shouldn''t break so easily next time, right?"


    Byron, having just finished checking the lock, raised an eyebrow at her. "Didn''t they tell you? This door is made from the same material they use for safes. It''d take a bomb to get through it." Maeve''s jaw dropped. "Isn''t that a bit much for a little apartment like mine?"


    My tiny, cheap apartment getting the same treatment as a bank vault? That''s just nuts,'' she thought.


    Byron let out a low chuckle, but then his face suddenly went pale, and beads of sweat started forming on his forehead.

 Chapter 5

    Maeve immediately sensed something was off. "Is your wound acting up again? You just told me you were fine. This is your idea of ''fine?"


    Without waiting for Byron to respond, she grabbed his arm and guided him back to the living room. "You refuse to go to the hospital, but I know a thing or two about first aid. If you don''t mind, I can help."


    Byron frowned but didn''t argue this time, letting out a low grunt of agreement. Maeve guided him to the sofa and carefully lifted his shirt to check the wound. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the bandage on his abdomen, soaked through with blood. The wound''s so torn up, yet he still managed to take Jeff down with one kick. Is he really that strong, or is Jeff just that useless?" she wondered.


    Shoving those thoughts aside, Maeve started unwrapping the bandage, her voice soft and reassuring. Tll go as easy as I can. If it hurts, just tell me."


    Byron''s eyes stayed fixed on her. Her face was so close to his wound that he could feel her warm, gentle breath against his


    skin.


    Skin.


    She must have just showered-he caught a faint scent of white lily, light and soothing. With each careful movement, the fragrance seemed to draw closer, filling the air around them. Time felt as if it were stretching, suspended in this intimate moment.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    All done, Maeve finally said, stepping back with a satisfied smile after finishing the new bandage. Just keep it dry and avoid anything too physical, or you''ll tear it open again"


    Byron swallowed hard as he listened to her gentle instructions "Em sorry for jumping to conclusions earlier," he said, his voice low but sincere.


    Maeve blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected apology. She looked up and met his deep brown eyes. They were calm, like a still pond, yet held a distant, unreachable quality, like the light of a faraway star-mysterious and impossible to fully grasp Her heart sk***ed a beat. "It''s... it''s fine. I had no idea my ex was behind all this, so I get why you''d think the worst."


    She wanted to reassure him that it truly didn''t matter, that she hadn''t been bothered that much. But the words caught in her


    throat.


    All the frustration, anger, fear, and uncertainty she had buried deep inside swelled up like a balloon. Byron''s simple apology felt like a pin, causing it all to burst wide open. Emotions surged through Maeve, making her eyes burn and sting until she could hardly hold back the tears.


    Then, suddenly, the room plunged into darkness-the power had gone out.


    The tears Maeve had been fighting so hard to hold back spilled over in an instant, streaming silently down her cheeks.


    "It''s fine, really. This happens all the time around here. The power should be back soon," Maeve murmured, her voice strained as she tried to reassure Byron, forcing herself to sound steady.


    She cried quietly, her faceposed except for the tears pooling in her eyes. A few hot droplets sshed onto the back of Byron''s hand, betraying her facade.


    Seriously? My apology scared her so much she''s crying? What the hell? Byron thought, frustration flickering across his face. He pressed his lips into a thin line and walked off toward some corner of the living room.


    GB


    Maeve was doing her best to keep it together, determined not to show Byron how vulnerable she felt. But just then, the lights flickered back on.


    Surprised, she nced up, her red, swollen eyes meeting Byron. He stood by the light switch, staring at her with a nk expression. Then, calmly, he flicked the lights off again. "Go ahead and cry. I''m not turning the lights back on," his deep voice cut through the darkness, Maeve was speechless, caught between frustration and an unexpected urge tough. Strangely enough, the heaviness in her chest began to lift, dissolving like soap bubbles carried away by her tears. Her heart felt a little lighter.


    You


    You


    turn them back on now. I''m done," she said.


    The lights came back on, and Maeve straightened up as if nothing had happened. Tm worried there might still be hidden cameras," she said, quickly changing the subject. "Can you check for me? Byron gave a curt nod


    y concerned about


    After a thorough search of the room, they both felt relieved to find no more cameras. Maeve was especially her bedroom and bathroom, but luckily, both were clear.


    When they reached Byron''s room, Maeve opened the door and said, I didn''t expect you to move in so quickly, so I haven''t had time torget everything ready. Like your bed. Byron''s face remained unreadable as he looked at her. "So, Tm dleeping on the floor tonight?"


    Macre hesitated, thinking, ''Letting an injured man sleep on the floor! That just doesn''t sit right. But the only bed is in my


    TODIL


    "How about... you share my bed?" Maeve blurted out before she could stop herself.


    Byron''s face instantly darkened, like storm clouds gathering in his eyes


    Maeve noticed his displeasure and scratched her cheek awkwardly. "If it''s a problem for you, I can always take the couch...¡±


    NO O need." Byron cut her off, his voice cold and firm. "We''ll do it your way."


    He reassured himself that it was just for a few days. At least there, no one was breathing down his neck. He thought sharing a bed with her wasn''t something he couldn''t handle. Late at night, after a day of total chaos, Maeve finally started to rx as she sank into the soft bed, feeling her muscles slowly unwind.


    Just when she was about to drift off, the mattress shifted slightly. She turned her head and found herself staring at Byron''s handsome profile, and her breath hitched in her throat.


    How did ver notice how small my is? she thought, suddenly aware of how cramped it felt. Even with a stuffed animal acting as a makeshifi barrier, they were still ufortably close. So close she could hear his slow, steady breathing. "If you''ve got something on your mind, just spit it out," Byron said, sensing her eyes on him. His tone was t, almost bored. Maeve, caught red-handed, felt felt her cheeks flush. But curiosity got the better of her. "Uh, can I ask... what do you do for a living?" The first time she met him, he''d been beaten up and on the run from some dangerous people.


    Today, he seemed to have been dumped by his fianc¨¦e, only to end up marrying her instead. His life looked like a mess, but he had skills. She was especially amazed at how quickly he had found the hidden camera inside her stuffed animal. Byron''s eyes narrowed as he nced at her. ''Is she seriously ying dumb to get me to drop my guard?'' he wondered.


    "I drive," he said, shrugging like it was nothing.


    Maeve let out a


    a small sigh of relief. ''So he''s a driver. That''s not so bad. At least it''s not something shady. And it kinda makes sense with the situation I''m in, she thought. Comforted by that idea, she closed her eyes and began to drift off.


    Byron, on the other hand, was finding it hard to rx. The bed was too small, the mattress wasn''t exactly soft, and even the pillow felt like a rock. But what really got under his skin was Maeve''s hair.


    A few stray strands of her hair had drifted over to his side, brushing against his ear. He clenched his teeth, resisting the urge to touch it. His brow furrowed in frustration.


    "Is she doing this on purpose?" he wondered.


    The morning sunlight was gentle yet warm, spilling into the bedroom and casting a soft, golden glow over the bed. The two figures were tangled up so closely it seemed there wasn''t an inch of space between them. Byron''s internal clock was as precise as ever. At seven sharp, he stirred awake, his eyes still half-closed with sleep. But something felt ofl-something warm and soft was pressed up against him.


    He nced down and saw Maeve, who should have been on the other side of the bed, now somehow nestled in his arms.


    Her cheeks were tinged with a soft pink, resting against his chest her arms wrapped around his, and one of her long legs


    draped over his. She was sound asleep.


    Byron''s face darkened. He tried to push her away, but she clung to him so tightly he could barely move. Frustrated, he gave her nose a light pinch. Within seconds, she jerked awake, gasping for air. Still groggy, Maeve blinked up at him in confusion, only to meet his cold, irritated re. "Maeve, get off me. Now! Byron''s voice


    Her eyes widened as she realized how tightly she was wrappeough thest remnants of her sleep and sending a chill down her spine


    was wrapped around him.


    ''Oh shit! The soft, cozy thing I was hugging wasn''t my stuffed animal-it''s Byron Her face flushed a deep red. She scrambled away, her movements frantic and awkward, trying to get to the edge of the bed. "I-I''m so sorry! I didn''t mean to 1 usually sleep so much better.she stammered, her voice full of embarrassment and frantic apologies. !!


    Byron''s frustration only deepened as he listened to her babble. How many times has she said it wasn''t on purpose since we got married? ying innocent while pleg her moves-just like the rest of the McDaniel family,'' he thought darkly He gave her a cold, hard stare and snapped, "Stay the hell away from me." With that, he tossed off the covers, climbed out of bed, and stormed out of the room.


    Maeve bit back the urge to blurt out, "I mistook you for a d***n pillow! Instead, she swallowed her words, feeling a bit suffocated by his attitude.


    Id


    Annoyed, she thought, "Seriously? It''s not like I did it on purpose. But he acts like I''m some seductress trying to make a move on him-what the hell does he think I am? I''ve got to get his room set up soon.


    Muttering under her breath, Maeve got out of bed to wash up. Afterward, she carefully changed Byron''s bandages before heading to the kitchen to make breakfast.


    Byron, now dressed in fresh clothes his bodyguard had dropped off the night before, picked up his watch from the living room table and strapped it onto his wrist.


    He nced over at the kitchen, where Maeve was busy prepping ingredients for two servings, and said coolly, "Don''t bother making breakfast for me. I don''t eat in the mornings"


    "Skipping breakfast is bad for your stomach, Maeve replied without turning around. "I''ll be done in a minute, and my cooking''s not half bad. You might even like it.


    "I said no..."


    "Rx. I''m not charging you for it."


    Byron was momentarily thrown off. He nced at the clock-forty minutes until his morning meeting.


    He figured she was trying to win him over with food. "If it were that d***n easy, I''d have just married a chef, he thought, annoyed

 Chapter 6

    G.


    Byron''s face instantly darkened, like storm clouds gathering in his eyes.


    Maeve


    noticed his displeasure and scratched her cheek awkw: ly. "If it''s a problem for you, I can always take the couch..."


    "No need,"


    Byron cut her off, his voice cold and firm. "We''ll do it your way."


    He reassured himself that it was just for a few days. At least there, no one was breathing down his neck. He thought sharing a bed with her wasn''t something he couldn''t handle. Late at night, after a day of total chaos, Maeve finally started to rx as she sank into the soft bed, feeling her muscles slowly unwind.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    T


    Just when she was about to drift off, the mattress shifted slightly. She turned her head and found herself staring at Byron''s handsome profile, and her breath hitched in her throat. ''How did ver notice how small my bed is?'' she thought, suddenly aware of how cramped it felt, Even with a stuffed animal acting as a makeshift barrier, they were still ufortably close. So close she could hear his slow, steady breathing. "If you''ve got something on your mind, just spit it out," Byron said, sensing her eyes on him. His tone was t, almost bored. Maeve, caught t red-handed, felt felt her


    The first time she met him, he''d er cheeks flush. But curiosity got the better of her. "Uh, can I ask... what do you do for a living?


    I been beaten up and on the run from some dangerous people.


    Today, he seemed to have been dumped by his fianc¨¦e, only to end up marrying her instead. His life looked like a mess, but he had skills. She was especially amazed at how quickly he had found the hidden camera inside her stuffed animal. Byron''s eyes narrowed as he nced at her. ''Is she seriously ying dumb to get me to drop my guard?'' he wondered.


    "I drive," he said, shrugging like it was nothing.


    Maeve let out a small sigh of relief. ''So he''s a driver. That''s not so bad. At least it''s not something shady. And it kinda makes sense with the situation I''m in," she thought.


    Comforted by that idea, she closed her eyes and began to drift off.


    Byron, on the other hand, was finding it hard to rx. The bed was too small, the mattress wasn''t exactly soft, and pillow felt like a rock. But what really got under his skin was Maeve''s hair.


    Even


    the


    A few stray strands of her hair had drifted over to his side, brushing against his ear. He clenched his teeth, resisting t


    urge


    to touch it. His brow furrowed in frustration.


    ''Is she doing this on purpose?'' he wondered.


    ****


    The morning sunlight was gentle yet warm, spilling into the bedroom and casting a soft, golden glow over the bed. The two figures were tangled up so closely it seemed there wasn''t an inch of space between them. Byron''s internal clock was as precise as ever. At seven sharp, he stirred awake, his eyes still half-closed with sleep. But something felt off-something warm and soft was pressed up against him.


    He nced down and saw Maeve, who should have been on the other side of the bed, now somehow nestled in his arms.


    Her cheeks were tinged with a soft pink, resting against his chest her arms wrapped around his, and one of her long legs


    NG.


    +3


    draped over his. She was sound asleep.


    Byron''s face darkened. He tried to push her away, but she clung to him so tightly he could barely move. Frustrated, he gave her nose a light pinch. Within seconds, she jerked awake, gasping for air. Still groggy, Maeve blinked up at him in confusion, only to meet his cold, irritated re.


    "Maeve, get off me. Now!" Byron''s voice was sharp, cutting through thest remnants of her sleep and sending a chill down her spine.


    Her eyes widened as she realized how tightly she was wrapped around him.


    !


    Oh shit! The soft, cozy thing I was hugging wasn''t my stuffed animal-it''s Byron!'' Her face flushed a deep red. She scrambled away, her movements frantic and awkward, trying to get to the edge of the bed. "I-I''m so sorry! I didn''t mean to! I usually sleep so much better..." she stammered, her voice full of embarrassment and frantic apologies.


    Byron''s frustration only deepened as he listened to her babble. How many times has she said it wasn''t on purpose since we got married? ying innocent while plotting her moves-just like the rest of the McDaniel family, he thought darkly. He gave e her a cold, hard stare and snapped, "Stay the hell away from me." With that, he tossed off the covers, climbed out of bed, and stormed out of the room.


    Maeve bit back the urge to blurt out, "I mistook you for a damn pillow!" Instead, she swallowed her words, feeling a bit suffocated by his attitude.


    Annoyed, she thought, ''Seriously? It''s not like I did it on purpose. But he acts like I''m some seductress trying to make a move on him-what the hell does he think I am? I''ve got to get his room set up soon.''


    Muttering under her breath, Maeve got out of bed to wash up. Afterward, she carefully changed Byron''s bandages before heading to the kitchen to make breakfast.


    Byron, now dressed in fresh clothes his bodyguard had dropped off the night before, picked up his watch from the living room table and strapped it onto his wrist.


    He nced over at the kitchen, where Maeve was busy prepping ingredients for two servings, and said coolly, "Don''t bother making breakfast for me. I don''t eat in the mornings." "Skipping breakfast is bad for your stomach," Maeve replied without turning around. "I''ll be done in a minute, and my cooking''s not half bad. You might even like it." "I said no..."


    "Rx, I''m not charging you for it."


    Byron was momentarily thrown off. He nced at the clock-forty minutes until his morning meeting.


    He figured she was trying to win him over with food. ''If it were that damn easy, I''d have just married a chef, he thought, annoyed.

 Chapter 7

    Not long after Byron sat down, Maeve''s voice drifted out from the kitchen. "Mr. McDaniel, we''re out of leeks in the fridge. Could you grab some from the balcony?" Byron raised an eyebrow, puzzled.


    veggie pots, not flowers.


    Most people''s balconies were covered with bright flowers and decorative nts, but not Maeve''s. Hers was more like a tiny vegetable farm, crammed with leeks, spring onions, and lettuce. Even the ss nt stand that Jeff had broken yesterday had been filled with Byron stepped out onto the balcony, taken aback by the jungle of green. To him, all the vegetables looked pretty much the


    June.


    He rubbed his temples, feeling a bit lost. Which ones are the leeks he muttered under his breath. "The scissors are on the shelf. Just cut a handful, not too much," Maeve called from the kitchen.


    Byron pressed his lips into a thin line, grabbed the scissors, and snipped off a bunch of what he hoped were leeks. With a slight frown, he walked back into the kitchen. Maeve nced at the bunch in his hand, nearly speechless. These are spring onions.


    She shook her head in disbelief. How can he not tell the difference between leeks and spring onions? Seriously, how clueless can someone be about basic stuff? she thought. brown eyes narrowed. "You didn''t t exactly point out which ones were the leeks."


    Byron''s


    Maeve bit her lip and sighed. "My bad. I''ll get them myself. But thanks for trying"


    Fifteen minutester, Maeve set two bowls of potato leek soup and a dish of mac and cheese on the table. The presentation was basic, but it looked decent enough.


    "Go on, dig in," Maeve said with a smile as she took a seat across from Byron.


    Byron nced at her before picking up his fork, his movements smooth and practiced. But the moment he took a bite, his, face twisted slightly.


    How could it taste this awful?'' he thought, struggling toprehend that she actually believed she was a good cook.


    The soup was downright terrible, and even the mac and cheese something that was supposed to be foolproof-was aplete catastrophe. His taste buds felt like they were under attack.


    He managed only two bites before setting his fork down and reaching for his jacket. "I just remembered. I''ve got something urgent to take care of. Enjoy your meal"


    Maeve blinked, confused. "But you haven''t even finished your soup.


    "I can''t stomach it right now." Byron''s face was dark as he walked out of the apartment, leaving Maeve to stifle augh.


    She twirled some spaghetti around her fork and took a bite, a satisfied grin spreading across her face. Well, that should clear up any misunderstandings fromst night,'' she thought, feeling a bit smug


    After finishing breakfast, Maeve tidied up and got ready to head out. When she checked her phone, which had been on silent, she saw several missed calls from her parents. They must have found out she hadn''t registered her marriage with Jeff. Once Maeve made up her mind, she never looked back. Now, she just had to figure out how to return the engagement gift from the Graves family or risk digging into her savings.


    Mon, Ucl


    31


    At the office, Maeve was about to start sorting through some fashion sketches when her boss. Piers Robinson, called her into his office


    "Maeve. I heard you and Jeff had a bit of a blowup. Piers said, getting straight to the point. "And that you even had him hauled off to the police station?"


    No surprise Piers knew about it; he was well-connected with Jeff''s father, Wace.


    Maeve shook her head. "Mr. Robinson, I ended things with him. He was arrested because he broke thew."


    Piers looked genuinely surprised. But as he met the seriousness in Maeve''s eyes, he realized this wasn''t just some heat-of-the-moment spat. A twinge of unease crept in about the favor Wace had asked of him.


    Piers put on a reassuring smile. "Still, one night in the mmer is more than enough. Are you really willing to throw away your rtionship over something so trivial! You''ve been nning a future together, shouldn''t you be focusing on that?" "And besides," he continued. "Jeff yed a big role in getting you this job. He even asked me to cut you some ck, and keep your workload light."


    Piers wasn''t being harsh, but his words made Maeve''s cheeks flush with embarrassment. The whole situation suddenly felt ridiculous to her.


    Before joining thispany, Maeve had actuallynded an offer from a top-tier design brand. But Jeff, who constantlyined about the crazy hours at big firms and how much he hated being apart from her, had "identally replied to the email and declined the offer on her behalf. With no other option, she had to let go of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


    Thanks to his interference, Maeve ended up at thispany-less work, but also less pay. To make ends meet, she asionally took on frence illustration gigs. With


    r skills and qualifications, she should have been leading design projects, yet she was relegated to menial tasks.


    Over time, she began to doubt her own abilities and considered quitting, but she never imagined Jeff had been manipting things behind the scenes all along-


    Maeve took a deep breath, fighting to keep her anger in check.


    Piers continued, "You''re on the brink of marriage, so whether you stay at this job or not doesn''t really matter. But if Jeff ends up with a criminal record, it could affect your future children..."


    "Mr. Robinson," Maeve interrupted, her voice calm and firm. "I''ve already ended things with Jeff. Yesterday, I registered my marriage with the man I truly love. If it''s not too much trouble, could you please pass that message along to him?" This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter "By the


    8


    Way, I''ll be sending my resignation letter to your inbox soon. Today''s probably myst day here. Thanks for everything these past few days." Maeve gave Piers a calm nod before walking out of his office. Piers sat at his desk, stunned. ''Maeve''s quitting? And getting married? This has to be some kind of joke! How the hell am I supposed to exin this to Wace now? His mind was spinning.


    Maeve''s decision to resign wasn''t a spur-of-the-moment thing, I felt like a fog had finally lifted, revealing a clearer path ahead. Staying at thepany would just mean endless frustration and no future. Leaving was the smart move. She had earned a decent amount from her frence illustration work and wasn''t concerned about the loss of this job. As Maeve approached the office area, she caught snippets of gossip floating from inside.


    "Did you hear? Maeve got Mr. Graves hauled off to the station. Has shepletely lost it?"


    "People from nothing trying to marry into money-it''s never a smooth ride. She acts all high and mighty, but isn''t this just a scheme to push him into marrying her?"


    "Well, if they''re really over, we won''t have to keep pushing her to quit and be some trophy wife. It''s exhausting keeping up this pretense.


    Thatstment hit Maeve like a punch to the gut. All the ostracism and petty tricks she''d endured from her colleagues- it had all been orchestrated by Jeff


    It dawned on her: Jeff had been pulling strings, using his family''s influence to sabotage her at work, all to force her to quit. and be dependent on him. She''d seriously underestimated just how low he''d stoop.


    Maeve bit her lip, anger simmering just beneath the surface as she walked into the office, saying nothing.


    The chatter stopped abruptly, and her colleagues stared in uneasy silence. Eyes shifted nervously as Maeve packed her things with cold determination


    A few of them looked like they wanted to ask what was going on, but Maeve had always kept her distance. She wasn''t about to start exining herself now.


    Just then, Piers approached her. Sensing her determination to leave, he tried to talk her out of it. "Maeve, if you resign now, it''ll be a nightmare to find a recement on short notice. At least stay until we find someone to take over your duties." Maeve had been itching to leave immediately, but she considered his point and nodded. "Alright, I''ll stay until the end of the month." With just over a week left, it seemed doable.


    Piers gave a nod and walked away, already dialing on his phone.


    Maeve ignored the curious stares from her colleagues and focused on finishing her work. Maybe because she was leaving soon, the ones who usually bossed her around were unusually quiet today.


    Enjoying the rare calm, Maeve sorted through her designs, her mind drifting to ways she could help Byron recover from his injuries faster.


    After work, Maeve stopped by the supermarket to grab some protein powder, then picked up a few vitamins at the pharmacy before heading home.


    As she approached her building, her heart sank-Valda was there looking like thunder. Maeve''s first instinct was to turn around, but it was toote-she had already spotted her.


    "Maeve!" Valda''s voice was sharp with fury as she stormed over. Have you lost your damn mind? How could you get Jell


    thrown in jail? Do you even realize that your brother got into that high school because of the Graves family? Your father still works for them! And now, you go and bite the hand that feeds us?"


    Valda''s rage was palpable as she seized Maeve''s arm, trying to drag her away. "You''reing with me to the police station. right now You''re gonna fix this and apologize to Jeff Her voice shook with anger, her grip tightening. Maeve winced at the pressure. "Mom! Jeff put cameras in my apartment to spy on me and even tried to be violent. How is any of this my fault?"


    Valda''s eyes zed as she snapped, "So what? You should''ve put up with it. Do


    forget, our whole family relies on him!"


    Maeve''s face drained of color at her mother''s words. Her pent-up frustration finally erupted. "If you all want to rely on him so much, then do it yourselves. Stop using me as a sacrifice!"


    Valda froze, her hand raised as if to strike Maeve. "What did you just say?"


    Maeve instinctively shut her eyes, bracing for the impact. But the p never came. Instead, a firm hand interce arm mid-air.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Valda''s


    Maeve opened her eyes and saw Byron standing in front of her. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Mr. McDaniel?"


    Byron gave a curt nod, his brow furrowed. "What''s going on here?"


    Maeve tried to answer, but Valda cut her off with a furious shout. "Who the hell is this? Are you messing around, just like Jeff said? Valda''s anger was intense. "Maeve, who taught you to be so shameless and ungrateful? Maeve felt Valda''s words cut deeper than any of the insults she''d faced from her colleagues. "Watch your tone when you talk to my wife. Byron''s voice was cold, slicing through Valda''s rant. "Our rtionship is legitimate, and it''s none of your business."

 Chapter 9

    Valda stared in disbelief. "What the hell did he just say? Maeve, you need to exin what''s going on with you and this guy right now!" Maeve''s shoulders shook slightly, but she forced herself to stayposed, recalling Valda''s earlier harshness.


    Taking a deep breath, she grabbed onto Byron''s arm, her eyes a mix of anxiety and determination. "He''s my husband. We''re legally married-papers and all"


    Byron nced at her hand gripping his arm. Her slender fingers were trembling, revealing the fear she was trying to hide. He noticed but didn''t pull away. "Have youpletely lost it?" Valda''s face twisted with rage. She lunged forward, trying to p some sense into Maeve


    Maeve quickly stepped behind Byron, using him as a shield, her voice firm. I''m married now. There''s no way I''m marrying Jeff. Return the Graves family''s engagement gifts. From now on, I''m staying away from Jeff. This is my marriage, my life, and I''ll make my own decisions." Valda''s face flushed with fury, her lips quivering. "Fine, ignore me all you want. You''ll regret this!" With onest furious re, she stormed out.


    Maeve stood there, feeling an unexpected wave of relief wash over her. Saying "no" to Valda hadn''t been as terrifying as she''d imagined; the hardest part was just summoning the courage to do it.


    Once they were in the elevator, Maeve realized she was still gripping Byron''s arm. Embarrassed, she quickly let go and shed an apologetic smile. "Sorry for dragging you into this mess." Byron casually slid his hand into his pocket, his tone cool. "Was that your mother?"


    Maeve nodded, hesitating before adding. "My dad owed the Graves family a favor, so they''ve always expected me to marry my ex.


    Byron made a nomittal sound, but his mind wandered back to their earlier visit to city hall. ''So, her family pushed her into this, and that''s why she came to me? The timing seems a bit too perfect'' His eyes narrowed in suspicion. Until he could figure out whether Maeve showing up that night was just a coincidence or something more calcted, he wasn''t about to trust her blindly.


    The elevator dinged at the tenth floor, and once inside the apartment, Maeve headed straight to the kitchen with the groceries.


    Tying an apron around her waist, she nced over at Byron. "I''m making soup tonight-it''ll help with your recovery. Good for your injury."


    Byron''s expression flickered slightly as he remembered the breakfast she had made earlier. ''Can she even make soup that''s edible? he wondered.


    "No need," Byron said tly. "I''m not a fan of soup."


    Maeve''s voice was soft but persistent. "Is there anything you actually like?"


    Byron didn''t bother hiding his irritation. "Even if you cook it, I''ts not touching it."


    Maeve just smiled, undeterred. "So, should I just throw everything in and hope for the best?"


    Byron let out a sigh, too exhausted to argue with her stubbornness. He made his way to the sofa, copsed into it, crossed his legs, and began rubbing his temples. Right then, his phone ring.


    He answered it, his voice heavy with fatigue, "What is it?"


    ¦°


    A sharp cry of pain rang out from the other end, followed by Archer''s voice. "Mr. McDaniel, we''ve got everyone involved in the attack. What''s your call?"


    The sounds of groaning and crying filled the background, but Byron''s face remained cold, his voice disturbingly calm, as if he were chatting about the weather. "Break their hands and legs, then toss them in the sea. Let them cool off a bit." Archer replied with his usual efficiency, "Got it. Also, their ounts were clean, but we traced the funds back to someone working under Neville McDaniel"


    Neville, the so-called second heir of the McDaniel family-a parasite living off the name-was nothing more than a joke to Byron.


    Byron''s eyes shed with a trace of contempt. "He''s like a pest after the harvest-barely hanging on. Send thepany documents I haven''t reviewed yet to Pinehurst Apartments, and make sure my meds are delivered too." "Understood. I''ll handle it quietly, Archer confirmed.


    "Good. Byron said, ending the call. He leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes, letting the silence wash over him,


    Despite still nursing his injuries, Byron found that taking the risky step of returning to the office was worth every second. The look of shock on those shareholders'' faces was priceless, and it gave him the perfect chance to see which senior executives were backing which side. It was a gamble, but it paid off big time.


    As the soup simmered and the rest of dinner came together, Maeve walked into the living room to call Byron for the meal. She found him sprawled on the sofa, fast asleep, arms crossed over his chest, and his head tilted slightly to the side.


    His lips, usually pale, now had an unusual flush to them-almost like he was running a fever.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Worried, Maeve moved closer, reaching out to feel his forehead. But before her fingers could make contact, a strong hand shot out, grabbing her wrist hard enough to make her wince.


    "S**t!" Maeve gasped, frowning in pain.


    Byron''s eyes flew open, his voice low and menacing. "Didn''t I f***g tell you to stay the hell away from me?"

 Chapter 10

    Byron impatiently shook Maeve''s hand off, his face darkening with irritation.


    Maeve''s cheeks burned with a mix of anger and embarrassment. I just finished cooking and was about to call you to eat. I didn''t know you''d fallen asleep and looked so pale. I was worried you had a fever, so I checked. That''s all-no big deal," Maybe she had crossed a line. Byron obviously hated being touched, even on his forehead. Since he was still recovering. Maeve figured it was better to back off and respect his spice. "You''re making too much of it Byron snapped, rising to his feet, though he winced slightly as a headache throbbed behind


    his


    eyes


    Despite the difort, he refused to show any sign of weakness, especially after brushing off Maeve''s concern.


    Let''s eat. You must be hungry too. Marve suggested, trying to case the tension


    At the dining table, a steaming pot of creamy chicken soup took center stage, surrounded by four other dishes. The rich aroma filled the room, making their mouths water.


    what


    As Byron settled into his seat, a nagging feeling tugged at him, like something was off, but he couldn''t quite figure out wi


    Maeve quicklydled out a bowl of soup and set it in front of him with a smile. "Try this. I added a ton of herbs-bet you''ll love it


    Byron 1 took a sip of f the chicken soup, the rich and warming vor spreading through him. But then his eyes narrowed as realization hit him.


    He shot Maeve a cold, suspicious look. "Did you screw with my breakfast on purpose this morning?"


    The soup was fantastic, a clear sign that Maeve knew her way around a kitchen. But that god-awful breakfast this morning had been deliberate.


    froze


    Maeve Maeve,


    for a moment, her mind going nk under Byron''s icy stare.. .A chill I ran down her spine as she stammered. "That was an ident. My cooking is hit or miss; sometimes things just don''t turn out right" don''t push your luck," Byron warned, his expression turning icy.


    Maeve looked up at him, hershes fluttering slightly. "You were the one who insulted me first yesterday. I just yed a little prank to get back at you. Compared to the people who''ve actually hurt you, all I did was serve you a shitty breakfast. Is that really so unforgivable?" Her voice was calm, almost gentle, despite the sharpness of her words. But beneath that calm exterior, there was a simmering anger in every word she spoke.


    Byron''s frustration, which had been boiling over moments ago, started to simmer down.


    The tension at the dinner table hung in the air like a storm cloud, only beginning to lift when they finally got up to head for


    the showers.


    Maeve handed Byron a waterproof bandage, then retreated to the living room, giving him the bathroom first.


    She settled down on the carpet beside the sofa, finishing up her resume on herptop. Once done, she saved it and closed the lid. Her phone wouldn''t stop buzzing.


    She nced at the screen and saw it was her father, Scout, calling She ignored the call, watching as a series of texts from him


    14:39 Mon,


    Oct 14 GGC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    appeared instead


    Scott: [Come home tomorrow.


    Scott: [Forget about Jeff for now. We need to know how you really feel.]


    Maeve was taken aback by the uncharacteristically gentle tone of Scott''s messages.


    "Maybe now that I''m married to someone else, they''re willing to set aside their anger and actually hear me out, she mused.


    Maeve replied: [Fine].


    She checked the time-Byron had been in the bathroom for nearly an hour.


    Despite the awkward dinner, he was still recovering and might be running a fever.


    Worry tugged at her, and she hesitated before walking over to the bathroom door. She knocked softly. "Mr. McDaniel, are you okay in there?"


    she


    When she knocked several more times and still got no response, her concern deepened. She knocked harder, and just as sh was about to knock again, the door suddenly swung open.


    Byron stood there, wrapped in a silk bathrobe. His damp brown hair clung to his forehead, and his tired eyes made him seem distant and unreachable. His face was pale, his expression pinched with irritation.


    What the hell I do you want?" he rasped, his voice rough and edged with annoyance.


    Maeve''s eyes unintentionally drifted to his partially exposed, sun-kissed chest, and she quickly looked away, her face flushing. She took a step back, stumbling over her words, "1-1 thought you might have fainted or something"


    Byron''s temples throbbed with pain, and his abdominal wound still ached. His patience was running thin. When Maeve stepped closer again, whether intentionally or not, he snapped.


    He grabbed her arm and pushed her against the wall, his brown eyes shing with a cold mockery. So, you''re saying this time it wasn''t on purpose? You were actually worried about me?" wave of panic surged through Maeve. "Mr. McDaniel..."


    A


    "What the hell are you so afraid of?" Byron''s fingers tightened around her chin, his voice cold and mocking. "Isn''t this what you wanted? Fine, I''ll give it to you."


    Before Maeve could pull away, Byron''s head swooped down. His lips were hot and insistent as they crashed against hers with a brutal force. He bit down on her lower lip, his kiss harsh and punishing, like he was determined to make her pay The heat of his mouth burned against her cool skin, like moltenva pouring over ice, the sensation almost unbearable.


    Maeve winced at the pain, her hands balled into fists as she used every bit of strength to push him away But he was like a brick wall-unmoving and unbreakable.

 Chapter 11

    Even Maeve, who almost never lost herposure, felt a surge of anger boiling up inside her.


    Why does helping him alwayse back to bite me? Is kindness really just a mistake?'' she thought, her eyes burning with frustration.


    All Maeve could feel was the sting on her lips. The moment Byron pulled away from that degrading kiss, her hand flew up. instinctively ready to p him.


    But Byron caught her wrist effortlessly, a mocking grin spreading across his face as he met her furious gaze. "What? Want another kiss?"


    Maeve''s cheeks flushed bright red as she yanked her hand away. You **d! Why do people like you even exist? Every time I try to help, you just turn it into shit!" Her voice shook with rage, barely keeping her frustration in check. Byron straightened up, his eyes cold as ice as he stared her down. "If you know I''m just gonna let you down, then stay the hell out of my way. Don''t think I don''t see through your little games."


    She was so furious she could barely get the words out; her anger was reaching a boiling point. She should never have been so soft-hearted even if he dropped dead from that fever, it wouldn''t have been her problem.


    "Fine! If I ever give a damn about you again, I''ll be the biggest fool on earth!" Maeve snapped, her face tight with anger as she stormed our of the room.


    That night, Maeve would have dly crashed on the couch rather than share a bed with Byron. But with the chilly autumn air and the unheated living room, it wasn''t a real option. She''d probably end up with a cold by morning if she stayed out there..


    As it got closer to eleven, and Byron was supposed to be asleep, Maeve slipped back into the bedroom. Wait a minute-this is my ce. Why am I sneaking around?''


    With that thought, she dropped the pretense and marched straight to the closet to grab a nket.


    As she rummaged through the closet, a faint groan of pain caught her ear. She bit her lip, trying to ignore it, grabbing the nket and heading for the door.


    But just as she was about to leave, the dim light from the bedsidemp highlighted Byron''s face, contorted in pain.


    Hey there quietly, his usually sharp, cold features softened into an expression of difort. His lips were flushed red, his face pale and drawn, his brows furrowed tightly. There wasn''t a hint of peace on his face.


    ''Is he running a fever? Maeve wondered, torn between checking on him and remembering his past rotten behavior. "Maybe it''s best to just leave him be. I''d be asking for trouble otherwise.


    She bit her lower lip, clutching the nket tightly as she quietly slipped out of the room.


    Less than five minutester, unable to shake off the worry gnawing at her, Maeve returned with a thermometer, her face a mix of reluctant concern and determination.


    She told herself it was just her good deed for the day. If he tried anything funny again, she''d make sure to fight back without


    hesitation


    But Byron didn''t move an inch as Maeve took his temperature. He didn''t flinch or even bat an eyelid, as if he waspletely out of it.


    Maeve checked the thermometer-it read nearly 102 degrees Fahrenheit. With a fever that high, he''d definitely need a hospital. But then she remembered how much Byron hated hospitals, and there was no way she could drag him there on her


    4:39 Mon, Oct 14


    201


    Luckily, she found some fever reducers at home. After getting him to take the medicine, she filled a basin with warm water and began wiping his body down to help lower his temperature You better not me me when you wake up, she muttered, taking advantage of Byron''s unconscious state to speak her mind. "I didn''t mean to touch you, but if I don''t do something, you might end up with brain damage and turn into a vegetable. Then I''d really be screwed...


    Maybe it was the medicine, but an hourter, Maeve checked Byron''s temperature and saw it had dropped a bit.


    To stay on top of things, she set an rm to wake herself every two hours for another check. She kept this up until morning. when sheer exhaustion finally imed her, and she drifted off to sleep.


    Not long after, Byron woke to a dull ache in his temples and slowly opened his eyes. The throbbing was still there, but it wasn''t as fierce as it had been the night before. He noticed his abdominal wound had been re-dressed, and it felt much better, with no real difort. He rubbed his temple and turned his head to see Maeve sleeping beside the bed, her head resting on the edge. His expression softened a little.


    Here was the same woman who had vowed to stop caring about him, yet she had spent the entire night tending to him.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Byron''s face betrayed a flicker of conflicted emotion. ''If this is just an act, then she''s a damn good actress, he thought.


    When Maeve woke up, Byron was already gone. She thought, He''s just gotten over a fever and his wounds are barely healed, and he''s off to work? Now that''s dedication. But honestly, it''s probably for the best. Running into him would''ve been really awkward. The memory ofst night''s forced kiss shed through her mind, making her head pound


    During her lunch break, Maeve gathered her things and caught a taxi home. Scott had taken the day off just to be there. when she arrived.


    "You''re back? Your mom filled me in on the details. So, is this whole ''married thing just a way to g asked, sipping his coffee with a nonchnt air.


    get under Jeff''s skin?" Scott


    Maeve knew they wouldn''t take her word for it, so she''de prepared with her marriage license. She pulled it from her bag and flipped it open for her father to see. "I''m not just trying to get under anyone''s skin. I''m really married


    The official stamp on the marriage license caught Scott''s eye instantly. His face went from calm to thundercloud in a heartbeat. With a furious motion, he mmed the coffee cup onto the floor, sending shards scattering at Maeve''s feet.


    "What the f*****k?" Scott bellowed, his face bright red with anger as he rose from his seat. "Who the hell gave you permission to marry without our say-so? Do you even realize the mess you''ve just made for us and the Graves family

 Chapter 12

    12


    Valda stepped


    out of the kitchen when she heard themotion. She nced at them briefly but chose to keep quiet.


    Maeve''s face was pale, but she stood her ground. "I''ve already broken things off with Jeff Who I marry is my choice. We''re not in the Stone Age anymore, where parents get to decide who their kids marry!"


    Scott was stunned by his usually obedient daughter''s defiance. His anger red. "What the hell is with that attitude? I''m your father!"


    Maeve mped her lips shut, refusing to respond.


    Scott sank back into his chair, his chest heaving with barely controlled rage. After a moment, he demanded, "Who is this guy? What''s his background? What does he do?"


    Maeve hesitated before finally saying, "He''s a driver. His family doesn''t have much, but he works hard..


    "A driver?" Scott exploded, his face twisted with fury, "You''re throwing away a future with the Graves family for some random driver? Have you lost your damn mind? You need to divorce him right now!" His voice thundered through the room. making the coffee cups on the table shake. Maeve''s hands trembled, but she fired back without a second''s hesitation. "No, I won''t! What''s so wrong with being a driver? If I love him, I wouldn''t leave him even if he were a beggar!"


    Scot''s face turned a furious shade of red. He kicked Maeve sharply in the knee and snarled, "Get out of here and think long and hard about what you''ve done! Don''te out until you agree to the divorce!"


    Maeve''s knee buckled from the sharp pain, and she stumbled, but before she could steady herself, Scott grabbed her and shoved her into the storage room, mming the door shut with a loud click. Maeve gasped from the pain and pounded on the door. "Let me out! You can''t just lock me in here!"


    From a young age, being locked in a room wasmon punishment for Maeve, and she had developed a deep fear of confined spaces. But despite her frantic banging, neither Scott nor Valda made a move to let her out


    "Is locking her up really the best idea?" Valda asked, stepping out of the kitchen, worry etched on her face. "What if she doesn''t change her mind? How are we going to handle returning the Graves family''s engagement gift?" Scott''s face twisted with uritation. "If she doesn''te to her senses, she stays in there until she does. No food, no water- she needs to learn who''s in charge here!"


    Valda didn''t argue further.


    Maeve pounded on the door until her hands ached, but there was no response. Exhausted, she slid down to the floor, leaning her back against the door, her knees throbbing in pain.


    Her face was filled with sorrow. "I should have known this wasing she thought bitterly. "They were never going to listen. to me. How could I have been so stupid?" The


    storage room was pitch ck, and the oppressive darkness seemed ready to swallow her whole.


    Maeve turned on her phone''s shlight. The small beam of light brought a tiny bit offort, pushing back the overwhelming sense of dread just a little.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Hours crawled by, stretching from noon into night, before Valda''s voice finally broke through the silence. "Maeve, have you made up your mind? Agree to the divorce, and I''ll let you out" Maeve sat huddled on the cold floor, her eyes shut tightly against the darkness. Her voice, raspy and dry from thirst, barely


    212


    GB


    ¦°


    reached beyond the door. I''m not getting divorced. Even if you lock me in here forever, my answer won''t change."


    56%,


    It wasn''t that she was head-over-heels in love with Byron. She was just done being controlled by her parents. Her eyes drifted to her phone, its battery dangerously low. Panic started to creep in. She needed to find help before the power ran out.


    Maeve scrolled through her contacts, realizing how few friends she had left. Since she''d started dating Jeff, she''d lost touch with her old friends for reasons she couldn''t quite pin down. Now, Byron was her only option. After a few moments of hesitation, she finally dialed his number


    AVIL AVIL


    The phone rang only once before it was answered. "Hello? Who is that!" A soft, unfamiliar female voice came through the line.


    Maeve hesitated, double-checking the number on her phone. "Is this Mr. McDaniel''s phone?" Karen Booth Karen''s


    oth Byron''s secretary, also paused at the sound of Magyes voice. Phones were prohibited during executive meetings, so Byron''s phone was with her to catch any important calls. She nced at the caller ID and frowned; there was no one named "Maeve" listed among the McDaniel Group''s business. contacts. Who the heck is this? she wondered. n''s smile faded a little. "Yes, he''s currently tied up. May I ask what this is about?" Tmm a


    a bit of a bind and could really use his help. Could you let him know when he''s avable? Maeve asked, her voice. inged with uncertainty. She hadn''t anticipated Byron still working at this hour and wasn''t sure if he''de. I''ll make sure he gets your message, Karen said with a reassuring smile before ending the call.


    Moment


    Karen''s eyes flickered with nervousness. "She asked what you were up to and wanted you to call her back when you


    moment.


    had


    Byron''s brows furrowed in irritation at Maeve''s possessive tone. He had little patience for interruptions that disrupted his focus.


    "Got it," Byron replied curtly, grabbing the file from an assistant and heading into his office. The call was quickly forgotten as he shut the door behind him.


    Karen stood there, letting out a quiet sigh of relief before heading back to the secretary''s office.


    $8

 Chapter 13

    Maeve hesitated before dialing Byron''s mumber again. She didn''t want toe off as needy, so she decided to just wait it out, hoping he''d get back to her sooner orter.


    Almost a full day had passed without a single bite to cat. Her stomach growled and twisted in pain, and eventually, exhaustion took over. She drifted into a restless sleep, too drained and hungry to keep her eyes open any longer. what felt like forever, Maeve woke up groggily, squinting at her phone to see it was already past ten in the morning.


    After


    She realized she''d been stuck in this room for nearly twenty-four hours, and her phone battery was barely holding on at three percent.


    She stared at her phone, her heart sinking as there were no missed calls or messages. A wave of despair washed over her. She shut her eyes and curled up on the cold floor, trying to ignore the gnawing hunger.


    Is he too busy to call back, or did he just forget about me?'' she wondered, pulling her knees closer to her chest, shielding her eyes with her hand.


    The hunger was bad, but the endless, crushing darkness was worse.


    the executive office at Mcdaniel Group, the afternoon sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing Byron in a warm, golden light as he sat behind his desk. With his sharp looks andmanding presence, he was every inch the powerful CEO Mr. McDaniel, you just got over a fever and barely sleptst night," Archer said for the third time as he entered the office. "If you keep pushing yourself like this, you''re gonna crash. Plus, it''s time to change the dressing on your wound," Byron put down the contract and, with a swift flick of his wrist, signed his name with bold, decisive strokes-sharp and unyielding, just like him


    "What time is it?" he asked.


    "It''s already five in the afternoon. Id b***ds?"


    left. Said they''d talk to your f


    father.


    capped his pen slowly, a cold smile tugging at his lips. "Let them try. If they think that''ll make me change my mind..." grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair and stood up. Have the driver bring the car around." "Oh, by the way, Mr. McDaniel, your grandfather called against night. He''s insisting you visit soon," Archer added.


    Byron gave a brief nod, his thoughts suddenly shing back to Maeve''s call from two days ago. He picked up his phone and dialed her number.


    The call connected


    me


    I almost immediately. ''Something''se up I won''t being home tonight, Byron said as he stepped out of the office. was about to hang up when a faint voice stopped him in his tracks. "Help me...


    His grip tightened on the phone. "Where are you?"


    "Kye been locked up by my parents. If you could just-Maeve''s voice cut off abruptly as the phone beeped, signaling the battery had died. Byron quickly redialed, but the call went straight to voicemail. A deep frown creased his brow.


    "Mr. McDaniel, your grandfather called again-he''s insisting you visit soon," Archer said, hurrying over.


    Byron''s gaze lingered on his phone for a moment before he gave a slight nod and stepped into the elevator.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    In t the underground parking lot, he settled into the back seat of the car, pressing his fingers lightly against the wound on his abdomen, his mind deep in thought. Take me to the Reese residence, he instructed. "Yes, sir." the driver replied.


    f an hourter, they arrived at the Reese residence.


    Scott had an engagement that evening, and Valda was out shopping, leaving Maeve alone at home.


    After nearly two days and nights of being locked up. Maeve waspletely drained. Shey on the cold floor, barely conscious, her strength almost entirely spent.


    What jolted Maeve awake was the loud crack of the door lock breaking and the blinding rush of light flooding into the dark storage room.


    Through the re, she saw Byron''s tall,manding figure striding toward her, his presence cutting through the light.


    Maeve squinted up at him, her hand weakly grasping the hem of Byron''s coat. Her voice was a hoarse whisper. "Help... help


    Byron looked down at her frail, trembling hands, his face impassive. "Can you move?"


    Maeve shook her head weakly, her movements slow andbored.


    "Ugh, how troublesome," Byron muttered, his impatience evident.


    Maeve b


    bit t her dry lips, her fingers loosening their grip on his coat.


    But before she could react, Byron bent down and lifted her into his arms, turning to carry her out


    Maeve, taken aback, stared u I up at his sharp jawline as a wave of dizziness hit her. She closed her eyes, pressing her hands against her stomach to soothe the gnawing hunger.


    As they reached the bottom of Valda''s face twisted in shock. "How did you get in here? Put my daughter down right now-"


    of the stairs, they ran into Valda, who had returned for her wallet.


    Seeing Byron carrying Maeve,


    Byron shot her a cold, piercing look. "Move." His voice was firm andmanding


    Terrified of Scott''s wrath, Valda didn''t step aside. Instead, she chased after Byron as he carried Maeve out of the building. "You can''t just take my daughter! She''s already agreed to divorce you! If you keep this up, I''ll call the police! "And let me tell you, Jeff is madly in love with Maeve and won''t marry anyone else. You''re just a driver-don''t fool yourself into thinking you have a chance with her!" Byron cast a cold, sidelong nce at Valda, his gaze chilling the air around him.


    Maeve, feeling the weight of his imposing presence, was struck by how a mere driver could exude such authority despite the. humiliation he''d endured.


    As she thought back over the past few days with Byron, doubt crept in for the first time, ''Is he really just a driver? she wondered.  GB

 Chapter 14

    Before Maeve could process her thoughts, Byron''s icy voice cut rough. "Wait until we''re actually divorced before you meddle in our marriage." Maeve''s heart skipped a beat at his words.


    Byron didn''t spare Valda another nce as he carried Macve to the car and ordered the driver to leave.


    Valda watched helplessly as the car sped away, frustration written all over her face. She didn''t know much about cars, but it was clear this one was far from ordinary-probably something only the wealthy could afford. She figured the driver was just a colleague of Byron''s, showing off by borrowing the boss''s car for a dramatic exit. Once they were in the the car. Byron settled Maeve into the seat beside him, then straightened up and took his own seat my mother''s words


    if


    Maeve her tone steady as she regained herposure. She and added cautiously, "No matter is, if a driver, an honest living deserves respect," Byron nced at her, his face unreadable but his curiosity piqued. He wondered. If I weren''t the CEO of the Mcdaniel Group, would she have gone to all this trouble to marry me? Would she still be putting on this act now? How long can she keep up the pretense? So, you''re saying you''d stick with me even if life go was clear she had overthought things-he was just a driver, after all Byron asked, his f his tone casual.


    It


    She nodded firmly, "I "I won''t regret my decision, and I have I


    I married you of my own free will."


    this. Maeve felt a surprising wave of relief. have no intention of getting a voice they faced some rough patches. it was her choice. With a little extra effort, their future didn''t have to look so bleak.


    Even in


    She wanted to make it clear that her mother''s words didn''t reflect her own fe skillfully sidestepping the real issue. If that''s the way it was, he didn''t mind ying along, indulging in this little "poor man''s game."


    Byron lowered his gaze, a faint, unreadable smile ying at his lips. She was


    When Maeve woke up, she found herself in the bedroom of the Pinehurst Apartments. She must have fallen asleep in the car, and Byron had carried her inside.


    Her throat was still parched and sore, and her lips were chapped from dehydration. The moment she moved, her stomach- rumbled loudly, a hungry protest. Clutching her belly, Maeve pushed aside the nket and tried to get out of bed But Maeve had underestimated her condition. As soon as her feet hit the floor, her vision blurred, and she copsed, unable to steady herself. The ss of water by the bed shattered on the floor with a loud crash.


    As cold sweat beaded on her forehead, she reached for the shards, only to have a strong hand firmly grip her arm.


    Byron had somehow appeared in the bedroom without her noticing. "What are you doing?" Byron asked, his brow furrowed, making his already stern expression seem even more distant.


    Maeve froze. Tjust wanted to get some water from the living room, but I knocked over the ss by ident..."


    "Why didn''t you call me?" Byron cased her back onto the bed, his tone indifferent. "If you''re not feeling well, just stay put."


    "Fine... Sorry, Maeve murmured, her voice soft and apologetic.


    Byron tidied up the shattered ss and set a fresh ss of water on the bedside table. "Anything else you need?"


    Maeve hesitated before speaking "I could use something to eat just a simple te of spaghetti would be fine. There should be ingredients in the fridge. But, do you actually know how to cook?"


    She eyed him with a blend of curiosity and skepticism, he didn''t exactly seem like the type who would know his way around.


    kitchen.


    Byron''s face stayed impassive. "Spaghetti, got it. I''ll be right back


    Just as he was about to leave, Maeve called after him, "Wait! I haven''t had a chance to wash up in two days. Could you help me to the bathroom?"


    Byron turned back, his gaze cool and indifferent. "You can''t even stand. Are you seriously asking me to watch you bathe?"


    Macve''s face instantly flushed crimson. "N-No! That''s not what I meant!" She waved her hands frantically, her voice a mix of embarrassment and urgency, "I just need to rinse my mouth and wash my face-nothing more!" How did How he even think that


    that? I wouldn''t ask for something like that, even if I had a thick skin!" she thought.


    Byron nced at her flushed checks, then grabbed her with one hand and pulled her out of bed. "Just lean on me, but don''t get too close," he said tly, his disdain evident.


    Maeve fumed silently. ''It''s been just two days without a bath-does he really need to act this disgusted?? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Though clearly annoyed, she quickly rinsed her mouth and washed her face. Struggling to keep her bnce, she leaned against the sink and used one hand to clean up.


    Water sshed onto her shirt cor, revealing a sliver of skin that Byron''s gaze caught in the mirror. He quickly looked away and asked casually, "So, why did your parents lock you up?"


    We had a bit of a f falling out," Maeve replied vaguely, drying her face with a towel.


    Byron


    had a good idea of what was up but didn''t bother to dig. Instead, he asked, "So, why didn''t you hit me up again after I missed your call the other day?"


    She hesitated, a droplet of water trailing down a stray strand of hair at her cheek. The memory of the woman''s voice on the phone reyed in her mind.


    She nced at Byron''s reflection in the mirror, her words catching in her throat. Admitting she''d been hoping for his call felt too awkward, and the idea of bothering him made her uneasy. After all, they weren''t close enough for her to call him on a whim "I forgot." Maeve said with a small, casual smile. "I didn''t expect my parents to keep me locked up for so long."


    Her earlier resistance toward them had now turned into a deep sense of disheartenment. Despite her efforts to stay upbeat, a trace of loneliness flickered across her face.


    Her smile, tinged with a hint of sadness, made Byron feel oddly unsettled. He frowned, swallowed hard, and asked, "Are you


    done?"


    "Yes," Maeve replied. "Could you help me back to bed now?"


    23

 Chapter 15

    Byron guided Maeve back to the bedroom before stepping out. Less than half an hourter, he returned with a te of spaghetti.


    The aroma was mouthwatering. The pasta was tender, drenched in a zesty tomato sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil. It was simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. "Wow. ver took you for such a great cook." Maeve said, her voice full of surprise. "This spaghetti is fantastic. Thanks."


    Byron leaned back against the table, arms crossed, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Just shut up and eat. Don''t waste time talking"Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    If she hadn''t looked so pitiful and defeated, Byron wouldn''t have lifted a finger to cook. No one else could''ve convinced him to go to such lengths.


    But Maeve wasn''t put off by his cold demeanor. She could see right through his tough-guy act. If he were truly as indifferent as he liked to pretend, he would have just shrugged her off and let her fend for herself.


    "Anyway, than


    thanks foring to my rescue," Maeve said with a smile, her dimples adding a delicate charm to her pale face, like a rose blooming after a rain. held on her his brows slightly furrowed and his brown eyes darker.


    He wondered if Maeve''s gratitude was just a way to flirt with him. "No need to thank me," he said coolly. Just think of it as repaying the favor you did for me"


    Maeve said


    said nothing more. After finishing her meal and taking some stomach medicine she found in the house, she felt a bit better and was even able to scroll through her phone. She hadn''t been to the office in two days, and even though she was on leave, her manager. Piers, had still called her out in the group chat, throwing shade about her absence. His message basically screamed that anyone thinking of jumping ship was just cking off and coasting through Maeve rolled her eyes, shaking off thements, and opened a message from a colleague.


    The message read: [We''re having a department dinner this Friday to say goodbye to you. You''ve always had somethinge up before, but since we''ve all worked together, you should definitelye this time, right?]


    The invitation was worded in such a way that turning it down would feel downright rude. Her colleagues had only been giving her grief because Jeff had told them to.


    Now that they thought she was leaving for good, she wouldn''t have to put up with them anymore. Onest gathering didn''t seem like such a big deal.


    After sending her reply, Maeve turned off her phone, ignoring the barrage of calls from her parents. She got out of bed and left the bedroom just as the front door swung open.


    Byron walked in, followed by a group of workers in uniform.


    "Mr. McDaniel, who are these people?" Maeve asked, confused.


    "They''re here to deliver a bed," Byron said, his tone steady as he directed the workers to move the new bed into the guest


    room..


    Maeve suddenly remembered that the furniture store had promised to deliver the bed, but it still hadn''t arrived. The store n


    must have forgotten my order," Maeve said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Since you''ve already gotten a bed, I''ll


    cancel mine. I should pay for this one, though."


    It felt a bit awkward that, after agreeing to support him, she was relying on him for something as basic as a bed.


    Byron noticed her blushing and assumed she was disappointed about not sharing a bed with him in the future. He inwardly sneered, doubting whether she''d actually ordered a bed herself.


    "No need to worry about it," Byron said. "This bed was pricey."


    Maeve raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. It was just a bed-A few hundred bucks, maybe. But given his pay as a driver, it might have been a bit of a stretch for him.


    She didn''t even catch the logo on the side of the new bed, a symbol of a high-end furniture brand known for its custom-made luxury pieces. These beds were so exclusive that even if you had the cash, getting one was a whole different ball game. As additional furniture pieces were moved into the guest room, the space underwent a remarkable transformation.


    The predominantly ck-and-white, minimalist design of the furniture exuded a refined, understated luxury. What was once a in room now radiated a sophisticated, elegant charm.


    Maeve


    herself.


    was tempted to ask where Byron had bought the furniture. She''d nevere across such stylish yet affordable pieces


    "Are you finished with everything now?" she asked.


    Byron, busy arranging his books on the shelf, nced at her and, for once, responded, "Need something?"


    "Not me, but your wound," Maeve replied, holding up t


    first-a


    t-aid kit. "It''s time to change the dressing, isn''t it?"


    raised an eyebrow, surprised. "How do you know I haven''t changed it yet?"


    Byron


    Maeve offered a light smile. Just a guess. You avoid the hospital and seem averse to letting others help. Plus, the wound''s in a spot you can''t easily reach on your own." Byron paused, his gaze growing thoughtful as he looked at her. The truth was, he''d been too busy to remember about the wound.


    Once Maeve finished dressing and bandaging his wound, she asked, "It was healing well before, but now it''s bleeding again. Have you been neglecting ittely?"


    Anthony had already warned him about the same thing during a private visit. But with everything going on at the McDaniel Group, there was no time to rx and heal properly. Maeve didn''t know the full story but smiled. I''ll remind you next time. But you should take care of it yourself too. If this wound doesn''t heal properly, it could cause problems down the line." The living room fell silent for


    I


    moment. Byron narrowed his eyes, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "What kind of problems are we talking about?"


    "Your... your waist, of course..." Maeve stammered, then immediately fell silent as she sensed the awkwardness in the air.


    Byron gave a cold snort, leaning closer with his elbow propped on his knee. His gaze locked onto hers, and the soft light in the room entuated the flush on her cheeks, making her look strikingly attractive, Seeing her reaction, he felt a sudden tightness in his throat and an unexpected urge.


    Without thinking, he asked, "Are you interested in trying something with me?"


    ¦°

 Chapter 16

    "What do you mean, try what?" Maeve asked, genuinely confused by his question. Her heart pounded under Byron''s intense, piercing stare. Flustered, she quickly looked away and blurted, "If you don''t take care of your back now, you''re gonna regret it when you''re older. Trust me." At her words, Byron''s expression softened slightly, the heat in his gaze dimming a bit. "If you''re scared, stay out of my business," he muttered. Byron''s mind wandered back to her ex''s taunts about Maeve being too uptight..


    But now, watching her squirm, it was obvious she just didn''t have a clue about intimacy. No wonder she had been naive enough toe close to him after he''d practically forced a kiss on her. He straightened up and leaned back against the sofa, clicking his tongue sofily. "Maeve, are you even old enough for this?"


    Maeve rolled her eyes, snapped the medical kit shut with a sharp click, and shot back, "Do you think I''d be married to you if I wasn''t? Im twenty-three!"


    Twenty-three... Byron frowned. That''s still pretty young."


    Young: You''re only four years older than me. Why the attitude? Maeve stood up, her tone annoyed. "And for the record, my age is right there on the marriage license. Did you even bother looking at it?" A flicker of guilt crossed Byron''s face. The marriage license was probably collecting dust somewhere.


    Maeve noticed his reaction and raised an eyebrow. "Do you even still have the damn license?" She seriously doubted he''d kept track of iL


    "You''re overthinking things," Byron replied smoothly. "It''ste. You sure you want to keep arguing about our ages?"


    Maeve was momentarily speechless. Wasn''t he the one who started this?'' she thought.


    The next morning, after a good night''s sleep, Maeve felt refreshed, the weakness in her limbs mostly gone..


    She headed to the bathroom for a shower, and when she came out, she was about to toss her clothes into the washing machine when something caught her eye-Byron''s suit jacket draped over the sofa. She picked it up. The hem was frayed, the cuffs had threadsing loose-it looked distinctly worn out.


    Maeve, who primarily worked in women''s fashion design, wasn''t well-versed in men''s clothing. She had never seen a design like this before and guessed it must''ve simply worn out from heavy use.


    Is he still wearing it because he can''t afford a new one?'' she wondered.


    Lost in thought, she nearly jumped when Byron''s voice came from behind her. "What''s this, Maeve? Having a deep conversation with my jacket first thing in the morning?"


    Maeve blushed and quickly exined, "I just noticed how worn out this jacket looks. It might be better if you stop wearing it. Maybe you should just toss it and get a new one?"


    Byron''s brow twitched slightly. Most of his clothes were custom-made by top designers; he rarely bought anything off the rack. And this jacket Maeve thought looked "worn out" was actually a brand-new, vintage-inspired piece from a renowned designer-entirely handmade. 1/2 Mon, Oct


    He was the first pers¨®tt ever to wear it. And now she was telling


    ow it away


    "No need. Don''t go making decisions for me, Byron shot back, tly dismissing her suggestion.


    Maeve figured he must be attached to the jacket because he word it so much, so she offered, "How about I wash it for your


    "Hand wash it. Don''t even think about tossing it in the machine)


    "Fine."


    After breakfast, Maeve and Byron left for work.


    Maeve had nned to take another day off to go to the hospital for a check-up, but Piers wouldn''t approve any more time. off. Plus, there was a department gathering tonight, so she had to wait until she resigned to get checked out.


    Because he was still pi***d at Jell, Piers was especially hard on her today. He dumped a ton of busywork on her, more than twice her usual load, and even stuck her with stuff that should''ve gone to the interns.


    She even got scolded in front of everyone for not delivering coffee fast enough.


    By the end of the day. Maeve was physically and mentally drained. After work, she caught a ride with a coworker to the gathering spot-The Cloud Club.


    This ce was one of the most exclusive clubs in Kleymond, with sky-high entry requirements that weren''t for the average


    person


    Maeve was amazed at her coworkers'' generosity but also felt something was off.


    Before she could figure out what, her colleagues behind her nudged her into the private room. "We''re here, this is the ce!"


    Maeve looked up and saw someone sitting on the sofa who definitely shouldn''t have been there.


    "Long time no see, Maeve," Jeff sat there, one leg crossed over the other, his eyes cold and fixed on her. He sneered, "Tve missed you like crazy these past few days" This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

 Chapter 17

    Maeve''s heart pounded wildly as she realized just how much trouble she was in. She turned to make a quick escape, but her coworkers blocked her path, "Marve, don''t be so uptight, one of them teased with a smug grin


    "Yeah, we heard you and Jeff had a little falling out. Isn''t now the perfect time to sort things out?" another chimed in,


    forever nudging her forward. "He''s been waiting around for you


    It all clicked for Maeve in an instant-this was a setup.


    It


    She shoved their hands away, her voice sharp with anger. "What''s your deal? Did you all conspire to lure me here!"


    Her coworkers exchanged ufortable nces. "Lure you? Oh,e on, we''re just trying to help you out. Jeff''s a catch. Honestly, you could do worse, so why keep being so damn stubbom?"


    Jeff''s buddies, lounging nearby, couldn''t resist joining in. Jeff went out of his way to patch things up with you. You should be grateful, not giving him attitude"


    "A little sassis cute," one of them sneered, his leering gaze making her skin crawl, "but too much just makes you look like a stuck-up b***h"


    Maeve''s eyes narrowed as she met Jeff''s stare. "We''re done, Jeff. How many times do I have to say it before it sinks in?"


    That was thest straw for Jeff. He jumped up from the couch, grabbed Maeve by the cor, and snarled, "You think I''m just gonna let you embarrass me like that? Asking you toe back to me is doing you a favor, and you''d better start showing some d**n gratitude." "Let go of me!" Maeve snapped, her face twisted in disgust. I''m not getting back with you, Jeff. And don''t think I''m s**id-1 know exactly why you want to marry me. You need me to secure your dad''s inheritance, right?" "You can''t make it on your own, so you''re using me as your shortcut. Pathetic!" she spat, her words like knives.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    hand Jeff


    Jeff''s face turned red with fury. After days locked up, his father had pulled every string to get him out. What had once been easy was now an uphill battle. Enraged, his father had threatened to Jeff''s to Nestor, his older brother. The rivalry between the two was cutthroat, each one hell-bent on outmaneuvering the other to im their spot in the Graves family business. was his only ticket to stay in the game against Nestor.


    s position over to With his father''s soft spot for Maeve. Jeff figured marrying her shirt, tearing it and exposing her skin to the cold air. Maeve''s eyes widened in terror as his face came closer, but she managed to turn her head just in time. That thought pushed Jeff over the edge. He yanked at Maeve''s:


    "You''d better get with the program!" Jeff''s eyes were bloodshot as his hand tightened around her throat. "You think you have a choice? Once I''m done with you, you''ll have no option but to marry me!" He turned to his friends and barked, ''Get the cameras rolling!"


    The group erupted in cheers. "Hell yeah! This is gonna be wild! Jeff, you''re the man!"


    As the cameras pointed at her, Maeve felt a wave of panic. She tried to break free, but Jeff shoved her hard against the table.


    His face, twisted with rage, closed in on her, surrounded by the crude cheers of his friends and the cold, indifferent stares of her colleagues.


    Desperate, Maeve''s hand found a heavy ashtray on the table. Without thinking, she smashed it over Jeff''s head. The sound of


    14


    breaking ss shattered through the room as Jeff yelled in pain, his grip on her loosening.


    56


    56


    Taking advantage of Jeff''s momentary confusion, Maeve s***ed a fruit knife from the table and drove it into the back of his hand with all the force she could muster. "Ahhh" Jeff''s scream tore through the room as he crumpled to the floor, his arm twitching uncontrobly, sweat pouring down his face.


    "Holy s**t! Did she just f****g do that?" one of the guys blurted out.


    "Maeve, have you lost your d**n mind? Aren''t y


    ''t you afraid the Graves family wille after you?" another stuttered, the whole group frozen in shock at Maeve''s audacity. Maeve yanked the knife out, brandishing the bloodied de as she aimed it at them. Her face was as pale as a ghost, but her eyes were hard and unflinching-


    She shot back. "You think I''ve got anything left to lose? Go ahead, try me. You mess with me, you better be ready for the consequences. I might not take all of you down, but I swear, a few of you areing with me." Her words sent a shiver down everyone''s spine, including Jeff, who was still on his knees, clutching his bleeding hand.


    No one had ever thought the seemingly fragile Maeve could be so d**n terrifying when pushed to the edge. She stood there, fierce and unyielding, like she was ready to drag them all to hell if she had to. Despite their numbers, none of of them wanted to be the unlucky hard to face Maeve if she went on a rampage with that knife


    Filk What are you all waiting for? Open the win door and let her out" Jeff shouted, his fear starting to overshadow his anger. He was closest to her, and he knew if she snapped, he''d be the first to pay. were just screwing around, nothing serious! Don''t anything crazy!" one of the guys pleaded, fumbling to get the open. do


    Maeve kept her grip


    "This was all just a light on the knife, her eyes never leaving them as she slowly backed towards the exit. When she reached the door, she flung the knife at them, sending them into a frantic scramble before she bolted out.


    Maeve ran as fast as she could, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned a corner and mmed into someone, stumbling back and almost falling. A hand reached out to catch her. "Hey, are you alright?" The voice was s soft, like a a summer breeze. Maeve looked


    The


    Alex Brown, momentarily stunned, quickly pulled a cleanup, her hair a tangled mess sticking to her tear-streaked face, like a flower battered by a storm. She clutched her shirt tightly, her eyes wide with fear, locking onto the man in frout of her.


    handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her. "Here, take this. What happened? Do you need help?"


    Maeve snapped back to reality, shaking her head vigorously. "No, I''m fine. Thanks." Without taking the handkerchief, she pulled her hand free from his grasp and dashed off, hurrying away. Alex watched Maeve disappear down the hallway, a smile tugging at his lips.


    Suddenly, inspiration-something he''d been chasing for ages-began to stir. A vivid image took shape in his mind, lighting up his eyes with excitement. He couldn''t wait to rush back to his studio and dive into his work.


    Maeve fled the club and kept running until her legs gave out. Exhausted, she copsed onto a roadside bench, massaging her sore calves. She''d left her coat and handbag behind in the club, and without them, she had no way to hail a cab. The night air was cool, not freezing but enough to make Maeve wrap her arms tightly around herself for warmth. She gazed up at the crescent moon, her thoughts drifting aimlessly in the quiet of the night 3/3


    14:40 Mon,


    She''d been in only one rtionship before, and it had ended in disaster. "Is this what love is supposed to be, or am I just unlucky enough to end up with a psycho? Maybe I''m just not cut out for rtionships, she thought.


    As she looked down, her gaze met the curious eyes of a scruffy brown dog sitting nearby.


    "Woof woof?" The dog barked at her, clearly feeling challenged.


    Maeve tried to ignore it, but the dog only barked louder and more aggressively.


    Frustrated, she snapped, "What''s your problem? Even you want to pick on me now?" The dog bared its teeth and growled, "Wool wool?"


    "Do you


    think I''m scared of you?" Maeve retorted, rolling up her sleeves, ready to confront the dog. Just then, a car horn red. A sleek ck Maybach pulled up, and the driver''s side window rolled down, revealing Byron''s impably chiseled face "Maeve. Byron said, his voiceced with amusement. "What the hell are you doing? It''ste, and here you are, arguing with a dog in the middle of the street...

 Chapter 18

    18


    He shot a nce at the scruffy brown pup, then turned back to Maeve, eyebrows raised, clearly questioning her bizarre. anties.


    Maeve''s anger vanished in an instant. She pulled back the hand she''d been waving at the dog, her face flushing as a wave of heat spread across her cheeks and ears, turning them a deep shade of red. "I-I wasn''t arguing with it," she stammered, her voice shaky. "I was just... reasoning with it."


    Byron had juste from a negotiation, still carrying the scent of alcohol and a lingering bad mood. But when Maeve offered her ridiculously naive exnation, a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. That amusement quickly faded when his eyes fell on the torn cor of her shirt. His expression darkened, and he asked, "What the hell happened to your clothes?"


    His gaze moved from her cor to the red marks on her neck, and his frown deepened. "Get in the car."


    Maeve''s checks cooled as she nodded and slipped into the passenger seat. As she fastened her seatbelt, she nced around at the sleek, luxurious interior and asked, "Is this your boss''s car? Are you even allowed to be driving it?" eah. Byron replied nonchntly.


    Maeve''s eyes widened. She recognized this was a Maybach-definitely a sign that Byron''s boss was someone important. Even the license te, with its elite number, was enough to make that clear. She wondered if the earlier chase had something to do with his boss. She frowned, thinking to herself. Must be rough working for someone that high up.


    Byron noticed her awkwardly trying to cover her torn cor, her attempts doing little to hide the smooth skin underneath.


    Without looking directly at her, he shrugged off his coat and draped it over herp. "Put this on."


    Maeve looked down at the coat, then back up at him with a small, grateful smile. "Thanks."


    The coat still carried the warmth of of Byron''s body, and since Maeve was petite, it nearly reached her calves, enveloping her in its warmth. Byron nodded odded briefly, started the engine, and drove off.


    After they had driven for a while, Byron asked, "How''d you hurt your hand?"


    Maeve''s


    "If


    fingers paused as she


    as she adjusted her slee


    sleeves, her hand instinctively clenching. She wasn''t sure how to answer.


    you don''t on''t want to t to talk about it, that''s fine," Byron said. "Tissues are there if you need them."


    Maeve murmured her thanks and began searching for the tissue box, but it wasn''t where she expected.


    Byron nced over and, without a word, pressed a hiddentch. Thepartment slid open, revealing the tissues inside.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Marve suddenly felt like a total country bumpkin. This car is really high-tech," she remarked with an awkwardugh, pulling out a tissue to clean the blood from her palm.


    Her mind wandered. She had no regrets about stabbing Jeff-if she hadn''t acted, she would have remained trapped under


    Iris control f forever.


    Yet, as she sat in the rtive safety of Byron''s car, a new fear took hold. ''With the Graves family''s influence, if Jeff seeks revenge, could Byron end up caught in the crossfire?'' she wondered.


    Byron noticed the furtremble in her fingers and frowned, falling silent. The rest of the drive passed in quiet.


    When they got home, Marve immediately grabbed some clothes and headed to the bathroom for a shower.


    Meanwhile, Byron went to the guest room, pulled out his phone, and called Archer, instructing him to find out where Maeve had been and what she had done that night.


    A short whileter, Arch Archer sent over a video-surveince footage from the private room where Maeve had been. The rich guys hadn''t managed to destroy it yet.


    Byron watched the video, his initial detachment slowly shifting to a stern, intense focus. As Maeve drove the knife into Jeff''s hand, a sh of surprise darkened his deep brown eyes. Just then, a knock came at the door.


    "Mr. McDaniel. I''m Mr. McL


    done


    with my shower. You can go ahead now," Maeve''s soft voice came through, with a hint of nasal tone.


    "Got it." Byron replied, his eyes still locked on the screen as he rewound the video, reying the scene over and over with keen interest.


    After the video had yed for the third time, Byron opened the chat box and sent a message to Archer. [Handle the aftermath and also help Nestor secure the Yruhsall project.] Archer''s reply came almost immediately. [Got it. I''ll take care of it right away.]


    Securing the


    Yruhsall project would be a game-changer for Nestor, effectively closing off any opportunity for Jeff to challenge him for control of thepany Maeve called out to Byron once, then made her way to the living room to tend to her wounds.


    The deep cut on her palm had urred when she identally injured herself while stabbing Jeff. Since the wound was on her right hand, applying the medicine proved to be particrly difficult.


    "How long do you n to struggle with that?" Byron asked, his voice casual. Maeve looked up in surprise to find him. standing in the living room. With his arms crossed and leaning casually against the table, he observed her with a curious.


    gaze.


    Maeve''s hand shook, and the cotton swab she was holding fell to the floor. As she bent to retrieve it, she replied softly, "I''m almost finished" Byron t


    took in the mess of ointment smeared across her skin, raising an eyebrow in silent observation. He didn''t offer to help, simply watched her with a faint smirk as she struggled


    Maeve, initially unfazed, grew increasingly flustered under his gaze. Her unfamiliarity with using her left hand made her movements shaky and clumsy. Frustration mounting, she finally turned to him with a beseeching look. "Could you give me a hand?" Byron let out a soft chuckle. "I suppose I can be convinced."


    Maeve was momentarily at a loss for words, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. It was clear to her now-he was definitely doing this on purpose.


    Maeve had grown up with her parentsvishing attention on her younger brother, which instilled in her a strong sense of independence. She was ustomed to managing things on her own, never considering asking for help. Byron knew exactly how to push her buttons, and he seemed to take a twisted pleasure in doing it-forcing her to ask for help just to see her flustered.


    She couldn''t help but be both annoyed and amused by his strange sense of humor.


    G


    14:4


    Still, she managed to keep her cool, even as she watched him carefully tend to her wound. A small, involuntaryugh. escaped her lips.


    Byron


    nced up, his voice calm and collected. "What''s so funny?"


    Marve quickly shook her head. "It''s not you, really. I just found it a little ironic. Yesterday, I was patching you up, and now here you are, ying nurse for me. Feels like we''re a couple from some melodrama." Byron remained silent, his face a mask of indifference. The room''s atmosphere grew noticeably awkward.


    Maeve immediately regretted her


    words, biting h


    her lip. "What the hell was I thinking? We''re not a couple-barely even friends, just two people stuck sharing space, she thought. finished tying off the bandage and straightened up. "There, Done" "Thanks," Maeve said with a sigh of relief. Standing up, she added. "I haven''t eaten yet. I''m thinking of making some soup You hungry? Want some?"


    Byron finished


    Byron was about to say no but then remembered how good her cooking was. "Whatever," he said with a nod.


    A few minutester, Maeve came back from the kitchen with two steaming bowls of navy bean soup. Fresh mint leaves from her balcony garden floated on top, adding a bright note to the dish.


    "I figured it''s best to keep it light for dinner, so I went with a simple soup," she said, setting the bowl in front of him. "And I left out the carrots-I know you''re not a fan."


    Byron paused, his spoon hovering above the bowl. They''d only eaten together a few times, but she already knew his preferences.


    What''s her deal? If she doesn''t have some kind of angle, why''s slie going out of her way like this?'' he wondered.

 Chapter 19

    After a satisfying meal, Maeve waited for Byron to finish his shower and change his bandages before heading to bed. She''d braced herself for Jeff''s retaliation, but two days went by without any sign of trouble.


    Maeve stayed home for two days, skipping work, and on Monday, she went straight to thepany to handle her resignation.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    As she left the office, a few colleagues stopped her and handed her a handbag. "Maeve, you left this at the club the other night. Since you haven''t been in the office for the past couple of days, we kept it for you."


    We''re really sorry about that day," one of them said. "We believed Mr. Graves when he said he wanted to make up, and we never thought things would go that far."


    Another chimed in. "We were just as shocked as you were, which is why we didn''t step in sooner. Maybe we could hang out sometime?


    Maeve kept her expression cool, despite their eager smiles. Thanks for returning my bag," she said tly. "But we were never that close, and I don''t see any reason for us to hang out in the future."


    As she stepped out of thepany building, the warm autumn sun felt like a breath of fresh air on her skin. No more pretending to enjoy a job she hated-what a relief.


    Instead of heading straight back to her apartment, Maeve decided to swing by First Hospital for a check-up. Thankfully, the doctor, Ray George, gave her the all-clear-nothing serious to worry about. He advised her to stick to a light diet, get some regr exercise, and take care of her stomach.


    As for her hand injury, he told her to keep it dry andy off any heavy lifting. A few days of rest and she''d be back on her feet


    in no time.


    "Oh, by the way, Maeve said, keeping it casual. "My brother''s hurt too, but he can''te to the hospital. Could you take a look at a photo and prescribe something for him?" Ray nodded. "Sure, show me the photo."


    Maeve quickly handed over her phone.


    Ray''s expression tightened as he nced at the image. Even though it only showed part of the injury, his medical instincts kicked in. He recognized that it was definitely Byron.


    Ray adjusted his thin-framed sses and gave Maeve a curious look. This injury looks pretty serious. It''d be best if he came


    "He really can''t make it, Maeve replied, looking a bit uneasy.


    Ray nodded. "Alright, I''ll prescribe something. But I''ll need his personal details. Can you give me hus information?" Maeve provided Ray with her brother Horace''s details instead, deliberately avoiding any mention of Byron. She didn''t know why Byron was staying away from the hospital, but she was determined to keep his condition under wraps-even from a doctor.


    Ray paused, ncing at her with a hint of a smile ying on his lips.


    He''d heard Byron rarely had women around him, except for Karen. Yet here was this young woman, clearly important enough to keep his secrets. This was some juicy gossip Ray would love to bring up with Byron.


    After leaving the hospital, Maeve stopped by the grocery store for some ingredients before heading back to her apartment.


    As the soup simmered on the stove, Marve''s phone buzzed with a few new messages.


    BK56% BK56%


    They were from Bonnie Hancock, a wealthy patron Maeve had met when she first started working as an illustrator. Bonnie was a dedicated client who always supported Marve''s work and had a particr passion for fan art. She imed to be "allergic to real-life men, preferring animated characters instead. Bonnie also had a special fondness forics featuring these characters in various roles.


    Maeve had even taken on jobs as a maid and a gardener just to gather material for Bonnie''s requests.


    Bonnie: [Maeve! I''ve got a new husband! This time, I want to see him as a bartender, doing all sorts of things at the bar. Can you take it on?]


    Maeve chuckled at the message. As expected, Bonnie switched out her fictional husbands faster than she changed clothes.


    thanks to O Bonnie''s fickle tastes and frequent rmendations, Maeve had managed to save up a decent amount of


    But than


    money


    Maeve replied: [I''ve got time. What does your new husband look like?]


    Bonnie responded with a flood of pictures.


    Bonnie [Look! Isn''t he incredibly handsome? I''m totally obsessed with him right now-my heart races just thinking about him]


    Maere couldn''t help butugh. If Bonnie channeled even half as much passion into real life as she did into her animated erushes, her parents wouldn''t be constantly nagging her about marriage.


    Maeve: [He''s definitely handsome. Any specific requests? I''ll start working on it after I do some research.]


    Bonnie: [Just do your thing like always. I trust your taste-you never disappoint!]


    Bonnie: [By the way, are you thinking of working as a bartender to gather material? If so, check out Starlight Pub-it''s the best in Kleymond! I''ve heard the owner''s even hotter than a movie star, though I''ve never seen him myself.] Maeve thought for a moment before replying. [Sounds good. I''ll see if I can get hired there. I just quit my job, so I''ve got the time.] Bonnie: [You''re so dedicated! Can''t wait to hear the good news!)


    Maeve smiled, set her phone aside, and headed to the kitchen to check on the soup.


    In the top-floor office of the McDaniel Group, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the tension in the room was thick and heavy.


    An elderly man in a dark green suit sat on the sofa, gripping a ck cane with both hands. Despite his silver hair and beard. he radiated vitality, his eyes sharp and intelligent, and his presencemanding. This was Byron''s grandfather, Gilbert. Byron, seated across from him, calmly poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Gilbert What brings you here, Grandpa? Got something your mind?"


    I heard you were banged up pretty badly, Gilbert replied, narrowing his eyes and ignoring the coffee. "Is that why you''ve been dodging home? Afraid your father and I would find out?"


    "Who told you that?" Byron sipped his coffee casually, his tone cool. "If I were seriously injured, how could I still be here?" "Cut the crap. Lift your shirt. Let me see, Gilbert demanded, clearly aware of where the injury was supposed to be. Byron''s expression darkened, but he remained seated, not moving an inch. "I have no clue where you got that nonsense. I''ve


    56


    got a lot on my te right now. If there''s nothing else, I need to get back to work"


    Byron Gilbert''s voice was sharp with anger. Do you have any respect for me as your grandfather?"


    "Of course I do," Byron replied, his tone indifferent. "Didn''t I go along with your decision to keep Neville in the family?"


    Gilbert''s anger faltered, leaving him momentarily speechless. It was clear Byron still held a grudge about the Neville situation and wasn''t ready to let it go.


    Technically, Neville wasn''t a blood rtive of the McDaniels and should have been sent away when Byron returned to the family. But Byron''s parents had their sentimental reasons for keeping him around, and Gilbert had his own agenda. It was always a sore point, a debt they owed Byron. Gilbert''s tone softened. Just let me see the injury so I know how bad it is.


    Byron sighed, his expression one of resignation. Tve told you, I''m not injured. Do you really think I''d lie to you?"


    Gilbert snorted. "You already lied to me about getting married! If you really did, why haven''t you brought her home for me to meet?"


    "I will, soon. I''ve just been swamped with work.


    "You''d better be telling the truth!"


    Gilbert tapped his cane in frustration. With nothing more to say, he and the private doctor left.


    As the door clicked shut behind them. Byron''s expression hardened, turning cold as ice.

 Chapter 20

    Byron''s voice turned icy as he spat. "Neville McDaniel.


    This jaw clenched as he thought. Using Grandpa to check if I''m actually hurt-nice try. You really think I''ll go easy on you just for Grandpa''s sake? Not a chance"


    "Archer," Byron''s voice cut through the room, sharp andmanding.


    "Yes, sir." Archer promptly stepped into the room, ready for orders.


    "Get rid of all of Neville''s crap from his office, Byron ordered, his voice cold enough to freeze. "Then turn it into a public


    restroom


    Archer almost lost hisposure, barely managing to stifle augh.


    Before Byron''s return. Neville had been the General Manager of the McDaniel Group, practically a heartbeat away from the


    CEO title.


    But now, even if they converted his office into a restroom, Byron''s authority in thepany wouldn''t budge an inch. It was a brutal p in the face-more humiliating than any outright confrontation, turning Neville into a punchline in the office gossip. "And find out who tipped Neville off about my injury. Byron''s eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "When you do, deal with them. However you see fit."


    Archer nodded without hesitation. "Understood, sir."


    The office fell back into silence.


    Byron rubbed his temple, trying to ease the dull ache, when his phone rang. It was Ray.


    He answered casually, "Yeah, what''s up?"


    "Byron, we''ve known each other for over a decade. We''re like brothers. And you''re hiding a girl from me? What the hell, man. Ray''s voice was dripping with yful sarcasm.


    Byron''s face went nk. "What the hell are you talking about?"


    "I saw her today-a cute little thing with a photo of your injury,ing to the hospital to get it checked, Ray teased. "Where''d you find her? Can you set me up with someone like that too?"This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    I


    Byron sprang from his chair. "She had a photo of my injury? What did she look like?"


    "You want me to describe your own woman?" Ray quipped, though he went ahead and described Maeve''s features.


    Byron''s expression instantly turned dark. He''d already suspected someone on his team, but he never thought Maeve would have the nerve to sneak a picture of him.


    "We''ll talkter," Byron snapped, cutting Ray off before storming out the door.


    Ray was left mid-sentence, confusion written all over his face. Hewildered, he muttered to himself, "What''s with the sudden rage? I didn''t even get to tell him that the girl seemed really worried about him-like she''s head over heels.... But Byron was already long gone, leaving Ray''s words hanging in the air.


    At Pinehurst Apartments, Maeve was in the kitchen, tasting the soup when the door mmed open and shut.


    175


    56


    §à§ã


    Rushing out to see what was happening, she froze at the sight of Byron''s stormy expression as he stormed in. "Why do you look so...


    "Did you take a photo of my injury?" Byron cut her off, his voice as cold as ice. "And then you took it to the hospital to show at doctor, didn''t you?"


    Maeve v was taken aback but nodded. "Yes, I noticed your wound wasn''t healing well. I thought the medication might help..


    Before she could finish, Byron''s expression hardened even further. His voice was sharp he snapped, "Who gave you the right to meddle? Do you think you''re important to me?"


    He red at her, his tone almost frighteningly harsh, "Do I need to remind you? Apart from the marriage license, we have nothing between us?


    Maeve stood frozen, stunned and unable to grasp what was happening. "I wasn''t trying to meddle," she said, her voice trembling. "I was just trying to help you..."


    "don''t!


    your help. Byron interrupted, his brow furrowed with irritation. His voice dripped with disdain. "If you''re so desperate to y the caring wife, we can get divorced right now,


    "And delete those photos you took. Don''t make me repeat myself!"


    Maeve had known Byron for a while, but she had never seen him like this-cold and terrifying. The man who gentle while applying ointment to her injuries the night before now felt like a stranger. had been so


    She barely managed to pull out her phone, her hands trembling as she deleted the photo. Tears stung her eyes, and it felt like a lump was stuck in her throat, suffocating her.


    Maeve fought to keep her emotions in check as she held up her phone. "It''s deleted. I only took one photo while you were asleep. I didn''t mean any harm. If it caused trouble, I''m really sorry." Byron


    If Byron had been in a calmer state, he might have noticed the tremor in her voice. But his anger clouded his judgment, and all he felt was rage. had always


    suspected that Maeve had hidden motives for getting close to him. He had watched her with the patience of a cat stalking its prey, intrigued by her every move.


    But he hadn''t expected her to reveal her hand so soon. Her actions had nearly derailed his meticulously crafted ns. Byron shot Maeve a look of sheer disdain before turning on his heel and walking out, leaving without another word. Maeve''s legs buckled, and she sank to the floor, staring at the ground as tears welled in her eyes. She wondered, ''Had I really overstepped? Is everything I''ve done wrong? I wasn''t trying to be intrusive-I just wanted his wound to heal faster. Why is he treating me like this?" A wave of confusion and despair washed over her, leaving her feeling more lost than ever.


    Byron didn''te back after he left. Maeve sat alone at the table, staring at the soup she''d spent all afternoon making, now barely touched except by her own spoon. She couldn''t taste a thing. Her mind was nk, swallowed up by the empfiness around her.


    She didn''t sleep much that night. When she dragged herself out of bed the next morning, her head was pounding, but she forced herself up to make breakfast.


    After she ate, she grabbed her sketchbook and flopped onto the small couch on the balcony, trying to focus on hertest


    weic.


    56


    But she kept getting distracted. Her mind kept drifting, and then it hit her for the hundredth time: her marriage to Byron was never about love


    It was just a way to avoid marrying Jell. Now that she had what she wanted-the marriage license-she didn''t need anything


    If Byron wants a divorce, fine. I will move on. There are plenty of other options out there, she thought.


    Lately,


    things between them had made her think that maybe-just maybe-they could make it work in the long run. But Byron''s words from yesterday snapped her back to reality. She wasn''t built to catch feelings for anyone. Maeve exhaled softly. With this realization, a weight lifted from her shoulders. Three days went by without Byron showing up at the apartment. Maeve settled back into her solitary routine, going about her days as if nothing had changed.


    During the day, Maeve scoured online jobs listings for design positions. In the evenings, she headed to Starlight Pub.


    and had a


    strict


    dress


    onto a barstool and struck up a conversation with de. Maeve rarely wore off-shoulder dresses, but she made an exception that night, stepping out of herfort zone.


    settled


    Starlight Pub Pub only opened in t I in the


    Maeve


    the bartender, inquiring about job openings. Even a trainee position would work for her. The drinks at Starlight Pub were too pricey for her to afford regrly, but working there would make it easier to gather material for heric.


    "Interested I in learning to mix drinks? the bartender asked, sliding a c***il her way with a charming smile. "Next time I see the boss, I can put in a good word for you. But with a pretty face like yours. I''d be happy to mix drinks for you forever" Maeve hadn''t expected such a corny line. She let out an awkwardugh, taking a sip of her drink to cover up her difort, She wasn''t much of a drinker, so she made sure to pace herself. Downstairs, the bar was alive with warmth and cheerful conversation, but up in the VIP section on the second floor, it felt cold, like the heating had decided to give up.


    Ray leaned against the railing, his eyes locked on Maeve down below. "Isn''t that Byron''s girl?" he said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Looks like she''s having a hell of a time with the bartender. What do you make of that, Byron?"

 Chapter 21

    21


    Jarrett Todd, dressed in a sleek ck outfit with short hair and sunsses, shot Byron a teasing grin. "Oh? Did I miss something?


    ¦°


    Byron frowned slightly as he nced toward the bar. There was Maeve,ughing and chatting with the bartender. Her off-shoulder dress, which she rarely wore, showcased her wless skin, and her red lips curved into a bright, captivating smile. Amid the club''s noisy, heated atmosphere, she stood out as the most striking sight. Byron shot a quick, cold nce at Maeve before turning away, his voice icy. "She''s got nothing to do with me.


    Got it?"


    Ray smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "A lovers'' spat, huh? I''ve only met her twice, but I could tell she''s got a thing for you from thest time at the hospital. "Wait, who''s got a thing for Byron?" Jarrett asked, leaning in with curiosity.


    Ray, always ready for juicy gossip, couldn''t resist. Ignoring Byron''s icy stare, he began filling Jarrett in on the details. But just as he got started, amotion erupted downstairs,


    Ray nced down and frowned. "Uh-oh, Byron, looks like your girl''s getting hassled by Fred Curtis"


    Byron''s


    n''s expression darkened. "I told you she''s got nothing to do with me. Do I need to throw you over the balcony to make that clear?" that clea


    Ray


    immediately mimed zipping his lips shut.


    Themotion downstairs was hard t


    I to ignore.


    Fred, a familiar face at Starlight Pub, was known for his wealth and his relentless pursuit of beautiful women. He''d shower. them withvish attention and gifts, making it nearly impossible for them to say no.


    But once he''d won them over, he''d ditch them within days, usually with a hefty breakup fee. He was a notorious yer, through and through.


    With Maeve now in Fred''s sights, the other patrons eagerly anticipated the unfolding drama.


    *Excuse me, beautiful," Fred said, sliding into the seat next to Maeve with a charming smile. "Care to join me for dinner?"


    Despite his reputation, Fred was easy on the eyes-handsome, with a bright, sunny demeanor and a dimpled smile that could melt hearts.


    Marve,


    feeling a bit fuzzy from the drinks, barely nced up. Tve already eaten, not hungry"


    Fred chuckled. "Well, I''m a bit hungry. How about joining me? I''ll make it worth your while-100 thousand dors for one dinner


    The crowd gasped. ''100 thousand dors for a dinner? This guy is pulling out all the stops to win her over! Maeve, however, wasn''t impressed. She frowned at Fred. "Needingpany for a meal? What are you, a toddler?" She could tell he was hitting on her and wasn''t in the mood for it


    Fred, unfazed, leaned in ser. "Maybe I wasn''t clear-200 thousand dors for one dinner. What do you say?" He was cunvinced no one could turn down an offer like that


    it were 2 million dors, I wouldn''t have dinner with


    Marve, now thoroughly fed up, mmed her ss on the bar. "Even if it you. Feeling lonely? Go home and find your mom, okay?"


    ¦°


    The crowd erupted inughter. Fred''s face immediately twisted with fury. "What the hell did you just say? Don''t push your luck,dy!" "Hey, Fred, came azy voice from the balcony.


    Fred looked up and saw Ray, his face going several shades paler. Everyone knew that if Ray and Jarrett were at Starlight. Byron was sure to be around.


    "Mr. George, how can I help you? Fred straightened up, his tone instantly respectful.


    Ray rested his chin on his hand, his gaze cool. Just a heads-up. Starlight''s customers aren''t your ythings. Got it?"


    Fred''s face went pale, but it wasn''t Ray that unsettled him-it was the message. Everyone knew that Byron was the real force. behind Starlight Pub. No matter how influential the patrons were, they all had to follow his rules. Ray''s words were clearly a message from Byto§á. T-I understand. III leave right away." Fred scrambled off, looking like a scalded cat.


    Ray smirked and turned to Byron. "He''s gone now. And weren''t you just saying she had nothing to do with you? So why''d you step in?"


    softly. His tone was cool and detached. Tm just enforcing Starlight''s rules."


    "Who''s stepping in for her?" Byron swirled his drink, the ing you if that,


    Ray chuckled, not buying it for a second.


    Fred had hit on plenty of


    of girls s before, and


    keep telling


    had never bothered to intervene. But this time was different. Something was definitely upContent protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Ray was about to say more when Jarrett im. "Save your breath. He''s already gone."


    Sure enough, when Ray turned around, Byron''s seat was empty. Scanning the room, he saw Byron already downstairs. Maeve was slumped over the bar, clearly out of it. The bartender had nudged her a few times but couldn''t rouse her. One guy, pretending to help, reached out with the intention of groping Maeve. But before he couldy a finger on her, a long, strong hand mped down on his wrist. Byron''s eyes were as cold as ice as he looked down. "Back off," he said, his voice low and menacing. The man''s face went pale. "Y-Yes, Mr. McDaniel, I''ll leave right now!"


    Byron''s gaze lingered on Maeve''s flushed cheeks as she slept peacefully,pletely defenseless. A vein throbbed at his temple. ''Stupid woman, he thought.


    In the lounge on the third floor, as Byronid Maeve on the couch, she stirred awake. Her face was a deep crimson, the effects of the alcohol giving her eyes a hazy glow. The tip of her nose was pink, making her look as enticing as a ripe peach Their eyes locked, and the air between them seemed to spark


    "You..." Maeve blinked, her gaze fixed on his handsome face inches from hers. Fueled by alcohol, she yanked on his tie. pulling him closer. "Why are you so annoying? I was asleep, and now you''re showing up in my dreams!" she shouted right into his ear. Byron was forced to lean down, her alcoholced breath brushing against his ear, sending a strange tingle through him. "Who are you calling annoying?" he said, brushing her hand away with a hint of irritation. "Whoever''s been yelling at me," Maeve mumbled, leaning into his chest as her head spun. "You''re like a dog biting the hand that feeds you....


    BA


    DA


    Mon, Ucl


    Byron''s face darkened. Did she justpare me to a dog? He thought, his irritation mounting. Striding over to the bed, he unceremoniously tossed her onto it, his movements far from gentle. "Ouch!" Maeve winced, her head spinning from the jolt. That hurts!"


    "Good. Hope it hurts a lot, Byron said coldly, standing over her with arms crossed and a frosty gaze. "How desperate are you for attention,ing to a ce like this to pick up guys before your divorce is even final?" His words wereced with sharp. cutting sarcasm, Maeve, still groggy from the alcohol, shot back without hesitation. "Yeah, I came here to pick up men. So what''s your excuse? Trying to pick up women?" Byron''s eyes grew icy. "Don''t you darepare me to you."

 Chapter 22

    "Are you looking down on me? Maeve asked slowly. "I don''t rely on you for money or life. So what gives you the right to look down on me!" Byron leaned in, his gaze cold as he lifted her chin with his long fingers. "You colluded with Neville behind my back, trading information. And now you question why I look down on you?" His voice was icy. "Tell me, what makes you think you deserve my respect?" Maeve s seemed I to catch on only halfway. "So, you really don''t like me?" with irritation. "Did honestly think I would?"


    Fine. Since you dislike me and being around you is exhausting, why don''t we just get a divorce?" Maeve sat up slowly, her voice wavering slightly Hearing her say "divorce" was a different thing entirely from when Byron had brought it up.


    Barve


    narrowed I his eyes, skeptical. "What game are you ying now?"


    shook her head, trying to shake off the haze of sleep. She rummaged through her handbag, pulling out their marriage license and her birth certificate. "Check your schedule for tomorrow. We can head to the family court and finalize the divorce." Byron''s gaze lingered on the documents, his brows furrowing in surprise. "You carry these around with you?"


    "ver know when I might run into you, so I keep them with me just in case." Maeve''sshes drooped, giving her a slightly hurt expression


    Byron fell silent, taken aback. f Maeve had married him for his family''s status, she wouldn''t be so eager to divorce. Or maybe she was just ying hard to get.


    "Alright then, Byron said, his eyes narrowing. "Tomorrow morning, we''ll head to the family court and finalize the diver the


    sure," Maeve mumbled, already half-asleep. "Anything else? If not, I''m going to bed..." She flopped back onto the pillow and was out like a light..


    Byron left the lounge, his frustration evident, far from the relief of achieving his goal.


    "Why the long face, Byron?" Ray and Jarrett approached, grinning teasingly. "Did the little beauty turn you down? Hard to believe. With my expert singlehood intuition, I''d say she''s definitely into you."


    Byron lit a cigarette, tuning them out.


    Jarrett shot Ray a scornful look. "Can you stop pretending to be some kind of love expert? You''ve been single for years and still act like a rtionship guru."


    Ray smirked. The longer you''re single, the more you learn. Haven''t you heard the saying. It''s the strong swimmers who drown?"


    "That''s just nonsense, Jarrett said. "What''s your proof?"


    Byron shot them a cold nce as his phone rang. He stepped away to answer it. "What''s up?"


    "Mr. McDaniel, sorry to call sote," Archer''s voice came through. Tve identified the leak. It was a secretary from the admin department. She might have overheard when the doctor came by to check your injury and brought you coffee.


    "I checked her ount, there was a transfer of a million dors from Neville''s secretary a few days ago. It''s solid proof."


    1/7/8


    14:41


    Byron''s grip tightened, his voice cold. "Where is she now?"


    "We''ve detained her and are whiting for your instructions"


    "Send her out of the country. Byron said, his eyes shing with cold resolve. "To the most remote ce you can find."


    "Yes, sir"This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    50


    56


    After the call ended. Byron''s mind was still restless. Just then. Ray and Jarrett''s voices drifted over, chattering away as usual


    "All she did was show you a picture of Byron''s injury, and you''re convinced she''s into him?" Jarrett said, bewildered. "If a girl looks at you on the street, are you nning to propose right there?"


    Kay patted Jarrett on the shoulder. "When she showed me the picture, she didn''t mention Byron at all. She said it was her brother''s injury and asked me a ton of questions about how to care for it. If she wasn''t interested in Byron, why would she be so secretive? Byron''s expression shifted. He walked over to Ray and asked, his voice low and intense. "You''re serious about this?" Come on, why would I lie to you?" Ray waved his hand dismissively. "I''m not that bored to make up stories, okay?"


    As a surgeon with a background in psychology, Ray had a keen sense for reading people. Maeve''s attempt injury it was only made her actions more intriguing to him. whose


    to cover up who Byron''s frown deepened with the confirmation. Maeve wasn''t involved with Neville after all She''d taken a photo of his injury to get medical advice but had lied, saying it was her brother who was hurt. It meant he hadpletely misunderstood her from the start.


    She had tried to exin then that she was concerned his injury wasn''t healing properly, but his anger had made him too deaf to hear her.


    Byron let out a heavy sigh, his thoughts churning as the night outside grew darker.


    The next morning, Maeve woke up in an unfamiliar bed. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her eyes were wide with confusion. Where am I? What happened? she wondered.


    The door to the lounge clicked open, and Byron entered, impably dressed in a dark suit. He looked every bit the part- tall, dignified, with an air of authority.


    Maeve opened


    her mouth to speak, but Byron cut her off. There are toiletries in the bathroom. Get ready quickly. We''re heading to the family court." "Why the family court?" "she asked, bewildered. Byron''s voice was t. "To get a divo a divorce.


    Memories ofst night came rushing back. Maeve spotted the marriage license and birth certificate still on the bed, and her mind cleared instantly.


    She''d been carrying those documents because she was thinking about diyorce, but she hadn''t nned to actually ask Byron until her parents'' situation was sorted out. However, after drinkingst night, she''d blurted it all out. Now, it was toote to backtrack. Maeve''s face went pale. Now, going through with the divorce would put her in a tough spot. She stayed silent for a long time, and Byron''s lips curled slightly. "What''s the matter? Having second thoughts?"


    "No. Just give me a minute. Maeve had no choice but to get out of bed and head to the bathroom to freshen up.

 Chapter 23

    If Maeve was just ying hard to get, she wouldn''t have taken if this far, Unless she really did want a divorce.


    Byron''s expression darkened as he reached for the door handle, about to step out, when his phone rang. He answered it. voice steady. "What''s up?" "Mr. McDaniel, something terrible happened! Your grandfather just had a heart attack and was rushed to First Hospital!" Archer''s voice crackled with urgency. Byron''s expression instantly shifted. He tossed his phone onto the passenger seat and quickly reversed out of the parking


    spot


    Maeve, standing outside the car, watched in confusion. "Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    Byron rolled down the window, his tone clippest and urgent. "There''s an emergency at the hospital. We''ll deal with the divorceter. Get home on your OWIL" Without waiting for a response, he hit the gas and sped away, vanishing into the traffic within seconds. Maeve


    st


    baffled. The hospital? What happened?


    re, bamed.


    Gilbert had just been transferred from the emergency room to the ICU. The frail old man had lost his stairs, and the shock triggered a heart attack. Fortunately, the maid discovered him in time, averting a worse brow remained furrowed as he listened to Archer. "Weren''t the doctor and assistant supposed to be with my dfather? What were they doing, taking a break?"


    Archer lowered his gaze. "The assistant was upied, and the doctor had gone to get some medication your grandfather requested. They weren''t with him at that moment. That''s why...


    "I don''t want excuses.


    When my grandfather wakes up, we''ll rece them with more reliable people." "Understood."


    A momentter, a nurse stepped out of the ICU. "Mr. Mcdaniel, your grandfather has regained some consciousness. He wants to speak with you. Please, follow me." Without hout hesitation, Byron followed the nurse into the room. Gilbertyy there, looking frail, his eyes barely open. As Byron entered the room, Gilbert spoke slowly, "Byron, I''m not sure I''ll make it through this time. While I still have some strength, there''s something I need to tell you." "Grandpa," "Byron said, moving closer and gently taking Gilbert''s hand. "Please, don''t talk like that?" Gilbert shook his head, his voice faint. "Before your grandmother passed, she entrusted me with her shares, asking me to give them to Neville one day. But Neville isn''t a McDaniel by blood. Those shares should go to you, her real grandson. Pushing you to marry was my own selfish wish.


    "Since you''ve been back with the McDaniels, you''ve only shown me affection but remained distant from your parents. I know what you''re holding onto, and I feared that after Im gone, you''d feel like you have no ce in this family. "I wanted you to find a wife who could understand and care for you. All I wish is for y Then I can rest easy


    As Gilbert spoke, his strength dwindled, his voice barely a whisper.


    you to be looked after in the future.


    Byron clutched his grandfather''s frail, warm hand, his face set in a tight, unreadable expression. trying to keep his emotions in check, though the tension in his posture gave him away.


    "I meant what I said before. I''m already married."


    Gilbert''s eyes widened slightly. "Who is she? Which family does shee from?"


    He pressed his lips together,


    "You don''t know her. She''s not from any big-name family," Byron replied, his voice hoarse. "Once you''re feeling better, III bring her by to meet you." good." Gilbert managed a faint smile. "Tll be looking forward to it"


    "Good,


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, the patient needs to rest. You should leave for now, the nurse said gently.


    Byron released his grandfather''s hand, giving him onest lingering look before turning to leave. "Take it easy, Grandpa. I''ll


    be back soon.


    Maeve lingered outside her home, steeling herself to go in. As she approached the doorway, she overheard her mother''s voice from inside.


    The Graves family suddenly wants their 200 thousand dors engagement gift back. But we barely have any where are we supposed toe up with that kind of money?" savings-


    Scott took a long drag on his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Whoever got us into this mess should pay. If Maeve can''te up with the money, then her useless husband will have to. I doubt they''ve got that kind of cash." Valda''s voice was anxious. "You know they don''t have it, so why ask? It''s just a waste of time."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "If they can''te up with the money, their lives will be a mess. You really think Maeve and her husband have any real feelings for each other? A bit of pressure and they''ll probably divorce.


    Then we can find her another husband and still make some money off her, Scott said, his tone cold and detached, as if he were discussing an inanimate object.


    Valda sighed, her worry evident. "She''s already been married once. Who''d want her after a divorce? The Graves family still seems like our best option."


    Scott scoffed. "She stabbed Jeff''s hand. We''re lucky the Graves family hasn''t sued us. Forget about Jeff marrying her. There might not be any high-status first-time grooms avable, but plenty of older, remarried men would be interested. Hearing this, Maeve froze, a chill spreading from her head to her toes. She hade with onest hope to reason with her parents, believing that after divorcing Byron, they wouldn''t push her into another marriage. But she had been naive. If not Jeff, then someone else. What should I do now? she thought, her mind racing, ''Byron''s already nning to divorce me.


    Maeve hurried back to her apartment, feeling lost and empty. To her surprise, Byron was already there.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be at the hospital?" Maeve asked, puzzled "What happened this morning?" Byron, lounging on the couch and rubbing his temples, replied, My grandfather was hospitalized. Maeve asked, "Is it serious? Shouldn''t you be at the hospital? Can I do anything to help-" She cut herself off, adding, "Actually, never mind. I guess it''s not my ce to get involved


    Hearing this, Byron turned to her, noticing her pale face and distant look. "His heart isn''t in great shape, but luckily, it wasn''t


    213


    too serious. What about you; Where have you been?"


    "I went to my parents'' house but didn''t go inside," Maeve said, for ing a smile.


    Byron frowned. "Didn''t you have enough of thatst time?"


    Maeve bit her lip, struggling to find the right words.


    Byron didn''t press further and instead said, "There''s something need to discuss with you."


    Macve''s eyebrows knitted in confusion at his choice of words. "What''s it about?"


    "My grandfather''s health isn''t good, and his only wish is to see me married and settled. So, we need to postpone our divorce"


    "Postpone?" Maeve asked, hesitating. For how long?"


    "Until he recovers


    Byron expected Maeve to agree, but instead, she said quietly. Im sorry, but can I refuse?"


    His eyes widened in surprise. "What did you just say?"


    ¸Ê

 Chapter 24

    "I understand and appreciate your concern for your grandfather, and I don''t mind helping you with the act. Maeve said calmly, her eyes steady as she looked at Byron. "But Mr. Mcdaniel, 1 think you''ve forgotten something." She paused, her gaze not wavering as she continued, "I''ve thought a lot about what you said to mest time. I just can''t figure out what I did wrong to make you dislike me so much. "You''s


    said I was meddling and overly sentimental. Fine, I admit I was trying to be kind. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have bothered with saving you, making you soup, or changing your bandages if knew it might go unappreciated..." Maeve didn''t meet Byron''s gaze as she spoke. Instead, she looked down, a faint, weary smile ying on her lips.


    "At least I can say I acted with a clear conscience. But it seems you don''t see it that way, which is why I agreed to the divorce."


    Maeve''s voice was steady, but there was an edge to her words. But now you''re asking to dy it. What exactly do you see me


    The truth was, Maeve knew she couldn''t divorce Byron right now. But the idea of staying with someone who clearly disliked her was unbearable.


    More than the fallout from the divorce, she couldn''t stand the thought of being seen as meddlesome when all she had done was try to help.


    Byron was taken aback by her words. He remained silent, his lips a tight line as he processed what she''d said. It was clear now that she didn''t know his true identity or have any ties to Neville


    But he couldn''t wrap his head around why she''d proposed after just one meeting or why she had gone out of her way to please him.


    A sudden thought hit Byron like a ton of bricks, He rose from the Maeve, still tangled in her emotions, was jolted by his question.


    Couch


    and moved closer to Maeve, his gaze unwavering and intense. In a low, probing voice, he asked, "Maeve, have you fallen for me?"


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Byron said, recalling Ray''s confident theory. Macve''s flustered reaction seemed to confirm it. It was as if a secret had slipped out. So she does have feelings for me. No wonder she kept finding excuses to be near me, he thought.


    Maeve''s


    mind spun in confusion. After everything she''d said, he focused on something entirely off-base. How did that make any senset


    "No! Absolutely not! How could you even think that? I''d never have feelings for someone who dislikes me!" She shot back, her voice sharp


    But her frustration and defensiveness only made her seem more like she was trying to cover up her true feelings. "Alright, let''s just pretend you don''t, Byron said, his eyes darkening slightly. "I was out of line that day, jumping to conclusions and saying things that hurt you. I''m sorry" Maeve bristled at his use of "pretend," but his apology caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily stunned


    If Byron had confronted her with his usual confidence, Maeve might have held her ground. But his softened tone made her uneasy about pushing the matter further.


    "Well, um... It''s okay," she mumbled, scratching her ear and lowering her voice. "Since you apologized, let''s just forget about


    it


    Byron''s lips lifted into a slight smile as he extended his


    hand. "How about a truce?"


    50


    56


    Maeve hesitated for a moment before reaching out to shake his hand, but she pulled back almost immediately.


    However, Byron held onto her fingers a moment longer, catching her off guard.


    Maeve looked up, startled by his unusually serious expression really am sorry," he said.


    Maeve blin


    blinked, then pulled I her hand back, her tone deliberate. A verbal apology isn''t enough."


    want?"


    do you want?


    Byron raised an eyebrow. "Oh! And what exactly "How about you make it up to me by buying me drinks for a week?" Maeve considered for a moment before fore responding.


    Byron


    was caught off guard. He had expected something extravagant. After a beat, he asked, "That''s it?"


    Marve nodded. Three days would be too short. A week feels just right."


    Byron looked at her earnest expression and couldn''t help but chuckle. "You certainly know what you want."


    Maeve raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "You''re not mocking me, are you?"


    "No, not at all," Byron said with a grin. "Actually, I was thinking a week might be too short. How about a month?"


    Maeve''s eyes widened. "Seriously? Drinks might not be pricey individually, but a month''s worth will add up. I won''t feel bad about you spending the money. "You don''t need to. Byron replied, puzzled by her choice of an unhealthy peace offering. But if that''s what she wanted, he was willing to go along with it. Maeve''s eyes sparkled


    with


    delight at the thought of daily drinks for a month. "Could you bring them after work? I''d like one with dinner. That way, I can go for a run and burn off the calories, so I won''t gain weight." Byron frowned, puzzled. ''If ''If she''s worried about gaining weight, why is she drinking them?"


    Shaking


    his head, he rubbed his s temple. "Alright. But since when did you start running at night?"


    "Last time I was at the hospital, the doctor said I need to exercise more because of my weak constitution," Maeve exined. "I''m too busy during the day, so the only time I have is at night. She nced at the clock and eximed, "ed to start dinner! After I eat and rest a bit, I''ll head our for my run With that, she quickly made her way to the kitchen.


    Byron looked at her slender frame, frowning slightly. She seemed as if a strong gust of wind could knock her over.


    After dinner, Maeve headed to her room to change into workout clothes. Seeing Byron still in the living room, she asked. "Aren''t you going to the hospital tonight?" Byron, seated on the couch and sorting throughpany messages, replied, "No need, Satneone else is taking care of him."


    "Oh Maeve grabbed a hair tie from the table and quickly put her hair up in a ponytail "Well, I''m heading out."


    Byron nced up at her outfit and said casually, ¡°Are you nning to run in that?"


    Maeve looked down at herself, puzzled, "What''s wrong with it?"


    "If you don''t want your earrings pping you in the face while you run, you should take them off."


    Marve touched her cars a


    and realized she was still wearing the long tassel earrings from earlier. She hadn''t even thought


    about it until Byron pomted it out.


    56Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    She quickly removed them and set them aside. "Is this better?"


    "Yeah" Byron nced at her, then set his tablet aside and stood up. Hold on a mi


    Ell join you"


    Maeve looked confused. "You''re going for a run too? Aren''t you still recovering? You shouldn''t be doing intense exercise yet." Byron shrugged. "Do you still want your drink tonight?"


    Maeve nodded, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Absolutely. Just make it quick,"

 Chapter 25

    "Yep. Byron replied.


    "Then why didn''t you remind me? Maeve pressed on.


    "You didn''t ask."


    Maeve Mae was


    left speechless.


    She pressed her lips together in frustration. She didn''t want to turn back after running just a little bit, so she tried another approach. "Mr. Mcdaniel, how about I treat you to some drinks, and you teach me Byron nodded reluctantly. "Alright."


    After a short break. Maeve started running again, matching Byron''s pace.


    Following the posture and breathing technique he taught her, she found the run noticeably easier this time and managed to keep going for longer.


    Afterpleting twops, Byron was the first to stop.


    "That''s enough for today. Keep running like this, and in two weeks, we''ll see if you need to adjust the intensity," he said.


    Panting heavily, Maeve wiped the sweat from her neck and nced at Byron, who looked perfectlyposed, "Are you sure you''re okay? Your injury didn''t act up, did it?" "hope" Byron kept his hands in his pockets, his tone cool and indifferent. This amount of exercise isn''t enough make it


    worse


    "That''s a relief"


    They walked slowly side by side as the cool night breeze took away some of the lingering heat from their run.


    Passing a beverage shop. Maeve turned and asked, "I''ll grab something. What kind of drinks do you want, how about some sports drinks?"


    Byron wasn''t interested in sugary, artificial drinks. He simply replied, "I don''t drink that stuff


    Maeve noticed his disdain and fell silent, thinking, ''Has he seriously never had this kind of drinks before?"


    when they


    left the shop, Maeve handed him a cup of lemonade. "Here, I got you some lemonade"


    Byron raised an eyebrow slightly, gave her a quick nce, then took the cup.


    Maeve took a big gulp of her juice, immediately feeling her fatigue melt away.


    "This is so good!" she eximed.


    Byron took a sip of the lemonade, swallowing without changing his expression, thinking. It tastes awful.


    But when he saw the way Maeve''s face lit up, like she was drinking the best thing in the world, he couldn''t help but frown.


    He thought, Is it the drink, or something else? Hers really looks like it tastes amazing


    Maybe he stared a bit too long, because Maeve noticed and assumed he wanted a taste.


    Without thinking, she offered it to him. "Wanna try? It''s actually pretty good."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Byron usually had a thing about cleanliness and never shared drinks with others.


    But the pure bliss on her face made him suspicious. Is there something special in that juice?


    It wasn''t until after she asked that Maeve realized she might''ve crossed a line.


    Just as she was about to pull her hand back, Byron leaned down and took a sip directly from her straw.


    He seemed to catch a piece of fruit, his cheek puffing out slightly. The normally cool and distant expression on his face softened just a bit in that moment. Maeve''s eyes widened, and her face quickly flushed bright red.


    She th


    She in


    thought, "Did he seriously just drink from it? Isn''t that basically an indirect kiss?


    Byron slowly swallowed the fruit. The taste wasn''t anything special, but it wasn''t bad either. The fruit bits were decent.


    Noticing Marve''s face turning crimson and her eyes full of shock, Byron raised an eyebrow.


    "Don''t tell me you''re getting worked up over some silly indirect kiss'' nonsense." He scoffed lightly. "We''ve kissed before, and now you''re blushing over a sip of juice?" He thought, So easy to fluster.


    Maeve nearly crushed her juice cup in her grip.


    -I wasn''t thinking about that at all! And what do you mean we''ve already kissed? Don''t make it sound like there''s something going on between us."


    Her dismissive tone irked Byron, and his eyes turned cold. "Then maybe don''t offer me yo


    me your juice next time."


    7-


    Maeve realized she had made a mistake.


    She mped her mouth shut, sulking. Now she was stuck holding the half-finished juice, unsure whether to drink it or toss


    She thought. Why did I even ask if he wanted a sip? I really dug myself into a hole!


    The two of them walked in awkward silence for quite a while.


    When they passed a clothing store, Maeve stopped and turned to him, "ed to pick something up. Are youing in?" "No." Byron''s response was curt.


    ?????


    I wait for you, but only for ten minutes."


    Maeve dashed off without looking back.


    She thought. No way am I walking back alone."


    She didn''t have many sneakers, so she wanted to get another pair to rotate with.


    Maeve was quick and decisive, picking what she needed and heading to the checkout in just five minutes.


    "Maeve? Is that really you? A surprised voice called out behind her.


    She turned to see a short-haired girl in a sparkly mini-skirt, despite the chilly autumn weather, walking over with a smile. "I almost didn''t recognize you." 14:42 Mon,


    213


    Maeve blinked in surprise. "Maura"


    Maura Lowery was one of her old university ssmates, though they were never particrly close-just the asional


    contact


    "Can''t believe you still remember me." Maura grabbed her arm enthusiastically. "I heard you broke up with Jeff Weren''t you guys about to get married" "How did you hear about that?"


    "Everyone''s talking about it in our ss group chat. They say you dumped a rich guy to marry some broke driver. Is that


    Marve nodded. "It''s true."


    Maura burst outughing. "Are you crazy? Throwing away a wealthy man to pick up a broke driver? Everyone''s been. gossiping behind your back, saying you''ll totally regret it. I actually feel bad for you-giving up such a cushy future just like that." Maeve finally caught on, thinking. This old ssmate is just here to stir the pot The smile on her face faded. "What they think has nothing to do with me. And who says a woman''s future is defined by who she married?


    "Sure,


    Jeff''s rich-a hundred times richer than my husband-but in my eyes, he''s not worth a strand of my husband''s hair. No amount of money would make me marry him."


    With that, Maeve eve took the shopping bag from the cashier, then paused and looked at the stunned Maura. "Don''t bring this up to me again. If you do, we won''t even be acquaintances anymore."


    She turned to leave, only to see Byron walking over


    Dressed in dark athletic wear that entuated his tall, lean build, he carried himself with the presence of a runway model. It was as if all the light in the store suddenly focused on him.


    Maura''s heart raced, her eyes glued to


    to him, unable to look away,


    Just as she was about to strike up a conversation, she was floored when he stopped right in front of Maeve and asked. "All


    "Yeah, I''m done." Maeve was bit surprised. "Weren''t you waiting outside?"


    "It''s cold, Byron replied, his voice cool and indifferent, though a faint smirk yed on his lips. "Let''s go."


    He thought, ''Of course your ex-boyfriend can''t hold a candle to me. You''ve got your priorities straight


    Without overthinking it, Maeve followed him out. But just as they were leaving, Maura suddenly called out, "Wait! Maeve, aren''t you married? If your husband finds out you''re cozying up to another guy like this, wouldn''t he be upset?

 Chapter 26

    Maeve couldn''t help but stop in her tracks.


    Just as she was about to turn around, Byron ced a hand on her shoulder, casting a cold nce at Maura. His voice. dropped, dripping with iciness. Tim her husband. Do you need somethings?


    Maura''s eyes went wide in disbelief.


    She thought, ''No way! This man, who looks even more handsome than a celebrity, is supposed to be Marve''s broke


    husba


    As she w


    watched them walk away, Maura nearly ground her teeth frustration, thinking, ''So what if he''s good-looking? You can''t live on good looks alone! Leaving the store, Maeve recalled Byron''s expression when he showerl up and cautiously asked. "Did you hear what we were talking about earlier?" Byron''s face remained as unreadable as ever. don''t take


    what she said to heart. Maeve fiddled with the juice cup in her hand, trying to reassure him. "There''s no shame in any honest job. As long as you''re earning a living through hard work, there''s nothing lowly about it Byron paused mid-step, turning to look at her. "You''re really open-minded."


    Well,


    He thought. It''s easy to say things like that, but actually living by those words is a different story."


    Back at the apartment, Maeve couldn''t bring herself to throw away the juice, so she tossed out the old straw and reced it with a fresh one.


    Just as she was about


    What What''s wrout to take a sip, she noticed Byron''s cold gaze fixed on her.


    She asked she asked.


    "Maeve" Byron''s eyes flicked to the discarded straw in the trash a smirk tugging at his lips. "Are you grossed out by me or something?


    He thought. I haven''t even looked down on her, but she dares to act like she is above me?"


    "What?" Maeve froze, confused, and cautiously asked, "Given our rtionship, is there something wrong with me doing this?"


    She didn''t want to give him another excuse to use her of imagining some ridiculous indirect kiss."


    Byron was momentarily speechless.


    He stared I at her for a few seconds before turning on his heel and heading toward the guest room, tossing a cool remark over his shoulder. "Drinking juice after working out-you just wasted all fourps you ranTM With that, he shut the door behind him.


    Maeve stood there, stunned. The juice in her hand suddenly didn''t seem so appealing anymore.


    She thought, He said that on purpose, didn''t he? The next


    next evening at Starlight Pub, the sharp clink of billiard balls echoed through the fourth-floor pool room.


    "Byron, I heard front Archer that you handed the Yrulsall project over to Mr. Graves!" Ray drawledzily as he leaned against the pool table. "When did you start doing charity work? The Graves family''s tiny operation isn''t even in the same league as the Medaniel Group Byron lined up his shot with practiced ease, his long arm flexing smoothly as he struck the ball with precision. "What''s it to you?" he asked, his tone unhurried.


    I''m notining, but something doesn''t add up


    Jarrett walked over with his cue stick,ughing as he caught the conversation. "You just can''t go a day without gossiping, huh? You''d be better off as a tabloid reporter instead of wasting your talents as a doctor." You don''t get it. Being a good doctor requires a spirit of curiosity and investigation-that''s how you advance." Ray put on a mock-serious face. Byron raised


    I an eyebrow. Jarrett''s got a point-you might as well change careers."


    He thought. "All you do these days is focus on digging up gossip about me."


    Just then, someone knocked on the door.


    Come in? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    The manager stepped inside, wearing a respectful expression as he addressed Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, there''s a youngdy downstairs asking if we''re hiring bartender apprentices. I wanted to check with you first" Byron didn''t even bother looking up. "An apprentice?"


    Yes, she says she wants to learn bartending"


    when


    "Since whe


    did Starlight Pub turn into a training school? A cold gleam shed in Byron''s eyes, his patience wearing thin.


    Tell her to leave."


    The manager broke into a nervous sweat. "Understood, I''ll let Ms. Reese know right away,


    He thought, If I''d known he''d react like this, I wouldn''t have asked. That is terrifying.


    Byron thought, ''Ms. Reese?"


    "Hold on" Byron''s eyes narrowed as something clicked. "What''s her name?"


    "I think it''s Maeve"


    Byron thought. "So it''s her."


    His eyes darkened, and he set down his cue stick, heading straight for the door.


    From the fourth-floor balcony, he had a clear view of Maeve sitting at the bar downstairs.


    She was dressed in a light pink off-shoulder dress, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, revealing her delicate corbone and smooth, fair skin.


    Compared to the sultry vibe of the bar, her outfit was almost demure and refreshing.


    Byron''s expression turned even more severe as he pulled out his phone and called her.


    Still waiting for the manager to return. Maeve saw the call and moved to a quieter spot before answering


    Mon


    Where are you" His deep voice was icy,ced with unmistakable irritation.


    Maeve nced around. Tm at a bar, taking care of something. Why?" Dubai you


    learn your


    lessonst time? Go home. Now" His tone left no room for argument. Te not


    Sheg this time. I won''t get drunk again, I promise, Marse whispered. ''Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing"


    After


    Then she


    Thus, the manager is already asking the boss for me I can''t just leave now


    up. Maeve remembered running into Byron at this har before and nervously scanned the area. Not seeing him anywhere, she finally exhaled in relief realized. Why am I so I so fense? It''s not like I am doing any thing wrong


    Upstairs. Byron''s gaze turned icy as he stared at the ended call. He called over the manager. "Go down there and turn her away. Now"


    Yes, sir. handle it


    The manager quickly rushed downstairs.


    andle it right awayowed Byron out, overheard the exchange. Ray let out a low whistle.


    Ray and Jarrett, who had t


    Youett grinned


    littledy


    Jarrett


    wants to learn bartending, huh? Why not just let her? It''s your bar anyway. Wouldn''t that make things more convenient for your little romance?" "Byron''s probably worried she''ll run into Fred again. Didn''t you see how protective he gotst time!"


    Byron shot them a frosty re "If your eyes are that bad, go see a doctor. Who''s being protective of her?"


    He thought. What about her will even make her worth protecting?


    Back at Pinehurst Apartments, Maeve had assumed Byron would be home already. But he wasn''t She wondered,


    en why did he insist Ie back right away?


    She switched on the living room lights, sat down on the carpet, and rested her chin in her hands with a sigh.


    The manager had told her the bar wasn''t hiring, especially not female staff, so she had to give up. She had really hoped to pick up a new skill.


    as she opened her sketchpad, she heard the front door click open. Byron walked in, his dark trench coat making him look even more distant and unapproachable. "You''re back?" Maeve looked up, confused. Did you call me earlier because you needed something?"


    Just as


    "Nothing important Byron''s tone was cold as he set down a cup of juice and turned to head back to his room.


    Maeve blinked at the juice, thinking. Did he seriously make mee home just to drink juice?


    "Wait!" Marve gathered her courage. "Do you have a moment right now?"


    Byron stopped and looked at her with a "get to the point expression.


    Marve hesitated before scratching her cheek. "I was nning to buy some bartending tools, but it''s gettingte. If it''s not too


    much trouble


    Byron frowned. "Why are you learning bartending?"


    Maeve pointed to the sketchpad in front of her. "For my designs.


    0

 Chapter 27

    Seeing that he still seemed puzzled, Maeve exined further, "For a previous art project, I even worked as a maid for a month to really get a feel for the atmosphere. "Since I recently quit my job and have some free time, I figured I''d apply to be a bartender apprentice."


    She spread her hands in resignation. "But they weren''t hiring


    The person responsible for that, Byron, finally looked away and said calmly, "Bartending? I know how."


    "You do?" Maeve''s Maeve''s eyes widen widened in in surprise.


    Byron didn''t offer any more details, just motioned for her to follow him as he headed out the door.


    Half an hourter, they arrived at a vintage apartment building near the university district.


    When the elevator reached the ninth floor, Maeve followed Byron inside, her eyes curious as she took in her surroundings


    The apartment was slightly more spa**s than hers, but not by much.


    The furniture was minimal, mostly in shades of ck and gray, giving the space a simple yet timeless feel


    It wasn''t exactly cozy-more like a bachelor''s retreat than a home


    Maeve? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    walked over to the window and noticed a rose garden below, though most of the blooms had already faded.


    Something about the view struck her as oddly familiar.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, if you have a ce to stay, then why did you move into my ce?" Maeve finally voiced her confusion. "When I gave you the key, I thought it was because we''re married and should live together. But clearly, you didn''t see it that way


    She had assumed all along that he had nowhere else to go, which was why he ended up staying with her.


    Byron''s expression stiffened for a moment.


    This apartment was a ce he bought in his first year of college with the money he earned from starting Starlight Pub. Even his family didn''t know about it.


    Neville''s people were keeping tabs on him, but they only watched the estate where he usually stayed-not this ce.


    If Maeve hadn''t suddenly decided she wanted to learn bartending, and if he hadn''t remembered that he had some old liquor and bartending tools stored here, he might never have recalled owning this little apartment. "There are people watching my usual ce. It''s not convenient, Byron replied briefly, pushing aside his thoughts.


    "People watching? You mean the ones who were after you before Maeve''s eyes widened in shock. "Then isn''t it dangerous. for us to be here...?"


    "If I brought you here, it''s safe."


    "What about your parents? Don''t they live around here?"


    "No" Byron clearly didn''t want to dwell on the topic. He walked over to the bar counter in the living room and nced at her. "Are you here to learn bartending or just to snoop around?" Maeve quickly set her curiosity aside and followed him


    T


    11


    GB  56%


    Still, she could guess that his rtionship with his parents wasn''t great. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have chosen to stay at her ce instead of going back home.


    Since she also had a strained rtionship with her parents, she could rte. She made a **al note to avoid bringing it up in the future, not wanting to touch a nerve. The bar area in the apartment resembled a small c**il lounge.


    The bottles in the ss cab were neatly arranged, and all the tools were there, though covered in ayer of dust. It was clear he didn''t use this ce often. Resigned, Maeve began washing the tools they''d need and set them out on the counter.


    Byron


    rolled up his shirt sleeves, revealing strong, well-defined forearms


    As he mixed the drinks, his hair brushed lightly against his brow, casting a shadow over his sharp features, adding a touch of


    understated allure.


    understated allure.


    t was the warm lighting, but Maeve found herself spa**g out. jolted back


    Maybe She was j


    to reality when something cold touched her cheek, snapping her out of her thoughts. Byron looked at her with his usual indifferent expression as he set down a silver c**I ss. "Did you all I the steps?" he asked.


    Catch


    Maeve hesitated for a moment, then nodded uncertainly.


    Byron stepped aside. "Go ahead, give it a shot."


    Maeve


    eyed the white c***I that looked delicious and obediently walked over to start mixing her drink


    Just then, the phone on the table vibrated.


    Byron nced at it, picked it up, and moved away from the bar. "ed to take this call, he said c*y


    "Okay" Maeve nodded quickly.


    The call was from hispany. A newly approved project from yesterday''s meeting had run into some issues. After reviewing the process again, the nning department needed his direct input before proceeding. Byron walked into his study and gave calm instructions. "Send the revised n to my email. I''ll check it now. Also, inform the team there''s a video meeting in ten minutes." "Understood, Mr. Mcdaniel.


    The video conference in the study was in full swing.


    As the meeting continued, Byron nced at the time, feeling like he was forgetting something, but he quickly brushed it off.


    Meanwhile, Maeve waited at the bar for a bit, but when Byron didn''te out, she decided to keep practicing


    She carefully followed the steps he''d taught her, and the c***I she made looked pretty decent.


    She took a sip-not bad at all.


    Though she wasn''t as smooth as Byron, it was a solid attempt for a beginner.


    As she worked, a few interesting design ideas popped into her head, and she quickly sketched them out in her notebook.  u GB


    There''s nothing like actually doing it,'' she thought, ncing at the three c***Is lined up on the counter. Her eyes naturally drifted toward the silver c***il that Byron had made.


    56


    The two drinks she made tasted alright, but now she was curious thinking, "What''s the difference between mine and his?"


    Just one sip won''t get me drunk, right? With that thought, Maeve picked up his ss and took a sip.


    The difference was clear. Byron''s c***il hadyers of vor-crisp, invigorating, with a subtle bitterness that lingered Compared to that, hers tasted in and one-note.


    With a soft clink, the empty ss rolled across the table and came to a stop.


    Maeve''s face flushed red as she slumped over the counter,pletely out.


    Back in the study, the video meeting ended, and Byron wrapped up his remaining tasks.


    When he checked the time, more than an hour had passed. Suddenly remembering something, he stood up and walked out.


    The living room was empty. Byron frowned, thinking Maeve must''ve gotten tired of waiting and left.


    He was about to switch off the bar lights when he noticed her slumped over the counter, cheeks flushed pink.


    Three sses sat beside her, one of them empty.


    A quick nce told him it was his silver c**


    Though it had a lower alcohol content, it was strong enough to knock out someone with a low tolerance in just a couple of


    sips.


    He wondered, ''But this woman actually finished the whole thing?


    Byron''s brows furrowed as he leaned down and gave Maeve a nudge, his voice low and firm. "Maeve, wake up"


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered as she struggled against the dizzy haze. The moment he nudged her again, she couldn''t hold it in any longer and threw up. Right onto Byron.


    Ugh


    His face darkened instantly, a vein twitching at his temple.


    ""Maeve!"


    He thought. "You actually dare to puke on me!


    Byron seriously considered tossing her out the door.


    Still half-conscious, Maeve squinted at the mess she''d made on him, her muddled brain catching a faint whiff of danger.


    "S-Sorry... Is your injury okay?" she slurred.


    Even in her drunk state, her first concern was his injury.


    For a moment, Byron was caught off guard


    But just as the tension eased, Maeve ruined in


    Stumbling forward, she wobbled over to him and clumsily reached out to start unbuttoning his shirt.

 Chapter 28

    28


    Byron gripped her wrist, his expression growing even colder. "What do you think you''re doing?"


    Lift your shirt; I want to check your wound," Maeve answered.


    Maeve felt like everything was swaying, and after fumbling for awhile, she still couldn''t manage to lift his shirt. Frustrated, she leaned in closer to get a better look.


    Her warm, alcohol-tinged breath brushed across Byron''s chest. When he looked down, he saw her slightly parted, rosy lips nearly touching his skin.


    His throat tightened, and his gaze darkened instantly.


    Realizing the situation, he forcefully pushed her away, his voice sharp and cutting. "What kind of game are you ying


    now? now?"


    Already unsteady, Maeve stumbled backward, heading straight for the liquor cab.


    Byron''s expression shifted slightly. Before she could crash into the cab, he reached out and pulled her back, wrapping his arm around her.


    Her flushed cheek inadvertently brushed against the side of his neck, the cool touch making her close her eyes in contentment, unwilling to move.


    Sofy," she muttered.


    Byron was so infuriated he almostughed out loud, thinking. Is this woman using her drunken state as an excuse to throw herself at me? First tugging at my clothes, now.deliberately leaning into me-how thick-skinned can she be?'' His mood took a serious nosedive, especially when he saw her dress, now stained from the mess earlier, clinging to her as she leaned against him.


    He was tempted to toss her out and let her fend for herself.


    But just as that thought crossed his mind, he remembered how, even in her drunken state, her first concern was checking op his injury.


    His brows furrowed deeper, but in the end, he didn''t have the heart to throw her out.


    "Stay right here and don''t move," he warned before heading into the bathroom.


    Thankfully, Maeve''s drunken antics didn''tst long. Once she quieted down, she copsed over the bar and seemed to fall asleep.


    After his shower, Byron came out, grabbed her, and dragged her to the bathroom. He tossed her a set of his unused shirt andC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    pants


    "Hurry up and wash. Don''t waste my time. With a scowl, he walked out and shut the door behind him.


    The abrupt movement startled Maeve awake. Her head was still spinning, her brows tightly furrowed, and all she wanted was to pass out in bed.


    But remembering the annoyed look on Byron''s face, she figured it was best not to give him more trouble.


    She thought, It''s just a shower. I can handle this. I''ve got this!


    In the living room, Byron sat on the sofa, going throughpany emails on his tablet.


    m


    But his attention kept thrifting toward the bathroom.


    He thought. "What''s taking her so long? Is she swimming in there?


    Even though his eyes were on the tablet, he couldn''t focus on a single word. Irritation tugged at his brows


    Finally, he stood up and walked over to the bathroom door, knocking "Macve, are you done yet!"


    No response.


    Growing impatient, he knocked again, more forcefully this time


    Yeah,


    I''m done," came her drowsy voice from inside.


    A momentter, the door creaked open, and Maeve shuffled out, her eyes heavy with sleep.


    She was wearing his ck shirt, which hung loosely down to her thighs.


    slender legs were left bare, her knees faintly tinged with pink, and her toes had a soft glow under the light. It was unexpectedly captivating.


    Her long, sle


    Her face, shed from the warm steam of the bathroom, was framed by tousled hair, giving her an unexpectedly delicate and alluring look. For a brief moment, Byron''s dark eyes froze.


    He hadn''t realized his shirt was that sheer, and now he could clearly see she wasn''t wearing anything underneath.


    He thought, And the pants I have


    I have given you, did you just eat them?


    on properly beforeing out?" Byron''s brows furrowed even deeper, his toneced with irritation.


    "Can''t you put your clothes on


    "Your pants don''t fit me, they''re way too big" Maeve yawned, rubbing her eyes. "Besides, it''s not like I''m not wearing anything"


    slips pressed into a thin line as he stared at her for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, a low, ambiguous chuckle escaped him.


    Byron''s lips "Marve, are


    are you doing this on purpose?"


    "What?" "Maeve blinked in in confusion.


    Byron stepped into the bathroom, closing the distance and backing her against the wall, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing. "A woman shows up in front of a man wearing nothing but a shirt, and you expect me to believe you don''t know what that implies?" Marve''s back pressed against the warm, damp tiles as the dizziness in her head worsened. "I really don''t get what you''re talking about." Aren''t


    n''t these your clothes that you gave me?" she asked, feeling a bit wronged. She thought, ''Am I in trouble for simply wearing them?


    Seeing her bewildered expression, Byron''s eyes narrowed, and he leaned in closer, his breath grazing her lips. "Yeah, but I didn''t tell you to wear them Jike this to seduce me." Seduce? What nonsense is that? Maeve''s mind spun as she shook her head vigorously.


    Her blurry vision was filled with the image of his strikingly handsome face drawing closer, making her head swim even


    more from the warm, steamy air


    "Don''t-don''te so close to me!" she stammered.


    But the dizziness overwhelmed her, and before she knew it, she was falling straight into Byron''s arms.


    When he looked down, he saw Maeve with her eyes tightly shut, leaning limply against his shoulder, as if she had fallen adeep


    Byron was left speechless.


    He had never been so tempted to strangle someone.


    He intended to teach her a lesson, yet somehow ended up being the one outyed.


    With a face as dark as a storm cloud, he scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom, dropping her unceremoniously onto the bed Despite the rough handling, she didn''t wake up-she just rolled over and continued sleeping soundly.


    The guest room in this apartment was purely for show; only the master bedroom had a bed.


    After all the troubles she caused,


    The night


    passed


    Byron couldn''t be bothered to think about why he didn''t just let her sleep the couch. He told himself it was just charity.


    without incident.


    The next morning. Maeve curled up under the nket, not wanting to remember anything that had happened the night before. can''t I be


    She Why cant be one of those people who ck out when they drink?


    She She


    She She


    didn''t want to recall any of the embarrassing things she might have done to Byron.


    She nced


    Throwing up on him, tugging at his clothes-how has he not kicked me out on the spot? not seeing Byron anywhere, let out a sigh of relief.


    around and,


    Getting up, she realized that the shirt she was wearing had ridden up to her stomach during the night.


    She had no idea how she''d managed to sleep like that


    And worst of all, she wasn''t wearing anything underneath. She thought. What was I even thinking when I showeredst night?


    Bankfully, Byron hadn''t slept in the same bed as her; otherwise, she''d never be able to live this down.


    furiously. Maeve tugged the shirt down to cover herself, then tipgoed out of the bedroom, carefully closing the door behind her. What are you..


    sneaking around for?" Byron''s cold voice suddenly rang out from behind her.


    Startled, Marve spun around to see him standing there, looking sharp in a tailored suit. Her face instantly heated up. "I-I thought you were still asleep and didn''t want to wake you." She pressed herself against the door, trying to hide the awkwardness of her situation.


    Byron


    14:42 14:42


    couldn''t be bothered to expose herme excuse and said tly, "Your clothes are drying on the balcony. Go get them yourself"


    apter 28 Oct 14 G B


    Maeve''s eyes widened in surprise. "You even washed my clothes


    Catching her shocked expression, Byron scoffed. "And whose fat do you think that is?"


    Marve instantly wilted, her face full of remorse. Im really sorry I shouldn''t have overestimated my alcohol tolerance. I caused you so much trouble by getting drunk and throwing up on you." As he saw her apologize so sincerely, Byron''s expression softened slightly. There''s a new toothbrush and towel in the bathroom. Go freshen up Thank you."


    Maeve hurried to the balcony to collect her clothes, her heart racing when she saw her undergarments hanging there.


    Even if he used the washing machine, he definitely had to handle them while hanging them up.


    She thought. How embarrassing

 Chapter 29

    Starve, blushing furiously, shakily branded her underpentnents am ber skying to cover them up as discreetly an powefit mortified to tdir ciee to dry


    Just as she was fishing, Byron walked our and high of her Remembering the awkward of light whe


    ished and bung ber doches, be


    "Zero" he said coolly heading for the doceC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    strat Strat


    Okay Mambled trailing her him with bre


    I they''d be heading back home but to be supreme led bearty bred apot


    ty, so there were plenty of oproes along the


    end to bead to the office afertes. Once we find beauife


    Mare nodded "Go "Got"


    she added soch. Thanks for sal


    how to decksst night. Sorry for causing so much trouble


    Byron nced at her briety. As long as you realize i.*


    "Oh it this Marvel Back for another part-ome The shopwner came over with a weing smile fer serving


    Maneaddenly remembered why are so famed to frequent this spot during her college par


    jobs


    "Oh wow, is this your boyfriend He''s really handsome You two make such a gear couple the owner wid Embarrassed. Maeve quickly waved her hands. "No, no, he''s normy boyfriend. You''ve got in wrong."


    "Why so shy It''s only a manner of time right I''m rooting for you!


    "Really, it''s not like that."


    The owner smiling knowingly, aned as if he did hear her protos What can get for you two? I can tow pizza just for you Realizing it was pointless to argar Marve numbly ordered some and some cereal


    The owner turned to prepare the food, and Maeve qarkly leaned


    lices to tease everyone, be doesn''t mean t


    Byron


    jonnummittal hum, bis expressica creadi


    They found a seat, and the breakfar was served shortly after


    You''ve been here before? Byron asked


    to Byron "Don''t pay any amemtion to what he said.


    "Yeah" Maeve''s eyes softened with nostalgia. "My first part-time job in college was nearby. I worked as a gardener, taking care of rose bushes.


    "They paid well, so I studied a lot alsout nt care to do the job right. Thanks to that, I can even grow vegetables on my balcony now." Roses Byron''s gaze flickered.


    In this s area, the only ce with rose bushes was the courtyard of his apartment.


    He thought, ''So, the gardener Archer hired to take care of them while I was away was actually Maeve?


    Aplicated expression crossed Byron''s face.


    He wondered, ''Should I call her simple or refreshingly down-to-earth?


    Most


    Heekfast, I


    After


    wouldn''t be so matter-of-fact, let alone proud about doing menial work like gardening for someone else, but she spoke of it like it was a badge of honor. He suddenly found her harder to figure out Marve took a taxi back to her apartment.


    Watching Byron mix drinks the night before had sparked a lot of inspiration for her.


    Coupled with the bartending tips she picked up from him, she now had everything she needed to finish Bonnie''s illustration.


    On the day she submitted the final work, Bonnie promptly transferred the remaining payment to Maeve''s ount.


    Bonnie: [You really nailed it! The bartender at the bar and the whole y scenario got me so excited I almost had a nosebleed! You''re still the same-able to capture the mood without needing anything explicit, and it''s perfect!] Bonnie: [With you around, I''ll never get tired of these husbands of mine.]


    Sensing her excitement, Maeve smiled as she replied: [Thisyout and storyline were a new challenge for me too. I was worried you might not like it at first.]


    Bonnie. [No way! You need to have more confidence in yourself.


    Bonnie: [Are you


    you still avable to take on moremissions? How''s the job hunt going?


    Maeve: [I haven''t found anything yet. I''ve got a few other illustration orders lined up, so I''m pretty swamped.


    For some reason, all the r¨¦sum¨¦s she sent out seemed to vanish into thin air-none of thepanies she applied to had responded


    But as she looked at her growing bank bnce, Maeve couldn''t help but feel the urge to kiss her phone screen.


    Once shepleted the othermissions and received the final payments, she''d have a nice chunk of savings. Buying a house wouldn''t be a distant dream anymore.


    Just as she was relishing that thought, her phone pinged with a new message.


    The Graves family is demanding the return of the 200 thousand dors engagement gift. Find a time to transfer the money


    ck to my ount. Stop dying. If you can''t pay up, just get divorced and win back Jeff''s favor!]


    It


    It was


    from Valda


    Maeve''s mood instantly plummeted.


    She


    thought, 200 thousand dors? Are they crazy? They took all that money and now expect me to pay it back? Do they really see me as somemodny? She replied: Whoever spent the money should pay it back. You didn''t think about me when you took the money, so why


    of me now that it needs to be retumed? The world doesn''t work like that.]


    Sending the message, Maeve flipped her phone face down on the table, biting her lip in frustration.


    Thought, "Why is it that every time I try to live a better life through my own efforts, someone has to p me back into lity, telling me not to dream too big?"


    At First Hospital. Gilbert''s health had improved significantly. He could now get out of bed and even take walks in the park below the hospital, where he often chatted with others. But the moment he returned to his hospital room, he would start sighing


    That brat Byron promised to bring someone for me to meet once I got better, but how many days has it been now? Still nothing," heined.


    He worried that Byron had only said that to give him peace of mind during recovery and never really intended to follow through.


    The assistant, recalling something Archer had let slip earlier, said, "Sir, I don''t think he was lying. Lately, Mr. Mcdaniel seems to be staying at the woman''s ce." Gilbert t perked I up immediately. "Staying at her ce? Are you sure?"


    "Yes, I even checked with the staff at Mr. Mcdaniel''s estate-they all said he hasn''t been back in a while


    I


    Gilbert''s eyes lit up.


    "Great That


    That kid''s finallye to his senses. Who is the woman? Where does she live? Who''s in her family? Did you find out?"


    The assistant shook his head honestly. "I only managed to get the address, nothing else."


    Gilbert thought. Just the address isn''t enough


    He frowned deeply. "Well, if that''s the case, I''ll have to go see for myself."


    But sir,


    you''re still recovering


    Gilbert waved a dismissive hand. "It''s just a quick visit; it won''t take much out of me. I''ll head right back after I meet her."


    The assistant hesitated, then thought to himself, ''But you don''t even know what she looks like...


    Maeve had been holed up at home for two days, working nonstop on hermissions. When she realized the fridge was empty, she had no choice but to go out.


    Byron had been so busytely that he was nowhere to be seen. The only reminder of him was the drinks that arrived at her door like clockwork every day.


    Not having to face him after that embarrassing incident at his ce was a bit of a relief for her.


    Leaving the supermarket, Maeve carried her groceries back to the apartment.


    As she approached, she noticed a small Tarot card stall had popped up downstairs. An elderly man dressed in traditional clothes sat there leisurely sipping coffee, while a young assistant stood beside him, holding a coffee pot.  GB.

 Chapter 30

    Iman


    The old man was sipping his coffee at a leisurely pace, looking more like he was enjoying life than running a tarot reading stall Maeve found it curious and couldn''t help but nce over a few more times.


    Noticing her interest and having nothing better to do, the old man waved her over. "Hey there, youngdy. Want to draw some tarot cards? I can read your career, love life-whatever you need. If it''s not urate, it''s free! Maeve hesitated for a moment, then walked over and sat down.


    "Sir, how does this work?" she asked.


    "Just draw a few cards."


    She drew a few cards, and the old man studied them thoughtfully.


    This is the mostplicated reading I''ve seen in a while. The old man frowned. "You have a younger brother, right? So your parents don''t pay much attention to you. Financially, things are also a bit tricky-you''re losing money, mostly to help your family? Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. She thought, ''How could he be so spot-on?"


    The old man continued. "On the bright side, your career prospects look good. If you put in the effort, your promising. But as for your love life..."


    His serious expression made Maeve nervous. "What''s wrong with my love life?" she asked.


    "It''s going to be a bumpy road


    Maeve bit her lip, thinking, "Bumpy" is an understatement. How could he be this urate?''


    future is


    "Don''t feel discouraged, youngdy," the old man added. "Even if your love life is rough, there''s a way to turn things around." Curious, Maeve asked, "What''s the solution?"


    "Find a man whose love life is even worse than yours. Fight fire with fire."


    Maeve was speechless, thinking. ''Fight fire with fire? That doesn''t sound reliable at all.


    Just as she started doubting him, the old man peered closer at her cards and suddenly made a sound of surprise. "Oh, you''re already married? And your husband happens to be just the type I was talking about." Maeve''s eyes widened in


    Maey


    I in admiration. "You can even tell that? That''s amazing!"


    The old man grinned smugly. "Of course! Back in the day, my tarot readings were unbeatable. Everyone said I was always on point."


    ???


    Then


    why are you running a stall here?"


    The old man was caught off guard. He couldn''t very well tell her that he was loitering around just to catch a glimpse of his future granddaughter-inw, so he cleverly set up a tarot stall instead. Unexpectedly, while he hadn''t found her yet, a steady stream of customers kepting by for readings.


    Maeve didn''t press further. She stood up and asked, "Your readings must be expensive, right? How much do I owe you?"


    It was so urate that she didn''t mind.


    d paying a bit more.


    The old man-Gilberi-was just about to casually name a small amount when his stomach suddenly growled.


    ¦°


    Gilbert''s face flushed red as he stammered, "I''ve been busy all day and haven''t had time to eat. An old man''s got to cat-I''m not made of iron..."


    Maeve blinked. She hadn''t even said anything yet.


    After a moment of thought, she offered. "Would you like toe over for a simple meal at my ce? I''ll still pay for the reading, and consider it a thank-you for helping clear my mind She''d been feeling lost recently over her engagement, but after hearing what the old man said, she felt much more at ease.


    And besides, something about the way he talked reminded her of herte grandparents, whom she hadn''t seen in years. Gilbert noticed the groceries she was carrying and was tempted, but still tried to be polite. "Oh, I couldn''t impose." "It''s really no trouble. I always cook too much for just myself, so if you could help me finish it, I''d actually appreciate it." Hearing this, Gilbert immediately stood up and handed his coffee cup to his assistant.


    "Well then.


    I''ll shameless


    ept your invitation."


    "But sir, what about me!"


    The a assistant


    Go


    was


    find yourself something to eat and pick me upter."


    The a assistant was left speechless, thinking. ''Poor me-I have just been ditched.


    Listening to their exchange. Maeve felt a warmth in her heart.


    She could tell the old man was looking out for her. Having a young man apany her home would have been awkward, not to mention bad for her reputation.


    But with just the old man, it felt safe and considerate.


    Once inside the apartment, Maeve handed over a pair of spare indoor slippers. "Here, you can wear these. Make yourselffortable in the living room while I prep the ingredients."


    "Alright, go ahea go ahead. No need I to worry about me," Gilbert said with a smile, hands sped behind his back.


    This was the first time he''d been invited into someone''s home for a meal like this, and it felt far more rxing than any of those fancy, formal gatherings he was used to.


    As he wandered into the living room, his attention was drawn to the lush greenery on the balcony.


    Curious, he walked over


    and saw several neatly arranged nt stands and ceramic pots, all filled with vibrant seasonal vegetables. Gilbert''s eyes lit up in delight. "Youngdy, I didn''t know you were into gardening."


    -From the kitchen, Maeve replied a bit shyly. "It''s just a casual hobby. I''m only growingmon vegetables. If you''d like, pick


    some, and I''ll cook them up for you to try."


    "Really?" Gilbert rubbed his hands together in excitement.


    "Of course"


    Without hesitation, Gilbert-zeroed in on the crisp, tender lettuce. As he picked the leaves, he couldn''t help but reminisce "My wife used to love gardening too-flowers, vegetables, you name it. But she didn''t have much of a green thumb: everything she nted would end up dying. "After she passed, she left me some seeds, but I couldn''t grow them either. I just kept them as a reminder of her


    Hearing this. Maeve couldn''t help but say, "You and your wife must''ve been really close."


    It was


    easy to o tell from his tone how much he still cherished histe wife. It was the kind of love that made people envious. brought out thest dish and set it on the table.


    Before long,


    Maeve


    Gilbert took a few bites, and even with his refined pte, ustomed to gourmet cuisine, he couldn''t help but be pleasantly surprised by these simple home-cooked dishes, "You''ve really got some skills, youngdy," he


    Maeve blushed and scratched her cheek. Tmid, giving her a thumbs-up.


    d you like it.


    As Gilbert continued eating, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of emotions.


    He''d been hanging around here for days, hoping to taste his future granddaughter-inw''s cooking, yet here he was, enjoying a meal made by someone else''s daughter instead. He wasn''t asking for


    r much-if I


    But he thought, "Who am I kidding? granddaughter-inw''s cooking was even half as good as this, he''d be content. And if she were as well-mannered, kind, and sincere as Maeve, he''d be over the moon.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Even if such good fortunended right in front of that stubborn grandson of mine, the boy would probably be too indifferent to care "Stubborn brat, always making things tough for me," Gilbert muttered under his breath. "What was that?" Maeve asked, not quite catching his words.


    "Oh, nothing. This soup you made is really delicious Gilbert quickly covered up.


    Maeve cou


    couldn''t help but smile.


    Just then, there was a faint sound of footsteps at the entrance.


    A familiar cool I voice calle


    called out, "Maeve, could you grab me a towel?"


    Gilbert thought. ''Byron''


    Surprised, Maeve turned her head but didn''t notice the sudden change in Gilbert''s expression. She got up and headed to the bathroom to fetch a towel When


    she reached the entrance, she found Byron standing there, his dark suit slightly damp from the rain and his ck hair a bit wet, giving him a more rxed, casual vibe than his usual polished appearance. "Here. He handed her a drink and took the towel from her hand


    Maeve had gotten used to him bringing her drinks every day, so she naturally held it and asked. "Didn''t you bring an umbre?"


    The parking lot outside the apartment building was uncovered so it wasn''t surprising he''d gotten wet.


    "No." Byron was drying his hair with the towel when he suddenly noticed soundsing from inside the apartment. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Do you have a guest?" AS MOR UACC 14


    pter 30


    e quickly exned about the tarot reading and added. "Go change your clothes ande eat. I made a lot of food


    instead of being Byron walked straight toward the dining area.


    bad assumed it was just some scammer trying to take advantage of Maeve''s kindness.


    what he didnt expect was to see, sitting at the dining table... Gilbert himself.

 Chapter 31

    "Grandpa?" Byron''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Maeve, who had followed closely behind, was equally stunned when she heard him call the old man "Grandpa." Her eyes went wide as she looked at him. "G-Grandpa?" She thought, ''No way! This tarot-reading old man is actually Byron''s grandfather?'' Gilbert cleared his throat and set down his forks. "Yes, youngdy, I''m indeed this rascal''s grandfather."


    Maeve


    was so shocked she almost dropped the drink in her hand. She thought, ''What are the odds?''


    Byron''s brow


    brow furrowed as he spoke in a low, concerned voice. "Your health hasn''t fully recovered yet. Running around instead of staying in the hospital-what if you rpse?" "It''s not that serious, and I had Henry with me," Gilbert waved it off nonchntly. "Besides, you didn''t bring her over for me to meet, so I had to take matters into my own hands." Byron felt a dull headache forming.


    We''d been swamped with work, managing the final stages of a new project, andpletely forgot about arranging the introduction. He hadn''t expected Gilbert to be this impatient. a sigh, Byron turned to the still still-stunned Maeve and said, "As you can see, this is my grandfather." Then, he introduced her to Gilbert. "Grandpa, this is the girl I married, Maeve."


    "Maeve-what what a lovely name," Gilbert said with a warm,


    He produced an elegant wooden box and handed it to Maeving smile. "Since it''s my first time visiting, I didn''t bring anything fancy. Please ept this as a little meeting gift."


    Though it


    it was


    Maeve quickly early something he had prepared well in advance, he made it seem like a spur-of-the-moment gesture.


    "A gift


    waved her hands, flus flustered. "Oh no, I really y can''t a ept this."


    an elder shouldn''t be refused. Or is it that you don''t think much of my present and don''t want it?" Gilbert teased, feigning a hurt expression.


    t from an


    "No, no, that''s not it at all." Maeve quickly nced at Byron, hoping he''d I step in to help her decline.


    t to her surprise, Byron just nodded slin Go ahead and take it. It''s my grandpa''s way of showing his kindness."


    But to


    Left with no choice, Maeve epted the wooden box and said softly, "Thank you... Mr. Mcdaniel.


    Gilbert''s face lit up with joy. "No need for thanks between family Go on, open it and see if you like it.


    "This was something Byron''s grandmother set aside before she passed. She always intended to gift it to Byron''s wife when he got married."


    Maeve was taken aback. When she opened the box, she found a pair of earrings nestled inside. The earrings felt warm to the touch, and under the light, it glowed with a soft, lustrous sheen. Although Maeve wasn''t well-versed in earrings, she could tell they were precious. And more than that, they carried deep sentimental value, having been specially prepared by Byron''s grandmother. Even Byron''s gaze lingered on the earrings for a few seconds.


    75% +5


    He was genuinely surprised that Gilbert would give away this family heirloom as a first-meeting gift to Maeve. For Gilbert to present it so early on meant he must be very impressed with her "They''r y''re beautiful. I love them. Thank you, Mr. Mcdaniel," Maeve said gently.


    She still felt uneasy about epting such a meaningful gift, but she didn''t want to spoil Gilbert''s mood.


    After dinner, Gilbert had to head back to the hospital for a check-up, and his assistant Henry came to pick him up.


    Before leaving, Gilbert pulled Byron aside and gave him some stern advice. "Maeve is a good girl. You''d better treat her well, and stop walking around with that cold face of yours. You''re going to scare off Maeve if you keep that up." Byron sighed. "Grandpa..."


    "And another thing-find a time soon to set up a meeting with me, your parents, and Maeve''s family. We can''t neglect proper manners."


    "Grandpa, that''s not really possible right now," Byron replied in a serious tone. "She still thinks I''m just a regr driver. I''m not ready to reveal my true identity to her yet." People''s intentions often crumbled when faced with self-interest-no one knew this better than he did.


    "If she''s willing to marry you while thinking you''re just a driver, you''ve really found a gem," Gilbert said with a deep frown. "Fine, do what you think is best. I won''t interfere much. But sooner orter, the two families need to meet, right?" "Aren''t Mom and Dad still traveling abroad? We can deal with it when they get back. There''s no rush." "That works." With that, Gilbert left with Henry. At around 8


    p.m...


    after tidying up the kitchen, Maeve walked over to the guest room and knocked on the door. "Come in," Byron said.


    Maeve pushed the door open to find Byron sitting at his desk, focused on hisputer.


    He''d already changed into more casual clothes-a ck turtleneck paired with lounge pants. Even just sitting there, legs slightly bent, he exuded a quiet intensity that was impossible to ignore. Wall


    It really made her think-only a wealthy family could afford to have someone like him as a "driver."


    With that thought, she walked over and ced the wooden box on the desk. "I''m here to return this."


    and his gaze shifted from the wooden box to her face. "My grandpa gave it to you. Why return it?"


    Byron''s hand paused brandmother prepared for your future wife-it''s too meaningful for me to keep," Maeve insisted, shaking her head. "Your grandfather wouldn''t have given it to me if he knew the real situation between us. I can''t ept it in good conscience."


    is something your


    This is: easily understood what she was thinking and could see her hesitation.


    Byron


    But he thought, "Taking back a gift that Grandpa has already given? That doesn''t sit right with me.''


    "If you don''t want it, throw it away. We don''t take back gifts once they''re given," he said nonchntly, his fingers already returning to the keyboard. Maeve was taken aback. "How could I just throw away something so valuable?"


    "It''s pointless if no one wants it."


    31


    She was left speechless.


    240:75%0


    Worrie


    I he might actually throw it away, Maeve quickly picked up the box. "Then I''ll hold onto it for now. We can figure out what to do with it...ter."


    The words she left hanging in the air made Byron''s eyes narrow with displeasure.


    He thought, ''You ept a gift from my grandfather, yet you are already thinking about divorce? Could your back-and-forth games be any more obvious? Are you really that eager to distance yourself from me?''C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "If there''s nothing else, you can go," Byron said, his tone turning gold as he curtly dismissed her.


    Maeve was puzzled by his sudden shift in attitude but decided not to dwell on it.


    Just as she was about to leave, she stopped and asked, "If your grandpaes back to set up his tarot stall again, would it be okay for me to invite him over for dinner? It just feels wrong to let an elderly man work outside on an empty stomach..." He thought, ''Stall? Tarot reading?'' Byron rubbed his temples. ''What kind of anti? "Do as you like."


    Maeve nodded. "Alright, I''ll let you get back to work. I won''t bother you anymore."


    has Gilbert been up to now?"


    Leaving the guest room, she let out a quiet sigh, but there was still a strange feeling in her chest.


    She''d been awkwardly worrying for days about that drunken incident, but it turned out he hadn''t even given it a second


    I headed out for a night run.


    and ne


    ng the tips Byron had given her, she could tell her stamina had improved, and her legs felt much stronger than before.


    at the time, Maeve changed into her workout clothes, grabbed her ph


    However... Maeve suddenly slowed down and nced over her shoulder.


    The area was pretty deserted, and she didn''t see anyone


    around.


    But ever since she started running, she couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was quietly trailing her.


    A chill ran down her spine, and she didn''t dare linger outside any longer. Panicking, she


    sprinted back toward her


    apartment.

 Chapter 32

    32


    As soon as the apartment door opened, Macve rushed inside, clearly panicked.


    She didn''t expect to run straight into Byron, who was walking toward her. Her forehead bumped into his chest, causing her to stumble back several steps. quickly grabbed her arm to steady her before letting go. His voice was stern as he asked, "What are you running around for?" someone was following me," Maeve gasped, still out of breath from her sprint. She was so winded that her legs were trembling. this, Byron opened the door and nced outside. He didn''t see anyone suspicious, so he turned back to her.


    one


    out there. Did you see what t this person looked like?"


    shook her head, her face pale.


    like?


    "There''s


    no


    "I didn''t dare turn around, but I kept hearing footsteps getting closer. The breathing was really heavy-it sounded like a man." pression darkened. "Has this been happening just today?"


    "No, it''s been going on for a couple of days now. I''ve had this feeling that someone''s been following me..."


    "And you''re only telling me now?" Byron''s voice grew colder. "Do you think keeping quiet about it will make it go away?"


    Maeve opened her mouth, unsure why he was suddenly so angry.


    Suppressing the frustration rising within him, Byron fixed her with a sharp look. "The security around here isn''t great, especially at night. Do you honestly think you could outrun a grown man with your stamina? "You were lucky today, but what makes you think you''ll be lucky next time?"


    The more she thought about what could''ve happened, the more Maeve felt the blood drain from her face. Her palms started


    to sweat.


    And


    did you even consider," Byron continued, his voice icy, "what that person might do now that he knows where you li Maeve froze. That hadn''t even crossed her mind. She thought running home meant she was safe. But if that person had bad intentions and started lurking around her building, she wouldn''t be so lucky next time. Her eyes reddened with anxiety, and she muttered, "Why do these things always happen to me?"


    She had hoped that after cutting ties with Jeff, her life would finally settle down. She wondered, ''Why does trouble keep finding me?''


    Byron


    had nned to scold her more to drive the point home, but when he saw the tears welling up in her eyes, he hesitated.


    After a moment of silence, he asked, "How long have you been renting this ce?"


    Maeve wiped the corners of her eyes, determined not to let herself cry in front of him. "I rent month-to-month."


    "Go pack your things. You''re moving out tonight,"


    Maeve was so shocked that her sadness instantly vanished. She stared at him in disbelief. "Moving? To where?"


    "My apartment."


    Maeve was taken aback.


    F=


    She thought he was just saying it on impulse, but when she found herself standing in the living room of his apartment, she still couldn''t quite wrap her head around it.


    She didn''t have much to pack-just two suitcases. The furniture in her old ce belonged to Pinehurst Apartments, so there was no need to bring it.


    As for the nts and vegetables on her balcony, it was alreadyte, so Byron said they could move them tomorrow.


    In the span of just two hours, her entire living situation had changed.


    "What are you standing there for?" Byron asked as he walked over.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Even though it wasn''t her first time in his apartment,st time she was only using the kitchen counter. Now, she''d be living here long-term, and that made her feel unexpectedly nervous. are you sure it''s okay for me to stay here? I won''t be a bother?"


    Um, a


    Byron shot her


    shot her a nce. "When I stayed at your ce, did you feel bothered?"


    "Of course not."


    "Then what are you worrying about?"


    His straightforward reply eased the tension in Maeve''s chest, making her feel much more at ease. Mcdaniel, which room is mine?" Maeve asked.


    Mr.


    At this


    tomorron looked slightly awkward. "The guest room is empty right now. I''ll have someone bring in the furniture


    Maeve blinked in surprise. "So, tonight...?"


    Sho


    "You''ll sleep in my room," Byron replied with a straight face. "Unless you prefer to squeeze onto the couch-it''s up to you." Maeve quickly shook her head. "If you''re willing to share the bed, I''m not going to be difficult about it." thought, ''Sleeping on the couch in this weather? I am not that eager to catch a cold.'' she


    Still,


    Pushing couldn''t help but feel like their roles had somehow reversed since thest time.


    thoughts aside, she turned her attention to the open balcony outside the living room.


    Mr. Mcdaniel, cansk you a favor?" she asked.


    Byron grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and looked at her. "What is it?"


    "Could I use part of your balcony to grow some vegetables?" Maeve''s cheeks flushed as she made the request. "I only need a small section, and I promise I''ll keep it neat and clean. I''ll even take care of the regr upkeep." "You don''t need to ask me about things like that. Do whatever you want," Byron replied, handing her one of the water bottles, his dark eyes meeting hers. "And not just the balcony-anything in this ce." Maeve stared at him, momentarily stunned.


    She thought, ''Is he saying I can treat the whole ce like it is mine? As if I were thedy of


    the house? Wait-what am I even


    thinking?"


    Her ears grew warm, and she quickly averted her gaze. "I-I think it''s gettingte. I''m going to take a shower."


    She dashed into the bathroom, hoping to escape before he noticed her flustered state.


    Half an hourter, Maeve emerged in her pajamas, her hair still slightly damp.


    As she walked into the living room, she couldn''t help but feel how empty and lifeless it was. Probably because Byron didn''t live here regrly, the space felt cold andcked the warmth of a home. Maeve opened her suitcase and began unpacking: a pile of throw pillows, cozy nkets, picture frames, wind chimes, and some small decorative items.


    After arranging them around the room, the atmosphere instantly softened, transforming the space from cold and sterile to warm and weing.


    As she mentally noted what else she could bringter to make the ce more homey, she headed toward the master bedroom.


    Byron had just finished his work and stepped out of his study. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the newly decorated living room.


    Theyout hadn''t changed, but the addition of Maeve''s little touches had brought a warmth and coziness to the space, filling it with small details that made it feel more lived-in. Suddenly, the idea of having her live here didn''t seem so bad after all.


    Later that night, lying in the spacious,fortable bed, Maeve found herself unable to sleep.


    She turned her head to nce at Byron, who was lying on the other side. The space between them was wide enough to fit two more people, so there was no chance she''d roll into his arms this time. With renewed determination, she clenched her fists under the nket while staring at his silhouette. "How long are you nning to keep staring?" Byron''s deep voice cut through the silence as he turned slightly, catching her


    gaze.


    Maeve quickly ducked under the covers. "Y-you''re not asleep?"


    "With all your tossing and turning, how could I be?"


    He thought, ''Do you really think I didn''t notice your sneaky nces this whole time?''


    Turning toward him, Maeve hesitated before asking in a small voice, "Mr. Mcdaniel, now that I''m staying here, what about when your grandpa sets up his tarot stall again? What''s going to happen?" That was what had been weighing on her mind the most. She couldn''t bear the thought of an elderly man out there working alone.


    As she shifted slightly, a light floral scent from her hair drifted over, causing Byron to frown. He turned to respond but identally caught a glimpse of the delicate skin peeking out from her pajama cor.

 Chapter 33

    Byron quickly averted his gaze, his dark eyes deepening with a hint of darkness. After a moment, he finally replied, "My grandpa set up that stall just to meet you." He thought, ''Now that he''s met you, there''s no need for him to keep doing it!


    "Why didn''t you tell me sooner that your grandpa wanted to see me? Making an elderly man go through all that trouble for me feels a bit embarrassing," Maeve mumbled. "I was nning to tell you after he got out of the hospital, but he was too impatient to wait."


    Hearing the slight frustration in his tone, Maeve couldn''t help but smile. "By the way, Mr. Mcdaniel, since I''m staying here, how much should I pay you in rent each month?" Already feeling a a ton edg Byron''s brows furrowed at her question. "Who said anything about you paying rent?"


    "I can''t just live here for


    "I''m not in need of money. You can pay with your cooking skills instead."


    Maeve pressed her lips together, thinking, "The vase in the living room is practically falling apart, yet he ims he doesn''t need money? Still, does this mean he actually likes my cooking now?'' Thinking back to how he used to tly refuse to eat her food, Maeve couldn''t help but find it amusing.


    Noticing her slight smirk, Byron shot her a sideways nce. "What''s so funny?"


    "Nothing." Maeve quickly denied it, then asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, is this apartment something you bought or are you renting?"


    "I bought it."


    She thought, ''No wonder the ce has so little furniture, and what''s here is so outdated. He probably poured all his savings into buying this ce.'' Even if he was not charging rent, she figured she should at least contribute something to make it feel more like home.


    "I''m going to sleep now. There''s a lot to do tomorrow. Goodnight, Mr. Mcdaniel." She pulled the nket up and closed her


    eyes.


    A flicker of something unreadable crossed Byron''s eyes as he looked at the nket cocoon she made for herself. He replied quietly, "Goodnight."


    The next morning, Maeve woke up early. Finding nothing in the fridge but bottled water, she went downstairs and bought some pasta.


    When Byron was ready, they sat down across from each other to have breakfast before heading back to Pinehurst Apartments.


    Just the nts from her balcony filled up the entire trunk, and it took a second trip to get everything moved into his apartment. After returning her keys to thendlord and getting her deposit back, Maeve finally felt like the move was real.


    "ed to head to the office soon. You can organize things, however you like, just stay out of the study," Byron said, ncing at his watch.


    10t


    "Got it." As Maeve arranged the nts on the balcony, she noticed him dressed sharply in a suit, ready to head out, and


    couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Mcdaniel, aren''t you a driver? Why do you go to the office every day?"


    Byron paused slightly. "It''s what my employer requires."


    Maeve nodded, suddenly understanding. ''So, he''s following his employer to the office. It sounds like an easy gig, but considering how busy he always is, it''s probably not as simple as it seems. "Drive safely and take care."


    "I will." I will.


    After Byron left, Maeve quickly finished organizing everything and gave the whole ce a deep clean.


    The previously bare balcony was now filled with lush greenery, adding a sense of life to the space.


    But it still felt like something was missing. She headed out to the mall and returned with several bags in hand.


    Sheid down a cream-colored rug in the living room, swapped out the sofa covers for warm, soft ones, and added some patterned cemats to the coffee table. She ced a new vase beside the


    Just as she finished, the furniture delivery arrivwith water, and arranged some roses so they''d stay fresh longer.


    after the movers left, Maeve


    Not long at This


    arrived.


    che thought, "This bed is so ve stood in the bedroom, taking in the sight of the cream-colored round bed and the matching furniture, her eyes wide with delight.


    "This bed is so cute! It''s exactly my style!"


    Byron didn''t charge her any rent and even got her new furniture. She decided she''d repay him by cooking some delicious meals.


    "This is sofy," she muttered, rolling around on the bed. She quickly snapped a picture of the room and sent it to Byron


    Maeve: [The new furn furniture arrived. Thanks for going through the trouble, Mr. Mcdaniel. I love it!]


    Maeve: [What do you feel like having for dinner tonight? Feel free to request anything.]


    When the


    when messages came through, Byron was in the middle of a meeting.


    A


    A senior executive was droning on about his vision for the new project, but it was mostly empty buzzwords with little substance. Sitting at t the head of the table, Byron found his patience was wearing thin, his brows knitting tighter as the chatter continued. His phone buzzed inside the drawer.


    Curious, he nced at the screen-Maeve had messaged him.


    She''d already set up the guest room, and with the new furniture in ce, it looked much cozier.


    Judging by her excited tone, she was clearly pleased with how it turned out.


    The corner of Byron''s lips curved slightly as he scrolled down-then suddenly froze.


    Instead of another room photo, the next image was a picture of Maeve from a summer trip.


    She was sitting on a bridge over water, wearing a light green camisole dress. Her slender legs dangled yfully in the water,


    214


    214


    with droplets sparkling on her fair skin as they caught the sunlight.


    She was smiling at the camera, her expression as soft and breezy as a gentle wind through the trees.


    Byron''s gaze darkened for a moment. Then, with a quick swipe, he saved the photo.


    Just then, the image was recalled.


    Maeve: [Sorry, Mr. Mcdaniel. I identally sent an extra-photo.]


    Byron: [Really? I didn''t see anything.].


    Byron: Whatever you make for dinner is fine with me.]


    After sending the reply, his expression tightened, and he pressed his lips into a thin line.


    Realizing what he had just done, he grumpily deleted the saved photo and tossed his phone back into the drawer with a loud thud.


    The sound was sharp enough to instantly silence the arguing executives, who all turned toward him with wary eyes. Fixing them with a cold re, Byron''s voice cut through the room. "I''m here to hear your insights, strategies, and market analysis for the new project-not to listen to meaningless bickering. "If anyone still feels like arguing, hand in your resignation and go do it at home."


    The room fell dead silent, and suddenly, the atmosphere became much more agreeable. No one was eager to go unemployed.


    home


    After the meeting, Byron instructed his assistant, Archer, to summarize the key points and send them over, then returned to his office.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, here''s your coffee," Karen said as she entered, carefully cing the cup on his desk. Just seeing him focused on his work made her heart race. "Thanks," Byron replied tly.


    A flicker of joy crossed Karen''s face, but it quickly faded as she took in his usual cool demeanor, leaving her with a bittersweet feeling.


    They had grown up together as childhood friends, knowing each other inside out.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    She was the only woman who could stay this close to him, and she believed it would always be that way.


    With that thought in mind, Karen quietly left the office, making sure not to disturb him.


    Meanwhile, in the office, Byron frowned at the documents in front of him, but his mind kept drifting back to the photo Maeve had identally sent.


    He thought, ''Why would she send something like that? Was it deliberate?''


    He put down his pen and rubbed his temples.


    He thought, ''Maybe that is her n all along-to get my attention. If I fall for it, what kind of fool would that make me?''

 Chapter 34

    At the apartment, Maeve took a short nap in the afternoon.


    After waking up, she submitted some design drafts for others and logged into her email to check for updates.


    Still no replies to the resumes she''d sent out,


    Even the notification that her final payment hade through couldn''t lift her mood.


    Frence work was just a side hustle-her real passion was in design.


    But she thought, ''At this rate, will I evernd a full-time job?''


    With a sigh, Maeve nced at the time and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.


    0


    That afternoon, she had spent some of her frence earnings on high-quality ingredients, nning to thank Byron with a nice meal.


    But even after the food went cold, he still hadn''te home.


    When the doorbell finally rang, Maeve rushed to answer it, only to find it was just a drink delivery.


    She took the drinks back to the table, muttering to herself, "If he''s workingte, he could at least let me know."


    She had put a lot of effort into this dinner.


    After finishing the meal and drink by herself, Maeve rested for a bit before heading out for her night run.


    This area was far from her old apartment, so even if the stalker had been persistent, it''d be nearly impossible to follow her here.


    Still, she stayed cautious, choosing well-lit routes with more people around.


    Meanwhile, in the car, Archer nced at the heavy traffic ahead and turned to Byron in the backseat. "Mr. Mcdaniel, this road gets really jammed at night. We''ll be stuck here for a while." Ast-n st-minute international video conference had kept them at the office until just now. Otherwise, they could have avoided the rush hour traffic.


    "Okay," Byron responded, leaning against the window, staring outside with little interest.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, you haven''t had dinner yet. Should I book a table at your usual restaurant?" Archer asked.


    Without looking up, Byron replied, "No need. I''ll eat at home."


    "Understood."


    Just then, he caught sight of a familiar figure jogging past the car The swaying ck ponytail was unmistakable-it was Maeve.


    Raising an eyebrow, Byron told the driver and Archer to head back without him. He got out of the car and started walking in


    her direction.


    Both the driver and Archer were puzzled, thinking, ''Does Mr. Mcdaniel really decide to walk home just to avoid traffic?"


    Maeve, distracted by a fast food restaurant, slowed her pace and stared at the ce.


    §ä§à


    "What are you doing out here?" A low, familiar voice suddenly spoke behind her.


    Startled, Maeve turned to see Byron standing right in front of her. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you''re done with work?"


    "Yeah." With one hand in his pocket, Byron nced at the nearby fast-food stalls, his expression showing clear disapproval. "Don''t tell me you''re nning to eat this stuff." "What do you mean, this stuff"? It''s delicious!" Maeve retorted.


    To prove her point, she immediately bought two small pizzas and handed one to him.


    "I don''t want it," Byron declined tly. "I''m not hungry.""


    Maeve shrugged and took a bite of both pizzas. "More for me. It''s so good!"


    She smiled contentedly, looking like a little hamster enjoying its snack.


    Byron let out a quiet scoff. "You always reward yourself with junk food after a run. Are you exercising for fitness or just to indulge afterward?" Maeve''s smile instantly faded. Remembering how determined she had been earlier, the pizzas in her hands suddenly felt a bit too heavy.


    Frustrated, she pouted. "Why do you always have to rain on my parade right when I''m enjoying something? Can''t you until I''m done eating?" wait


    At least that way, she could pretend she didn''t know better.


    Byron shook his head slightly, about to say something, when he noticed something in the reflection of a nearby store window.


    A group of shady-looking men, dressed like troublemakers, were lurking not far away, their eyes locked on them.


    It seemed like they were concealing weapons in their pockets, briefly exposed when they moved.


    Byron''s gaze turned icy. He thought, ''Are these men after me or Maeve?"C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Maeve," he said in a low, serious tone.


    She


    looked up, confused. "What is it?"


    "Stop eating. We''re being followed."


    Startled, Maeve instinctively began to turn around.


    Byron quickly ced a hand on the back of her head, speaking softly but firmly. "Don''t look. Run. Now."


    Before she could fully process what was happening, he grabbed her left hand and led her swiftly through the crowd, cutting a direct path forward.


    The men following them noticed and immediately took off after them.


    The street was packed with people, but as they neared the end, the crowd thinned out.


    By then,


    Maeve had long since lost the pizza she was holding. Dragged along by Byron, she wasn''t even sure how far they had run. Her lungs burned, and she was gasping for air. Already exhausted from her earlier run, she was at her limit.


    @@


    "Wait... Mr. Mcdaniel... can''t... keep going..."


    Hearing this, Byron''s brow furrowed. "Troublesome."


    The men were closing in fast, and the path ahead was blocked by a dead-end fence.


    Without warning, Byron stopped and scooped Maeve up into his arms. Ignoring her startled cry, he vaulted over the barrier with ease andnded smoothly on the other side, quickly heading in the opposite direction. Maeve instinctively wrapped her arms around his shoulders, clinging tightly to avoid falling while trying to make herself as light as possible.


    The men chasing them hesitated at the drop from the third-story height and didn''t dare jump down. They were forced to take a detour.


    It turned out having long legs really did have its perks.


    Even with Maeve in tow, Byron easily outpaced the group, eventually finding cover beside a flowerbed near a building. Maeve was about to climb down from his arms when he pressed a hand on her shoulder, whispering, "Stay still." Confused, she froze, just in time to hear the men approaching, muttering angrily to each other. "Damn it, we almost had them."


    "Enough whining! We need to find that woman and report back to Mr. Graves."


    Maeve thought, "Mr. Graves? Could they mean Jeff?'' Her eyes widened in shock. ''Are these men sent by Jeff to capture What could he possibly want now?''


    She


    She stiffened in Byron''s arms, her body instinctively pressing closer to his. From his vantage point, he could easily see the small swirl of hair at the top of her head. The subtle scent of her hair wafted up to him, even stronger now than when they had shared a bed earlier. It was familiar- the same scent as his usual shampoo. Byron''s eyes darkened with a mix of emotions.


    Maeve, oblivious to his thoughts, waited anxiously for any sign that the men had left.


    Just as she turned to ask if it was safe, her lips identally brushed against something cool and soft. Her words died in her throat, and her eyes flew wide open in shock. Byron was momentarily taken aback by her unexpected move, and the irritation already simmering inside him red into a heated rush.


    Sensing that Maeve was trying to pull away, Byron quickly took control, firmly pressing her head back toward him.


    His eyes, half-shadowed in the dim light, were dark and intense.


    "Maeve, do you just enjoy getting under my skin?"


    His deep voice carried a dangerous edge, leaving her no room to retreat. He captured her lips in a forceful, dominating kiss, asserting his control and refusing to back down.

 Chapter 35

    35


    "Ow!" Maeve winced as her lower lip was bitten, the pain forcing her to open her mouth.


    She thought, ''One mistake leads to another."


    Her heart skipped a beat. She wanted to push Byron away, but she was afraid any sudden movement would give away their hiding spot.


    To make matters worse, he had been holding her tightly from the start, leaving her.


    room to


    escape.


    Maeve was both embarrassed and frustrated, her grip on his sleeve tightening with each passing second.


    She thought about biting him to snap him out of it, but every time she tried, she found herself at a disadvantage.


    Byron, still holding her in his arms, shifted slightly and pressed her down onto the flowerbed. His lips barely parted from hers before returning with a deep, intense kiss, as if he was channeling all his pent-up frustration into it. His lips were cool, but every move he made felt like a wildfire, leaving Maevepletely at a loss. Her body, chilled by the night breeze, suddenly felt like it was on fire.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel. Maeve finally managed to find a moment to catch her breath. She pushed against his shoulder, her face flushed as she gritted her teeth, "How long are you nning to keep kissing me?"


    She thought, ''Why does this man always start kissing me out of nowhere?''


    "Weren''t you the one who started it?" Byron noticed the glisten at the corner of her lips, pressing his thumb against it and gently rubbing. "What''s wrong with me kissing you back?" Maeve pped his hand away, stumbling over her words, "I-I didn''t mean to..."


    "Did you ''identally'' kiss me too?" Byron smirked. "Too many lies ruin the fun. Why not just be honest?" Maeve''s mind buzzed. She thought, "I am telling the truth, but why does his tone make it sound like I am the one taking advantage of him? Clearly, he is the one being more outrageous! "I told There''s s es someone


    over


    ?


    there!" The group that hadn''t left yet heard Maeve''s voice and immediately started closing in on them. "Let''s go." Byron''s brow furrowed slightly as he grabbed Maeve''s hand and led her deeper into the alley. Back at the apartment, they finally managed to lose their pursuers.


    Maeve still felt uneasy about what had just happened and wanted to retreat to her room to gather herself.


    But when she turned around, she noticed Byron''s face had gone unusually pale, with beads of cold sweat forming at his temples. It was clear his old injury had red up.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, wait on the sofa for a moment," Maeve said hurriedly, rushing to grab the first aid kit and tend to his wounds.


    Thankfully, he had been recovering well, and the intense activity hadn''t caused his wound to reopen. Aside from some redness at the healing site, it wasn''t too serious.


    "I can''t believe I forgot you''re not supposed to do anything strenuous right now," Maeve said apologetically as she changed his bandage. "I''m sorry for making you carry me for so long."


    Her mood grew somber, and she handled him with extra care as she applied the medicine.


    Byron nced at her. "What? Do I seem that fragile to you?"


    Maeve lowered her gaze, staying silent.


    Byron leaned in, lifting her chin, his gaze deep. "Even if we did something more strenuous than what just happened, I''d still be fine. Got it?"


    "No, you shouldn''t exert yourself right now. You need to let your wound healpletely," Maeve replied seriously, meeting his gaze. "Otherwise, all those medicinal soups I''ve been making for you will have gone to waste." Byron was left speechless.


    He leaned back on the sofa, his voice low and almost to himself "Talking to you is like talking to a brick wall."


    Maeve hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back. She thought, I am only trying to help him, so why does he have to be so insulting?''


    After finishing with the bandages, she closed the medical kit and hesitated before speaking, "Mr. Mcdaniel, the people chasing us were sent by my ex-boyfriend toe after me. I''m really sorry you got dragged into this." They hadn''t seededst time, so this time they were determined to catch her, which exined why they were so relentless.


    As Byron buttoned up his shirt, I


    he replied calmly, "It wasn''t your fault, so there''s no need to apologize."


    of me...


    "But you got caught up in this in this because of


    "Instead of f wasting time apologizing for your ex-boyfriend, how about making me some pasta?" Byron interrupted. "I haven''t had dinner yet."


    Maeve


    paused, her guilt easing a little as a small smile tugged at her lips.


    "I actually prepared a big meal this afternoon to thank you for letting me stay here, but when you didn''te back, I put half of it in the fridge. I can heat it up, and it''ll be ready in no time."


    With that, she got up and headed to the kitchen.


    Only then did Byron have a moment to take in the newly transformed living room.


    The hanging chair by the floor-to-ceiling window was probably something Maeve had bought. Next to it was a small cream-colored cab stuffed with snacks. Not only that, but there was also a half-eaten bag of chips left on the ss table. Byron pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking, "This ce is quickly bing her domain.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    When the packages she had ordered online were delivered to Pinehurst Apartments, Maeve had no choice but to go back for


    them.


    Fortunately, since it was daytime, she didn''t run into the people sent by Jeff this time.


    She hauled the packages back to Byron''s apartment, and they almost formed a small mountain in the corner.


    After unpacking everything, Maeve took the items that needed washing to the bathroom,pletely missing a package that had slipped under the table. Suddenly, her phone rang. When Maeve checked, she saw it was a message from Bonnie.


    Tue


    @x75% @X75%


    Bonnie was attending a party tomorrow night where a designer she knew would be present. She offered to introduce Maeve if she was interested. This was undoubtedly a big opportunity for Macve, especially given her current situation where her resume seemed to be going nowhere. Maeve: [Thanks, Bonnie, but are you sure it won''t be too much trouble for you?]


    Bonnie: [Not at all. It''s just a matter of a few words. But whether he takes a special interest in you will depend on your own skills. But I believe in you.] Bonnie: [Remember that handmade dress you showed me? Wear that tomorrow night, and you''re sure to make a great impression.]


    Maeve felt a warm sense of gratitude.


    After


    thanking her again, Maeve went to her room to find that dress, nning to give it a quick wash before wearing it.


    Her previous job had relegated her to menial tasks, leaving her with little opportunity to work on actual designs.


    She was frustrated, but with no one to talk to, she would buy fabric in her spare time and design clothes for herself.


    This dress was born out of a sudden burst of inspiration, but she had never had the chance to wear it-until now. Because of this, Maeve was in a great mood all day. She even made an especiallyvish dinner that evening. Byron came back earlier than the day before, almost at the same time as the drinks delivery.


    Maeve had felt a bit uneasy around himst night, but today she was in such high spirits that she forgot all about being kissed.


    Eager to organize her old design sketches, she retreated to her room as soon as they finished dinner.


    Byron watched her go, raising an eyebrow slightly. He thought, ''She''s this happy just because I had dinner with her? She couldn''t stop smiling at me across the table. Annoying.''


    For once, Byron didn''t return to his study to work. Instead, he sat on the sofa, handling some emails on his tablet.


    Just then, he noticed a package that had fallen near the edge of the table and picked it up. The recipient was Maeve, but the sender''s name was Jeff.

 Chapter 36

    36


    Byron narrowed his eyes, casually picking up a utility knife from the table and slicing open the package. With a soft rustle, a thick stack of photos spilled out of the box, scattering across the sofa.


    The obscene imagesy clearly exposed before Byron''s eyes.


    The woman in the photos, striking provocative poses and unting herself, had Maeve''s face-but it wasn''t her.


    Byron''s turned icy as he examined the photos, his eyes sharp and prating.


    The background appeared to be t


    to be the living room of Maeve''s apartment, and the angle was suspiciously precise-something only a hidden camera, like the one previously concealed in a stuffed toy, could have captured. e the overallposition seemed coordinated, there were subtle mismatches. The face matched Maeve''s, but the body didn''t quite align with the background. The images didn''t blend seamlessly. At a quick nce, they might pass as real, but a closer look would reveal the deception.


    Moreover, whi


    These photos hadn''t reached Maeve, though. They''d been intercepted by Byron.


    He noticed a


    Ia white card tucked beneath the photos and pulled it out with his long fingers.


    [Maeve, do you do you like this little gift?]


    If these photos get out and your poor driver husband sees them, he''ll probably dump you on the spot, don''t you think?]


    [If you don''t want that to happen,e to Room 1099 at Wrestwood Hotel tonight at 8 PM. Come alone.]


    The malice in the words seeped through the paper,pletely unmasked.


    Byron''s slips curled into a cold smile that didn''t reach his eyes. He thought, ''Whoever made these poorly Photoshopped images actually thought they could ckmail Maeve?''


    With a snap, he crumpled the white card into a ball, tossed it along with the photos into a metal trash can, and carried it out to the balcony. After lighting a match, he threw it in. With a whoosh, the mes leaped up, devouring the filth, reducing it all to ash.


    With


    The flickerin The ckerin


    fire cast a cold, dark light in Byron''s eyes. He thought, ''Reckless fool.


    Maeve came out for a drink of water and saw Byron burning something on the balcony. Puzzled, she asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, if you don''t need something, you can just throw it away. Why burn it?" Byron turned slightly, the firelight deepening the contours of his face, making him look even more imposing.


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat, but when she looked again, his expression was back to normal, as if what she had seen was just her imagination.


    "It''s nothing," Byron replied, his tone t.


    "Burning things indoors is pretty dangerous..." Maeve said, noticing the fire had almost died down. "Be careful it doesn''t spread, and make sure to clean up the floor afterward." She continued to nag in her usual way.


    The coldness in Byron''s expression gradually faded. He responded with a low, "Okay."


    1/3 08.2


    Oh,


    by the way, I bought a set of ss cups online, but I identally ordered too many. Want one?" Maeve asked with a smile, holding up two cups shaped like bear heads. Byron nced at them. "No, they''re too childish."


    What''s childish about them..." Maeve muttered, feeling a bit deted. "Okay, maybe they''re childish for drinking alcohol, but they''re perfect for milk."This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Ignoring her grumbling, Byron asked, "Is your shipping address still your old apartment?"


    I went back today to pick up a bunch of packages."


    ange the address to here. And try to avoid going back there alone unless you have to."


    With that, Byron brushed past her and headed to his study.


    Maeve assumed he was just concerned about safety around Pinehurst Apartments and didn''t think much of it. She simply. took her cup and headed back to her room.


    In the study, Byron dialed Archer''s number and spoke in a low, steady voice, "What''s Jeff been up totely?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, from what I''ve gathered, Jeff has been embroiled in a fierce power struggle with Nestor, and he''s recently acquired arge amount of sedatives through some special channels. The purpose is still unknown," Archer quickly reported. Ever since Byron had deliberately supported Nestor to weaken Jeff''s position within Graves Group, Archer had been keeping a close eye on him, which allowed him to respond so promptly.


    Byron thought of the note he''d found and didn''t need to guess who those drugs were meant for. He had nothing but disdain for such underhanded tactics.


    "Very good."


    The icy tone in Byron''s voice sent a shiver down Archer''s spine. He thought, ''Whatever Jeff has done to cross Mr. Mcdaniel this time must be serious. It is terrifying.'' "Send a few people to Room 1099 at Wrestwood Hotel," Byron ordered.


    Archer hesitated. "Mr. Mcdaniel, should I send men or women?"


    Byron''s voice grew even colder. "Men. Strong ones with... unusual preferences."


    Archer was s speechless. He


    But Byron''s next words left lently offered a few seconds of sympathy for Jeff.


    Archerpletely floored.


    let Ray know to send an invitation to tomorrow night''s party to Jeff."


    And let


    For a moment, Archer was at a loss. He thought, ''Is this a case of giving a p followed by a sweet treat? But somehow, that "sweet treat" feels more like a poison apple..." Despite his confusion, Archer responded respectfully, "Yes, I''ll take care of it right away."


    After hanging up, Byron gazed out the window, his eyes dark and imprable, even deeper than the night outside.


    Considering Maeve''s affection for him, he decided to give her a little gift.


    *****


    The next afternoon, Maeve headed out to meet up with Bonnie. They spent some time shopping to kill time before heading


    directly to the party venue


    The party was held at the Half-Moon Vi, where rows of luxury cars were parked in the lot, and a red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way to the building''s doors. Waiters in tailcoats stood on either side, smiling as they guided guests inside.


    The Maeve rarely attended such high-end events. Though she felt a bit out of ce, her curiosity won out over her difort.


    waiter leading Maeve and Bonnie gave a brief introduction to the vi''s architecture and outlined the evening''s event schedule, his tone light and humorous. T


    "Maeve, the designer I know hasn''t arrived yet. Let''s grab something to eat and find a ce to sit, Bonnie suggested, pulling Maeve toward the tables loaded with food. "Just seeing so many people makes me nervous." Bonnie, the heiress of Hancock Group, couldn''t avoid social events. But because of her social anxiety, she rarely went out, so many people didn''t recognize her.


    Maeve knew Bonnie was only attending this party for her sake, and the thought warmed her heart. "Then let''s avoid the crowds and rest over there."


    "But don''t


    But you want to meet more people?" Bonnie asked, surprised. "This is a great chance towork, and it could really help your career."


    Maeve shook her head. "No need. I''m not great at that kind of thing. Besides, we''re in different circles; they might not be interested in connecting with me."


    She hade only because she felt discouraged by her resume sinking into the void, so she decided to give this a try. But she wasn''t greedy and understood her ce.


    Bonnie''s smile brightened. "That''s my Maeve-different from all those shy girls out there."


    Maeve could have used Bonnie''s connections towork, and Bonnie wouldn''t have minded since she was the one who brought her. But if she did, their friendship might not remain as sincere.


    Maeve smiled but said nothing, taking some food and heading to the lounge area with Bonnie.


    As they ate, they kept chatting and gossiping. Suddenly, they overheard some hushed conversations behind them.


    0

 Chapter 37

    "I heard the Mcdaniel family''s Great Demon King is at this party too. He''s up in the private lounge, right?"


    "Yeah, but it''s not like just anyone can get up there. I''d love to see what he actually looks like; there isn''t a single photo of him online."


    "That''s the confidence of a winner, I guess-doesn''t care about being in the spotlight. He''s in a whole different leaguepared to Neville."


    "But when the Great Demon King first returned to the Mcdaniel family, you were the one saying he was in terms of resources and skills, that he''d never catch up." way behind Neville


    all


    "Don''t act like it was just me. When we were all betting on who''d be CEO of Mcdaniel Group, didn''t you put your money on Neville too?"


    group fell silent for a moment before someone sighed. "Who could''ve predicted that Neville, groomed with the best resources from the start, would end up losing..."


    Maeve was just on the other side of a potted nt wall, and it was hard not to overhear their conversation.


    Swallowing a bite of cake, she casually asked Bonnie, "Why do they call someone Great Demon King?"


    She thought, ''Doesn''t it sound kind of... embarrassing?''


    Hearing this, Bonnie immediately perked up.


    "As you just heard, the Mcdaniel family has two sons, but the eldest was lost for many years and only found a few years ago.


    "I heard that the eldest son had a tough life before he was found. Even though he got into one of the top universities in the country, he couldn''tpare to the younger son, who was showered with resources,


    "Back then, everyone assumed the younger son would inherit the family business. They thought the eldest didn''t stand a chance.


    "But Mcdaniel Group''s chairman was fair. He set a challenge for his two sons: whoever could multiply the startup funds he gave them by ten within a year would inherit the group."


    Bonnie told the story with such ir that Maeve couldn''t help but be intrigued. "And then? Did the younger son win like everyone expected?"


    Nope. wow!


    Bonnie shook her head. "He lost in less than a year."


    "The eldest son not only multiplied the funds by ten, but when Mcdaniel Group''s supply chain hit some snags, he stepped in with strategies that solved the issues, causing thepany''s market value to skyrocket. Meanwhile, the younger son, who thought he had a huge lead, looked back only to realize he''d lost everything."


    That was why people in their circle started calling the eldest Mcdaniel son the Great Demon King.


    Neville had every advantage-top-tier resources, vast connections-yet he lost to someone who never had a day of elite education. It wasn''t that Neville wascking; his opponent was just that formidable.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Maeve was full of admiration after hearing the story. "To grow up in such tough circumstances and still turn out so exceptional, the eldest son is really impressive."


    "Impressive as he is, I''ve heard he''s difficult to get along with-cold, unpredictable, and his peers in the circle are all afraid of


    #


    3


    P.


    him." Bonnie shivered a little. "But we''re not likely to ever cross paths with him."


    Maeve nodded, then asked, "What''s his name?"


    Just as Bonnie was about to answer, someone called out to her, "Bonnie, what are you doing hiding here? Come on, need to greet the elders with me."


    "Oh, you''re here too?" Bonnie quickly stood up and apologized to Maeve, "Maeve, I have to go meet the elders. Will you be okay on your own?"


    Maeve waved her off. "I''m not a child. Go ahead, I''ll be fine."


    "Alright, see youter." With that, Bonnie hurried off.


    Maeve finished the cake on her te and got up to take a walk in the garden.


    Since she was already here, it would be a shame not to explore a bit.


    Meanwhile, i Looks like


    in the lounge, after three rounds of gambling, the young men around the table looked increasingly despondent as their bets all ended up in Ray''s pocket.


    like no one here is going to win the transfer deed to all my restaurants of George Group today. What a shame," Ray said with a grin, casually picking up the contract from the table and ncing at the bottom. "Anyone else want to keep going? If not, I guess we''re done here." Jeff sat there, his face pale as he stared at the cards in his hand. His legs, still aching from the night before, trembled even more violently.


    He had lost again. He thought, ''This hand is even worse than thest; I have gambled away all the property Father has given me. If Father finds out...''


    "Wait, Mr. George. I''ll keep ying!" Jeff shouted, his eyes gleaming with desperation as he raised his voice to get Ray''s attention.


    Ray toyed with the deck of cards in his hand, smiling. "Mr. Graves, from what I''ve seen, you''re out of things to bet. What do you n to use for this round?


    "This contract is worth over 20 million dors, but if you don''t have the means to win it from me, it''s better not to push your luck."


    His casual tone only fueled Jeff''s anger. Without thinking, he blurted out, "I''ll bet everything I just won, plus my shares in Graves Group! That should be enough, right?"


    He thought, ''This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I can win that contract from Ray, not only will Father start taking me seriously, but the board of directors will also back me. There is no way Nestor will be able to take thepany inheritance from me! I have to go all in on this hand-and I have to win. Ray look


    looked at Jeff''s greed-twisted face with a knowing smile. "Sure."


    Half an hourter, the game


    Mall all


    ended.


    Jeff slumped back into his seat, drenched in cold sweat, clutching his head as he muttered over and over, "Impossible... Impossible..."


    He thought, ''How could Hose? I was so close to winning!''


    But now, not only had he lost everything he''d won earlier, but he had also gambled away his shares in Graves Group.


    He hadpletely lost his standing in the fight against Nestor. He had nothing left. He thought, ''Father will never hand over Wed, Oct 16


    a 4, 71%#


    thepany to a son who has lost his shares..."


    0


    "Mr. George, Mr. George!" Jeff suddenly scrambled to his feet and begged Ray, pleading desperately, "Take anything else, just please... can I get back the Graves Group shares?" "Mr. Graves, are you trying to go back on your word?" Ray raised an eyebrow.


    Jeff was about to respond when the other young men, who had been watching, couldn''t hold back any longer.


    "What''s this? Can''t handle the game and now can''t handle the loss


    Seither?"


    "Mr. George warned you not to push it, but you got greedy. Now you''re paying the price. Who''s to me?"


    "We usually stop after three rounds, but you insisted on a fourth. Now you regret it? That''s just pathetic."


    The room buzzed with mocking remarks, and Jeff''s face burned with shame.


    He wanted to snap back, but since it wasn''t their shares they had lost, it was easy for them to sit back and criticize.


    But the families of the men in this room were all more powerful than his own. If he dared to insult them, the Graves family''s business would be in serious trouble.


    "Mr. George..."


    .." Jeff swallowed his pride, forcing himself to beg. "Please, show some mercy."


    Ray crouched down, his smile unwavering. "Why didn''t you think of that before you crossed the wrong person?


    "I''ll be keeping your shares. If you want them back, I could be generous and sell them to you-at ten times the price.


    "Think it over and get in touch."

 Chapter 38

    Jeff thought, "Ten times the purchase price... Not even Father cane up with that kind of money!"


    Jeff quickly realized Ray was deliberately making things difficult for him. As he recalled Ray''s earlier words, his face went pale.


    Ray


    When have


    I ever offended Ray? I can''t remember anything at all!''


    He thought, walked out of the lounge, carrying his winnings, and headed to the meeting room at the end of the hall. He pushed the door open and stepped inside. Byron sitting on the ck sofa turned his head slightly, holding a ss of red wine in his left hand, the corner of his eyes lifted in a casual gaze. "All taken care of?"


    "A piece of cake," Ray replied with a grin, cing a phone on the table before pouring himself another ss of wine. "That fool actually had a bit of luck tonight. If he''d quit while he was ahead, he could''ve walked away with a nice profit. But he got greedy. "But something felt off. Sure, the transfer deed for all my restaurants of George Group is tempting, but it''s not worth riskingpany shares over. Did you have a hand in this?"


    Ray thought, "The gambling session tonight, orchestrated by Byron, didn''t feel like a coincidence.


    "Just gave him a little nudge," Byron replied calmly.


    Ray raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. "What did Jeff do to get on your bad side? Care to share?" t be too curious."


    Don''t


    Ray rubbed his chin, trying to read between the lines of Byron''s words. Then he suddenly asked, "You didn''t go after Jeff because of a woman, did you?"


    He thought, ''After all, with the Graves family''s minor status, it doesn''t seem like something that will catch Byron''s attention otherwise.


    Byron


    paused for a moment, then coolly dismissed the idea. "You''re overthinking it."


    "Really? I ? I don''t buy it," Ray said, his curiosity piqued, his expression full of eager gossip.


    Byron i ignored him, set down his wine ss, and walked over to pick up the phone on the table.


    The double-password lock that Jeff had set was practically useless in Byron''s hands.


    As soon as he opened the photo album, he found exactly what he expected: secretly recorded surveince footage of Maeve.


    With an indifferent expression, Byron deleted all the videos. Then, with a flick of his long fingers, the phone dropped into the fish tank on the table with a ssh. "What was


    s on it?" Ray asked, crossing his arms. "You didn''t have me win his phone just to toss it in the tank, did you?"


    "Nothing important," Byron said dismissively. He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down. "It''s lively


    down there."


    Ray


    raised an eyebrow. "And what''s that got to do with anything?


    "You should go down and join the fun."


    ))


    38


    Chap left speechless, thinking, ''So this is how it feels to be used and discarded!Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Ray


    Ray was


    Meanwhile, outside in the garden, Maeve had wandered around for a while and was about to head back inside.


    The


    ce was beautiful, exuding elegance and luxury, but there was also a certain superficiality that made her feel o ce. She wondered if Bonnie was done with her greetings because she was starting to feel like heading home.


    Lost in thought for a moment, Maeve was about to rise from the bench when she suddenly felt her dress get heavier. Looking down, she realized that part of her skirt had gotten caught in the flower bushes.


    She tried to pull it free, thinking it woulde loose easily, but then she heard a voice. "Who''s there?" she called out.


    f


    She froze for a moment. Across from her, a man in a silver-gray tailcoat slowly stood up, holding the corner of her skirt in his hand.


    Maeve pointed at his hand. "Excuse me, sir, could you please let go of my dress?"


    Alex nced at her dress, a look of admiration shing in his eyes.


    The dress was pure white, with a ssic bodice and a skirt that draped gracefully like flower petals down to her ankles. Delicate roses adorned the neckline, cuffs, and hem, adding the perfect touch of elegance and refinement. It was the first time Alex had seen such a design-subtle yet striking. He couldn''t help but take a longer look.


    ""Sir?" Maeve e asked, noticing he seemed I momentarily lost. "Are you alright?"


    Alex quickly snapped out of it and released her dress.


    "Sorry, I thought it was just a piece of fabric lying here. The rose crewelwork is so beautiful that I couldn''t help but pick it up to take a closer look."


    He hadn''t realized it was part of her dress.


    Alex cleared his throat, and when he


    Maeve adjusted her skirt and looked got a good look at Maeve, he was surprised. "It''s you?"


    up, puzzled. "You know me?"


    "Last time at Cloud Club, you ran into me while you were crying. I offered you a handkerchief, but you didn''t take it and just ran off," Alex said with a warm smile. "You probably don''t remember."


    She had appeared and disappeared so o quickly that night, but the image of her tear-filled yet determined eyes had sparked a long-lost inspiration within him. He remembered her clearly.


    When he mentioned it, Maeve finally recalled. "Oh, that was you! I remember now. Thank you for that


    At the time, she wasn''t in a good state and had hurried off without acknowledging his kindness.


    "It was nothing." Alex shook his head, then asked, "Forgive me for asking, but where did you get this dress?"


    Maeve shook her head. "I made it myself."


    Alex''s eyes


    lit


    up


    even more. "You made it yourself? And the rose crewelwork..."


    "I did that too," Maeve replied.


    She had once worked part-time as a maid for an crewelwork master.


    D


    The master was an elderly woman whose only son had refused to learn crewelwork and had left home over a decade ago.


    With no one to carry on her craft, the old woman, perhaps unwilling to see her legacy fade away, had taught Maeve many things when she showed interest.


    Alex''s excitement grew. "So, you''re a designer?"


    "I used to be," Maeve said modestly. "But I haven''t found a job yet"


    "A designer with


    such a


    a natural blend of styles and impressive crewelwork skills struggling to find work?" Alex thought she must be joking, then asked seriously, "Would you be interested in working at mypany?" Maeve was surprised. "Yourpany?" Have you heard of it?"


    Maeve''s eyes lit up. "Of


    Eternal Hope. Have


    course! W


    What designer hasn''t heard of Eternal Hope? Are you the founder?"


    Eternal Hope was the most famous domestic designer brand, with ssical designs and wedding gowns as the main stay, which were favored by girls of different ages. Hope gave Maeve an offer, but she missed it.


    once


    is my mother," Alex said with a smile. "But it''s good you know the and bring your resume and portfolio."


    Mctually, the founder is


    Although he was certain he would hire Maeve, formalities still needed to be followed.


    na. Come to this address next


    Maeve took the business card he handed her, barely able to contain her excitement. "Thank you. I''ll definitely be there." "I''m looking forward to seeing your work," Alex said with a gentle smile.


    window.


    This scene was observed by Byron, who was standing by the floor-to-ceiling


    He saw Maeve in the garden, chatting happily with a stranger and epting something, likely a business card, from him. Even from a distance, her bright smile was almost blinding.


    He thought, ''She always acts like she can''t live without me, yet here she is, smiling like that with another man.''


    Byron''s dark eyes narrowed, and the temperature around him seemed to drop.


    He picked up the phone from the table and left the room.

 Chapter 39

    After setting up a time with Alex, Maeve returned to the party hall to find Bonnie.


    "Maeve!" Bonnie spotted her just in time and grabbed her arm. "Where did you disappear to? I''ve been looking all ov for you."


    "I was just taking a walk in the garden. Why? What''s up?" Maeve asked.


    "The designer I arranged to meet just told me he might not be able to make it after all..." Bonnie said apologetically. "I''m really sorry. I didn''t expect him to ke out like this." Maeve shook her head with a smile. "Actually, I was just about to tell you-l ran into the boss of Eternal Hope in the garden, and he invited me for an interview next Monday." "Seriously? You''re not just saying that to make me feel better?"


    "It''s true,"


    Maeve said earnestly. "And it''s all thanks to you, Bonnie. If you hadn''t brought me here, I wouldn''t have gotten such a great opportunity."


    The unreliable designer was no longer an issue, and Maeve didn''t have to worry about wasting Bonnie''s effort.


    Bonnie instantly brightened. "Well, when you get the job, you owe me a big meal."


    "Of course. Only the best for our Lady Bonnie,"


    "Oh, stop it."


    Just then, Maeve''s phone rang.


    Seeing that it was Byron calling, she was a bit surprised and stepped aside to answer. "Mr. Mcdaniel, is something wrong?"


    "Where are you?" His tone was sharper than usual.


    Mare


    blinked. "Didn''t I tell you? I''m at a party at Half-Moon Vi with a friend. I''ll be home a bitter..."


    "I forgot to mention, my house has a curfew." Byron''s voice was cold. "You need to be back by ten."


    "A curfew?" Maeve couldn''t believe what she was hearing. "What century are we living in? Why would you still have a rule like that?" "It''s my grandfather''s rule."


    Maeve


    was left speechless.


    Gilbert did


    did grow up in a time when curfews weremon, so it wasn''t entirely surprising


    "But I came here with my friend, and she can''t leave yet. There aren''t any taxis around here either..."


    Byron cut her off sternly. "I''m in the area anyway. I''ll pick you up. Wait for me at the entrance."


    And with that, he hung up.


    And


    Maeve was left puzzled, thinking, ''Half-Moon Vi is on a mountainside. How could he be "in the area" in such a remote ce?''


    )))


    look!" Bonnie suddenly tugged at her sleeve. "Isn''t that your ex? Why is he being carried down the stairs?"


    "Maeve, look


    ''Ex?'' Maeve took a second to process, then turned to look.


    At the corner near the staircase, two of the George family''s bodyguards were carrying a stretcher with Jeff on it. His forehead was bleeding, and his face was battered and bruised. A crowd had gathered to watch as the bodyguards deliberately slowed their pace, dragging the scene out for everyone to see. It was a public humiliation. Maeve had never seen Jeff in such a pitiful state.


    He had always been arrogant and self-in self-important, as if his wealth meant everyone should bow to him. Now, he was lying on a stretcher, exposed to everyone''s ridicule. Bonnie leaned in and I whispered to I to Maeve, "I heard he kept pestering Mr. George to y cards, and when he lost, he refused to pay up and even started cursing. "Even someone as patient as Mr. George wouldn''t let that slide, so he taught him a lesson. Serves him right." Knowing that Jeff had bullied Maeve in the past, she didn''t hold back in her criticism. "Really?" Maeve watched the Maeve watched the scene, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders.


    The fear and anxiety Jeff had caused her started to fade.


    She thought, So, he


    he can''t just rely on his family background to act like a tyrant and do whatever he wants. There are plenty of people in this world with more power and influence than him.''


    Feeling lighter, Maeve didn''t spare Jeff another nce. She quickly told Bonnie she had to go, then hurried toward the party hall entrance. She had almost forgotten that Byron wasing to pick her up.


    When Maeve reached the entrance, she spotted the ck Maybach parked by the roadside, standing out even among the surrounding luxury cars.


    She couldn''t help but wonder how Byron could drive his boss''s car so openly all the time without facing any consequences "Why are you so slow?" Byron rested his elbow on the car window, casting an impatient nce at her. "Get in." "Okay." I Maeve quickly got into the passenger seat and began exining her dy. "I just saw Jeff inside." Byron raised t the window. "Oh?"


    Maeve recounted what had happened, then remarked with a sigh, "Mr. George really did everyone a favor by dealing with Jeff."


    She thought, ''People like Jeff can really use a good beating every now and then.


    Byron paused, then looked at her with an unreadable expression "You think he''s a good guy?"


    If Ray heard this, he might just pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate finding someone this clueless.


    Maeve nodded eagerly. "I always thought rich heirs were all arrogant and unreasonable like Jeff, but it''s nice to know there are decent ones out there.


    "Even though he didn''t do it for me, seeing Jeff get what he deserved felt really satisfying."


    In her good mood, Maeve kept praising Ray,pletely oblivious to the growing chill in the car.  =))


    9


    As she continued to chatter on, Byron suddenly unfastened his seatbelt and leaned toward her.


    Maeve''s words died in her throat, her eyes widening as his handsome face came dangerously close. "Mr. Mcdaniel, what are you doing?"


    He was so close that she could see the exposed line of his corbone beneath his shirt.


    The faint scent of cedarwood surrounded her, filling her senses with every breath.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    Byron, his expression still cool, didn''t answer her question. Instead, he pulled the seatbelt over and buckled it for her.


    in a car without a seatbelt-do you want me to get pulled over by the police?"


    Riding in were


    actions were far from gentle; Maeve even wondered for a moment if he was trying to strangle her.


    After securing her seatbelt, Byron straightened up, buckled his own, and drove off as if nothing had happened.


    Maeve''s fingers tightened around the seatbelt, her thoughts swirling.


    She thought, ''Are there even police on this mountain road? I haven''t noticed any...


    Byron nced at her out of the corner of his eye, satisfied to see that she had finally fallen silent.


    The ck Maybach cruised smoothly along the winding mountain road.


    Maeve began to feel drowsy, but she had barely drifted off when a violent jolt of the car startled her awake.


    She quickly grabbed the seat and turned to ask, "Mr. Mcdaniel, isn''t the car going a bit too fast?"


    He had just taken a turn without slowing down at all, almost hurtling through it on momentum alone.


    "The brakes have failed; I can''t slow down," Byron said, his jaw tightening, his voice cold. "There are two more sharp turns before we reach the bottom of the mountain." Neville''s reach was growing longer and more ruthless. It seemed he hadpletely run out of patience and was now willing to go to any lengths to take Byron''s life. Only with Byron out of the way could Mcdaniel Group change hands.


    By showing mercy in the past, Byron had unwittingly nurtured Neville''s ambition.


    Byron smirked bitterly.


    As she heard that the brakes had failed, Maeve''s drowsiness vanished. "Can we call for help? Or is there some way to stop the car quickly?"


    "There''s no safe ce to stop on this road. One wrong move, and we could crash through the guardrail and go off the cliff," Byron replied, his expression indifferent. "We''ll have to make it to the bottom first and figure it out from there." But there was also the possibility that they might not make it past one of those sharp turns-a possibility that wasn''t exactly slim Even if they managed to get down safely, without speed bumps on the road, the brake failure would still be a serious threat.


    wed,

 Chapter 40

    Maeve''s heart was racing, but she quickly pulled out her phone. Let me see if there''s anything nearby that could help us stop the car." The speed at which she regained herposure caught Byron''s attention.


    He had assumed she was easily frightened-like when she was nearly in tears after being followed.


    But t now, in a life-and-death situation, she was remarkably calm. That was just what he needed; she wouldn''t get in the way.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, what about that forest at the base of the mountain?" Maeve zoomed in on the map and showed him the


    screen.


    Byron took a quick nce. "Got it. Sit tight."


    The second-tost sharp turn was just a hundred yards ahead.


    "Hold on." Byron''s voice remained steady, so calm it betrayed no hint of panic. "Grip the seat."


    Maeve did as he she said, squeezing her eyes shut.


    Mae


    The next second, the car whipped around the turn with such force that it felt like she might be thrown out by the sheer inertia. It was a stark reminder of how dangerous it was to take a turn without using the brakes. After they cleared the turn, Maeve didn''t dare rx-one more stilly ahead.


    By the time they reached the straight stretch of road, Maeve was so drained she slumped back in her seat, her voice hoarse. "Mr. Mcdaniel, thank goodness you''re such a skilled driver."


    If it weren''t for his control, they might not have made it through the night.


    Byron was left speechless.


    "How far to the forest?"


    Maeve quickly checked her phone. "Turn left at the next junction. It''s five hundred yards from there."


    "Alright." "Byron''s


    hesitated,


    Maeve "It doesn''t


    Adam''s apple bobbed slightly as he suddenly asked, "Are you scared?"


    then answered honestly, "Yes."


    "You don''t look scared either, Mr. Mcdaniel," Maeve replied, trying to sound light-hearted. "Maybe I''ve picked up on your confidence-I feel like we''ll be okay." Byron let out a low chuckle, his eyes still fixed on the road ahead.


    She was clearly still afraid, but she was more concerned about affecting his focus as the "driver," so she didn''t say it outright.


    Suddenly, Maeve''s expression turned serious. "Mr. Mcdaniel, we''re almost at the forest."


    This was their only chancell


    get out of of this safely. They had to make it work.


    "Maeve, do you trust me?" Byron asked suddenly.


    Macve wasn''t sure why he was asking that now, but she nodded. Of course, I trust you."


    "Then unbuckle your seatbelt, close your eyes, and no matter what happens, don''t open them."


    She didn''t hesitate and followed his instructions.


    As the Maybach hurtled toward the trees, Maeve squeezed her eyes shut.


    Amidst her fear, she felt Byron''s arm reach across and pull her into the driver''s seat, holding her securely against him. She was small enough to fit snugly in his embrace,pletely shielded by his body.


    Before Maeve could process what was happening, a thunderous crash echoed in her ears.


    The


    car shook


    ook violently, followed by a gut-wrenching sensation as it spun out of control, leaving her dizzy and nauseous.


    Just before she lost consciousness, she saw the passenger window shatter, and a thick tree branch smashed through, gouging deep scratches into the seat.


    If she had been sitting there, it likely would have severed her neck.


    But instead, she felt enveloped in a warm embrace, someone holding her tightly.


    It felt like an eternity passed.


    When Maeve woke


    Byron,


    ""Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    Mr.


    up,? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    she was in a VIP room at the First Hospital, jolted out of a nightmare. Her first instinct was to look for


    "Don''t move; you''re still receiving an IV." A nurse gently pressed down on her hand. "Mr. Mcdaniel is in another room. His condition is more serious, so he needs to be monitored overnight."


    Maeve didn''t dare move, her eyes filled with worry. "What... what happened to him?"


    "He has a mild concussion, a fractured right hand, and his left knee was dislocated from being crushed by the wreckage. He''s still unconscious.


    "You were luckier-just a sprained shoulder, nothing more serious. The police mentioned that when they rescued you, Byron had you tightly shielded in his arms. It took them quite a while to separate you two." With every word the nurse said, Maeve''s heart tightened further, her face growing paler.


    She thought, ''So what I had felt before losing consciousness wasn''t just my imagination. Byron had truly protected me with his own body.''


    She had been confused when he told her to unbuckle her seatbelt. She had thought, ''Why do that when the passenger seat has an airbag?'' It wasn''t until the car window shattered that she realized he had anticipated the danger. Maeve''s strembled as she softly pleaded with the nurse, "Can I see him?"


    "You''ve been unconscious for a full day and night, and your body hasn''t fully recovered. It''s best not to get out of bed just yet," the nurse advised.


    "I''ll be fine. Just one quick look, please."


    The nurse hesitated before conceding. "Alright, but you can only look through the ss. You can''t go inside."


    Maeve''s eyes brightened. "Thank you."


    After her IV was finished, Maeve, despite the sharp pain in her shoulder, followed the nurse to the hallway outside Byron''s


    room. 71% +5


    Through the ss, she could see him lying on the bed, his face pale, eyes closed, the lines of his face even more severe in his unconscious state.


    She couldn''t see the rest of his injuries under the nket, but the scratches on his face and the bandage on his forehead were all too visible. Maeve remembered those strong hands that had wrapped around her waist-now encased in thick ster.


    Her eyes reddened as she stood there, staring at the unconscious Byron, unable to look away.


    She thought, ''What exactly does Mr. Mcdaniel think of me?"


    When the time was up, the nurse gently urged Maeve to return to her room.


    "Have Mr. Mcdaniel''s familye to see him?" Maeve asked, her face still pale as she settled back onto her bed.


    The nurse responded vaguely, "An older gentleman and a few friends have been by."


    "What about his parents?"


    "I didn''t


    t see them."


    Maeve thought, ''So it seems Mr. Mcdaniel''s rtionship with his parents really isn''t good. And his grandfather is getting on in years...''


    Maeve bit


    bit her lip in concern, thanked the nurse, andy back down.


    She needed to


    ded to recover from her shoulder injury quickly-otherwise, no one would take care of Byron.


    Maeve had never stayed in a VIP room before and didn''t realize that these rooms came with dedicated nurses and doctors providing round-the-clock care. Worried, she ied, she eventually fell asleep.


    In the neighboring room, Gilbert sat on a sofa facing the bed, watching the unconscious Byron, his expression unreadable. "Sir, you''ve been here all day. If you keep this up, it''s going to affect your health," Henry reminded him softly. "There are doctors and nurses here to take care of t of the young master. He''ll be fine, so please get some rest." Gilbert closed his eyes briefly. "With Byron hurt like this, how can I rest?"


    He oftenined about Byron being cold and distant, but blood was thicker than water-he certainly was heartbroken. Henry didn''t know what else to say.


    "His parents haven''t started their journey back yet?" Gilbert wiped the corner of his eye and asked.


    Henry replied quietly, "Mr. Mcdaniel said he''s too tied up with work to leave, and Mrs. Mcdaniel was busy shopping and didn''t even let me finish exining..."


    "Their son nearly died, and they still have the nerve to work and shop?" Gilbert''s face darkened with anger. "When Neville got so much as a scratch, they''d be worried sick for days!"

 Chapter 41

    Henry quickly patted him on the back. "Please don''t get so worked up. Your healthes first."


    Gilbert took a few deep breaths to steady himself, then asked, "What''s Neville been up totely?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel is still recuperating at the sanatorium in the mountains. It seems he''s had another re-up recently."


    Have


    someone look into his ounts. See if there''s been any unusual activity," Gilbert instructed. Then he added, "Whether you find anything or not, make sure he''s kept under strict watch, with no outside contact." "Understood. I''ll take care of it right away." Gilbert nodded slightly and fell silent, absently rubbing his cane.


    Henrytely caught on. "Under


    He thought, Only Byron is t is fit to lead the Mcdaniel Group.


    If Neville refuses to ept his ce and tries to stir up trouble, he''d be better off staying in the mountains and focusing on his recovery. Otherwise, with the connections he''s built within the Mcdaniel Group, who knows what kind of chaos he might cause. ver


    ''Maybe...


    should d have stood tood by


    and let Neville be the family''s second young master in name!


    Late at


    at night, while the nurse was away, Maeve quietly slipped into the room next door and took a seat by the bed. Byron still showed no signs of waking up.


    All day, the scene of the ident and the tense veins on his hand kept reying in her mind.


    The more she dwelled on it, the more restless she became, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.


    t now, seeing him in front of her, the anxiety and unease in her heart finally began to settle.


    "Please wake up soon," Maeve murmured softly, gently holding his uninjured left hand. "You don''t want your grandpa to keep worrying about you, do you?"


    The room was silent. Thin wisps of mist drifted from the humidifier, and the faint beeps of the heart monitor were the only sounds that broke the stillness.


    "I''m worried too," she whispered, so softly it was almost lost in the air.


    Maeve stayed until just before the nurse returned, then quietly left the room.


    As the door clicked shut, Byron, lying in bed, slowly opened his eyes.


    The next morning, when Maeve heard that Byron had woken up, she didn''t even finish her breakfast before rushing next door.


    Voices drifted from inside.


    "I heard that when they pulled you out of the car, you were clutching a girl tightly. I asked around-it''s the same girl we saw at Starlight Pub," Ray said.


    Ray was lounging backward in a chair, leaning his arms on the backrest, and giving Byron a yful look. "What''s the deal with two? You actually risked your life to save her?"


    you


    The Byron he knew wasn''t the type to y the hero. Ray couldn''t picture him shielding a woman with his own body.


    It was a shame there weren''t any photos-he would''ve loved to keep one as a souvenir.


    Byron shot him a frosty look. "Will you die if you don''t gossip for a day?"


    "If I can''t gossip this time, I really might," Ray exaggerated dramatically.


    "Don''t let the door hit you on the way out."


    Ray was momentarily speechless, then couldn''t help but grumble. "How did I end up with a friend like you? It''s not like dating is some big secret, yet you''re keeping it from us. Remember when I openly shared Jarrett''s secret about wetting the bed when he was nine?" through a magazine nearby, rolled his eyes. "You looking to die? You''re still bringing up something from that long ago?" "What''s the big Byron''s lips twitched. "When When are you two leaving?"


    Jarrett, flipp deal? If we''re friends, we should be able to roast each other."


    "In such a a rush to kick us out?" Ray rubbed his chin. "You''re hiding her from us, aren''t you? Afraid she''ll fall for me the moment she sees this handsome face?"


    Byron paused slightly, recalling Maeve''s earlierpliments about Ray.


    "This has nothing to do with you," he replied coldly. "Keep your distance from her."


    Ray grinned. "No can do. I''m nning on having a nice chat with your future wife."


    For once, Jarrett Jarrett chimed med in with agreement. "Yeah, we should at least say hi. I''m curious too-what kind of girl could make you risk your life for her?"


    "We''re not what you think," Byron cut them off c****ly. "I only saved her because my grandpa likes her. It was convenient. Even if it had been Karen in the car, I would''ve done the same. That''s all it was." brief silence to the room.


    His firm and matter-of-fact tone brought a slightly, a subtle wave of disappointment rising in her chestn


    Outside the door, Maeve''s eyes dimmed I


    She wasn''t unaware that given Byron''s personality, he likely saved her because of Gilbert. But hearing it straight from his mouth still stung a little... Snapping out of it, Maeve quickly pushed those thoughts aside.


    saved her life-she had no right to dwell on his reasons for doing so. She should just be grateful. Anything beyond that wasn''t for her to think about.


    ????.


    herself, Maeve knocked on the door. "Mr. Mcdaniel, may Ie in?"


    Hearing her voice, Byron''s expression tightened. He thought, ''Why does she have to show up right now?"


    "Byron, looks like you don''t have a choice now," Ray said with a smug grin.


    Last time at the bar, Maeve had gotten drunk, and before they could even catch a glimpse of her, Byron whisked her away. This time, they wouldn''t be missing out.


    "Come in," Byron replied c**lly. When he saw Maeve enter, looking pale in her hospital gown, his brows furrowed. "Why aren''t you resting in your room? What are you wandering around for?"


    Maeve was stunned by his sharp tone. "I-I''m not as badly injured as you are, and it doesn''t hurt much anymore. The doctor


    .


    said it''s okay for me to move around a bit..."


    "Byron, don''t be so harsh. You''re scaring the poor girl," Ray said with a chuckle. Turning to Maeve, he added warmly, "Don''t mind him. That''s just how he is-when he''s worried, it sounds like he''s barking orders." Maeve shook her head, then suddenly remembered something and looked at Ray. "Are you... Dr. George?" She had once seen him for a consultation.


    RayThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    smiled. "That''s me. Good


    memory."


    He also remembered Macve, mostly because she was the girl who made the usually strict Byron bend his own rules more than once. George and Mr. Mcdaniel know each other?" Maeve asked, turning her gaze to Byron.


    "So Dr.


    Byron, his expression indiffe indifferent, introduced them briefly, "Ray and Jarrett. We''re college friends."


    Nice


    to o meet you," Maeve nodded politely. "I''m Maeve, and I''m Mr. Mcdaniel''s..."


    Before she could figure out how to finish, Byron cut her off tly, "Maid."


    He wasn''t one to waste time on unnecessary exnations. Better to keep things simple now than have to clearter if they ended up divorcing. Maeve''s fingers trembled slightly, a trace of disappointment rising in her heart.


    up confusion


    She


    thought,


    ''So, to him, I am just a maid. Well, considering I am living in his house and, aside from that piece of paper, there isn''t much difference between me and a maid...''


    Ray and Jarrett exchanged knowing nces, their eyebrows shooting up. They thought, ''Maid? We aren''t buying it."


    "If she''s the maid, that''s perfect," Ray said, smirking. "With your hand injured and your movements limited, you definitely need someone close by to take care of you, don''t you?"


    Jarrett joined in, clearly enjoying the situation. "Meals, meds, helping you wash up-it''s all up to Miss Maid now."


    "Oh please, Byron hates people touching him. Like he''d ever agree to a little maid doing any of that," Ray added,ughing.


    Catching the teasing in their tone, Byron''s expression tightened with difort. His voice cold, he snapped, "Did your businesses go under? How much longer are you nning to hang around here?" The way they were talking made it sound like there was something going on between him and Maeve. For some reason, that thought irritated him more than it should.

 Chapter 42

    42


    Noticing that Byron was truly annoyed, R


    wisely changed the subject.


    3


    "Alright, we''ll get out of your hair. Just call us if you need anything," he said.


    With that, the two of them got up, left the room, and closed the door behind them.


    Even though they were gone, their words still lingered like an echo.


    Maeve couldn''t stop thinking about what Ray and Jarrett had said. ''Helping with medicine and meals is manageable, but assisting with bathing..." Just the thought of it made her ears burn. She instinctively nced at Byron, only to find him staring back with those deep, unreadable eyes. "What''s going through your mind?" His voice was unusually cold


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, don''t her to take care of him herself, but her eagerness to delegate the task left him oddly irritated.


    I''ll arrange for a male caregiver to help you," Maeve said quickly. "It doesn''t matter if it''s costly- you got hurt saving me, after all..."


    Byron hadn''t expected her to


    His gaze darkened slightly. "So after I saved you, you''re just going to hand me off to a stranger?"


    "No, that''s not what I meant. I just="


    for you


    to take care of


    of the person who saved your life?" His tone grew sharper.


    "Is it t too much to ask for


    "No. I don''t feel that way at all," Maeve hurried to exin. "I''m happy to do whatever you need, but... I''m worried it might make you ufortable." A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Byron''s mouth, but it vanished before she could notice.


    "Compared to a stranger, I suppose I can tolerate you."


    Maeve was momentarily taken aback. Her heart clenched as if struck by a small hammer, leaving behind a bittersweet ache. thought, ''So in his eyes, being a housekeeper is at least better than being aplete outsider?''


    She


    After


    aside the strange feeling, Maeve gave him a soft smile. "If you''re okay with it, then I have no problem either."


    pushing he got hurt because of her-it was only right that she took care of him.


    Just then, a nurse knocked on the door. "Ms. Reese, your breakfast is getting cold, and you need to take your medicine soon." "Alright, I''ll be there in a moment," Maeve answered, then turned to Byron. "I''ll check back in on youter." "Okay," Byron nodded coolly.


    Maeve stepped out, closing the door behind her. She was just about to head back to her own room when a voice called out from behind her.


    "Excuse me."


    She turned around and saw a woman standing there, dressed in a sharp sapphire-blue office suit, her brown wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. She exuded a warm yet professional air.


    "You are?" Maeve asked, puzzled.


    071% 71%


    "Nice to meet you. I''m Karen." Karen smiled and extended a hand. "I heard Byron was hospitalized, so I came to visit him.


    Maeve hesitated and didn''t take her hand. "You can just go in directly. Why tell me?"


    "Well, Ray mentioned you''re Byron''s housekeeper, so I thought I''d ask you to pass along this gift for him," Karen said with a slight blush. "Byron and I... had a bit of a disagreement recently, and we''re still not on speaking terms. He probably doesn''t want to see me right now."


    Her tone carried a hint of intimacy, and coupled with her shy expression, it was easy to imagine what kind of rtionship she had with Byron. After all, not every rtionship involved a cold war."


    Maeve thought for a moment and then asked, "Can I ask what your rtionship is with Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    Karen hesitated briefly before answering, "We''re... just childhood friends for now."


    Maeve thought, ''Which means they were something more before.


    Maeve''s chest tightened, a wave of unease washing over her.


    Mae


    She suddenly understood why Byron had introduced her as a housekeeper in front of his friends-probably to keep it hidden from Karen. Maeve felt a sudden wave of difort.


    o me out?" Karen looked at Maeve with a hopeful expression. "In the future, I''ll make sure Byron gives you a promotion and a raise."


    "Could you help me out?" Kar


    "Sorry, but we''re not exactly close, and it''s more meaningful to deliver a gift in person to show sincerity." She shook her head, turning down the request. "I can''t help you with this. Goodbye." With that, Maeve headed I With to her own room.


    Karen


    watched


    ded back to her


    I her leave, her expression darkening momentarily before she quickly reced it with a smile and walked into Byron''s room. She thought, ''A mere housekeeper is no threat to me.'' "Byron, how are are you feeling?" ''Karen ced the gift on the table and looked at Byron resting in bed, her eyes filled with concern. "The moment I heard you''d woken up, I rushed over to see you." fine," Byron replied, his tone indifferent. "Who told you about this?"


    "I''m


    Karen


    hesitated slightly. "I overheard it when Archer was on the phone. Don''t worry, no one else knows."


    Byron didn''t seem particrly concerned.


    Neville was currently under watch at the sanatorium and couldn''t stir up any trouble for now.


    What caught him off guard was that it was Gilbert who had ordered the lockdown. It was a clear choice between his biological grandson and his adopted one.


    A brief warmth flickered in Byron''s usually cold eyes, something that didn''t go unnoticed by Karen, who felt her heart skip a


    beat.


    "Byron, I heard your parents are stuck overseas with work and couldn''te back right away. Your mom asked me to let you know that they''re both really worried about you," she said. The warmth in Byron''s eyes instantly disappeared.


    08.


    08.


    wed,


    Karen continued, "When your mom found out you were in aa, she cried all night. Her eyes were swollen from crying. She really does care about you and wants to mend things..." Byron''s expression turned frosty. "Are you done? If there''s nothing else, I need to rest."


    Karen swallowed the rest of her words, feeling a bit helpless. "Alright, if you don''t want to hear it, I won''t push it."


    She couldn''t help but wonder, ''When will his rtionship with his mother finally improve? Seems that it has to be a slow and gradual process."


    Sensing that the conversation was headed nowhere good, Karen decided it was best to leave before she wore out her wee. She picked up her bag and stood to leave.


    "Oh, I almost forgot something," she suddenly said.


    "What is


    "When I got h I here,


    your little housekeeper cornered me, asking all sorts of questions about my rtionship with you. She seemed really defensive... Anyone watching might''ve thought she was your wife, not a housekeeper." Byron''s gaze deepened. "Is that so?" "Yep. Just a friendly reminder-be careful not to treat the help too well. It''s easy for people to forget their ce and start having ideas they shouldn''t."


    She said it casually, as if in passing, before walking out of the room.


    Byron f


    rowned,


    considering the possibility behind Karen''s words.


    Given Maeve''s current behavior, maybe she really was starting to see herself as more than just a housekeeper.


    He thought that perhaps it was time to remind her of the boundaries before the inevitable divorce made things moreplicated.


    Around lunchtime, after finishing her meal, Maeve headed straight to Byron''s room, only to find that he was already eating. "Mr. Mcdaniel, do you need any help?" she asked, noticing how awkwardly he was using his left hand. Byron''s tone was even colder than it had been that morning. "No."This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Maeve didn''t take it to heart. She grabbed an apple from the fruit tray. "Would you like some appleter? I''m pretty good at peeling them."


    "Not interested."


    "Fine, I''ll just eat it myself then." Maeve started peeling the apple skillfully.


    Byron was left speechless, thinking, ''She clearly just wants to eat it herself, yet she has to make a big show of asking if I want any. Such a fake gesture.''

 Chapter 43

    43


    After peeling the apple, Maeve didn''t bother asking this time-she just took a big bite.


    She had rushed through lunch earlier, worried about getting here quickly, so she hadn''t eaten enough.


    After finishing the apple, she grabbed a banana, peeled it, and ate that too. Once that was done, her hand reached for the grapes. Byron couldn''t take it anymore. He red at her, clearly annoyed. "Maeve, are you here to take care of me or to raid the fruit basket?" Holding a grape, Maeve blinked innocently. "You said you didn''t need my help, so what''s wrong with me eating some fruit?"


    Suddenly remembering something, she put the grapes back and asked in a small voice, "These fruits in the hospital room aren''t extra, are they? Do we have to pay for them?" Byron had been ready to give her a piece of his mind, but when he saw her genuinely worried about being charged for eating the fruit, the words got stuck in his throat. He found it almost funny. "Weren''t you the one who said when we got married that you''d earn enough to support me? And now you''re worried about a few pieces of fruit?" "It''s not that... I''m just trying to save where I can," Maeve mumbled. "The nurse told me yesterday that these VIP rooms we''re staying in cost several hundred dors a day."


    "So?"


    fine and can be discharged tomorrow, but you''re still seriously injured and should probably stay longer." Maeve frowned. "But my bank ount can''t handle too much more." Back when she was working at herst job, a portion of her sry had to go to her family. The only way she saved money was through frencing.


    She had managed to save up a decent amount, which was why she could now suggest that Byron stay longer in the VIP room, even though it was clearly stressing her out. Her expression showed how much it pained her to spend the money, yet her words were generous.


    Byron raised an eyebrow. He''d almost forgotten that the top-floor VIP rooms at First Hospital were beyond what she could afford.


    But she had no idea that Mcdaniel Group owned shares in the hospital, meaning they didn''t have to pay for any of the


    expenses.


    "You don''t need to worry about it," Byron said calmly. "We ended up in this mess because someone tampered with the car- it was bad luck meant for someone else. The hospital bills are being covered; you don''t need to pay anything." "Is your boss covering it?" Maeve looked up in surprise. "But what about thepensation for that Maybach...?" your


    The car had been totaled, beyond repair. Honestly, she''d already mentally prepared herself to be in debt for the rest of her life paying it off. Byron''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Someone will cover it."


    That car was the oldest and most valuable limited-edition model in his collection. Neville would definitely be paying for it.


    Maeve''s


    expression shifted from shock to disbelief. "Rich people really are that generous these days?"


    08:27 Wed, Oc


    She thought, "That is a Maybach, and they aren''t even asking forpensation!


    But then again, it made sense. After all, Byron had essentially saved his boss''s life. The wealthier someone was, the more they valued their life.


    Seeing her look so naive and out of touch, Byron scoffed. "How many rich people have you even met?"


    "My ex-boyfriend-does he count?" Maeve muttered as she popped a grape into her mouth. "After meeting him, I figured all rich people were just as annoying."


    "That''s b


    because you''ve seen too little of the world."


    Iso?"


    Maeve shrugged. "Maybe. Anyway, I''ve decided I''m done getting involved with rich people in this lifetime."


    Byron paused, his gaze lingering on her. "Is that


    He thought, ''So what does that make me, then?"


    "Jeff thinks he can control me just because his family is several notches above mine, and that I should tolerate whatever he throws at me," Maeve said with a calm tone. "Turns out, there''s some truth to the saying that being well-matched in status really matters." She propped her chin on her hand and smiled at Byron. "Lucky for me, you''re just a driver. It makes things much more rxed between us." Without the pressure of a powerful family background hanging over her, she felt genuinely at ease.


    Byron locked eyes with her, a flicker of emotion crossing his gaze.


    He thought, ''So, for her, my being a mere driver is what makes things work. Anything more, and it will be a problem?''


    He didn''t care to analyze whether she truly meant it or was just talking. But as he looked at the carefully prepared, nutritious meal in front of him, he suddenly lost his appetite. After finishing the meal and tidying up the table, Maeve returned to her room for a nap.


    In the evening, she was startled awake by a phone call.


    "Hello?" She answered groggily, still half-


    "Maeve, where hav


    The


    If-asleep.


    where have you been? I''ve called you so many times, and you didn''t pick up!" Valda''s furious voice red through the phone. "I told you days ago to transfer money into my ount-did you forget, or are you just ignoring me?"st traces of sleepiness faded as Maeve eve sat up, her right shoulder aching from the awkward position she''d slept in.


    "I was in a car ident and I''m in the hospital," she said, rubbing her shoulder, her voiceced with fatigue. "And I''ve made it clear already-whoever spent that money should be the one to pay it back. I''m not doing it." "You''re in the hospital?" Valda''s tone was skeptical. "Which hospital? Are your hands still working? Can you transfer the money? Mr. Graves has been hounding us like crazy, demanding immediate payment, and we''ve got nothing left..." When Jeff initially asked for the money, he had said they could pay it back slowly. But within just a few days, he''d turned aggressive, demanding payment as if he were broke himself.


    Whatever lingering hope Maeve had for some understanding from her family evaporated.


    Despite having slept all afternoon, she felt more exhausted than before.


    "If it were Horace in an ident, would you be this calmly demanding money from him?" Maeve finally snapped.


    Wed,


    Oct 16


    00$ 000 71%u


    Valda immediatelyshed out, "Are you insane, cursing your own brother like that? How did I end up with such a heartless daughter like you?


    "Don''t you realize that if we don''t repay this debt, Horace will be expelled from his elite private school, and your father will lose his job at Graves Group? You only ever care about yourself how can you be so selfish? "If you don''t send the money, don''t bother calling me ''Mom'' again!"" With that, Valda hung up.


    Maeve lowered her head and covered her eyes with her hand, a sharp sting in her nose as tears threatened to spill. Her heart felt cold and empty.


    because I refuse to be their pawn, that makes me selfish? Fine, then I may as well be selfish to the end! opened her phone and blocked both Valda''s number and WhatsApp contact. She was done hoping for any love from them. By the time she had finally collected herself, night had fully fallen outside. washed her door to check on Byron.


    She thought, ''So, Maeve


    He had


    She got just


    I her face, and went next door


    finished dinner and taken his medication, leaving little for her to do.


    Maeve figured there wasn''t much point in staying, so she e turned toC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    to leave.


    Noticing that she hadn''te in, and was even nning to leave, Byron''s mood darkened.


    He set down his tablet and gave her an amused but slightly critical look.


    "You keep saying you''re here to take care of me, but it seems like you''re just looking for excuses to ck off," he said.


    Maeve flushed with embarrassment. "I saw you handling everything on your own, so I figured you didn''t need me."


    "Who said that?" Byron''s tone was calm, but his words were pointed. "I still need help with changing clothes and wiping down." Maeve was taken aback, thinking, ''Wait a minute-I am definitely not ready for that!''


    0

 Chapter 44

    Byron wasn''t about to give Maeve any time to prepare herself.


    He had always been a bit of a clean freak, and going two days without


    anging clothes was already his limit.


    If it weren''t for his aversion to being touched by strangers, he wouldn''t have asked Maeve to help at all.


    "What, do I need to personally invite you?" Seeing her standing there like a statue, Byron urged her coolly. "N-No need," Maeve answered.


    Maeve took a deep breath, steeling herself, and went to the bathroom to prepare a basin of warm water. "Mr. Mcdaniel, should I help you take off your shirt?"


    Her voice trembled with barely concealed nervousness, but Byron acted like he didn''t notice. "Go ahead."


    Maeve bit her lip as she approached the bed and began unbuttoning his shirt.


    One button, two buttons, three... The further she went, the more her face heated up, and her fingers started trembling slightly.


    It was not like she hadn''t seen his upper body before-she''d been changing his bandages every day for a while now


    But unbuttoning his shirt like this felt oddly intimate, almost suggestive.


    As his chiseled chest and defined abs gradually came into view, especially those perfectly sculpted eight-pack muscles, Maeve couldn''t bring herself to look directly at him. starting now," she said.


    "I-I''m


    eyes with a hint of weariness in his expression.


    Maeve bit her lip, carefully avoiding his injuries as she gently wiped his shoulders, chest, and arms.


    But she kept repeating the same areas over and over. Noticing this, Byron smirked slightly and teased, "Maeve, did you eat the rest of me? Why haven''t you touched my lower half yet?" By "lower half," he meant his abdomen, but to Maeve''s ears, it sounded entirely indecent. "Mr. Mcdaniel!"


    She angrily threw the towel onto his left hand, her face flushed a deep red. "It''s already nice of me to help you at all! Can you stop saying weird things and making this awkward?" She thought, ''What on earth is he thinking?"


    Byron was momentarily caught off guard by her reaction.


    Realizing how she''d interpreted his words, a faint blush crept up behind his dark hair, though he remained outwardlyposed.


    "Really? Isn''t it your own dirty mind that''s making you overreact"


    He honestly hadn''t meant it that way-he was just annoyed at her half-hearted effort.


    But now that she had repeated his words, he realized they dide across as suggestive. Unfortunately, it was toote to


    take them back.


    3


    Maeve stared at him in disbelief, shocked by his shameless rebuttal. She thought, ''How can he use me of having impure thoughts when he is the one making such inappropriatements?" "Fine! If you keep talking like this, I''ll just call the nurse to help you instead!" she snapped.


    Byron, who had never been threatened like this before, was left speechless.


    The room fell silent for a long moment.


    "Maeve," Byron finally broke the silence, "What I was trying to say is that you''ve wiped everywhere else except my abs. Are you avoiding them because you''re nervous or embarrassed?" Maeve''s fingers twitched, and she muttered defensively, "I already wiped them-you just didn''t notice." "I''m injured, not paralyzed."


    Maeve decided to ignore him, thinking, I am human, not made of stone. Faced with a physique straight out of aic book, how can I not feel a little flustered?'' She was already doing her best to avoid certain areas, and yet he just kept pushing.


    Frustrated, she started scrubbing his back more vigorously.


    But then, in that annoyingly calm tone, Byronmented, "If you scrubbed my abs with this much effort, how could I not feel it?" Is this topic ever going to end?''


    Maeve finally lost it and tossed the towel aside. "Can''t feel anything with the towel, huh? How about I just use my hands and give you a dry rub?"


    and


    Before Byron could respond, she ced both hands on his abs and rubbed them vigorously as if she were scrubbingundry on a washboard.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    As


    soon as she did, they both froze.


    She was shocked-his abs looked rock-hard but felt surprisingly soft.


    He was stunned, thinking, ''Did she actually just go ahead and touch me like that? Is she out of her mind?''


    For a


    moment, neither of them moved.


    Maeve was the first to snap back to reality. She quickly pulled her hands away, pretending nothing had happened, and picked up the towel again. "There, all good now. Let me just finish wiping your back," she said.


    Byron nearlyughed at the absurdity of the situation.


    After she finished wiping his back, Maeve finally exhaled in relief. "All done."


    "Done?" Byron shot her a sideways nce, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. "You only wash the top half when you shower?"


    Maeve''s hand shook, and the towel slipped into the water basin. You... you don''t expect me to..."


    Byron cut her off coolly. "I was asking you to wring out the towel"


    44


    08.21 Chapter Realizing


    she hadpletely misunderstood, Maeve wanted to crawl into a hole out of embarrassment. She kept her gaze down, too flustered to meet his eyes, and quickly wrung out the towel before handing it to him. She then turned around, waiting for him to finish and hand the towel back so she could wring it out again. Somehow, even though the water wasn''t that warm, the towel felt like it was burning her hands.


    After repeating the process several times, she finally heard Byron say, "That''s enough." Maeve kept her eyes downcast as she picked up a clean set of clothes to help him change. Just then, the


    door


    to the room swung open.


    "Byron, I heard you finally woke up..." Gilbert entered with tears of relief in his eyes, only to be greeted by a scene that left him speechless. There was Byron, lying shirtless in bed, while Maeve stood beside him, holding what looked like his freshly removed clothes... Gilbert coughed awkwardly. "Looks like I walked in at a bad time..."


    Maeve stood frozen for a moment before realizing what Gilbert must be thinking, and she almost dropped the clothes in her hands.


    In contrast to her panic, Byron remainedpletelyposed.


    clothes," Byron exined.


    Grandpa, Maeve was just helping me change le creeping onto his face. "Byron, you just woke up and aren''t fully recovered yet. You really should avoid any strenuous activities."


    "Oh." Gilbert gave him a him a knowing look, a sly


    He had originally thought


    Byron married Maeve just to humor him, but seeing this, it seemed like his hopes of having a great-grandchild might not be so far-fetched after all. As soon as Gilb Gilbert t made thatment, Maeve''s face turned bright red.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, it''s not what you think! I was really just helping Byron change clothes. We''re not... we didn''t..."


    Gilbert nodded sagely."


    "Yes, yes, I understand. You young people do your thing. Anyway, I have some things to take care of, so I''ll leave Byron in your capable hands, Maeve." With that, Gilbert hurried out of the room, closing the door behind him.


    The words Maeve wanted to say got stuck in her throat. She spun around to face Byron, frustrated. "Why didn''t you exin things to him?"


    "He thinks we have a great rtionship, which works in my favor. Why would I correct him?" Byron raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed.


    Maeve blurted out, embarrassed and annoyed, "That''s because it''s not your reputation on the line! Now he definitely thinks I''m up to something with you!"


    Byron remained utterly unbothered. "What could you even do to me? And don''t worry-I may be desperate, but I''m not that desperate. I wouldn''t be interested in a little girl like you."

 Chapter 45

    45


    Maeve thought, ''Little girl? Seriously?''


    ""What


    What do you mean, little?" Maeve felt her chest tighten with frustration at hisment.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    like an unripe fruit-still green and far from mature.


    Byron narrowed his dark eyes and gave her a slow, deliberate once-over, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. "I know what I mean." him, she was Maeve cou


    couldn''t shake the feeling that he was looking down on her. With a pout, she finished helping him get dressed and was about to leave the room. But Byron stopped her. "You''re staying in this room tonight."


    "No way!" Her face was still flushed from the earlier interaction, and she avoided meeting his gaze. Her voice was low as she muttered, "I have my own room, thank you very much." Byron''s tone left no room for negotiation. "It''ll be easier for you to take care of me if you''re here."


    It might be convenient for him, but it was anything but convenient for her.


    All Maeve wanted was some space to clear her mind and figure out how to deal with her family issues.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''m a restless sleeper. I might end up disturbing your rest."


    "You''ll be on the temporary bed. Toss and turn all you want."


    At this point, if she kept refusing, it would seem like all her previous promises were just empty words.


    "Alright."


    Reluctantly, Maeve went back to her room to grab her phone and then settled onto the temporary bed the nurse had prepared.


    With the main lights off, the room was bathed in the soft, warm glow of a wallmp.


    As shey there thinking about Valda, Maeve stared at the ceiling, certain she wouldn''t be able to sleep tonight.


    She let out a soft sigh, barely realizing she''d done it.


    "Maeve." Byron''s deep voice cut through the darkness.


    Maeve instantly held her breath and turned her head. "Did I wake you?"


    She''d momentarily forgotten she wasn''t in her own room and had let that sigh slip out without thinking.


    She was already mulling over how she''d exin herself if he asked why she sighed when his voice came again, calm and steady. "Come help me to the bathroom."


    She thought, ''Alright then. Resigned, Maeve climbed out of bed, turned on the light, and went over to assist him.


    He leaned most of his weight on her, and the close proximity allowed her to catch a faint whiff of his cedarwood scent-it


    softer now, but still fresh and pleasant.


    was


    She helped him into the bathroom and turned away, expecting him to position himself in front of the toilet.


    "Hurry up," she urged quietly.


    "ed to rinse my mouth. Why did you bring me here?" Byron frowned.


    Maeve blinked, dumbfounded. "You... you didn''t need to use the toilet?" "When did I say that?"


    3


    6


    Realizing he''d only said he needed to go to the bathroom, Maeve bit her lip in embarrassment and quickly guided him to the sink instead.


    As Byron began brushing his teeth, he asked casually, "You''ve been out of it all night. Is taking care of me really that much of a burden?" "Of course not." Maeve quickly denied it.


    "If you don''t want to do this, you don''t have toe back tomorrow."


    ITY


    Maeve


    opened her mouth to exin but t found herself at a loss for words.


    After a long pause, she finally said, "I don''t mind at all. I promised to take care of you until you''re fully recovered.


    "It''s just...


    I had a rough phone call with my mom this afternoon, and I''ve been feeling off ever since. It''s got nothing to do with you."


    Understanding shed across Byron''s eyes. "Did you two argue?"


    "More like I got scolded," Maeve muttered, lowering her gaze. "They''re dealing with something difficult and want me to take care of it all, without considering how it might affect me. We had a bit of a disagreement because of it." She didn''t mention the issue with the 200 thousand dors, just gave a vague overview.


    But even with that brief exnation, Maeve felt the weight of her anxiety and frustration start to lift.


    She watched as Byron wiped his face, then softly said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, thank you for listening."


    "Constantly thanking people for every little thing only makes them look down on you," Byron replied as he set the towel down, his deep, dark eyes catching hers through the mirror, devoid of warmth.


    But Maeve wasn''t fazed. "Would you?"


    Byron didn''t answer her question. "Help me back to bed."


    If the


    person giving her trouble was Jeff, given that she was staying at his ce, he wouldn''t mind stepping in. But since it was a family issue, he had no interest in getting involved.


    Once he was settled back in bed, Maeve exhaled softly.


    Although she hadn''t figured out a solution yet, she didn''t feel as weighed down.


    She decided that from now on, she''d focus on living her own life and just visit home less often, as she thought, ''Out of sight, out of mind.


    With that in mind, Maeve nced over at Byron lying across the room. In the dim light, all she could make out was his tall


    silhouette.


    It suddenly urred to her that throughout his stay in the hospital, his parents hadn''t shown up once. No matter how busy they were, they should''ve at least made an appearance. )).


    After thinking it over, Maeve asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, what are your parents like?"


    Maybe because he had just listened to a lot about her family, Byron didn''t seem as averse to talking about his own.


    "I don''t really know them. We barely spent time together," he said calmly.


    Taon


    Maeve propped herself up and looked at him. "How could you not know your own parents? Didn''t you live together?"


    There was a long silence before Byron''s slightly rough voice broke it. "When I was young, I lived with someone else. It wasn''t until I was older that my grandpa brought me back home. By then, my parents already had an adopted son who had been with them for years, so we weren''t close. "At first, I tried to build a rtionship with them, but I quickly realized they were more concerned about their adopted son''s feelings than mine. So, I let them have their happy family and moved out."


    As he spoke, Byron''s tone grew colder. "I outgrew the need for parents a long time ago. This distant rtionship works just fine for me."


    In reality, aside from specific asions, he could count on one hand the times he saw his parents each year.


    He didn''t have strong ties to family. Other than Gilbert, he didn''t particrly care how the rest of the Mcdaniel family viewed him.


    As he mulled this over, Byron suddenly heard softughter from beside him.


    He narrowed his eyes, his voice turning cold. "Is something funny?"


    "Yes, actually," Maeve nodded without hesitation, a faint smile on her face. "Mr. Mcdaniel, don''t you think you''re acting like a sulking kid?" Byron''s expression darkened. "Are you mocking me?"


    "Not at all. I just think that deep down, you still have some hope for your parents, which is why you''re disappointed in them Maeve said slowly. "If you really didn''t care, you wouldn''t remember everything so clearly.


    Plus,


    I think the reason you keep your distance isn''t because you hate them-it''s because you don''t want to deal with more disappointment." Byron''s gaze snapped toward her, his eyes dark and


    After a long silence, he let out a low, mockingugh, my-intense and anything but calm. There was even a trace of danger in his look.


    a naive conclusion. Don''t assume you know me."


    Maeve shrugged. . "Just a guess. If I''m wrong, then pretend ver said anything.


    Not wanting to dwell on it any longer, shey back down, pulled up her nket, and said, "Good night, Mr. Mcdaniel


    In less than five minutes, Byron could hear her soft, steady breathing.


    Maeve had fallen asleep.


    Byron stared at her sleeping form for a long while, irritation clouding his brow.


    He thought, ''You sure are carefree-stirring up my emotions only to fall asleep right after. But what about me?''

 Chapter 46

    46


    The next morning. Maeve was jolted awake by her rm clock.


    When she saw the note that read "Eternal Hope Interview," she soildenly remembered it was Monday.


    She quickly left a note for Byron exining her sitnation, then rished back to her apartment to change clothes. After grabbing her things, she hurried to Eternal Hope. Her shoulder injury still hadn''t fully healed, but she was determined not to miss this hard-won opportunity.


    The interview went smoothly, and the interviewer told Maeve toe back in a couple of days toplete the onboarding process. With that, she was free to go. Unable to contain her joy, Maeve walked out of thepany building. Noticing it was still early, she decided to stop by fruit shop to pick up some fruit.


    Normally, she wouldn''t splurge, but today, with the sessful interview, she decided to treat herself in celebration.


    She carried the fruit back to the hospital room, ready to share the news, but paused when she saw that Karen and Archer were already there.


    Archer hade to update Byron on something and was just about to leave.


    Karen, on the other hand, was visiting and was seated beside Byron, peeling an apple.


    The atmosphere seemed pleasant.


    Maeve suddenly wasn''t sure whether she should step inside.


    H


    ?


    Byron nced at her, then turned to Archer and quietly instructed, "You can head back. Let me know if anythinges up


    "Will do," Archer replied, tucking some documents under his arm as he left.


    did


    Byron asked, looking at Macve.


    Karen''s hand slowed as she continued peeling the apple, her eyes subtly assessing Maeve.


    "I had a job interview. Didn''t I leave you a note?" Maeve stepped inside and ced the fruit she''d just bought on the table, her eyes shining with excitement. "I passed the interview, so I bought some fruit to celebrate with you." Byron didn didn''t remember seeing any note, but he didn''t dwell on it


    "I don''t need any. You can have i it.''


    As soon as he said that, Karen chuckled softly. "Ms. Reese, Byron is quite particr about what he eats He doesn''t just eat any fruit bought from a street shop. He usually only cats premium varieties."


    Maeve hesitated, her hand hovering over the fruit as she wondered whether to take it out.


    She didn''t know much about fruit, but she could tell that the apple in Karen''s hand was wless. Plus, the packaging had some foreign writing on it, making it look very high-end


    Her fruit, on the other hand, was bought from a roadside stall and couldn''tpare to the upscale fruit Karen had.


    Maeve suddenly felt a little embarrassed.


    "I see. Thanks for letting me know," Maeve said.


    She thought, "Well, I can just eat it myself-I am not picky


    picked out the fruit she wanted and took it to the restroom to wash.


    Karen''s lips curled into a slight smile as she offered the peeled apple to Byron. "Would you like an apple? I went through the trouble of peeling it for you."


    "Karen." Byron didn''t take the apple. Instead, he calmly called her name.


    "What''s


    did


    Maeve is with me. Byron lightly tapped his fingers on the table bsuddenly calls me by my name


    is with me. Byron lightly tapped his fingers on the table beside him, his voice calm, "Whether she''s a maid or something else, if she''s with me, it''s not for others to embarrass her. Do you understand?" Karen''s smile seem to to know your


    n''s smile froze, and her hand holding the apple trembled sig preferences and was acting on her own. I didn''t mean to embarrass her..."


    "I was just trying to remind her, since she didn''t


    But under''s steady, unwielding gaze, Karen found herself unable to continue.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    She had deliberately tried to make Maeve feel ufortable, wanting to put her in her ce and remind her not to overstep her bounds with Byron.


    But she never expected that Byron would actually reprimand her in defense of a mere maid.


    There won''t


    t be a next time." Byron''s voice was calm but firm as he looked away. "You should go. Focus on helping Arches when you can, and there''s no need for you toe here anymore." Karen stood up, her shoulders trembling, and didn''t even notice when the apple in her hand fell into the trash.


    I understand. Take care of yourself, she said before hastily leaving the room, the sound of her high heels echoing as she rushed out


    When Maeve came back after washing the fruit, she was surprised to see that Byron was alone.


    "Ms. Booth already left?" she asked.


    "Yeah"


    Year Byron shifted his gaze from his tablet to the fruit tray in her hands. "Bring it here.


    Maeve ced the tray on the table, watching as he picked up a grape. Confused, she asked, "I thought you didn''t eat fruit? And didn''t Ms. Booth say you only eat..." "Fruit is fruit," Byron replied tly. "There''s no need to rank food like that." Maeve blinked i


    I in surprise.


    After a moment, she broke into a grin and teased, "Is it because your sry can''t afford it? Don''t worry, my new job has great benefits. One day, I''ll make sure you can eat premium fruit every day." Byron let out a soft scoff. "You? Please. He thought,


    "Yesterday, you were too scared to eat a banana and some grapes, worried the hospital might charge extra''


    Maeve puffed out her cheeks slightly. "Don''t underestimate me.


    Byron ignored her protest, leaning back in his chair as hezily aid, "Peel me an apple."


    "Didn''t Ms. Booth just peel one for you?"


    08:20


    46


    "It fell into the trash"


    It fell


    Maeve silently mourned the loss of the apple-it had looked expensive.


    After they finished the fruit, Maeve settled on the couch and pulled out her tablet to look up Eternal Hope''s recent projects, wanting to familiarize herself with her future workce. Meanwhile, Byron was busy on hisputer, dealing with some urgentpany matters.


    Even though he had been in the hospital for a few days, thepany hadn''t ground to a halt without him. Still, there were some decisions that only he could make, so certain things had been put on hold. They both worked in silence, yet the room felt peaceful, almost serene. evening. Maeve had dinner with


    That


    She had She had


    "Mr. Malready


    checked of her I out of


    hal room earlier that morning, so she stayed in his room.


    I start work the day after tomorrow. I''ll only be able to visit during lunch breaks and after work," Maeve said after some thought. "Did the doctor say when you might be discharged?"


    "It could be as soon as two weeks, or as long as two months," Byron replied sinctly. "It depends."


    Maeve sighed. "Whoever did this is truly heartless, making us both almost lose our lives."


    She thought, It is fortunate that Byron''s boss is


    Archer had


    is understanding and doesn''t hold him responsible, allowing him to focus on his recovery. Otherwise, not only will he have lost his job, but he will also be buried under a mountain of debt...


    "The person responsible is already in custody; he''ll face the consequences soon enough," Byron said, his gaze darkening. hade by earlier to report that Neville had been arrested.


    Byron had been biding his time, waiting until he had enough evidence to strike at Neville''s weak spot. He wanted to make sure no one thought that just because he hadn''t acted immediately, he never would He thought, "Hiring a hitman, attempting murder-does Neville really think I have no evidence? When Maeve heard that the mastermind had been caught, she happily devoured arge drumstick. But her happiness didn''tst long. Her smile quickly faded.


    Byron needed to use the restroom, and she had no choice but to help him.


    She turned her back and closed her eyes as he took care of his business, her mind a tangled mess.

 Chapter 47

    Byron seemedpletely oblivious to the situation. As he watched her with her eyes closed, her longshes fluttered gently, like the wings of a butterfly. Her pale cheeks were tinged with a soft blush, and her small, delicate lips were pressed together in a shy expression.


    His eyes darkened as he leaned closer to Maeve''s ear and teased, Maeve, if you sweet-talk me a little, I might just let you take a peek." Maeve was taken aback.


    "Who wants to look at you?" Maeve''s face turned an even deeper shade of red as she snapped back, frustrated. "Do you feel out of sorts if you don''t flirt with me for a day?"


    Her skin was so delicate that whenever she heard things like this, the blush on her face would spread all the way to her neck and shoulders, turning a lovely shade of cherry blossom pink. Ishe was normally an eight, in these moments, she was a perfect ten. Byron''s on''s gaze lingered on her soft, slender neck for a moment before he casually looked away. After they left the bathroom, Maeve suddenly became curious about something.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, what are you going to do about the bathroom when I''m at work?" she asked.


    Since he didn''t like other people touching him, it seemed unlikely he''d let a nurse help him. She thought, ''So, what is he going to do? "Then I''ll just have to manage on my own," he answered.


    With that,


    Byron picked up a magazine, his long fingers flipping at open leisurely as if the issue didn''t concern him at all.


    Annoyed, Maeve asked,


    Then why did you need me to help you just now?"


    Without even looking up, Byron replied, "Why should I struggle when I have someone to help?"


    Maeve was speechless. He had her there.


    Just then, her phone buzzed on the couch.


    Maeve picked it up and saw a message from herndlord at Pinehurst Apartments.


    Thendlord said a package had arrived for her a couple of days ago, and if she didn''t pick it up soon, it would be thrown.


    oul.


    oul.


    Maeve was puzzled, thinking. I have already collected all my packages from that address and have updated my information, so how could something still be sent to my old ce?


    But thendlord had sent a photo, and sure enough, it was addressed to her. The sender''s details were blurry, so she couldn''t tell who it was from.


    Since Pinehurst Apartments wasn''t far, Maeve decided to go pick it up.


    Fifteen minutester, she returned to the hospital with the package in hand, opening it as she walked down the hallway. "I don''t even remember ordering anything like this. How did it end up being sent to my old apartment?" she said. Byron, who was reviewing some documents, heard her and something clicked in his mind. His expression instantly turned


    cold. cold.


    "Maeve." He started to warn her, but she had already opened the package.


    A pile


    of f photos spilled out, scattering across the floor.


    At first, Maeve thought she was mistaken, but when she knelt down for a closer look, she realized she wasn''t. The explicit photos... she was the one in them. And the background was her old apartment''s living room... the photos. Maeve''s mind went nk, her face draining of color as her hands trembled while trying to gather up She had no memory of ever being photographed like this.


    She would never undress in the living room, let alone appear as exposed as she was in those pictures.


    She


    thought. But if Jeff could secretly hide cameras in my dolls, wasn''t impossible that he drugged me and took these photos without my knowledge. Maeve didn''t care about the dirty floor; she frantically scrambled to gather the photos, desperate to keep Byron from seeing


    them


    In her haste, she identally grabbed a small knife that had fallen out of the package, and blood immediately began to seep from her hand.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    But Maeve didn''t notice; her mind was consumed by the shock of those photos, leaving her oblivious to everything eke. "Maeve, calm down!"


    Byron got out of bed, gritting his teeth against the pain from his wounds as he half-knelt in front of her to ease the pressure on his injured knee.


    He grabbed her wrist with his left hand, noticing the blood streaming from her palm. Frustration and anger flickered in his


    eyes.


    "These photos are fake. Look closely!"


    Maeve clung to the photos, oblivious to the pain in her hand.


    It wasn''t until she heard Byron''s words that the emptiness in her eyes started to clear.


    "Fake?"


    Fake?


    "Don''t tell me you don''t recognize your own body?" Byron''s voice grew more assertive. "Look closely. The only thing real in these photos is your face; the rest is all fake."


    She thought, Only my face is real... Maeve stared at his stern expression, then snapped out of her daze and quickly looked down at the photos in her hands.


    had I been too panicked earlier, and with Jeff''s history of secretly installing cameras in her home, she had immediately feared the worst.


    As she examined the photos more closely, she couldn''t spot any obvious signs of editing, but she knew her own body well. Her waist was much slimmer, without any excess fat, and her shoulders were more delicate than those in the photos. Most importantly, the "she" in the photos had a mole on her lower back-something she didn''t have. Noticing these inconsistencies, Maeve''s frantic mind slowly began to settle, and she finally regained herposure. 08:20 Thu, Oct


    Chame 47


    She looked up, about tersay something to Byron, only to realize he had gotten out of bed. Her expression changed instantly.


    "Mr.


    Mcdaniel, you shouldn''t be getting out of bed with your injuriest" She quickly stood up and helped him back onto the bed, frowning as she checked his injuries. "How do your knee and right hand feel? Are you in pain? Should I call the doctor?" Getting out of bed had certainly caused him pain. And after seeing her cut hand, he had taken a few extra steps, putting more strain on his already weakened knee.


    But he didn''t show any signs of difort in front of her, except for his slightly pale face.


    I''m fine. Don''t make a fuss."


    "But your face..."


    Byron calmly cut her off. "Pick up all those photos and put them in a bag. They''re an eyesore."


    Maeve had no choice but to gather up the photos. Worried she might miss some, she carefully checked the entire area after collecting them.


    Even though the photos were doctored, if they ever got out, they could seriously damage her reputation.


    After stuffing the photos into a


    Burning them would be better."


    She thought about it and agreed. Burning them would definitely be safer.


    a ck bag, Maeve turned to Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''m going to throw these out."


    looked down at ther hand and


    and saw that the blood had smeared into a messy blur.


    "I''ll burn them when I get back 1 to the apartment."


    Byron nced at her bloodied hand, his brow furrowing. "Do you not feel any pain?"


    Maeve


    She hadn''t noticed it before, but now that he mentioned it, she became aware of the sharp, throbbing pain in the wound.


    Luckily, they were in a hospital, so a nurse was able to treat her wound and bandage it, which was much more convenient than doing it herself.


    After the nurse left, Maeve stared down at her injured hand, hesitating for a long time before finally speaking. "Mr. Mcdaniel, how did you know those photos were fake?"


    He figured it out even faster than she did. It was as if the moment he saw those photos, he knew they were fake.


    And the way he suddenly called out to her before she opened the package was also strange.

 Chapter 48

    Byron paused for a moment, then spoke with a hint of sarcasm. Do you think everyone panics as easily as you? Instead of verifying the truth, you just lose your head." Maeve''s face turned bright red.


    "1-1 just didn''t have time to think! I was afraid he might have taken those photos without me knowing"


    That hidden camera incident had already left her wary of anything to do with dolls. After this, she''d probably be too scared to ept any packages, too.


    "He?" Byron raised an eyebrow, pretending to ask casually, "You know who did this?"


    Maeve bit her lip. "It was my ex-boyfriend."


    She had noticed Jeff''s name on the package when she was cleaning up.


    Thendlord had mentioned that the package arrived two days ago. That was the same day she and Byron had their car ident.


    She thought, Jeff must have been in a foul mood after getting chewed out by Mr. George that day and decided to take it out


    on me.


    Macre''s mood soured instantly. She thought, How long is this going to go on? Does he really think I am someone he can just push around I need to find a way topletely rid myself of this ticking time bomb, Jeff... After her shower, Maeve climbed into bed, still feeling down. She had justin down when she suddenly sat up, realizing something.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I think I forgot to help you wash up today," she said.


    Byron nced at her bandaged hand and replied coolly, "Not today. Just go to sleep."


    He thought, You can barely take care of yourself, a and you want to help me?"


    Since it was a cold night, Maeve decided to lie back down.


    After a while, she turned to face him, her eyes lingering on his profile, which was sharply defined by the warm light above. She couldn''t help but get lost in thought.


    She recalled what Karen had said that she and Byron were childhood friends who had had a falling out.


    But


    t when she walked into the hospital room today, the atmosphere between them seemed calm and pleasant.


    She thought, ''Have they made up! If so, it won''t be long before Mr. Mcdaniel asks me for a divorce, right?


    Maeve felt a pang of sadness, a bitter feeling she couldn''t quite exin.


    "What are you staring at me for?" Byron had noticed her quiet gaze. His dark eyes locked onto hers, a hint of something unreadable in them.


    He thought, ''She is sneaking nces at me again. Doesn''t she ever get tired of it?"


    Maeve wanted to ask him when he nned to divorce her, but she thought there was no point in bringing it up. They both knew this marriage wouldn''tst much longer. So there was no need to push the issue. It was better to pretend she didn''t know anything about him and Karen, at least to


    114


    maintain the current Surface-level harmony.


    "Nothing. I was just curious about what you were doing.


    Byron nced down at the chat screen on his tablet.


    The conversation was about him instructing Archer to leak the news that Jeff had lost his shares in Graves Group. Definitely something she shouldn''t see. Byron casually changed the


    the subject.


    "Can''t sleep for a moment. "Well... a little


    Maeve


    Remembering that Ray had brought a USB drive full of movies during hisst visit, Byron asked, "Want to watch a movie?"


    At the mention of a movie, Maeve immediately poked her head out from under the covers. "On your tablet? What are we watching?" Instead of answering right away, Byron turned off the lights in the room.


    Then, using a remote, he lowered the movie screen opposite the bed and turned on the projector.


    Maeve watched in awe. She hadn''t realized they could watch movies in the hospital room, and with such high-end equipment, too, ''No wonder it costs so much to stay here...


    She thought,


    her bed was positioned sideways to the screen, making it a bit awkward to watch. She''d have to stay on her side the


    However, her whole time.


    Maeve whispered to Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel, your bed is pretty big. Mind if I share a bit of space? The view from my bed isn''t, veryfortable." Byron remained expressionless. "Do as you like."


    Grinning, Maeve quickly grabbed her pillow and nket and moved over to his bed, settling in at the edge. She leaned back, feeling much morefortable. "What should we watch?" Byron asked.


    "Anything''s fine. I''m not picky," Maeve said with a contented smile. I can''t even remember thest time I went to the


    movies.


    Byron casually selected a film and hit y. Hearing her, he raised an eyebrow slightly. "Never went with your ex-boyfriend?" head. didn''t have the same taste, so never? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Actually, during their first movie date, Jeff had tried to get handsy, and when she firmly pushed him away, he probably felt too embarrassed to ask her out again. As the movie began, Maeve snuggled into her nket, excited. "Let''s not talk about that jerk. Let''s just enjoy the movie." Byron''s n''s lips curled up slightly.


    The movie started as a light, artsy drama. It followed a couple who went on a trip the night before their wedding and ran into some old college friends at a mountain lodge.


    decided to throw them a celebration, and the partysted all night.


    The group, Oct 17


    08:20


    Uo..


    Just when Maeve thought it was a typical indie film, the screen sdenly turned crimson with blood, then went dark.


    The next morning, the groom was missing.


    Maeve shrank back, her voice trembling slightly. "Is this... a thriller?"


    Byron nced at the movie description. "Horror movie.


    Maeve was left speechless, thinking. A thriller would''ve been better


    Maeve''s face turned pale, but since the movie was already ying, it didn''t seem right to ask to stop it now. Besides, the overall vibe still felt pretty light.


    She thought, "Maybe"


    it won''t be too scary... right?"


    That thought didn''tst long. The movie quickly took a dark turn, with one unsettling scene after another-ssmates started dying in bizarre ways, bloody footprints appeared on the floor, and ominous shadows loomed outside the windows. When only the bride and a guy who had a crush on her were left in the lodge, a sudden, loud knocking echoed through the Maeve was so on edge she felt like she really heard knocking, and not just from the movie.


    "Knock, knock."


    "Knock, knock, knock,"


    Suddenly, there was a real knock on the hospital room door, eerily in sync with the movie. "Ah!" Maeve''s nerves


    snapped, and she instinctively threw herself to the side.


    At that exact moment, a nurse walked briskly into the room. "Mr. Mcdaniel, is everything okay?"


    She stopped short when she saw Maeve clinging to Byron, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her face as white as a


    Sheet


    sheet


    Meanwhile, Byron, holding her with his uninjured arm, said calmly, "How long do you n on embarrassing yourself?"


    Maeve froze, then opened her eyes to see the nurse''s shocked expression-not the ghosts from the movie. The wave of embarrassment and shame hit her all at once.


    Trying t


    to save face, Maeve quickly disentangled herself from Byron and pulled the nket over her head. She thought, "This is mortifying!"


    Byron''s tense posture slowly rxed. He rubbed his temples and then turned to the nurse. "What is it?"


    "Uh, I-I''m here to check on your wounds," the nurse stammered, still trying to recover from what she''d just witnessed.


    "Go ahead." Byron nodded slightly.


    The nurse quickly examined his injuries and then hurried out of the room.


    If it weren''t for the confidentiality agreement she''d signed, she''d be dying to share this once-in-a-lifetime gossip with her?

 Chapter 49

    After the nurse left, Marve slowly pulled the nket down, her eyes darting nervously as she asked Byron, "Sorry, did I identally touch your wound just now?" Byron flexed his slightly ufortable right hand and replied calmly. "No."


    In truth, she hadn''t touched his wound, but the softest part of he had brushed against his chest, and that spot was still


    W111.


    He picked up the remote control and said casually, "If you''re scared, we can stop watching."


    Maeve felt her ears heat up. I wasn''t scared, just startled by the knocking!"


    She thought. Who won''t be freaked out when the movie and reality seem to blur for a moment? But of course, he remainspletely unshaken from start to finish. Byron just hummed i in response, letting her be.


    The movie continued, and the two remaining characters in the lodge didn''t open the door. The knocking soon stopped.


    Just when Maeve was bracing herself for another death or disappearance, the two characters suddenly started rolling around on the carpet.


    The sounds of their heavy breathing and moaning filled the room, amplified by the high-quality sound system, making the atmosphere ufortably warm. Maeve''s eyes widened, and her mind went nk for a moment. The next second, the screen went dark


    see


    expression, which had turned like storm was brewing. His was furrowed


    Ray His voice was low and filled with icy anger. He thought. What kind of trash has Ray put on that USB drive?" Maeve didn''t catch what he said. Trying to ease the awkwardness, she forced augh and said, "The director of this movie. sure is... creativebining um... ou


    .."


    romance, suspense, horror,


    and


    elements. It''s really... unique."


    She thought, Unique, my foot. What a mess! If you''re going to make a horror film, make a proper horror film-resorting to cheap, attention-grabbing scenes like that is just in awful!


    "You seem nervous," "Byron observed, his gaze fixed on Maeve. He noticed how the tips of her ears had turned a deep red. His throat suddenly felt dry.


    "Nervous? Me?" Maeve stammered. "You''re overthinking it. I might get nervous watching something like this with someone else, but with you? No way." Byron narrowed his eyes. "Oh? You''re not nervous with me?"


    Maeve nodded quickly. "We''re married, after all. We''re so familiar with each other, there''s nothing to be nervous about."


    She didn''t notice the growing intensity in his gaze. Hugging her pillow, she was about to return to her own bed, but before she could move, Byron''s hand suddenly gripped her shoulder. In the next moment, he pushed her down onto the bed. Maeve''s eyes filled with panic. "Mr. Mcdaniel-


    Before she could finish her sentence, Byron cupped her chin and kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words in a forceful,


    dominating kiss.


    §±


    Maeve''s eyes widened in shock and confusion.


    She instinctively wanted to resist but was afraid of hurting his wound. Her hesitation left her defenseless, allowing him to deepen the kiss andpletely overpower her.


    She never would have imagined that even with only one hand, Byron could still pin her down so effectively that she couldn''t break free.


    In this position, with him on top and their bodies pressed so close that there was no space between them, she could feel the heat radiating from his body, making the air thick and heavy.


    After what felt like an eternity, Byron finally released her, though he didn''t move away. He rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily. His dark eyes reflected her face with crystal darity.


    her cheeks flushed. Her eyes were hazy, almost misty, and she found herself unable to meet his gaze.


    Maeve''s heart t pounded, her


    Byron looked at her lips, flushed and slightly swollen from the kiss, and a flicker of satisfaction passed through his eyes. Once their breathing steadied, Marve couldn''t hold back any longer and asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, why did you kiss me just her kissing was something intimate, meant for for lovers or couples with a real connection.


    Even though they were technically married, there was no real bond between them. She thought. So what does this kiss


    Hearing her question, the darkness in Byron''s eyes lightened


    He swallowed, then responded casually, "Aren''t we supposed to be familiar with each other? Is a goodnight kiss really that stranger


    Maeve was caught off guard. "It''s not that, but our rtionship at that kind of."


    If


    f we''re married in name, and you''re not nervous around me, then what''s the problem**


    Byron''s


    expression remained calm. "Are you sure you want to keep having this conversation in this position? I can''t guarantee what might happen next.


    Marve froze, suddenly understanding the implications.


    She hadn''t been intimate with any other men before, but she understood enough to grasp what he was suggesting. He actually


    Her face turned bright red, and she was too flustered to move. "Y-you need to get off mer


    Help me


    She was left speechless.


    Suppressing her embarrassment, Marve sat up and helped Byron lie back down, then quickly scrambled back to her own bed, as if fecing


    Byron noticed the hump under the nket sin her bed and saidzily. "It''s just a normal physiological fraction What''s there


    be embarrassed about


    "You''ve got thick skin, so of course you''re not embarrassed: Marve''s frustrated voice came from under the nket. "You''re so injured, and you can still react like that? Serves you right for being stuck in bed chuckled softly. "My hands and feet are injured, not anything else."


    Byron


    "So you think that gives you the right to act like a jerk whenever you want?"


    Maeve threw off the nket, frowning as she looked at Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, our rtionship isn''t at the point where kissing is appropriate. For both our sakes, I hope you''ll be more mindful in the future... Byron interrupted, turning his gaze to meet hers. "You might be forgetting something."


    I''m a normal man."


    She was left speechless.


    She thought, "What? Maeve couldn''t quite grasp what he meant by that, but Byron had already lost interest in continuing the conversation and closed his eyes to rest. Feeling frustrated, Maeve curled back up under the nket, her mind too jumbled to sleep.


    Of course, she knew he was a normal man-she''d just experienced that firsthand.


    She thought,? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ''But what does that have to do with that reminder? Could he be implying that he kissed me simply because of normal male urges and that he won''t hold back in the future? bit her lip, turned over, and closed her eyes.


    Maeve bit her


    The next morning, both of them tacitly avoided mentioning what had happened the night before, as if nothing had urred.


    After having breakfast with Byron, Maeve left the hospital and took a cab to a specific destination.


    At the Graves family''s luxurious and imposing vi, a not-so-harmonious family scene was unfolding.


    "You worthless brat! How much trouble are you going to cause before you''re satisfied?" Wace, his face livid with rage, swung a wooden cane at Jeff.


    Jeff tried to shield his head and dodge, but he still got hit several times, crying out in pain. "Ow, damn it! That hurts-stop hitting me, old man!"


    Wace kicked him to the ground. "I used to think you were just immature, that a bit of recklessness was inevitable. But I didn''t expect you to grow up with more guts and less brains!"

 Chapter 50

    0


    "The Graves Group is a family business, but that doesn''t mean we can do whatever we want! Your brother and I have worked carefully and meticulously, step by step, to build the stable position we have today! "And you? You gambled awaypany shares and kept it hidden from us for so long! Are you just stupid, or do you hate us so much that you''d hand our enemies leverage on a silver tter?" After i his outburst, Wace threw the belt in his hand at Jeff


    Jeff''s eyes widened in disbelief. He thought, How does Father find out so quickly? Who leaked the information?


    Panicking, he tried to exin, "Dad. I was set up! I was nning to get the shares back and make up for my mistake..." Wace sneered, "You''ve


    Jeff opened his mouth but couldn''t find the words to respon. How exactly were you nning to make amends? You were just stalling, hoping to cover it up until you couldn''t anymore! to respond.


    "Calm down, Dad." Nestor stepped forward, trying to soothe Wace. "The most important thing right how is getting the shares back Jeff''s n wasn''t entirely wrong.


    As soon as he spoke, Jeff''s face twisted with disgust. "Stop pretending to be all concerned! You''ve just been waiting for me to screw up so that Dad will give you the inheritance!" He thought. Finally found your You must be thrilled!"


    chance,


    didn''t you?


    Nestor looked at him coolly. "I prefer to earn what I want through my own abilities, not by resorting to underhanded tactics."


    He didn''t like Jeff, but he knew that blood ties were still important.


    Wace looked at Jeff with disappointment, thinking, ''Despite receiving the same education, Nestor is polite, capable, and a valuable right-hand man. But Jeff...


    At that moment, a servant approached and said, "Sir, Ms. Reese is here to see you."


    ''Maeve? Jeff''s expression darkened, a sense of foreboding creeping in.


    Wace took a deep breath. "Send her in."


    Yes, sir."


    A momentter, Maeve entered the living room, immediately spotting the disheveled Jeff kneeling on the floor.


    A


    She didn''t linger on him and instead greeted Wace. "Hello, Mr. Graves. It''s been a while."


    "Maeve, it''s been a while indeed," Wace replied, unable to hide the fondness in his gaze. "I''ve heard about your decision to break off the engagement. It must have been something Jeff did to upset you, right? On his behalf, I apologize." Maeve was momentarily taken aback. She had expected Wace''s attitude toward her to change after she broke off the engagement with Jeff, but he was just as warm as ever. She had underestimated him-Wace was a man of integrity and kindness. That''s part of why she''d mustered the courage toe here today.


    "Mr. Graves, I''m here today to talk to you about what happened between me and Jeff."


    Maeve took out a clear stic bag from her purse, inside was a broken camera.


    08:21 1 Thu, Det  .78%0 ?18%


    She then calmly recoured everything Jeff had done, including how he had tried to ckmail her with highly edited photos. though she spoke of that part more delicately. Jeff angrily interrupted her. "You ***** shut up! If you hadn''t cheated on me and I hadn''t caught you, I wouldn''t have done any of this to get back at you!"


    "Shut your mouth!" Wace''s anger red up again as he stepped forward and pped Jeff hard across the face. "Is this how you were raised, to call people names like that?* Blood dripped from the corner of Jeff''s mouth, but he red in silence, too furious to speak.


    Seeing the look in Jeff''s eyes, Wace shook his head in disappointment. "From this day forward, Nestor will take over thepany''s management. As for you... you''ll remain nothing more than the young master of the Graves family." s eyes widened in in shock. "You''re out of your mind, old mant


    Jetf''s


    Even Nestor looked surprised. "Dad?"


    Being reduced to j a panic. Jeffshed out, "You old man, you''ve always favored Nestor! I''m your son too! What right do you have to take away everything that should be mine?" "Because everything


    I to just the title of the Graves family''s young master meant that Jeff wouldn''t have ess to anything beyond that. It was clear Wace was ready to cut him offpletely.


    In a


    youThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    have was given to you by me!" Wace shouted, his anger boiling over. "If you''re so unhappy, then leave right now, and I''ll consider you no longer my son!" Maeve was stunned. She could tell that Wace wasn''t just putting on a show for her sake.


    No matter what, she was an outsider with a background that couldn''tpare to the Graves family''s. They had no reason to consider her feelings.


    She thought, "But... why is he reacting this way? What Jeff has done to me is certainly wrong, but it doesn''t seem serious enough to make Wace disown him... right? Maeve felt like she was missing something, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    After speaking, Wace turned and went upstairs, likely to contact awyer to draft the paperwork for transferring the shares.


    Nestor walked over to Jeff, who was now on the floor, pounding his fists in despair. Remembering all the cruel things Jeff had done to Maeve, Nestor found it hard to feel any sympathy for him. "Dad once had high hopes for you," Nestor said calmly. "Maeve looks a lot like Mom when she was young. Mom always talked about wanting a daughter, so Dad almost treated her like one. "He arranged your rtionship with Maeve to give you a chance. If you had been willing to work hard and stay grounded, you would have secured your ce in thepany "But you were too foolish, throwing away every opportunity handed to you."


    His final words were dripping with sarcasm.


    Jeff''s body trembled, sweat and tears mixing on his face as regret slowly filled his eyes.


    At


    first, he genuinely liked Maeve. But when Wace kept reminding him to treat her well and show her more care, he began


    to resent it.


    He had thought. As the proud young master of the Graves family, why am I being given such a trivial task instead of


    08:21


    something more important?


    Over time, his initial affection for her turned into rebellion against Wace''s orders.


    He thought. If only I had taken the old man''s advice and treated Marve well...


    Nestor didn''t linger by Jeff''s side. He turned to Marve and said, "Ms. Reese, Lapologize for what you had to witness today. I''d like to talk with you and then see you out." Maeve thought for a for a moment. "Alright,"


    It wasn''t


    t until they reached the front entrance of the vi that Nestor spoke again. "My brother was spoiled from a young age, and hecks a sense of propriety. But that doesn''t excuse his behavior. "The failure in in his upbringing is our responsibility. I don''t expect you to forgive him, but we sincerely apologize. "I''ll make sure he stays in line from now on and doesn''t bother you again."


    Hearing Nestor''s words, Maeve couldn''t help but think that even in the best families, there could be a bad apple. Despite being from the same family, Jeff seemed like aplete outlier. I appreciate it, Mr. Graves. And please convey my apologies to your father. ver intended toe between them, but I couldn''t tolerate Jeff''s harassment any longer.


    "Also, considering the kindness your father has shown my family in the past, I won''t pursue the matter of the hidden cameras and the photos. But that''s as far as my leniency goes." Nestor hadn''t expected her to say that and looked at her with surprise.


    He had initially thought that Maeve was favored by Wace because she reminded him of histe wife. But hearing her speak now, he realized he had underestimated her.


    He thought, A young woman with such grace, poise, and a sharp mind is a rarity, even among the daughters of wealthy families. Jeff really has no idea what a treasure he has lost." 0

 Chapter 51

    After leaving the Graves family, Maeve felt a wave of relief wash over her. The thought of no longer having to live in fear of Jeff''s sudden retaliation filled her with excitement. She couldn''t resist skipping a few steps in joy, like a carefree rabbit.


    She thought Nestor had already left and hadn''t noticed, but he was still standing there, catching a glimpse of her lighthearted hop. Nestor couldn''t help but smile, thinking, ''It is a good thing she and Jeff haven''t ended up together; it would have been such at


    waste.


    Maeve then went to the supermarket, bought some ingredients, and returned to her apartment to make some soup. She packed it in a thermos and headed to the hospital. The hospital meals were fine, but they were nd and tasteless. Byron would barely take a few bites before putting down hist utensils. utensils.


    With lunchtime approaching, Maeve thought some homemade soup might help improve his appetite.


    Just as she reached the hospital entrance, someone stopped her


    15Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Reese, correct? Mydy requests your presence," a ck-suited bodyguard said, his expression neutral.


    "And who is yourdy?" Maeve asked, puzzled.


    "You''ll find out when you get there. She''s waiting in the nearby caf¨¦."


    Maeve hesitated for a moment, but since the cafe was just a short walk away, she decided there was no harm in seeing what it was about.


    At the caf¨¦, the bodyguard led Maeve to a booth at the far end by the window,


    "She''s here," the the bodyguard


    I announced.


    "Good" A woman dressed in an elegant champagne-colored velvet dress with a snow-white shawl draped over her shoulders looked up at Maeve. "Sit down." Maeve thought the woman looked somewhat familiar. She sat down and asked, "May I ask why you wanted to see me? I don''t believe we''ve met before." "You''re the new maid my son hired, so it''s no surprise we haven''t met, Alexis said, her gaze appraising Maeve. "I wanted to discuss a few things with you." Maeve thought, ''So, this is Mr. Mcdaniel''s mother? Maeve was a bit surprised. The woman''s stylish and sophisticated appearance suggest a well-off background. She couldn''t help but recall what Byron had said that night.


    He mentioned that his rtionship with his parents wasn''t good and that he had been living apart from them for years with little contact


    She thought, So why is his mother seeking me out?"


    "What would you like to discuss?" Maeve asked.


    08:21 Thu,


    ¦°


    ...


    , Oct 1.


    "First, your attire. I expect you to dress appropriately for a maid Avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing or suggestive," Alexis said, taking a sip of her coffee. Maeve nced down at her outfit. She was wearing a modest, pale pink two-piece sweater dress with a long beige coat- perfectly normal attire


    She frowned slightly. "Mrs. Mcdaniel, I have the right to choose what I wear. Even Byron has never told me I couldn''t dress like this"


    Alexis smirked inwardly at Maeve''s response. She thought, Just as Karen has described, this girl has no sense of her ce. She even dares to talk back to her employer''s mother."


    "My son i isn''t attuned I to such subtleties, so of course, he wouldn''t say anything." Alexis replied, setting her coffee cup down with a dismissive tone. "But it doesn''t matter; you''re just a maid, and I don''t have the energy to worry about such details." Maeve''s hands tightened slightly in herp


    Alexis continued. "The reason I called you here is that I need you to do something for me. From now on, I want you to regrly report to me on Byron''s activities. I''ll give you my contact information shortly."


    Maeve looked up at her. "Mrs. Mcdaniel, I don''t recall agreeing to this."


    Alexis''s expression shifted to one of thinly veiled disdain as she took out an envelope and pushed it across the table to


    Maeve. Maeve.


    Would this help?"


    Maeve opened the envelope and saw a bank card inside. She couldn''t help but smile. "Are you trying to buy me off, Mrs. Mcdaniel?


    "Consider it a partial payment," Alexis said, adjusting the shawl on her shoulders. Despite her age, her face remained. strikingly beautiful. "If you do well, the rewards I offer will far exceed whatever sry my son is paying you.


    Maeve wasn''t interested


    I and pushed the envelope back to the middle of the table. "Mrs. Mcdaniel, what exactly is your reason for this? Are you asking me to spy on your son?" frowned. want to know how my son is after being away from home for so


    Then why don''t you ask him yourself?" Macve''s voice remained calm. I''m guessing you''ve never actually tried to understand your son. Otherwise, you wouldn''t so casually offer money for someone to watch him. Have you thought about how he''d feel if he found our?" Alexis paused mid-sip, her expression turning cold. "Are you lecturing me? Do you not know your ce?"


    Maeve suddenly stood up. "I''m sorry, but I''m just a maid-I''m not cut out for spying on others. I suggest you find someone else for the job.


    With that, she turned and walked out without looking back.


    Alexis''s expression darkened, her grip tightening around the coffee cup. She thought, Just a maid, and yet she has the nerve to speak to me like that? Who gave her the confidence-was it Byron?''


    As Maeve left the caf¨¦, she couldn''t shake the feeling of frustration. She was beginning to understand why Byron preferred not to live at home or make any effort to mend his rtionship with his parents.


    She thought. If his parents really want to know what is going on in their son''s life, they have plenty of opportunities to find out. Why resort to hiring someone to spy on him? Don''t they even have time for a simple phone call? More importantly, they were right outside the hospital-how hard would it be to walk in and see their son for themselves?


    Maeve felt a tightness Im her chest, a sense of frustration that wasn''t even for herself.


    After calming down, she picked up the thermos and headed upstairs.


    In the hospital room, Byron was in the middle of a video conference, listening to the nning director''s project proposal. His frown hadn''t eased for a moment.


    The nning director noticed his expression and immediately knew he was in trouble.


    Just as Byron was about to speak, he noticed Maeve entering the room. Lowering his voice, he said, "Send the proposal back and start over, I don''t want to hear anything like this again. Meeting adjourned"


    The video conference abruptly ended, leaving the executives on the other side exchanging uneasy nces.


    The p


    nning director, drenched in sweat, copsed into his chair, feeling like he had narrowly escaped disaster. "Mr. Mcdaniel, it''s almost lunchtime. I time. I brought some soup to give you a break from the nd hospital food." As she spoke, Maeve pulled out the table next to the bed and began setting out the hospital lunch along with


    the soup.


    Byron put hisptop away, then wiped his hands with a wet wipe before picking up the bowl of soup she had poured. The rich broth had a subtle bitterness from the medicinal herbs, followed by a lingering sweetness-perfect for savoring slowly.


    After finishing a bowl, Byron rested his chin on his hand, watching Maeve pour more soup, his lips curving into a slight smile. "What made you think of bringing soup"


    Since his abdominal injury had healed, the daily soup had stopped appearing. He realized he had


    I missed it.


    Maeve pushed the bowl back to him. "You need to rebuild your strength. You''ll recover faster if you eat well."


    Hearing this, Byron''s smile faded as he narrowed his eyes at her "Weak? Did I go too easy on youst night?"


    Maeve''s hand froze as she reached for the utensils. The memories she had been trying to forget came rushing back. Heat crept up her face, and she couldn''t bring herself to meet his gaze, lowering her eyes to avoid his intense stare. "That''s not what I meant. Don''t twist my words," Maeve mumbled, taking a sip of the soup to hide her embarrassment. "Tm just trying to do something nice, and you''re giving me a hard time."

 Chapter 52

    Maeve probably hadn''t seen Byron tearing into people during the meeting earlier. It was a bloodbath, to put it mildly.


    Otherwise, the nning director wouldn''t have been acting like he''d just dodged a bullet, relieved that he wasn''t the one getting chewed out.


    Byron pressed his thin lips together and, seeing her chattering away, grabbed a slice of eggnt and popped it into her


    mouth


    "Shut up and eat," he said.


    Maeve red at him but swallowed the food. To her surprise, it didn''t taste as bad as he''d made it out to be. It was actually quite refreshing and had a subtle sweetness,


    After finishing her meal, Maeve headed to the restroom.


    d


    a


    Byron sent a message to Archer, telling him to prepare the materials needed for the afternoon meeting and send them to his phone.


    Just then, a message from Karen popped up on his screen.


    He swiped it away without much thought, but in his haste, he identally opened it.


    Karen: [Byron, did you know your mother''sing back to the country today?]


    Karen: Il saw her at a caf¨¦ near First Hospital. You''ve probably already met with her, right? I hope you two can have a good talk. Your mom really cares about you; she even asked someone to check in on how you''re doing-l Karen:


    Byron skimmed through the messages, his gaze lingering on the photo she had sent


    In the photo, Alexis was sitting in a booth, with someone across from her holding a gold-edged bank card.


    The person wasn''t fully visible in the frame, just their hand and the silver ginkgo bracelet on their wrist. It looked familiar.


    "Ding" Mae


    "Maeve''s phone, which she''d just ced on the table, suddenly lit up.


    His thoughts interrupted. Byron''s attention shifted to the screen


    Valda: [Mr. Graves just told us that the 200 thousand dors engagement gift can be paid back gradually. You can start by sending me 40 thousand dors each month. That shouldn''t be a problem for you, right?] Byron''s dark eyes narrowed slightly.


    Just then, Maeve walked out of the restroom, grabbed a tissue from the table, and began wiping her hands. The silver ginkgo bracelet on her wrist was now fully visible, matching the one in the photo exactly.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    A cold edge crept into Byron''s strikingly handsome face as he asked casually. "Did you see anyone today besides going home 10 make soup?"


    Maeve paused mid-wipe. "I went to the Graves family to take care of some things, but after that... no, I didn''t see anyone


    else."


    She hesitated, deciding not to mention that Alexis had sought her out.


    Given how strained the rtionship between mother and son already was, and since she''d already turned down Alexis''s


    request, she didn''t see my point in bringing it up and causing more tension..


    But to Byron, her brief hesitation looked like she was hiding something


    "Someone told me you met with my mother, Byron said, his gaze probing. "Why would you lie about that?"


    Marve''s breath caught. She thought, He already knew?"


    After a moment''s thought, Macve carefully exined, "Your mother mistook me for your maid and asked me a few questions about you. I know your rtionship with her isn''t grea, and I was worried you''d be upset if I told you, so I left it out." out. She didn''t say a word about Alexis''s harsh remarks.


    Byron''s expression remained steady. "That''s it?"


    He thought. If Alexis was only asking about me, why would she give her a card, and why would she ept it? ufortable with lying, lowered her gaze to hide her feelings. "That''s all."


    Maeve,


    Seeing that she was determined to keep something from him, Byron''s expression turned cold, irritation shing in his eyes.


    The hospital room was unusually quiet that night.


    Even when Maeve tried to make small talk with Byron while helping him freshen up, he didn''t say a word, his expression remaining cold and distant.


    Maeve figured it probably had something to do with what happened earlief.


    She thought, ''Maybe Mr. Mcdaniel doesn''t want me interacting with his mother, just like he doesn''t want anyone knowing


    we are married''


    But she was already upset from being mistaken for a maid and looked down upon by Alexis, and now he was icing her out as if she''d done something wrong. Her mood sank even further.


    Her moo


    The


    next morning, after a restless night, Maeve got ready and left without even saying goodbye to Byron.


    she had to report to work at Eternal Hope.


    Today, she had


    As she reached the building, a warm voice called out from behind her, "Good morning, Maeve."


    She turned I to see Alexa approaching in a sleek silver-gray suit. She smiled and nodded, "Good morning, Mr. Brown."


    Alex walked with


    Alex


    her into the building.


    That would be great, thank you, Mr. Since you''re new and might not know your way around yet, how about I show you to your office?"


    Brown."


    The elevator stopped on the twenty-first floor, and Alex led Maeve to an office at the end of the hallway, swiping his ess. card to open the door.


    "This is the designers'' exclusive office on this floor," Alex exined. "You''ll need a card to get in and out, to make sure no unauthorized people can enter and potentially mess with or leak any of the designs." Maeve nodded, impressed. A top-tier fashionpany really was on another level-she''d already been wowed several times just on the way here.


    UB


    Inside, four designers looked up as Alex entered, greeting him with a chorus of "Good morning, Mr. Brown."


    He nodded slightly and said, ''I''d like to introduce you to Maeve She''s our new designer and will be working with you from now on."


    "Hello, Maeve said with a polite smile. I''m looking forward to working with you


    all


    all


    The designers exchanged nces, and after a moment, one of them-a woman with light brown curls and a burgundy leather skirt-spoke up.


    "Mr. Brown, we''re almost done with the spring collection we''ve been working on. Now that she''s joining us, should we add her name to the list of designers?"


    The room instantly tensed, and the other designers didn''t look pleased.


    "No, the credits for that collection will stay as they are," Alex replied after a brief pause. "Maeve will be working on the Morningstar gown series."


    The Morningstar series?" The female designer''s displeasure deepened. ''How can a neer, who hasn''t even passed the probationary period, be handed such a prestigious project, one of Eternal Hope''s signature collections? But despite her frustration, she knew better than to challenge Alex''s decision. He was known for sticking to his word.


    Alex then turned to Maeve and said, "Consider this series a test of your abilities. If you do well, you''ll pass the probationary period right away. How does that sound? Think you can handle it?" Maeve didn''t hesitate. In fact, she felt a sense of relief ''Of course, I''ll do


    my


    best."


    I''m looking forward to seeing what you can do," Alex said before leaving the office.


    As soon as he was gone, the atmosphere turned even colder. The other designers clearly weren''t happy.


    It wasn''t surprising-a neer swooping in and snagging such a big project would put anyone in a bad mood.


    Maeve found an empty desk and began to settle in.


    As she was organizing her things, the short-haired girl next to her asked, "Maeve, are you close with Mr. Brown? Why did he personally bring you to the office?


    She thought, ''Mr. Brown is usually so busy that he rarely evenes to the office, spending most of his time traveling for inspiration. But this time...


    The other designers exchanged wary nces, thinking, "Could she have some sort of special connection?"

 Chapter 53

    Maeve was briefly taken aback, but she quickly shook her head. "Not at all. I just happened to run into Mr. Brown downstairs when I got here, and since I didn''t know my way around, he was kind enough to show me up "But you''re incredibly lucky to be assigned to the Morningstar series right off the bat," the short-haired girl remarked. Maeve looked puzzled. "Why do you say that?"


    "The Morningstar series is something ourpany releases annually, targeting high-society socialites. It''s been a signature collection for ten years and is hugely popr.


    "On top of that, the designers who work on it earn a heftymission, but only two people get to work on it each year, and you''ve already secured one of those spots."


    The short-haired girl''s voice was tinged with envy. Tve been here for over a year, and I haven''t evene close to working on the Morningstar series."


    Maeve smiled softly. "I think it''s just because you all are already busy with other projects, and it wouldn''t have looked good for me to be sitting around doing nothing. Mr. Brown probably gave me this task to keep me upied "Plus, this is part of my job evaluation. If I don''t do well, I might be out of a job. Hearing you talk about it makes me realize I need to work even harder."


    The short-haired girl was momentarily at a loss for words, then forced augh. "I see. Well, good luck with that. By the way. Fm Ava, and you...


    She didn''t get to finish because the light-brown-haired designer walked over, cutting her off with a sharp tone. "Did youe here just to chat?"


    With a loud "thud," she dropped a stack of documents in front of Maeve. "Go through all of this and familiarize yourself with the material as soon as possible. I want it back on my desk by the end of the day, and don''t even think about taking it out of the office. the office.


    With that, she turned and walked away, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor.


    Ava rolled her eyes and leaned in to whisper to a bewildered Maeve, "That''s our design director, Leah. She''s talented but pretty arrogant, and rumor has it she''s got a thing for Mr. Brown. So, tread carefully." Maeve nced at the thick stack of documents in front of her and smiled, choosing not toment on Ava''s remark.


    "I''d better get to work. We can chatter."


    "Sure thing. If you need any help, just ask," Ava replied cheerfully


    Maeve then


    After


    focused


    on the documents.


    going through them, she gained a solid understanding of the various design series that Eternal Hope had produced over the years.


    The Morningstar series, in particr, had started to feel a bit stale in recent years, with the designscking innovation.


    Any ideas Maeve coulde up with had likely already been used by the designers before her. Earning that highmission was going to be no easy task


    Resting her chin in her hand, she drified into deep thought.


    Meanwhile, i in the VIP Toom at the top of First Hospital, the silence was almost suffocating.


    Byron sat propped up in bed, his face devoid of emotion.


    Alexis sat awkwardly on the sofa across from him, unsure of what to say.


    When it it came to Byron, she felt more guilt than affection. After all, she hadn''t spent as much time with him as she had with Neville, and the distance between them was inevitable. Alexis had once thought she''d have plenty of time to build a rtionship with him, but not long after, he moved out of the Mcdaniel family.


    Since then,


    "Byron, how are feeling? Is you g? Is your health


    except for holidays, she rarely saw him. Now that they were face to face, she didn''t even know where to start. health... okay?" Alexis clutched her her pearl handbag nervously. "Your father and I got tied up with some things and couldn''t make it back sooner. Do you. resent us for that?" "You''re ''re overthinking it. I''m not a chil ta child anymore," Byron replied, his voice cool and detached.


    Hurt by his distant attitude. Alexis''s gaze dropped in disappointment. "You don''t even call me Mom anymore...


    "Is there something you wanted to discuss?" Byron asked, cutting straight to the point.


    As soon as Alexis heard this, her sadness took a back seat. "It''s about Neville... I know he wronged you this time, and I''ll make sure he gets the punishment he deserves. Could you..."


    If


    u''re here to plead for Neville, I have only one thing to say, Byron interrupted, his gaze lifting slightly. "He has two choices: either serve his full sentence or hand over his shares in Mcdaniel Group. Those are the only options." wasn''t naive enough to expect Byron to forgive someone who had tried to kill him.


    Maxis


    On the contrary, the fact that he was offering any options at all meant he was being lenient only because of his parents. He wasn''t intent onpletely ruining Neville.


    Realizing th this, Alexis was nearly overwhelmed with guilt.


    "Byron, I''m so sorry....


    "There''s no need for apologies," Byron said coolly, looking away. Just deliver the message to Neville."


    Don''t worry,


    I''ll make sure he agrees. Alexis''s eyes were misting with emotion. "Byron, thank you."


    "ed to rest now."


    Theed


    Alexis, who had


    "Alright,


    I wanted to say more, felt a wave of disappointment. Forcing a smile, she stood up.


    I won''t disturb you any longer. Please take care of yourself, and I''lle see you again soon." The door to the hospital room closed behind her.


    of fatigue crossed Byron''s face as he closed his eyes for a moment, then nced toward the windowsill.


    A hint of


    There sat a pot of orchids that Maeve had brought over from their apartment the day before.


    She had casually ced it there, saying that since he was stuck in the hospital room all day, having something alive and vibrant to look at might improve his mood. He h had I to admit, the dark, oppressive feeling he''d been carrying had lightened a bit.


    Thu, Oct


    3.78% 3.78%


    But then, remembering the guilty, evasive look in Maeve''s eyes yesterday, the slight smile that had formed on his lips faded, reced by a cold, hard expression.. By evening. Maeve had managed to finish reviewing the documents and returned them to Leah just before the end of the workday.


    Leah still didn''t give her a warm reception, but Maeve didn''t mind. She gathered her things and left the office.


    Not eager to go back and face Byron''s cold demeanor, she decided to have dinner out. Afterward, she grabbed a drink and slowly made her way back to the hospital. t as she entered the hospital room.


    She finished her drink just the trash, she heard Byron''s icy voice cut through the air. "Don''t you get off work at six? What took you so long?"


    Tossing the empty cup into


    The dinner on the table in front of f him was still I untouched.


    Maeve Byron''s


    responded calmly, "I ate out beforeing back. From now on, I''ll do the same, so you don''t need to wait for me." instantly turned icy. He thought, ''So, she''s feeling confident now that she has a new backert


    gaze


    "Wait t for you?" Byron sneered. "Don''t tter yourself."


    Maeve/pressed her lips together. It was a good thing she hadn''t brought him any soup today; otherwise, she really would have been fooling herself.


    She moved to the sofa with her back to the bed, took out her sketchbook, find started working on her designs, trying to push aside her frustration.


    Byron''s dark eyes remained fixed on her back, his handsome face clouded with a stormy expression.


    Having lost his appetite, he pressed the call button for the nurse toe in and take away the untouched dinner.


    Shortly after, Archer entered the room, bowing slightly. "Mr-


    He stopped mid-sentence, silenced by the icy look in Byron''s eyes.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Uh, the doctor said your knee is healing well, and you should be able to move around normally soon," Archer said, trying to keep his tone natural. "But your right hand is still pretty badly injured, so it''ll need more time to recover." "Okay." Byron thought for a moment. "Arrange for me to be discharged the day after tomorrow." Archer was surprised. "Isn''t that a bit soon?"


    "Just do it," Byron replied, his tone leaving no room for argument


    "Understood." Archer sighed as he left the room.

 Chapter 54

    Maeve''s attention had long drifted over to their conversation. When she heard that Byron nned to be discharged in just two days, she was taken aback. Given how serious his injuries were, staying in the hospital for a month would have been minimal. She thought, It has only been a little over a week, and he is already talking about leaving? She couldn''t help but voice her concern. "Mr. Medaniel, your body hasn''t fully recovered yet. Leaving the hospital now might slow down your recovery..." Byron didn''t even look at her, his tone cold. "That''s not your concern."


    Maeve felt a sharp sting in her chest and quickly turned her head to hide the sudden moisture in her eyes. She thought. What is going on? What have I done to upset him?


    This frosty atmosphere lingered even after Byron was discharged from the hospital.


    Maeve had just started at ?ternal


    Hope and and was still


    Meanwhile, Byron was swamped with work that hadding her footing, so she''d been busy these past few days trying to get up to speed


    Both of them Maeve


    had piled up during his hospital stay, spending most of his time in the study.


    seemed intent on avoiding each other. Even though they lived under the same roof, they rarely crossed paths, except during meals or when necessary. resolved not to speak to him unless absolutely necessary.


    was frustrated, too. She


    Today, she stayedte at the office, nearly until 8:30 PM, to finish reviewing Eternal Hope''s design archives.


    As she waited by the curb for a cab, a white Ferrari pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Alex''s warm and refined face. I''ll give you a ride," Alex said.


    Maeve, why are you heading home sote? Hop declined without hesitation. "Thank you, Mr. Brown, but I''ll just catch a cab.


    Recalling wha


    "It''s tough to get a cab at this hour, and


    Maeve


    what Ava had mentioned be it''s not safe for ay Softly. "Do I need to get out and open the woman to be out alone," Alex said gently. "Come on, get in." Maeve checked the time. It waste, and recent news reports about safety shed through her mind, making her reconsider.


    Alex chuckled


    door for you?"


    "N-no need." Maeve quickly shook her head. "Then... I guess I''ll take you up on your offer."


    After getting in the car, she gave him her address, and Alex entered it into the GPS before merging into traffic.


    "You''ve been with thepany for a little while now. How are you settling in?" Alex asked as he focused on the road. Maeve nodded slightly. "Everything''s going well. The work is interesting, and my colleagues are all very kind." d to hear it."


    As they stopped at a red light, Alex''s gaze briefly drifted to Maeve''s calm profile.


    She wasn''t the kind of womus who would catch your eye immediately, but there was a quiet elegance about her.


    Her


    beauty was understated, with delicate features that were so and gentle. Her eyes, reflecting the light, sparkled like stars. A hint of pink on her small nose added a touch of yfulness.


    Alex suddenly smiled. "Did you juste from a paint session? You''ve got something on your nose."


    Maeve blinked in surprise and quickly pulled out her phone to check. Sure enough, there was a smudge of pink paint on her


    nose


    "I must have gotten too close while drawing and identally brushed against it..." she exined, embarrassed, as she took out a tissue to wipe it off. "Better wash it off when you get home, Alex advised, pausing for a moment.


    Then,


    out of nowhere, a burst of inspiration struck him, breaking through the creative block he''d been stuck in. The image of rose on a snowy mountaintop.... Quickly jotting down this idea in his mind, he turned back to Maeve and smiled. "You really are my muse..."


    It seemed like every time he saw her, a new idea woulde to mind. It was something that had never happened to him before.


    §Ñ


    The white Ferrari pulled up in front of the vintage apartment building, and Maeve stepped out, leaning down to thank Alex through the window, "Thank you for driving me home, Mr. Brown. Take care on your way back." Of course, Alex replied with a smile. "Get some rest. Good nightC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Good night," Maeve s Maeve said, giving him a wave as he drove off.


    Once his car disappeared down the street, she turned and headed into the building, taking the elevator up to her apartment,


    She didn''t expect to run into Byron tonight, but as soon as she opened the door, there he was, sitting on the sofa in the living room.


    He was dressed in a ck sweater and pants, looking rxed and at ease. With his head slightly bowed, his usually sharp features softened, giving him an air of cool detachment as he focused on the tablet in front of him. When he heard the door open, he didn''t even nce up, his attention still fixed on the screen.


    Noticing that his knee and wrist casts had been removed, Maeve considered saying something but decided against it. Instead, she headed to the kitchen.


    A few minutester, she returned, picked some greens from the balcony garden, and went back to the kitchen.


    Soon, the enticing aroma of food filled the apartment.


    Byron, leaning his head on his hand, realized that in the past ten minutes, he''d only managed to read one line of the document in front of him.


    His mind kept wandering back to the scene he''d seen from the window earlier, and his brows furrowed in frustration. He thought, "Laughing and smiling so brightly with another man outside, but the moment she stepped inside, she couldn''t be bothered to say a word. What is that about? Has she gone mute?'' Irritated, Byron tossed the tablet aside and was about to head back to his room when he noticed Maeve walking over te of pasta. He paused, then casually picked up the tablet again.


    with


    §Ñ


    a


    But instead of bringing the te to him, Maeve ced it on the ss table, sat cross-legged on the carpet, and started eating


    54


    while watching TV.


    After waiting a few minutes, Byron''s irritation grew. "Maeve, aren''t you forgetting something?"


    "What?" I "Maeve asked, puzzled, turning to look at him as she took a bite of her pasta.


    "My dinner."


    Maeve looked genuinely surprised. "You haven''t eaten yet? 1 thought you already had."


    "Did you even check what time you got home?" Byron''s tone was ley, "You left a patient to starve, waiting for you for hours?"


    She thought, "Is he really waiting for me toe home? Maeve je her pasta, mumbling, "I''ve been getting homete recently. There are ingredients in the fridge; you could''ve made something yourself." Byron looked at her like she''d just told a joke. "The one who agreed to cook in exchange for rent wasn''t me."


    He thought, ''Since when did I ever need to do


    to do such things?''


    "You''re right, I did agree to that," Maeve said, tightening her grip on the fork. "But agreeing to cook doesn''t mean I signed up to be treated like a maid" Byron''s dark eyes narrowed as he looked at her. "So, are you trying to back out?"


    "No, I''m just saying that if I''m your maid, we need to settle a few things."


    Maeve lifted her head and met his gaze. "I''ve been paying for the groceries, cooking the meals, washing the dishes, and doing the weekly deep cleaning.


    "So. Mr. Mcdaniel, aside from the meals that offset the rent, how much should you be paying me for everything else?" Byron leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his posture casual. "How much do you want?" He thought. It seems the card she has received from Alexis isn''t enough to cover the engagement gift to the Graves family!


    "I don''t want money," Maeve replied, meeting his probing gaze. I just realized that I shouldn''t be doing everything around here by myself. Don''t you think, Mr. Mcdaniel, that you should share some of the load?" To Byron, this was nothing short of absurd.


    He''d known hardship before, but he''d never done these kinds of chores. Now, there was no reason to start. He thought, "What are the dozens of servants at my estate for if not to handle these tasks?

 Chapter 55

    "Maeve, do you really think I would agree to such an unreasonalde request?" Byron''s gaze darkened, his tone icy as he questioned her. "Unreasonable?" Maeve smiled. "Why is it only reasonable when Jm the one doing everything?"


    She wasn''t his actual maid. She had taken on these tasks out of gratitude for his letting her stay, but that didn''t mean he should treat her like she was hired help. A flicker of


    of sadness crossed Maeve''s eyes, but she said nothing more, lowering her head to continue eating her pasta


    In her haste, she ended up swallowing too quickly and started choking.


    Maeve coughed so hard that tears sprang to her eyes as she fumbled for a tissue.


    Byron pushed the tissue box toward her, frowning as he watched her struggle, her nose now red from crying.


    He thought. Is she really this upset just because I won''t help with the housework?


    "Enough," Byron said, his voice firm. "It''s just housework. Are you really going to cry over something so trivial?"


    He


    thought,


    "What a ridiculous woman.


    §ß§Ö


    Maeve fina finally managed to catch her breath, missing most of what he had said. All she caught was, "It''s just housework She amed to him. "So, are you going to help or not?" Byron nced at her tear-streaked face and scoffed. "If I say no, are you going to stop cooking?"


    Til still cook," Maeve said, sniffling, but only for myself." Byron was left t speechless.


    Finishing her pasta, Maeve stood up. Seeing the cold expression on Byron''s face, she deliberately asked. "Are you still nning to eat dinner? If you are, you can wash the dishes tonight. If not, I''ll head to my room." He didn''t respond.


    She picked up


    empty te and started to walk away. She had taken several steps when a low, cold voice came from behind her. "Don''t think you can just brush me off with a te of pasta." Maeve''s eyes twinkled with amusement, barely holding back a smile. He actually agreed.


    Since he was willing to cooperate, Maeve decided to be generous and made him a full meal: two dishes and a soup.


    After dinner, Byron rolled up his sleeves with a displeased expression and headed into the kitchen.


    He had never washed a dish in his life, thinking, ''Maeve certainly has some nerve.


    "Wear gloves and use warm water," Maeve advised as she walked over, handing him a pair of gloves. "Your right hand just healed, so it''s better to avoid cold water-it could make your bones ache." She had already washed most of the dishes, and there weren''t many left, so it shouldn''t be too difficult.


    Byron took the gloves with a frosty expression. "Leave."


    Maeve shrugged and left the kitchen.


    ??


    But barely two minutester, she heard a loud crash from the kitchen. A te had shattered.


    Maeve quickly grabbed a broom, only to hear the sound of more dishes breaking.


    "Mr. Medaniel, are you washing dishes or smashing them?"


    She hurried over and found the floor littered with broken shards with just one te left in the sink.


    Maeve''s mouth twitched. This wouldn''t happen to be... your first time washing dishes, would it?"


    Byron standing at the sink turned slightly, his expression unreadable as he looked at her. "What do you think?


    Maeve was momentarily speechless.


    She thought,


    So, how has he managed to live on his own all these years? Does he eat out every single day?


    As she watched him pick up thest remaining te in the sink, Maeve was about to warn him to be careful. The next second, that te, too, shattered in his hands.


    Byron nced down at the shards at his feet, his brows furrowing. "It''s too slippery."


    Maeve couldn''t help butugh in exasperation, thinking, "What a wasteful man.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, why don''t you step out? I''ll clean up the mess."


    Byron''s expression lightened as he quickly pulled off the gloves and made his way out of the kitchen. Maeve then said, "Can Sure,


    you water the nts on the balcony for me? The watering can is on the flower stand."


    Byron repliedzily.


    I Maeve mess in kitchen.


    She thought. Was he really washing dishes, or just smashing them? Watering the nts seems simple enough-definitely more suited to him. After all, he can''t just do nothing"


    Once she finished tidying up, Maeve couldn''t shake her worry and decided to check on the balcony.


    The sight t that greeted her was shocking. All the nts looked like they''d been hit by a flood,pletely drenched.


    And there he was, holding the


    Mr. Mcdaniell Maeve rushed over and snatched the watering casu by texting with the other, not even noticing the poor, waterlogged green onions bending under the weight of all that water.


    can from him, distressed. "You''re drowning my nts!"


    She quickly tipped out the excess water from the pots, trying to salvage them.


    Byron finally looked up from his phone, noticing the almost tearful expression on Maeve''s face. His lips pressed into a thin line.


    He suddenly remembered a few years ago when he had almost killed the roses in his courtyard by overwatering them. At that time, Archer had nervously suggested hiring someone to take care of the flowers. Since then, he hadn''t bothered with those delicate roses.


    Byron frowned slightly, thinking, ''Have 1 inherited my grandfather''s notorious ck thumb, killing everything he tried to grow?"


    213


    "It''s been drytely. A little extra water is good for them. Byron said, trying to sound nonchnt. "They won''t die."


    He thought, "These vegetables can''t be more delicate than my roses, right?


    Maeve wasn''t convinced. He couldn''t even tell the difference between the nts.


    But considering that he had at least tried to help, even if he didnt do it well, she didn''t want to discourage him. By the time


    me she


    finished saving the nts on the balcony, it


    t was quitete.


    After a shower, feeling exhausted both physically and mentally, Maeve knocked on the door to the master bedroom.


    Every night. Byron''s knee and right hand needed to be massaged with medicinal oil, and since his discharge from the hospital. Maeve had been the one helping him with it. She had even watched tutorials to learn the proper technique. The overhead light in t in the master bedroom was off, leaving only the bedsidemps on, casting a warm, amber glow that gave the room a cozy, soft atmosphere. Maeve knelt i front of t of Byron, warming the oil in her the oil in her hands before gently massaging it into his still-bruised knee. only doing this because you helped me with with the dishes and the nts. Don''t keep treating me like your maid," she muttered. Byron let out a low chuckle. "Does it really bother that much?"


    I''m


    youThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Wouldn''t it bother you if someone treated you like a maid?"


    "It''s for your own good," Byron said calmly. "The fewer people who know we were married, the safer you''ll be after the divorce.


    Beingbeled as his maid might not sound great, but it was safer than being known as Mrs. Mcdaniel.


    She thought, "Divorce. So he is already thinking about that!


    Maeve felt a


    t a tightness in her chest, her eyshes fluttering as she forced a smile, "What, am I in danger of being hunted down by your enemies?" Byron didn''t deny it


    Maeve bit her lip, feeling as if a heavy weight was pressing on her chest, making it hard to breathe.


    After a long silence, she finally spoke softly, "Since we''re going to get divorced eventually, Mr. Mcdaniel, it''s probably best if you stop kissing me like you did before."


    Byron narrowed his dark eyes, thinking. ''We aren''t even divorced yet, and she is already eager to keep herself pure for that young man with the Ferrari? How many men is she stringing along?" "Fine," Byron replied carelessly.


    But despite getting the answer she wanted, Maeve found that she wasn''t as happy about it as she thought she''d be.

 Chapter 56

    Maeve continued to massage Byron''s injured knee in silence, her gaze distant and unfocused.


    When she finished, she was about to tell him he was all set when suddenly, his warm breath brushed against her cheek. Before she could react, his cool lips pressed firmly against hers. Byron cupped the back of her head, his dark, intense eyes locking onto her shocked expression.


    His tongue easily slipped past her unguarded lips, iming her mouth with a forceful, unyielding kiss.


    His kiss, like everything about him, was domineering and relentless, driven purely by his own desires.


    In the past, his kisses had been just that-kisses, But this time, his hand slid down from her car to her neck, his long fingers lightly parting the cor of her nightgown.


    The teasing, suggestive touch made Maeve''s cheeks burn with embarrassment. She tried to push him away, but he effortlessly pinned her wrists behind her back with one hand. Half-kneeling between his knees, her neck held firm by his grip, she felt trapped in his embrace.


    The sheer intimacy of


    the


    position made her feel overwhelmed with shame, her mind going nk.


    It was only when Maeve began to struggle for breath that that Byron finally released her slightly, a low chuckle escaping as he looked into her embarrassed, tear-filled eyes. "I told you, I''m a a normal man," he he murmured, his dark eyes glinting with a predatory edge. "Did you really expect a normal man to act any differently?"


    Maeve''s breath reath caught, §Ñ wave of heat spreading through her body..


    "If you can''t even control your basic urges, what kind of normal man are you?" she snapped, frustrated.


    She thought, "As "As if I I hadn''t noticed where your hands was just moments ago. gaze sharpened as he studied her. "So, do you want to find out?"


    Byron''s


    "Find out wha Find what?" Maeve blinked, Maeve blink struggling to


    "Find out whether I''m a normal


    to follow his line of thought. man or not.


    "Why would I want to do that?" Maeve''s heart skipped a beat, her voice trembling as she tried to argue. "We''re just married in name. Do we really need to be doing this?" Justst night, he had talked about their future divorce, and now he was talking about fulfilling marital duties. She thought. Does he want a divorce or not?" Byron raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who says a married couple in name can''t do these things?"


    "I say so!" Maeve blurted out, quickly pushing his hand away before rushing out of the master bedroom in a panic.


    Byron casually lowered his pant leg, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    He thought, ''If she really doesn''t want it, why is she so flustered? What a contradictory woman


    The next morning, after a restless night of tossing and turning, Maeve woke upte, as expected.


    Rushing to the balcony to pick some vegetables for breakfast, she was shocked to find that all her nts had wilted. She


    nearly stopped breathing in disbelief.


    8.78%


    Byron came out after washing up, noticing her crouched on the balcony with a pained expression. He walked over to take a


    look


    "Are these nts dead?"


    "Not dead, but close," Maeve replied, her voice heavy with sadness. "When they go to nt heaven, they''ll be sure to thank you for your wonderful watering." She was so upset over the vegetables she had painstakingly nurtured that she momentarily forgot about the events of the previous night Byron frowned slightly, muttering, "So delicate."


    Maeve looked I up at him with a deadpan expression. "And whose fault is that?"


    After a brief pause, Byron offered, I''ll rece them."


    "No need Maeve sighed, gazing at her drooping nts, genuinely saddened. T''d grown attached to them."


    Byron was at a loss for words, thinking, ''Attached to a bunch of vegetables? Yet you have no problem eating them before!


    Too disheartened to make breakfast, Maeve went downstairs and bought two pizzas, which she ate before heading off to work.


    -Byron, holding his suit jacket, nced toward the balcony. After a moment of thought, he took out his phone and made a call


    Half the arived at the apartment, each


    seated on the sofa. led out to the "No need for


    can these nts be saved?"


    gardeners exchanged surprised nces. They were used to tending rare and exotic nts at the estate, and had assumed they were being called in to care for something equally special. But it turned out they were here for vegetables.


    One of the gardeners wiped his his brow


    He thought, ''But this isn''t really what we usually do, Mr. Mcdaniel, yes, we can save these vegetables, but..."


    do.


    "As long as it can be done," Byron said, his tone firm. "You''ll stay here today and take care of these nts. Bring them back to life. If you do a good job. I''ll double your pay."


    The gardeners'' eyes lit


    lit up, and any reservations vanished. "Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel, you can count on us."


    Byron nced at his watch before asking, "How long will it take? Will I see any results today?"


    "Well... we can''t guarantee that, but we''ll do our best."


    Alright,


    I''m leaving it to you," Byron said, then left the apartment.


    At Eternal Hope, Maeve didn''t have much time to dwell on her frustration, as she was quickly buried under a mountain of work. She had alreadypleted the designs for the Morningstar series, and the drafts from the other designer she was  00: 78%


    ¦°¦°


    coborating with were also on her desk.


    The next step was to finalize everything and decide on the fabrics for each design.


    After working for over two hours, she ced the organized dran on her desk and headed to the break room for a drink. As she walked back to her desk, someone identally bumped to her shoulder.


    "Oh no!" The person eximed, and his coffee spilled all over Marve''s desk.


    Maeve''s


    eyes widened in shock as she quickly grabbed the stack of design drafts, only to find them soaked in coffee.


    The designs were now a blurry, unrecognizable mess.


    Her heart sank.


    "What''s wrong with you? Can''t you watch where you''re going?" The male designer who had bumped into her raised his voice when he saw the ruined drafts in her hands. This isn''t my fault you weren''t paying attention!" Themotion caught the attention of the entire office. Jack, the designer working with Maeve, immediately rushed over.


    "What happened? Why are the design drafts ruined?" he demanded, panic rising in his voice. "My designs were in there, weren''t they?"


    Maeve bit her lip and nodded. Tm sorry, they''re all ruined."


    Sorry


    Isn''tContent protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "


    Andy say to one to the this week was furious, West your health any lodea what heat oven backed them up yet. Some of these designs were addedst minute and aren''tful in my head. Even if I redraw them, they won''t have the same feel! ''re due for Mr. Brown''s review tomorrow-do means?" sanger attracted the attention of Leah.


    She snatched the ruined designs from Maeve''s hands, frowning. How could you be so careless? These designs are crucial! "I... Maeve started to exin, but the male designer who had bumped into her smirked. "That''s what you get with people who got in through connections-they''re only good at dragging everyone else down." Maeve''s


    eyes shed with cold anger. "Watch your mouth. Don''t forget it was you who spilled coffee on our designs." The male designer shrugged. "me me all you want, but it''s still your fault." Leah cut them off sharply. "Enough. Everyone, quiet. Maeve, the designs were in your care, so you''re responsible."


    "Ms. Mason..."


    "If you can''t find a solution, I''ll have to report this to Mr. Brown, and we''ll have to let you go, Leah said, her expression icy.

 Chapter 57

    Meanwhile, outside the office window, a tall, stern figure stood with one hand in his pocket, his sharp eyes fixed on the scene inside. Byron could clearly see Maeve standing alone, facing the others, her face pale.


    The group of executives gathered behind him exchanged puzzled nces, wondering why he had suddenly stopped.


    The man wearing sses, standing to his left, stepped for ward antl respectfully asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, is something wrong?"


    "Mr. Munoz." Byron replied, his voice cool, are yourpany''s senior designers always this good at twisting the truth?" Lino Munoz''s expression tightened. He nced into the office, then cautiously asked, "Are you referring to...


    Byron''s expression remained impassive. "When


    Hearing t


    his forehead.


    this. Lino felt a cold sweat break out on his grens spend more time scheming than honing their craft, it''s quite disgraceful.¡±


    Next month''s series exhibition at Eternal Hope was set to be held on the top floor of Pearl Tower, a property owned by Mcdaniel Group. Securing this venue and earning Byron''s favor would be crucial for future investments. He thought, ''If something as minor as this office dispute ruined Byron''s impression of Eternal Hope, it would be bad. Lino quickly responded, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I assure you this is an isted incident. Most of our designers are of excellent character. "As for this As this matter, please allow me to handle I''ll make sure that the designer who was wronged receives justice."


    Just as he finished speaking. Maeve''s voice came from inside the office. "I can handle this."


    stack coffee-stained


    and said Leah, "Please give me some time."


    The make designer rolled his eyes. "Stop kidding yourself. Are you going to magically recreate Jack''s designs from scratch? were organized by me, and I''ve reviewed them many times. They''re all in my head, Maeve replied calmly, ignoring his sarcasm. She turned to Jack and said, "I''ll redraw them. If I make a single mistake, I''ll leave thepany myself. izd designs Jack hesitated, looking at her doubtfully. "Are you sure? Can you really do it?"


    "The


    There were twelve designs in total, and even he wasn''t confident he could perfectly replicate his own work.


    Maeve nodded. "If I can''t, then you can hold me responsible."


    The male


    The ma designer started to protest, but Leah nodded in agreement.


    then skip your lunch break and stay here to redraw all the designs. Jack, keep an eye on her, Leah said.


    Got it," Jack responded.


    Maeve returned to her desk, mentally recalling the designs as she began to draw.


    Starting from scratch could take three days to a week, but recreating them from memory was much faster.


    In less than an hour, Maeve put down her pen.


    Jack flipped through her redrawn designs, his expression shifting from skepticism to shock, and then to disbelief.


    everyth


    "You actually remembered everything?" he asked.


    §á§Ö couldn''t recall all the details himself, but seeing the identical designs brought the memories back. He was certain that Maeve had captured every detail, even down to the notes he had written on the margins.


    Leah also reviewed the designs, and when she came across Maeve''s work, she gave her a surprised look.


    Finally, she nodded begrudgingly. "Alright, let''s consider this settled. Be more careful next time."


    The male designer crossed his arms and sneered, "Must be nice to have connections-always someone to bail you out."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    As soon as he said this, the atmosphere in the room grew tense.


    Maeve pressed her lips together, her hands clenched tightly at her sides.


    Even


    office.


    Jack, who had been silent until now, couldn''t take it any longer and was about to speak up when Lino walked into the


    Seeing him, Leah immediately put on a smile. "Mr. Munoz, what brings you here?"


    Though Alex owned thepany, he was often secluded, working on design drafts and rarely making appearances.


    Most day-to-day operations were handled by Lino, but he was usually too busy to visit this floor often.


    Tm here giving a tour to an important guest, Lino replied casually. "By the way, I happened to see your male designer deliberately spill coffee on that youngdy''s desk." The male designer''s face went white. "N-no, Mr. Munoz, I only did that because she bumped into me..."


    d him and turned to Leah. "I''ve already reviewed the security footage. You should take a look at itter."


    Lino ignored b


    Leah''s expression stiffened. "I apologize, Mr. Munoz I''m sorry you had to see that. I''ll make sure to keep a tighter rein on my team in the future." "Mere


    supervision i


    isn''t enough," Lino said coldly. "No matter how talented someone is, without good character, they''re just a liability. Move him downstairs." Moving downstairs" meant being demoted to a design assistant.


    left as quickly as he had arrived, as if he had only stopped by to correct the situation.


    With that, Lino left as quickly


    The office fell into an ufortable silence.


    The male designer''s face was as pale as a sheet, almost blending in with the walls.


    Ava leaned over to Maeve and whispered, "Maeve, do you know Mr. Munoz? It seemed like he stepped in specifically to help you


    Considering how the male designer had been using her of using connections earlier, and now Ava''s suggestion...


    Maeve smiled. "Mr. Munoz didn''t even look at me. He only mentioned that coffee had been spilled on my desk. Why would you think he was here to help me?" "I j just seemed like such a coincidence...


    "I thought so too. Why is it that as soon as I joined thepany, someone was in such a hurry to push me out?"


    r57


    Chaplushed with embarrassipient.


    Ava


    Ava mus!


    Alright,


    "Leah said, tapping the desk to get everyone''s attention Let today''s incident serve as a lesson. Don''t let it happen again.


    She then turned to the male designer. And you, apologize to Maeve properly. These petty tricks of yours don''t just harm her-they disrupt everyone''s work." The male designer, now as meek as amb, shuffled over to Mace. "I-I''m sorry. Please forgive me."


    Maeve nod nodded. "Apology epted.


    But forgiveness wasn''t something she would give easily.


    If Lino hadn''t t happened to


    I to witness the incident, she would have likely been forced to swallow this injustice and continue to bebeled as a "connected person." The male designer, red-faced with shame, muttered his apology and quickly slinked away.


    Maeve returned to her desk, but something suddenly crossed her mind. She looked up toward the window."


    She thought, ''Earlier..


    I thought I saw Byron passing by. But maybe I was mistaken. He shouldn''t have any reason to be here."


    "Maeve, let me take care of organizing the designs," Jack said as he approached, his face still flushed with embarrassment. I''m sorry for misunderstanding you earlier. Maeve shook her head slightly. "It''s okay. You were just worried about the designs."


    After handing the designs over to Jack, she picked up her bag and left the office.


    As she reached the ground floor, she almost collided with a man stepping out of the private elevator.


    Dressed in a perfectly tailored ck suit with a silver tie clip that subtly caught the light, his wless features were both familiar and yet strikingly unfamiliar.

 Chapter 58

    Maeve was stunned on the spot. "Mr. Medaniel?" She couldn''t believe it.


    Byron stopped in his tracks and shot Archer a look.


    Archer understood and stopped the higher-ups who were about to leave the elevator. "Guys, I suddenly remembered something very important. Let''s go back upstairs and discuss it The higher-ups looked at each other. Then, the elevator door slowly closed.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, why are you


    the higher-ups can use i


    here? Maeve''s eyes were filled with surprise. "And that''s ourpany''s exclusive elevator. Only


    Byron frowned inwardly. He had no intention of letting Maeve know about his identity for the time being.


    "Did youe with your boss?" Maeve remembered the smartly dressed business elites in the elevator and asked again.


    "Yes, I''m here for work," Byron replied casually.


    Maeve frowned in confusion. "You''re just a driver. Why are you following your boss around? Moreover, you''re dressed so..." She scrutinized Byron, causing his gaze to darken in worry. Howeyer, Maeve wasn''t able to tell what was going on. She onlyined, "You look like a bodyguard


    No one would be worthy of him being a bodyguard to. But it was better that Maeve came to the wrong conclusion.


    Byron was speechless. No one


    "It''s a part-time j job," Byron answered perfunctorily.


    Maeve thought of t of Alexis, whom she had seen that day. She couldn''t tell what brand Alexis was dressed in, but from her temperament, she didn''t seem like an ordinary person.


    Maeve thought Byron''s family background was probably quite good. However, because Byron''s parents were biased toward their adopted son, he could only work hard to support himself. Sometimes, he was even hunted by assants. Maeve I at Byron with tender affection at that thought.


    Maeve


    Byron stiffened under her affectionate gaze. His Adam''s apple bobbed slightly. "What?"


    There were so many peopleing and going around them. Byron thought Maeve should restrain her gaze. He wondered if she liked him that much.


    "Nothing." Maeve shook her head. Byron probably did not want others to pity him. "Have you had lunch?"


    The higher-ups of Eternal Hope had booked a private room overlooking theke in Dalonis Court in the city center. They were heading there just now. pondered for two seconds tly denied,


    I know a newly opened spaghetti restaurant nearby. It''s delicious Maeve''s eyes curved into crescents. "But willy scold you if you leave now?"


    I know a


    Bodyguards and drivers were not always free. They often had to be on call.


    your boss Byron raised his eyebrows. He thought, Wasn''t she heartbroken over her vegetables in the morning and couldn''t even eat breakfast? It has only been a few hours and her appetite has returned?"


    "I''m still allowed time to eat After that, Byron headed out. "Let''s go."


    "Sure." Maeve immediately followed.


    The restaurant Maeve talked about was opposite thepany and was located around the corner. If one did not look carefully, one would easily miss it.


    The restaurant wasn''t big, and there weren''t many customers. The advantage was the quiet environment and the neat. seating arrangement.


    After they sat at a table, Maeve pushed the menu to Byron, "What do you want to eat?""


    Byron was s not very


    interested in having spaghetti. He casually ordered one and returned the menu to her. Maeve was not as fast as him. Every time she ordered, she would have difficulty choosing.


    Byron looked at her troubled expression and how she subconsciously bit her lower lip when she was conflicted. She left a clear bite mark on her lip very quickly. Byron looked away without batting an eyelid. "How are you doing at the newpany?" Bon?" Maeye


    By Maeye thought f


    t for a


    a moment. "It''s pretty good."


    Byron thought, ''Good? ''Good? She''s framed and bullied. What''s good about it?'' His eyes were deep. He pretended it was a casual conversation and did not say anything else.


    At this moment, Maeve heard a gentle voiceing from the side. "Maeve, are you having lunch here too?"


    Alex walked over


    and


    I saw the handsome man sitting beside Maeve. He was stunned. "Who is this?"


    Byron narrowed his dark eyes and recognized at a nce that this was the kid who had sent Maeve homest night in a Ferrari. He tilted his head and looked at Maeve, waiting for her answer. Maeve thought for a moment and introduced Byron, "This is my uncle."


    Byron''s


    s gaze instantly turned cold. His cold voice was tinged with suppressed anger. "Maeve, say that again?"


    Maeve tugged at Byron''s sleeve under the table and whispered, "Didn''t you say you don''t want others to know we''re married? Moreover, you always say I''m young. I''ll pretend to be your niece then." Byron was speechless. This wasn''t what he had meant.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Alex rxed slightly. "Your uncle looks very


    "I don''t mind." Maeve shook her head. "Mr. Brown, gone we met, do you mind if I join you for lunch?"


    ahead.


    Byron''s thin lips curled into a sneer. He thought, ''So it is the Brown family''s kid. We haven''t even divorced yet, but the flirt Maeve is already looking for another guy in front of me?'' Maeve did not see Byron''s expression. She asked Alex curiously, "Why didn''t you have lunch at thepany''s canteen?"


    Maeve had heard from Ava that Alex could stay in the studio all day to make clothes. He only ate at thepany''s canteen because it was more convenient and fast.


    Alex smiled, "I happened toe out for a breather and met you" He didn''t say he followed Maeve into the restaurant because he saw her.


    The sh


    of inspiration fromst night was too weak. Alex needed more ideas toplete the entire design. Perhaps Maeve would also surprise him this time, Oct 17 EN


    08:22 1ng


    Alex''s gaze lingered or Maeve for so long that it was difficult for Byron not to notice. His already cold expression became even more unapproachable.. Alex noticed Byron was looking at him, so he casually found a topic to talk about. "What do you work as? You don''t seem ordinary."


    "I''m a driver,"


    §ß§Ñ


    Byron said coldly without even batting an eyelid.


    Alex understood. "So you''re a race car driver. No wonder you''re so aloof. When Byron looked at him, his gaze felt like a sharp icy de. It terrified him. Maeve, who was handing out the cutlery, almost coughed. She wondered if Byron really looked like a race car driver. She didn''t think so. uncle is just an ordinary driver, exined Maeve. Then, she handed a fork and spoon to Byron.


    Byron calmed down a little and his expression softened.


    Alex looked surprised. "He really doesn''t look like


    eit."


    Byron''s private haute couture was not something a driver could afford. Only the richest families in the upper circle of Kleymond could afford it. Moreover, private customization was not as easy to identify as luxury brands. Alex was also from a wealthy family, so he could tell at a nce. However, it was up to others whether they wanted to wear it or not, so Alex did not rify it.


    Maeve also felt that Byron did not look like a driver. Perhaps itid something to do with his good family background, so she did not think too much about it.


    The waiter quickly served their spaghetti.


    Seeing that Maeve ordered the same food as him, Alex smiled and said, "It seems that our tastes are simr."

 Chapter 59

    "Every time Ie here, I want to try something else, but I always end up ordering this," Maeve''s eyes curved slightly.


    "What a coincidence. Me too." Alex said.


    They chatted andughed, not noticing the temperature dropping around them.


    Byron tapped the table with his


    his long fingers. When Maeve looked over, he said coldly, "Hand me parmesan."


    IL.


    Hand me the napkin."


    e." Maeve handed over the bottle of the bottle of shredded parmesan.


    Maeve had no choice but to hand Byron the napkin again.


    After two bites, Byron looked at his spaghetti and frowned. "Why is it spicy?"


    Maeve turned to Byron. "Did you tell the waiter not to add spice?


    "Yes." A look of disdain appeared in Byron''s eyes. He put down his fork. "Forget it. I''m not eating anymore!


    Maeve hesitated before asking. "Do you want to trade with me? Mine isn''t spicy." In any case, they had already kissed. It didn''t matter if they ate the same te of spaghetti. Byron frowned slightly and nodded reluctantly. ¡°Alright" Alex, who


    who was sitting opposite them, watched them exchange their food. A strange feeling suddenly arose in him, but it quickly dissipated. He smiled gently, "You two are very close." Maeve cleared her throat, feeling a little "Yes, I''m staying at his house now. I''m more familiar with him." your uncle


    "I see." Alex nodded. "Is


    married


    Maeve looked at Byron and met his dark eyes that were smiling mockingly. Her heart skipped a beat. "Y-yes," she answered vaguely.


    Alex was relieved and shed a gentle smile.


    Byron was displeased. When he saw Maeve eating his te of spaghetti, his Adam''s apple bobbed. Then, he picked up his fork again and slowly ate. Perhaps because it was Maeve''s, but it tasted not bad. After leaving the restaurant, Alex asked Maeve if she wanted to go back to thepany with him.


    Maeve was about to answer when Byron called out to her in a deep voice, "Maeve." He sounded like he was going to settle scores with her.


    Maeve was instantly terrified. "Mr. Brown, you can leave first. We still have something to do."


    "Alright, bye." Alex nodded and left.


    After Alex left, Maeve carefully observed Byron''s expression. "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you angry?"


    Byron''s eyes were filled with mockery. "Why aren''t you calling me uncle anymore?"


    Maeveughed dryly. "But there''s no choice just now. You don''t want others to know about our rtionship, right?¡±


    Byron


    sneered. "Do I not want it, or you don''t?" He had seen how Maeve had smiled at Alex. Those who didn''t know better would think she was in love.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Hearing the displeasure in Byron''s tone, Maeve admitted that she was in the wrong. "How about I won''t say you''re my uncle next time? I''ll just say you''re my brother." Maeve thought, Uncle is just a bit too old for him. But it is because he always mocks me for being too young.


    Byron looked at Maeve coldly. "Maeve, you''re quite the flirt. How many uncles and brothers do you have? Will you call me daddy one day?"


    Maeve''s face turned red. "Who''s calling you daddy?" She couldn''t believe that he spoke without thinking.


    Before Byron could answer, his phone suddenly rang. Frowning slightly, he answered the call. "What''s up?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, your father i is waiting for you in your office," said Karen.


    Maeve vaguely heard Karen''s voice and was stunned for a moment


    "Got it." Byron replied in a deep voice. After hanging up, he said to Maeve, "Work calls. You can go back to work yourself''


    Maeve opened d her mouth and wante wanted to ask ask something, but realized she was in no position to ask. "Hurry then. Bye," she Paid.


    After Byron left, Maeve stood on the spot with a hint of disappointment in her eyes. She wondered if Byron was very eager to see Karen. Though the voice was m***d, Maeve had recognized it. It was Karen''s voice. Maeve clutched her chest. For some reason, her heart had been aching recently. It didn''t t t feel good.


    In the office on the top floor of the Mcdaniel Group, a middle-aged man in a silver-gray suede suit sat on the sofa. His face


    showed his


    I his age. was dignified, and his facial f


    cial features were somewhat


    "This is the


    what simr to Byron''s. The corners of his eyes


    is the share transfer contract signed by Neville. Jason pushed the document on the table to Byron and said deeply, "This is the second time he lost to you." check <his victory="" prize.="" he="" looked="" nonchnt.="" "isn''t="" this="" what="" you="" wanted?"="" or="" loses.<="" p=""></his>


    Byron nced at the contract. He could not even be bothered to what I want is for the Mcdaniel Group to have a better sessor and leader. I will side with whoever wins. Thus, when Neville came to beg me, I didn''t agree." a sip of offee. It doesn''t matter to me who wins or


    Jason took a


    The loser would deserve whatever consequences that went his way. Who was the whetstone and who was the sessor depended on who was more capable. Byron''s gaze


    was cold. Naturally, he was not naive enough to think his father was on his side. Compared to being a father, Jason was more like an emotionless judgment machine.


    No matter how Byron fought with Neville, Jason only wanted the final result. The victor would be his son. Jason was just as cold-blooded and selfish as Neville. Like father like son indeed.


    I''ve work to do. If there''s nothing else, you can leave." Byron suddenly stood up and walked to the desk indifferently. Jason was not displeased. He stood up and ced his hands behind his back. "I heard from your grandfather that you got married not long ago. Bring your wife back for a meal. No matter who you marry, she will bear my grandchild after all." Byron narrowed his eyes. "We''ll see."


    Jason looked at him with aplicated gaze. Without saying anything else, he left.


    ¦°


    Karen came in with a cup of coffee and asked gently, "Mr. Mcdaniel, there''s a encktail party tonight. I''ve already ced your clothes in the lounge." Byron


    "Byron. Karen changed her way of addressing Byron. She suppressed her fear and asked, "I just came in. I didn''t mean to eavesdrop... but Jason said you are already married. Is that true?


    Byron did not even look up. "Didn''t you hear everything?"


    Karen''s voice trembled. "I don''t believe it. I didn''t hear about this until now. It was not easy for her to get rid of Byron''s fianc¨¦e. She thought she finally had a chance, but a random wonen suddenly appeared and beat her to it. Byron raised his head slightly and ignored Karen''s breakdown. He said indifferently, "Ms. Booth, don''t forget who you are


    Karen''s pretty face instantly turned pale. She had remained by his side as a secretary so he could fall in love with her one. day. They were childhood sweethearts. No one in this world understood him better than her.


    "I don''t want to just be your secretary." Karen''s eyes teared up as she reached out to grab Byron''s arm. "Byron, you know how I feel for you...

 Chapter 60

    60


    Byron avoided Karen''s hand. Flis gaze was sharp. "Karen, don''t make us enemies."


    These words made Karen''s heart ache. She couldn''t believe it. She thought, ''He clearly has feelings for me. Otherwise, out of all the women who want to get close to him, why am I the only one who can stay by his side! Even if I am just a secretary. I am the only female secretary in the secretary''s office. Karen''s eyes were red as she clenched her fists to prevent herself from losing herposure in front of Byron. "Got it. I''ll leave now, Mr. Mcdaniel."


    Byron


    nodded casually and returned his attention to the pile of documents.


    Karen walked out of the office in her high heels and found a quiet ce to calm down. Then, she took out her phone and made a call. "Ms. Reese, this is Karen."


    Maeve''s work today was surprisingly smooth, probably because there was no more sarcasm. The two prototypes she had made were mostly done. All that was left was the details.


    Before she got off work, she received a call from Karen.


    "Ms. Reese, you''re Byron''s maid. You have heard about his wife, right?" Karen spoke faster, "I want to know who she is and where shees from." Maeve frowned slightly. "Ms. Booth, you should ask Mr. Mcdaniel about this."


    Karen only knew Byron was married now, which meant he deliberately hid it from Karen. In that case, it would be best if Maeve did not say anything.


    Karen continued, "This is very important to me. I don''t know why Byron refused to tell me and even told me not to care about such a small matter. But how can I not care? Please do this as a favor to me. If Byron asks, say that I forced you to say it. He won''t do anything to Maeve felt her heart aching. She couldn''t exin why but she just felt upset. Tm sorry. I can''t help you. You should ask someone else." She took a deep breath and hung up.


    Maeve stood there in a daze for a while before packing up and leaving thepany.


    When Maeve returned to the apartment, it was dark inside. She was surprised. It seemed like Byron was not back yet.


    She turned on the lights, set the groceries aside, and went to the balcony to see how her vegetables were doing. She had thought that if she did not care for them for a day, the vegetables would probably not survive.


    Unexpectedly, they looked much better than they had in the morning. They were no longer listless and looked as though they had regained their vitality.


    were filled with surprise. She carefully touched them. "You''re so strong


    They could still survive after being submerged. They were not as delicate as Byron said. These vegetables should be out of the "crisis" in a few days.


    Maeve''s mood improved a lot when she walked away from the balcony. She carried the groceries to the kitchen. She thought about it and called Byron to ask if he wasing back for dinner.


    When the call was connected, a wave of noise entered Maeve''s cars. Then, Byron''s deep and rear once came. Im noting home tonight. I am still busy"


    "AreThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Are


    "Are you working overtime? Marve listened to themotion in his side. He seemed to be in a crowded ce the even heard the sound of champagne being opened. es, Byron said casually. Tim at a c***il party


    You worked so hand Marke wrinkled her nose. Then you''re unlucky tonight. I n to make seafood


    Hearing this. Byron nodded at the person who came to talk to him. Then, he walked to the quiet balcony. He rested his elbows on the handrail and chuckled. "Oh! Are you having a feat on purpose while I''m away?


    Marve immediately denied i it. "Of course not. There''s a lot of delicious food at your party too. There are plenty of good desserts. My stew can''t be considered a feast, right?"


    "Yes, they''re so much food that I''m sick of it. Byron looked at the bustling lights downstairs calmly. "By the way, your vegetables...


    "I was just about to tell you," Maeve said excitedly. "My vegetables have miraculouslye alive. They''re not as delicate you say. Aren''t they strong?"


    Byron sneered. He thought, ''Strong? The three gardeners worked for an entire day before they managed to save her delicate vegetables. They''re as difficult to deal with as their owner!


    "It''s


    s good that they''re alive. Byron looked sideways at the party. "I gotta go."


    Maeve nodded. "Be careful. Don''t let others put you in a spot." "Sure."


    After hanging up, Maeve smiled and carried the bowl of seafood stew to the dining table.


    It waste at night, and all was silent. The door of the apartment opened, and a slender and aloof figure walked in. He casually turned on the light. As Byron walked, he massaged his forehead to ease the difort brought about by the alcohol. He drank a little too much at the c***l party but wasn''t wasted. However, it felt the most ufortable, and his headache was even more obvious.


    Just as he walked to the sofa and was about to sit down, he stopperl in his tracks. Maeve was lying there wrapped in a nket


    Byron put down his car keys a


    shoulder. "Maeve, wake up."


    and paper bag and reached out to push her


    "Huh?" Maeve turned in a daze and opened her eyes. Byron''s well-defined handsome face and the light above his head were reflected in her eyes. She shook her head and sat up with her hand propped on the sofa. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you''re back?" "Why are you sleeping here?" Byron''s drunken voice was overly h***se and indescribably s***


    "I was waiting for you." Maeve yawned and rubbed her eyes. "I thought your boss might make you drink. You''ll feel terrible when youe back after drinking too much. I made you some soup. It''s still warm. Drink some so you will feel better Byron was slightly stunned. He stared at her disheveled hair and half-asleep appearance. She didn''t look very pretty now. She looked like an angry kitten that had just been awoken. However, her sleepy eyes were unbelievably gentle. "What if I don''t drink it?" Byron''s eyes darkened. He asked in a low voice, "Wouldn''t your efforts be wasted?"


    08:23


    "It''s even better if you don''t drink it," Maeve said nonchntly, made it just in case. Perhaps you don''t even need it."


    She was just a little worried that he would fall asleep after drinking and wake up with a headache the next day. That was why she was waiting for him here.


    Byron''s gaze locked onto her soft face and he suddenly chuckled. No matter why she did it, her actions pleased him.


    Maeve was about to ask Byron what he wasughing about when she was suddenly lifted. She let out a yelp, her eyes: widening. He carried her with the nket as he strode toward the guest bedroom. Then, he ced her on the soft round bed. "Mr. Mcdaniel?" Maeve asked, wrapped in the nket. Before she could look up, warm lips that carried the faint fragrance of wine brushed the top of her head. It was so fast that she thought she had imagined it.

 Chapter 61

    Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. "Mr. Mcdaniel, did you just..."


    "Go to sleep. Byron threatened. Then, he pulled the nket over her and left.


    Maeve reached out from under the nket and touched the top of her head with a confused expression. She thought, Did he just kiss me? It must have been an ident, right? He took advantage of me every time. Why would he let me off so easily time But Maeve was really sleepy and did not dwell on this for too long. Soon, she fell asleep.


    this


    In the kitchen, Byron poured the warm soup from the small pot into a bowl and slowly sipped it. Maeve seemed to be exceptionally talented in making soups. No matter what soup it was, it was always better than others. They tasted delicious. The next morning. Maeve woke up and went to wash up. When she entered the bathroom, she saw Byron sha***g in front of the mirror. There was white foam on his chin. He looked particrly handsome with his superior looks, as though he had stepped out of a painting, even if he was only s***ng.


    She found it strange and couldn''t help but take a few more nces at him.


    Byron slowly nced over. "Why? Have you never seen a man s***e before?" Maeve nodded. I''ve never seen it before"


    "Do you want to try? Byron askedzily.


    "Try?" Maeve looked at him in surprise. "Don''t tell me you want me to..." "Why? Scared?"


    why?


    Maeve wanted to refuse, but she blurted before she could, "Who says I''m scared?"


    After saying that, she was a little vexed. However, she saw Byron''s teasing gaze and did not want him tough at her. Hence she boldly took the razor in his hand. "Lower your head, or I won''t be able to reach you." Maeve gestured at his chin. "Tsk." Byron raised his eyebrows impatiently. He did not immediately lower his head. Instead, he wrapped his hands around her slender waist. With a little effort, he lifted her and ced her on the edge of the sink. Her long legs dangled in the air. Maeve''s eyes widened. Before she could react, she was already at eye level with Byron. She could see the faint smile in his


    eyes


    He


    let go of her waist and asked calmly, "Will this do?"


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered slightly. The warmth of his palms seemed to still be lingering on her waist, making her ears involuntarily heat up. "You don''t have to do this..." she muttered. Then, she held the side of his face and ced the razor close to his jaw. Maeve had never done such a thing before, but after watching for a while just now, she remembered how he did it. "If something is wrong, remind me," Maeve said worriedly. Byron repliedzily, "Okay"


    Only


    then did she finally dare to s***r movements were light and careful.


    In their reflection in the mirror, Byron''s hands were on the sink on both sides of her. Her upper body was slightly tilted toward him, making her look like he was hugging her.


    Byron lowered


    I his eyes and looked at Maevezily. His thin lips curled up slightly. "Is this your first time ***g a man?" Maeve nodded*** him? Aren''t you afraid I''ll....."


    Before Maeve could finish, her wrist identally shook, and blood appeared on his chin at once.


    Maeve''s expression changed. She immediately took a towel and pressed it on his wound. Im sorry. I''m too nervous." There was a hint of frustration in her eyes as she returned the razor to him. "You should do it yourself. I can''t...


    If Maeve had known this would happen, she wouldn''t have been so curious.


    Byron looked at her guilty expression and said calmly, it''s just a small cut, I''m not that fragile. But you cutime. You should pay me back."


    "Pay


    Maeve looked ooked at him in a daze. He had asked her to try and now he wanted her pay back


    Byron pondered for a a few seconds. "Help me s**e for the next month."


    Maeve looked at him. Byron''s expression was casual as he raised his chin at her. "Continue. Don''t dawdle"


    "It''s just a mistake. It''s s no


    "Are you joking? I cut you just now. You know I''m not good at it..." Maeve clenched her fingers. Her Her heartf heart felt like it had been hit by something, leaving it numb. In the past, h her parents often said that they would only give her one chance. If she failed the middle school and college entrance examinations, she could only work until she was old enough to marry. Maeve was terrified. She studied hard and did not dare to ck off at all. She was afraid that she would make a mistake. Later on, her younger brother, Horace, failed his high school entrance examination. Their parentsforted him that it was fine if he did not pass as they were rich enough to continue his education. Only then did Maeve realize she was the


    only one who did not have a second chance.


    As a result, no matter what Maeve did now, she would lose the courage to try again if she failed once.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Maeve bit the tip of her tongue and tried her best to calm down the emotions that suddenly surged in her heart. She picked up the razor on the sink again. This time, for some reason, her heart was beating faster than before. She was even more nervous than before. After about ten minutes, Maeve put down her slightly sore arm and looked at Byron''s clean and handsome face. She said, "Alright, what do you think?" Byron nced at the mirror andmented faintly, "Barely passable. You still need to improve."


    His remark chased away Maeve''splicated feelings. She threw the razor into his hand. "Then you''d better pray that my skills will improve drastically in the next month so I won''t give you a few more cuts."


    Maeve jumped down from the sink. However, she had been in the same position for too long. Her sudden movement caused her legs to go weak, and she fell toward Byron..


    Byron


    hooked his arm around her waist and looked down to see her slightly parted lips brushing his chest. He suddenly pushed her away. "Stand properly," he said in a low voice.


    Byron wondered why she was always sticking close to him. It wasn''t the closeness that he minded. It was her not satisfying his desire when she had stirred it up. He had never seen such an unreasonable woman. Fri, Oct 18  68%


    After being pushed away by Byron, Maeve steadied herself against the wall. She was a little depressed. "My legs were numb just now. I didn''t do it on purpose." She didn''t know why he overreacted. After washing up, Maeve couldn''t help but look at Byron''s chin. The cut had stopped bleeding, but it was a little red. "Would you like a Band-Aid?" she asked. Byron''s handsome face was cold as he ate lus breakfast without looking up. "You want me to stick that ridiculous thing on my face?


    Maeve was speechless. She didn''t know why a Band-Aid was ridiculous.


    After breakfast, Byron picked up the watch on the table and said to Maeve as he put it on, "Remember to eat the cakes in the fridge. I''m going to thepany."


    "Cakes?" Maeve thought ofst night''s phone call and asked in surprise. "Did you bring them home for me from the c***l party?" She didn''t know that one could take home cakes from a party.


    Of course, Byron would not tell her it was specially made by a chef from the vi who used to work in a Michelin restaurant. He thought she would probably stop coveting the desserts at other people''s parties after tasting these cakes.


    0

 Chapter 62

    "Yeah." Byron picked up his coat from the sofa. Tm heading out "Okay, stay safe," Maeve said.


    exquisite.


    When Byron left, Maeve immediately ran to the refrigerator and opened it. On the middle shelf was a dessert box tied with a blue ribbon. She looked through the transparent window of the box. There were four rows of cakes. Each was different and all was tempting and "Wow," Maeve eximed. She had just eaten breakfast and was little hungry again. She couldn''t help but take one out to


    try.


    Though the cake was in the refrigerator, it was still soft. The fruit filling inside was sweet but not overly so. It also had a faint floral fragrance. Maeve finished it in a few bites, wanting more.


    A dessert box this exquisite was probably a gift specially prepared for guests at the cocktail party. Maeve did not know how Byron got it. She filled a box with two cakes and brought them to thepany.


    However,


    Karen


    when Maeve saw Karen downstairs, her happy mood vanished.


    had been waiting for Maeve for a while. She walked over and said, "Ms. Reese, are you free? Let''s talk."


    Maeve


    guessed the purpose of her visit and said directly, "Ms. Booth, I''ve already made it very clear to you on the phone yesterday."


    "I won''t take up too much of your time. I only need ten minutes Karen was unmoved. Her attitude could even be considered tough. "Or do you want to talk to me here?" Maeve was speechless. She wondered how could there be such an unreasonable person like Karen.


    After finding a table in a cafe, Maeve looked at the time and said, "You only have ten


    ¨¤ minutes."


    Karen frowned at Maeve''s tone. She did not understand where Maeve''s sense of superiority came from when she was only a maid. She suppressed her impatience, took a card from her bag and pushed it toward Macve.


    Karen said, "Ms. Reese, let''s not beat around the bush. There are 50 thousand dors in this card. If you tell me who married Byron, it''s yours."


    The corners of Maeve''s lips twitched slightly. "Are you bribing me? I''ve already said I won''t tell you." She wondered if she looked like she was easy to buy off.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "I don''t know why you''re keeping it a secret. You''re just a maid. I''m closer to Byron," Karen said unhappily. "If you don''t want me to have Byron fire you, you''d better answer honestly,"


    Maeve almostughed at Karen''s bossy tone. She couldn''t believe Karen really thought she was a maid. Moreover, she wasn''t that easy to bully. "If you''re so close to Mr. Mcdaniel, you shouldn''t have to try so hard to know who his wife is from me," she retorted with a smile.


    Karen raised her chin slightly and said proudly, "I''ve known Byron for a long time. He lived in my house when he was young and grew up with me. Our feelings for each other are deeper than you can imagine." Maeve was slightly stunned to know that Karen and Byron had grown up together. So, when Bryon said that he lived in someone else''s house when he was young, he was living in Karents house.  08:21


    After taking a sip of water, Maeve suppressed the stratige feeling in her heart and said calmly, thought of a possibility?"


    Karen paused. "What?"


    Maeve curled her lips and looked at Karen. "That I''m Mr. Mcdaniel''s wife."


    "Ms. Booth, have you ever


    There


    was a short silence before Karen chuckled and mocked bluntly, "Are you joking? You don''t have any family background, talent, or ability. You''re just a maid. How dare you fantasize about being Byron''s wife?" ry matters Moreover, Byron had said Maeve was a maid. It was impossible. He would never waste his breath on unnecessary He was always honest. Maeve had to be lying


    Maeve shrugged when she met Karen''s contemptuous gaze. She had already told her the truth. If Karen didn''t believe her, there was nothing she could do. Ten min


    minutes is up. I''m going to work." Maeve put down the ss of water.


    "Not only did you fool me just now, but you still haven''t answered my question." A hint of anger appeared on Karen''s face. She could not take it anymore and scolded, "How dare you mess with me, you ****h?


    would not have been patient enough to sit at the same table as her.


    If Maeve weren''t Byron''s smaid, Karen wou


    Maeve''s eyes were cold. "You''re the b**h. Even dogs can mind their manners better than you." With that, she picked up the cake box on the table and left.


    Karen was so angry that her chest heaved. From the corner of her eye, she saw what was in Maeve''s cake box and was shocked. The cakes looked like they were made by Byron''s chef


    Karen concluded that she had to have seen wrongly. She had only eaten the royal desserts personally made by that chef twice, and it was during parties at the vi. Byron would not ask that chef to make such desserts. He did not like sweets. The idea that he would give food to a maid was ridiculous. Karen calm


    such med her breathing and stopped thinking about that. She took out her phone and called Alexis.


    After


    She entering the


    e office, Maeve forced herself to forget the unhappiness just now and devote herself to work. She didn''t leave the studio until she got off work in the afternoon, rubbing her sore wrists.


    had alreadypleted two sets of clothing. After she was done with the remaining pieces, she would hand them over to Leah for inspection. Then, she would be able to start making ready-made clothes officially.


    The fabrics needed for ready-made clothes were more particr than the sample clothes. When the time came, the model would have to wear it. Maeve would have to buy the fabrics and essories herself.


    Seeing the empty cake box on the table, Maeve pursed her lips and packed up for lunch. She found a random restaurant and sat down at a table. Not long after that, she received a call from an unfamiliar number. She answered, "Hello?"


    "Maeve, you cklisted us and didn''t reply to our messages. Are you really cutting ties with us?" Valda''s choked voice came from the other end of the call.


    Maeve was stunned. She had blocked her parents so Valda had changed her number and sent her messages every day asking her to transfer money to them. She had ignored them all. She had thought they would stop looking for her after a long time. but she did not expect this,


    "You''re thinking too much. I''m just very busy," Maeve said monotonously.


    Valda sobbed, "I admit that we were a little harsh on you previously. You probably think we''re biased toward your brother


    68%a


    and don''t care about you. But don''t forget, I gave birth to you. How can I not love you?"


    Maeve suddenly felt upset. You called just to say this?


    "Are you still ming me for forcing you to marry Mr. Graves and giving us money?" Valda wiped her tears. "I''ll be honest. Your father was deceived by his friend and owed him arge sum of money. If he can''t repay it, he might die. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have epted the Graves family''s engagement gift immediately and forced you to give us money. Do you think my heart won''t ache for you?" Maeve''s eyes were filled with shock when she heard this. "Why didn''t you tell me about this? Is it settled now?"


    "It''s settled. I didn''t tell you because I didn''t want you to worry, Valda said. "You''ve been so distant from us recently. Your father and I have also reflected on ourselves. We feel that we were too harsh on you in the past."

 Chapter 63

    At


    63N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    trace of confusion appeared in Maeve''s eyes. She did not know if she should believe Valda''s words and was silent for a long time. The next moment, a message of a transfer appeared on her phone. Valda said. "When our family owed money in the past, your father and I were under a lot of mental pressure and always asked you to help us. We felt very guilty too. I know you won''t forgive us. Take this money. You need it since you''re living outside. Take good care of suddenly felt a lump in her throat. Her guilt surged. She thought perhaps she was wrong before. "Mom"


    yourself"


    I still have to cook for your father. He has been working overtime every daytely and it has been tough for him." Valda said gently. "If you''re free,e back. Bring your husband too." Hearing this. Maeve finally believed that her parents might have let go of her marriage to someone else. Otherwise, Valda wouldn''t have said this.


    Maeve said in a low voice, "Got it. You and Dad take care too."


    "Okay, Valda hung up.


    Maeve sat in her seat, feeling mixed emotions.


    In the evening. Maeve stayed in thepany for half an hour more. She tidied up the sample clothes in the studio before leaving


    A champagne-colored Bentley stopped not far from her at the entrance of thepany. The back window rolled down.


    "Ms. Reese, get in the car." Alexis, who was wearing a long purple dress, sat in the car and looked at Maeve coldly.


    Maeve braced herself and got into the car. She wondered what was going on. Not only did Karen and Alexise looking for her, but Alexis also chose to appear at the entrance of thepany. When Maeve sat in the car, Alexis asked, "I heard my son is married. You''re his maid. You should know who his wife is. right?"


    Maeve was silent. Byron had


    I casually said that she was a maid and ended up causing her a lot of trouble. She sighed inwardly. "If you want to know, wouldn''t it be better to ask Mr. Mcdaniel?" They shouldn''t make things difficult for her. "Are you also so perfunctory with Karen?" Alexis nced at Maeve. I''m Byron''s mother, I have the right to know, and I''ll meet her sooner orter. I came to ask you just to prepare in advance." Maeve thought for a few seconds. What Alexis said made sense. Instead of lying now and feeling awkward when she was eventually exposed, she might as well confess some things she could tell Alexis.


    "Well, her father is the department head of a listedpany, her mother is a housewife, and she has a younger brother in high school," Maeve said. Alexis frowned, "What about her? What does she do?"


    Maeve answered frankly, "There''s nothing special about her. She usually likes to grow vegetables and draw. She''s a designer"


    it.


    Alexis stopped talking. Her eyes were filled with dissatisfaction. As the matriarch of the Mcdaniel family, she had always been polite and rarely revealed her emotions to outsiders. However, she was so dissatisfied with Byron''s so-called new wife that she did not even hide   68%


    Alexis simply didn''t like it-twould be fine if their family backgrounds were notpatible, but the woman was just a small designer. Such a wife would be of no help to her son''s career and life.


    Maeve was not surprised to see Alexis''s displeasure. Her family background could not be more ordinary. If Alexis had to view her based on her background, she had nothing to say.


    The car reached the intersection beside the apartment at some point in time. Maeve immediately told the driver to stop. "Mrs. Mcdaniel, if there''s nothing else, I''ll leave first."


    Alexis nodded, then handed Maeve a pile of high-quality gift boirs. "I got these for Byron. Help me hand them to him.''


    At the mention of Byron, Alexis''s tone softened. "He might not want to ept my gifts, so don''t tell him I gave it to him, in case he''s unhappy" She seemed more sincerely concerned about her son than Maeve had feltst time. Although Maeve did not know why Alexis changed, she hesitated for a moment before agreeing. TII hand them to him for


    you.


    Maeve got out of the car and watched as Alexis''s car drove away. Then, she walked toward the apartment.


    Alexis looked at Maeve''s departing figure and frowned. She remembered Maeve was also working at a designpany and seemed to be a designer too. She had the same profession as Byron''s wife.


    A A thought struck Alexis. Then she shook her head, thinking, ''No way. Byron wouldn''t marry a maid. At the very least, he would not marry a maid working for him! She was certain of this


    It was probably a coincidence.


    When Maeve entered the courtyard, she saw Byron standing in front of a silver car. He braced his hand on the roof of the car as he scrutinized it.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, why are you off work so early today?" Maeve walked over and looked at the car curiously. "Is this your new car?"


    Byron nodded. This was the most ordinary and cheapest car in his garage. He remembered he had bought it when he first entered university. The car had been forgotten in the corner for a long time. If he kept driving the Maybach, it would arouse her suspicion sooner orter. Hence, he decided to let the car return to the light of day. "Why did you suddenly t think of buying a car?" Maeve sat in the front passenger seat and felt around. Her eyes curved. "It feels much morefortable than your boss'' Maybach."


    Byron nced at her. "Seriously? Aren''t your standards low?" That Maybach was one of his favorite cars. It was a limited edition model that was worth over 20 million dors.


    However, in Maeve, that car was inferior is thus do, but Beney that cast tens of thousands of what is


    wrinkled her nose. "The Maybach is good, but it''s too good. It seems unreal. I prefer what is feal and can be touched."


    Byron narrowed his eyes slightly. Maeve seemed to have said before that it was fortunate that he was only a driver. He wondered if she really did not care about his identity.


    "By the way, Mr. Mcdaniel, I want to discuss something with your Maeve turned from the front passenger seat. She ced her legs outside the car and looked at Byron with bright eyes. lowered his eyes and met her eyes. His Adam''s apple bobbed. "What?"


    Byron


    Maeve said. said. "My parents seem to have eased up on my marriage Can you have a meal with them this Sunday and meet them so they will give uppletely on making me marry Jell?


    Byron thought for a moment and nodded. "Sure."


    Maeve thought that he would hot agree, but when she heard this answer, she was pleasantly surprised. "Really? Mr. Mcdaniel, thanks!"


    Byron slowly moved his gaze away from her smile. It was just a theal. There was no reason why she should be so happy.


    When they returned to their apartment, Maeve ced the pile of gift boxes on the table. That was when Byron noticed them. "Did you buy them?" he asked.


    Maeve paused, hesitated, then nodded. "Yes... I got them for you?


    Byron''s expression suddenly sank as he looked at Maeve. The gifts were so expensive that she could not afford them at all Coincidentally, it was the brand his mother bought the most. Once again, she had lied to him about his mother. His mother had bribed Maeve with money into working for her. Maeve was nothing special after all.


    A


    cold light shed across Byron''s dark eyes. His face turned to ice.


    0

 Chapter 64

    At this moment, Maeve put away the gifts and looked up at Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, where do you want to keep these..." "Throw them away, Byron said coldly. Without looking at her again, he walked to the master bedroom.


    Maeve was stunned by his sudden coldness. She stood rooted to the ground in a daze, wondering why he was suddenly


    angryContent protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    She didn''t think it was the gifts because his cold attitude seemed to be directed at her. But she hadn''t done anything to make him angry. Maeve pursed her lips at how vtile Byron was, wondering if he would still do the dishes tonight.


    Byron was a trustworthy person. He had promised to help her share the housework. Even though he wore a cold expression, he still headed to the sink after dinner. Maeve went to the balcony to check on her vegetables. As she expected, she soon heard a ng from the kitchen. A te was shattered again.


    Sh


    She took a deep breath, wanting to go to the kitchen to take a look. However, when she thought of how cold and indifferent Byron was to her at the dining table, she felt depressed.


    Forget it, Maeve thought. She poked at the leck, her eyes filled with disappointment. She didn''t like this feeling. wondered if he would still keep his promise about apanying her home on Saturday.


    She


    She


    Maeve thought about it and decided Byron probably wouldn''t go back on his word. So far, he had done everything he had promised. Even the small matter of agreeing to treat her to drinks had returned to daily frequency after he was discharged from the hospital. This gave Maeve the illusion that they were really married. However, she also knew that it was impossible.


    In the blink of an eye, it was Saturday. Maeve had specially sent a message to ask Byron the day before to see if he was still willing to eat with her and her parents.


    Byron replied veryte. There was only one word: [Yes]


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief. It was good that he still remembered this. She set a time with him to set off for the Reese family''s house at ten o''clock tomorrow morning. They would arrive at about eleven o''clock, just in time for lunch. This time, Byron did not reply.


    It was not until Maeve before bed that she received a definite reply. She got out of bed and sent Byron a message: [By the way, should I buy gifts for you to bring over tomorrow? That way, it will look more formal and can scare my parents?] Byron: [You I can handle it yourself. I''m very busy.]


    Sensing impatience in his words. Maeve''s dimmed Going home to see her parents with had given her an illusion that she shouldn''t have. Now, Byron shattered that illusion and woke her up.


    Mae hugged her phone, feeling inexplicably mncholic. However, when she thought of what would happen tomorrow, she could not help but look forward to it. At least it woulde to a good end. The next morning. Maeve went out to buy fruits and gifts. It was almost ten o''clock when she returned to the apartment.


    She had sent Byron a message asking if he was still at work. Previously, when she knocked on the master bedroom door, there was no response, so she guessed that he had not returned sincest night. After about half an hour, Byron still did not reply.


    Maeve had no choice but to call him, but no one answered. She nced at the clock. It was half past ten.


    After


    waiting a while, she still could could not get through to Byron. She could only message him to say that she would go over first. He could go straight to her house after work.


    The Reese family''s


    house was quite far from the city center and was near the suburbs. It was a house left behind by Maeve''s grandparents.


    a sentimental man. Even when he became wealthyter on, he did not move to the more prosperous city center and had always lived here.


    Scott was a


    When Maeve arrived, it was almost noon. Scott was cooking in the kitchen, and Valda was helping out.


    This scene stunned Maeve. This was the treatment that her younger brother, Horace, received at home. She didn''t even dare to think about it.


    When Valda saw Maeve enter, she immediately smiled and said to Maeve, "Maeve, you''re back. Your father''s signature dish is almost ready too. Go wash your hands and prepare to eat." there anything I can help with?" For some reason, Maeverything ready." Valda looked behind Maeve as she chased her away. "Where''s your husband? Didn''t hee with you?" T little reserved. "No need. Just wait for I ther and I will "He''s still at work. He will onlye overter," Maeve exined.


    lunch.


    Your father


    Valda and Scott looked at each other and did not say anything. They smiled and pushed Maeve out of the kitchen. When Maeve left, Valda said quietly to Scott, "It''s a little strange that her poor husband didn''te back with her. Scott was cooking and looked impatient. "Why do you care so much? Won''t we know if he willeter? If he doesn''te, we''ll inform Mr. Graves." Valda quickly nodded. "I''ll listen to you" Anyway, there was no hurry.


    Maeve knew nothing about the conversation in the kitchen. She walked to the dining room and took out her phone to call Byron, but she was worried that it would be inconvenient for him as he was working. Hence, she sent him a message to ask where he was. However, there was no reply for a long time. Soon, Sc Scott''s final I dish was ready.


    The food on the table could be said to be sumptuous. It was as though they were celebrating. Score and Valda were also smiling. They were so enthusiastic that Maeve felt at a loss for no reason. She had been mentally prepared beforeing, but none of the scenarios she had imagined had happened. Her parents seemed to have really gotten over it.


    However, Maeve''s parents still asked about Byron.


    "Maeve, is your husband usually so busy? Although he''s a driver, why is he so busy on the weekends that he doesn''t even have time to apany his wife home for a meal?" Scott asked with a frown while holding a wine ss.


    Valda looked at the time. "It''s almost one o''clock. Looks like he''s not lucky enough to eat the food your father cooked."


    Maeve tightened her grip on her fork and forced a smile. "He''s more ambitious and always works overtime. He doesn''t have


    much rest time and works very hard."


    "When is heing?" Scott asked again.


    Maeve fell silent.


    Valda smiled. "Forget it. Since he said he woulde, he will keep his word, right? Let''s wait. We can eat first."


    Maeve nodded and ignored her sadness. Compared to Byron going back on his word at thest minute, she was more willing to believe he was too busy toe. After all, he had promised her he would. With this thought in mind, Maeve rxed. After lunch, Maeve cleaned up the dishes and saw Valda taking out a medicine box in the kitchen.


    "Mom, what is this medicine? Are you unwell?" Maeve quickly asked.


    Valda sighed. "I''m old now. Of course, I''m not feeling well. My body aches on rainy days, especially my knees and arms. I found a traditional medicine doctor to take a look at them. I can still hold on by taking medicine every day." Maeve bit her lip, not knowing what to say. She and Valda were not close, and they rarely talked to each other. Every time they spoke, it would inevitably involve money.


    "As long as you and Horace are fine, I''m happy. If you''re free,e back and apany your father and me, Valda looked at Maeve with anticipation.


    A strange feeling shed across Maeve''s heart, but she did not think too much about it. "I will," she agreed with a nod

 Chapter 65

    thoughts.


    Maeve returned to her room uneasily and fell asleep while waiting for Byron''s message. She only woke up at dusk. She subconsciously reached for the phone beside her pillow and opened the empty message interface. Her eyes grew dimmer until she became lost in her Byron did not reply to her message for the entire day. Not even a phone call. Perhaps he had forgotten, or perhaps he didn''t want to apany her to do such a boring thing. From his standpoint, whatever he did was reasonable. Still, Maeve didn''t know why he would agree in the first ce. Maeve buried her face in the pillow, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned pale.


    At this moment, she heard voicesing from outside the door Among them was a blurry young man''s voice.


    Maeve raised her head at once. Her eyes lit up again with undisguised surprise. She hastily put on her fluffy slippers and trotted out of the ted out of the room. Maeve


    eve followed the voices to the living room. When she saw Jett sitting on a chair chatting with Scott, her smile instantly disappeared. "Why are you here?" She frowned at Jeff, the rejection in her eyes obvious. Thest tinte she went to the Graves family and exposed what Jeff had done, he had never appeared in front of her again. She wondered what he wanted to do this time


    For some reason, Jeff smiled gently at Maeve, "When Valda fainted at home, I was the one who sent her to the hospital. Can''t I visit her?"


    These words ended Maeve''s thoughts of chasing Jeff away. The strange feeling in her heart intensified. She did not think Jeff was so helpful.


    "Is that so? Thank you very much, Maeve said indifferently and was about to return to her room.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Scott stopped Maeve. "Maeve, your mother went to buy groceries. I have a few work calls. Help me entertain our guest first.


    Seeing through Scott''s intentions, Maeve said calmly, I''m afraid not. I''m going back to the city center now. I still have work to finish tonight." She had nned to stay until after dinner, but now it seemed there was no need. ''t you going to have dinner? Your mother went to buy groceries," Scott said disapprovingly.


    "Aren''t y


    Don''t worry.


    I''lle back to see you guys another day." With any hesitation, Maeve returned to her room to get her things. and left.


    Scott could not stop Maeve. He said to Jeff apologetically, "Mr. Graves, sorry for making youe for nothing. They were too anxious.


    Jeff wasn''t angry. After what happenedst time, he seemed to have calmed down a lot. "I didn''t expect Maeve to forgive me immediately, but as long as her marriage isn''t real, Ell have a chance to make her change her mind."


    "Of course," Scott hurriedly said, "We were only suspicious at first, but Maeve''s so-called husband never showed up. He hasn''t even called us. That''s why we''re sure that she is lying to us. The man you saw at my daughter''s house earlier might be an actor she hired." The reason why Maeve said her husband was too busy and could note out was most likely because the actor was afraid of exposing himself and went back on his word at thest minute


    Jeff looked satisfied. "I''ll have to ask you for help with Maeve and me in the future. When we marry, it won''t be a problem for you to get promoted."


    Scott smiled broadly, "Don''t worry, Mr. Graves.


    Downstairs, before Maeve could leave the neighborhood, Jeff caught up to her. "Maeve, I drove here. I''m returning to the city center too. Shall I give you a ride?" he asked solicitously. Maeve ignored Jeff and walked straight ahead.


    Jeff was not angry. "It''s not easy to get a taxi here. You may have to wait for some time. It''s almost dark. I want to send you off. I promise I won''t do anything else," "No need." Maeve''s eyes were indifferent. "I don''t need you to send me. I just want you to stay away from me.'' She would never forget about the camera and the indecent photoshop, If you still bear a grudge against me for


    Maeve looked at him mockingly. But what I did to you before, let me apologize Jell''s tone was sincere. "I was blinded by greed and did many shameful things before. I''m sorry. You can punish me however you want. Now, I just want to be friends with you again."


    into


    I''m not interested in being friends with someone who has repeatedly broken thew and only knows how to force women into doing what he wants." With that, Maeve got i taxi and left.. a Jeff stood on the spot and breathed in a mouthful of car exhaust. His face turned ashen.


    Night fell. Maeve returned to the apartment. It was pitch-ck inside. It was obvious that Byron had not yet returned. She looked in the direction of the master bedroom in a daze, her emotions indescribable. Her intuition told her that Byron would not stand her up for no reason, nor would he disappear for an entire day without replying to her message. Moreover, the work he did looked ordinary, but it was very dangerous. Maeve wondered if something had happened to him. She could not sit still. She picked up her phone and called Byron. She would continue to call him until he picked up. She was really worried.


    After calling repeatedly for half an hour, her phone grew so hot that it was about to run out of battery. Maeve became more and more anxious. She stood, wanting to go out to look for Byron even though she didn''t even know where hispany was.


    At this moment, the call that was about to automatically hang up was answered. "Hello?"


    Maeve''s eyes lit up and she quickly brought the phone to her ear "Mr. Mcdaniel? Is that you? Are you alright? I thought..."


    "I''m sorry." The voice on the other end of the phone was not Byron, but Karen''s gentle voice. "Byron is taking a shower and doesn''t have time to answer your call. What''s up?"


    These words made Macve feel as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water over her head, chilling her from head to toe. She opened her mouth, but her voice seemed stuck in her throat


    "Yes,


    After a while, Maeve found her voice again, but it was a little hoarse. "Ms. Booth, is Mr. Mcdaniel with you now?" we''ve been together all day," Karen said, "I saw that you kept calling and sending a lot of messages to Byron. I felt that it was noisy and asked him to turn off his phone. If something is up, you can call another day. It''s not convenient today, so don''t disturb us anymore." With that, Karen hung up the phone.


    the busy tone. It turned out that Byron had been with Marve closed her eyes andughed self-deprecatingly when she heard Karen the entire day. He didn''te to her family''s house because something had happened to him or he was busy with


    work. It was purely because his promise to her was not as important as being with Karen.


    no


    ??


    Karen and Byron were childhood sweethearts and had a close rtionship. Of course, it was not something an outsider like Maeve couldpare to. Maeve knew very well that her rtionship with Byron was just a little better than that of strangers.


    Still, tears welled up in Maeve''s eyes. Her heart felt empty and cold. She didn''t know why she felt so sad.

 Chapter 66

    At the same time, outside the intensive care unit at First Hospital, Karen looked at the phone after hanging up. She was deep in thought, but still quickly deleted Maeve''s messages and missed calls. There were dozens of them. Maeve was really persistent and had no sense of boundaries. At this moment, a deep and cold voice suddenly sounded from behind Karen. "Who allowed you to touch my phone?" Karen''s hand trembled. She couldn''t delete thest missed call.


    imately after, Byron took back his phone.


    looked slightly nervous. "B-Byron, something happened at thepany, so Mr. Bax went back first. He asked me to hold on to your phone for you and return it to you when youe out of the washroom..." Karen''s father had a sudden cerebral infarctionst night and was sent to the hospital. She asked Byron for help before he left thepany. Byron was a a very sentimental ental man. Patrick had only taken him in for a few years. Until now, Byron had not forgotten this kindness and had stayed vigil outside the ward sincest night. He only had time to go to the washroom just now. Karen couldn''t help but be curious and secretly unlocked Byron''s phone to take a look. Byron never set a password, so she easily saw Maeve''s messages. She didn''t expect to be caught by Byron. Byron ignored Karen. He nced at the phone screen and saw Maeve''s name. His eyes gradually darkened, Byron had been busy with Patrick''s hospitalization sincest night and getting someone to contact a professional neurological medical team from overseas. So much so that when he saw Maeve''s call, he remembered that he had forgotten to tell her to postpone the meal. But Maeve had only called once. Perhaps she thought he was still busy and did not want to disturb him. Byron frowned and turned to leave.


    "Wait, Byron. Where are you going?" Karen hurriedly stopped Byron. "Dad hasn''t woken up yet. I''m a little afraid to be here alone..." She could not believe that he would leave at this time after here for almost a full day. Byron stopped in his tracks and looked at Karen. "There are professional doctors and nurses here to take care of him. Patrick will be fine." "But-


    But-


    "Also, Byron interrupted coldly, "I hope you remember that you''re only a secretary. It doesn''t allow you to check my phone without permission during non-working hours. This is something that only my wife is qualified to do." Karen''s face turned pale. "I-I didn''t do it on purpose. I saw your maid calling and you weren''t around, so...


    "So you told her not to disturb us?" Byron''s gaze was sharp. "Karen, I''m here because of your father. I hope this doesn''t happen again."


    Tears welled up in Karen''s eyes at his words. "You''re warning me because of a maid? Is my rtionship with you, after all these years, not as close as hers?"


    Byron''s eyes did not waver at all. "It has nothing to do with who it is. You crossed the line today."


    When


    he finished, he walked toward the elevator.


    Karen covered her face and leaned against the wall, trembling. Then, a trace of doubt appeared in her mind. It was strange


    .


    for a maid to keep sending messages to harass her boss. Byron had said those words to her just now as if he were defending


    Maeve.


    However, this thought was immediately rejected by Karen. She did not think that someone of Byron''s status would be interested in a mere maid.


    Other than Maeve''s good looks, she didn''t have anything else. Byron''s eyes wouldn''t be that bad. It had to be because Byron never liked others touching his things without permission. That was all.


    When Byron returned to the Retro Apartment, he strode into the living room and looked around. Although the light was on, there was no sign of Maeve. Instead, a fragrant fragrance of a soup wafted from the kitchen.


    Byron immediately walked toward the kitchen. As expected, he saw Maeve standing there, gently stirring the soup in the white pot. His gaze rxed slightly. "Maeve."


    Hearing the familiar deep voice behind her, she stiffened. Her fingers tightened around thedle. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you''re back." Without turning her head, she took a small te from the cab.


    "Yes" Byron''s Adam''s apple bobbed slightly. After a moment, he said, ''About having dinner with your parents, -er


    alright," Maeve interrupted softly, "I didn''t know you would be so busy, so I asked you to apany me. I went back by myself today, so it''s alright if you don''t apany me." She sounded the same as usual. She didn''t evenin. It was as if it didn''t matter whether Byron was there or notN?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Byron froze. He stopped exining. His eyes were like the bottom of the deep sea as he looked at her back. "You just called me. Karen picked up, right?" His voice gradually deepened. "Yes" Maeve tried to sound as natural as possible. "She said you were very busy, so I didn''t call and continue disturbing you TWO." Byron narrowed his eyes. "Don''t you want to ask me about what she said?"


    Two.


    He did not hear what Karen said to Maeve in full. He only heard thest sentence. That sentence alone was intriguing enough. Maeve was in love with him. Since she heard Karen say that to her on his phone, it was impossible for her not to feel puzzled and aggrieved. Maeve looked down at the steaming soup in the pot, her thoughts in a mess. "No. What''s there to ask?" she said casually, "Ms. Booth is right. I shouldn''t disturb you at such an inconvenient time." Maeve''s


    s nonchnt tone instantly shrouded Byron in a thickyer of gloom. His aura turned chilling. His sinister gaze locked onto Maeve, making her feel chills run down her spine. He thought, ''If Maeve really loves me, she will be jealous, instead of speaking so calmly. Unless her previous admiration for me is all an act He chuckled inwardly. He had been deceived.


    deceived


    Byron''s thin lips curled up coldly. His voice was filled with sarcasm. "Is that so? So you know that you''ve disturbed us. I thought you


    don''t even have the least bit of self-awareness, that you don''t know what you''re doing is disgusting me."


    Maeve tightened her grip on thedle. Her face was so pale from the steam rising from the pot that there was no color on her face. I''m really sorry to disturb you. I won''t call you again in the future. Even if I want to call, I will ask for your permission before calling. I don''t want to ruin your time with her, she stated clearly.


    Byron''s eyes turned ruthless. His voice was cold and terrifying. That''s for the best."


    When he finished, he turned around coldly and left the kitchen. After a while, the apartment door was closed with a loud bang.

 Chapter 67

    Standing in the kitchen, Maeve''s shoulders trembled slightly. Her forced calmness had vanished. Her eyes turned red, and the idle in her hand fell into the pot of soup. Her eyes teared up. treated anyway as he pleases?"


    She was the one who had been stood up. She was the one who had waited for Byron for the entire day. She thought, "What right does he have to vent his anger on me just because I disturbed his time with Karen? So Karen is his treasure but I''m nothing so I can be Drip. Drip.


    Mathing fell into the steaming soup, then it was silent again.


    made dinner but realized she had no appetite at all. She could not eat. After sealing the food and putting it in the fridge, she returned to her room. Byron did note back even though it waste.


    Maeve tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. When she thought of what Byron had said, her heart ached. Unable to sleep, she got up and drew, However, the the lines on the paper were in a mess, showing how bad her mood was.


    Just then, the phone on the carpet suddenly rang.


    Maeve took it


    it and saw that Bonnie had texted her. Bonnie had gotten someone to make her idols sketches into a room divider and ce it on the leftmost side of her room. Bonnie: [My parents said that if I continue to be single, I will miss out on the best men. So what? The best men in the world. are already in my room.]


    Bonnie: [Maeve, are you asleep? If not, I want to ask you for a few more drafts. I want to make another room divider with twelve incredibly hot men to put on the right side of the room.]


    Maeve saw


    the photo Bonnie had sent. Ronnie''s room was princess-like, dreamy, and sweet. The furniture and chandelier looked very expensive. However, the room divider was in a different style. Maeve: [Bonnie, you have good taste, but don''t you think this room divider does not match the style of your room? It''s a little... um, explicit.]


    Bonnie: [Wow! You stayed upte today. Are you bing naughty now?]


    Bonnie: [I think it''s alright. I''m still a little frustrated about why it can''t be more explicit. I''m the only one looking at them anyway.]


    Maeve: [I got out of bed since I couldn''t sleep. What kind do you want? Tell me what style you want it in think about it first.]


    Bonnie quickly sent Maeve the request that she had long thought of.


    Maeve was about to put down her phone to draw when she suddenly thought of something and continued typing (By the way, I''ve sessfully got a job at Eternal Hope. I said I wanted to thank youst time. Since tomorrow is Sunday, shall we go to a restaurant?t''s my treat. There were so many things going on when Maeve first started work that she almost forgot.


    Bonnie: [There''s a new restaurant at the Winsor Building. The food is said to be quite delicious.]


    08-22 FMI, UC


    08-221


    Maeve:


    [Alright, let''s go to that restaurant tomorrow afternoon.]


    a while, Bonnie''s messages bombarded her.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    1:68%


    After a


    Bonnie: [Marvel My friend said that the boss of Starlight Pub showed up. Apparently, he''s super handsome. Why aren''t I that lucky? Every time I go, I miss him.] Bonnie sent many photos in a row. Maeve was not interested, but she still clicked on them.


    Maeve: [It''s just a profile of him going upstairs. It''s so dark. How can you tell that he''s handsome?]


    Bonnie: [There was a frontal photo, but my friend was caught photographing by the boss''s bodyguard. She has already been asked to delete them... I haven''t even seen them yet.]


    Maeveughed. Suddenly, she remembered the first time she went to Starlight Pub and encountered Byron. They seemed to have argued then. After she sobered up, Byron brought her to city hall for a divorce. It was because of Gilbert that they did not. This time they didn''t argue. It wasn''t even a fight. But Maeve''s disappointment and sorrow at this moment far exceeded that


    time.


    The next day, at the Mcdaniel Group, the atmosphere of the top-floor office was very tense. It was icy from morning to afternoon. As a result, everyone who went to this floor came in fear and left with a long face. Patrick had already woken up, so Karen cared for him in the hospital and did note to work. Her work was taken over by


    Archer.


    Archer realized that Byron was especially displeased with him today. He was even criticized because his footsteps were a little loud when he entered the office. He was in despair. He wondered if he had not done a good job so his boss was dissatisfied with him. As evening approached, Ray and Jarrett came to look for Byron. Archer looked at them as though they were his savior and invited them in.


    "Byron, are you in a bad mood today?" Ray sat on the sofa and asked casually, "Your employees look like they''re going to hell when theye up to report to you."


    Jarrett was still dressed coolly. He turned to look at the handsome Byron behind the desk and clucked his tongue. "Thest time I saw you in such a bad mood was when you first returned to the Mcdaniel family, right?" He wondered who had provoked Byron. Byron put the documents aside and asked coldly, "Why are you here?""


    just


    opened a new restaurant. Of course, I must invite you there to support me," Ray joked, "It''s been a while since you hung out with us since you were discharged from the hospital?" Jarrett nced at Ray. "It takes a few months to recover from a serious injury. Byron has just been discharged from the hospital. Shouldn''t he rest?"


    "Rest? Byron''s a workaholic. Do you expect him to do that? Didn''t he return to thepany after being discharged from the hospital for less than a week?" Ray mocked, "Why do I feel like he''s turned over a new leaf because he has a woman at home?"


    nome?


    Hearing this, Byron paused for a moment and looked at Ray coldly. "You have a girlfriend?"


    Ray was stunned. "What?"


    .


    "Byron means that you don''t even have a girlfriend, so how can be have one?" Jarrettughed.


    Ray


    was only flirted but was never into rtionships. Until now, he did not even have a girlfriend. Compared to women, he had more affection for his scalpel and dog.


    I''ll have a girlfriend sooner orter. Ray coughed and changed the topic. He asked Byron, "Are you going to support me today or not?"


    "I''m not free today." Byron''said. "Patrick just woke up. I want to visit himter."


    "Let''s go together then. We can just visit my restaurant after visiting him. It won''t take up too much time," Ray suggested.


    Byron massaged his temples. The documents in front of him became more and more unbearable to read. After thinking for a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Sure."


    At almost noon, at Winsor Building, the trio arrived at the restaurant. It was quiet and elegant and thebined ssical and modern decorations were unique. The violin music was melodious, and the atmosphere was good. It wasn''t lunchtime yet, so there weren''t many patrons inside. asked


    Ray


    ked the manager to arrange the best spot by the observation window. As he walked, he asked his friends, "How is it? Not bad, right?


    "The design is not bad." Jarrett looked around and smiled, "You''re free now? Don''t you need to go to the hospital?"


    Carson George, Ray''s father, had previously handed over the shares of the restaurant chain to Ray probably because he was afraid that Ray would work as a doctor for the rest of his life and refuse to inherit the family business. "I''ll only go to the hospital when there are important surgeries in the future. I don''t usually do consultations, so I have plenty of time, Ray replied. He turned to Byron and asked, "Byron, what do you think?" Byron nced around the dining room in disinterest. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly caught sight of someone and froze.

 Chapter 68

    68Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Ray found it strange and followed Byron''s gaze. Then, he saw Marve sitting not far away, with her cheek on her hand and talking to the sweet-looking girl opposite her. He raised his eyebrows. "Byron, isn''t that your maid? Should we go over and say hello?" Byron averted his gaze and nced at Ray coldly. "You''ve nothing better to do?" With that, he walked toward the table arranged for them. After sitting down, Ray thought of the displeasure in Byron''s words just now and asked fearlessly. "You guys quarreled again? Are you in a bad mood because of her!" Byron casually flipped through the menu and said indifferently. Do you think she''s worthy?"


    Byron''s words were very harsh. Even Jarrett looked surprised.


    Last time at the hospital, the atmosphere between Byron and Maeve was not like this. It was obvious that something was off. Jarrett and Ray wondered what had happened. Ray rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. Then, he raised his hand and gestured for the waiter. Boss?" the waiter asked.


    "Send a rose cake tower to the twodies at table 6 and put it on my tab," Ray said.


    Sure


    Boss. With that, the waiter left.


    Ray turned back to Byron and smiled slyly, "Byron, that''s a dessert my restaurant specially prepared for couples. You don''t mind if I give your maid one, right?"


    Byron''s eyes were calm as he said emotionlessly, "She''s not mine. If I have to repeat this again, you will end up swimming in the riverter."


    Jarrett chuckled. Ray silently looked at the river outside the window and decided to shut up first.


    At Table 6, Maeve and Bonnie were chatting about the draft when a waiter pushed a dining cart over and ced a nineyer rose pink cake tower in the middle of the dining table. Maeve was stunned. "Sorry, is there a mistake? We didn''t order this"


    "This is a treat from a gentleman. The waiter smiled, "I hope you will like it. Please enjoy."


    "Which gentleman?" Maeve asked in confusion.


    The waiter''s white-gloved hand was pointed toward a spot by the window.


    Maeve looked over and saw Ray leaning out of the booth separated by greenery. He smiled and waved at her. It was Byron''s friend. mend.


    Maeve''s heart tightened and she subconsciously looked at the spot beside Ray. However, due to the angle and the greenery, she did not see anything, including Byron''s familiar figure. Maeve pursed her lips and looked up at the waiter. "Please thank Mr. George for his generosity." The dessert tower had already been sent to them. If she rejected it, she would embarrass Ray. If there were a chance in the future, she would think of a way to return the favor. .


    "


    The waiter smiled and left.


    Bonnie took out her phone and checked the menu. She was shocked. "Marve, this cake tower was specially prepared by this restaurant for couples. Are you dating secretly?"


    "No, you misunderstood. Maeve was helpless. "It''s just someone I know." She did not know why Ray gave her this. They had not spoken much to each other. She wondered if it was because of Byron.


    Since Marve could not figure it out, she decided not to think about it. She said to Bonnie, "Let''s go downstairster. I want to buy some fabrics and essories. They''ll be useful when I go to work tomorrow."


    Bonnie took a bite of the lemon tart and nodded happily. "I will even go to hell with you now? She loved desserts the most. The person who sent Maeve this dessert was such a good person.


    Maeve smiled. The next second, her tummy seemed odd and she said, "Bonnie, I need to go to the washroom first"


    "Sure."


    Sure.


    Maeve picked up her bag and walked toward the washroom. When she went in, she saw that her period had indeed arrived.


    Maeve rubbed her lower abdomen and walked to the sink. Her face was slightly pale in the mirror, and her thin eyebrows were subconsciously furrowed. Every time she had her period, it would hurt. But it wasn''t unbearable. She could still tolerate it


    After washing hands, Maeve endured the difort and returned to the dining room. Unexpectedly, when she passed by a table, she tripped over something and her shoulder bumped into the waiter''s tray.


    The c***y mushroom soup on the tray spilled all over Maeve. Some of it even slid down her cor and wet her shirt, making it stick to her body. She trembled from the hot soup. She held onto the table and steadied herself. Just as she was about to apologize to the waiter, a familiar voice came from the seat beside her.


    "Maeve, you''re so careless. How can you bump into someone while walking?" Maura sat there, linking arms with a man. Her fingers twirled her hair as she gloated.


    Maeve thought of what had tripped her just now and looked down at Maura''s high heels. "Maura, what are you doing?" she asked coldly. "You deliberately stretched out your leg to trip me just now, right?"


    Thest time they were in a casual clothing store, Maura did not hide her malice toward Maeve. Maeve did not expect Maura to be even more tant this time.


    "You''re quite good at shirking responsibility, aren''t you?" Maura sneered. "With your poor driver husband''s sry, he can probably only bring you to such a high-end ce once every six months, right? It''s normal you''re not familiar with such ces. After all, that is your


    me.


    life.


    Maura couldn''t stand Maeve. Since Maeve wasn''t able to marry Jeff, she should be even more miserable. Instead, she married a husband who was as handsome as a popr celebrity,


    It was fine if Maura was targeting Maeve, but when Maeve heard her mock Byron, she was instantly furious. Without thinking, she picked up the wine ss on the table and sshed it on Maura''s face.


    Maura was stunned by the ssh. She came back to her senses and screamed, "Maeve "


    "What''s wrong with being a driver? Is it your business?" Maeve''s usually soft voice was filled with anger. "At the very least, my husband earns a proper living, unlike some who can only survive by seducing men. Compared to you, my husband is much better."


    "How dare you ssh wine on me?" Maura''s eyes were red with anger. She stood up and was about to hit Maeve in the face when a hand grabbed Maura''s wrist. It was Alex.


    "Miss, you better calm down, There are surveince cameras in the restaurant. If you make a scene here, you''ll be at at disadvantage, Alex warned in an unpleasant

 Chapter 69

    69


    Maeve thought of something and pursed her lips. She looked away as if nothing had happened. After telling Bonnie, she went to the front desk to settle the bill and left the restaurant with Alex. Maura was very reluctant to let them leave like that. She stood up wanting to go to the washroorn to wipe the red wine off her face.


    At this moment, a waiter walked over to them and said to Maura and her malepanion, "You have affected our restaurant''s operation and caused trouble for our distinguished guest. Please leave now and don''te again."


    They


    were stunned to hear this. Especially Maura. She did not think the distinguished guest the waiter referred to was Maeve. It could only be the man who had helped Marve just now Maura did not expect Maeve to be so capable. Maeve was already married, but she was still hooking up with other men. There must be a misunderstanding." Maura tried to exin. "Maura was the one who fell. Why should we be med-"


    ???


    Her malepanion, Oli Vance, interrupted Maura in an unpleasant tone. "That''s enough. If you hadn''t stuck out your foot just now and caused her to fall, would things have turned out like this?" Maura''s expression changed. She looked at Oli aggrievedly. "Mr. Vance..."


    Oli ignored Maura and said to the waiter, "Help me tell Mr. George we were wrong. I hope he can forgive us."


    Oli hade here to find an opportunity to hook up with Ray, but before he could see Ray, his femalepanion had offended him Oli paid the bill and left without even looking at Maura. Maura couldn''t care less about the red wine on her face and hurriedly chased after Oli. "Wait for me, Mr. Vance."


    Ray saw this andmented with interest, "I can''t believe Byron kicked these two small fries out. I''m not sure if they are lucky or not..


    "I''m curious too," Jarrett smiled teasingly, "Didn''t you say Meave is not yours? Why are you still helping her! She''s already


    lef


    Byron swirled the red wine ss on the table and said coldly, "I just don''t like people being an eyesore when I''m eating. It affects my appetite."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Ray let out a long sigh. "I understand. After all, Maeve''s just your maid. However, she is quite attractive. Mr. Brown seems very worried about her." tell. Maybe they will end up together." Jarrett put on a knowing expression. They look quitepatible."


    can


    Byron ignored them and slowly took a sip of red wine. However, he tightened his grip on the wine ss


    Ray wanted to continue stirring up trouble, but when he saw Byron''s increasingly gloomy expression, he tactfully stopped. "By the way, do you want to go to Nightless Club tonight?" he suggested. Jarrett shrugged. "I am free today. Sure."


    "What about you, Byron?" Ray asked.


    Byron looked down at the red wine ss in front of him. He recalled how Maeve clung delicately to Alex and sneered inwardly. He did not hear Ray''s question. It was not until Ray shouted a few more times that he slowly looked up and said coldly, "Sure."  U.  68%


    It was night. In the private room on the 27th floor of the Nightless Club, the night view was scenic and the decorations exuded a luxurious and exquisite aura, making people feel as if they were in a pce.


    The card game that was going on in the circr hall wasparable to a one-sided massacre. The yers were sweating continuously, their expressions were bitter as they looked at their decreasing amount of chips. They wondered what was wrong with Byron today. In the past, when they yed cards, Byron would go easy on them so they would not lose too badly. However, he was absolutely crushing them today.


    On the curved sofa, Byron''s slender legs were casually crossed. He held a cigarette in his right hand. It faintly shed red. emitting the smell of nicotine. The smoke obscured his face, making his eyes darker. It was difficult to tell if he was happy or furious. When another round ended, Byron pushed away the pile of chips in boredom and stood up calmly. "I''m switching out."


    of relief. The Great Demon King was finally tired of ying. on the other si


    Byron took a ss of wine and walked to the other side of the ssical room divider. He sat down on the sofa and drankzily.


    Jarrett walked over from the pool table on the oth


    side.


    eyes were like deep dark pools of water


    Everyone at the table heave


    heaved a a sigh of


    Seeing that Byron was drinking and smoking, he raised his eyebrows. You rarely smoke. Are you worried about Patrick, or is it because of something else!"


    arrett dian


    Byron did not speak.


    His


    "Two, I think. ?ne is myputer. Why?"


    say anything else. else. He took a ss of wine and drank beside Byron.


    cigarette was about to burn out when Byron suddenly said. "Jarrett, how many girlfriends have you had?"


    Jarrett thought for a moment. "Two, "If a woman acts like she §ß§Ñ


    she likes you but doesn''t care about you being with other women, what does it mean?" Byron said coldly.


    "That means she doesn''t like you," Jarrett replied decisively. The more jealous a woman is, the deeper her love is. It''s the same the other way around." Byron''s expression instantly turned cold. He crushed the cigarette into the ashtray. The cigarette butt turned into a pile of dregs. It was a tragic sight. Seeing this, Jarrett asked curiously, "Are you talking about... Mace?"


    As soon as Jarrett asked, he met Byron''s sharp and cold gaze. "Are you kidding around?" Byron mocked coldly.


    Jarrett raised his eyebrows. "Is it Karen then? No way. If it were her, you wouldn''t have to be forced by your grandfather to marry." He thought, ''Other than Karen, the only woman around Byron is Maeve. How interesting Looking at Byron''s abnormally cold face, Jarrett said, "You can''t listen to what others say about this. You must ask her what she thinks." She thinks.


    Ask that heartless and hypocritical woman who only knows how to pretend? What for? Just so she can continue acting?" Byron thought. He said coldly, "Who cares what she thinks? It has nothing to do with me." Then you...


    "Do you still need to promote the new software you developed recently?"


    Jarrett immediately shut up and signaled that he would not say another word. His work was at an important juncture. The new software, akin to his son, had to take the world by storm. He needed Byron''s help. Ray lost thest of his chips. He returned gloomily and saw that they were both drinking. "Isn''t this boring? What''s the point ofing to such a ce to drink?"


    Soon,


    Jarrett rolled his eyes. "This is a club. What would we be doing here besides drinking? Enjoy the scenery and talk about life?"


    Ray choked. He was unable toe up with a retort and could only join them.


    When it was almost midnight, the small golden table in front of the sofa was filled with empty wine bottles.


    Ray didn''t drink much and wasn''t too drunk. However, Byron and Jarrett were already wasted.

 Chapter 70

    Ray still had to drive Jeff and Byron home. He suddenly regretted not drinking more just now.


    The Todd family''s residence was close. Ray asked the driver to send Jarrett back to his house first. However, when it was Byron''s turn, he was in a dilemma. He knew Byron was not staying in the vi recently, but didn''t know where to send him.. "Byron, do you want to go back to the manor or go somewhere else?" Ray turned to ask Byron, who was leaning against the backseat.


    Byron''s eyes were tightly shut. Other than feeling thirsty and his Adam''s apple moving asionally, there was no response. He was like a king from the shadows, his lethal ws hidden for now.


    Ray looked around and realized that they were very close to Byron''s Retro Apartment, so he asked the driver to drive themC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    When they arrived, Ray helped Byron upstairs. But the moment he turned on the lights and saw the apartment, he was shocked. If he didn''t know that the entire building belonged to Byron, he would have thought he hade to the wrong ce. The warm and cozy decor did not seem like Byron''s style at all. Ray helped Byron to the sofa, then took the rabbit c** and ced it behind Byron. He almostughed out loud. He thought, Who would have thought that Byron, the decisive and cold-blooded CEO of apany, would have a rabbit cu**n on the sofa at home? Ray was about to boldly take a photo as a memento when he heard a door open. When he turned around, he saw Marveing out of her room for some water. Both of them were sturmed when they saw each other. "Ms. Reese?" Ray asked.


    "Dr. George?" Maeve was taken aback. "Why are you here sote at night?"


    was even more shocked than Maeve. "I should be the one asking you."


    Ray did not believe that Maeve was Byron''s maid. Now that he saw her here, he found that even more unbelievable. Furthermore, it had to be this one out of all the other apartment buildings. This retro building was a special ce of Byron''s that even the Mcdaniel family did not know. Ray''s expression suddenly became meaningful. It seemed that he had found the source of Byron''s bad mood.


    At this moment, Maeve saw Byron on the sofa covering his eyes with his arm. She frowned and asked, "What''s wrong with Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    "We had a small gathering tonight and drank a little. Ray rolled his eyes. "Byron is not in a good mood and drank a lot. We can''t persuade him no matter what"


    Maeve opened her mouth. "Uh, is that so....


    "Yes. It was probably because he saw you being bullied in the restaurant." Ray frowned and-deliberately said, "You left in at hurry and didn''t see it. After heined to the restaurant owner about the couple, the restaurant cklisted them."


    Maeve was stunned. She thought, ''Mr. Mcdanielined to the restaurant about Maura and her partner? Was it because of me? No way. He saw me in the afternoon, but his expression was as cold as ice. He looked at me as if I was a stranger...


    Ray continued, "Byron''s so drunk that he probably can''t even wash up. He might even have a headache and vomit in the middle of the night. He wouldn''t sleep well tonight. I''ve also drunk a lot. I must go home and sleep it off now. I''ll leave Byron to you, Ms. Reese." Ray did not allow Maeve to react and quickly left the apartment. This was all he could do to help Byron.


    Au


    The apartment returned to silence.


    Maeve turned to look at Byron, who was quite drunk. Thinking of what he saidst night, her cheeks puffed up slightly. She did not intend to take good care of him as Ray had said. It had nothing to do with her that he was drunk. After all, she wasn''t the one who got him drunk. Besides, she didn''t feel well too.


    Maeve walked to the water dispenser and got a ss of water. Then, she returned to her room. She nned toy down after drinking water to relieve her difort.


    However, her door opened again within ten minutes.


    Maeve pursed her lips and walked back to the living room. With a resigned expression, she helped Byron up and toward the master bedroom. She didn''t feel sorry for him. She was just afraid that if she woke up at night to go to the bathroom and saw someone lying on the sofa, she would scare herself to death. That was it,


    It took a lot of effort for Maeve to move Byron back to the bed in the master bedroom. Just as she was about to stand up, at long arm ho***ed around her neck from behind and forcefully pulled her down.


    "Ah!" Maeve eximed. By the time she realized what was happening, she was already in Byron''s arms. The faint smell of alcohol surrounded her.


    Byron resteti his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath brushing the side of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. Her breathing grew a little unsteady. She reached out to push him away, but he hugged her even tighter, almost suffocating her.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel!" Maeve eve grabbed his arm and shouted angrily, "Let me go. You''re strangling me."


    Don''t move," Byron ¨¤ scolded I in a low voice. The pain in his temples made him lose his patience. He subconsciously tightened his grip on the soft body in his arms. It was as if he wanted them to be one. His arms were steel-like and his legs pinned her slender ones down. Sh She couldn''t move.


    Maeve''s back felt ufortable. Moreover, his arm was h***lly across her chest, making it difficult for her to breathe. At the same time, her face grewpletely red. She didn''t know if it was out of anger or shyness.


    If Maeve weren''t sure that he was drunk, she would have suspected that he was taking advantage of her on purpose. She took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ll get a towel to wipe your face. ?an you let go of me!"


    "No." The


    drunk Byron was unbelievably domineering. There was no room for negotiation. "Then how am I supposed to get a towel?" Maeve was annoyed.


    Byron closed his eyes and frowned. He muttered in a h**e voice, "Be good and don''t go anywhere." Maeve was speechless. She thought, "Did I imagine it? The drunk Mr. Mcdaniel seems very... clingy! Mr. Mcdaniel


    let me go. I promise it''s only for a while, Maeve tried to negotiate.


    Byron


    buried his head in her shoulder. In his drunkenness, he heard her words and sneered in a low voice, "Oh? And which guy will you go to? Do you think I''m dead?" "What guy?" Maeve thought. She said angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about?" She struggled in his arms without a care. "If you don''t let go, I''ll bite you."


    She squirmed in his arms for a long time but could not break free from his hold. Instead, his desire rose because of her actions


    Byron''s expression turned dark. A fire surged in his lower abdomen. He suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed Maeve''s wist even as she continued to struggle. He used a little force to turn her body around and forcefully pinned her under him. Maeve suddenly sank into the soft bed. Before she could regain her senses, she was enveloped by a shadow. Her eyshes


    fluttered, and her gaze met Byron''s dark and deep eyes.


    "What are you doing?" Byron''s drunken voice was low and h***e He lowered his head and looked at her like a ferocious beast staring at its prey.

 Chapter 71

    In the next second, the ferocious beast bit its prey''s fragile neck. Maeve cried out in pain. The moment she opened her mouth. Byron seized the opportunity. The warm tip of his tongue forced apart her teeth and bit her lip. "Ugh! Let go-" Maeve was speechless and couldn''t speak further. Her hands were weak as she pushed against his shoulders, but it was useless. Tears welled up in her eyes as anger and grievance rose from the bottom of her heart. Maeve thought. What does he take me for? Who does he think tam now?'' She closed her eyes and bit Byron''s lower lip hard.


    §á§Ñ§Ô§Ñ.


    The thick scent of blood immediately filled their mouths. Byron''s eyes were faintly red but his mind became clear. Looking at Maeve''s flushed face and her panicked and resistant gaze, his eyes grew cold. He thought, "Is she so unwilling to be with me when she has been in another man''s arms?"


    With this thought in mind, not only did Byron not let go of Macke, but he even tore open the cor of her pajamas. Then, his long legs forcefully squeezed between her legs and he leaned over to kiss her again. His kiss was as wild as a storm. Red marks appeared on Maeve''s soft skin one after another. She could not resist at all. Her delicate body trembled under his control.


    "M-Mr. Mcdaniel... Byron! You can''t do this. What do you take me for!" Her heart was in a panic, and the intense uneasiness made her eyes turn red. She thought, It shouldn''t be like this. We shouldn''t do this. Drip-drip. Hot Hot tears suddenly fell on the back of Byron''s hand. He stopped and looked down.


    Maeve''s face was flushed from crying. Her hair was wet and stuck to her cheeks. Her pajamas were already hastily gathered at her waist. Her exposed smooth skin was covered in red marks that was all his doing. Under normal circumstances, Byron might have felt pity for her But now, he wasn''t. He narrowed his eyes and pinched Maeve''s chin. He said hoarsely, "You don''t want me to touch you Maeve''s nose was red as she nodded in a panic.


    "Sure." His tone was indifferent and cold. "Be good and open your mouth. Let me kiss you as much as I want. Then I won''t touch you.


    "What did he mean by as much as he wants? What if he never stops?'' Maeve thought, shaking her head in panic. However, she could feel the imminent threat in front of her. She could only hold back her anger and agree. When she closed her eyes, sheforted herself that she had kissed him before anyway. It didn''t matter if it happened again. It would be like kissing a dog "Maeve, you seem to have mistaken" Byron looked at Maeve with her eyes closed and mocked, Tm asking you to kiss me."


    Maeve looked up in shock. Her red lips parted for a moment before she said, "I-I don''t know how to...". You won''t do


    do it?" Byron rubbed his palm against her slender waist suggestively. "Then shall I


    continue?"


    "No!" Maeve interrupted anxiously. Her eyes gradually turned aggrieved. "Mr. Mcdaniel, I just got my period. I''m really ufortable. I want to sleep. There was a sobbing tone in her voice.


    Byron stared at her reddened eyes for a long time and clucked his tongue. He tidied her pajamas a little roughly andy down again. He wrapped his arms around her slender and trembling waist and closed his eyes.


    Maeve originally thought that he would not let her off, but she was stunned for a long time when she saw this. Perhaps drunk men were very unreasonable. After all, he had saidst night that she disgusted him. Yet now, he was hugging her tightly from behind. V0.23 FII, VGL TO


    Maeve pursed her lips tightly. Her emotions were in a mess,


    Soon. Byro


    gradually steadied, as if he had fallen asleep.


    heaved a sigh of relief. She wanted to take this opportunity to leave, but she realized that she could not move his iron-like arm no matter what. She was so angry that she lowered her head and bit his hand. Still, he didn''t move at all. Maeve was furious. Her lower abdomen had been feeling ufortable for a long time and she was already exhausted. She decided not to think too much and closed her eyes to sleep.


    The next morning. Maeve woke up in a daze and realized that her lower abdomen was warm andfortable, as if she had put a heating pad there. She reached out to touch it but realized that it felt wrong.


    When she opened her eyes and looked down, she saw that her pajama top was pulled up. A well-defined handy on her soft abdomen. abdomen.


    Maeve immediately woke up. She sat up in bed and looked at Byron sleeping on his side. Memories fromst night surged back into her mind bit by bit. Her face instantly turned red. She couldn''t believe she dared to sleep next to him unguarded after what happened. She obviously wasn''t thinking at all.


    Maeve hurriedly got out of bed and ran out of the master bedroom without looking back.


    Not long after she left, Byron slowly opened his eyes and sat up with one hand on the bed. His dark face was filled with fatigue. He couldn''t believe he got wastedst night. He wondered who had sent him home.


    Byron''s eyes were dark and gloomy. His temples were throbbing He sat quietly for a moment to calm down before getting out of bed. When he stepped into the bathroom, his expression froze.


    Maeve was turned sideways as she stood in front of the mirror with an ointment in her hand. She was not wearing a shirt or bra, and her smooth skin was exposed, including her thin and beautiful shoulders, her breasts, and her slender waist.


    Byron''s eyes didn''t miss a spot. The beautiful scene in front of him gradually ovepped with the scene of the ambiguous entanglementst night. His dark eyes darkened and his jaws clenched. Alling Alling withN?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Maeve turned around when she heard themotion. She was caught off guard and met Byron''s gaze, her eyes filling panic. She screamed and hurriedly grabbed her pajama top to cover herself, turning around to scold him angrily, "Mr. Mcdaniel, why didn''t you knock when you came in? Get out!"


    Hearing her angry voice, Byron came back to his senses. Just as he was about to mock her, his gaze darkened when he saw the reddened skin on her back.


    "What are you looking at?" Maeve noticed his gaze and was afraid that he would go berserk likest night. She hugged- herself tightly. "Don''t you know your manners? Don''t look. Leave now!" Byron was about to leave when he heard her words. He stopped in his tracks. He raised his eyelids coldly and said in a hoarse voice, "You took off your clothes in the bathroom and didn''t lock the door. Now you me me for not knocking? Besides, I''ve touched you everywhere. There''s no need for this."


    With that, he nced at her meaningfully and turned to leave.


    Maeve''s head was about to explode. She thought, ''How would I know he would wake up so early today when he was so drunkst night? Besides, what does he mean by there''s no need for this? Did he mean I might as well not hide it from him?" Maeve almost wanted to throw the ointment in her hand at the back of his head.


    However, the bathroom door had already closed again. She could only put down her hand angrily and continue applying the medicine,


    The burn on her back no longer hurt, but her red skin looked a litle scary. The difficult part was how to apply the medicine.

 Chapter 72

    72


    It was really inconvenient to apply the medicine on one''s back. I took Maeve a long time to apply it evenly. After applying the medicine, she immediately put on her clothes and walked out of the bathroom. Byron was not in the living room. He had to have returned to the bedroom.


    She pursed her lips and went to the balcony to pick vegetables without thinking further about it. Then, she went to the kitchen to make breakfast. After breakfast, Maeve was about to clean up the table when she saw Byron standing in front of her with his arms crossed. She froze She froze.


    Byron nced at the single-portion breakfast in front of her and asked in azy voice, "Where''s mine?" knew


    Maeve


    what he was referring to, but she did not answer. She silently wiped the table and brought her dirty dishes back to the kitchen beforeing out. When she passed by Byron, he suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Mave," He looked at her coldly and said in a deep voice, "Talk."


    Maeve pursed her lips and looked up into his eyes. "You didn''t help me wash the vegetables or do anything for me. Why should I prepare your breakfast? Isn''t there a cafe downstairs?" She couldn''t believe that he had bullied her and still expected her to cook breakfast for him. He could just go to hell. Byron stared at her cold face. "There''s no soup there."


    Whatever. Maeve shook off his hand indifferently. As she went to get her bag from the sofa, she said calmly, "You can ask Ms. Booth to make soup for you. She won''t disgust you and unlike me, she knows her ce, right?" Maeve thought, ''Since I a


    ince I am so unbearable to him, there is no need for me to treat him well anymore, right? I will only suffer if I do.


    After she finished, a strange look shed across Byron''s eyes and he raised his eyebrows. Her words wereced with jealousy. He wondered if she was jealous of Karen.


    Byron''s dark eyes narrowed slightly. It was not until Maeve was about to walk out of the living room that he slowly said. "That''s not a bad suggestion. I''d probably like the soup made by Karen more." Really? Good.


    Saves me the trouble in the future." Maeve pretended to be relieved and walked out of the apartment.


    She did not notice Byron''s expression suddenly darkened, and his aura turned to ice.


    At thepany, Maeve was so busy in the studio that she didn''t even have time for a break. Next month''s exhibition wasing soon. She had to finish making the sample clothes as soon as possible so she wouldn''t bete. Moreover, the design of the "Morningstar" series this time was rted to whether she could gain a foothold in thepany. She could not be careless.


    Halfway through, Maeve was called out by Ava, who said that she had a delivery to sign.


    When Maeve went out, she saw the courier standing there with arge bouquet of red roses. The courier said, "Ms. Reese, Mr. Graves got this bouquet for you. Please sign off on it."


    Maeve''s lips twitched. She thought, ''Is Jeff crazy? Who cares about his roses? Anything rted to him would take up even too much space in the trash can.


    72


    I''m sorry this trip is a waste for you. Please return it. I won''t ept it," Maeve said.


    The courier looked troubled. "But Mr. Graves said that if you don''t sign for it, I should throw it away"


    Maeve''s eyes were calm. "Then throw it away or get rid of it however you want." It wasn''t her money anyway.


    However, this was only the beginning. Throughout the entire day, Maeve did not have a moment of peace. She was constantly called out to sign for items. There were cakes, branded bags, and even jewelry. This caused rumors to spread about her on the entire floor. Leah came back and called Maeve to the side to lecture, "This is thepany, not a ce for you to fool around. Your probation period hasn''t passed yet, so can you stop with such behavior?"


    Tm sorry, Ms. Mason: Maeve lowered her head apologetically. "Il take care of this. Sorry to disturb everyone."


    Leah nodded coldly. "Get back to work."


    Only then did Maeve leave. She walked to an empty corner and took out her phone. She released Jeff from the cklist and called him


    "Maeve, did you receive the gifts I prepared for you?" Jeff pretended to be gentle as he asked, "Do you like them?"


    Maeve simply wanted to kill him. "Jeff, are you done? How long are you going to pester me?"


    for not treating you well in the "How is this pestering? I''m pursuing you again, baby," Jeff smiled, "I want to make up past. I really regret it. Can you feel it?"


    Maeve sneered. "You''re only doing this for yourself. I''m not moved at all. Please don''t send anything to mypany anymore. You''ve already seriously affected my work. I am furious and annoyed. Let me make it clear to you onest time. It''s impossible between us. We can''t even be friends. Don''t waste your time on me."


    After that. Maeve hung up and exhaled gloomily. Jeff was so hateful. She couldn''t believe a man like him existed. He only cared about achieving his goal and did not care if others were willing. As long as he was willing to be nice to her, she had to ept it Somehow, Maeve thought of Byron. She suddenly felt like crying but she quickly suppressed it.


    "Maeve?


    Mr.


    Mr.


    "Alex''s clear voice came from behind. "Why are you standing here in the wind?"


    Brown?" Maeve turned around and shook her head. "I came out to take a breather. By the way, I was in a hurry yesterday and didn''t thank you for bringing me to change my clothes. You even sent me home." Alex stood there with one hand in his pocket. He smiled warmly when he heard this. "It''s no biggie. I''m relieved to see that you don''t have a cold"


    Both Jeff and Alex had gentle voices. However, Jeff''s was pretentious and sickening. Alex''s, on the other hand, was courteous and refreshing. He also had a sense of propriety, which made her feel veryfortable. Maeve''s eyes curved. "Thanks for the hot soup. Otherwise, I would have fallen ill


    Alex nodded. Then, he casually mentioned, "I heard that someone has been sending you gifts today?"


    Maeve was at a loss for words.


    fit''s inconvenient for you to tell me, just pretend that I didn''t ask," Alex immediately added when he saw that she was troubled. troub


    There''s nothing I can''t say. Maeve sighed. "My ex-boyfriend did it. Maybe he just wants to make things difficult for me."


    Jeff


    Maeve did not believe Jeff wanted to pursue her again. Either Jeff was just trying to make her unhappy, or he still had hopes for thepany''s inheritance and thought that as long as he married her, there was still hope. Either way, she had no interest in cooperating with Alex seemed to understand andforted Maeve gently. "I''ll instruct the front deskter to stop the items your ex-boyfriend sent on the first floor and refuse them. You don''t have to be too troubled." Maeve''s eyes lit up. "Is that okay?"


    "Yeah. It''s nothing. Of course, it''s okay," Alex said, "Just focus on your work. You don''t have to care about that stuff anymore."


    "Alright, thanks, Mr. Brown."


    Alexughed. "If you really want to thank me,e to my private studio when you''re free. I have an idea to integrate crewelwork into the design and want to ask you."


    Of course, Maeve had no objections. "Send me a message when you need me. I''ll go overter."


    "Okay." Alex''s eyes were filled with joy.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 73

    73


    After work, Maeve put the unfinished sample clothes into the locker, locked the studio door, and left.


    When she walked out of thepany building to wait for a cab, Jeff stopped in front of her in his sports car. The back of the sports car was piled with red roses, and there was a teddy bear wearing a crown sitting in the middle, causing passers-by to keep looking back. Jell sat in the driver''s seat wearing sunsses. He turned around and smiled at by get in the car. Til send you home


    "Don''t call me baby. Maeve did not like being the center of attention at all. In going to pester me?"


    she was annoyed. "How long are you Jeff looked innocent. "You''re afraid that I''ll affect your work, so I won''t send the gifts to yourpany anymore. Did you see what''s in the car? I prepared all this. Don''t girls like these? I''ll slowly make up for what I didn''t do to you in the past. Can you give me another chance?"N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    chance?


    Maeve looked at him coldly, unmoved. "Jeff, there''s only one way you want to write off the hurt you''ve done to me. Do you want to hear it?"


    What is it?"


    ??????


    "T''ll forgive you the day


    you die."


    Jeff''s face froze. He thought, Why is she even harder to deal with than she was a year ago?"


    After Maeve left, Jeff pounded the steering wheel in frustration. Just as he was about to drive away, he was suddenly stopped. Someone came up to him and said, "Sir, I have something to say to you."


    Over the next few days, Maeve was not harassed by Jeff again. The bouquets sent over every day were also stopped by the front desk of thepany and refused. They did not appear in front of her.


    She and Jack hadpleted the "Morningstar series of clothes and sent them to Leah to check if they had passed. Less than half a day after handing in the sample clothes, Maeve was called to Leah''s office.


    "I won''t beat around the bush with you. Look at what you''ve made." Leah picked up the sample clothes Maeve had made and threw them on the desk. The thread on the inside of the belt was loose. It would be torn in half with a simple pull


    Marve''s eyes were filled with shock. "No way. I checked them before I handed them in. It was still fine then..."


    "Are you saying that I framed you on purpose?" Leah looked displeased. "Do you think I have nothing better to do?"


    "Ms. Mason, that''s not what I meant."


    "Then what do you mean?" Leah frowned. "Maeve, I admit your design is outstanding, but you''re really stacking off. We require that the sample clothes must be at least 90% of the standard of a ready-made suit. Otherwise, it will be destroyed directly. As Leah spoke, she pushed the sample clothes on the table toward Maeve. Do you think these are up to standard?" The office was silent.


    Jack thought for a moment and said, "Ms. Mason I worked in the same studio as Maeve. She was very serious when she made the sample clothes. She shouldn''t have handed over such subpar work."


    "Serious?" Leah''s eyes were filled with sarcasm. "Look at this pile of trash. Am I ndering her?"


    681


    001


    Jack was speechless.


    "Time is already tight. Now that she has messed up the sample clothes, it will take time to make it again. Can the exhibition wait?" a designer muttered.


    I didn''t believe that she had connections before. I didn''t expect Another voice trailed off.


    When Ava heard this, she quickly appeased everyone. "Marve didn''t do it on purpose. She''s been under a lot of pressure recently. She just entered thepany and has to be in charge of such important designs. She''ll inevitably make mistakes..."


    Someone pouted, What a waste of everyone''s time. Newbies shouldn''t be responsible for ''Morningstar.''"


    The criticisms came one after another, making Maeve''s heart clench. She was very sure that there was no problem with the sample clothes before they were handed over.


    The problem probablyy in the period after the handover. But how was not the time to think about this.


    Maeve took a deep breath to calm herself down and said to Leal "Ms. Mason, please give me one night. I will definitely hand over the remade sample clothes to you tomorrow." Leah frowned. What can you do in just one night? Are you trying to fool me with trash again?


    "No. If the sample clothes I give you tomorrow are still of this quality, I will leave thepany voluntarily," Maeve said seriously.


    Leah looked at Maeve in surprise and tapped her red nails on the table. After a while, she nodded. "Alright, I''ll give you one might. If you can''t do it, you will have to leave." "Thanks" Maeve pursed her lips.


    The other designers in the office looked at each other and did not talk further.


    Maeve returned to her desk. Ava leaned over and asked softly, "Maeve, aren''t you lying? Even if you stay up all night, you won''t be able to finish making six sample clothes." "Don''t worry, I can do it." Maeve smiled. I''ve encountered this kind of thing in my previouspany, so I made some preparations when I made the sample clothes this time." Ava was stunned. "What?"


    "Just in t in case. I also made six semi-finished prototypes to prevent such a situation from urring. Maeve said calmly. "Compared to starting all over again, this saves a lot of time. Maeve had suffered too much unfair treatment at her previouspany and had always believed that it was better to be prepared.


    "No wonder you''re so calm." Ava sighed. "But you''re really unlucky. It''s as if you were targeted by someone."


    Maeve turned I to look at Ava. "Targeted?"


    "Ms. Mason has the highest authority on this level. Everyone has to listen to her. You made her dislike you the moment you arrived. Do you think your life will be easy?"


    I don''t think so. I''ve never offended her in any way."


    Ava lowered her voice and reminded Maeve, "You had lunch with Mr. Brownst time, right? Ms. Mason saw it."


    Maeve thought of that time at the pasta restaurant and her gaze became thoughtful.


    At the same time, at First Hospital, Patrick''s life was no longer in danger. He gradually regained consciousness and was transferred to a normal ward.


    Byron stopped by to visit on the way to the business meeting. After instructing the doctor to take good care of Patrick, he looked at the time and stood up to leave the ward.


    "Byron." Karen caught up with him. Looking at Byron''s indifferent expression, she bit her lip. "Thanks foring to visit my father these few days. If he wakes up and finds out, he will be very happy" Sure, ''Byron replied calmly.


    Karen walked forward and said tentatively, "Actually, I saw Maeve a few days ago. She said that she''s your wife. Don''t you think it''s funny?" She was still worried and wanted to verify it with Byron personally Byron turned to look at Kar look at Karen when he heard that. His deep eyes were unfathomable. "She told you that she is my wife?" "That''s right." Karen nodded and smiled. "She''s dreaming, isn''t she? You should talk to her."


    Byron''s gaze was pensive. He did not hear Karen at all. Maeve pretended not to care about what was going on between him and Karen, but it seemed she was secretly jealous and dered her sovereignty to Karen. Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. Then, he said to Karen, "You don''t have to worry about this."


    Karen thought Byron meant he would deal with Maeve and was reassuring her. She smiled even more gently. It seemed that she had overthought it. "Okay, no problem. Be careful on the roadter." Byron nodded and walked toward the elevator.

 Chapter 74

    6B


    After everyone left after work, Maeve remained in the studio alene. She didn''t leave thepany until 11:30 pm. She stood alone on the empty roadside and waited for a taxi. She could not help but hug her jacket and secretly pray that a taxi would


    However, the taxi did note. Instead, the persistent Jeff appeared. "Maeve, why aren''t you home yet? It''s dangerous to stay out sote." He looked worried. "Let me send you home. How long will you have to wait otherwise?" However,pared to what might happened, Jeff was the real danger to Maeve. Especially since he had almost forced her


    before.


    Maeve stepped back and looked around anxiously. There wasn''t single car. If Jeff wanted to do anything to her, it would be useless even if she shouted. When she saw Jell get out of the car and walk over to her, the rmn in Maeve''s mind immediately sounded. "It''s so cold out here. Isn''t it better to get into my car?" Jell said as he grabbed Maeve''s arm. "I won''t hurt you. Why are you so afraid of me?" As he spoke, he pulled Maeve into the car.


    "Don''t touch me Maeve pushed at Jeff in fear. She was very tense.


    At this moment, her sharp eyes caught sight of a car driving over not far away. She had an idea and pretended to be calm as she said to Jeff, "I don''t need you to send me home. Do you see that car? My husband is here to pick me up.''


    Jeff looked over and did not believe it at all. He already knew that Maeve had a fake marriage, yet she still wanted to use her husband to deceive him. Moreover, such a lousy car could notpare to his Ferrari.


    "Whatever. Just be good and get in the car with me... Ah!" Before Jeff could finish, the hand holding Maeve suddenly stung. forcing him to let go at once.


    Maeve ran to the car without hesitation. She was extremely d that she had a bead needle with her. Otherwise, she might not have escaped. She rushed forward and knocked on the car window, wondering how to ask the driver for help. Unexpectedly, after the car window rolled down, she saw the handsome man sitting in the driver''s seat. "Mr. Mcdaniel?" Maeve''s eyes widened in joy. "Why are you here?" She didn''t even notice the color of this car just now. It was the same color as Byron''s new car.


    I just happened to pass by." Byron looked at Maeve''s surprised expression and said in a surprisingly calm voice, "What are you doing wandering around sote at night?"


    "I..." Maeve was about to exin when she saw Jeff chasing her. Her hair stood on end. "Can I get in the car first?"


    Byron nodded casually.


    Maeve immediately got into the front passenger seat and said anxiously, "Let''s go!"


    Byron''s gaze swept across Jeff, who was running over not far away. He narrowed his eyes and drove away.


    After driving for a while, Maeve''s tense body finally rxed. Her palms were sweating. "Mr. Mcdaniel, thank god you appeared." She was a little afraid. "Otherwise, he would have dragged me into the car."


    Jeff couldn''t have driven here in the middle of the night. He had deliberately waited for her. If she had known earlier, she would rather sleep in the studio for the night than leave thepany.


    Byron looked straight ahead and said coldly, "Is your phone useless? Why don''t you call me if you can''t get a ride?" Maeve shrunk her neck and forgot about the unhappiness in the morning. She muttered softly. "Didn''t you forbid me from calling you for no reason? Why is it wrong even if I don''t call? The truth was she had deleted his phone number in a fit of


    anger that night. She couldn''t call even if she wanted to.


    Byron''s lips curled up coldly. "I told you not to call me so you didn''t. When I asked you to kiss me, why aren''t you as


    obedient then?"


    These words evoked those embarrassing memories fromst night. Maeve was filled with embarrassment. Her entire face turned hot. "T-that is different," she retorted angrily.


    "Different how?"


    Maeve clenched her sleeves tightly. She really wanted to ask him why he treated her like that that night since he liked Karen. She wondered if it was because he had physical desires. However, in the end, she couldn''t ask. She didn''t want to embarrass herself. Maeve pursed her lips and cast aside her frustration. She lowered her head to find a tissue to wipe her hands. However, she saw a familiar paper bag in the glovepartment in the middle of the seat.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, didn''t you say you don''t drink such drinks?" Maeve looked at him in confusion. He had said that such sweet drinks were unhealthy.


    Byron''s profile was cold. "It was given to me by someone else. I''m not interested in it."


    "Then I''ll drink it for you?" Maeve asked eagerly.


    ""Suit yourself"


    Maeve took out the cup. It was still warm and felt veryfortable in her hand. She inserted a straw and took a sip. She a little surprised. "This is honey lemon tea?"


    The honey was very rich, and the lemon wasn''t too sour. It was delicious.


    "Is that so! I''m not sure." Byron tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and took the shortcut back to the apartment.


    was


    Maeve could tell from his nonchnt attitude that he probably did not know what he had been given since he probably never opened the bag. However, he was not interested in such drinks. Even if he knew, he would not drink a girl''s drink like honey lemon tea. Thus, she was lucky to get a free drink.


    Maeve was about to put the paper bag back when she suddenly realized that the bottom was bulging, so she reached in. There were several cream puffs in it.


    Maeve tore open the transparent packaging and ate one. Thinking of Byron, who was driving, she tore one open and held it up to him. "Mr. Mcdaniel, do you want one?"


    Byron was about to refuse, but when he saw her carefully holding the puff, his Adam''s apple suddenly bobbed. They were just about toe up to a traffic light anyway. He stopped the car and turned to bite the puff in her hand. One side of his face bulged slightly as he chewed slowly.


    Maeve looked at Byron nkly. The warmth from his lips lingered on her fingertips when he brushed across her hand just now. The heat continued to rise to her face. As if she had been electrocuted, she retracted her hand into her sleeve and pretended to lower her head to tear the bags of cream puffs to hide the panic in her eyes.


    After eating a few puffs and drinking more than half a cup of honey lemon tea, Maeve''s cold and empty stomach was finally full. It had been such a long day and she was exhausted. Even though the cream puffs were full of calories, they felt too good for her to give up. From the corner of his eye, Byron saw Maeve''s cat-like expression of satisfaction. His thin lips curled up slightly, but he quickly lowered them again.


    When they returned to the apartment, Maeve was already full. She didn''t even have to eat supper. After taking a shower and


    applying the medicine, she could go straight to bed.


    However, Maeve could not find her burn ointment no matter what. She searched the first aid kit but did not see it. It was clearly ced in there this morning. She had no choice but to ask Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel, did you see my burn cream?"

 Chapter 75

    Byron sat on the sofa in the living room. There was aputer on hisp and he was handling some leftover documents. When he heard Maeve, he didn''t even look up and replied calmly, "No." "Oh, okay." Maeve frowned and walked to the trash can to take a look. She looked worried. "Did I identally throw it away?" She didn''t see it in the trash can, so she went to the sofa to search again, Byron seemed to be annoyed by her. He said in a low voice, "I have a burn ointment in my room. Go get it yourself. Don''t disturb me."


    "Oh, okay!" Maeve hurriedly went to his room to get the ointment and then went into the bathroom. She didn''te out even after half an hour.


    Byron''s typing gradually slowed. He squinted at the screen, but he was ncing sideways at the bathroom. A few minutes


    done?"ter, he got up from the sofa and went to the bathroom to knock on the door. "Maeve, are you


    Maeve was still struggling with the ointment. She was so hot that sweat gathered on her nose. "I''ll be done soon."


    Byron was expressionless. I can''t wait. Come out."


    Maeve was speechless. Feeling aggrieved, she got dressed again and opened the bathroom door with the ointment in her


    nand. hand.


    Byron walked past her and closed the door.


    Maeve could only wait by the door for him toe out before going in again. She still had to wash her hands after applying the ointment, so she did not go back to her room to apply it. However, it would take her a long time to apply ointment to her burn Byron came out of the bathroom very quickly.


    Maeve hesitated for a long time. Seeing that he was about to leave, she called out to him softly, "M-Mr. Mcdaniel, can I ask you for a favor?"


    Byron stopped and looked at her emotionlessly.


    "I can''t reach my back by myself. Can you help me apply the ointment?" Maeve''s ears heated up as she mustered the courage to ask him.


    past, she


    In the she would never have asked. However,pared to her hand cramping in the bathroom, she would only have to show her back to him. There was nothing to be shy about. Byron snorted. "And I thought you''d rather die before you ask for help."


    For some reason, Maeve felt like she had been taught a lesson. She pursed her lips guiltily.


    ¦£¦É


    He did not


    §ß§Ö not continue to mock her. "Go to the living room." After that, he walked toward the living room.


    Maeve followed and slowly sat down on the sofa.


    Byron picked up the ointment on the table. As he rolled up his sleeves, he watchedzily as she dawdled. "Take off your top."


    Maeve was shocked. She couldn''t believe he was so blunt.


    Maeve blushed and turned around. With her back facing him, she quickly took off her pajama top and hugged it in front of her. It made her feel a little safe. "I-I''m done." Her voice was barely audible.


    Byron curled his lips and pushed her hair to the front. His gaze ngered on her delicate bones for a moment. Perhaps because she was too nervous, her shoulders trembled slightly. Her back looked fragile and beautiful, as though she was at Tairy. Byron''s dark eyes darkened, but he did not do anything. He applied the ointment to her burn and slowly spread it with his fingertips. His fingertips were warm, a stark contrast to the cool skin on Maeve''s back. Maeve even had the illusion that her heart was burning.


    "I heard from Karen that you told her you are my wife?" Byron asked casually.


    Maeve lowered her gaze. She wondered if he was questioning her for Karen.


    "I did. Maeve was still angry so her tone was a little bad. "She wanted to know what our rtionship is, so I told her the truth. Can''t I? You are the one who wants to hide our marriage, but I don''t think I ever promised to cooperate with you, right?"


    Byron raised an eyebrow. He had only asked casually, but she came up with such a long answer. "Maeve, why are you angry?" Hearing this. Maeve froze. Her fingers tightened around her pajama top. "What am I angry about, Mr. Mcdaniel? I should ask you that, shouldn''t "What?"


    12


    "What did you do that night when you were drunk? Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten it," Maeve said calmly.


    Byron''s eyes were deep. "I remember. So?" He didn''t want her to feel awkward, so he deliberately didn''t mention it. He didn''t expect her to mention it.


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered. "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''m not a tool for you to vent your desires. We''re not close enough to do that. Please don''t treat me like that again, whether you''re drunk or not


    Even if she didn''t hate his touch, she didn''t want to be treated like that when she didn''t know who he thought she was. It would make her feel worthless.


    Maeve tried her best to speak calmly, but her trembling voice still reesome face was filled with mockery. She wouldn''t let him touch her. He wondered who she wanted then. Perhaps that brat from the Brown family.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    and his handsome


    Byron keenly noticed this. His smile suddenly vanished weren''t drunk, I wouldn''t be attracted to you," Byron spat out these words coldly. After applying the ointment, he threw it aside and left the living room.


    His fingers grew forceful as he applied the ointment.


    Maeve gasped I in pain. She frowned as she watched him return to his room. Her heart clenched. She might not be attractive to him at all but she didn''t care about being someone else''s substitute.


    Maeve pursed her lips and carefully put on her top. When her burn brushed her clothes, it did not sting like it did in the morning. Instead, it was cooling andfortable.


    She picked up the ointment on the table and looked at it. It was written in a foreignnguage and there were so many words that she couldn''t read them. A strange feeling shed across her heart, but she did not think too much about it and returned to her room to sleep. The next morning, Lealrasked Maeve to hand over the remade sample clothes as soon as Maeve arrived. After checking Leah''s expression turned ugly. The clothes were the same as yesterday''s. They were either loose or had obvious ws. It was hideous. "Maeve, this is the trash you made again?" Leah asked mockingly 08-23 FTI, UCI 18


    08-23


    Maeve was not too surprised to see the damaged samples. "Ms. Mason, I can now confirm that someone tampered with my sample clothes"


    You still want to shirk responsibility? If you just admit your mistake, I''ll think more highly of you." Leah didn''t believe


    Maeve at all.


    "I have proof" Maeve took out her old phone and ced it on the desktop. "The studio''s surveince cameras were turned off before eight in the morning, so I left my phone there with the camera on all the time. At about seven in the morning. I caught something interesting on my phone." As Maeve spoke, she opened a video. It showed a dark figure walking into the studio and heading straight for the locker to find Maeve''s sample clothes. The figure used a cutter to cut the various spots on the clothes. After doing this, the sample clothes were ced back and the culprit left the studio.


    Unfortunately, the light in the studio was too dim to see the person''s face clearly.


    The other designers did not believe Maeve''s words at first, but after watching the video, they were all surprised.


    Leah looked directly at them. "Who was the first to arrive at the office today?"


    Everyone looked at f each other and said that it wasn''t them.


    Leah was about to say something when Alex walked in, asking. "What happened? Why are you all gathered here?"


    "Mr. Brown." Leah nodded at Alex and told him what had happened.


    Alex first looked at Maeve, then opened the video. After watching it, he said gently, "Whoever did it knows clothemaking very well and even knows how to target the weak points. It is probably done by one of us."


    Ava, who was at the side, smiled and pointed out, "But Mr. Brown, it is so dark in the video that we can''t see who did it. Who knows if this person exists?"


    0

 Chapter 76

    76


    Ava''s words did not sound like much at first, but if one dissected it carefully, one would realize that Ava suspected Maeve was lying and falsifying a "culprit. After all, she was the one who made the video. The video might be a fake. The video alone can''t prove anything, Mr. Brown, Ms. Mason. Maeve lowered her gaze and smiled, "However, when I was remaking the sample clothesst night, I identally spilled fluorescent powder on them and forgot to get it off. Whoever touched my sample clothes had to have the fluorescent powder on them. If we turn off the lights, we would know who it


    was.


    Alex looked at Maeve in surprise, his eyes filled with admiration, Close the ckout curtain in the office."


    Are


    "Are you sure?" Ava spoke again. "It''s not rare for us to use fluorescent powder either..


    Maeve interrupted. "Why don''t you wait until we turn off the lights? Don''t be anxious, okay?" Her voice was very gentle, but Ava''s face turned pale slowly, When the blinds were drawn and there was no light in the office, there was no hiding the colorful light on Ava. It was no different from the clothes on the table. stood there, looking humiliated. She was trembling like a leaf, but she could not say a word to defend herself.


    Ava


    The other designers did not expect this either. They had thought Maeve was not capable enough and wasn''t serious about her work, but she had been framed. Moreover, she was framed rice. If Maeve did not have some tricks up her sleeve, she would have been doomed this time.


    Ava did not only harm Maeve, She also dyed everyone''s progress, so no one spoke up for her. eve, you a


    "Macve,


    are the victim. How do you wish to deal with this?" Alex asked Maeve gently.


    Ava suddenly raised her head and looked at Maeve pleadingly, hoping that Maeve would be magnanimous and let her off this time.


    Maeve smiled gently, "Mr. Brown, I believe thepany will handle this well. I won''t interfere."


    Alex nodded. ''Don''t worry.


    ????


    be fair."


    Leah, who was beside Alex, sensed something and looked at Alex in surprise.


    This matter was over. However, thepany''s punishment for Ava was a little unexpected. She was fired immediately.


    Ava''s face was ashen as she packed up her things on the desk. Eventually, she copsed on the table and cried. Unfortunately, no one paid attention to her. When she was done crying, she grabbed her things and headed out of the office. Maeve happened to


    I to bump into Ava when she came back. She paused for a moment and was about to walk past her when Ava spoke. "Maeve, are you satisfied now? You''ve forced me into doing tha Ava gritted her teeth and said angrily.


    Maeve stopped in her tracks and looked at Ava calmly. "I don''t owe you anything. You brought this onto yourself, You can''t pin it on me."


    my turn to work on the ''Morningstar series. What right


    Ava sobbed, I''ve been in thepany for a year, but it''s not even my do you have to do so?


    "If you''re really capable,pete with me based on your strength instead of using these backhanded methods."


    Ava gritted her teeth. "You''re just lucky this time. If she had seeded, Maeve would be the one to leave thepany.


    Maeve smiled faintly, "Why do you think I told you yesterday that I kept half-finished sample clothes?"


    94%1 94%1? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Ava''s back stiffened and her eyes widened in shock. "You did it on purpose? No way! How did you know that I did it?" She was so friendly to Maeve. Even if Maeve was suspicious, she should be suspicious of Leah.


    "I didn''t suspect you at that time. I just thought everyone in the office could be the culprit, so I said that on purpose," Maeve said, "I didn''t expect to catch you."


    Ava said hatefully, "I wanted to do itst night. If you hadn''t left thepany sote, I wouldn''t have fallen into your trap"


    Hearing this, Maeve''s eyes shed. "So you know my ex. Aval


    A trace of panic shed across Ava''s eyes but she quickly denied. "What are you talking about? How would I know your ex?"


    Maeve did not miss Ava''s expression. She finally confirmed why Jeff happened to appear downstairsst night.


    Ava was the one who tipped Jeff off. She was crazy.


    Maeve shook her head. She could not be bothered to waste her breath on such a person. She turned around and was about to leave when Ava spoke again.


    "Maeve, do you you even


    think you can rest easy just because you forced me to leave?" Ava''s tone was indignant. "Leah hates more than I do, and you seemed very close with Mr. Brown. Guess how long she can tolerate you?"


    Maeve turned to look at Ava. "Since you''re fired, I might as well tell you I''ve never believed what you said. If Ms. Mason were really as petty and jealous as you say, she wouldn''t have given me another chance to make the clothes yesterday. Besides, there''s nothing between Mr. Brown and me. I''ve got nothing to be afraid of."


    Ava was so angry that her face was contorted. She red at Macve''s back as she left. Just wait and seef she thought


    Just around the corner, Alex stood behind a nt and watched the scene with a smile. He had thought that Maeve was soft and easily bullied. He did not expect to see a different side of her today. He was a little surprised,


    Interesting, Alex murmured. Just thinking about how Maeve had retaliated against Ava just now gave him inspiration. Maeve returned to the office.


    After this incident, the other designers weren''t biased against her anymore and were even worried that her damaged sample clothes would take a lot of time to remake. However, no one expected Maeve to hand the finished sample clothes to Leah. This time, there were no loose threads, snags in silk, or torn hems. The clothes were really finished.


    After hanging them on the clothes rack, one could see how eye-catching they would be after they were officially made. Leah stood up from her office chair and asked Maeve in shock, Aren''t your sample clothes destroyed?"


    "Yes." I


    Maeve said frankly, "I sensed something wrong yesterday, so I didn''t put these samples in the locker. Ava destroyed only the half-finished product I rushed to makest night.


    Leah was shocked: "So, you made samples and also backups?" She couldn''t believe how smart Maeve was.


    The other designers were also impressed. It would take a lot of time to make the samples. If it were them, they would not waste their energy on "backups


    Maeve


    smiled, "It''s an old habit. I didn''t expect it toe in handy! She would rather spend more time making things


    DKS94%;


    difficult for herself than feel helpless again if something were to happen. Fortunately, her hard work was not in vain. Leah nodded and went to look at the sample clothes. In the end, she said. "Yes, you passed."


    Maeve''s eyes lit up. Her dimples showed. "Thanks, Ms. Mason.


    Leah coughed and returned to her usual cold expression.

 Chapter 77

    The matter of the sample clothes was finally resolved. The weight on Maeve''s shoulders was finally lifted.


    However, she felt vexed when she thought about Jeff and Ava working together. She hated how Jeff made things difficult for her constantly. If the Eternal Hope were just a smallpany like her previouspany, she would probably still be manipted by him. Maeve felt extremely frustrated. Coincidentally, Jeff called. After letting him out of the cklistst time, she had forgotten to pull him back on it. Maeve wanted to hang up, but she suddenly felt annoyed. She thought, "Why should I hide? Besides, how long can I hide


    for?


    With that thought in mind, Maeve answered the call. "Jeff, let''s talk over dinner."Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve arrived at The Muse at 7:00 PM. After she spoke to the receptionist, she was brought to a private area on the second


    floor.


    Jeff was already waiting. He even wore a white suit and held a bouquet of bright red roses. When he saw her, he smiled gently and handed the bouquet to her. "Maeve, these flowers go well with your looks. Here you go."


    Maeve sat down without looking at the flowers and went straight to the point. Jeff, you know I''m already married, right?" Jeff''s hand that was holding the flowers froze. He was extremely embarrassed. A trace of viciousness shed across his eyes. He smiled at her words. "I know. You don''t want to marry me, so you lied to your parents about being married, right?" Maeve frowned. "It''s not a pretense. I''m really married." "Don''t lie. You told your parents you wanted to bring your husband home for dinnerst time, but what happened in the end?" Jeff put his arm on the table and shook his head, smiling. Besides, even if you''re married, what will you get by being with someone like your husband?" He husbar snapped his fingers then


    Ten waiters walked down the stairs, bncing trays singlehandedly. On the trays were expensive jewelry, branded bags, and even a property deed for a vi


    Jeff raised his chin and smiled even more proudly. "Maeve, if you reconcile with me, all these will be yours. But if you stay with that poor driver husband of yours, what else will you get other than suffering? Is he able to provide you asfortably as me, or make you proud when you go out? Maeve, marriage is a gamble. If you''re not careful, you''ll lose everything." His tone was meaningful. Maeve''s expression darkened bit by bit.


    At the same time, a group walked over from the circr corridor. Byron was in the lead, his expression aloof. His suit was crisply ironed, and he strode at the front with one hand in his pocket. He exuded a powerful aura as though he was a king.


    His dark eyes appeared otherwordly. They were cold and lofty. However, no one would think that he was arrogant. Instead, they felt it was right.


    The elite executive behind Byron smiled as he introduced, ''Mr. Mcdaniel, there are many specialties you can try in this restaurant. You won''t be disappointed.." Byron hummed indifferently. He was not very interested. 08-18 Sat,


    Suddenly, a familiar voice cume from the private seating in front. "Jeff, did you lose so badly at the George family''s party that you lost your brain too? Is that why you think I''m as dumb as you?"


    Byron


    I in his tracks and suddenly looked in the direction of the voice. expected, he saw Maeve sitting there, but without her usual grace. She was looking at the man opposite her mockingly.


    Maeve, don''t throw a tantrum, Jeff smiled tolerantly, Marrying me will not only elevate your status immediately but your parents too. Your driver husband doesn''t even dare to meet your parents. How am I inferior to him?"


    No matter how lousy Jeff was, he was still the son of the Graves family. The poor driver was nothingpared to him. Jeff could crush the driver easily.


    he''s "You''re nothingpared to my husband!" Maeve took a deep breath. "I don''t care if he is a driver or a beggar. To me, the best. He might be poor, but he is already better than those who are rich. So, Jeff, even if you bring me all the treasures in the world, I will never give up my husband for you Maeve


    could not continue lying so she simply stood up. She looked at Jeff''s stunned face and continued to disgust him, "If you pester me again and cause trouble for me secretly, I don''t mind letting everyone know that you like ruining marriages and ying the lover." On that note, Maeve picked up her bag and walked past the row of waiters without looking back, heading downstairs.


    Jeff was stunned by Maeve''s retort. When he came back to his senses, she was already gone. He felt angry and defeated. He refused to believe he would fail to conquer her the second time when he had done it before.


    Byron, who had seen everything, chuckled softly. Joy surged in him, filling his usually cold eyes with a mischievous smule. He didn''t realize until now that he was so important to Maeve. She had even said she would never give him up for all the treasures in the world. Still, Byron clucked his tongue and thought, ''How lovey-dovey of her.


    The others keenly sensed the change in Byron''s mood and guessed that it might be rted to the couple who had quarreled at the table just now. Hence, they pondered before speaking up.


    A man said, "If you ask me, that man is shameless. The woman is already married, but he still tries to seduce her with jewelry and real estate. He''s trying to ruin her marriage and getting her to cheat with him." The female executive beside him also added, "Fortunately, the woman is firm and not corrupted by his money Looks like she really loves her husband."


    and


    and gift


    Another chimed in, "This is so beautiful. She wasn''t even tempted by the Lakeside Estate vi with ake view


    Hearing this, Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. He scoffed inwardly. Those were just a pile of useless papers. They weren''t even presentable. It was ridiculous for Jeff to try to trick Maeve with that.


    When Maeve left The Muse, she recalled what she had just said to Jeff and felt her cheeks heat up. Although she used Byron as a cover to stop Jeff from having any designs on her again, she felt guilty. Maeveforted herself by telling herself it was nothing. Byron would never know about it. He wouldn''t be able to find trouble with her.


    Relieved, she went to buy a drink and ate street food for dinner before returning to her apartment.


    Byron was not back yet so the house was silent.


    Maeve went to the balcony to take a look at her vegetables. She watered them before going to take a shower. After that, she tidied up the fabrics and essories she had bought before and prepared to sleep.


    However, her stomach soon started hurting. She could not even lie still. Her face was pale as she arched her body on the bed, gasping in pain.


    Maeve did not know if she had caten something bad or if it was because of her period, but her entire abdomen was spasming in unbearable agony.

 Chapter 78

    %


    78


    Meave had wanted to bear with it a little longer, thinking she would be fine in a bit. However, the more she endured, the more painful it became. Her pajamas were drenched in sweat in a matter of minutes. Dazed with pain, Maeve suddenly recalled what had happened when she was young.


    "It''s just a little cold. Why are you making a fuss? Why do you need your father and me when you can recover if you lie in bed? Do you think you''re some rich pampered miss?" Valda had said. Maeve had a 39-degree fever then. Valda was focused on ying cards with her friends and could not care less about Marve. She even locked Maeve in the room and did not allow Maeve toe out and disturb her. feeling so bad that she thought she would die.


    Maeve hadid under the covers that the memory. Just then, low voice suddenly appeared in her mind. "I thought you''d rather die than ask for help."


    Maeve bit her lip and closed her eyes at


    Maeve opened I her r eyes and endured the


    the pain a as she reached for the phone beside the bed.


    At the same time, in a luxurious and elegant private room, the elegant man sitting at the head of the long table saw the call. His thin lips curled up. He answered and asked in a deep voice, "What''s up?" "Mr. Mcdaniel..." Maeve was in so much pain that her teeth were chattering and her words were unclear. "My stomach suddenly hurts...


    The weakness in her voice made Byron frown slowly. "Where are you?"


    "The word exhausted all of Maeve''s strength. She fainted from the spasming pain in her tummy.


    "Maeve?" When there was no reply after a long time. Byron''s expression changed at once.


    "Home..


    Mr. Mcdaniel, why


    y aren''t you eating? Do you not like the food?" the people around Byron asked carefully.


    Byron''s eyes darkened. Then, he stood up. "Something urgent just came up. It''s my treat tonight. Enjoy your meal."


    When Byron finish finished, he strode out of the room.


    Archer immediately picked up Byron''s windbreaker and followed him. "Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    "Contact


    the dean of First Hospital and ready a team of doctors and a ward. I''ll send Maeve over soon," Byron instructed coldly. and I did I as he was told.


    "Yes, sir." Archer took out his phone


    The Muse was not far from the Retro Apartment. It was only a ten-minute drive.


    Byron walked into the guest bedroom and saw Maeve, who had fainted on the carpet. His pupils shrank at once.


    He rushed over and picked her up. He touched her forehead, finding her temperature frighteningly low. His eyes instantly turned dark as he pursed his thin lips.


    When they arrived at First Hospital, the doctors who had been waiting for them immediately performed a full-body checkup on Maeve.


    With a cold-faced demon king watching from the side, everyone trembled in fear, afraid of making mistakes. They made


    sure to perform a thorough examination.


    Finally, they reached a conclusion.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, the patient might have eaten something bad that led to an intestinal virus and abdominal pain." The dean. wiped his sweat. "We''ve already put her on a drip. She''ll be fine.


    The dean did not expect to ever be frightened by a little illness one day. It was mostly because Byron''s expression was so cold and terrifying that he thought the woman had a terminal illness.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Byron thought of Maeve moaning in pain in his arms and frowned. "Can''t you relieve her pain?"


    The dean said tactfully. "Her''s r''s abdominal pain is gradually decreasing, so we don''t rmend giving her painkillers. It''s not good for her body."


    Byron nodded slightly. "Got it." it. Thanks"


    "You''re wee. It''s an honor to serve you. The dean''s eyes crinkled withughter.


    The hospital''s medical equipment and supplies usually relied on investment from the Mcdaniel Group. Therefore, he was willing toe to treat such a small illness.


    Archer waited for the dean to leave before saying, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ll take care of things here. There''s an impromptu meeting...


    "Push it to tomorrow," Byron said calmly and walked into the wand.


    Archer was stunned. He wondered just who Maeve was to make Byron change his schedule for her.


    Maeve had had already woken up in the ward. When she heard the voices, she turned. Her pale face was half buried in the pillow, and her brows were tightly furrowed. Her forehead was covered in sweat. She appeared like a butterfly that was caught in a storm, fragile and powerless. "Mr. Mcdaniel. She blinked her eyes, which were blurred from cold sweat. Her voice was hoarse. "What is wrong with me?"


    Byron frowned when he saw her like this. "What rubbish have you been eating? How can you get an intestinal virus infection?" His tone was cold and even a little scary.


    Maeve''s fingertips curled. She was already ill. She could not take it anymore after being scolded by him. She teared up. "It''s not like I was sick on purpose. I couldn''t help it."


    Seeing Maeve pursing her lips aggrievedly, Byron felt even more depressed. "I saw a drink in your room. Did you drink it before your stomachache?" he asked in a low voice. Maeve tried hard to recall. "I think so. But I didn''t only drink that. I also ate hot dogs from a street vendor. It might not be caused by the drink..."


    Byron was so angry that he almost snorted when she tried to absolve her beloved drinks. He stated, "You''re not allowed to bring such trashy drinks home anymore. Don''t let me see you drink them again, or I''ll throw you out"


    Maeve''s eyes widened. "Why? This was just an ident. 1..."


    u''re not hurting anymore?" Byron looked at her coldly.


    Maeve immediately wilted under his intimidation. Unless she were able to produce evidence to prove that she wasn''t ill from the drink, she wouldn''t be able to convince him.


    Seeing that she was finally honest, the coldness in Byron''s eyes eased a little. He asked, "Does it still hurt?" OB:18 Sat, Oct 19  1894%


    Maeve subconsciously wanted to shake her head, but then she remembered that Byron had rushed back as soon as he received her call. The thought of putting on a brave front disappeared in an instant. She said, "It hurts. I''m still having my period too. My abdomen hurts so much that I''m almost numb." The doctor doesn''t rmend painkillers. You''ve got to bear with it." Byron pursed his lips and then asked, "Let me know if you need anything


    After Maeve understood what he meant, she asked tentatively, "Can you bring me a heating pad? It will be much better if my stomach''s warm."


    Byron hummed coldly and typed on his phone with his long fingers.


    Soon. Archer came in with a fully charged heating pack and a hot drink. He put the items down and left.


    When Byron was hospitalized previously, Maeve had seen Archer. She thought Archer was Byron''s colleague and was there to help, so she did not think too much about it.


    Byron picked up the heating pack, lifted the nket at her waist, and was about to put it on when he saw that her top was rolled up. It revealed her abdomen, showing her wless skin and cute belly button.


    His eyes darkened. He immediately tugged her top down, his fingertips brushing across her stomach as he did so. Her skin. felt unbelievably soft. There was no excess fat on her stomach. It looked slender and t, but it felt surprisingly good to touch. Sensing something, Maeve sucked in her stomach, her ears turning red.

 Chapter 79

    Maeve couldn''t help but whisper, "Mr. Mcdaniel, don''t pinch my stomach. It tickles..."


    Byron had done the same when he was drunk that night. He liked to ce his palm on her soft abdomen and gently pinch it as if he were ying with ydough.


    Byron paused and retracted his hand without batting an eyelid. Didn''t mean to do that." Then, he straightened nonchntly and brought the straw of the warm milk to her lips. His tone was so domineering that it was almost unreasonable. "Open up." Maeve swallowed what she wanted to say. She reached out for the milk. "I can hold it."


    She did not have much of an appetite. Moreover, she had vomited when her stomach hurt just now, Her stomach was burning still. But since he had already opened the drink, she did not want to waste it. Byron looked a ked at her ther deeply. "Don''t I make ake nie repeat myself."


    Maeve wrinkled her nose and could only bite the straw. Warm sweet milk flowed into her dry throat. Her weak body gradually regained some strength.


    Maeve slowly drank almost half of it before shaking her head at Byron. "I can''t drink anymore."


    Byron


    nodded and ced the warm milk on the table.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, thanks for tonight." Maeve calmed down a little and said in a low voice, "Sorry that you''ve had to send me to the hospital at this time."


    for the hospitalization bill. Judging from the size of this ward, it probably cost a lot of money.


    Byron probably also paid for


    Maeve felt a little guilty. TI pay you back when I recover


    Byron looked at her coldly. "I don''t need your money. Don''t worry that."


    Maeve fell silent. She didn''t know why he was so fierce tonight. Even though he wasn''t that gentle before, he had been acting as though she had somehow provoked him tonight.


    Perhaps due to the effects of the medicine or because she was too tired, shey in the hospital bed and let her thoughts run wild. Not long after, she fell asleep.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Byron


    sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her pale sleeping face, his gaze remaining indifferent. After a long time, he snorted softly. "What a weakling."


    At this moment, Archer walked in and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ve got the results from the investigation." Byron replied, "Let''s talk outside." "Yes, sir."


    Outside the ward, Archer reported, "The youngest son from the Graves family has been sending flowers and gifts to Ms. Reese''spany every day recently in the name of courting her but they were all rejected.


    He even drove a sports car to herpany to show off his love, which led to rumors spreading through herpany. also bribed Ms. Reese''s colleague to destroy her sample clothes lowever, that colleague was exposed under Ms. Reese''s scheme and was fired. Lastly, at the Muse Restaurant, Mr. Graves said..."


    He


    Archer told Byron everything he had found out. The waiters had heard what Jeff had said to Maeve in The Muse so it was not difficult to Investigate.


    08.18 Sat, Oct


    ¡ì. 94%E


    The hard part was that Archer never expected Maeve to be married. He thought his boss was treating a married woman too differently, that it might not be good.


    Byron did not t notice Archer''s strange expression. His dark eyes gradually narrowed as he took in the information. He realized that because he didn''t go to the Reese family that day, that idiot Jeff thought Maeve was faking her marriage.


    Recalling how Maeve was pestered by Jeff the night before yesterday, the chill on Byron''s face increased until it would freeze anyone around him.


    "Archer," Byron said slowly, "Make time for me this Saturday. Also, prepare a few gifts. Nothing special. Just ordinary gifts will do."


    "Ordinary gifts? Archer thought, at a loss. "How ordinary does M. Mcdaniel want them to be? However, he did not ask. After all, it was his job to solve problems for his boss. He had to handle such small tasks well. Yes, sir," Archer replied.


    Maeve slept until noon the next day. She felt much better than yesterday, but her stomach was still aching slightly.


    When she remembered that she had to go to the office that day, she sat up on the bed at once and looked for her phone. She did not know if it was because Byron did not bring it over for her or if he had kept it, but she did not find it. Byron I was not around either.


    Maeve had no choice but to get out of bed and look for someone. She wanted to see if she could borrow a phone to call Leah to ask for leave. It would be difficult for her to go to work in her current state.


    The corridor was very quiet. Maeve shuffled around slowly, but she didn''t see anyone. However, she saw Karen walking out of the ward in front of her. It was a straight corridor so Maeve saw her.


    Karen also saw Maeve. Contempt and displeasure shed across her eyes. She could not even be bothered to smile as she walked over arrogantly. After all, Maeve was just a maid. She was nice to Maeve before because of that as Maeve might be useful to her. Karen was also testing if Mae if Maeve liked Byron. But now, she already knew that there was nothing going on between Maeve and Byron. A mere maid was not worth her attention Maeve naturally felt the change in Karen''s attitude but did not think much of it. She had already fallen out with Karen at the cafest time. It was best if they ignored each other. After Karen entered a ward in front, Maeve vaguely heard Byron''s voiceing from inside. However, the door closed quickly, so she couldn''t hear anything-


    Maeve lowered her eyes and stood there in a daze. She was about to go back to her ward when a familiar deep voice suddenly sounded behind her. "What are you doing here?" Maeve suddenly turned and saw Byron frowning at her coldly. She thought, Is he upset that I am here? Is he afraid I will disturb him and Karen?'' Maeve''s heart clenched. She lowered her gaze and replied, "I wanted to borrow a phone, but I didn''t see anyone."


    Hearing this, Byron''s expression softened. "Don''t run around or no one will know if you fainted."


    Maeve was stunned for a while when she heard these words. When she came back to her senses, she was already carried back to her ward by Byron. Then, Byron threw his phone to her.


    Sat,


    Oct


    Maeve


    was puzzled. "Huh?


    "Didn''t you say you want to borrow a phone?" Byron nced at her calmly. "I didn''t bring your phone over from the apartment. I''ll have someone bring it hereter." Thanks Maeve turned on his phone. She thought she would have to enter a password, but there was no need for that.


    Maeve couldn''t remember Leah''s phone number, so she logged into her WhatsApp ount on Byron''s phone. Then, she exined the situation to Leah and applied for leave. Coincidentally, Leah was online and replied: [You can apply for leave, but not for more than two days.] Maeve: [Two days is enough. Thanks, Ms. Mason.]


    Maeve felt much better now. She should be able to return to thepany tomorrow.


    Maeve returned the phone to Byron. Thinking of the phone lock, she asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, why didn''t you set a password for your phone? Aren''t you afraid others will look through it?" Byron wanted to say that there was no need, but he thought of something and his eyes darkened.

 Chapter 80

    Byron didn''t take the phone from Maeve. Instead, he took a book written in Latarian and sat on the sofa, saying casually, "Help me set one." Maeve was stunned. "You want me to do it? Aren''t you afraid I''ll spy on your phone?"


    Byron flipped through the book and said calmly. "Do it and 11 punish you dearly."


    Maeve was speechless. She wanted to throw his phone at him but restrained herself. "What numbers do you like?"


    "Ive got no preferences."


    "What about your birdays."


    When is it?"


    "ver celebrate


    Maeve fell silent again.


    If Byron''s expression weren''t calm and he didn''t look like he was joking. Maeve would have suspected he was making fun of her. But on second thought, he did not live with his parents since young. It was very likely that he did not celebrate his birthday. Maeve frowned and thought hard. She suddenly remembered something that Bonnie had done before, spelling things out on a number pad. ''T''ll use that,'' she thought After she did, she said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ve set it up for you. The password is 436838"


    looked at her in confusion. ''Is there a special meaning to these numbers?"


    Byron looked


    "No." Maeve pretended to be calm. "It''s just easy to remember." She wanted it to be a secret.


    "Okay. Byron slowly looked away and asked casually, "Did you meet Karen outside just now?"


    Maeve ced Byron''s phone on the table and thought for a moment before saying, "Yes, I bumped into her by ident. Does she know someone who is hospitalized?" Karen was not wearing a hospital gown. It did not seem like she was sick and hospitalized.


    Byron nodded. "Her father had a sudden cerebral infarctionst Friday night and was sent to this hospital for emergency


    treatment.


    ''Last Friday night. Wasn''t that the day before we agreed to go to my family''s ce for dinner?


    Methought of something. "You were there too?"


    Maeve


    "Why else would I be missing? I didn''t even call you." Byron''s voice was low. "I wanted to tell you to postpone the meal but Patrick''s


    y had just ended, so I didn''t have time."


    Maeve was stunned. She wondered if Byron had just exined to her. She remembered how she had waited all day, and how worried and disappointed she was. Her resentment suddenly decreased by a lot. Since Byron lived in the Booth family''s residence since young, he probably considered Patrick his family. It was natural for him not to be able to leave since his family was hospitalized with a cerebral infarction. If he had told her then, she would have understood.


    However, Karen''s call had led to a misunderstanding. Maeve thought he and Karen were on a date, and that was why he missed the appointment.


    94% Maeve lowered her eyes and said softly, "Mr. Mcdaniel, next time something like this happens, can you at least send me a message? I know you were very anxious back then but I called you many times that day and you didn''t answer. I thought something had happened to It wasn''t a pleasant feeling for Maeve


    you.


    Byron suddenly looked up at Maeve''s quiet face. "You called me many times? Not just once?"


    Maeve was puzzled. "No way. I''d been calling you since morning that day, but no one picked up."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Byron''s expression darkened gradually. His phone had been on silent that day so he did not know if she had called. But Maeve had no reason to lie to him about such a trivial matter. There was only one possibility left. Karen had erased the record of Maeve''s calls.


    A cold look shed across Byron''s eyes. When he saw Maeve''s stunned expression, he felt suffocated. His Adam''s apple bobbed slightly as he said in a deep voice, Tm sorry"


    Maeve''s shoulders trembled slightly. The grievances and resentment she had suppressed that day seemed to have returned. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    She forcibly held her tears back and pretended to be calm as she said, ''Mr. Mcdaniel, sometimes an apology simply isn''t enough."


    Maeve was no longer angry. She just wanted d to take advantage of of Byron and try to get him to buy drinks for her for a week.


    Unexpectedly, Byron got up from the sofa and walked over to her. He picked up the phone on the table and fidgeted with it, ignoring her.


    Maeve was stunned. She thought, ''He''s


    e''s not even going to buy drinks for me this time?


    Just as she was feeling depressed, Byron''s phone suddenly appeared in front of her. He said slowly, "Put in your fingerprint


    "W-why?" Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. She wondered if he knew what this meant.


    Even if they were a couple, not everyone was willing to share their fingerprint password so that their partners could check their phones. Everyone needed privacy. Maeve didn''t expect Byron to do this. Byron''s dark eyes met hers. "Didn''t you want to look at my phone just now? Now, you can look through it whenever you


    want." want.


    Maeve''s heart was pounded loudly. Her palms were covered in sweat.


    Byron''s gaze was turbulent like an undercurrent from the bottom of the sea. After looking at him for a long time, she seemed to fall deeper in love with him.


    Maeve lowered her eyes in a panic and bit her lip as she entered her fingerprints into his phone. Since he had said so, if she looked through his phone next time, he couldn''t punish her.


    With that in mind, Maeve said confidently, "Can I look through it now?"


    Byron answeredzily, "If you like."


    Maeve boldly browsed his phone records. However, she realized that there was only one record of the dozens of calls she had made to him that day. His WhatsApp history was even more ridiculous. There was no sign of the messages she had sent him. Since Byron showed it to her, it meant he didn''t do it.


    94%a 94%d


    Maeve thought of Karen. That was the only possibility. She thought, ''Did Karen not like it because I kept messaging Mr. Mcdaniel? Is that why she deleted all my calls and messages?" Maeve frowned and stopped thinking about that. She opened the photo album on his phone. There were only a few photos of documents. Even then, there were pitifully few of them.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, don''t you usually take selfies orndscape photos Maeve found it strange. With Byron''s impable face, it would be a waste of his looks not to take a selfie. Byron replied, "Why would I do something so boring?"


    Maeve was


    speechless. By his definition, she was the boring one


    Maeve was about to exit the photo album when she realized there seemed to be a person in thest photo that would have been easily overlooked. It was of Karen, who was holding a cup of coffee and standing there with a gentle smile. The photograph was taken a little far away, Karen didn''t look at the camera either. It seemed like the photo was taken secretly. Maeve''s


    s heart suddenly ached as if it had been doused with cold water. Byron, who didn''t seem interested in taking photos at all, would secretly take photos of others too. The photograph was taken six months ago. He was probably dating Karen then. Maeve pursed her lips and pretended not to see the photo. After exiting, she returned the phone to Byron. "You''re done?" Byron asked.


    "Yeah," Maeve said.


    Byron''s thin lips curled up. He lowered his gaze and asked, "You know, since I let you input your fingerprints into my phone, shouldn''t you let me do the same for yours?"


    Maeve thought of the backup drawings in her photo album, as well as the wilder and more explicit style and form, and immediately hesitated. If Byron identally saw them, she would die from embarrassment.

 Chapter 81

    81


    "So?" Byron narrowed his eyes and urged.


    "Sure, but let''s make a deal first. If it''s not important, we can''t touch each other''s phone, Maeve added guiltily. "Or we can look through it only with permission." Byron sneered. "What do you take me for?" He snorted at the idea of looking through her phone. He just thought it was better to be prepared.


    After Archer delivered Maeve''s phone, she entered Byron''s fingerprint into it. When Byron had no intention of looking at her phone, she heaved a sigh of relief.


    Maeve''at''s your wallpaper?" Byron suddenly asked.


    e''s breath caught. She choked and coughed, her phone falling onto the bed. It was the draft of the bartender she had drawn for Bonniest time. She thought it looked good, so she used part of it as her phone wallpaper. Although she thought it was very decent, if Byron were to see it, she would be embarrassed. She hurriedly stuffed the phone under her pillow andy on it. She said. "Nothing. Are you mistaken?" Byron narrowed his eyes and sized her up. "Hand your phone over. It was a photo of some other man.


    "It''s nothing, really, You must have been mistaken, Maeve replied vaguely, "It''s just a photo of my vegetables. There''s nothing to see.¡±


    You


    "I haven''t eaten breakfast. I''m starving," Maeve tried to change the subject.


    Byron


    stared at her for a long time until she was about to crumble under pressure. Finally, he looked away and called for her breakfast to be brought to her. Macve secretly heaved a sigh of relief.


    While Byron went to wash his hands, she changed her phone wallpaper to a photo of her vegetable and locked several albums in her photo album. Only then did she rx.


    It was almost evening. Maeve had to go back to work tomorrow so she requested to be discharged tonight.


    Byron asked the doctor to give her a thorough examination. After confirming she was fine, he asked Archer to go through the discharge procedures. Then, he told Maeve to wait in the ward while he walked to the other ward. Patrick was already awake. When he saw Byron enter, he smiled kindly, "Byron, are you done with work? it must have been hard managing such a bigpany, right?"


    s alright. It''s not that tiring." Byron sat down, looking concerned. Seeing that Patrick did not look too good, he asked warmly, "Are you still feeling ill? Do you need me to get the doctor?"


    Patrick shook his head. ''No, I''m fine. I just heard from Karen that you''re married?"


    Byron nodded. "Yes, I''m married


    "Did your grandfather arrange it for you? Or is it someone you like?


    "I chose her myself."


    92%E 92%E


    "I see." Patrick lookedplicated. He sighed and asked, "What''s her family background? If you have time, will you introduce her to me?"


    Byron paused slightly and said, Tm afraid not for now. She''s a little shy. I''ll bring her to see you if there''s a chance next


    time


    time


    Patrick could tell that Byron was avoiding his questions. He felt little helpless, but he did not continue with the questions. "Alright, I''ll be waiting then."


    After Byron left, the bathroom door in the ward opened and Karen walked out.


    Patrick saw the unwilling expression on Karen''s face and sighed. "Karen, forget it. Byron is married. Even if you know who his wife is, you can''t do anything about it. Besides, he even kept it a secret from me."


    Karen bit her lip. I grew up with Byron. How can his wife know him as well as I do? How can she treat him as well as I do? Dad, I don''t want to give up. I still have a chance. "Why are you still being silly? He''s already married. How can you say you have a chance?"


    "So what if they''re married? They can also..." Karen didn''t finish. However, the ambition in her eyes did not decrease at all. If Byron were to divorce, she would have a chance.


    On the way back to their apartment from the hospital, Maeve noticed the mall was already decorated with a huge Christmas tree, It urred to her that it would be Christmas soon.


    "It''s beautiful," she said in spite of herself. "One of the wishes I wrote to Santa when I was a kid was to have a Christmas tree full of presents. However, that wish never came true." Byron looked straight ahead as he drove steadily. He replied, "Only a fool would believe that Santa us exists."


    Maeve, who was reminiscing about her childhood, was speechless.


    She put away her phone and sat gloomily. "Of course, I know Santa us doesn''t exist. But can''t I fantasize about it? Besides, don''t all children hang socks by the bedside in hopes of waking up to it being filled with gifts in the morning?" "Not me," Not Byron said.


    "How miserable your childhood is," Maeve remarked.


    Byron snorted and could not be bothered with her childishness.


    Passing by the supermarket near the apartment, Maeve asked him to stop the car so she could buy something


    After parking the car in the parking lot, they walked into the supermarket.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Byron had wanted to wait for her in the car, but she had pestered him until he agreed to apany her.


    "Our fridge is almost empty. There are no more seasonings. The daily necessities are almost used up. We have to restock them," Maeve counted on her fingers as she walked.


    "Can''t you just buy these things yourself?" Byron put his hands in his pockets and walked beside herzily. "Why must you drag me along?"


    He thought, ''Does she like to stick to me so much that she can''t even be on her own for a minute?"


    Maeve looked up at Byron. "If you don''te along with me, how can I carry so many things by myself?"


    Byron was speechless. He increased his pace and walked past her quickly.

 Chapter 82

    I''m an adult. How could I be lost?" Maeve clenched her fists. "Besides, if you can''t find me, you can call me. Why did you tell them to make that announcement?" She was sure Byron had done it on purpose because she went shopping without looking for him. How petty of him, she thought. The staff around her were now looking at her as if saying she was too old to be lost in a supermarket.


    Yet, the culprit did not seem to have any intention of apologizing He even asked, "Where''s your phone?*N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "It''s in my pocket-Maeve reached into her pocket and froze. Her face went nk for a moment. "Where''s my phone?" She wondered if she had left it in the car. Her purse wasn''t with her either.


    Byron looked at her as i


    f she was an idiot. He clucked his tongue and said, "Let''s pay first."


    pay you back when we get back, Maeve said, following him listlessly to one of the cash registers and removed the items from the cart.


    The cashier looked at them teasingly and remarked to Byron, "Did you finally find your kid? Remember to hold her tightly next time so she isn''t lost again.


    Byron noddedzily and took out his wallet to pay.


    Maeve silently hid behind Byron. Her cheeks were burning as though she had a fever. She would never have the courage toe to this supermarket again. She was embarrassed every time she came here. After paying. Byron


    easily picked up therge bags. When he saw Maeve standing in front of the shelf beside the cashier, he raised his eyebrows and said, "No matter how long you look at it. I won''t buy it for you. Let''s go." Maeve blinked. She looked at the shelves in confusion and that those were fences for keeping kids away from an area. Her mind exploded. Her face flushed red. She had never said she wanted him to buy that for her. She didn''t need them.


    Back at the apartment, Maeve was still thinking about what happened just now. Her ears were red. She ignored Byron and carried the groceries into the kitchen. She decided that he could go hungry tonight. However, Byron seemed to have seen through her thoughts. He rolled up his sleeves and walked over to wash the vegetables, When he saw Maeve cutting carrots, he frowned. "I don''t eat carrots." Maeve''s voice was calm. "I''m making baked carrots with chicken, carrot soup, and carrot sd tonight."


    Byron asked, "Are you doing this on purpose?"


    "Why would I? I just feel like eating carrots tonight."


    Byron was speechless.


    After dinner, Maeve heard the doorbell ring. She walked over and looked through the peephole. There were several men in work uniforms.


    She opened the door and asked in confusion, "What''s up?"


    "Hello, Mr. Mcdaniel just ordered several products from our mall. We''re delivering them to your door now," one of the staff  smiling.


    said,


    "I see. Thanks for the delivery. Maeve stepped aside and watched them carry the boxes in. Then, she walked to Byron and asked. "What did you buy?"


    "See for yourself," he said tly.


    Maeve looked curiously at the staff opening the boxes. There were about five or six of them. There was a dishwasher, a watering device, a mop and vacuum, and even a window wiper. Maeve was almost speechless. Byron had even bought her a watering device. She did not have to worry about overwatering her vegetables anymore.


    Maeve looked at the calm Byron beside her and asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, you just bought a new car. How can you these?" Besides, she didn''t realize until now that he disliked doing housework so much.


    u still afford


    "I got a discount. They''re not expensive," Byron said casually as he recalled what his friend had said. Those stuff amounted to about 20 thousand dors altogether.


    Maeve frowned. "But they''re not cheap, right? Moreover, you paid for your new car in full. If you buy these things, you might be in trouble if you need money. How much do these things add up to? I''ll bear half of the cost. After all, I''ll use them too. I can''t just let you pay." Byron nced at her worried expression and smiled, "No need. I''m not so poor that I can''t afford them."


    Maeve knew that all men had their pride. Moreover, the staff were still present. Of course, Byron would not agree. Hence, after the staff finished installing the machines and left, she returned to her room and took out a card, handing it to Byron,


    Maeve said, "Although there isn''t a lot of money in the card, you can use it if you need money urgently. If there isn''t enough,


    ask me for more."


    dsk


    You


    You


    §è§Ö§Ù


    Byron raised his eyebrows slightly and shifted his gaze from the card to Maeve''s serious face. For some reason, he beganughing softly. Many people wanted money from him. This was the first time someone was giving him money. are to me?" asked.


    Maeve''s ears grew a little hot. When we first met, I said I would work hard to earn enough money to support you. This counts as keeping my promise, right?"


    Byron''s lips curled up slightly. To his surprise, it wasn''t a bad feeling.


    "Sure." He picked up the card and said casually, "I''ll take this card first."


    Maeve''s eyes curved happily when she saw him ept it.


    "By the way, I am free this Saturday. I can apany you back to your family," Byron said.


    Maeve hesitated for a moment. She thought about what Jeff had said about her faking her marriage. Her parents had to have said something to Jeff. She had to go back again. Maeve


    "Alright."


    nodded. "My ex suspects that we''re faking our marriage and has been harassing me recently. My parents might think the same. If you apany me home, they would believe I''m really married." "Yeah. Byron''s eyes were deep as he casually pointed at the pile of gifts in the corner of the living room. "Bring those along on Saturday,"


    Maeve was stunned when she saw what he was referring to. "Your mother bought them for you. We can''t do that..."


    "They''re an eyesore."


    08:1


    Maeve could only swallow her words of persuasion. "Fine."


    992 %1


    %1


    The next day, at thepany, perhaps it was Maeve''s imagination, but the other designers seemed much friendlier to her. At the very least, they no longer sized her up constantly. She was a little surprised but didn''t take it to heart. After t the sample clothes passed the test, they had to undergo onest modification before they could be officially made into clothes. Leah was in charge of giving Jack advice, while Alex was in charge of Maeve''s s design.


    Alex carefully told Maeve what needed to be modified at the workbench. "This gown is a little reserved overall. I think the cor should have a slit and be embroidered withce and patterns. That way, it''ll look ssier.... Alex had a lot of experience in fashion shows, and a casual remark from him benefited Maeve greatly.


    "Apart from what I said, your gown is perfect. There''s nothing else that needs to be changed." Alex''s gaze was gentle. "It has a great deal of potential." Just like Maeve.


    Maeve was a little embarrassed. "Mr. Brown, you tter me. Your suggestion really helps."


    "Are we exchanging tteries? Alex teased.


    It was rare for Alex to joke. Maeve was stunned for a moment before she burst outughing. Alex smiled too. "Do you have time now? If you''re free, I''d like to invite you to my studio.''


    "Yes, of course."

 Chapter 83

    Maeve followed Alex upstairs to the 29th floor. Only then did she realize that his studio upied one floor.


    As soon as Maeve stepped out of the elevator, she could see round ss windows on both sides. There were modeling tforms in various fashions standing inside.


    Noticing her gaze, Alex exined, "These are the most eye-catching collections chosen by VIP guests at the annual fashion exhibition and are disyed here. The Morningstar collection that you and Jack are managing also stands a chance this time."


    Maeve pursed her lips and smiled. "There are so many talented designers in thepany. We will do our best."


    She had just worked in thepany not long ago. Even if she was confident in her design, she did not dare to think too much.


    After entering the studio, Alex walked to the rest area to get Maeve a drink.


    Maeve looked around and her gaze was attracted by the mannequin beside the workbench.


    On it was a pink and white wedding dress. It was designed in the shape of a droplet from the shoulder to the chest. Several diamonds decorated it, making it dazzling.


    Upon closer inspection, the diamonds were sewn on the dress by hand. It was iparably exquisite.


    However, the hem of the wedding dress was still in a semi-finished state.


    "Do you think this wedding dress is suitable for embroidering flower blossoms?" Alex''s voice suddenly came from behind.


    Maeve turned around and took a hot drink from him. She thanked him and asked, "Are you nning to make twoyers of skirt?"


    Alex nodded and said, ''I n to embroider dark rose on the inneryer. The outeryer of gauze is light-colored. It has a Layered feeling


    "This wedding dress is more lively. It''s suitable for girls in their twenties. Crewelwork gives off a dignified and elegant feeling. I think it''ll be a little out of ce," Maeve said.


    Hearing this, a hint of admiration shed past Alex''s eyes. "I think so too, so I haven''t made the hem of the wedding dress for a long time," he said.


    Maeve put down the cup and walked to the front of the wedding dress. Suddenly, an idea shed through her mind. She gathered the tulle on the left side of the dress to the right side of its waist and tied it into a light and elegant bow. "How about this?" Maeve turned to Alex.


    Alex''s eyes lit up. All the thoughts in his mind were instantly defeated by the scene in front of him.


    "From this perspective, not only will the grace of the wedding dress not be diminished by the embroidery, but it will be further enhanced," he said.


    Just by imagining it one could imagine how dreamy the bride in this wedding dress would be when she walked.


    Alex walked to the front of the stage and took out a needle and thread. He said to Maeve. I''m not very proficient in embroidery. I''ll have to trouble you to give me more pointerster.


    "Mr. Brown, you''re too humble." Maeve smiled faintly


    9261


    Just by looking at the top half of the wedding dress, one could tell that without many years of experience, it was impossible to make I so exquisite and unique.


    Alex might not know embroidery, but his talent and ability in design were unquestionable.


    No wonder the most famous clothing of "Eternal Hope" was not the gown series, but the wedding dress.


    With Maeve''s help, Alex quickly embroidered the rough pattern of the dress.


    He wanted Macve to help him try it on so that he could see if the dress could achieve the effect of ovepping flowers when she walked.


    Maeve looked at the shimmering wedding dress and hesitated.


    "I''m probably not as good as the model," Maeve said.


    "It''s okay. I just wanted to see the general effect. You don''t have to feel pressured." Alex said.


    Maeve nodded.


    Alex helped her take the wedding dress to the lounge inside and waited for her outside.


    After changing into the wedding dress, Maeve carried theyers of the dress to the full-length mirror and put it down.


    Seeing the essory on the table beside her, she casually tied up her long hair behind her shoulders and took out a veil to secure it.


    After doing all this, she pushed the veil behind her back and looked up at the mirror.


    When she saw herself in the pink and white wedding dress in the mirror, she was stunned for a few seconds and was tempted.


    This wedding dress was unbelievably beautiful. It made her feel like a princess for a moment.


    Maeve admired herself for a while before taking a photo of herself in the mirror. She mosaiced the wedding dress in the photo and posted it on her Twitter. (Indeed, girls are the most beautiful when they wear wedding dresses.] Not long after it was posted, there were a few morements.


    Bonnie: [Wow! Maeve, are you trying on a wedding dress? When did you start dating without telling me? Are you getting married?]


    A woman: [Although the picture is very blurry, I can still tell that the wedding dress is very beautiful. Which shop did you try it on at?]


    Another woman: I want to take a series of photos of this wedding dress. The price is negotiable.]


    Ray: [Wow!


    Thest time Ray sent Byron back to the apartment, he had exchanged contact information with Maeve. Unexpectedly, he saw photos of her trying on a wedding dress.


    Ray immediately sent it to Jarrett and then teased Byron.


    Ray: [When are you nning to hold the wedding?]


    Byron: [Are you kidding?]


    Ray: [You still want to lie to me? I saw Maeve''s Twitter.]


    §±


    This message made Byron ftown. He gestured for Archer to leave first and then opened Twitter. Maeve''s photo instantly came into view.


    The pink and white veil fell from her soft long hair, half covering her blushing and smiling face, adding a hint of charm andziness.


    Byron''s eyes froze slightly as he read herment. ''What is she hinting at? Does she actually want a wedding?'' he thought. Byron frowned slightly and dialed Maeve''s number.


    Maeve finished replying to thements on her Twitter and was about to put down her phone to go out when she received Byron''s call. "Mr. Mcdaniel? What''s wrong?" Maeve asked.


    Probably because she was in a good mood, her voice was filled with joy.


    Byron''s words froze for a moment, and his Adam''s apple bobbed. After a long while, he said in a low voice, "Are you trying on a wedding dress?"


    Maeve was stunned for a moment before she smiled. "Yes, you see my Twitter, right? Isn''t it beautiful?"? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Byron''s voice was indifferent. "If you like it, buy it. Wear it at home for fun"


    But the wedding is out of the question, he thought.


    Maeve did not expect him to say that. She remembered that she had heard from the designers that Alex''s most expensive wedding dress was worth millions of dors.


    Then, she looked at the diamonds on her wedding dress. It would probably only be more expensive.


    Maeve quickly shook her head and said, "This wedding dress is very expensive. Besides, I''m only helping someone try it on.


    Byron pursed his lips. For a moment, he could not tell if she was afraid that he could not afford it or if she simply did not want to buy it. With her personality, it was probably the former. "Maeve, there will never be a wedding between us," Byron told her coldly. "You''d better not get any ideas."

 Chapter 84

    "What?" Maeve was stunned. "It''s just that I think this wedding dress looks good..."


    "Marve, are you done?" Alex''s gentle voice came from outside the door. "Is there something wrong with it?" Maeve immediately turned around and said, "No, I''ll be right out


    "Okay," Alex said.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I still have something on. Let''s talkter. Maeve quickly hung up.


    Byron''s eyes narrowed and coldness spread. ''She secretly tried on wedding dresses with another man? he thought


    In the studio, Alex was slightly stunned when he saw Maeve walking over. A hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.


    Her beauty was even more than he had expected.


    When she moved, the rose and branches on the thin veil of her dress would ovep, forming a beautiful scene that was like a painting.


    The wedding dress was beautiful, but her perfect skin and red lips made it even harder for people to look away.


    "Mr. Brown?" Maeve called out to him a few times, but there was no response. She was a little puzzled.


    Alex came back to his senses. After a few seconds, he smiled gently. "You look very beautiful in this dress, and it''spletely in line with my imagination."


    Maeve did not understand the deeper meaning in his words. She smiled and said, Tm very happy to be able to help."


    After work at night, Maeve saw Karen in thepany and thought that she had seen her wrongly.


    Thest time we met at the hospital, Karen ignored me and left. This time, she should not be looking for me, Maeve thought.


    Unfortunately, in the next second, Karen walked up to her.


    "Ms. Reese, I was in a bad mood at the cafest time. I''m here to apologize for my attitude back then," Karen said gently. "This is a small token of my appreciation. I hope you can forgive me."


    She handed over the bag and saw that the logo on it was actually from a certain luxury jewelry shop.


    Maeve wanted tough. She thought, ''What do you mean? I still remember how you cursed mest time


    Maeve had long seen through Karen''s gentle appearance.


    "If you have something to say, just say it. Don''t beat around the hush with me. I don''t have time," Maeve said calmly.


    A look of embarrassment shed across Karen''s face.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Maeve was the only breakthrough point who might know who Byron''s wife was, Karen couldn''t be bothered to deal with Marve or even please her.


    Karen endured it and said with a smile, "Ms. Reese, I just want to bury the hatchet with you. After all, you''re Byron''s maid. We can''t avoid seeing each other often in the future. This jewelry is from Fancy Faith. I specially chose it for you. I think it suits you quite well." Sat, Oct


    Fancy Faith was a famous overseas royal jewelry brand. Just the price alone was enough to make most people shrink back


    Karen had put in a lot of effort this time, even taking out Fancy Faith.


    If it were anyone else, they might have been moved by her sincerity. However, the person she met was Maeve, who didn''t even care about theke-view vi in Lakeside Estate.


    "Ms. Booth, if you want to continue beating around the bush with me, forgive me for not being able to apany you." Maeve was about to leave,


    Karen quickly stopped her. "Wait! Alright, I want to know about Byron''s wife! If you can tell me, I can give you a huge sum of money so that you don''t have to be someone''s servant while working. Wouldn''t that be great?"


    Maeve was speechless for a long time.


    If I tell her that I''m Mr. Mcdaniel''s wife, will she believe me? Also, do I look that much like a servant? Maeve thought.


    Maeve took a deep breath and said, "Ms. Booth, as you said, I''m just a maid. If I reveal my boss''s private information to you, I won''t have a good ending"


    Before Karen could speak. Maeve continued, "But on ount of your insistence, I can reveal some things to you.


    Happiness appeared on Karen''s face. She knew that a servant like Maeve could not resist the temptation of expensive jewelry,


    "Alright, go ahead. I''m listening," Karen said.


    Maeve pretended to think and then said, "Mr. Mcdaniel''s wife is very good at cooking. Mr. Mcdaniel usually likes to eat her cooking, especially the soup she makes. When she''s cooking, Mr. Mcdaniel will help wash the vegetables and wash the dishes." Karen''s face turned pale. "Impossible! How could Byron do such a thing!"


    "Who do you think Byron is? He''s the eldest son of the Mcdaniel family! Who could order him to do such a waste of time? Karen thought..


    Maeve shrugged and said, "I saw it with my own eyes. You can choose not to believe me.


    Karen bit her lip and asked, "What else? What does that woman look like?"


    Maeve smiled and said, "She''s very beautiful, even without makeup."


    After saying that, Maeve looked at the time and said, "I should go back, Ms. Booth. That''s all I can say. She did not look at Karen''s expression, got in a taxi, and left.


    Karen was so shocked by Maeve''s words that her face turned pale. She even forgot to give Maeve the jewelry.


    Karen told herself that Maeve might be lying to her. With Byron''s personality, he couldn''t be so good to a woman, even if she was as beautiful as a fairy.


    On the other hand, she felt that what Maeve said was true. Perhaps that woman had used some tricks to attract Byron.


    I must find that annoying woman as soon as possible!'' Karen thought.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    In the Retro Apartment.


    As soon as Maeve entered, she saw Byron drying his hair as he walked out of the bathroom. It looked like he had just taken a


    shower.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, why did you get off work so early today?" Maeve asked.


    "Not busy." Byron nced at her indifferently. He walked to the sofa and sat down with his long legs casually crossed


    "Then I''ll go make dinner first," Maeve said.


    She carried the ingredients in her hand and walked to the kitchen. She turned on the toaster and found that the bread hadn''t started baking yet.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I have a simple request." she raised her voice and said.)


    "What?" Byron replied indifferently.


    "Next time, if you get home first, can you turn on the toaster and bake the bread first? That way, I can cook dinner directly when I get back. It''ll be more effective, Maeve said. Byron didn''t reply


    "Don''t you know how to do it? I can teach you now," Maeve continued.


    Byron remained silent.


    Byron wiped his hair with one hand and ttened the water bottle in his other hand with a crack


    She''s pushing her luck. It''s not enough to help her wash the vegetables and dishes, but she actually wants me to make bread. Does she think I''m that easy to get along with and can tolerate her trying on wedding dresses with other men?" he thought. Byron threw the bottle into the trash can with a cold expression and walked into the kitchen.


    Maeve was standing in front of the counter and processing the ingredients. She was muttering to herself and did not notice that danger was approaching.


    After not hearing any movement from the living room for a long time, she turned her head in confusion.


    She felt an extremely oppressive aura. It was filled with the scent of a man''s hormones and instantly enveloped her.

 Chapter 85

    Maeve was shocked. Her back was pressed against the edge of the kitchen counter, and her heart almost skipped a beat.


    ¡°Mr. Mcdaniel? What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked.


    Byron was wearing dark home clothes after taking a shower. His slightly wet hair rested on his forehead and brushed past his eyebrows, making his eyes look even colder and sharper.


    He ced his hands on the counter beside Maeve and looked at her with narrowed eyes.


    He asked, ¡°Maeve, don¡¯t you have anything to exin to me?¡±


    ¡°Exin?¡± Maeve was a little nervous, but she was also confused. ¡°Do you want me to exin the cooking process to you?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Byron chuckled softly, but his tone was very cold. He said, ¡°Who are you trying on the wedding dress with today?¡±


    When Maeve heard this, she immediately understood.


    ¡®He didn¡¯t think I was hinting at something when I went to try on the wedding dress, did he? she thought.


    ¡°Mr. Mcdaniel, you¡¯ve misunderstood. The wedding dress I wore this afternoon was Mr. Brown¡¯s design. He asked me to help him try it on and see how it works.


    I posted it on Twitter because I thought the wedding dress was beautiful and admired it. I didn¡¯t mean anything else,¡± she exined helplessly.


    It was not that she yearned for a wedding. Instead, it was like drinking delicious drinks and wanting to share her feelings.


    Looking at Byron¡¯s cold expression, Maeve added jokingly, ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten that I¡¯m married now, so I won¡¯t casually try on wedding dresses. Even if I want to try, I can just ask you to apany me.¡±


    Who said that trying on wedding dresses must be for marriage? I could just buy it home and admire it, she thought.


    Upon hearing this, the coldness in Byron¡¯s eyes faded slightly. Looking at Maeve¡¯s bright and beautiful eyes, the gloominess in his heart was swept away,


    He straightened up and said casually, ¡°In your dreams.¡±


    ¡®She even wanted me to apany her to try on the wedding dress. Did she want to marry me that badly? he thought.


    Maeve was about to say something when she heard the sound of the pot beside her. Her expression changed drastically and shouted, ¡°My soup!¡±


    She quickly looked at the pot and heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that it was not wrong. She added some water to it.


    Byron stood behind her with his arms crossed as he watched this scene. His expression was unreadable. He asked, ¡°Are you very familiar with that Mr. Brown?¡±


    ¡°What? Why do you ask?¡± Maeve said.


    ¡°If you are not familiar with him, why would he let a designer like you be a model?¡± Byron said calmly.


    Maeve thought for a moment and replied, ¡°It should be because I happened to be there at that time. Moreover, Mr. Brown¡¯s design has not beenpleted and can¡¯t be announced to the public.¡±


    Hence, the photos she posted were all blurry, One could not even tell what they looked like.


    Byron narrowed his eyes and asked, ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which, I¡¯m quite d that I was there. You didn¡¯t see it with your own eyes. That wedding dress is so beautiful that I can¡¯t take my eyes off it. I¡¯ve heard before that Mr. Brown is a genius in the design world. He¡¯s talented Today, I¡¯ve seen it.¡± Maeve said.


    He was indeed the soul of the Eternal Hope.


    Maeve did not stop praising him. She did not notice that Byron¡¯s gaze was getting darker and darker.


    When she turned around to get the dishes, the tip of her nose bumped into Byron¡¯s hard chest. Only then did she realize that he had been standing behind her.


    She rubbed the tip of her nose in pain and said, ¡°Mr. Mcdaniel, how did you¡­¡±


    Before she could finish speaking, her wrist was suddenly grabbed by Byron. With a tug he pressed her to the cab beside the counter.


    The items ced on the cab made a soft sound.


    Maeve¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Her stunned and widened eyes reflected the handsome face approaching her.


    His warm breath brushed against her cheek, making her feel itchy.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Mr. Mcdaniel¡­¡± Maeve¡¯s voice trembled slightly. ¡°Why did he suddenly¡­ she thought.


    Byron¡¯s expression was so cold that it was impossible to tell if he was happy or angry. He ced his palm on the side of her face and slowly slid it to the back of her head. Then, he suddenly exerted force.


    Maeve was forced to lean forward, and the distance between them instantly shortened.


    She heard the sound of the water in the pot, apanied by the soft sound of the fire.


    All her feelings were locked in between Byron¡¯s arms. His faint and pleasant smell followed her like a shadow.


    Maeve¡¯s lips parted and her mind was nk. She even forgot to push him away.


    When Byron saw her flushed cheeks, his eyes darkened. His slightly rough fingers caressed her earlobe. His gaze stopped on her red lips, and his eyes were filled with emotions.


    When he was very close to Maeve¡¯s red lips, Byron suddenly thought of something and stopped.


    He recalled her words. ¡°Next time, whether you¡¯re drunk or not, please don¡¯t treat me like that again,¡± she said back then.


    He instantly narrowed his eyes and his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed a few times. Then, he tilted his head and bit her car as if he was punishing her.


    Maeve widened her eyes in horror and stared at him in disbelief. She said, ¡°Mr. Mcdaniel, you¡­


    Byron had already let go of her and walked out with a cold face de didn¡¯t even exin.


    Maeve covered her bitten ear and was stunned.


    She thought, I think that he should have wanted to kiss me just now, However, for some reason, he stopped and even bit me. Could it be that he was afraid that I would be unwilling?


    ¡°But he didn¡¯t care about my wishes when he kissed me before. Didn¡¯t he always kiss me directly?


    Marve thought of Byron¡¯s slightly irritated gaze just now and pursed her red lips slightly.


    He didn¡¯t kiss her unreasonably again and didn¡¯t cause her to fall into an awkward situation where her legs went weak Logically speaking, she should be happy. But why was she feeling a bit upset?


    Maeve took a deep breath and patted her cheeks to calm herself down. She did not want to think too much anymore. Then, she turned around to check on her soup.


    After dinner, Maeve took the medicine prescribed by the doctor and went back to her room.


    Byron nced at the ointment on the table and suddenly said, the burn on your back, did you not apply any ointment for a day?¡±


    Maeve was stunned and replied, ¡°I think so. But it doesn¡¯t hurt anymore. It should be fine now, right?¡±


    Byron said, ¡°Take off your clothes. Let me see.¡±


    Maeve subconsciously grabbed her cor and whispered. ¡°Mr. Mcdaniel, can you be more tactful? Do you usually talk like this outside?¡±


    She thought, ¡®He makes me take off my clothes at every turn. Fortunately, it is me. If it were anyone else, they would most likely call him a pervert.


    Byron looked at her indifferently and said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to take it offter. Don¡¯t tell me you want to apply ointment through your clothes?¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve recovered. It doesn¡¯t matter if I don¡¯t apply ointment! With that, Maeve ran back to her room.


    Byron did not give her the chance. He hooked his arm around the back of her cor and said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ve already seen it Isn¡¯t it toote for you to be reserved now?¡±


    Maeve¡¯s face turned red. Her slippers rubbed against the floor as she was dragged by him to the sofa and sat down reluctantly


    I¡¯m sure it¡¯s healed.¡± She wanted to struggle a little more.


    Byron picked up the ointment and could not be bothered with her. ¡°Clothes¡±

 Chapter 86

    ?N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Maeve pursed her lips and slowly turned around to take off her shirt.


    When Byron saw the dark red skin on her back, his eyes darkened. "Do you need me to take a photo of you to see how serious your back is?" he asked.


    He forgot about applying the ointment. She was also careless enough not to remember.


    From his words, Maeve knew that the burn on her back had not healed. It might even be worse. She was stunned for a few seconds and said, "I clearly don''t feel any pain anymore..."


    "A fool''s senses are often weaker than an ordinary person''s," Byron said.


    Byron lowered his eyes when he saw that she did not say anything. He did not say anymore and squeezed out some ointment to apply to her wound.


    The ointment was cold, a stark contrast to his warm fingertips.


    The two temperatures appeared on Maeve''s back at the same time, causing her body to subconsciously tense up. She bit her lower lip.


    However, he took his time and applied the ointment much slower thanst time. The itch was even more obvious.


    Maeve felt that something was wrong, but she could not put her finger on it.


    After finally finishing the ointment, she jumped up from the sofa and did not even dare to look at Byron''s face. She said, "I... I''m going back to my room!" Looking at her fleeing back, Byron smiled and put the ointment back in its original ce.


    *****


    For the next few days, Maeve was busy making clothes. She had gone to several shops just to choose the materials.


    Moreover, she had to rewrite the version ording to the modified design. It took a lot of time.


    In the blink of an eye, it was already the weekend.


    Just as they arrived at the entrance of Maeve''s house, Byron received Archer''s call.


    He guessed that he had something to report at work, so he asked Maeve to bring the gift up first without waiting for him.


    Maeve thought that it was his boss calling and muttered in her heart, ''His boss is a good person. But he is quite rude when ites to squeezing people dry. There is no room for rest on a Saturday!''


    Maeve had no choice but to pick up the gift in the backseat and said, "Then answer the phone. I''ll go up first."


    Byron nodded slightly. "Yes, it won''t be long." Only then did Maeve leave in peace.


    After the call was connected, Archer''s voice came from the other end. "Mr. Mcdaniel, I just received news that there''s a problem with thend in the south of the city..." Byron frowned slowly and said, "Exin clearly."


    "Okay."


    Upstairs, at the Reese family.


    When Valda saw that only Maeve came in with gifts, the smile on her face widened. "Hi, Maeve. It''s almost time for dinner. Where''s Byron? Can''t hee this time?" she said.


    "He''s making a call downstairs. He''lle upter." Maeve put down the things and exined on Byron''s behalf, "He couldn''test time because he was busy on something. He won''t break his appointment this time."


    Valda smiled and did not take it seriously. "Let''s go eat first. Scott has invited someone over," she said.


    Maeve frowned and suddenly had a bad feeling. When she walked to the dining room, she saw the person sitting next to Scott was Jeff.


    "I heard that you came home with your husband today, so I came over to take a look." Jeff ced his hand on the table and smiled smugly at Maeve. "Why, are you alone again? Why didn''t your husband apany you? Both times you came back, you were alone." Hearing his ridicule, Maeve''s eyes turned cold. She said, "Jeff, can you stop haunting me?"


    Jeff said, "I''m just concerned about you. After all, you dated me before. Can''t I be concerned about your marriage?"


    "Don''t need to. Don''t you even feel like one of those gossipy sluts?" Maeve said.


    Scott pulled a long face and said, "How can you say that?"


    Valda quickly came over and pushed Maeve. She said, "What are you talking about? Jeff is a guest. Sit down and eat." Maeve did not sit beside Jeff. Instead, she chose a seat far away from him so that she would not be unable to eat.


    Valda still wanted to say something, but when she heard the doorbell ring, she could only open the door first.


    When Jeff saw Maeve''s actions, he mocked, "Maeve, when are you going to stop pretending? I''ve already seen through the fake marriage. I think your husband is fake. Why don''t you get back together with me...


    "Who says I am fake?" A low and clear voice suddenly sounded, carrying a coldness that directly interrupted Jeff''s mockery.


    Jeff and Scott were stunned.


    Maeve''s eyes lit up as she turned around and saw Byron walking into the dining room with the remaining gifts. She smiled and asked, "Have you finished your call?"


    "Yes." Byron handed the gifts to Valda. After a pause, he raised his hand and touched the top of Maeve''s head. "I''m a littlete. Sorry."


    As soon as he finished speaking, he looked at Scott, who was sitting at the head of the table. His eyes were cold. "Hello, Scott. I''m Maeve''s husband, Byron Mcdaniel." Scott''s eyelids twitched when Byron''s sharp gazended on him.


    He thought, "This driver... Why doesn''t he look like a driver? His aura is too strong. It is even stronger than Nestor.'' He forced a smile and said, "Hello, Byron. Sit down." "Alright." Byron sat down calmly.


    Scott thought that Byron would at least say something to please him, but he did not expect him to be so cold. Byron did not even say anything unnecessary. Scott was immediately unhappy.


    He thought, ''No matter how handsome he is, what is the use of having a strong aura? Isn''t he a driver? He doesn''t even know how to tter me!''


    "What are you waiting for? Bring him another te and fork." Scott vented his anger with Valda.


    Valda recovered from the shock of seeing Byron and replied, "Alright, I''ll go now."


    Other than Scott, Jeff was also unhappy. Ever since Byron appeared, the gloominess in his eyes had never decreased. Jeff stared fixedly at him.


    Jeff would never forget Byron who broke his arm and embarrassed him in front of Maeve.


    "I wonder what kind of work Mr. Mcdaniel is doing now? How''s your monthly sry? Do you have a car and a house?" Jeff began to make things difficult.


    Maeve frowned and thought, ''Is there something wrong with him?''


    Meanwhile, Byron did not even look at him. He turned to look at Maeve and said, "Who is he?"


    Jeff''s face turned green.


    Maeve held back herughter and replied, "I don''t know. He came to my house to freeload."


    "Oh." Byron''s voice was calm. He did not even bother to look at Jeff.


    Jeff was very angry and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, you are quite arrogant. You must be quite capable, right? I wonder how much you can give them a month? 20 thousand dors?" Scott and Valda immediately looked at Byron. Byron still looked at Maeve and asked, "What do you think?"


    "No need." Maeve shook her head and said, "My dad has a job and he can take care of my mom. In the future, Horace will take care of them. It''s not our ce to worry!"

 Chapter 87

    ?


    Scott''s face darkened. He said, "What do you mean? We''ve raised you for so many years. Don''t you care about us?"


    "I don''t expect you to be filial anymore. You didn''t even give us money. How could you be so heartless?" Valda grumbled.


    Maeve calmly picked up some food for Byron and replied, "I don''t have any extra money to give you."


    Scott and Valda were stunned.


    Jeff snorted. "Maeve, that''s your fault. If you marry me, I''ll take out arge sum of money to Scott and Valda and let them enjoy themselves. This is what a daughter should do. If Byron isn''t even willing to spend money on you, why do you have with him?" This was aplete drive to sow discord.


    Scott and Valda looked like they agreed.


    Maeve was about to say something when she heard Byron ask in return, "Really? Why don''t we make a bet?"


    Jeff''s eyes were filled with contempt. "You want to bet with me? Don''t tell me you''re betting on who''s richer!"


    Jeffughed so loudly that Maeve clenched her fists. She really wanted to beat him up for Byron.


    ''So what if he''s rich? Without the Graves family, he is nothing! A profligate son who only knew how to squander his family''s wealth was not worthy of beingpared to my diligent and motivated Byron!'' Maeve thought.


    Byron nced at Maeve''s angry expression and smiled. "I bet that no matter how much money you can fork out now, I can surpass you."


    Hearing Byron''s words, Jeffughed even louder.


    "Maeve, has your husband lost his mind? He said that his funds can surpass mine?" Jeff said.


    I''m from the Graves family. Even if I''m deprived of the inheritance rights, I''m still rich! Why is Byron so confident?'' Jeff thought.


    Scott could not hold it in anymore. He reprimanded Maeve in a low voice, "Control your husband. Don''t let him fool around!" Maeve pursed her lips and said, "My husband is hard-working. He''s reliable and I believe in him."


    The words "my husband" made Byron suddenly look up.


    A faint smile appeared in Byron''s eyes. Then, he looked at Jeff with a sharp gaze. "Why? You don''t dare to bet?" he asked.


    Jeff was shocked by Byron''s oppressive gaze.


    When he came back to his senses, he found it funny. How could he be afraid of a driver?


    "So be it. I''ve never been afraid of anyone!" Jeff said fiercely. "If I win, you''ll have to get out of here on your kneester. Do you dare?" Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. "If I win, if you dare to harass my wife again in the future, I''ll break your arm every time I see you."


    It was as if a gust of cold wind had blown through the dining room.


    Maeve looked at Byron''s cold side profile and was stunned. Her heart suddenly beat uncontrobly fast, and even her fingertips were numb. Scott could not help but shuddered.


    Jeff''s face contorted for a moment. He immediately took out his phone, preparing to teach Byron a lesson.


    ''I''ll let Maeve see how stupid she was to choose this man!'' Jeff thought.


    Maeve remembered that Byron had just bought a new car and a bunch of furniture. He probably did not have much savings left.


    She lowered her voice and leaned closer to Byron, saying, "I have more money. Just use mer. It doesn''t matter even if we lose. We''ll just leave. It''s not embarrassing to go back on our word. Anyway, we didn''t swear!" ''There''s no need to be honest with people like Jeff!'' Maeve thought.


    Byron stared at her nervous expression and could not help but smile.


    "I won''t bully you. I''ll use the ount with the least amount topete with you," Jeff said arrogantly.


    Then, he opened the app of his bank card and entered the password to pull out the page of the ount bnce. He threw it in front of Byron and Maeve without looking.


    "How is it? Do you admit defeat?" he asked.


    Maeve leaned over nervously to take a look, then burst outughing.


    "4 dors? Your bnce seems to be only enough to buy a cup of drink, right?" Maeve said.


    Byron raised his eyebrows slightly and agreed with her for once. "He''s indeed rich. At the very least, he can buy a cup of drink."


    Jeff was flustered by their mockery. He frowned and said, "What?"


    He took back his phone and saw that the bnce on his ount was only 4 dors.


    ''What the hell?'' Jeff thought.


    Jeff''s face darkened. "Let me change one!" With that, he began to operate.


    Maeve was instantly dissatisfied. "You were the one who said that you would use this ount topete. How dare you go back on your word?"


    "It''s fine. Let him change," Byron said casually.


    Jeff stared at the phone, unable to hear their words.


    He checked the bnce of a few ounts in a row. In the end, the ount with the most money only had several hundred dors.


    ''How is this possible!'' Jeff thought.


    Jeff immediately called Wace''s assistant and asked if he had not transferred money to his ount in the past few months. Otherwise, why would he have no money?


    The assistant on the other end said, "Mr. Graves. You don''t have Graves Group shares, so your monthly dividends are naturally gone."


    "Then where''s my monthly allowance?"Jeff asked.


    "Mr. Graves has instructed that you can only receive 2000 dors as pocket money every month," the assistant said.


    Jeff smashed his phone on the spot in anger. ''2000 dors? What the fuck?''


    Jeff''s assets had shrunk significantly since thest time he gambled with Ray.


    However, he was used to being extravagant. He had never thought that he would not have enough money to spend.


    He would never have thought that Wace would be so heartless as to cut off his source of ie.


    Jeff was not as capable as his eldest brother, Nestor, who knew how to invest or do business himself. He could only rely on his family''s money.


    Hence, he could not even gather 4000 dors.


    If he hadn''t bought flowers and gifts to harass Maeve previously, he might have been able to have more money left.


    Jeff did not expect such an oue. He did not leave the dining room either, so everyone heard the assistant''s words.


    Scott and Valda were also shocked.


    ''Wace was so cruel to Jeff this time. 2000 dors per month... It''s not enough for Jeff to spend. How could he give us money? It seems that he had been given up by Wace,'' they thought.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    In a short moment, Scott and Valda weighed their gains and losses and realized that Jeff might not be as rich as Byron.


    Maeve did not care how ugly Jeff''s expression was. She said directly, "Jeff, do you still want to continuepeting? You can sum all the money in your ount topete with my husband." Jeff looked at her gloomily. "Don''t be smug. As soon as I''m in the Graves family a day, I''m a hundred times better than your husband!"

 Chapter 88

    Hearing Jeff''s words, Maeve smiled and said, "Yes. Although you only have 4 dors on your card, your shamelessness is indeed more impressive than Byron''s!" Byron looked at her sharp-tongued appearance with interest. He suddenly recalled the video he saw half a month ago.


    Maeve was bullied by Jeff and a group of people. She was scared to death, but she still dared to stab the knife into the back of his hand without hesitation. She even threatened to perish together with those people who bullied her. It was a ruthlessness that came from her nature.


    Byron knew from the first time he saw her that she was not gentle. However, it felt quite refreshing to see her sharp-tongued towards outsiders.


    Jeff was almost angered to death by Maeve. He almost wanted to leave. However, he still did not leave.


    He still did not believe that Maeve had such poor taste. She would rather be with a driver than with him.


    In what way am I inferior to a driver? Perhaps it was just as Scott had said. This driver was an actor whom she had found!'' he though!.


    Maeve did not t expect Jeff to


    endure. He had just made a bet with Byron and lost his face. He could control his anger and stay here to continue chatting andughing with her parents.


    It was also possible that he did not believe that she and Byron were really husband and wife.


    secretly pulled Byron into the bathroom and said to him, "Mr. Mcdaniel, don''t you think Jeff doesn''t believe that we''re husband and wife? Otherwise, why would he stay here? Isn''t he embarrassed?". at her and replied, "Maybe he hasn''t given up on you?"


    After lunch, Byron looked down at


    Maeve


    It was not difficult to predict what Jeff was nning


    If he could be the heir, he wouldn''t be e willing to just be a powerless man.


    Even that sickly person from Neville had tried to pull me down from my position as the CEO of the Mcdaniel Group several times to rece me,'' Byron thought. Even though Byron look


    looked


    I down on a small family like the Graves family, the benefits moved him.


    Maeve was extremely depressed and said, "It''s not that he hasn''t given up on me, but he hasn''t given up on the inheritance of hispany. How can he not pester me?" Byron


    saw something from the corner of his eye. He smiled ambiguously as he said calmly, "I have a way to make him retreat. It depends on whether you''re willing to cooperate." Macve''s eyes


    s lit up and she hurriedly nodded. "Of course I''m willing! What...


    Before she could finish speaking, Byron kissed her. Maeve''s eyes widened as she subconsciously wanted to retreat. However, Byron grabbed the back of her head first, forcing her to move forward.


    There were blueberries in the fruit after the meal. While Byron was being questioned by Scott and Valda, she secretly ate a


    lot of them


    At this moment, her mouth was filled with the sweet fragrance of blueberries. There was also a slight sourness, making Byron addicted for no reason. He wanted to take it even more.


    Jeff smashed his phone on the spot in anger. 2000 dors? What the fuck?


    Jeff''s assets had shrunk significantly since thest time he gambled with Ray-


    However, he was used to being extravagant. He had never thought that he would not have enough money to spend.


    He would never have thought that Wace would be so heartless as to cut off his source of ie.


    Jeff was not as capable as his eldest brother, Nestor, who knew how to invest or do business himself. He could only rely on his family''s money.


    Hence, he could not even gather 4000 dors.


    If he hadn''t bought flowers and gifts to harass Maeve previously, he might have been able to have more money left.


    Jeff did not expect such an oue. He did not leave the dining room either, so everyone heard the assistant''s words.


    Scott and Valda were also shocked.


    Wace was so cruel to Jeff this time. 2000 dors per month... It''s not enough for Jeff to spend. How could he give us money? It seems that he had been given up by Wace, they thought. In a short moment, Scott and Valda weighed their gains and losses and realized that Jeff might not be as rich as Byron.


    Maeve did


    did not care how ugly Jeff''s expression was. She said directly, "Jeff, do you still want to continuepeting? You can sum all the money in your ount topete with my husband Jeff looked ked at her gloomily, "Don''t be smug. As soon as I''m in the Graves family a day, I''m a hundred times better than your husband!


    It was as if he wanted toplunder all the sweetness in her mouth before stopping.


    Maeve''s head was deprived of oxygen from his kiss, and her entire body went limp


    She kept wanting to retreat until her back was against the cold door of the washroom. In front of her was his tall and unmoving body.


    She was like a pitifulmb that had unfortunately fallen into the wolf''s mouth.


    Finally. Byron gave her a chance to breathe. She immediately reached out to push him away.


    Byron held her slender wrist and said in a low voice that only the two of them could hear, "Jeff is there. Don''t you want him to believe that we''re really husband and wife?" Maeve''s back stiffened and she nced out of the bathroom from the corner of her eye.


    Sure enough, a person was standing behind the opposite potted nt. It was Jeff.


    No wonder Byron suddenly kissed her. It was because he realized that Jeff was peeking.


    Suppressing the strange feeling in her heart, Maeve asked softly. We''ve been kissing for so long. He should believe it, right?"


    hasn''t left yet. Do you want to ask?" Byron said.


    "He hasn''t


    "I don''t think so. Maeve said.


    A faint smile shed across Byron''s eyes. Then hug my waist tightly."


    Maeve guessed what he wanted to do. Her face burned, but she endured the embarrassment in her heart and hugged his strong waist.


    Just as


    she


    got t closer to


    to him, the faint fragrance of his body could be smelled.


    This time, he was not in a hurry to kiss her lips. Instead, he slowly kissed her forehead, eyes, and ears. Compared to the kiss just now, it was much more reserved.


    Maeve cler e clenched her fists tightly. She knew that he was pretending to be intimate with her to dispel Jeff''s suspicion. However, she was still very useless. Her heart skipped a beat. The tip of her ear was Maeve''s sensitive spot. The moment Byron''s thin lips touched it, her entire body tensed up. Her check pressed against his chest and continued to burn. "Mr. Mcdaniel, hasn''t sn''t he left yet? She really couldn''t take it anymore, and her voice was trembling.


    Byron did not even look over there. He replied in a hoarse voice "No


    Maeve pursed her lips and continued to endure as if she did I not


    feel anything.


    However, Byron had discovered her behavior. He raised her chin with his long fingers and rubbed it gently, staring at her.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat, and she had the thought of retreating.


    "Hold on tight. Didn''t you eat your fill just now?" Byron reminded her nonchntly, looking like a gentleman.


    However, the way he kissed her was so domineering that it was scary.


    Before Maeve could say anything, she was kissed again.


    08-20 Sat, Oct

 Chapter 89

    After Valda sent away the angry Jeff, she was worried and wanted to talk to Maeve again.


    However, the moment she went over, she saw the two of them kissing.


    Even though from her angle, she could only see Byron''s broad back and could not see Maeve being pressed into his arms. However, it still made Valda blush and quickly retreat. Oh my... Oh my god! Maeve was really married to that driver? Valda thought.


    By the time Byronpletely let go of Marve, she did not have much strength left in her body. She leaned her head against his shoulder and panted softly. she saw


    When:


    the empty corner, Maeve was immediately annoyed.ve said.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, Jeff left long ago. Don''t tell me you didn


    didn''t notice Maev


    Byron''s expression was filled with satisfaction as he replied casually. "What does his departure have to do with me kissing you?" Maeve looked at him in disbelief and said, "I thought you were helping me just now!"


    how could I not even resist and let you bully me? she thought,


    Otherwise, how


    Didn''t I help you?" Byron asked calmly. "Wasn''t he angry because he saw us kissing and then left?"


    Maeve clenched her fists, "Then why did you continue kissing me even after he left? You did it on purpose!"


    Byron raised his eyebrows and looked at her with a hint of mockery, "You want me to help you, but you''re not giving me any benefits. What kind of sweet dream are you having?" Tm a businessman, not a phnthropist. Byron did not say this sentence.


    But Maeve more or less understood the meaning in his eyes. "You''re too naive


    It turned out that she had been walking into his trap from the static thumb. After biting him, she immediately ran away.


    Maeve was extremely angry. She She grabbed his his right hand and bit his


    Only Byron was left standing there alone. He lowered his head and looked at the bite mark on his thumb.


    Thest time I identally bullied her when I was drunk, she bit me at the same spot, he thought.


    finally improved.


    After Jeff left in anger, the atmosphere in the Reese fan being intimate. She did not throw a tantrum like she did during dinner. Valda was embarrassed sed by the scene of of Maeve and Byron


    Maeve realized that Valda''s gaze was constantly on her mouth. She could not help but purse her lips and feel ufortable.


    I have just put on lipstick again. Valda shouldn''t find out, right? Maeve thought.


    With a guilty conscience, before two o''clock in the afternoon, Maeve and Byron wanted to go back.


    Scott


    t didn''t like Byron. So he didn''t try to keep them.


    Valda sent them out. She thought for a moment and said, "Maeve, don''t tell me you really don''t want to care about your


    father and me anymore.


    "In the past, when you were paid, you would give me half of your sry as family expenses. Horace''s studies are so hard and the tuition fees are high. You know the current situation at home Maeve was stunned. Just as she was about to answer, Byron said, "Valda, Maeve''s ount is with me."


    Valda was stunned and said, "Maeve gave you all the money? How can that do...


    ''Could Maeve still I give me money in the future? Horace''s noble interest courses cost a lot of money... Valda thought.


    "I''m her husband. No one is more qualified than me." Byron chuckled. "From now on, you can just ask me for money. She can''t make the decision."


    As soon as he finished speaking. Byron held Maeve''s hand and led her to the elevator without giving her a chance to speak.


    After entering the elevator, Ma Maeve asked him, "Mr. "Mr. Mcdaniel, Byron turned to look at her and asked. "Why? Do you think and you say that on purpose just now? So that my mother won''t be able to take money from me in the future?"


    I''m nosy?"


    "No." Maeve shook her head. Actually, I almost agreed to it. I''ve been soft-hearted many times in the past. I know it''s not good, but I''m just used to it"Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She


    I


    She was used to to doing whatever her parents asked of her.


    She could still be hard-hearted when they didn''t meet, but once they met, her heart would inexplicably soften.


    To put it bluntly, there was no way for Maeve to bepletely ruthless.


    "Now that your mother knows that the family''s finances are in my hands, she probably won''t ask you again in the future." Byron said calmly. "If she asks, ask her to look for me. I''ll settle it The family''s finances....


    They were discussing a heavy topic, but Maeve suddenly wanted tough.


    However, she still rejected his suggestion. "It''s better not to. Afterall, it''s my family''s matter. It''s not good to trouble you."


    Byron


    looked at her ambiguously. Tve already done more troublesome things. I don''t care about this."


    Maeve was confused. She looked at Byron in confusion, not understanding what he meant.


    After walking out of the elevator, an idea shed across Maeve''s mind, and her face gradually blushed.


    "So he was referring to what we had done in the washroom! How shameless is he!" she thought.


    On the other side.


    Valda walked back to the house worriedly andined to Scott, "Marriage has turned her heart wild. She handed her bank ount to her husband. Is she stupid?"


    -Scou frowned when he heard this and asked, "Really?"


    "Yes, I think there''s a high chance that they have been married. I can''t be fake" Valda felt annoyed just thinking about it. "Her husband seems to be quite scheming. He won''t let her not be close to us in the future, will he?" "She wasn''t close to us in the past. She''s an ingrate. It''s better to count on Horace than to count on her." Scott sighed. "Forget iL I don''t think it''s possible to get Jeff here. She can marry whoever she wants," 3:20 Sat, Oct 19


    ''Mr. Graves is so ruthless to Jeff now. He would most likely not let Jeff inherit thepany in the future. Since Jelf would not be allowed to inherit thepany, he could not be promoted in the future. Then why should I bother? Scott thought. Scott looked at his phone and stood up from the sofa. "Business stuff. I have to go over. You can eat by yourself tonight." Before Valda could say anything, she saw him go out and her face was filled with frustration.


    Why


    are you working overtime every day recently? Why are you so busy?" Valda said angrily.


    Byron still had to


    had to rush back to thepany to deal with some business stuff. He sent Maeve back to her apartment and left.


    Maeve was in a particrly good mood today. Even when she was watering the vegetables, she was humming a song.


    She would only water the vegetables with a watering machine when she was not at home. Usually, she preferred to do it herself with a small watering can.


    After that, Maeve looked at the other half of the balcony which seemed a little emptypared to the living room, and wondered if she should buy something to fill it up. Otherwise, it would look out of ce.


    As she thought about it, she walked into the living room and saw the phone on the table light up. She went over to pick it up and opened it.


    Jeff: [Maeve, do you think your husband is a good man? Look, I saw him go to a hotel with a woman with my own eyes.J


    After the message, Jeff sent over a photo.


    Jeff: [You still me me for cheating, but didn''t your husband make the same mistake as me? If you had known earlier, you would have chosen me.]

 Chapter 90

    Seeing this, Maeve frowned and clicked on the photo.


    the photo, Byron, who had told Maeve just now that he had business stuff, entered a hotel with Karen.


    It was indeed easy to cause misunderstandings if a man and a woman went to a hotel.


    However, it was too far-fetched to conclude that they were going to


    date.


    Even if Maeve knew that Byron and Karen had a special rtionship, she did not think that he would do that. At least not before their divorce.


    Maeve


    put aside the unexinable sadness in her heart and replied, [It''s a waste of your talent not to be a pap***. Do you think everyone is as despicable as you just because you have low morals!] After scolding him. Maeve still did not vent her anger. She sent him an angry emoji beforepletely cklisting him. send a message to


    After doing this, she wanted t


    She suddenly felt a little down. It was as if she Byron but then deleted them one by one. After repeating it a few times, the message could not be sent.


    She had had suddenly woken up from a dream.


    They had acted as a real couple in front of Maeve''s parents today. He had protected her and stood up for her, including the feelings that had grown in the washroom.


    It was just to make this performance more realistic.


    It was the first time she had tasted the feeling of having someone backing her up. She was so excited that she forgot that everything was fake.


    They were not really husband and wife. It was useless to let her imagination run wild.


    In the hotel, Jeff looked at the message from Maeve His face was ashen, and he almost smashed the new phone he had just bought.


    What did that driver do to Maeve? When I cheated on her, she broke up with me immediately and left without hesitation! Another man had already c***ed her, but she was still protecting him! She even scolded me! Jeff thought Jeff pushed his femalepanion away and told her to get away. Then, he suppressed his anger and walked towards the


    elevator.


    In the open-air restaurant on the 26th floor of the atrium, soothing and elegant music could be heard nonstop.


    A trade negotiation had just ended.


    §¡


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, you are so impressive. No wonder Mcdaniel Group has developed se rapidly in recent years." The man in the silver-gray suit, Zack Johnson, stood up and extended his right hand with an admiring expression. Byron stood up and shook his hand.


    "Mr. Johnson, you''re ttering me. It''s just a precaution." Byron smiled slightly, and his words revealed his innate nobility. *Happy cooperation."


    Zack also smiled and said, "Happy cooperation."


    Karen stood at the side and could not help but look at Byron''s handsome and calm side profile with an infatuated gaze.


    After seeing the best, she could no longer tolerate other men in her eyes.


    Karen."


    When she heard Byron call her, Karen immediately came back to her senses. "Mr. Mcdaniel?" 92% 92%U


    "Go back to thepanyter and organize the information rted to the development of the south of the city. Put it on my desk before tomorrow morning. Byron took a sip of coffee and instructed calmly. nodded. "Alright, I''ll do itter."


    Karen


    Karen smiled coquettishly and added, "But... Can''t I go back after dinner? The situation was too tense just now. I didn''t even take a few sips of water."


    "Just order. It''s my treat," Byron said.


    Karen sat down with a smile and called the waiter to order again


    Byron took out his phone and wanted to send a message to Maeve.


    Maeve


    ave you had dinner yet?),


    was silent Silent for a moment before sending. [Not yet]


    Byron: [I''m [I''m in the hotel. What What do you want to eat?]


    Maeve: [When did you be a part-time hotel waiter? Don''t trouble yourself. I don''t have much of an appetite and don''t want to cat.]


    Byron: Who did you learn this bad habit from? Do you want to faint and go to the hospital again? Haven''t you taken enough medicine?] Maeve really wanted to say that thest time she fainted, it wasn''t because she didn''t eat dinner.


    However, she had really taken enough medicine....


    After some thought, she replied, [How about Spaghetti Marinara? I suddenly want to eat it.]


    When he saw this message, Byron smiled. He sent, [Just wait at home.]


    A coy woman,'' he thought.


    Byron nodded and gestured for the waiter toe over. He ordered two sets of Spaghetti Marinara and the hotel''s most famous dessert.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    When Karen saw this, the shyness in her eyes was about to melt. She said gently, "Byron, I''ve been on a diet recently and can''t eat that much..." "Who said it was for you!" Byron frowned.


    Karen''s smile froze on her face.


    Not Not


    for me? Who''s that fort Byron never eats desserts. Could it be for the woman at his home? Karen thought.


    "Oh my god, Mr. Mcdaniel. You have a new lover so soon?" Jeff''s sarcastic voice suddenly sounded and interrupted Karen''s next question.


    Byron nced at Jeff Indifferently, not taking him seriously at all


    Jeff sneered. "I''ve long known that a gigolo like you is not someone who knows his ce. I didn''t expect you to be so capable. You''re still making out with Macve during the day, but you''re in the arms of a rich woman at night? I don''t think you''re any better than me. I wonder what Maeve sees in you to give up on me. How infuriating!" "Maeve, I wish I could drag you over and let you see with your own eyes what kind of person your husband is! What could this gigolo who is secretly kept by a rich woman give her?'' Jelf thought.


    Hearing that Jeff had misunderstood something, Byron did not take it to heart, nor did he have any intention of exining it to an outsider. Jeff''s stone is Byron''s


    is filled with injustice for Maeve. It is as if he has not given up on her, Byron thought.


    s narrowed slightly, and there was a faint cold light in them.


    At this moment, the the waiter brought over the packed food.


    s eyes


    on the table and stood up. He walked past the angry Jeff and looked at him from theer of his eyes.


    to an outsider to say anything about me and Maeve. Watch your mouth."


    Byron picked I up the exquisite bag on


    Byron''s voice was as cold as as it could I get. "It''s not up to


    A chill ran down Jeff''s spine, but it was quickly reced by anger.


    An outsider? When I was dating Maeve, who knew where the f**k you were? D**n it, I would get Maeve to divorce you sooner orter!'' Jelf thought.


    Jeff cursed and turned to leave. However, Karen grabbed his arm when she came back to her senses.


    "What do you mean by that?" Karen questioned sternly. "What do you mean by Byron making out with Marve? What do you know?"


    Jeff shook off her hand impatiently. "Your man s***hed my girlfriend, and you''re questioning me? That''s right. Not only did they make out, but they also f***g kissed passionately in front of me! If you have the ability, go question him and tell him to stay away from my girlfriend!"


    0

 Chapter 91

    8.93%


    Karen was stunned on the spot by his roar. Her mind felt like it had exploded, and she fell onto her seat.


    Byron and Maeve kissed? How is this possible? Maeve is just a servant. It is impossible for Byron to like her! Karen thought.


    Karen subconsciously denied this possibility. However, she suddenly remembered that when Jeff said those words just now, Byron did not deny anything.


    ''If Byron didn''t deny it, it meant that it was true! However, I don''t believe that he would be interested in a servant. Besides, he already had a girlfriend! Wait a minute... No wonder Maeve was suddenly willing to tell me about that woman. It turned out that she wanted to be Byron''s lover and used me instead!'' Karen thought. Strong anger and resentment appeared in Karen''s eyes.


    ''I will never let this shameless b***h off!'' she thought.


    In the apartment.


    Maeve thought that Byron was just saying. She did not expect him to really bring back Spaghetti Marinara and a box of desserts.


    She thought that he would be with Karen tonight. In the end, he came back with what she wanted to eat.


    Byron ced the things in his hand on the living room table. When he saw the empty bags of snacks beside her, he frowned and looked at Maeve.


    don''t have the appetite to eat, but you do have the appetite to eat junk food?" he asked.


    Maeve scratched her cheek. "That''s because I was hungry when I was waiting for you, so I ate something to fill


    my


    stomach...


    Byron could not be bothered to listen to her quibble. He threw the pile of empty bags into the trash can.


    In the end, he saw a few empty cups of yogurt beside the pillow. There were also shiny candy wrappers in the corner. There was evidence of her stealing food everywhere. Byron slowly stood up and looked at the living room, helpless.


    "Maeve, don''t put the yogurt cup next to the pillow. Don''t throw candy paper around. And don''t spread snack packets all over the ce!" he said.


    After being reprimanded, Maeve shrunk her neck and apologized softly, "I''m sorry, I''ll clean up now..."


    She was the one who did the cleaning every time. The house was basically kept clean. However, he caught her this time.


    Byron looked at her listless appearance and pursed his thin lips. Eat first. The food is getting cold."


    "Okay!" Maeve immediately straightened up and sat cross-legged on the carpet. She took the Spaghetti Marinara out of the bag.


    When she saw that there were two sets, she was stunned. "You haven''t eaten dinner?" she asked.


    "Yes." Byron originally wanted to sit on the sofa, but when he saw her nonchnt look, he simply bent down and sat down on the carpet.


    He exined calmly, "I was too busy tonight."


    1/3 Sun,


    this, Macve leaved a sigh of relief.


    she had guessed that he and Karen might have gone to the hotel for work stuff, it was different to hear his exnation with her own ears.


    sat across from each other on the carpet at the table, eating Spaghetti Marinara.


    The cold wind outside the window was bleak, but the house was as warm as spring.


    "It''s getting closer and closer to Christmas." Maeve replied to Bonnie''s message as she said, "My friend has a Christmas tree at home. All the men she loved were hung on it..." Byron paused slightly as he asked, "All the men she love


    loved?"


    Maeve was still replying and did not notice his strange tone. She subconsciously replied, "Yes, she has 12 lovers. She hugs different men to sleep every night." Coincidentally, at at this moment, Maeve saw the photo of the Christmas tree at Bonnie''s house. Her eyes were filled with envy. "She''s so amazing. Yesterday, Bonnie However, I Byron misunderstood


    said


    that she wanted a Christmas s tree. Today, she immediately arranged it.


    He thought that she was praising her best friend for having 12 lovers.


    her. He


    His eyes were slightly cold as he looked at her envious expression. He asked in a low voice, "Why? Do you envy her so much for having 12 lovers?" Maeve was s still


    I immersed in the beauty of the Christmas tree. She rested her chin on her hand and did not know what he was saying. "One is good too. If there''s more, my living room won''t be able to contain it. I like it to be unique." coldness around Byron instantly dissipated like a tide.


    The col


    He snorted. At least she knew what was good for her.


    "Let me see." Byron raised his chin casually at Maeve, indicating for her to bring her phone over.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Maeve handed it ove


    Here.:


    she sent a lot of photos."


    After saying that, she lowered her head and continued eating, lest the food turned coldter.


    Byron did not think that the pale tree in the photo looked good at all. Instead, the firece in the background was not bad.


    He frowned slightly and asked, "How is this thing beautiful?"


    Maeve swallowed the food in her mouth and said, "Everything on it is beautiful."


    Byron was speechless.


    Byron supported his chin with one hand and scrolled through the photos, his interest waning. Suddenly, he sensed that something was wrong and erged the photo of the Christmas tree. The photos hanging on the branches were all photos of different men.


    At the same time, Bonnie''s message popped up from above.


    Bonnie: [Maeve! I''ve taken a fancy to a new man! He''s the type you like! Come and admire his face with me!]


    Byron''s face darkened.


    D


    What kind of friends did Maeve make? Bonnie is half-hearted and still wants to lead Maeve astray, he thought.


    He narrowed his eyes and tapped on the screen a few times.


    Maeve suddenly felt that something was wrong. She looked at the gold-ted logo on the dessert box and frowned slightly.


    Bonnie had once bought desserts from this hotel. Maeve remembered that these desserts were very expensive and were limited to hotel VIPs.


    How did Byron buy them? Is his sry that high? However, he is a driver and a bodyguard. It should be normal for his sry to be higher, Maeve thought.


    With that thought in mind, the doubts that had just surfaced in Maeve''s heart sank again.


    After eating, she took a tissue to wipe her mouth and asked Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you done looking?"


    "Yes." Byron ced her phone upside down on the table and stood up nonchntly. "Stop ying. Come and help me," he said.


    "What?" Maeve was cont confused.


    "Did


    "Did you forget to shave me for a month?" he asked.


    Maeve b


    blinked and looked at his smooth jaw with a puzzled expression.


    ''His chin is very clean. Is there a need to shave it?'' she thought.


    Puzzled, Maeve followed Byron to the bathroom, leaving the ringing phone on the table behind.


    With her previous experience, Maeve finally did not injure Byron this time.


    She tidied up the living room, took her medicine, and returned to her room with her phone.


    In the end, when she saw Bonnie''s exmation marks, she realized that Byron had taken her phone and sent something, [She''s eating and doesn''t have time to admire it.] Bonnie: [Who are you to hold Maeve''s phone? Are you her boyfriend? When did she fall in love and not tell me!]


    0

 Chapter 92

    Maeve almost choked and coughed. She asked Byron to look at the Christmas tree, but she did not ask him to help her reply to the message! However, there didn''t seem to be anything wrong with his words. She was indeed eating and didn''t have time to reply...


    The next day, when she went shopping with Bonnie, Maeve was asked for a long time.


    She might not be willing to tell others, but Bonnie was her best friend, and she did not want to deliberately hide it from her. Hence, she told her about her marriage with Byron. "Why are you so bold to marry a stranger in a sh?" Bonnie found unbelievable. "Aren''t you afraid that he''s a bad person?" Maeve hesitated for a moment and said, "Yes, but I had no other choice at that t time."


    If her parents had not forced her, she would not have married a stranger at the entrance of the city hall.


    "That''s true." Bonnie rub rubbed her nose and tapped Maeve''s shoulder with a gossipy expression. "Is he handsome? Are you attracted to him?" Maeve''s ears turned red. She said angrily, "I didn''t! Don''t think too much. We''re only married, but I don''t love him!"


    Bonnie


    Bonnie looked at her red ears and smiled meaningfully. "You''re not interested in him. I''m afraid he''s interested in you," she said, "What?" Maeve asker asked. Bonnie said, "Didn''t


    Didn''t he send that message to tell me not to show you photos of other men? It''s obvious that he''s jealous!"


    Bonnie Listening to to Bonnie''s e''s serious analysis, Maeve chuckled. "You''re thinking too much. I didn''t have time to send a message to you back then. He might have just happened to help me." Bonnie denied it. "Impossible. He''s jealous! Otherwise, he should have said that you don''t have time to reply, not that you don''t have time to admire it!" His words were quite intriguing. Bonnie, who was focused on Otome games and liked sweet love, was the most sensitive to such details.


    "You''re thinking too much." Maeve sighed and said, "He has a childhood sweetheart. It seems like they''ve been together for a long time. They only broke up after some conflict. So it''s impossible for him to like me." Bonnie paused. She looked at Maeve and asked, "What about you? Do you like him?"


    Maeve was stunned and thought, ''Do I like him? I don''t know. I don''t w want to think about this problem.''


    Maeve smiled and did not answer. She pushed Bonnie''s shoulder forward. She said, " "Alright, don''t be curious about me. Aren''t you going to show me your new lover? Let''s find a restaurant to sit and slowly watch." Bonnie''s attention was immediately drawn away. "Yes! I still have a very good idea..." she said.


    The two of them forgot about the topic just now and walked towards the restaurant while holding hands andughing.


    Unfortunately, Byron and his subordinates came to this building to inspect. When he went down from the transparent elevator, he happened to see Maeve enter a restaurant with a girl


    "You guys go and eat first. I still have something to do." After instructing his subordinates, Byron stepped out of the elevator. Karen watched him leave and clenched her fists tightly. 1/3


    In the restaurant, Macve''s eyes lit up when she saw Byron walking over. She asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you here to eat too? Do you want toe with us?"


    5


    "Alright," Byron replied calmly. He nodded slightly at Bonnie, who was standing beside Maeve in a daze, and then sat down.


    "Maeve..." Bonnie pulled Maeve''s sleeve and asked her in a low voice, suppressing her surprise, "Who is this handsome man?"


    Maeve held her hand and whispered back, "We were talking about this just now. He''s my husband."


    "But you didn''t say he was so handsome!" Bonnie


    said excitedly.


    She wasn''t interested in Byron. She just liked to admire handsome men and feast her eyes.


    Maeve smiled helplessly and introduced to Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel, this is my friend Bonnie. I told you about her yesterday."


    Byron''s eyes shed with deep thought as he ¨¨ said I faintly, "Hello.


    There was no emotion on his cold face as he sat there, but he gave off a chilling sense of oppression. It was as if he had been in a superior position for many years and had a powerful aura. Bonnie immediately felt a little frightened. She did not dare to continue staring at him and shrank closer to Maeve. "Hello."


    She thought, "This Mr. Mcdaniel is so scary. I had only felt such an imposing aura from my father''


    Maeve thought that Bonnie was afraid of strangers again and smiled at herfortingly. "Shall we order first?"


    "Okay."


    Maeve


    then asked Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel, what do you want to eat?"


    Byron''s expression was casual and he replied, "I''m fine with anything. Order whatever you want."


    Maeve nodded. After looking at the menu, she said a few dishes to the waiter and requested that no coriander be added.


    Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Byron''s face.


    "No coriander?" Bonnie asked in confusion.


    Tha


    I had eaten so many meals with Maeve. Why didn''t I know that Maeve suddenly didn''t like coriander?'' she thought.


    "It''s Mr. Mcdaniel. He can''t eat i it," "Maeve replied.


    Bonnie gasped. The dishes had not been served yet, but she didn''t seem to want to eat anymore.


    She thought, ''Maeve even knows his preferences so clearly, yet she still said that she didn''t like him? Then what does he think of Maeve?'' Bonnie''s eyes darted around. The dishes in this restaurant were served very quickly. Before long, the dishes they ordered were all served.


    The


    Halfway through, Maeve went to the washroom. Without her to liven up the atmosphere, the atmosphere at the dining table was embarrassing.


    Bonnie braced herself and asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, how did you meet Maeve?"? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    "We met by chance," Byron said concisely.


    "Met by chance..." Bonnie thought for a moment and asked, "After Maeve and I finish shopping, we n to go singing with a bunch of friends. I wonder if you will mind?"


    won''t," B


    "Byron replied.


    04 93% 0 4 93%¡ã


    Bonnie i


    Byron f Bonnie


    immediately


    smiled and said, "That''s great. I have many friends of the opposite sexing over. I was worried that you would mind Maeve interacting with other men. I''m relieved since you won''t mind." frowned unconsciously, but he did not object.


    was puzzled in her heart, ''Did he really not mind? Could I have guessed wrongly? Does he really not like Maeve? What kind of taste is that!''


    At the same time, Karen felt that something was wrong and quietly chased after Byron. She saw Byron and Bonnie having lunch face-to-face. Karen''s eyes were filled with bewilderment.


    She thought, ''Isn''t that the daughter of the Hancock Group? Byron asked us to go back first and he had lunch with her! Could it be that... The wife that Byron had been hiding was her! Karen''s expression turned ugly.


    She suddenly remembered that when Gilbert forced Byron to get married, he had once made a list of Kleymond''s unmarried socialites. The daughter of the Hancock Group was among them. It was said that the Hancock family and the Brown family had a close rtionship. Therefore, in terms of family background, Bonnie was indeed qualified to be Byron''s wife.

 Chapter 93

    After lunch, Maeve took advantage of the moment when Bonnie went to make a phone call and got up to pay the bill at the front desk. Although Bonnie said she would treat this time, this restaurant looked too high-end, so Maeve felt ufortable about letting her pay. "Let me do it," Byron said. His deep and clear voice came from behind her. Maeve turned around and


    and saw Byron taking out his phone. She immediately said, "It''s okay. I can''t let you spend so much money. I''ll do it." her and and immediately paid the bill. The waiter smiled and handed over the receipt, saying, "We look forward to seeing you next time."


    Byron i ignored


    Maeve had no choice but to move closer to Byron and said quietly, "Mr. Mcdaniel, how much was it in total? I''ll transfer half of the amount to you. Letting you treat us is somewhat..."


    ?


    She thought, I initially invited him to join us for the meal, yet he ended up paying the bill. What''s going on?''


    "It''s okay." Byron had one hand in his pocket. Upon catching a glimpse of Maeve''s conflicted expression, he said indifferently, "Have you ever seen a couple who goes out to eat and splits the bill? Or do you want others to know there''s an issue with our rtionship?" Maeve thought about it seriously for a moment. "I have. I used to have a colleague who split everything with her husband every time they went out for a meal or shopping. They split the bill to the point where every single cent was ounted for, and they didn''t owe each other anything." Before she left her previouspany, that colleague had divorced her husband.


    The reason was


    that the wedding anniversary gift her husband bought for her was not as expensive as the one she gave him. She felt she was at a disadvantage, so she brought up divorce. Byron''s thin lips curled slightly. "My family didn''t have such rules in the past, and we won''t have them in the future either."


    ''Splitting bills with my wife?'' he thought. ''Am I unable to support her or what?"


    Since Byron insisted, Maeve thought about transferring the money to the card she had given him.


    She then pointed at the handmade ice cream shop opposite the restaurant. "Let me treat you to some handmade ice cream then. Bonnie hasn''t finished her call. Let''s go buy it ande back to look for her." Byron frowned slightly. "Eating ice cream in the middle of winter? Weird eating habits. You think you haven''t had enough medicine, huh?"


    And she''s already hungry again right after having lunch?'' he thought.


    Maeve took a deep breath and suddenly had a terrifying premonition.


    I can forget about eating ice cream at home in the future,'' she thought. ''He''ll definitely nag me like hell.''


    She then decided to settle for the next best thing. "Cotton candy is fine, right?"


    "Your saying that you want to treat me is cr****p," Byron sneered. "I think it''s just that you''re craving it yourself."


    He thought, ''She''s even using me as an excuse.''


    3


    For the sake of cotton candy, Maeve suppressed her urge to argue with him.


    Although Ma


    said she would treat, she only bought one piece of cotton candy eventually.


    The reason was that Byron saw cotton candy as something suitable for children and refused to take it.


    Maeve took a bite of cotton candy and pointed at Byron''s tie. "M, Mcdaniel, your tie seems a bit crooked."


    3


    She thought, ''It must be because there were too many people in the queue just now, so I identally bumped into him, making his tie crooked.


    Byron obviously thought of it too. He leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets. Without even lifting his eyelids, he said, "Whoever messes it up has to fix it." Maeve was left speechless.


    She hesitated for a few seconds before handing the cotton candy to him and adjusting his tie.


    He was over 6 feet 3? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    It was


    t 3 inches tall, much taller than Maeve, so she had to tiptoe to make it easier to adjust his tie. inevitable that the distance between them was a little close.


    half-eaten cotton candy with one hand, casually lowering his eyes to stare at Maeve''s soft and serious face.


    Byron raised the half-


    From this angle, he could only see her curly eyshes and her red lips that were smeared with a bit of cotton candy, which looked particrly alluring. While she was adjusting Byron''s tie, her hands would unintentionally brush against his chest.


    Coming into contact with his chest through the fabric of his shirt was even more intimate than touching it directly.


    However,


    her serious and meticulous look at this moment was so gentle that she looked like a wife helping her husband put on his tie when he was about to go to work in the morning. Byron''s gaze was deep, and his Adam''s apple bobbed. He said in a low and h****se voice, "Maeve, is cotton candy yummy?" "Hm?" Maeve instinctively licked her lips and reflected on the taste for a moment before saying, "It''s yummy. It''s very sweet This involuntary gesture of of hers was no tryi noticed by Byron. In an instant, it was like a prairie fire, causing a wave of restlessness to spread up his back. His eyes darkened further. "Is that s so? I''ll try it it then." Maeve did not notice anything. "Isn''t it in your hand? Take a bite yourself... Mm."


    The soft touch on her lips caught her off guard and made her tremble all over, leaving her stunned.


    Then, a warm touch brushed over her lower lip, moving slowly as if savoring a fine dish.


    In no time, Byron straightened up. He raised his eyebrows slightly, and his thin lips curled up. For some reason, he looked a little seductive.


    He chuckled ambiguously. "The taste is pretty good."


    Maeve was shocked, and her face flushed intensely.


    "This... this is a public ce. Can''t you consider how your action would affect the people around us?" She wiped her mouth fiercely with her sleeve. "And there is still so much cotton candy left. What''s with you kissing me if you want to taste it?"


    She thought, I''m not a cotton candy!''


    She didn''t know that her flushed cheeks made her look even more beautiful.


    "I was the one who paid for the cotton candy. Do I need your permission to taste it?" Byron looked at her calmly. "Dream on."


    Maeve was at a loss for words, thinking, ''What''s with his wed reasoning?''


    Unable to outtalk him, Maeve simply turned around and left to look for Bonnie.


    I''ll brainwashed, she thought.


    If I continue to argue with him, I''m afraid the gearen had recorded a video of what had just happened.


    Maeve left in a huff,pletely unaware


    If Karen hadn''t been worried about alerting Maeve and causing her to take precautions, she would have nearly gone over and torn Maeve''s mouth apart.


    She thought, "I initially thought that what Jeff said was just an exaggeration. Byron has always stayed away from getting involved with women, so I thought there''s no way Maeve could have the chance to seduce him. But what I just saw with my own eyes leaves no room for disbelief. I''ve never seen such a shameless **h. * Karen clutched her phone, her gaze gloomy as she stared at Maeve''s back.


    She thought, "The heiress of Hancock Group probably still doesn''t know that this maid who sucks up to her on the surface is seducing her husband behind her back, right? I can''t wait to see them fight.''


    *****


    When Bonnie returned from her phone call, she keenly noticed that her best friend''s face was flushed.


    "What happened when I wasn''t around earlier?" she said. "Howe your face is so flushed?"


    Maeve immediately shook her head, saying, "Nope. Nothing happened. It''s just that there were too many people queuing up to buy cotton candy, and I got jostled."


    "Oh," Bonnie said meaningfully. "I thought you guys secretly went to kiss while I was not around. It''s good that nothing happened."


    Maeve''s face flushed even more when she heard the word "kiss". Her eyes were filled with shame and frustration.


    ''I really don''t get it,'' she thought. ''Howe Byron always manages to kiss me anytime and anywhere, making it impossible to guard against his kiss? Does he have kissing cravings? What''s even more troubling is myself. It''s just a lip-to-lip contact which was far more restrained than what happened in the bathroom of the Reese family''s home yesterday, yet my heart feels like it''s about to leap out of my chest,pletely out of control.

 Chapter 94

    94


    Bonnie could guess from Maeve''s expression that something must have happened just now.


    Recalling her previous probing, she suggested hesitantly, "Maeve, it''s better if you don''t be too emotionally invested in him. I don''t think he''s right for you." "Huh?" Maeve said, snapping out of her thoughts. Her eyes were filled with puzzlement. "Why did you suddenly say that?" Bonnie looked at her and sighed. "You don''t get it."


    She thought, ''No husband won''t be jealous and not care if his wife goes out with many other men. Mr. Mcdaniel clearly doesn''t care about Maeve. I''m worried that with Maeve''s gentle nature, she might get hurt. Let''s go shopping." Maeve wanted tough when she saw her mncholic look. She pulled her toward the elevator. ''As for Byron... I don''t


    Alright. Stop sign''t care where he goes,'' she thought. ''After all, I don''t want to see him right now.


    Bonnie suddenly stopped in her tracks. "By the way, Maeve, it just urred to me that the surname ''Mcdaniel'' isn''t verymon. The only one I know is Mcdaniel Group. Could it be that your husband is from the Mcdaniel family?" "No way," Maeve found it amusing and annoying. "He''s just a driver. His parents might be rtively well-off, but they definitely can''tpare to a huge aristocratic family who owns Mcdaniel Group."


    "It''s such a rare family name. Won''t you dwell on it?" Bonnie touched her chin. "Maybe your husband is the impressive scion of the Mcdaniel family." Maeve burst outughing at Bonnie''s guess. "You''re overthinking things. The world is huge. What''s the big deal if people coincidentally have the same surname? It would only be considered strange if both the first name and the surname matched, right?" Bonnie recalled. 1 Daven "I haven''t interacted with members of the Mcdaniel family before. I''ve only heard many things from my elders. If we''re talking about the name of the scion... everyone in the circle calls him Great Demon King and rarely uses his name directly. I heard his name is Brycen or or Bryan? They do not at all connect to the name Byron.''


    Maeve thought, "Bryce"."


    She thought for a moment before saying, "I think Mr. Mcdaniel is definitely not the same person as that scion. Let''s not talk about anything else. Do you think the scion of the Mcdaniel family, who is someone with such a high social standing, would be someone''s driver?" As soon as this hypothesis was made, Bonnie shook her head frantically. "Unless he''s gone crazy."


    Maeveughed. "Exactly. Mr. Mcdaniel is just an ordinary driver, living in a small apartment and working hard every day to make a living... He doesn''t have to be a scion. He''s great just as he is." "Oh my... y..." Bonnie was jealous. She winked at her. "Maeve, look at yourself all smitten. How can you say you''re not in love with him?" Maeve''s ears flushed, and she immediately retorted, "I''m just being fair."


    "That''s not convincing."


    Theyughed and joked for a while. Soon, they forgot about this little episode.


    At around seven o''clock in the evening, Maeve and Bonnie''s n to go karaoke was called off. They hurried back to the apartment.


    She ran to the balcony and noticed that her lettuce had been stepped on by something. There was even a trail of small footprints on the soil.


    Maeve frowned, turned to Byron, who was sitting in the living room and watching a tablet. "Mr. Mcdaniel, did rats enter the house?" she asked.


    As soon as she received Byron''s message, she rushed back, fearing that the vegetables might suffer even more thanst time if she was anyter. Fortunately, only some lettuce was harmed. The other vegetables were fine.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    But her heart still ached.


    "Maybe," Byron said without changing his expression. "The house is old, so it''s normal."


    Maeve picked up a small shovel and patted the soil around the lettuce to make it solid while muttering, "Damn rats, I''ll buy some poison tomorrow and get rid of you."


    Hearing Maeve''s disgruntled muttering, Byron''s thin lips curled up as he gently pressed with his fingertip.


    On the tablet in front of him, Ray sent him a message. [What did you do to my hamster son? My maid said it was covered in soil when it was returned. Did you toss it onto the ground to roll around?] Byron: [Just letting it experience some hardship in its life.]


    Ray: [What?]


    He thought, ''My precious son only needs afortable life.''


    Maeve did not know about the conversation between the two. She zoomed out as she patted the soil.


    Bonnie''s words suddenly came to her mind.


    ''If he is the scion of the Mcdaniel family, there''s no way he would be willing to live in a small house with rats?'' she thought. ''Mr. Mcdaniel is just an ordinary person and not someone of higher status.'' She shook her head with a smile and tidied up the mess. She then washed her hands and intended to clean the house while it was notte yet.


    up the


    corners of


    It didn''t take much effort. The house was spotless, and even the dust was minimal, which left her wondering how the rats got here.


    Maeve was extremely puzzled, thinking that the rats had scurried in from her neighbor''s house, so she did not dwell on it. She then took her clothes and went to take a shower. Byron cast a quick nce in her direction, and his thin lips curved into a smile in a leisurely manner.


    ****


    As the design exhibition approached, the atmosphere in thepany building grew increasingly tense.


    Even the designers who liked to ck off were now fully focused, not daring to hinder the progress of other people.


    Other than eating and drinking, Maeve spent most of her time in the studio creating clothing.


    The most difficult part was4he crewelwork on the gowns.


    This step could be omitted when making the sample garment, but not now.


    Sh


    She spent most of her time on this. Every time she finished embroidering a portion, her vision nearly became unclear when she looked up at other things. rushed to Oplete tasks. Soon, it was a week before the exhibition.


    After handing in the finished garments, Maeve could finally breathe a sigh of relief and rest for a few days.


    On the night before the exhibition started, the gowns would be returned to the designer to be personally kept and brought to the exhibition on the actual day of the event.


    It seemed that the rule was established to prevent loss after a previous incident where a designer''s garments disappeared from thepany storage room, causing a major fuss.


    Maeve went to the pantry to get a ss of water and took out her phone to reply to messages.


    Bonnie: [Maeve, are you free this afternoon? My friend is holding a coffee party and insisted I attend. If I go by myself, I won''t have much inmon to talk about with those people. Come with me, okay? I want to introduce you to a new friend who gets along quite well with me. Maeve chuckled as she replied. [Your request came at the right time. I just finished my work. What time is the party?]


    Bonnie soon sent her the time and ce. She even said she woulde to pick her up.


    Maeve did not let Bonnie pick her up. After work, she took a taxi to the party venue herself.


    It was a vi with its own garden and fountain. Styled in modern design, it exuded luxury and elegance everywhere.


    In the ss conservatory, string curtains swayed softly, and green nts surrounded it. Delicate pastries were ced on a white round table. The fragrance of the chocte fountain was tempting. It was like the ambiance of a ssical pce in ancient times.


    Maeve wall


    walked i in, and t I the socialites sitting around the table turned to nce at her.


    Though it wasn''t obvious on their faces, one could tell from their frowns that they were somewhat disdainful.


    Just then, Bonnie ran over and linked arms with Maeve, saying, "Maeve, you''re here. Come and sit with me over here."


    "Alright," Maeve said, smiling helplessly.


    Only then did the others retract their disdainful gazes.


    ''Putting aside other things, this friend of Hancock Group''s heiress must be someone of significance even though she is dressed unremarkably,'' they thought.

 Chapter 95

    95


    As Bonnie pulled Maeve to the round table to take a seat, she introduced Maeve to someone, saying, "Maeve, she''s the friend I want to introduce to you. Her name is Karen Booth." ''Karen Booth?'' Maeve thought.


    She was stunned when she saw the woman sitting to Bonnie''s right.


    It was Karen, who was wearing a ck off-shoulder dress.


    "Ms. Reese, it''s been a while since west met," Karen said, smiling gracefully.


    Amidst the surprise, Maeve gave Karen a slight bob of her head and said, "Ms. Booth, it''s been a while."


    "Huh?" Bonnie looked at them in surprise. "So you two are friends too?"


    "We''ve only met a few times," Maeve exined.


    "Yes, but it''s nice to see Ms. Reese here today," Karen said with a meaningful smile. "I heard from Ms. Hancock that you two are very good friends?"


    Bonnie nodded repeatedly as she said, "That''s right. I''m Maeve''s best friend."


    Maeve


    felt a mix of


    of amusement and annoyance. "Yes, you are."


    Karen''s smile became even more meaningful. "Ms. Hancock is really more approachable than I thought," she said. "She can be best friends with a maid. Many people present here might not measure up to you." When the socialites around who were eavesdropping heard the word "maid", the way they looked at Maeve changed.


    They thought, ''How could a friend of Hancock Group''s heiress be a maid? Such a person has no right to attend this coffee party. She''s such a downgrade to our status.''


    out of respect for Bonnie, but they did not hide the disdain in their eyes for her.


    They did not chase Maeve away out of


    Maeve could tell that Karen was being sarcastic. She twitched her lips and said, "Ms. Booth, if you have something to say, just say it directly."


    She has to beat around the bush just to say something,'' she thought. ''I feel troubled for her.''


    "I was just expressing my thoughts," Karen said with a smile, covering her mouth. "Ms. Reese, don''t misunderstand. Actually,


    I prepared a surprise for Ms. Hancock today. Ms. Reese, why don''t we appreciate it together?"


    With that said, she gestured toward the screen suspended in the air with her palm.


    Maeve frowned, feeling that something was off.


    Bonnie


    just caught on to Karen''s words. She asked Maeve softly, Maeve, what''s with the maid she mentioned earlier? She''s not talking about you, right? Why do I feel like something''s off with her?" Maeve was about to answer Bonnie''s questions when she heard the socialites around the table exim in astonishment.


    "Ugh! Why is such a video being yed?"


    Maeve looked up at the screen as if she had sensed something. When she saw the scene of herself and Byron kissing in the mall, she was so shocked that she stood up right away. Sun, Oct 10:00


    921


    Although the video was blurry and the faces could not be seen clearly, there was no way she would not be able to recognize herself and Byron.


    Maeve looked at Karen, thinking, ''Was she the one who recorded the video?''


    Karen looked at Bonnie and said, "Ms. Hancock, no, perhaps I should call you Mrs. Mcdaniel. Everyone might not know yet. This Ms. Hancock is Mr. Mcdaniel''s wife, while Maeve, the person seated beside her, is a maid hired by Mr. Mcdaniel." ''Mr. Mcdaniel?'' the socialites thought.


    Mr.


    They were shocked, their gazes toward Bonnie filled with envy and jealousy.


    "There''s only one Mr. Mcdaniel in our circle, and that''s Byron, the scion of the Mcdaniel family, they thought.


    They had also heard that Gilbert had been pressuring Byron to get married recently. They had also secretly wondered if they could get married to him.


    immensely powerful background, but also because they had heard that Byron was young and handsome. At under thirty, he had already shown skills in handling thingsparable to his father.


    In the entire Kleymond, there were countless socialites who wanted to be Mrs. Mcdaniel.


    Telt a sense of deep emotional disappointment.


    It was not only because of the Mcdaniel family''s Thexpectedly, he is already married, and his wife is Bonnie,'' the socialities thought. "So, the couple kissing in the video is them?"


    As for Bonnie, she was so startled by Karen''s words that a piece of cake got stuck in her throat, and her face turned pale.


    At this moment, Karen stood up and walked behind Bonnie to support her shoulders. She said with a smile, "Ladies, you see how well our Mrs. Mcdaniel treats this maid, even considering this maid as her best friend. But how does this maid treat Mrs. Mcdaniel? She seduced Mr. Mcdaniel in private and even did such a shameless thing in public... Mrs. Mcdaniel, I feel sorry for you."


    Those socialites thought, ''It can''t be, right? The person kissing Mr. Mcdaniel in the video is actually this maid?''


    They nced at the screen. Then, they nced at Maeve, who was standing there with a pale face, and revealed looks of disgust. What they despised the most in their lives was such a shameless woman who seduced married men.


    "Get out!" an heiress said as she red at Maeve. "We don''t wee dirty things like you here."


    "Oh


    my god, it''s so disgusting. Ms. Han... Mrs. Mcdaniel is so kind to her, but she actually seduced Mrs. Mcdaniel''s husband?" "She must have seduced him more than once in the video, right? It''s obvious that she''s always showing off to attract Mr. Mcdaniel. She''s such a b***h." "I''m actually sitting at the same table as such a person. I want to go home and take a shower now." When Karen heard these voices, a delighted sense of amusement shed across her eyes.


    I want the disgraceful things Maeve has done to be known by everybody,'' she thought. I want her reputation to getpletely ruined. I want her to be unable to continue being a maid in this circle after leaving Byron. I want to be ruthless and go all out. This ***h deserves


    ???


    !


    it.


    "Ms. Booth, I thought your rtionship with Mr. Mcdaniel was very close. It seems that it''s just so-so."


    Maeve, who was targeted and mocked by everyone, suddenly chuckled, showing no signs of shame or embarrassment


    despite getting hurled insults.


    Karen frowned slightly and asked, "What do you mean?"


    "Aren''t you doing these things to drive me away from Mr. Mcdaniel?" Maeve said with a mocking look. "You even used Bonnie to deal a blow on me. If your rtionship with Mr. Mcdaniel is really as strong as you say, why did you put in a lot of effort and thought to target me?" Karen''s expression darkened, and she suddenly had a bad premonition.


    "Unfortunately, you got one thing wrong." Maeve said with an indifferent tone of voice. "Bonnie is not Mr. Mcdaniel''s wife. I am."


    As soon as these words were spoken, Karen revealed a mocking expression. "You? Can you look in the mirror? Are you worthy? Mrs. Mcdaniel is right here. Who else do you want to fool?"


    She pointed at Bonnie.


    Bonnie Karen,


    pounded her chest and finally swallowed the cake and nuts that had gotten stuck. She then stood up abruptly and with force.


    I really thought that you liked Otome games too, which is why I became friends with you. You actually used me to deal with Maeve?" Karen said, "Mrs. Mcdaniel, please let me exin..."


    Mrs.


    Mcdaniel my a**!" Bonnie said angrily. "I''ve been single for over twenty years. Plus, the man kissing Maeve in the video is her husband to begin with. It''s none of your business when a couple kisses, yet you hurled mud at Maeve, saying that she seduced someone else''s husband?" It was a bolt from the blue for Karen. Her pupils suddenly widened and were filled with shock. "N-no way," she said. "She''s just a maid."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Maeveughed when she heard that. "Ms. Booth, I remember telling you many times that I''m not."


    Perhaps Karen is unwilling to believe that I''m not a maid because I''m too close to Mr. Mcdaniel,'' she thought. ''Only by having this line of thought can she feel at ease.''


    Bonnie nodded in agreement and said, "Maeve is clearly a designer. Even if things were tough, she could still take on frence jobs to make a living. Why would she need to be a maid? If I hadn''t choked just now, I would have scolded you. I think you are the one who wants to seduce someone else''s husband. No wonder you went out of your way to record such a video. You just want to use us to deal with Maeve, right?"


    §à

 Chapter 96

    Karen''s dignity was nearly shattered from getting scolded. She stood there with a pale face and muttered, "No way." The socialites were stunned by this turn of events, unable to believe it.


    "The heiress of the Hancock family is not Mrs. Mcdaniel, they thought. "This woman who can''t even afford to wear branded clothes is actually Mrs. Mcdaniel? It''s not just Karen who doesn''t believe it. We don''t believe either. The facts leave us no choice but to believe, especially with Bonnie''s own confirmation, Karen''s tactics, like showing the video and intentionally making everyone turn against Maeve... prompt people to think more deeply about her motives. Everyone present, except for Maeve and Bonnie, knew that Karen was the secretary to the CEO of Mcdaniel Group. perfectly normal for her to have different feelings toward Byron. Today''s incident was obviously her attempt to get rid of her love rival.


    It was


    The ss conservatory was extremely quiet for a moment, and everyone else''s eyes on Karen were filled with subtle disdain. In the end, the person who broke the silence was the heiress who had first scolded Maeve earlier. She said, "Ms. Ree... Mrs. Mcdaniel, I''m sorry for misunderstanding you just now. I hope you won''t take it to heart." After


    she stepped forward, the other socialites who had scolded Maeve also apologized one after another.


    It wasmon for a maid to seduce the master of the house in wealthy families. These socialities had seen it happen before in their own families, which was why they lost their temper so quickly. Maeve could tell that they were sincerely apologizing. She shook her head and said, "It''s fine. You guys were unaware of the full situation."


    The socialites were initially worried that Maeve would be unrelenting because of her status as Mrs. Mcdaniel, but they were surprised to find her so understanding.


    "I''m really sorry."


    The first heiress looked apologetic. Then, she looked at Karen fiercely and said, "Ms. Booth, I don''t think you''re fit to attend our coffee party. Please leave." Karen was Byron''s secretary, so even these socialities usually had to show her some respect. But now that Byron''s wife was


    ¦Ð


    wife was here, Karen''s status as a mere secretary was nothing.


    ''If Mrs. Mcdaniel holds a grudge against us because of our scolding and brings this up to Mr. Mcdaniel, our parents will give us a piece of their minds when we return home,'' they thought. Ever since Karen ren became Byron''s secretary, almost everyone fawned over her, so her sense of superiority went without saying.


    She had never been treated with such disrespect.


    Karen''s face flushed, and she bit her lip tightly in embarrassment.


    This bunch of opportunistic fence-sitters!'' she cursed inwardly. Pretending to be calm, she then raised her chin and walked out, clutching her handbag.


    When she passed by Maeve, she lowered her voice and said sarcastically, "Don''t be smug. I want to see how long you can remain as Mrs. Mcdaniel. With Byron''s high and respectable status, you''re not worthy of him at all."


    A sense


    of shock shed across Maeve''s eyes as she instinctively blurted out, "Isn''t he a driver?"


    ''A driver?'' Karen thought.


    A driv


    Soon, she caught on and realized that Maeve probably did not know Byron''s true identity. With gloomy eyes, she gave Maeve a sidelong look, thinking, ''It seems that Byron is just fooling around with her!


    "Who knows?" Karen sneered and left in her high heels.


    Maeve slowly exhaled, her thoughts in a mess. 92% 92%


    Bonnie asked with an annoyed expression, "Maeve, what did she say to you just now? Did she say unpleasant things again?"


    "Nothing," Maeve said as she smiled at her. "Bonnie, I''m a little tired and want to go back."


    "I don''t want to stay here any longer either. Let''s go."


    The socialites initially wanted toe over and build a closer rtionship with Maeve, which would benefit their family''s business.


    Unexpectedly, the two best friends walked arm in arm, not giving them a chance at all.


    After leaving the vi, Maeve got into Bonnie''s car to return home.


    Bonnie was still very angry when she thought of what had happened earlier. "I have no idea what''s with her thought process. She actually thought your husband is my husband. Right from the start, she intentionally made an effort to get close to me, but I actually couldn''t tell."


    Maeveforted her, saying, "She''s quite scheming, and she yed on your preferences, so it''s not surprising that you were deceived."


    ''Plus, I''m actually quite happy that Bonnie supported me in front of so many people,'' she thought.


    Bonnie was still mad. "Those people who scolded you are also at fault. They came forward to scold you without knowing the situation, so it serves them right to be used as pawns. I''ll block them when I get back. I won''t interact with them from now on.''


    She thought, ''Anyway, I''m a homebody, so I''m not afraid of offending those heiresses."


    Maeve chuckled. "Why are you angrier than me? Anyway, I won''t interact with them from now on, so let''s just let it go this time."


    "I won''t let that slide." Bonnie snorted. "Maeve, Karen definitely has an interest in your husband. You have to be wary of her from now on."


    "Actually, she''s the childhood friend of Mr. Mcdaniel I told you about."


    "What?" Bonnie was shocked. "Then your husband''s attitude toward her..."


    Maeve shrugged. "I don''t know much about their situation. All I know is that they are very close


    She thought, Karen even knows what kind of apples he likes.


    Maeve felt a trace of sadness.


    Bonnie frowned. "When Karen approached me, she mentioned that her family runs apany. She''s somewhat of a beautiful woman with good social status. Howe your husband and she are childhood friends?" She thought, Their backgrounds don''t match at all."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Marve thought of what Karen had just said and clenched her fists.


    92% 92%


    "Mr. Mcdaniel stayed frKaren''s house when he was a kid," she said. "His parents are likely quite rich. It shouldn''t be strange for the two families to know each other."


    Bonnie was even more puzzled. "Why is he just a mere driver then? Don''t me me for being straightforward. Karen looks quite arrogant. I think she has a low opinion of drivers..."


    She thought,


    ''But the immoral things she has done make her seem very contradictory!


    Maeve could not help but defend Byron. "There''s nothing wrong with being a driver."


    "Yeah. Got it. I know people often view their loved ones as wonderful regardless of others'' opinions." Bonnie was helpless. "By the way, howe Karen saw you as a maid?" Maeve pursed her lips. "When Mr. Mcdaniel introduced me to his friends, he said I''m a maid... She might have heard that."


    "What?" Bonnie got angry. "How can there be such a person? What does he take you for? I was wondering why Karen was so sure that you were a maid. She remained unconvinced even after the truth was revealed." She thought, ''So the problem lies here.'' Bonnie was furious.


    "Maeve, get a divorce. I''ll introduce you to someone better."


    Maeve instantly felt a mix of amusement and annoyance. She went along with her statements, saying, "Sure, when I get a divorce, you can introduce me to someone." Bonnie took it seriously and quickly searched for suitable unmarried young men.


    When they reached the front of the apartment, Maeve reminded Bonnie to drive slowly. After Bonnie left, she turned around and walked toward the courtyard.


    As soon as she entered, she saw a tall fir tree rooted in the grass on the right side of the courtyard. The roots were even surrounded by a ring of brown bricks.


    Byron stood under the tree. His figure was tall and straight. His face, silhouetted against the light, had sharp and chiseled features, looking handsome beyondparison.


    Maeve looked at this scene in a daze, thinking, ''Is he really a driver? His appearance and demeanor don''t seem to match that. Is what Karen said true, or is it meant to deliberately mislead me?''

 Chapter 97

    At this moment, Byron turned to look at her and asked, "What are you daydreaming about?"


    "Nothing." Maeve said, snapping out of her thoughts. She then walked up to him. "Howe there''s a tree here?"


    "It''s a gift from Ray." Byron''s expression was indifferent. "He suddenly said he wanted to celebrate Christmas and went up the mountain with Jarrett to look for this kind of fir. He also sent one to me Actually, Ray and Jarrett went to steal trees behind the resort owned by Mcdaniel Group and got caught by someone who was sent to transnt the fir. Hence, theborers who were supposed to transnt the fir ended up being them.


    However, Byron thought there was no need to tell her this.


    Maeve opened her mouth. "But Mr. Mcdaniel, Christmas trees are usually ced at home to create a festive atmosphere and are generally small and delicate. Isn''t this one too tall?" It was ten feet tall.


    Byron frowned slightly. "Are you talking about that kind of trash that is reced every year and is such a hassle to dispose of? How can this tree not beparable to that kind of thing?" ''Does this woman have any taste?'' he thought.


    The corner of Maeve''s mouth began to twitch when she heard the words "trash that is such a hassle to dispose of".


    She suddenly thought of a question. "Mr. Mcdaniel, is it okay for this tree to be nted in the courtyard? Will thendlord criticize you?"


    Byron''s expression froze. "No, the tenants have the right to use the courtyard here."


    Maeve


    e frowned in confusion. "Speaking of which, after living here for a while, I don''t think I''ve seen any other tenants. We are not the only ones in the whole apartment building, right?" She guessed correctly.


    The whole apartment building belonged to Byron, so there were naturally no other tenants.


    "I''m not sure. I haven''t paid attention." Byron looked away calmly. "If you''re curious, you can knock on every door and ask."


    "Forget it then. Maybe it''s just a coincidence that we didn''t run into them." Maeve''s curiosity wasn''t strong enough to go that far. Looking at the bare fir tree in front of her, she was a little tempted. "Can I decorate it then?"


    "Up to you," Byron said indifferently. "I''m not interested in this kind of thing."


    "Help me hold thedder when the timees then."


    "Sure."


    Sure.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Hearing him agree, Maeve had a cheerful expression, but theplicated feelings within her still did not dissipate. Karen''s words came to mind. She thought, ''With Byron''s high and respectable status, you''re not worthy of him at all. Was Karen referring to Mr. Mcdaniel''s family background or to him personally? If it''s about him personally..."


    felt a pang of tension in her chest, and she immediately discarded this possibility out of her mind.


    Maeve felt


    Seeing Byron walking into the apartment, she rubbed her temples and followed him.


    There was a utility bill pasted at the door of the apartment.


    Maeve took it down and had a look. She was so shocked that she was momentarily at a loss for words. "We''ve seriously overspent on the utilities this month. Mr. Mcdaniel, why don''t we reduce the number of times we use smart home devices?" took out a bottle of cold water from the fridge and asked casually, "How much?"


    Byron mentioned the


    figure.


    Hearing this figure, Byron did not think much of it.


    He thought, ''But if this amount is converted into the cotton candy that Maeve likes and her pile of junk snacks...


    Perhaps influenced by her frugality recently, Byron thought for a moment and said, "Use the sprinkler less. Taking care of your pile of vegetables consumes more electricity."


    If you don''t turn on the She did not want to take the me. "My vegetables don''t need to be watered all the time. It''s the air conditioner that''s been running more."


    Maeve''s e''s eyes widened.


    air conditioner in this weather, you want to freeze to death at home, huh?"


    What do you think we should do then?"


    "What do


    In the end, the two of them sat on the carpet in front of the sofa and argued for a long while before they managed to keep the appliances they wanted to use,


    The appliance Maeve wanted to use was the sprinkler, while the one Byron wanted to use was the air conditioner.


    As for other electrical


    I appliances, they would avoid using them as much as possible lest they receive a hefty utility bill next month. Just looking at that line of numbers, Maeve was very distressed.


    She sat cross-legged, tapping away on the calctor. "We have to make up for the overspending in this aspect by cutting back elsewhere... I''ll skip buying snacks for now, use up household items until next month, and buy ingredients at the market where they are up to for this amount of money by cutting costs in other areas, not letting a single dor slip by


    cheaper... And Mr. Mcdaniel, your coffee and


    She muttered about needing to make un mineral water in the fridge are running low. Try to hold off on buying for a while. Saving even a little helps..."


    Byron sat


    t with his leg bent, leaning against the edge of


    s of his blue and mysterious eyes.


    A faint sense of amusement appeared in the depths the sofa, propping up his chin with one hand, and casually watched her as she was being meticulous in budgeting while mumbling incessantly.


    He thought, ''If that group of fogies were to speak nothing but this kind of nonsense during meetings, they would have been scolded badly. Yet Maeve, despite talking for a long while without a single useful point, is exceptionally soothing." "You seem to have forgotten to ount for how much the Christmas tree decorations will cost," Byron reminded herzily as he tapped Maeve''s ledger.


    Maeve was shocked. "Yes... I forgot about this. How about we skip decorating for now?"


    "Are we not celebrating Christmas either?"


    97


    Maeve looked conflicted, pondering where else she could cut some costs.


    "Let me buy them." Byron tapped his knuckles on the table. "The money in your card should not be counted as part of the monthly fixed expenditure, right?" Maeve''s eyes lit up. Then, she said sheepishly, "If you insist on buying them for me, I wouldn''t say


    Byron sneered. "I''m just afraid that you''ll continue to cut back on my coffee and mineral water."


    Afterpleting the bookkeeping, Maeve took her clothes and went into the bathroom.


    She stood in front of the mirror and could not help but chuckle.


    ??


    no."


    ''I knew it, she thought. ''Mr. Mcdaniel is just an ordinary guy. If, as Karen said, he had such an esteemed status, why would he worry about utility bills with me and even haggle over whether to turn on the air conditioner? It wouldn''t be necessary, right?'' After figuring this out, the emotional pressure that had been bothering Maeve''s mind was finally eased a bit. She hummed a song as she went to take a shower. Byron could hear her singing in the bathroom all the way from the living room. He was speechless.


    He pressed the spot between his eyebrows and instructed Archer on the phone, "From now on, you don''t have to pay the apartment''s utility bills. I''ll handle it myself."


    he


    Archer''s forehead was covered in sweat. He quickly exined, "Mr. Mcdaniel, thepany has been too busy this month. I overlooked this matter for a moment. I assure you that I won''t be negligent next time..."


    "I''m not holding you ountable. Also, help me buy some Christmas tree decorations and choose them ording to a girl''s preferences."


    Archer was stunned, thinking, I must be hearing things due to working too manyte nights.''


    Right after ending the call with Archer, Byron''s phone rang again.


    Gilbert''s helpless voice came through. "Byron, it seems your parents have found out about your marriage to Maeve and want to meet her formally. What do you think?"


    Byron frowned slightly. "Howe they know?"


    "It wasn''t me who revealed the secret," Gilbert said. "Karen came to see your mom in the afternoon. After she left, your mom came to tell me about this. Perhaps Karen told her."


    Byron''s expression was one of surprise as he thought, ''Karen? Does she have too much free time?''


    "Byron, are you listening to what I''m saying?" Gilbert asked, urging him.


    "I''m listening." Byron''s voice was calm. "Grandpa, please help me convey this message to them. Tell them to forget about the meeting and that they shouldn''t disturb our lives if there''s nothing important."

 Chapter 98

    Byron thought, ''Especially my mom. As long as she doesn''t show up in front of me, I can pretend not to know about her secretly paying Maeve to keep an eye on me. But her bothersome behavior is tolerable only up to three times. Gilbert sighed repeatedly and said, "Come on... They are your parents after all. It''s understandable that they want to see your wife. Besides, you can''t keep Maeve hidden for a lifetime." Byron''s eyes were filled with indifference as he thought, ''A lifetime? It''s still uncertain how long this marriage willst. Talking about a lifetime now is too early.''


    He did not answer Gilbert. Instead, he asked, "Grandpa, do you know where Neville is now?"


    Gilbert truly had no idea. "He disappeared into thin air aftering out of the detention center. I sent people to look for him, but they could not find his whereabouts. He must be afraid that I would hold him ountable for setting you up, so he went into hiding." Neville''s decision to go into hiding was clever.


    Having lost his shares in Mcdaniel Group and even his official position, it looked like he no longer posed a threat to Byron.


    However, he still had his assets and connections under his name. By biding his time and staying silent, he could still get a chance to make aeback.


    More importantly, with his ruthless and sinister methods, there was no telling what he would do while lurking in the shadows. Gilbert was so distressed that he kept sighing.


    Byron


    understood his grandfather''s worry, but he was not afraid at all. "He''s hiding, and he''s hiding at Lashton Sanatorium." "What?" Gilbert was stunned. "Howe he is currently at the sanatorium owned by your mother now? Is this true?"


    Gilbert knew Byron very well. Without conclusive evidence, he would never say this.


    He thought, ''No wonder the people I sent out have been unable to find Neville. It turns out he''s right under my nose. I''ve long known how much Alexis dotes on Neville. If he were her own child, it would be fine. But he''s not, and her indulgence and favoritism toward him are like a knife stabbing her own son''s heart." Gilbert''s expression was extremely sour. He thought, ''Did Alexis handle this on her own, or did Jason have a hand in it too? What is Byron to them?''


    Gilbert''s tone was very serious as he said, "Byron, your parents have let you down in this matter, but I''ll definitely address this issue for you and keep you informed."


    Byron''s expression was indifferent. He was not affected at all. He had gotten used to it.


    "I''m not ming you." His voice was calm. "But I hope they can control what they say and not bring up my private matters in front of Neville."? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Gilbert understood what he meant and immediately said, "Don''t worry. I''ll reprimand them."


    "Alright. Take good care of your health. I''ll visit you again when I have time."


    "Make sure to bring Maeve along. If it''s just you, there''s no need toe."


    Byron was left speechless.-


    Just as he was about to reply, Maeve''s distressed voice suddenly came from the bathroom.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you outside? I think I left my headband in the living room. Can you help me look for it?"


    Byron frowned slightly. After informing Gilbert that he would hang up, he walked toward the living room.


    +3


    On the other end of the line, Gilbert looked puzzled, thinking, ''Maeve actually calls Byron "Mr. Mcdaniel"? Also, when Byron mentioned Maeve just now, he used her full name..."


    Gilbert frowned in puzzlement. "They''re already married, and they still haven''t changed how they address each other? Or could it be... are they really a married couple?''


    Gilbert suddenly realized something. He stood up from behind the rosewood desk and paced around anxiously.


    He thought, "This won''t do. I have to find out what''s going on.


    Maeve was still unaware that her way of addressing Byron had raised Gilbert''s suspicions.


    When she didn''t hear a response from Byron after a while, she called out again, "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you there? If you''re there, make a sound."


    No one responded.


    Maeve thought that he was in the study or the master bedroom, so he did not hear her. She had no choice but to wrap herself in a towel and walk out of the bathroom to find her headband. She had just w I washed her hair, which fell to her waist. It was thick and glossy. Without a hairband, it would be quite troublesome to shower. However, the moment she stepped into the living room, she saw Byron preparing to take her headband to the bathroom.


    of them bumped into each other face-to-face.


    The two of thei


    Maeve''s eyes widened, while Byron''s


    back gradually stiffened.


    The atmosphere in the living room seemed to be increasingly tense. The two of them looked at each other without saying a word. Only the shock in their eyes continued to increase. It then urred to to Maeve that she was only covered in a towel. Her face instantly flushed. She let out a distressed cry and ran toward the bathroom. The shock in in Byron''s blue pupils had notpletely dissipated.


    He was still thinking about the emotionally alluring scene just now.


    Once he calmed down a bit, what followed was a mix of embarrassment and anger.


    Her methods are getting better and better,'' he thought. ''Knowing I''m right outside, she still dared toe out in just a towel that only reached her thighs. Where did this woman get all these tricks to seduce me? Who did she learn those tricks from?" Byron held the pink-white headband in his hand. He stood in ce to calm the restlessness rising inexplicably within him for a moment, slowly exhaling. After calming down, he walked to the bathroom door and said in a serious voice, "Open the door."


    "No!" Maeve''s trembling voice came from inside. She felt a deep sense of shame. "Hurry up and leave. Don''t stand outside."


    60.92%


    Hearing her embarrassed and angry voice, Byron sneered. "Weren''t you bold just now? Why are you acting reserved now?" ''Every time she seduces me, she will run away,'' he thought. ''Do I look like someone who''s easy to deal with?''


    "I had no idea you were outside," Maeve said angrily, "I called out to you so many times, but you didn''t respond. I thought you weren''t there." Otherwise, why would I dare to go out and look for a headband with a towel wrapped around me?'' she thought.


    Byron did not believe her. He cut off her stubborn rebuttal. "You don''t want your headband anymore, huh?"


    The bathroom fell silent.


    After a


    a while, Maeve mumbled voice came from inside. "You''d better not do anything rash."


    "Do you think I''m like you?"


    Maeve was left speechless.


    Byron waited calmly. After a few seconds, he saw the door open just a crack. Maeve''s hand, which was covered in water droplets, reached out.


    She even shook it up and down impatiently, as if urging him to bring the headband over quickly.


    A faint sense of amusement shed across Byron''s eyes.


    ?


    The gloomy mood stirred by Neville cleared up in an instant.


    His thin lips curled up. His palm grabbed Maeve''s outstretched wrist and pulled it out slightly.


    Maeve''s panicked voice immediately came from behind the door. "What are you doing? You said you wouldn''t do anything


    rash."


    "What''s wrong? Weren''t you quite bold when you seduced me just now?" Byron teased. "What are you afraid of now?"


    Maeve panicked and pressed against the door, but her hand was still gripped by him from the outside. The gap had to be left open to avoid the door getting jammed. She felt very insecure.


    Fortunately, Byron did not barge in and only teased her through the door.


    Maeve struggled with all her might, but she could not break free from his grip. Her voice softened as she said, "I really didn''t know that you were outside just now, and I didn''t seduce you. What exactly do you want?"

 Chapter 99

    Maeve thought, ''I don''t want to know why I''m always the one getting the short end of the stick and giving in. It''s not like I just found out how domineering he can be. I can only go along with it! "Nothing much," Byron said casually. "I want a continental breakfast tomorrow." Maeve was at a loss for words.


    She thought, ''I''ve just been too busy these past few days, always making him have the milk and cereal from the ce downstairs. Does he really have to tease me like this?'' Alright, alright, alright. I''ll make it for you for a week." Maeve agreed repeatedly. "Hurry up and let go. My bath water is getting cold."


    These words made Byron''s dark eyes narrow suddenly. He tightened his grip on her wrist.


    "You did it on purpose, didn''t you?"


    He thought, ''I was ready to let her off, but she still deliberately said suggestive things to tease me. Once the passion is ignited, she doesn''t care to cool it down.''


    ?


    "You heartless woman," Byron said in a low voice before shaking off her hand and walking toward the master bedroom. Maeve immediately retracted her hand, closed the bathroom door, and locked it.


    Then, she saw the headband wrapped around her wrist. She reckoned that Byron must have wrapped it around her wrist just


    now.


    She was so flustered that she didn''t even notice.


    Recalling what he said earlier, Maeve''s eyes showed frustration.


    ''How am I heartless?'' she thought. ''Had I been heartless, would I have even agreed to make him continental breakfast for a week? I should have let him have milk and cereal every day.'' What happened that day at the coffee party had more or less spread.


    Out of guilt and fear of Maeve, the socialites did not dare to openly and extensively share all the specifics of the incident. They only spread some of Karen''s amusing things as entertainment. But the video that Karen secretly recorded still ended up on Byron''s desk.


    After watching it, Byron''s expression was cold. The pen in his hand tapped a folder irregrly.


    Again and again, the faint sound made Karen''s back tremble.


    She said.


    said, "Byron, let me exin... There''s a reason why I did that. Besides, you were the one who said that Maeve was your maid, so I misunderstood that she was seducing you..." "What Maeve is to me has nothing to do with you," Byron said, his sharp gazending on her face. "Ms. Booth, you''ve crossed the line."


    Karen''s heart ached. "I was just afraid that you''ll be deceived by her-"


    Byron interrupted her coldly. "Also, who allowed you to secretly record my video and show it to others in public?"


    At this moment, Karen suddenly remembered that Byron hated appearing in any media and having his private life pried


    into. into.


    At that time, her rationality had been burned by anger and shepletely forgot about this.


    Karen said through gritted teeth, "I''m sorry, Mr. Mcdaniel. It''s my mistake. I identally forgot that you hate it when others pry into your private affairs."


    Byron coldly retracted his gaze and flipped open the document in front of him. "Suspended for a month. Go back and reflect on yourself. I don''t need a secretary who is blinded by personal emotions." Karen''s entire body trembled, widening her eyes in disbelief as she looked at the arrogantly high and mighty man sitting behind the desk.


    He was like a king sitting on a throne, far away from the mortal world.


    And she seemed to be getting further and further away from him, finding him difficult to reach.


    "Byron, do


    still remember that we grew up together?" Karen''s eyes were teary. "I was wrong, but I only wanted to protect you, fearing that you would be deceived by Maeve. How can you treat me like this?" The one-month suspension might seem like nothing to anyone else.


    However, to Karen, it was a rather embarrassing matter.


    Everyone in thepany knew that she was Byron''s childhood friend.


    Without even raising his head, Byron said indifferently, "If it weren''t for our childhood friendship, what you should do now would be to submit your resignation letter."


    Karen''s face suddenly turned pale.


    "You may leave now."


    Karen was momentarily speechless. She lowered her head to hide the destion and the sense of reluctance to be resigned to the situation in her eyes. Then, she walked out, dazed and dejected. When she reached the door, she suddenly asked, "Byron, you married Maeve just for the sake of dealing with Gilbert, right?


    Byron raised his eyelids, not answering her question.


    Karen felt a sense of relief from the emotional burden she had been feeling.


    She thought, I knew it, Byron punished me because I crossed the boundary and went beyond what was eptable to him. Throughout, he never mentioned what I did to Maeve. It''s clear that it''s not because he feels sorry for her. That''s enough. Karen smirked, regained her calm and elegant demeanor, and walked out of the office.


    When Archer passed by her, he even thought, ''Mr. Mcdaniel is still as tolerant as ever toward his childhood friend. He didn''t even hold her ountable over the matter of secretly taking a video!


    Archer walked to the desk and said respectfully, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I have already warned the families of those heiresses as you instructed. They assured that their lips are sealed about the matter at the coffee party." "Mm," Byron replied indifferently.


    Archer hesitated for a moment and asked carefully, "Mr. Mcdaniel, may I ask what your rtionship with Ms. Reese is?"


    He had only heard a little about the matter at the coffee party.


    Sun, Uct


    He only knew that Karen had gone to make things difficult for Maeve but did not seed.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    He had also watched that video. It could be said that he was terrified.


    920


    If Mr. Mcdaniel wants to make a move on someone''s romantic interest, he should at least wait until Ms. Reese is divorced, he thought. ''He can''t be so forward and kiss her." Archer did not understand and was very confused.


    Byron looked up and looked at him coldly from the corner of his eyes. "Are you very free? East Continent Power nt is in need of a supervisor. If you''re free, you can pack up and go there. "I suddenly remembered that I still have work to do. Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ll get out now,"


    After Archer left, he came back a few minutester. "Mr. Mcdaniel, the senior executives from Eternal Hope have sent you an invitation to attend the annual design exhibition tonight." Byron frowned slightly. Just as he was about to say that he was unavable, it suddenly urred to her that Maeve worked at Eternal Hope.


    He thought, ''Recently, for the sake of the design exhibition, she has been toozy to even make breakfast every day and has been giving me the junk sold downstairs just to get by.'' Byron sneered. He


    "What time does it Wanted to see what she had been up totely.


    Tonight at


    at seven one-chilling as snowkes gently fell outside.


    The cold wind was


    In the banquet hall on the seventeenth floor of Wrestwood Hotel, the design exhibition of Eternal Hope was about to begin.


    Surrounded by a watercolor-wash style design, the perfect lighting and decorations showcased a ssical and elegant ambiance.


    There were no empty seats on either side of the runway, not even the VIP seats on the second-floor viewing area.


    The backstage was bustling with activity. Maeve took out the boxes containing the gowns and ced them on the table. Before she opened them, someone suddenly came over to call her. "Maeve, someone is looking for you."


    t it," Maeve replied. She told the assistant beside her to take out the gowns and hang them up before walking out of the dressing room.


    "Alright, got it,"


    As she saw the figure waiting in front of the curtain, her eyes were filled with puzzlement. She said, "Karen? Why do you


    want to see me?"


    Is she here to cause trouble again?'' Maeve wondered.


    Karen turned around and crossed her arms arrogantly. "Alexis is in the VIP box number 01. Go over and see her now." Her tone sounded as if Alexis''s summons were an honor for Maeve.

 Chapter 100

    Maeve frowned and said, "I''m very busy now and don''t have time to meet Mrs. Mcdaniel with you. Besides, I don''t think there''s a need for me to see her. I''m going to get back to work. Feel free to do as you please." With that said, Maeve returned to the dressing room without a moment''s pause.


    Karen looked at Maeve''s back gloomily. Then, she turned around in her high heels and left, returning to the VIP box on the second floor.


    She walked up to Alexis, who was wearing gold-rimmed sunsses and sitting on a long sofa, and said awkwardly, "Alexis, Maeve said she doesn''t have time to see you and doesn''t want to see you. She asked you not to disturb her..."


    Hearing this, Alexis took off her sunsses, her expression extremely displeased. "Who does she think she is?" she said. "She doesn''t even have the most basic manners toward elders. Someone from amon background justcks proper upbringing." Karen appeared disappointed. "If she could instigate Byron to suspend me, then it''s likely that she doesn''t regard you with much respect."


    Because the Booth family once adopted Byron, Alexis had always had much liking for Karen.


    She couldn''t bear to see her in such a state now.


    "Byron is in the wrong this time. I''ll help you talk to him when I have the chance."


    "Thank you, Alexis." Karen forced a smile. "I''m just a little worried that your rtionship with Maeve will worsen as you and Maeve don''t get along. After all, Maeve doesn''t look easy to get along with..."


    As soon as Karen said these words, Alexis pursed her lips, and there was a hint of disgust in her eyes.


    She thought of the two encounters in which she interacted with Maeve. She found Maeve sharp-tongued with a rude attitude, showing no respect or obedience to an elder like her.


    ''As a maid, she is already unqualified, so how could she be worthy of being the daughter-inw of the Mcdaniel family then?" she thought. ''I have no idea what trouble this kind of woman would cause after marrying into the Mcdaniel family. Alexis was dispirited, but she said, "Byron is my son after all. As an outsider, she is nothing."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "Alexis, you''re right." Karen stopped the discussion about Maeve''s character at the point that she thought was right. Feigning indifference, she then said, "Look, the fashion show has begun. I heard that Maeve''s design will be thest to appear. It definitely won''t disappoint you."


    Alexis''s expression was indifferent. "Let''s hope so."


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the dressing room was frighteningly tense.


    After the assistant opened Maeve''s boxes containing the gowns, she noticed that they were empty.


    Maeve searched the dressing room thoroughly but could not find the gowns.


    It was as if they had vanished into thin air.


    Leah happened toe over to check on the progress. After hearing what had happened, she frowned and asked, "Maeve, did


    leave the gowns at home and forget to bring them over?


    you


    "Ms. Mason, I checked these boxes before I left, and the gowns were still in the boxes," Maeve said. "I have been carrying them since I arrived at the hotel." Maeve clenched her fists. "It was only when I left for a while earlier that-


    "Improper handling is your negligence," Leah interrupted her harshly. "There''s only half an hour left until your group''s runway show. With the gowns missing, you want this exhibition to fail to proceed, huh? You''re in charge of Eternal Hope''s most iconic series, which is essential every year, How am I supposed to fill the gap you''ve created now?"


    Hearing Leah''s scolding, everyone else did not even dare to gasp


    Maeve took a deep breath and tried her best to calm the chaos in her mind as she thought about the whereabouts of the gowns.


    Just as Leah was about to say something else, someone knocked on the door of the dressing room.


    "Is Ms. Reese here?" a man in a suit said with a smile, standing at the doorway with a few gowns covered by a transparent cloth in his hand. "Your gowns were tossed in the corridor. I brought them for you."


    Maeve''s eyes lit up, and she immediately went forward to check those gowns.


    Fortunately, there was no damage, only some dust.


    Taking the gown from the man in a suit, Maeve''s face was filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much. May I ask how to address you?"


    The man irra suit hurriedly said, "It''s no sweat. You''re wee, Ms. Reese. I still have something on. I''ll leave now."


    Without waiting for Maeve''s reply, he quickly left.


    A hint of doubt shed across Maeve''s mind. She thought, "That''s strange. Do I know this person? Howe he knows myst name is Reese?''


    Leah pped and instructed, "Since the gowns have been found, let''s get moving quickly. You people don''t have much time left."


    Everyone was once again caught up in a flurry of activity..


    As Maeve took the gowns over and hung them up, she heard Leah say to her, "I really don''t know if you''re lucky or not. Fortunately, the exhibition isn''t messed up by you." Hearing the insincerity in her words, Maeve smiled indifferently and said, "It was a close call, right?"


    Leah let out a snort.


    At this moment, Alex walked in. When he saw Maeve, his eyes lit up.


    "Maeve, it''s good that you''re here," he said. "The model wearing that set of "Blossom" gown fell in the washroom and has been sent to the hospital. Can you do me a favor?"


    Maeve was stunned and suddenly had a bad premonition. She said, "Wh-what can I help with?"


    Outside, in the VIP lounge on the leftmost side of the venue, Archer received a report from his subordinate. He then walked over and said to the man on the sofa with his long legs crossed, "Mr. Mcdaniel, the gowns have been returned to Ms. Reese." Supporting his chin with one hand and looking at the runway below casually, there was no fluctuation of emotion in Byron''s eyes as he said, "Have you found out who did it?"


    Archer said, "The person who threw away the gowns was a hotel cleaner. Someone gave her a huge sum of money to steal Ms. Reese''s gowns and destroy them. However, the cleaner got greedy and wanted to sell the gowns to earn another sum of money, so she just hid them... The cleaner said the person who gave her the money was a middle-aged man with amon face. She doesn''t remember his appearance. The surveince cameras didn''t capture any relevant footage either."


    He thought, ''Come to think of it, it''s coincidental. When our group came out of the elevator and passed by that cleaner,


    none of us noticed anything suspicious.


    It was Byron who unintentionally saw a corner of a gown peeking out from under the cart and recognized that the pattern on it was identical to the one on Macve''s gown that was ced at home. It was then that he realized that something was off. So, he sent someone to investigate.


    "Mm," Byron responded with little interest, took a sip of the ss of champagne beside him, and nced downzily from the corner of his eye.


    The finale of the "Morningstar" series had already begun.


    The models that first appeared wore gowns designed by Jack. The gowns were all in shades of purple, ranging from light to dark, which symbolized the transition of a girl''s most beautiful years from innocence to maturity.


    The VIPS in the hall nodded secretly. noting that the "Morningstar" collection had finally made some new breakthroughs this year as they were almost tired of seeing the same old thing.


    The models that appeared next wore gowns designed by Maeve.


    At first nce, many people were disappointed when they saw the models in pure ck gowns, thinking, ''How could such unattractively ck gowns be considered designs?''


    However, when the models walked to the spot illuminated by stage lighting, everyone''s expressions immediately changed. The models wore ck mermaid-style fishtail gowns. The hems of the gowns emitted dazzling golden light as the models walked. Each pleat and curve was perfectly executed, including the neckline and cuffs.


    Golden butterflies and roses bloomed on the hems of the gowns. The patterns were vivid and lifelike, tugging at one''s heartstrings through the thin ck veils.


    0

 Chapter 101

    The VIPS below the stage got worked up and discussed in low voices.


    my god, this is the most beautiful and special gown I''ve ever seen. It''s like a painting"


    "The pattern on the gown doesn''t look like a print. It resembles crewelwork. Is the designer from a notable family of crewelwork experts?"


    "I don''t think anyone will dare to say that the Morningstar collection of Eternal Hope isn''t good from now on, right?"


    The runway show was still ongoing.


    The gowns transitioned from ck to white, ending with a model in a moonlight-colored trailing gown.


    This gown was spread open from the back. The hem of the gown was embroidered with silver threads that formed the scene of the moon pce. It spread out in a wave-like pattern, as if scattering moonlight and frost across the ground. Everyone was S so captivated b by the beauty that it took their breath away.


    When Karen saw this scene, her eyes darkened, and she felt tightness in her chest.


    She thought, The person I sent had clearly thrown away Maeve''s gowns How did Maeve get them back? But thankfully, Alexis has been in the fashion industry for many years, so there''s no way she would have a high opinion of such a small and trivial show... "I didn''t expect Maeve to be so capable," Alexis said as she adjusted her shawl. "This final gown is very unique from the design to the pattern. It doesn''t seem like something a designer of her age could create.


    Hearing the praise in Alexis''s words, Karen was incredibly enraged.


    She thought, ''I put in so much effort not to change Alexis''s opinion of Maeve. Could it be that the money I spent has gone down the drain?


    Karen forced a smile and deliberately said, "Alexis, Ms. Reese is really outstanding. It''s a pity that her background isn''t very impressive.


    At the mention of this, Alexis indeed frowned and did not say anything else.


    The runway show for the Morningstar collection wasn''t over yer, and the person in charge''s phone was almost Exploding with calls, all inquiring about the pre-sales time of the gowns, especially the few sets designed by Maeve. Several VIPs wanted to take them all away. ?


    The person in charge was grinning from ear to ear, but since no instructions hade from the higher-ups, he had to reluctantly give those callers the runaround.


    On the left side of the second-floor viewing tform, seeing that Maeve''s design runway show had ended, Byron nced at his wristwatch, got up, and instructed, "Have the driver bring the car downstairs." "Alright, Mr. Mcdaniel, Archer replied.


    Byron nodded slightly and was about to leave when he suddenly saw a familiar slender figure below.


    His gaze lingered for a moment before a look of amazement shed across his face.


    At this moment, the person standing on the runway was Maeve


    She slowly walked forward in the gradient pink and white wedding dress that she had tried on the other day. 101


    Chapte


    Her skin was wless Inthe first ce. The teardrop-shaped design on her chest highlighted a perfect curve. The light from the sparkling diamonds reflected in her eyes, making her look even more dazzling. The elegant bow at her waist swayed, and the roses on her skirt reflected the appearance of rose branches. It was as if spring had arrived, and the roses bloomed one after another.


    Maeve was wearing makeup that included soft, rosy hues and pink tones to create a fresh and youthful look.


    Her lips were red, her eyes were like stars, and the redness on her cheeks seemed to be dyed by the deepest color of flower petals, making her look shy and timid.


    In April, springtime flowers were gone, and the roses in the mountainous regions began to bloom.


    Maeve''s beauty was just as stunning.


    The


    hall was unprecedentedly


    quiet.


    The VIPS closest to the


    to the runway were all stunned.


    It was unknown whether they were captivated by the model on stage or the gown she was wearing.


    "Ms. Reese is so beautiful... The subordinate behind Archer gasped and could not help but voice his thoughts.


    Sensing a


    a cold and oppressive gaze directed at him, he hurriedly shut his mouth and lowered his head.


    Archer looked at him lovingly, thinking, Little brat, you are not in a position to admire Ms. Reese''s beauty. You even dare to say it out loud. You''ve got some nerve. Byron coldly retracted his gaze and looked at the figure below. His gaze was deep and inscrutable.


    Maeve was very beautiful. Even if she usually did not put on any makeup, her beauty could not be hidden.


    However, even Byron did not expect her to look this stunning in a wedding dress.


    uits her very well.


    He thought, I have to to say that it suits


    Byron''s eyes darkened as he said in a serious voice, "Go buy this wedding dress and put it in the wardrobe of my manor."


    He didn''t want the wedding dress Maeve wore to be worn by anyone else in the future.


    ¦°¦¥


    "Alright,


    ????


    I contact the higher-ups of Eternal Hope right away." Without asking further, Archer took out his phone to make the call.


    After teturning backstage, Maeve slumped onto the lounge chair, her forehead covered in fine beads of sweatN?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Alex wiped her sweat with a handkerchief and said gently, "You did very well. You didn''t miss any cues. This wedding dress looks perfect on you."


    Maeve forced a chuckle and said, "I was really afraid that I''d fall on stage. Mr. Brown, let''s avoid doing this again. I don''t think my heart can handle it."


    She thought, ''Lots of people below the stage were staring at me. The slightest mistake will be overly scrutinized an more significant in the eyes of others. I was so darn nervous just now that the smile on my face froze. Indeed, such things are best left to models. Alex could not help butugh. Thave personal interests this time. Since you don''t like it, there won''t be a next time." He thought, "At that time, I just had a sudden feeling. Sure enough, this wedding dress can only be worn by Maeve. No one else can pull it off.


    08:12 MO


    08:12 MO


    "Maeve, if I wanted yourto ept this wedding dress, would you be willing?" Alex suddenly asked. naturally refused.


    Maeve


    "If I could, I''d prefer to buy it myself. But... I''m short on money right now."


    Alex was not


    Maeve''s lit up. "Can I?"


    t surprised that she would say that. He ignored the faint sense of disappointment within himself and smiled. "I don''t intend to sell this wedding dress. When you have enough money, you cane and buy it from me." "Yes," Alex leaffirmed. Tm happy to choose a suitable owner for my wedding dress."


    After agreeing on the matter with Alex, Maeve lifted her skirt and went to change clothes.


    Leah stopped her outside the changing room, looking rather displeased.


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat and suddenly remembered what Ava had said when she was dismissed.


    Ms.


    Mason has feelings for Mr. Brown, she thought.


    Maeve immediately exined, "Ms. Mason, I just had a brief chat with Mr. Brown about the runway show Please don''t misunderstand..."


    about that?" Leah said as she frowned. She then took out her phone and cleared her throat awkwardly. Take a photo with me. Just like you are now in the wedding dress."


    "Who cares about


    Maeve was puzzled.


    She thought, ''She''s not here to cause trouble for me. She just wants to take a photo with me?"


    "So you like this wedding dress too." Maeve heaved a sigh of relief "Mr. Brown''s designs are indeed irresistible to women." Leah disagreed. "This wedding dress is indeed beautiful, but it''s still a bitckingpared to you." Maeve widened her eyes in surprise. "Uh, are you praising me?"


    She thought, ''Ms. Mason, who has never given me a friendly look since I joined thepany, is actuallyplimenting me as being more beautiful than the wedding dress?


    Being stared at by Maeve''s surprised gaze, Leah was a little flustered and annoyed. "When did I praise you? Spare me the crap. Are you taking a photo with me or not?" Maeve caught a glimpse of her flushed ears under her curly hair, finding it amusing.


    She thought, I initially thought Leah was arrogant and hard to approach, but it turns out that she is actually arrogant yet has a softer side, huh?"


    F

 Chapter 102

    After taking the photo, Maeve quickly changed out of the wedding dress and returned to the area behind the curtain of the runway.


    As per tradition, after the show ended, the VIP''s voted for the most eye-catching fashion series, Usually, Alex''s wedding dress series would win. The chances of her designers winning were very low.


    wever, t


    Let us


    tonight''s result was somewhat unexpected. congratte the


    the designers of the Morningstar series, Mr. Smith and Ms. Reese, the emcee said. His voice spread throughout the entire banquet hall. When Maeve heard this, her face was filled with disbelief.


    She hadn''t held out any hope. After all, Alex''s wedding dress collection was outstanding


    Unexpectedly, the collection chosen in the end was actually Morningstar.


    Leah


    walked up to Maeve with a rare smile, saying, "Congrattions! Your votes exceeded Mr. Brown''s by eleven. You deserve to be chosen this time. Don''t just stand there. Go on stage and express your thoughts." Only then did Maeve feel the victory sink in. She then smiled at her and said, "Thank you, Ms. Mason."


    She took a deep breath and went on stage with Jack


    It was different from the feeling of walking on the runway earlier. Now that she was standing here, she truly felt that the hard work of the past few days had not been in vain.


    Designers who were selected were not only given a diamond badge, but also a cash prize and the right to choose designs for the seasonal collection.


    The other non-winning designers were inte intensely envious


    After all the procedures werepleted, the hall downstairs for the celebratory feast.


    Eternal Hope had even arranged a separate


    design exhibition ended.


    Maeve was about to go downstairs as well but hesitated for a moment as she remembered that her gowns had gone missing right after Karen approached her before the start of the exhibition.


    She did not believe there would be such a coincidence.


    Karen called me over, and right after that, my gowns went missing,'' she thought. ''Even though they were found, what if they hadn''t been? I would''ve not only be thepany''s sinner but also gotten fired. But even if I suspect Karen, I have no proof that she did it.... After thinking about it, Maeve did not follow everyone downstairs but instead headed toward Box 01.


    VIPs who could sit in the second-floor box had the right to choose the clothes first, so they would not leave so early.


    When she went over, Alexis was indeed still there.


    Alexis, Ms. Reese is here," Karen said softly, a trace of jealousy shing across her eyes. "Ms. Reese, you are really busy. You''ve kept Alexis waiting for a long while" Hearing her sarcasm, Maeveughed. "This is all thanks to you, Ms. Booth. You got someone to throw away my gowns,


    adding to my burden.


    "What nonsense are you spouting?" Karen retorted with a frown When did I ever do such a thing? Stop hurling baseless usations against me."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "But the person you hired isn''t as tight-lipped as you," Maeve said calmly. "Once he is in the police stationter, I think he will naturally reveal the mastermind." Karen''s heart was in her throat, and her eyes were filled with panic.


    also also


    She thought, ''I haven''t been able to reach that person since earlier. Could it be that Maeve really caught him? No, it''s al possible Maeve is just bluffing" Karen quickly regained herposure. "Do you think I''ll be afraid of you hurling mud at me for something I didn''t do?"


    Litue


    did she know that Alexis happened to see her reaction and did not miss the fleeting look of guilt on her face.


    Alexis began to suspect, thinking. ''Karen is so well-behaved and sensible. There''s no way she would do such a thing secretly. Why is she feeling guilty then?'' Maeve naturally noticed Karen''s fleeting look of guilt too. What she said just now was just to confirm if Karen did it. "I didn''t dn''t expect her to be so easily tricked.


    She Stopt


    "Alright. Maeve sat down in a neither servile Alexis said, going straight to the point. "With your family background, marrying my son means achieving instant sess for you, but that won''t help my son at all. It''ll only be a burden to him." Maeve had a sudden feeling of hurt. "Maeve, you''re not t worthy of of my son,


    talking about things without evidence." Alexis was still biased toward Karen. She interrupted the topic with a neutral tone and said to Maeve coldly. "Have a seat.¡± nor overbearing manner. "May I know why you''re looking for me?" she asked.


    Just as she was about to rebut, she was interrupted by Alexis. "My son should marry a good wife who is morepatible with him in all aspects, not a mediocre girl like you. Neither his father nor I are satisfied. As his mother, I don''t want his future to be ruined by you. Ms. Reese, do you understand what I''m saying?"


    Alexis''s voice was calm as she stated this fact.


    Have fou every word was like a thorny needle, making one feel ufortable. it somewhat amusing.


    "Mrs. Mcdaniel, de you really understand your son well?" she said, her eyes indifferent, showing no trace of embarrassment after being criticized "In my opinion, you just like to view things from your perspective and forcefully give Mr. Mcdaniel things he doesn''t need, whether it''s bribing me to monitor him or buying supplements he won''t consume at all. Even now, you think his future will be ruined by me... Maeve chuckled. To what extent do you have a low opinion of your son, or du you not see him as a son at all, but just a toy you can y with at will?" Alexis''s expression turned cold. "Ms. Reese-"


    the har


    "Mrs. Mcdaniel, forgive me for being blunt." Maeve looked at her fearlessly. "Do you know that after getting into a car ident previously, Mr. Mcdaniel experiences knee pain every night and needs medication for it? Do you know had a stomach condition before and now suffers from stomach pain if he misses breakfast? And do you know that, instead of those expensive supplements, he might actually prefer a word of concern from you?"


    Alexis tightened her grip on the catalog, her face showing a hint of dazedness.


    She thought, ''All of this... I didn''t know. I thought that once Byron was discharged from the hospital, it meant he had recovered. It didn''t ur to me that there might be lingering effects. And his stomach condition...


    Alexis pursed her lips, unwilling to admit this fact.


    Even as Byron''s mother, I didn''t know these things, but Macve it fully aware of them, she thought.


    Maeve understood everything when she saw Alexis''s surprised and confused expression.


    She d She a


    to use


    didn''t want to say anything more. She stood up, looked at Alexis, and said indifferently, "I''m not saying this you or anything. I just feel that since you know nothing and understand nothing, you have no right to criticize me on behalf of your son. After all, it''s him who marries me, not his mother.


    With that I said, Maeve nodded slightly and turned to leave the box.


    Alexis pressed her temples, looking quite troubled. Her lips were slightly pale.


    Karen, who had been silent all along, almostughed out loud.


    She thought, ''Is Maeve out of her mind? Does she think she''s some kind of princess to be so arrogant? She offended Alexis today and still wants to be a part of the Mcdaniel family in the future? Dream on!


    "Alexis, Ms. Reese is straightforward and speaks her mind," Karen said deliberately. "She offended you just now, but please don''t take it to heart."


    She then thought, ''It''s not about being straightforward. It''s just ack of upbringing. Only someone as clueless and foolish as Maeve would dare to be so arrogant."

 Chapter 103

    Alexis closed her eyes and said, "She''s right."


    Karen''s expression froze, and she said, "Alexis, what are you talking about?"


    Alexis i is from a prestigious family and has received strict education since she was young, she thought. She values rules the most. Few people in the Medaniel family dares to talk to her like Maeve does. She should have been angry and dissatisfied. She should have hated Maeve from now on. Howe she... Alexis didn''t exin. She looked utterly exhausted.


    She thought. Ir Byron for


    I really haven''t considered making an effort to understand my son Byron. With Neville in the picture, I always find myself unconsciouslyparing the two. The more Ipared, the more distant I became from this biological son of mine. I even resented being so cold toward us and notas considerate and sensible as Neville. When he refused our request for a formal meeting with it''s all our fault for forcing him. Maeve, I even thought he hadpletely detac detached from the family. It turns out that It would be a lie It wo I be a lie to say that she truly didn''t mind Alexis''s words.


    Aftering out of the box, Maeve felt as if her heart was stuffed with ice, and her entire body felt cold.


    She thought, I really can''t understand why Mrs. Mcdaniel would say that Mr. Mcdaniel''s future will be ruined by me. I''m not exceptional, nor do Ie from a particrly impressive family. But isn''t it too much to judge a person''s worth solely based on their family background? Marriage is about thepatibility of personalities and habits, not about whose parents are richer. What''s more, I didn''t get married to someone who will inherit his parents'' fortune in the future. I got married to a small-time driver who, despite not having much money, can suddenly produce a Christmas tree. He even asionally has to work part-time as a bodyguard to earn an extra ie.


    As I Maeve thought about this, she gradually calmed down. She tucked her hands into the warm pockets of her jacket and rxed as she continued walking forward.


    Suddenly, she saw a a familiar figure walking past her ahead.


    Mcdaniel?


    She thought, ''Is that a moment. She trotted a few steps forward to chase after the figure.


    Maeve was stunned


    for


    However, the people who followed quickly surrounded the figure and left with him, as if they were escorting an emperor out on a patrol.


    Some of them were even high-ranking senior executives of Eternal Hope. They were all smiling.


    The man walking far ahead was like the loneliest and proudest moon in the sky, admirable but out of reach.


    "My eyes are ying tricks on me," Maeve mumbled as she stopped in her tracks. She thought, Come to think of it, it''s not surprising. There''s no way Mr. Mcdaniel would show up here. The big shot who looks noble and elegant is from apletely different world than Mr. Mcdaniel. Besides, given the time now, there''s no way he''d be here. He should already be at home waiting for me toe back and celebrate Christmas together. We made nsst night'' Maeve smiled and sent Leah a message to ask for leave.


    Anyway, the celebratory feast will be fine without me, she thought. I have to go home and celebrate Christmas now,"


    Marve first went to a bakery to buy a small Christmas cake. Then, she ordered a bunch of snacks by the roadside. Finally, she bought a gift before returning to the apartment. 78%


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''m back, she said as she walked in happily.


    She then saw a silver Christmas tree in the living room. It was several times smaller than the one in the courtyard, but it was even more exquisite and beautiful.


    Byron, who was dressed in dark-colored home clothes, stood at the side with a cup of coffee in his hand and another hand in his pocket, looking rxed and carefree.


    His figure, which was illuminated by the warm light beside him, looked as if it were ted with ayer of soft gold, losing its usual coldness,


    ¦°¦¥


    looked unbelievably gentle.


    Maeve was stunned on the spot.


    The bitterness and frustration that had been clogged up in her heart instantly seemed to be filled up by something else. She had a sensation of fullness, and she felt very warm. "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''m back!" Maeve said with a smile, repeating herself.


    Byron replied nonchntly, "Mm. I''m not deaf. I can hear you."


    Maeve chuckled and walked over to put down her things. Then, she circled the small Christmas tree a few times.


    "Didn''t you say that this kind of trash is such a hassle to dispose of? Why did you still buy it?"


    Byron snorted. I happened to see it while I was passing by on my way home after work. ¨ª bought it on a whim. If yo


    like it, just throw it away."


    ont


    dont


    With that said, he was about to take it. Maeve was so shocked that she hurriedly grabbed his arm. "No, no, no. You''ve spent


    on it. It can still be used next year."


    money


    Sensing the strange softness on his arm, Byron''s eyes widened, and he suddenly pushed her away.


    "Let''s keep it all talk and no hands-on drama," he said with a slightly hoarse voice.


    I''m not creating drama," Maeve mumbled. She then took out her phone and took a photo of the little Christmas tree. She liked it so much that she almost jumped.


    "I actually have two Christmas trees this year. Am I dreaming?" She was so pleased she seemed to be overflowing with happiness.


    Byron''s faint sneeg could be heard from beside her. "What do you mean by yours? Both of them are mine. Did you pay for them pr something?


    Maeve was left speechless, thinking. Forget it. It''s a festive time!


    She simply ignored him and continued taking photos.


    Byron stood at the side with his arms crossed, watching her fuss around like a monkey.


    She had already changed out of the wedding dress. Her originally bright and beautiful, makeup had also been remod revealing an even more wless, delicate, and elegantplexion.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    She


    She was wearing her usual beige frilly sweater. The hem of her clothes was all tucked into her camel-colored skirt, revealing a slender waist that seemed barely graspable.


    Perhaps because the lighting was too soft. Maeve''s current appearance was far more beautiful than she was when she was on stage.


    Byron''s blue eyes were filled with deep and turbulent emotions,


    "By the way, Mr. Mcdaniel. I bought you a gift when I came back Maeve suddenly thought of this. She turned around with a smile and said to him, "I bought you a new suit. Aren''t you going overseas on a business trip with your boss tomorrow?" The warmth in those eyes seemed capable of softening even the coldest situations. It could also arouse deeper desires in men.


    However, she did not notice that Byron''s gaze was getting more and more dangerous. She stood there and muttered, "If you wash it clean tonight, you should be able to wear it tomorrow, right? You can really throw away your washed-out suit..." Before she finished talking, Byron seemed to have reached the end of his patience. He stepped forward, cupped the back of her head in his hand, and slowly bent forward.


    When he was only half an inch away from her lips, he stopped, His deep gaze locking onto hers, and he asked in a serious voice. "Do you want me to stop or continue?" Maeve''s face instantly flushed, looking like a ripe peach that would release its juice if squeezed:


    "If I


    fl say


    n. will you stop?" she asked hesitantly.


    Byron chuckled. His maic voice carried a tone of unreasonable dominance as he said, "In your dreams.


    With that said, he sealed her red lips without hesitation with his own and pried open her mouth.


    The faint scent of


    f cedar mixed with masculine pheromones almost enveloped Maeve entirely.


    She instinctively grabbed his sleeve and clenched her fingers tightly, but she had no intention of pushing him away.


    In fact, she even found herself liking it a little.


    It had snowed outside the window at some point, and the cold wind was bleak.


    Yet, the indoor temperature continued to rise, bing somewhat stuffy.


    Maeve didn''t realize when Byron had lifted her onto the low cab, her back pressed against the cold wall, contrasting sharply with the heat of his body in front of her. Having kept her head down for too long, she felt a bit of strain in her neck and wanted to move it.


    Byron thought she wanted to pull away, so he lightly but firmly pinched the back of her neck with his long fingers to keep


    her still.

 Chapter 104

    G


    3.78%1


    The warm tip of his tongue entered her mouth again, making her feel a tingling sensation all over her body. She could barely sit still.


    He seemed to want to see her lose control. His fingertips lifted the hem of her clothes with suggestive undertones, and passion spread upward. Maeve''s shoulders trembled slightly, and a blush of enchanting red spread across the corners of her eyes.


    Her heartbeat was so strong and fast that it was all she could hear.


    "Enough, enough."


    Finally finding a moment of respite, Maeve spoke with a trembling voice. She pressed her forehead against Byron''s shoulder and begged softly.


    "Tsk." Byron''s Adam''s apple bobbed a few times alluringly. His voice, which was tainted by desire, was low and hoarse. "It''s just a kiss. Can you be a bit moreposed?" Maeve blushed. She held her cor and red at him angrily. "It''s just a kiss. Why are you touching me everywhere?"


    She thought, ''Assuming I have no sensation, huh?"


    Byron slowly adjusted her sweater and teased, "Weren''t you enjoying it? You were even moaning a bit when I slowed down."


    Maeve was enraged.


    She was so angry that she jumped down from the low cab. Her legs went weak, and she almost fell


    Byron quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back.


    Maeve was about to thank him when she heard him say with a smiling tone, "Even if you get angry out of embarrassment. there''s no need to jump. You won''t die from jumping off this height." She ground her teeth. "Do you have any antidotes at home? Give me some"


    "With that sharp tongue of yours, I''m afraid I won''t live much longer." Byron was left speechless.


    After getting back at him, Maeve snorted and pushed him away. She then walked to the sofa, sat cross-legged on the carpet, and started cutting the cake.


    Sensing Byron walking over from behind, Maeve lowered her gaze to look at the cake and feigned calmness as she asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I have a question." Byron bent his legs and sat down. "Shoot."


    "What kind of rtionship do we have now?"


    Byron raised his eyelids and stared at Maeve''s emotionless face. He then squinted. "The kind of rtionship listed on a marriage license?"


    "But kissing is something that only couples and married people do." Maeve pursed her lips. "People who are listed as cohabiting on a marriage license can''t do it."


    Byron showed no reaction-


    .78%


    Maeve looked at him seriously. "I just want to rify, What exactly do you take me for? *Cooperative wife, or something


    else


    Byron''s smile slowly disappeared. He looked at her for a long while without saying anything.


    It was as if he was weighing whether her question was worth answering.


    The aroma of the cake spread throughout the


    silent living room


    Maeve retracted her gaze and cut the cake. Then, she arranged the snacks, feeling a deep sense of disappointment.


    She thought with self-mockery, Forget it. Why did I have to be so silly? I was actually dazed by this rare moment of warmth that I ended up asking such a question that humiliated myself'' "I''m going on a business trip tomorrow," Byron suddenly said. Maeve replied dispiritedly. "Okay. You mentioned that yesterday!"


    She thought, "The next day is Christmas. He celebrates it today because he has to go on a business trip abroad with his boss tomorrow.


    Byron shook the c*******ktail in his hand and said indifferently. "The answer to this question, along with your Christmas gift, will be given to you when Ie back."


    Maeve was stunned and looked up at him.


    He happened to be looking at her too. His blue eyes were as deep as a vortex, as if they could pull in all of a person''s thoughts and feelings.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    In an instant, Maeve''s heart skipped a beat


    "Okay" She She lowered her hea


    head and took a bite of the cake. She then said softly. "You said it yourself. I didn''t force you." Byron suddenly smiled. His usual cool demeanor melted away, revealing an unusuallyzy and handsome charm.


    Heartless,


    he scoffed softly.


    nothing, and she


    and she smiled.


    The next day, Maeve was invited by Bonnie to her house for Christmas.


    The Christmas atmosphere in the vi was strong. mes danced in the firece, and ribbons were hung as decorations all around. The singing was melodious and pleasant to the ears. After dinner, Bonnie took out arge booklet and handed it to Maeve.


    "Maeve, this booklet contains profiles of some outstanding single young men," she said rather boldly. "Look through it and let me know if anyone catches your eye. If you want to set up a date with someone, just tell me." Maeve almost choked on her juice. She quickly pressed down on the booklet.


    "Bonnie, I was joking with you the other day. I don''t want a divorce for the time being...


    Bonnie frowned. "Don''t you two have no feelings for each other? Being together is just a waste of your youth. You might as well end the marriage quickly and choose a considerate guy." enter 101


    Hearing her tone as if she was talking about picking cabbages, Maeveughed.


    Bonnie


    looked puzzled when she saw Maeve''s reaction. "Maeve, you have truly fallen for him, huh?"


    The scenes fromst night shed through Maeve''s mind, and fier cheeks suddenly flushed. Before she she replied, Bonnie had already


    Belor


    "Not at all"


    t at all" Maeve scratched


    Bonnie exc


    understood. She squeezed her shoulder suggestively. "Oh, looks like something good has happened recently. You didn''t admit to it the other day." her cheek. "I just wasn''t sure before. "Are you sure he''s the only one for you now? Aren''t you afraid he''ll keep treating you like a maid?"


    Maeve shook her head. "He went overseas on a business trip with his boss this morning. He said he would tell me what he takes me for when he returns." eximed, "Is there a need to wait until then? He certainly sees you as his dear wife and treasure! Good thing I only brought out this booklet now. Maeveughed at her. "Alright, alright. Why are you acting like a puppy, looking cute and enthusiastic?"


    Just as she finished speaking, a news report suddenly came from the LCD television.


    "Breaking news. Brax Airlines flight QS1617 from Shroatia to Kleymond had an ident and veered off the runway whilending... It is reported that Byron Mcdaniel, the CEO of Mcdaniel Group, is also on this flight. He has been sent to First Hospital for emergency Upon


    treatmenting this, the smile on Maeve''s lips froze. She turned to look at the television screen in disbelief.


    Coincidentally, there was a photo of the CEO of Medaniel Group in the news.


    Maeve looked at the man in a ck suit, looking cold and indifferent in the photo. She was shocked. It was a bolt from the blue for her. She was in a daze.


    The news continued, but she registered nothing.


    Only the words "Byron Mcdaniel, the CEO of Mcdaniel Group" and "he has been sent to the hospital for emergency treatment" remained in her mind.


    She stared at the screen in


    "Ma-Maeve,


    a daze. Her hand holding the cup hung weakly on her knee.


    Maeve, I remember now. The scion of the Mcdaniel family is also named Byron Mcdaniel." Bonnie was so frightened that she stammered. "Isn''t, isn''t that the same name as your husband''s? Isn''t that too much of a coincidence.. Oh right!" She suddenly remembered. Those socialites kept sending gifts to my house the other day, asking me to pass them to you and hoping you''d forgive them... I thought they had changed their ways, but it turns out it''s because of this... Upon hearing Bonnie''s words, Maeve closed her eyes tightly.


    Her mind was in a mess. She was clearly sitting beside the firece, but she felt as if she were in an icehouse.


    It wasn''t until a crackling sound came from the firece that Maeve was snapped back to her senses. Her fingertips trembled as she picked up her coat from the sofa Bonnie, I''m going to the hospital." Only then did thetter Italf of the news ur to Bonnie. She quickly jumped up and said, "I''ll drive you there."

 Chapter 105

    F and microphones. Wanting


    Half an hourter, at First Hospital, the ground floor was filled with reporters wielding cameras to get first-hand information about the CEO of Mcdaniel Group they wished they could grow wings and fly upward to take photos secretly. Unfortunately, there were bodyguards guarding the ward on the top floor, so no one could approach, including Marve "Maeve, I''ll stop themter," Bonnie said softly. "Immediately birge in and see if the person inside is your husband."


    Macve nodded and said, "I''ll do it as quickly as possible. If it''s not him, I''lle out right away?"


    "Okay."


    The two of them tacitly exchanged a nce. Then, Bonnie immediately threw herself against the bodyguards, grabbing their arms in the process. "Oh. I''m dizzy," she said. "I think I''m suddenly short of blood."


    The two bodyguards, whose clothes were held tightly by her as she pretended to be unwell, had no choice but to push her


    away.


    Maeve seized the opportunity to push open the door behind them and run into the ward.


    The people standing around the bed turned their heads in unison when they heard themotion.


    At this moment, the man who was sitting on the hospital bed and tending to his wounds, suddenly came into Maeve''s line of sight.


    His face was slightly paler than usual. His thin lips were slightly pursed, and his handsome facial features had a piercing sense of beauty, yet he was extremely cold.


    Perhaps it was because he was in a bad mood, his aura was more stern than ever. It was so oppressive that the atmosphere in the ward was tense, making people not dare to look at him directly.


    Het


    Het


    He was like a born emperor,manding fear and respect.


    This was the real Byron.


    Maeve''s s heart skipped a beat.


    Byron naturally saw her too. He frowned, and his usually indifferent blue eyes were slightly stunned.


    He thought, ''At this moment, anyone could appear in this ward, but it could never be Maeve


    At the side, Karen looked quite grim when she saw this situation


    She thought, "Who told Maeve about this? If she knows Byron''s true identity, won''t she cling to him and refuse to divorce in the future?


    "Miss, please get out immediately. Just then, the bodyguards outside the ward came in, grabbed Maeve''s arm, and exined to Byron, "I''m sorry, Mr. Mcdaniel. This person suddenly barged in. We don''t know what she wants to do- "Let her go, Byron ordered coldly. "Get out."


    The bodyguards nced at Maeve in surprise and left respectfully.


    Maeve lowered her gaze when she saw this situation, but she still looked at the man on the bed, refusing to give up


    up until she


    questioned him. "Mr. Medangell, I heard that you''re the CEO of Medaniel Group," she said. "Is that true?"


    At the side, Karen rolled her eyes and mocked, "You''ve gone so far as toe here. Why are you still pretending to he clueless? Don''t you hnd it hypocritical?"


    Clenching her fists. Maeve ignored Karen and continued to look at Byron without moving


    Byron looked straight into her eyes indifferently. "Yes, so what?"


    Maeve


    did you lie to me then and say you''re a driver?" she asked with difficulty, her voice trembling.


    Byron''s


    driver.


    Adam''s apple bobbed slightly as he replied, enunciating each word as he said, "I don''t think I''ve ever said that I''m a


    Maeve shuddered, thinking, ''He''s right. He never says he is a driver. When I first asked him what he did for a living, he simply said drive, so I assumed he was a driver. Little did I know, there is a difference between driving a taxi and a Maybach. I had my doubts before, but I trusted him too much and didn''t look into it further. Byron looked at her gradually pale face. After a brief moment of silence, he said in a serious voice, "Maeve, this matter..."


    Before h? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    finished talking. Maeve had snapped out of her thoughts. She then left the ward without hesitation,


    Byron 1 frowned slowly, his expression growing intensely cold.


    Byron, how could she think that you''re just a driver?" Karen deliberately said. "She''s so close to the heiress of Hancock Group. There''s no way she hasn''t heard of your name, right? And now she''s acting like...


    Byron''s cold and and stern gaze swept over her. "Have you had enough of talking? Everyone, please get out."


    Karen was momentarily speechless. She stomped her foot in embarrassment and walked out in her high heels.


    The hospital director, doctors, and nurses by the bedside exchanged nces and left the ward.


    As soon as they left, Archer pushed the door open and entered.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, some me


    media outlet reported the news of your ne crash and emergency treatment in the hospital without verification earlier. Thepany''s stock price has been affected. I''ve already contacted them to request a rification... Archer turned on d on the television in the ward. It happened that the news that corrected the previous misinformation was being aired. Byron''s was cold. "Where''s the news report that made the reporting error?"


    Archer impression handed over a tablet, which had the screen recording he had previously made.


    After watching it, Byron''s demeanor turned ice-cold.


    He thought, ''No wonder Maeve suddenly barged into this ward and asked if I''m the CEO of Mcdaniel Group! "Contact the legal team and sue this media outlet."


    "Got it"


    When Maeve came out of the ward, Bonnie immediately went forward and asked, "Maeve, did you see him? Is he in there?" Mon,


    Maeve nodded with difficulty. Her eyes gradually became despondent.


    "Marve, are you alright?" Bonnie looked at her worriedly.


    Tin fine." Maeve''s face was deathly pale,pletelycking the usual flush. "I''m fine."


    She thought, I just don''t understand. The man who discussed how to save on utilities with me in the apartment a few days ago, who talked about decorating for Christmas and promised to bring me a gift and give me the answer when he returned from his business trip... How on earth could he be the CEO of Medaniel Group, someone I could never have an interaction with? I can be affectionate with Mr. Mcdaniel by the Christmas tree and ask him for an exnation, but I can''t have a romantic rtionship with the CEO of Mcdaniel Group. I don''t have the courage. We are from entirely different worlds.


    Maeve suddenly recalled the figure surrounded by many people whom she saw on the night of the exhibition.


    She thought, I thought I was mistaken back then. Now that I think about it carefully, it should be him.


    After leaving the hospital, Maeve asked Bonnie to send her back to her apartment.


    "Bonnie, have a seat for a while. I''ll pack my things." With that said, Maeve went into the bedroom.


    Bonnie walked around the living room and gasped when she saw the crystal star at the top of the silver Christmas tree.


    "Maeve! The


    Mae The topaz on


    on your Christmas tree is the one that was auctioned off for 10 million dors at Pressie Auction, right?" Bonnie walked into the guest bedroom. "Was it bought by your Inas... Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    Maere''s eyshes fluttered.


    She thought, "Last night, I merely found the crystal very beautiful and thought that it''s fake, not giving it much thought. I think I even mentioned to Byron that it was so heavy it bent the branches of the tree. She could not help butugh, a hint of moisture appearing at the corners of her eyes. She wiped it off casually and said to Bonnie, "I''m not sure. It''s not mine."


    I see. But this ce is really small. Mr. Mcdaniel is too stingy. He can''t even bear to let you live in a big house."


    Bonnie was a little indignant. With that said, something urred to her. "Oh right, he''s been pretending to be a driver to your face. Being a s******m is indeed how men roll."


    She thought, ''He''s clearly filthy rich, yet he pretended to be a driver to Maeve''s face. He''s either trying to fool her to sleep with her or get her love. Bah!''

 Chapter 106

    Maeve did not say anything. After simply packing her stuff into suitcase, she said to Bonnie, "Alright. Let''s go." When Bonnie saw her red-rimmed eyes, she could not help but ask, "Are you really leaving? What about here."


    "This is not my home in the first ce," Maeve said with a sense of self-mockery. "It''s just that I thought this ce would be my home in the future, and I had a dream that didn''t belong to me for too long" She thought. It''s time to wake up from this dream now Bonnie quickly conforted her. I can stay at my house for as long as you want. After all, my parents are so busy that they are frequently away. You can keep mepany Maeve smiled. Thank you, Bonnie."


    "You


    The next day, Byron d¨ªd not go to to thepany immediately after being discharged from the hospital. Instead, he asked the driver to make a U-turn and go to the apartment. As soon as he went in, he noticed that the living room was noticeably much emptier.


    The snacks in


    in the cab, the rabbit-shaped pillow, as well as the facial mask and hand cream that were usually everywhere were all gone. Byron frowned slightly. He suddenly thought of something and rode into the guest room.


    The wardrobe was empty. There was not even a piece of clothing.


    Maeve has left, he thought. ''She has left without leaving anything behind, even taking the daisy bedding from the round bed


    Byron stood there, his blue eyes gloomy and a sneer escaping his thin lips.


    He thought, "She''s grown some skills, and she''s even learned how to leave home?"


    He walked out of the guest room and took out his phone to call Archer. Find out where Maeve is.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "Okay, Mr. Mcdaniel."


    After hanging up the phone, Byron walked to the terrace. Looking at the vegetables on the flower rack that Maeve hadn''t had time to take with her, he squinted. Rightpfter that, he unplugged the water dispenser.


    Maeve didn''t know that her precious vegetables were being mistreated so soon after she moved out.


    She had slept in Bonnie''s house for a day and a night, and she just received a call from a college ssmate to attend a ss reunion at the agreed-upon hotel.


    She used to be close with many ssmates, but after she started dating Jeff, their interaction had decreased over time. She thought she might be able to use this opportunity to improve her friendship with them, so she came over. After entering the private room, Maeve realized that almost everyone had already arrived.


    Maura, who had tripped her up at the restaurant the other day, was also there, and she even brought her new boyfriend.


    "Oh, look who''s here," she said. "It''s our Maevelicious"


    ?


    "It''s not easy to meet you, Maevelicious. You were the only one alisent atst year''s ss reunion."


    "You are not absent this year, but why didn''t you bring your boyfriend along! If you have broken up with him, I''m first in line."


    The guys began to joke around and even whistled boldly.


    Maevelicious was the nickname they gave Maeve when they were in school because she danced to the poem "She Walks in Beauty" on the day of the freshumen''s wee party. Her stunning performance earned her that nickname.


    sat down amid their teasing, raised her ss of juice, and said, "I''m sorry for missing the partyst year. I''ll apologize to everybody with this juice in ce of alcohol."


    Maeve sat


    "Our Maevelicious is as


    is as straightforward as ever," the ss monitor Evan Parker said, taking the lead in pping. "Of course, we''ll forgive you." Showing respect, the others pped as well.


    Maeve couldn''t help butugh.


    "Is there a need for you guys to tter her like this?" Maura said, rolling her eyes. "No matter how much you tter her, it''s pointless. She''s already married."


    Evan turned to look at Maeve, his eyes showing a hint of nervousness. "Maeve, you''re married? When was it?"


    Just as Maeve was about to answer, Maura interjected, "Not long ago. I even saw Maeve''s husband."


    "Who''s so lucky to marry our Maevelicious? What does he do for a living? What does he look like?" The people beside her were all curious.


    "Is he the scion of Graves Group who dated Maeve previously?"


    Wow!"


    Upon hearing these words, Mauraughed. "The scion of Graves Group has good judgment. Of course, he didn''t marry Maeve. Her husband is just a driver. His look is the only thing that''s passable. He doesn''t have any branded items on him. He''s so darn shabby." The atmosphere in the private room instantly became a bit tense. The people who were gossiping earlier looked awkward too.


    "Maeve, with your


    good qualities, you''re more than qualified to get married to a rich kid. Howe you got married to a driver..."


    s not that I discriminate against drivers, but poor couples have a lot of problems. Without money, every issue arises."


    "It''s not that


    You''re quite a catch too. Why make such a bad choice?"


    it been in the past, Maeve might have argued with them about upational equality, but now... she just found these people amusing, just like she used to be.


    Her lips curled slightly, and she said nothing.


    When Maura saw her downcast look, she deliberately said, "By the way, I forgot to mention. Everything tonight is on my boyfriend. Eat and drink as much as you want. Don''t hold back with us. 08:13 Mon, Oc


    The man in expensive and fashionable clothes sitting beside her smiled and nodded. "As long as everybody has a good time, that''s all that matters."


    Everyone''s attention was immediately attracted by them. This was followed by a round of apuse.


    "You two are so generous."


    "We won''t hold back with you then."


    we won


    "The expenses here are not low. With so many of us here, it will cost at least tens of thousands of dors a night. Maura, can your boyfriend afford it?"


    ry is nothing


    Maura looked proud. "My boyfriend is the general manager of Roche Electronics. Such a small amount of money to him, unlike some drivers."


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone cheered even louder, not caring about the implied meaning in her words. When Maeve noticed that among the people cheering were those she had a good friendship with, she immediately gave up on the intention of improving her rtionship with them. Evanforted her, saying, "Maura just speaks her mind. Maeve, just ignore her."


    Maeve smiled faintly. "I didn''t take it to heart. Thank you"


    Evan blushed and immediately turned to talk to someone


    else.


    Maura rolled her eyes again, thinking, ''She is already married, yet she still wants to seduce Evan. How despicable! Halfway through the meal, Maeve felt she had drunk too much and got up to go to the washroom.


    She then heard people talking about her inside.


    weren''t you and Maeve close in the past? Howe you didn''t talk to her when you saw her just now?"


    "Lily, wer


    The girl who was questioned looked disdainful. "Oh please, I''m not close to her. She''s a selfish person who only cares about climbing up the socialdder and marrying into a rich family. When we asked her to introduce us to her ex-boyfriend''s circle and hang out together, she tly refused."


    "I know, right? It''s not that we''re fighting with her for a boyfriend. We just wanted to hook up with some rich kids. Is there a need for her to guard against us like we are thieves?"


    "I think she''s just really bad at reading the room and being tactful, which is why the scion of Graves Group dumped her "Serves her right. With her qualities, isn''t being with a driver fitting?"


    There wasughter and lively conversation inside. Maeve''s heart felt cold and hurt by their every word.


    The two people chatting were Lily Carter and Zoe Jackson, who were once her dorm mates and could be considered her best friends.


    Maeve thought. They did make such requests back then, but my refusal wasn''t because I was wary of them. It''s because I didn''t even get to mingle in Jeff''s circle myself. Jeff treated me like an eye candy, controlling who I could be friends with and my messages, but he never introduced me to his friends. I find this matter somewhat hard to talk about, so I''ve never to them. Unexpectedly, they see things that way.


    She lowered her gaze, pushed open the washroom door, walked in, and said, "You guys seem to be having a great time chatting."


    08:13 Mon,

 Chapter 107

    When they saw Maeve enter, the discussions inside immediately stopped. The girls standing in front of the sink were first surprised. Then, their expressions became increasingly awkward "Ma-Maeve, what a coincidence, Lily said awkwardly, "You''re here to use the washroom too..."


    Maeve looked at them and smiled, saying, "Well, you people gathering here to discuss my private affairs is even more coincidental. I was wondering who locked a group of gossipy queens here." With that said, she walked toward the stall.


    Being caught badmouthing people behind their backs and then being mocked as gossip queens was more embarrassing than it was infuriating.


    Those women had fluctuating expressions of embarrassment of anger. "What''s with her smugness? She got married to a driver. Look at how she''s acting so self-important."


    After muttering, they hurriedly touched up their makeup and left the washroom


    Maeve came out of the stall and noticed that they had all left. Not taking their words to heart, she washed her hands before returning to the private room.


    As Maeve walked past Maura, Maura suddenly stood up and bumped into her. It was unsure whether it happened by coincidence or ident.


    The ss of wine in Maura''s hand spilled onto her own clothes.


    "Maeve, what''s with the way you walk?" she said. "This is a new dress that my boyfriend bought for me. It''s very expensive." Maura''s heart ached as she red at Maeve angrily. "You did it on purpose, didn''t you? You deliberately want to upset me, right?" Her boyfriend immediately stood up and asked with a look of concern, "Maura, are you alright?"


    Maura pouted, looking aggrieved. "How can I be alright? This is the outfit you gave me. I love it, and now it has been destroyed by her. She must have done it on purpose out of jealousy."


    Maura''s boyfriend frowned at Maeve, his tone harsh as he said, "Apologize to my girlfriend immediately!"


    frowned and said, "When I walked over, you happened to stand up and bump into me. What do you mean I bumped into you on purpose? Hurling mud at others requires one to make justified points too, right?"


    Maeve frow


    "You''re the one who''s hurling mud, right?" Lily said, crossing herarms. I saw you bumping into Maura just now. Could I be mistaken?"


    mista


    Zoe chimed in, "That''s right, I saw it too."


    "We all saw it, so stop being stubborn and denying it," Lily said with a gloating expression


    She thought, I''ve intensely vented my anger of getting mocked by Maeve in the washroom earlier. Maura''s boyfriend is not someone to be trifled with. Maeve is going to be in trouble. She''s so arrogant, just like before. When she arrived, it was as if all the guys saw no one but her.


    Maeve''s eyes were slightly cold. "You guys are really good at distorting right and wrong Noticing that everyone sided with her, Maura was very smug. "Maeve, this outfit I''m wearing costs over 180 thousand dors. Can you afford topensate me?"


    She then looked around the table and pointed at a bottle of alcohol that had just been opened. "Here''s the deal. Finish this bottle of alcohol, leaving not a drop, and I''ll give you a discount You just need topensate me at half price." Evan frowned as he said, "We''re all ssmates. Compensation is ne, but there''s no need to drink..."


    He thought, I


    I remember that Maeve can''t hold her liquor. Plus, if she drinks too much, she will have rashes on her skin. Isn''t Maura trying to make her lose face in public? Maura curled her lips and said, "Are you going to let me suffer thes loss? It''s just a bottle of alcohol. It won''t kill you."


    She thought, "It won''t kill her, but having rashes all over her body is more unbearable than dying.


    Maeve pursed


    "I didn''t push her" chhinking, ''It''s not that I can''te up with over 180 thousand dors. But it''s clearly Maura who bumped into me first. Why should I suffer this loss?'' "she said. "Why should I pay?"


    "Trying to be unreasonable despite getting extended goodwill, huh?" Maura''s boyfriend said as he pushed Maeve''s shoulder repeatedly. "Do you believe that I''ll get someone to force-feed you the alcoholter?"


    Maeve frowned in embarrassment. Just as she was about to speak, a deep and cold voice suddenly came from the doorway.


    "I''d like to to see if you have the ability to do that."


    With that said.


    With said, everyone''s atte attention was instantly drawn to the speaker.


    Byron walked into the private room. There was no expression on his cold and handsome face. His trench coat lifted slightly with each step of his long legs, creating a chilling breeze.


    Everyone felt an overwhelming sense of pressure hit them, with chills running down their spines.


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat as she avoided the gaze thatnded on her, which was a gaze that could see through people''s thoughts.


    She thought, Howe he is here?''


    Maura''s boyfriend was shocked by Byron''s aura. Forcing himself to feign calmness, he asked, "Wh-who are you?"


    Maura immediately said, "Darling, he''s Maeve''s husband, the driver."


    Only then did Maura''s boyfriend rx. He sneered and said, "I was wondering who spoke so arrogantly. It turns out that he''s a poor dri-


    Before he finished talking, the hotel manager squeezed in from outside and walked up Byron. He then bowed and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, we were only informed after you had arrived. We''re really sorry for not weing you properly. We apologize for our inadequate hospitality." Byron gave him an indifferent nce and said, "Mm."


    Ethan Riley had an ingratiating expression. The private room that you often go to has already been made avable for you. You can go there anytime. If you need anything, just let us know and we''ll take care of it right away."


    As soon as those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the private room became visibly tense. Maura and her boyfriend''s smiles froze as they stared in disbelie


    They thought, With Mr. Riley''s power and status at Wrestwood Hotel, very few people can make him grovel to such an extent. There''s no way the man in front of us is a driver.


    Mon, Oct


    Maeve thought to herself with self-mockery, ''Howcking in judgment was I back then?"


    Ignoring Ethan''s ingratiation, Byron looked at Maura and her boyfriend with a gaze that was so cold that it was frightening.


    He then said, "Archer, do it,"


    "Got it," Archer replied. Archer Whether


    Archer intentional


    asked two bodyguards to go forward and grab Maura and her boyfriend''s shoulders. Then, he kicked their knees, making them kneel on the floor with a thud. or not, Maura and her boyfriend happened to end up kneeling right in front of Maeve, their knees hitting the floor with a crisp sound. Maeve looked at Byron. His expression was extremely cold, and there was a sense of sinister hostility in his eyes.


    She thought. I''ve only seen such sinister hostility in his eyes when we first met. He''s mad. Is it because they bullied me!N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Maeve''s eyes turned teary, and she quickly looked away.


    The bodyguards forcefully opened Maura and her boyfriend''s mouth. Archer then picked up the alcohol bottles on table, one in each hand, and immediately force-fed them. "Cough, Cough. Ugh. Cough. Cough."


    "Cough. Cough!"


    the


    the


    Maura and her boyfriend kept making struggling, pitiful gulping sounds, their bodies writhing as the alcohol spilled all over


    them.


    Their arrogance from before could no longer be seen.


    Everyone else watched in horror, not daring to gasp.


    They thought, "This is too harsh. Who exactly is Maeve''s husband? And the hotel manager is right beside him, yet he doesn''t stop him.


    Lily and Zoe hid at the back in fear, fearing that Maeve would think of them and have her husband force them to kneel and be force-fed with alcohol as well.


    "What driver?'' they thought. Is he really not a gangster boss?"


    After force-feeding Maura and her boyfriend two bottles of alcohol, Archer released his grip and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, should I continue to force-feed them alcohol?"


    "No. I don''t want it anymore." Maura coughed out the alcohol in her mouth. Her face was covered in tears and snot. Gasping for breath, she said, "I was wrong. Cough, cough. I was wrong. I know I was wrong..." Maura''s boyfriend was not any better. Lying prone on the floor, he panted as he said, "I-I''m sorry. Please spare us." Looking at them as if they were ants, Byron said in a deep and serious voice, ''Do you need me to teach you who you should apologize to?"

 Chapter 108

    Maeve was stunned for a moment. When she snapped out of he thoughts, Maura and her boyfriend had already knelt in front of her, frantically apologizing and looking quite distressed I don''t ept your apology," Maeve said emotionlessly. "You''d better remember this lesson"


    She thought, I''m not stupid. If Byron hadn''t shown up just now, it might have been forced to drink a whole bottle of alcohol. Maura knows I''ll have rashes after drinking much alcohol, yet she still deliberately insisted I down a bottle. There''s no way I''d be overlypassionate and and say I''d I''d forgive them. A faint sense of amusement appeared in Byron''s eyes. He thought, I knew it. This little sheep is not to be trifled with


    "Maeve,e here," he said with keen interest.


    Maeve instinctively wanted to walk toward him, but fer rationality suppressed this intention in time. Ignoring him, she turned around and left through the back door of the private rooth. Byron squinted and followed.


    Ethan did not leave. He looked at Maura and her boyfriend, who was lying on the floor like two dead dogs, and said with at smile, "You''ve really got guts, huh? You even dare to offend the CEO of Mcdaniel Group. Want to end up in hot water, huh? From today onward, you''re on the hotel''s cklist. Don''t let me see you again." With that said, he went out


    These words were like a huge rock thrown into the sea, setting off a storm of emotional impact in everyone''s hearts.


    Lily and Zoe''s expressions were the most distressed. They wished they could go back in time and retract those sarcastic words about Maeve.


    Th-the


    CEO


    of Mcdaniel Group... Is it the Mcdaniel Group I have in mind?"


    "No wonder even Mr. Riley is so afraid of him. His presence seems so terrifying...


    Maura muttered, "No way. No way! Maeve''s husband is a poor driver. There''s no way he could be a CEO. No way."


    Maura''s boyfriend couldn''t tolerate it anymore. He pped her and said, "Shut up! If you hadn''t been a bbermouth carlier, I wouldn''t have thoroughly offended Mr. Mcdaniel and as wife."


    "You hit me?" Maura covered her face in disbelief.


    yes, it''s you, b****h, that I''m hitting." His expression was contorted. "I must have beencking in judgment to fall for you. Let''s break up. Don''t contact me again."


    Maura was instantly shocked. She sat on the floor for a long while, unable to snap out of her thoughts.


    In the corridor, Evan said, "Maeve, wait up!"


    Maeve turned around and was a little surprised to see Evan chasing after her. "Evan?" she said. "What''s the matter?"


    "Did you marry your current husband willingly?" Evan scratched his head. "With your qualities, finding someone better as possible. Why did you..."


    Maeve said indifferently, "Sorry. This is my personal matter."


    787


    181


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to pry." Evan''s face got increasingly flushed. I''m just a little worried about you as I saw how harsh your husband was earlier. If you need anything in the future, you cane to me for help anytime..." "It''s not up to an outsider to help my wife."


    Byron, who came from behind, spoke coldly. His handsome face was icy.


    He walked straight to Maeve, grabbed her wrist, and led her toward the elevator.


    Maeve frowned in pain and said, "Let go. You''re exerting too much strength."


    "Shut up while I''m still in a good mood right now." Byron shot her a re coldly.


    As Evan watched them leave, the small bit of courage that he had just mustered instantly dissipated.


    He thought. "Maeve''s husband... looks really fierce. I might not be able to beat him. He''s more than just being fierce.


    After entering the elevator, Maeve was pushed to the wall by Byron before she could steady herself. He ced his hands on either side of her, making her unable to move forward or backward. what mean?" he asked


    Maeve''s ears flushed uncontrobly. She tried to push him away but failed. She was so angry that she punched his arm. the one who should be asking what you mean. Move aside."


    "Im


    Byron grabbed her wrist. "After staying in my apartment for so long, you moved out without paying rent and informing me. You even flirted with another man?" "Didn''t I use cooking to cover the rent?" Maeve said angrily, "And when did I flirt with a man? Can you stop talking nonsense?"


    "Do you need me to remind you howzy you have been in cookingtely?"


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered. She looked at him with bloodshot eyes and said with difficulty. "Then I''llpensate you for the rent, okay?"


    Getting stared at by her bloodshot eyes, which looked like a rabbit''s eyes, Byron''s anger instantly subsided somewhat, and he regained his rationality.


    "I''m notcking in that bit of money from you. Using cooking to offset it is fine." His tone softened slightly as he let go of her


    wrist.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Her skin was wless, and a red mark was inevitably left on it.


    Byron frowned in frustration.


    When Maeve heard his words, her eyes showed a hint of self-mockery. "You''re the dignified CEO of Mcdaniel Group. Of course, you are notcking in that bit of money from me. Even more so, you are notcking in people who can cook for you.


    She thought, "It''s my fault for being stupid. I actually involved such a person and racked my brains with him to save on living expenses. I even vowed to make money to support him. He must have mocked me in his mind back then for biting off more than 1 can chew, right? Byron''s gaze lingered on her. He squinted and sized her up. "Maeve, what''s with you throwing a tantrum? Speak properly and don''t be sarcastic to me." Maeve thought, I''m throwing a tantrum?''


    She almost wanted to tagh, but what welled up inside her was a stinging sense of bitterness and grievance.


    So, it turns out I don''t even deserve to have genuine emotions in front of him, she thou


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, aniel, our marriage is just a deal, each getting what we need. So, it''s understandable that you hid your identity from


    Maeve felt as


    felt as if all her strength had been drained. Her voice was lightly hoarse as she continued, "I have no right to throw at tantrum at you, Sir." Byron''s eyes turned cold when he heard her address him as ''Sir with a strong sense of alienation.


    "You care so much about such a trivial matter, huh? Does my status really matter that much?"


    "If I had a choice,


    I''d rather my husband be just an ordinary driver."


    "Driver?" Byron scoffed softly. "Maeve, are you naive or silly! If the person who backed you up earlier was just a driver, do you think they would have apologized to you?"


    He thought. This is the grim reality of the world where people with power and statusmand respect


    Maeve closed her eyes, not wanting to continue arguing with him


    He wouldn''t und


    understand her feelings eith


    Byron pinched her chin in frustration and ordered coldly, "Maeve, don''t be unreasonable. Speak."


    Maeve became disheartened. She opened her eyes and looked at Byron, enunciating each word as she said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, let''s get a divorce."


    She wants a divorce? Byron thought.


    The coldness in his eyes quickly became intense, and he said with a sense of menace, "Maeve, say that again?"


    Maeve felt a wave of dense and sharp pain in her heart. She forced herself to calm down and repeated, "Let''s get a divorce!


    "Humph." Byron''s thin lips curled up coldly as he looked at her with a faint smile. "You were the one who suggested marriage. Now, you want a divorce just like that? Are you dreaming?"


    He thought, ''Is she ying hard to get again, or is she up to something else?"


    I court to "I''m not joking with you." Maeve held back the tears in her eyes. Previously, you said we would go to the family settle the divorce procedures after Gilbert''s health improved. Now that it''s been so long, it''s time for us to get a divorce."


    BB

 Chapter 109

    "I''m not joking with you." Maeve said, holding back the tears in her eyes. "Previously, you said we would go to the family court to settle the divorce procedures after Gilbert''s health improved. Now that it''s been so long, it''s time for us to get a divorce." "It''s up to me whether we get a divorce or not, Byron said. "When did it be your ce to bring it up?" "You''re being unreasonable!" Maeve said.


    Buzz.


    Suddenly, the elevator shook violently. As it stopped descending all the lights went out.


    It was pitch ck all around, so dark that one could not even see one''s fingers.


    "What''s going on?" Maeve was so frightened that she grabbed the thing beside her, but she felt a warm sensation.


    "Maeve, where are you touching?" Byron''s anger was interrupted by the sudden stop of the elevator. He removed her hand from his chest and held it instead. "It''s an elevator malfunction. It won''t be long before it''s fixed.¡± bit her lip, not responding


    Maeve The constricting darkness reminded her of the torment of being locked up by her parents and counting the seconds in the dark/It was like a fire burning her heart. Fear and panic surged in her heart, and her body trembled.


    afraid now. hub into a l


    She was


    into a broad and warm embrace.


    Byron''s cold


    s cold voice reached her ears. "Weren''t you very bold when you brought up divorce earlier? pull away from his embrace.


    re


    Maeve pursed her lips, wanting to pull However, he


    he gently pressed her head down and


    "Don''t move. If you''re afraid, just hold on tighter Pulled her back into his arms.


    Maeve was stunned. Her cheek which was pressed against his chest was slightly raised. In the darkness, she couldn''t see his current expression.


    She smelled a fait cedarwood scent on him, giving her a sense of security as if she had descended from the clouds to solid ground.


    She absorbed the warmth in his arms with some longing. She knew that it did not belong to her, but she could not bear to let go..


    It didn''t take long for the elevator to return to normal and the lights toe on.


    Maeve snapped out of her thoughts and used her remaining strength to pull away from Byron''s arms, not daring to look into his eyes. "Th-thank you."


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "You hugged me so tightly just now and kept nuzzling against me. Why are you so shy now. Maeve''s cheeks flushed as she retorted angrily, "I''m not shy. It was out of necessity. You told me to hold on tighter." She thought, He made it sound like I took advantage of him on purpose.


    Chapter lob


    Just as Byron''s thin lips curled up, he heard Maeve continue, "We''re about to get a divorce. It''s best to avoid this kind of physical contact in the future." eyes


    His


    s instantly darkened.


    Maeve, haven''t I treated you well enough?"


    "You''ve been very kind to me, but..."


    Byron stared at t her and asked coldly, "You dissatisfied with my identity then, right? You think I''m worse than a driver, huh?"


    She thought,


    "What does this have to do with drivers? Isn''t the real issue the gap in our backgrounds?"


    Maeve wanted to


    to exin something, but she could not say anything. She bit her lip and remained silent for a long while.


    Byron squinted. "You don''t want your Christmas present anymore, right?"


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Of course, I understand what he meant. That night he said he would give me both the Christmas gift and his answer when he returned. If it had been before this point in time, I would have been thrilled. But now... I''m no longer in a position to receive it.


    She thought, her gaze to hide the disappointment in her eyes. Even her mouth felt bitter. "I don''t want it anymore."


    Maeve lowered


    Byron''s expression became colder and colder. Thest trace of warmth in his eyes as he looked at her disappeared.


    "Very well. Maeve, you''re really something."


    At that moment, a "ding" could be heard, and the elevator doors slowly opened.


    Byron pushedainst the elevator wall and slid down a few inches. She bit her lip hard to prevent herself from losing control of her emotions on the spot.


    Maeve away with a cold expression and walked straight out of the elevator. His slender legs moved quickly. Soon, he disappeared from Maeve''s sight.


    Maeve leane


    Mae


    She thought, "Of course, I want that gift. I want it so badly. But I don''t dare to ept it. I don''t want to be treated like before, where I was merely a decorative object controlled by others, and expressing my own opinions led to being dismissed. Even, more so, I don''t want to give everything and end up with only disdainful and perfunctory responses. He even tried to hide my status when introducing me in public, believing that I was not worthy. I don''t want to be so meek anymore. There''s no equality if there is a mismatch in backgrounds. This isn''t his problem. It''s mine."


    The ck Rolls-Royce sped all the way and arrived at Starlight Pub half an hourter.


    In the Byron


    others.


    private room on the top floor, Ray and Jarrett were already having a great time. The ce was quite lively.


    pushed the door open, walked to the bar expressionlessly, and took out a bottle of alcohol to drink without regard for


    Ray walked over and asked curiously, "What''s going on? Did those fogies from Mcdaniel Group cause trouble for you again? That shouldn''t be the case. Aren''t they always severely dealt a blow by you? Would they still dare to bother you?" Holding the ss with his fingertips, Byron said in a deep and serious voice, "Let me a?k you. What does it mean when a woman loves you a lot but still wants a divorce? What is she thinking?"


    "Then her saying she loves you is a lie," Ray said without hesitation. "A woman''s words are just lies."


    Byron''s expression instantly darkened, his eyes showing a state of emotional instability. U8.14 MUI, VCT 21


    On thest day of leave, Magye was dragged out for a meal by Honnie, who said that it was her cousin''s treat and that Maeve and her cousin could get to know each other. Maeve then realize that the meal was just a pretext, and Bonnie''s real intention was to y matchmaker. When Maeve entered the restaurant and saw Bonnie''s cousin, she was even more surprised.


    "Mr.


    III.


    Mr. Brown?" she said.


    Alex was stunned for a moment. Then, he smiled gently and stood up to pull out the chairs for the twodies. "So the good friend my cousin insisted I meet is you."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "I didn''t t expect that you and Bonnie are actually rtives."


    Bonnie saw her cousin''s enthusiastic expression and immediately understood something. She snickered and said. "So you two already know each other. The self-introduction can be skipped then."


    Alex smiled and handed the menu to them. "Feel free to order whatever you want. It''s my treat today."


    Maeve took it and said. "We won''t stand on ceremony then."


    After ordering. Bonnie leaned in close to Maeve''s ear and said, "Maeve, my cousin is twenty-six this year. He''s single, owns a


    think?* car and a house, is rich, and handsome. Most importantly, you guys already know each other. What do you


    think


    Maeve cleared her throat and said, "When did you be a matchmaker? I was wondering why you tossed that booklet


    away.


    Bonnie chuckled. "As the saying goes, don''t let benefits go to outsiders. Anyway, you and the Great Demon King are about to get a divorce. I''ll reserve a spot for my cousin first."


    "Bonnie, I know you mean well, but even if I get a divorce, I don''t think your cousin will be interested in me," Maeve said seriously. "Besides, I work in your cousin''spany. We see each other all the time. It would be so awkward."


    She thought, "I know that in Bonnie''s eyes, she believes I deserve any man, no matter how good his qualities are. But the reality is, we can''t just talk about feelings alone."


    "Let''s ask him directly then." With that said, Bonnie asked Alex, "Alex, what do you think of Maeve?"


    0

 Chapter 110

    Alex was stunned. He looked at Marve, whose fare was flushed. A gentle sense of amusement shed across his eyes as he said. "I think she''s great."


    Bonnie knew that there was a chance when she heard that. She continued to probe. "What do you mean by ''great''?" she said. "If it were you, would you like a girl like Maeve?" "Of course," Alex affirmed. "It''s hard for anyone not to like a girl with such a good personality like Maeve, right?"


    Maeve''s cheeks flushed slightly.


    She knew that Alex was praising her out of showing courtesy to his cousin, but she was bashful when it came to handlingpliments. Once she was praised, she would blush easily.


    She was like a rose covered with dewdrops, and there was an unknowing charm in her elegance.


    Alex zoned out a little as he looked at her.


    Byron entered the restaurant and happened to overhear their conversation.


    In particr, his face instantly darkened when he saw Maeve''s blushing face.


    He walked toward the table with a serious demeanor and tapped the table with his long fingers, saying, "Do you mind if I have a seat?"


    Alex recognized him as Maeve''s uncle and said politely, "Of course, Mr. Reese. Please, have a seat.


    Byron nced at him and sat down beside Maeve.


    Maeve looked at him in surprise, thinking, "What a coincidence?


    Bonnie leaned in over and asked softly, "Maeve, howe my cousin addresses the Great Demon King as Mr. Reese?" "He doesn''t want others to know about our rtionship, so I told Mr. Brown that he''s my uncle, Maeve replied quietly. As soon as she finished speaking. Maeve heard the man beside her say coldly, "My good niece, serve me some food."


    Maeve was left speechless.


    She took a deep breath and deliberately put a few dishes that Byron didn''t like onto his te as a form of revenge. "Why are all the dishes served food which I don''t like?" Byron asked as he frowned slightly.


    Maeve smiled at him and said, "Uncle, eating more carrots and coriander is good for your health. You''re not a kid anymore. Why are you still so picky?"


    Byron could tell that she was deliberately provoking him, so he sneered. Then, he leaned forward to take the te in front of her and said indifferently. "In that case, I can''t have these vegetables all by myself. You look malnourished" Maeve was so angry she gritted her teeth, and the blush on her cheeks deepened.


    She thought, I''m malnourished? Which part of me suggests that I am malnourished?


    Alex watched their interaction and felt that there was something strange about it. He then said with a smile, "You two have a great uncle-niece rtionship."


    Bonnie looked at her cousin


    n as if he were a fool.


    She thought, They''ve even swapped tes and forks, and you still think they''re uncle and niece, single for so many years. God is quite fair.


    No wonder you''ve been


    Maeve. What do you think of my


    Then, she deliberately said, "Mr. Reese, we were just talking about finding a boyfriend for Maeve. What do cousin? He''s sessful, handsome, and rich. He''s worthy of Maeve, right?"


    Maeve nced at Bonnie helplessly. For some reason, she was a little nervous and wanted to know how Byron would answer.


    Byron put down his fork, nced at Alex, who looked nervous and expectant, and sneered inwardly, thinking, Just a pretty boy and a weakling. He can''t even protect Maeve!


    Retracting his gaze, Byron then nced at Marve, who was beside him. "She won''t consider dating until she turns thirty, so you might as well not waste your cousin''s time."


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone at the table was left speechless.


    Not knowing the inside story, Alex thought it was because Maeve''s uncle could not bear to part with his niece. He said with smile, "If Maeve isn''t married by thirty, you''ll be worried. Mr. Reese, it''s fine for her to start meeting guys and see how it goes."


    Byron did not respond to that remark. He asked indifferently, "Mr. Brown, what do you do for a living?


    "I currently own a design brandpany, and I''ve achieved some sess," Alex said with a modest expression.


    "What a pity."


    What?"


    "My niece has a special fondness for drivers and is not attracted to men in other professions." Byron gave Maeve a sideways nce, which came off as mocking but was not explicitly intended as such.


    Alex paused for a moment. His eyes showed a hint of confusion


    Drivers, huh?'' he thought.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    HI


    Bonnie could not catch on to what was meant. She asked Maeve softly,


    ftly, "What do


    does he mean?


    "He''s mocking me." With that said, Maeve chewed her potatoes harder and harder as a way of venting her anger.


    She thought, "Yesterday, I mentioned that I''d rather my husband be a driver, but that was just a metaphor. The way he brought it up makes it seem like I have some special preference for drivers. It''s sarcastic. What a petty man!" Alex thought Byron was joking. He smiled gently and said, "Mr. Reese, you''re really humorous."


    "What''s so humorous?" Byron asked.


    "You''re quite humorous when ites to topics rted to Macve. Alex said with a sense of reflection. "Maeve is really lucky to have an uncle who cares so much about her."


    The word "uncle" suddenly it somewhat unpleasant to hear.


    de Byron 6


    He squinted, turned to look at Maeve beside him, and said dotingly, "I can''t help it. She''s too clingy to me. She even needs mne to apany her to sleep at night." Alex, Bonnie, and Maeve were incredibly startled.


    "Uncle, are you drunk?" Maeve asked. She stood up abruptly, grabbed hold of Byron''s arm while enduring the scorching shame on her cheeks, and said through gritted teeth, ''T''ll bring you out for a breather to clear your head."


    Byron looked calm as he said. "Okay. The coffee here is quite strong


    Maeve was at a loss for words.


    After the two left, Alex frowned, feeling that something was off.


    "Bonnie, is Maeve''s uncle too strict with her? And their rtionship seems to be a little too intimate? Could it be that Maeve was brought up by her uncle?"


    Bonnie was left speechless, thinking, ''Alex, you''re the only one at the table who takes these words seriously. No wonder you lose out to that Great Demon King. Where has your sharp sense in fashion gone?''


    In the corridor, Maeve questioned Byron angrily. "What nonsense were you talking about just now? What do you mean 1 need you to apany me to sleep at night? I clearly sleep alone.


    "If you don''t want to sleep alone, it''s possible to havepany if desired." Byron snorted when he saw her blushing face.


    "That''s not what I meant. Also, why did you say that I won''t date until I turn thirty? Could it be that you want to drag your feet and wait until then to divorce me?" Maeve looked at him suspiciously. She thought, "When he mentioned thirty, it''s hard not to suspect he has some motive."


    Byron squinted. That''s a good suggestion. When you turn thirty, it wouldn''t hurt to ask that pretty boy if he would pursue you."


    "He''s really trying to y tricks on me, Maeve thought.


    She was extremely angry. "Let''s go to the family court to get the divorce certificate now then."


    Hearing this, Byron''s cold gazended on her face. "You want a divorce just for that pretty boy?"


    Realizing that he was talking about Alex, Maeve paused briefly. "What does this have to do with him?"


    "Isn''t he the next guy you want to date?" Byron sneered.


    "Nope!" The warmth on Maeve''s face faded as she defended herself. "I want to divorce you because I don''t want to be involved with rich people anymore. It has nothing to do with anyone else." still

 Chapter 111

    "You''re lying. Byron said, a cold glint shing across his eyes. There''s no need to pretend to be so dignified when you''ve


    en in love with someone else.


    Fallen in love with someone else?'' Maeve thought.


    She was stunned for a moment. Just then, her phone suddenly rang.


    She nced at Byron and answered the call under his oppressive gaze.


    "Hello? Ah, good evening, Gilbert. How have you beentely? Is your health okay?"


    "It has improved a lot," Gilbert said with a smile. "With you thinking about me, how can I not be well? Maeve, are you free tonight?"


    Maeve said in a well-mannered way, "Yes, I am. What can I do for you, Gilbert?"


    "If you have time,e over to my ce with Byron to have a meal. I''ve run into some trouble while growing vegetables, and I want to ask you for help."


    Maeve hesitated for a moment. "Gilbert, wait a moment. I''ll hand over the phone to Mister... to Byron."


    With that said, she pressed down on the receiver and quietly said to Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel, Gilbert wants us to go over for dinner. Can youe up with an excuse to decline politely? At a time like this... it wouldn''t be appropriate for you to bring are over for dinner" Understanding her implication, Byron''s eyes darkened slightly. "Give me your phone."


    Maeve immediately handed it over.


    "Grandpa?" Byron said calmly. "Yes, it''s me. I''m free now, I''ll bring her to your ce shortly."


    Maeve widened her eyes.


    After talking to Gilbert, Byron returned the phone to Maeve. ''Grandpa wants us to go to his ce now."


    Holding the phone, Maeve was dumbfounded as she looked at him. "Mr. Mcdaniel, didn''t we agree that you''de up with


    an excuse...


    "You''re not willing to lie, and you want me to be the bad guy instead?" Byron''s expression was so indifferent that people could not make out his emotions.


    "Nope," Maeve exined. I''m just worried that after our divorce, it would be a little... awkward to see your grandfather again."


    She thought, I respect and like Gilbert a lot, but since my rtionship with Byron isn''t going tost, it''s better to cut off contact as soon as possible."


    Her attitude, which considered things meticulously even after the divorce, made Byron''s expression even colder than


    before.


    "If you''re unwilling, you don''t have to go. It doesn''t make a difference if you''re not there."


    After saying this remark coldly, he strode toward the outside of the corridor and left Maeve behind.


    Maeve bit her lip and felt conflicted for a few seconds before catching up with him.


    08:14 Mon, Oc


    Chapter III


    Since I''ve already agreed, 1 don''t want to let Gilbert down for no reason, she thought.


    In a garden bungalow in the suburbs half an hourter, Maeve was a little surprised when she saw the ssical and elegant decorations in the house after following Byron in.


    She thought that a top-notch wealthy family like the Mcdaniel family would be quite picky and prefer luxury in their residence.


    However, the overall vibe leaned more toward a homely style.


    As if noticing her surprise, Byron exined calmly, "This was my grandma''s usual residence when she was alive. Grandpa usually lives here alone, while my parents live at the main house in Maple Hill" *But I remember that Maple Hill has been turned into a tourist area, hasn''t it?" Maeve asked in confusion


    "Yes. That hill has belonged to our family since about a century ago. Later on, it was handed over to the state, and the right to continue living there has been retained,


    Maeve was stunned.


    She thought, They handed over a hill to the state. That requires an immensely strong family background and great wealth to do that. For such a family, ordinary people can only look up to them


    A dazed look shed across Maeve''s eyes. She thought, ''Fortunately, I''ve long seen the gap between me and Byron, so I don''t feel disappointed now, I just feel a little sad.


    Grandpa, you haven''t recovered yet. You can''t be out in the wind."


    Byron''s reprimanding voice suddenly snapped Maeve out of her thoughts..


    She looked up and saw Gilbert squatting in front of a vegetable field with his sleeves rolled up. Wearing a straw hat and holding a hoe, he looked like an old farmer.


    The assistant who was holding the umbre for him looked helpless.


    Ignoring his grandson''s displeased expression, Gilbert waved at Maeve with a smile and said, "Maeve, you''re here. Come over quickly. It looks like my seedlings are sick. Maeve nced at Byron. She then walked over and squatted beside Gilbert.


    She looked at the wilted seedlings in the vegetable field, reached out to touch the soil, and made an assessment in her mind.


    "Gilbert, the soil here is too wet, which has caused root rot in the seedlings. Also, you nted them too close together, so theypete for nutrients and water, which is not conducive to their growth." Upon hearing her words, Gilbert had a long face. "Does that mean these seedlings can''t be saved?"


    Maeve shook her head. "Of course, we can save them. Isn''t there a plot ofnd next to it? Let''s move the seedlings over and rent them properly. Then, you do as I told you. They will definitely live." Gilbert immediately smiled. "You really have a way with this. Unlike Byron, who doesn''t know anything other than standing at the back and acting as a signpost."


    Byron, the signpost, was left speechless.


    Maeve could not help butugh.


    She thought, ''Although I haven''t seen Byron at work, I know that being the CEO of Mcdaniel Group isn''t a position anyone can just take. But to Gilbert, he''s just a signpost.


    14 Mon,


    "Grandpa, go rest at the side, I''ll help you." Byron walked over with seriousness. As he spoke, he removed his watch and rolled up his sleeve, revealing a cool-toned, wless, and strong forearm.


    It was so attractive that it was dazzling.


    Maeve was in a daze. Before Byron noticed, she immediately retracted her gaze.


    Gilbert was so happy that he put his hands behind his back. "Alright. Just don''t kill my seedlings. If there''s anything you don''t know, ask Maeve. Don''t assume you know everything. Growing Vegetables requires more understanding than one might initially assume." Byron looked helpless. "Is this the experience you have gained from countless failures?"


    "Rascal! How dare you talk to me like that. Gilbert was so angry that he stomped his foot. "Just you wait. With Maeve here, I guarantee you will be able to eat the carrots that I''ve personally nted before spring arrives." "Forget it. You resting well is my greatest wish."


    Gilbert scowled. He could not be bothered to talk to him and walked to another plot ofnd.


    Maeve watched from the side as the grandfather and grandson beckered, her eyes crinkling with amusement. She wanted tough, but she held back herughter.


    Byron noticed. Maeve''s unusual expression. He nced at her coldly and said, "What''s with your amusement? You think I don''t even know how to do something as trivial as growing vegetables, huh?"


    Maeve lowered her head and held back herughter, saying, "You can''t even tell leeks from scallions, and you im you know how to grow vegetables? I don''t believe it"


    Byron clearly recalled that incident. He pursed his thin lips and said, "That''s a different matter altogether. Don''t look down


    on me.


    With that said, he squatted down and started transnting the seedlings.


    Maeve had initially thought he was just talking without intending to take action, but she didn''t expect him to actually start doing it.


    His slender fingers, which usually were not involved in doing house chores, were inevitably stained with mud and decayed leaves.


    He had always been a clean freak, but he didn''t even frown.


    His clear and refined face, seen in profile to Maeve, was indifferent. Under his high nose bridge, his thin lips were slightly pursed. He was unbelievably sexy. Maeve''s heart inexplicably started to race.


    Noticing her gaze, Byron turned his head to look at her, his deep blue eyes unfathomable. He then asked, "Maeve, I''m very good-looking, huh?"


    0? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 112

    "I''m short-sighted and can''t see clearly, Macve said, lowering her eyes and changing the subject. "Be careful not to break the roots. If you kill the seedlings. Gilbert will give you a piece of his mind," Byron was left speechless. He ignored her, but his movements clearly slowed down.


    This piece ofnd was neither big nor small. With the three of them working together, they had almost finished Transnting the seedlings in less than an hour


    The first few rows of seedlings were the masterpieces of Maeve. They were so neat that the arrangement of them seemed to have been measured by a ruler. The middle section was Byron''s work, and describing it as uneven would be ttering.


    The section nted by Gilbert was at the back and looked quite decent.


    When he saw Byron''s rows of seedlings, he nearly hit him with his walking stick. "Look at yours, and look at Maeve''s," he said. "You didn''t bother learning from her."


    Byron was about to exin when Maeve hurriedly said, "Gilbert, Mister... Byron is nting it for the first time and has no experience. It''s already quite good that he managed to nt them this way." She thought. At least they''ve been nted.


    Watching her look as she defended Byron, Gilbert said mischievously, "With his clumsy hands, you are the only one who finds his arrangement of seedlings good."


    Maeve blushed, awkwardly saying nothing.


    Byron squinted and smiled as he looked at her.


    After entering the vi, Maeve followed Byron to the washroom.


    Upon washing her face, Maeve said with envy in her voice, "I noticed earlier that other than the outermost part of the garden which is filled with flower beds, the middle part is used by Gilbert to grow vegetables. It''s such a big piece ofnd. It must look spectacr if the entirend is nted with vegetable seedlings."


    She thought, ''It has always been my dream to buy a house with yard where I can grow vegetables. It''ll be so fulfilling to harvest them."


    Wiping his face with a towel, Byron said, "With Grandpa''s energy, he won''t be able to nt the whole area by next year." "That''s true. Gilbert''s health isn''t good." Maeve wiped the water droplets off her face. "But we''re here to help, aren''t we?"


    Byron paused while wiping his face with the towel and looked at her with a half-smile. "Didn''t you want a divorce? What''s with ''we''?"


    With that said, he left the washroom.


    Maeve was left stunned in ce by his words.


    Aftering out of the washroom, Maeve walked to the living room. At Gilbert''s gesture, she sat down opposite him at chessboard. She looked around and asked, ''Gilbert, where''s Mister... ahem, I mean, Byron?"


    "He went upstairs to change clothes, Gilbert said as he ced a white piece on the chessboard. "Maeve/do you know how to


    y chess?"


    Maeve nodded. "Gilbert, I only know a little and not very skilled If you don''t mind, may I y a game with you?"


    "That''s great."


    Gilbert put down a ck piece and casually said, "Maeve, did the fake news about Byron''s ne crash scare you?"


    He had subsequently heard everything that happened in the war that day from the hospital director.


    Maeve was stunned. She pursed her lips and said, "Yeah. I was a little scared."


    "Don''t be fooled by the fact that he''s the leader of the corporation and can get whatever he wants. Gilbert held a chess piece and smiled. "In reality, he is hopeless even when ites to nting vegetables.


    "But he doesn''t need to know how to do that, Maeve said softly. It would be odd if someone in his position knew how to nt vegetables"


    "With Byron''s status, nting vegetables is probably a kind of mental torture for him, she thought.


    Gilbert shook his head. "Have you seen my garden?"


    "I''ve seen it."


    "Who said people must nt only flowers in a garden? If I''m happy, I can nt vegetables and trees in it. Who said that''s wrong."


    Hearing Gilbert''s words with deeper meaning, Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. "Gilbert, I don''t quite catch on." Gilbert continued, "Silly girl, perhaps vegetable seedlings are not suitable for nting in a garden, but sometimes liking is more important than suitability. Human life is brief. Isn''t the point to find joy?"


    Maeve finally understood and thought, "Gilbert is taking care of my feelings after I learn about Byron''s true identity. He''s trying to help me understand the situation so that I won''t be bothered. I wonder how he figured out that I was bothered.


    Maeve blinked her teary eyes. "Gilbert, shall we continue the game?"


    "Alright." Gilbert nodded with a smile.


    Over ten minutester, Byron came downstairs after changing his clothes. The moment he entered the living room, he saw the two of them engaged in a fierce chess match.


    Gilbert''s chess-gging skills were superb. Even his friends often had a hard time winning against him.


    L


    Unexpectedly, Maeve was able to hold her own and even draw with him without falling behind.


    A hint of surprise shed across Byron''s eyes. His gaze toward Maeve became deeper and deeper, revealingplex emotions that were hard to express in words.


    Chess always tested one''s temperament and patience.


    People''s true nature could be seen through their styles of ying chess.


    Maeve''s style of ying chess waspletely different from her gentle and pleasant appearance.


    Her style was quite decisive and aggressive, with each move driven by a fierce determination to destroy the opponent.


    Gilbert, on the other hand, was more shrewd and strategic. He understood that the chessboard was like a battlefield, and every move he made was a trap designed to lure his opponent in


    Naturally, Maeve''s ck pieces fell into a difficult situation.


    She frowned and thought hard. Suddenly, she saw a slender finger reach out and lightly tap on a certain part of the


    chessboard.


    "ce your piece here. His maic and pleasant voice reached her ears.


    Byron held the armrest of Maeve''s seat with one hand. When he leaned over, she happened to turn her head.


    Her red lips unconsciously brushed against his chin, evoking a feeling of subtle and electrifying excitement that was both pleasurable and overwhelming.


    Byron''s back tensed, and he tightened his grip on the armrest.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Maeve''s eyes were wide open, and her lips were pursed tightly. She quickly turned her head back and pretended that nothing had happened to avoid awkwardness, However, the tips of her ears flushed uncontrobly, which Byron noticed. His Adam''s apple bobbed slightly.


    Little did she know that Gilbert, who was sitting across from her, saw everything clearly and smiled radiantly.


    The worry he had been holding onto was slightly eased.


    "Byron. I''m ying chess with Maeve. What''s with youing over to cheat?" Gilbert then picked up his coffee cup and asked leisurely. "Supporting your wife, huh?"


    Maeve could tell that he was teasing her. She blushed and said, "Gilbert, I''ve already lost...


    "Ignore him." Byron''s voice was hoarse. He took one of her ck chess pieces and moved it to another spot on the chessboard. Grandpa, it''s your turn."


    Gilbert snorted, put down his coffee cup, and continued the new round of fighting.


    The grandfather and grandson exchanged moves. Gilbert-knew how to set up a trap for his grandson, while Byron knew how to take things one step at a time. At the same time, he was also able to set a trap for his grandfather. Maeve was dumbfounded, thinking, ''Sure enough, Gilbert went easy on me just now, right? Otherwise, with the are going now, I would''ve lost long ago." "Move over a bit," Byron said,


    his eyes fixed on the chessboard, though the words were meant for Macve..


    Maeve was in a daze. She responded and scooted over to the side of her seat.


    It wasn''t until she felt the warmth beside her that she realized what was happening.


    way things!


    This was a single seat, so it was a little cramped with two people sitting. They could clearly feel each other''s warmth.


    Maeve flushed intensely, feeling like her face was hot enough to fry an egg on it.


    Fortunately, Gilbert soon put down his chess piece and said, "I''m not ying anymore. Rascal, how can you treat your own grandfather like this?"


    Byron looked at the losing position of the white pieces on the chessboard with amusement in his eyes. "Grandpa,} e making excuses to avoid losing again." Gilbert was so angry that he did not dinner was ready.


    pay


    him any


    attention. He went to the kitchen with his hands behind his back to see if


    Maeve secretly heaved a sigh of relief. However, when she saw Byron looking at her, she immediately got nervous. "Wh-


    what''s wrong?" she asked:


    I helped you defeat Grandpa. Byron said. "Where''s my reward He then tapped the chessboard and made a request in at


    leisurely manner. "It''s not too much to kiss me, right?"


    0

 Chapter 113

    Maeve thought, Kiss him? Here?


    She was utterly shocked, with her cheeks and palms flushed. Herglistening eyes avoided meeting Byron''s gaze.


    She


    he said,


    "No-


    However, Byron did not give her a chance to finish talking. He raised her chin and pressed his lips against her soft red lips without hesitation


    Macve''s heart raced. Her lower lip that he was kissing seemed to have an electric current running through it, spreading throughout her entire body. It was exceptionally tingling and numb. From theer of her eye, she saw the maid pass by the living room door. Her heart was in her throat.


    Fortunately, the maid did note in.


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief and suddenly felt a pain on her lips.


    Byron


    was dissatisfied with her absent-mindedness, so he bit her as a form of punishment. Then, knowing when to stop before things got worse, he let her go.


    "It hurts" Maeve said, staring at him with tearful eyes and covering her mouth with her hand. "I didn''t even agree to it." You said nothing, so I''d have to take it myself," Byron said meaningfully. "You expect me to reason with you, huh?" "People who don''t reason are hooligans," Maeve said angrily. "I wanted to lose to Gilbert just now, but you messed it up and even asked me for a reward. With that said, , she


    ran


    in a huff and went to the bathroom to wash her face lest Gilbert notice which would make her even more embarrassed. anything unusual but of the living room


    Unfortunately, she made a mistake in judgment.


    The maid who had passed by earlier immediately told Gilbert about the two of them kissing in the living room.


    Gilbert was in a good mood, so much so that he even had an extra serving of food for dinner.


    His body was not as strong as before. Not long after dinner, he went upstairs to rest.


    Maeve followed Beron to the second floor and came to his room.


    -


    She did not bring a change of clothes when she came, so she had no choice but to make do with Byron''s clothes for now. She would then hand the clothes she changed out of to the maid to wash and dry, intending to wear them when she left tomorrow.


    Although it was not the first time she wore Byron''s clothes, wearing them while sober feltpletely different from when she was drunk.


    Maeve dawdled in the bathroom for a long while before mustering the courage to go out


    On the big ck bed in the room, Byron sat there reading a book. The warm orange glow of the wallmp illumina, the top of his head. His face was like a painting, gentle and distant.


    Recalling Gilbert''s words, Maeve suppressed the chaotic thoughts in her mind and quickly went over to lift the nket on the bed before lying on the other side.


    Byron gave her an indifferent nce and asked, "Have you put on your pants?"


    Maeve curled up under the nket and said grumpily, "What do you take me for? Of course, I have. I''m not drunk this


    time.


    ume.


    Byron turned a page and said indifferently. "Is that so? Who knows."


    Maeve poked her head out of the nket and red at him. "You don''t know? Didn''t you smell it when you kissed me not long ago?"


    "I''m not sure. Shall I try it again?"


    The word "try" seemed to carry a suggestive and flirtatious connotation.


    He spoke in that teasing tone again, making Maeve''s ears flush. She red at him with anger she wasn''t fully aware of.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, you are not going to sleep on the sofa, huh?"


    Byron closed the book, rested his elbows on his knees, and turned his head to look at her. "Why should I sleep on the sofa! This seems to be my bed"


    "We''re about to get a divorce. It''s not appropriate for us to share a bed, right?" Maeve told him what he had said in the


    bathroom.


    As soon as Byron heard her mention divorce, his jaw itched slightly.


    He lightly ran his tongue over his teeth. "Maeve, aren''t you tired of saying things that you don''t mean all the time?" Maeve was stunned for a moment. Before she registered his words, the light above her head went out, plunging the surroundings into darkness. Right after that, a body filled with a masculine aura pressed down from above, enveloping herpletely. Maeve''s heart skipped a bear. She pushed him away, but he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head.


    She squirmed ufortably. "Mr. Mcdaniel, what are you trying to do?"


    Byron lowered his gaze and looked at Maeve in the dim light, as if through a thin veil. Her flushed face seemed even more captivating than usual.


    He thought, ''She''s wearing my shirt, lying on my bed, and the scent of my usual shampoo is in her hair. It''s as if she has been marked with my personal brand.


    This realization caused the subtle glint of passion in Byron''s eyes to be intense. He tightened his grip on her wrists slightly and leaned in close to the tip of her nose.


    Maeve''s


    heart suddenly raced. Her toes involuntarily pressed against the bedsheet, quickly causing it to wrinkle.


    As their breaths alternated, Byron asked in a serious voice by her ear, "I''ll give you another chance. Do you really want aContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    divorce?


    divorce?


    Maeve bit her lip. She suddenly could not bring herself to say the words "I do".


    Without waiting for her to sort out her conflicted feelings, he kissed her passionately, domineeringly and gently.


    He chuckled and said, "My Maeve is so good at chess. Who did you learn it from?"


    Maeve thought, My Maeve...


    The deep bass of his words-echoed in her ears, and her mind inantly went nk.


    ¦°¦¥¦©


    Her


    1.77%


    roline body curled up like a cooked shrimp, andyers of blush appeared on her wless skin, making her look like a


    "When I was young... s-someone taught me..." Maeve was so shy that her voice was trembling. Even her resolve to get a divorce began to waver.


    Her rationality told her that she should push him away. She knew what would happen if this continued.


    However, those words thatbined yful teasing with a sense of loving indulgence made her feel like a fish stranded on the shore, willing to stay on the beach to savor the fleeting wariti. "y a game of chess with me next time, okay?" Byron''s voice was deep and hoarse, exuding an indescribable bewitching power.


    The warmth in in the room was sufficient, but it paled inparison to the heated sensation from his kiss that almost melted Maeve entirely.


    Her mind was in a mess. Her hands, initially pushing him away, ended up gripping him tightly. The corners of her eyes were flushed. mm," she replied vaguely. In fact, she had long been unable to make out what he was saying.


    "Mm....


    Mm She could only feel the increasing pressure of his slow, deliberate movements, each one heavier than thest, making her feel as if something was stuck in her throat and she wanted to release it. However, she could not find a way to o do so.


    She twisted her slender legs ufortably and frowned impatiently, not understanding what was wrong with her. She then opened her misty eyes and looked at the man in front of her, almost begging for mercy. "M-Mr. Mcdaniel..." Byron''s blue eyes were dim. He lowered his head and nuzzled against the tip of her nose. "What did you call me?" He did not say it explicitly, but Maeve suddenly understood what he meant.


    She tightened her grip with her pale fingers on his shoulders and endured her shame as she said, "B-Byron."


    Satisfaction shed across Byron''s eyes. "Good girl."


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered, and she instantly experienced a profound emotional impact.


    Byron looked at her blushing face and closed eyes. His heart skipped a beat. He pecked her rosy and slightly swollen lips. "Ding ding ding..


    The sudden ringtone from the phone on the table broke the increasingly passionate atmosphere in the room.


    Byron frowned in annoyance. After rejecting the call, the phone rang again persistently, so he decided to swipe to answer.


    "What''s the matter?" he said.


    Karen''s sobbing voice came through. "Byron, what should I do?" she said. "My dad identally fell and fainted earlier. He has been sent to the operating theater. I''m alone, and I''m so scared."

 Chapter 114

    Maeve was stunned for a moment. She vaguely heard Karen crying.


    Just as she looked at Byron, she saw him get up from the bed andfort Karen gently, saying, "Tll go over now. Don''t be antsy"


    After he hung up and changed his clothes, Maeve asked softly. "Are you going out now? What happened?"


    Byron hesitated for a moment. Recalling that Maeve had been jealous of Karen and had been at odds with him for a long while, he said, "Something urgent came up. I have to deal with it Go to sleep first. Don''t wait for me." "I see." Ma e." Maeve lowered her gaze. "It''s already sote. Can''t you go tomorrow?" She thought, ''Can you not go to meet Karen?''


    Byron thought she did not want to sleep alone, so his thin lips curled up slightly. He then leaned over and nted a kiss on her forehead. "Why? You''ve turned into a kid who needs me to apany you even when you want to sleep, huh? I''ll try toe back as soon as I can, okay?"


    With that stid, he picked up his coat and hurriedly left the room.


    Maeve sat on the bed and watched him leave without stopping. She looked as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water on her head, and she felt cold all over.


    The infatuation and hesitation that had built up earlier suddenly copsed.


    She had never known before that childhood friends could be so frightening in the sense of posing a threat to one''s romantic rtionship.


    Even though they had just embraced and exchanged body warmth moments ago, and could even take things further, a single phone call could make him leave her without hesitation to be with Karen.


    She initially thought she did not pale inparison to Karen, but only now did she realize how much she fell shortpared to Karen. This was because the personN?velDrama.Org content rights.


    who was left behind at this moment was not Karen, but her.


    She


    Maeve curled her lips. At this moment, she only felt that she was truly foolish for briefly entertaining the idea of not wanting a divorce earlier. thought. "No wonder people say the biggest illusion in life is thinking that the person you like also likes you. I mistook his actions of fulfilling normal physical desires as affection for me, forgetting that what a man says in bed can''t be trusted. not the entire night.


    She


    When she got up from bed in the morning, Byron still hadn''te back. She thought,


    Last night, he said


    sa


    he woulde back early. Sure enough, it''s a lie. Maeve changed her clothes and went downstairs to have breakfast with Gilbert.


    Gilbert clearly did not know that Byron had gone outst night. He asked, "Is Byron still sleeping in?* Nope," Maeve said with a smile. "Something cropped up at thepany. He went out very early." looked disapproving. "There will always be more work to be done, no matter how much ispleted. If he has to oversee everything, what are so many employees in thepany for? Maeve, keep an eye on him regrly. Make sure he 08:15 Mooked 08:15 Mon, Mon, Oct 21


    bnces work and rest."


    "Don''t worry. I will."


    Only then did Gilbert smile. He dropped Maeve a hint. "My heal is declining day by day. If I could see my great-grandchild before I kick the bucket, then I would have nothing more to worry about." He heard from the maid that Byron and Maeve made quite a noise in the bedroomst night.


    This made him want to have a great-grandchild.


    Maeve almost choked on her milk. Her cheeks flushed. "Gilbert, you will definitely live to a ripe old age."


    "It''s not realistic to hope for that. Maeve, you and Byron have to work hard. I''m looking forward to it."


    Maeve was at a at a loss for


    for words. She lowered her head and ate her oatmeal, not daring to reply.


    After thinking about it f


    t it for the entire night, she was even more determined to get a divorce.


    Gilbert''


    She thought, ''Perhaps it''s fated that I''ll disappoint


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, Jason is here," the maid said as she walked into the dining room before respectfully stepping aside.


    A middle-aged man in a dark brown suede suit walked over. His face revealed the maturity andposure that had umted over the years,


    His swept across Maeve, giving off a very dignified vibe.


    His gaze


    Maeve tightened her grip on the fork, feeling that the way this person looked at her was as if he was assessing whether an object was valuable, which made her feel inexplicably ufortable. Jason retracted his gaze and looked at Gilbert, saying gently, "Good morning, Dad. I''m here to bother you."


    "Mm, Gilbert replied indifferently. "Let''s talk after breakfast."


    "Alright. Take your time eating


    Gilbert looked at Maeve again and said kindly, "Maeve, I don''t know what you like to eat. This was all prepared by the chef on a whim. Please let them know your preferencester. You''ll be able to have it next time youe." Maeve nced at the overly sumptuous breakfast in front of her and quickly shook her head.


    "Gilbert, I''m not picky about food. I don''t have any fixed preferences. I can eat anything."


    ?


    That won''t do. It''s not like I don''t have the means. Besides, I want you toe over often to teach me how to grow vegetables."


    Maeve smiled. "If you miss me in the future, give me a call, and ile over."


    Gilbert was so happy that heughed. "Byron might not agree then I had better not get in the way of you two spending time together for intimate moments."


    He thought, "That will save them the trouble of having to even wait when I''m not around to sneak kisses despite only. wanting to give each other a little kiss."


    Maeve''s


    sears flushed again. She drank her milk and stopped talking.


    Jason gave her a few thoughtful nces.


    After


    breakfast, Gilbert went upstairs to talk to Jason.


    24% 77%


    "Dad. Maeve''s family background is too average, Jason said in a serious voice. "She doesn''t offer any benefit to Byron and the corporation. I think it''s better to separate them as soon as possible." Gilbert''s expression darkened as he said, "You hardly raised Byrtin. You don''t have to worry about his marriage."


    "Are you just going to watch him be dragged down by such a woman then?" Jason frowned. "Do you know that she and the youngest son of Graves Group still have lingering feelings for each other even after breaking up and that they even had dinner together recently? A woman like her can''t be a part of our family. She''ll only end up being a huge burden to Byron in the future."


    Gilbert said. "That''s between the two of them. They can handle it themselves. As an elder, why are you interfering?"


    Jason looked up. "As long as you don''t interfere with Neville going overseas, I''ll pretend that I didn''t hear about this. How about that?"


    "So


    here just to negotiate with me today and even want to use Maeve as a bargaining chip, huh?" Gilbertughed out of anger. "You know very well what Neville has done, and you still want to cover for him?"


    He thought. Even when his own son was hospitalized, he wasn''t this anxious. Now he''s using the matter with Macve''s parents to negotiate with me.


    Gilbert mmed his walking stick heavily onto the ground. "I think you''re just like your wife. You''re both muddle-headed."


    Jason was silent for a moment. "I don''t mean that. I just want him to cont¨ªnue staying in the country as a means for Byron to grow and improve."


    "You didn''t consider Byron''s feelings, huh?"


    "To be apetent leader, he must learn to be hard-hearted. Otherwise, how can he lead Mcdaniel Group to greater heights? A ship that can''t withstand storms will capsize sooner orter. I''m just toughening him up." Gilbert was extremely enraged.


    He thought, ''He failed me, and I''m so pissed off with him!


    Maeve had been in the garden for a while. She then saw the maid suddenly running over anxiously, telling her to go upstairs.


    ''Mr. Mcdaniel is throwing a tantrum, the maid thought. ''Maeve is the only one who can calm him down.


    Upon hearing that Maeve quickly put down what she was holding and ran upstairs.


    L


    L


    When she reached the door of the master bedroom, she happened to hear a voiceing from inside. "I won''t pursue


    Lo divorce." Maeve''s past actions any further, but as the daughter-inw of the Mcdaniel family''s heir, she''s not up to par at all. Sooner orter, you''ll appreciate the heartfelt thoughts behind my insistence to separate them, and you will get the

 Chapter 115

    115


    "Get out! Gilbert scolded.


    The next moment, Jason was chased out.


    When he saw Maeve at the doorway, he looked stem.


    7''s good that you heard it," he said. "It''s only a matter of time before I make Byron divorce you. So you''d better not think that you can rest easy with my dad backing you


    Marve''s face turned pale, and her palms hurt from clenching


    She thought. Sure enough, other than Gilbert, no one in the Mcdaniel family approves of my marriage with Byron. Even Byron''s father opposes it so strongly, so it''s only a matter of time before we divorce. After staying in in the bungalow until the afternoon, Byron still hadn''t returned. Maeve then went back alone.


    It was not easy to get a taxi here, so Gilbert sent a driver to drive her home.


    Once in the car. Maeve felt a wave of difort and took out her phone to distract herself.


    Bonnie (Maeve. I''m I''m such a poor thing. I slipped in the snow and hurt my butt.)


    Bonnie (Mae


    Maeve hurriedly clicked on it and saw the hospitalization photo Bonnie had sent.


    She thought, Even when she was hospitalized, she didn''t forget to bring her hug pillow along. This girl is really....


    Maeve shook her head. She asked the driver to make a U-turn and go to First Hospital first.


    Bonnie was


    lying prone on the hospital bed. A doctor in a white coat stood beside her, saying something to her.


    Maeve pushed open the door and was shocked to see Ray:


    "Dr. George she said.


    "Ms. eese? Ray said, smiling yfully. "What a coincidence. You re here too."


    Maeve did not understand the deeper meaning in his words. She walked up to the pitiful Bonnie and asked him, "How''s my friend''s injury? Is it very serious?"


    "She''s your friende Ray nced at Bonnie and nodded. "You should persuade her then. Her tailbone is dislocated and needs manual adjustment. If it drags on for too long, it will be more serious. Bonnie shouted in The word "butt" seemed to to echo.


    in grief and I indignation, "No! I''m a married woman. I can''t let a strange man touch my butt."


    It was clearly a very tragic situation, but Maeve almost wanted tough.


    Ray looked at Bonnie with some surprise and asked, "You''re married?"


    Bonnie tightly hugged her body pillow, which featured the printed image of a person, and said nervously. "That''s right. I''m already married. Can I not get that adjustment?¡±


    A hint of interest shed across Ray''s attractive eyes. "No, you cant, unless you want to lie here for the rest of your life." manadele evnression went nk upon hearing this.


    "Dr. George, let me persinde her, Maeve hurriedly said. "It''ll just take a while. It shouldn''t dy anything, right?"


    Ray nodded. "Alright. I''ll go out now.


    After he left, Maeve finally couldn''t hold back herughter. Sheughed.


    Bonnie looked aggrieved as she said, "I''m already in this state, yet you''re stillughing. Are we still good friends?"


    "Of course we are. That''s why I''m here to persuade you to be more open-minded." Maeve smiled helplessly. "In the eyes of doctors, patients have no gender. If you keep being stubborn, you''re the one who''ll suffer."


    She thought. "Well, I do understand that the spot where she''s injured is indeed tricky to fix. Bonnie is a young woman who has never had a boyfriend. Naturally, she will have difficulty getting past this psychological hurdle. But if she doesn''t go through with it, her injury won''t heal, and that won''t do! Maeve decided to add a bit more pressure. "And think about it, Dr. George is quite handsome. If you don''t let him do the adjustment, the hospital may send a middle-aged guy....


    no!" Bonnie


    "No, no, no!


    No,


    was scared out of her wits. "I-I''ll have it done, okay? I''ll have the adjustment done now. Maeve, help me tell the doctor. I-I''m scared... Maeve lowered d her eyes and smiled. "Don''t be scared. I know Dr. George. He is quite skilled in his profession."


    "Please don''t leave right away. Stay in the hospital with me, okay?"


    "Okay, okay, okay. Sure thing. Don''t worry."


    With that said, Maeve went out to inform Ray, "Dr. George, Bonnie has agreed," she said. "We''ll be counting on you to fix the injuryter. "Not a problem, Mrs. Mcdaniel, Ray said with a smile. "Since she''s your friend, I''ll do my best no matter what"


    The word "Mrs. Mcdaniel" made Maeve blush. She instinctively tried to deny it. "You''re mistaken. Mr. Mcdaniel and I are


    not....


    "Mrs. Mcdaniel, don''t hide it anymore. When Byron drank with us the other day, he told us everything." Ray clicked his divorce issue." Longue. He even got pretty drunk because you brought up i


    With Byron''s alcohol tolerance, very few people can get him drunk unless he is willing. Ray thought. Yet, he''s gotten drunk twice because of Marve. I really don''t believe he married her just to deal with his grandfather. Upon hearing this, Maeve looked a bit incredulous. She thought, Byron got drunk because


    I brought up the divorce In the past, he was the one who always talked about divorce, so howe...


    Enjoying the drama, Ray said, "By the way, Mrs. Mcdaniel, Byron is also on this floor. If you''re bored waiting here, why don''t you go see him now?"


    "What''s wrong with him?" Maeve immediately became nervous. Is he sick?"


    Ray shrugged and said meaningfully, "He''s not sick, but he''s been bothered by an incurable problem."


    He thought, ''And he''s bothered by an experienced angelic bitch, nodess


    Maeve was confused. As she was antsy, she went the ward ahead to look for Byron


    Turning the corner, she saw two figures standing in front of a ward not far away.


    The figures were unexpectedly Byron and Karen.


    When Karen saw Maeve walking over, a scheming look shed across her eyes.


    she fell onto Byron and deliberately kissed his face.


    Then, she


    Byron frowned and pushed her away without hesitation.


    However. Karen still left a red mark on his cor.


    eyes


    were


    filled with sorrow. She pretended to cry and fell into his arms. She clutched his suit jacket tightly, refusing to let go.


    She said, "Byron, I''m really scared....


    Maeve froze when she saw this scene. Her feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, unable to move.


    In an instant, her face turned extremely palc.


    "If you''re scared, go hug the doctor," Byron said. "What''s the point of hugging me?"


    He pushed Karen away. There was a hint of anger on his cold face. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a familiar figure and suddenly paused.


    He turned his head and saw Maeve standing there, staring intently at them.


    could


    He frowned. Before he ould say anything. Maeve turned around and walked away.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    turned around, wanting to chase after Maeve. Karen clung tightly to his sleeve and said with a sobbing tone, "Byron, don''t leave me here alone. I''m afraid my dad will..."


    He then turn


    "Let go." Byron turned his head, a hint of hostility shing across his blue eyes. "I don''t want to repeat myself."


    Karen had never been looked at with such a gaze before. She was so frightened that she let go. As she saw him quickly head in the direction where Maeve was leaving, she bit her lip tightly


    He actually snapped at me for Maeve''s sake!" she thought.


    Maeve calmly walked toward Bonnie''s ward. Halfway there. Byron grabbed her arm.


    His voice was slightly serious as he said, "Maeve, it''s not what you think you saw. Don''t overthink things.


    "I''m not overthinking things," Maeve said, her voice bing tense. When she looked up, she wore an indifferent smile. "It''s just a bug between two people who are childhood friends. There''s nothing to fuss over. You don''t have to exin yourself to


    me.

 Chapter 116

    Byron stared at Maeve''s indifferent smile, with sharpness. his eyes 1


    "Does that mean you don''t mind?" he asked.


    "Why should I mind?" Maeve said, looked nonchnt. "We''re about to get a divorce. You can do whatever you want with anyone. It has nothing to do with me, right?" Byron thought, "What a good retort, saying that I can do whatever I want with anyone!


    His expression darkened. "So what aboutst night?


    "Since she wants a divorce, why did she still try to please mest night?'' he thought. Is she ying a trick on me?"


    Maeve immediately left speechless.


    Maeve was When she When


    thought of all the scenes fromst night, her cheeks fished, and her breathing became intense. However, she suppressed her reaction. Feigning puzzlement, she said, "It''s just a normal exchange of desires between adults. What''s the big deal? Mr. Medaniel, could it be that you still don''t understand this principle at this age?" Byron thought, ''At t this sage...


    He looked at her with a chilling gaze. A sneer was disyed on his thin lips. "Maeve, you''d better remember what you just said. Don''t regret it." With that said, he shook off Maeve''s hand with a cold expression, turned around, and strode away.


    Maeve''s appearance ofposure that she feigned fell apart. Her lips were bitten so hard that they were almost bleeding. Her face was pale and grim.


    "It isn''t what I think?'' she thought. I didn''t think it. I just saw it. Fromst night until just now, he''s been with Karen, hugging each other like a pair of lovers. Worried about him being sick, I rushed over, looking like a fool. Last night, I was even more foolish. I actually thought he liked me too, which was why he treated me that way. But I forgot that one can have a desire for someone without having feelings for that person. bumped into Ray, who was hurriedly running out.


    When Maeve returned to Bonnie sward in a daze,


    She


    The mask on his face hung over one ear, and his enchanting face was slightly flushed, as if he had been pped. His attractive eyes were filled with confusion. Maeve was shocked by his appearance. "Dr. "Dr. George, what happened to you?" she asked.


    "Mrs. Mcdaniel, your


    friend is really fierce, Ray said, forcing a smile and adjusting his mask. He did not say much. "Go in and check on her. Just call me if there''s any problem." With that said, he left, absorbed in his thoughts and looking a bit dazed.


    Maeve couldn''t be bothered about her frustration anymore. She went into the ward.


    She saw Bonnie curled up under the nket with her head buried in it.


    She walked over and patted her, saying, "Bonnie? What happened just now?"


    Hiding under the nket, Bonnie cried as she said, ¡°Maeve, my butt is not clean anymore."


    75%]


    Maeve''s expression changed, and she immediately asked, "What happened? Did Dr. George take the opportunity to mistreat you?


    "Not exactly. Bonnie stammered. "After the adjustment was done, he kindly helped pull the nket over me. I was in so much pain that I curled up a little... It just so happened that my butt came into contact with his hand..." Under the nket was her butt. One could imagine what the situation was like at that moment.


    Maeve thought of the red mark on Ray''s face and suddenly understood. And then you pped him?"


    "That was a reflex reaction, Bonnie said angrily." "If his hand hadn''t been there, my butt wouldn''t have coincidentallye into contact with...


    Noticing Bonnie''s


    nnie''s voice trailing off, off, Maeve knew I Bonnie felt a bit bit guilty. She could not help but say with a smile, "When Dr. George left your ward, he looked all dazed. You probably stunned him with that p."


    She thought, "He''s not just stunned. Judging by Ray''s expression, it was as if he had never been pped before in his life, and his self-esteem took a serious hit.


    Bonnie emerged from under the nket. "I don''t care. I was the one who got the short end of the stick"


    "Do you want to switch doctors to avoid feeling awkward when you see him?"


    "Forget it. Switching doctors would just mean having to adjust all over again, which would be even more ufortable."


    Maeve nodded and didn''t think much about it. She then asked, "Bonnie, do you know any reliablewyers?" "Yes, I do. What area are you looking to consult about?"


    "Divorce."


    On the day Maeve returned to work, she received a warm wee from everyone in the entire office.


    It must be


    t be noted that it had been four consecutive years since anyone from Eternal Hope had defeated Alex and won the award for the most eye-catching design. Hence, after the design exhibition ended, Maeve and Jack became thepany''s cutting-edge designers and received a lot attention.


    of atte


    Everyone in the office felt proud of their achievement.


    "It feels so good. I can feel good until the next exhibition. Those sons of a b***h downstairs won''t have this good fortune."


    I''m going to thepany cafeteria for lunch today to interview people from other offices about how it feels when no one won any awards in the exhibition." "They previously mocked our new hires backstage, but in the end, they turned out to be even worse than our new hires."


    Everyone burst intoughter.


    It was only then that Maeve realized that thepetition between the offices at Eternal Hope was quite intense.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ?


    If any floor''s design office failed to meet performance standards twice in a row, it would be harshly demoted by getting inoved to a lower floor. This led to designers on the lower floors desperately trying to move up, while those on the higher floors fought hard to keep their positions.   $75%0


    designers from different offices ran into each other, it was like meeting enemies, almost as if they would draw their swords on the spot. Now that they had a chance to show off in front of others, they naturally wouldn''t let such an opportunity pass. "Maeve,e over here," Leah said from behind her desk.


    Maeve walked over and asked, "Ms. Mason, what''s the matter?"


    Leah ced three documents in front of her. "Still remember the right to choose designs for the seasonal collection, right? It''s one of the rewards after Morningstar won the award. These projects are some of thepany''s top assets. You and Jack are lucky this time" Maeve silently marveled at the I at thepany''s generosity. Then, she opened the documents. One was for the


    of for the design f this year''s summer fashion collection, another was for the private custom design of a spring suit. and thest was a private custom design for a renowned actress''s year-end red carpet gown.


    Each was tempting and desirable, but Maeve could only choose one.


    "How is it?


    Have you made your choice?" Leah raised her eyebrows and asked when she saw the conflicted look on Maeve''s face. "Or should we just draw lots?"


    A trace of helplessness shed across Maeve''s calm face as she finally made a decision.


    Her wless fingertips tapped the document in the middle. "Ms. Mason. I choose this one."


    "A custom suit?" Leah I was surprised. "I thought this would be thest thing you''d choose. I figured it would be snatched away by Jack."


    "When I was making gowns previously, my eyes were almost blurry from the crewelwork. This time, I want something a bit easier and a change in the type of work." Maeve smiled casually. It should be very interesting" Eternal Hope specialized in wedding dresses and fashion, but their custom designs, whether for men or women, were equally outstanding.


    Touching her chin, Leah smiled mysteriously. I can only say that you have good judgment.¡±


    Each of these three choices carried its own significance.


    The first one pertained to this year''s summer fashion show, which would be a highly anticipated event.


    The design of a custom gown for a renowned actress was the easiest way to spread poprity, which would benefit a desigger''s fame.


    As for the custom suit, that presented a different scenario altogether.


    While Maeve was still in puzzlement, Leah tossed her a contract with a business card on it.


    "This is the address of the client''spany. Just go there directly. Whether or not you can get the client to acknowledge your design caliber and sign this final contract depends on your ability."

 Chapter 117

    Half an hourter, Maeve arrived at Mcdaniel Group, and she was slightly stunned as she looked at the towering building in front of her that reached into the clouds. The custom-made suit was actually for someone working at Medaniel Group.


    This was her first time here. She had only seen this huge building in the news before. It symbolized absolute power and status in Kleymond.


    She thought, And all of this is in that man''s hands. But it has nothing to do with me. This ce is huge, so I might not even bump into him.


    As Maeve thought about it, she took a deep breath and walked in to inform her intentions to the receptionist.


    After the receptionist made a call, someone quickly came downstairs to take Maeve up.


    When the elevator reached the top floor, a female secretary swiped her card and entered, saying, "Ms. Reese, please."


    "Thank you," Maeve said.


    The floor was about twice the size of Eternal Hope''s office. Spacious and bright, it was divided into four areas which could be clearly seen at a nce.


    However, it was rtively quiet with almost no unwanted noise. Even the female secretary in her high heels tried her best to control the sound of her heels clicking. Maeve followed her into a reception room.


    "Ms. Reese, please wait here for a moment," the female secretary said as she ced a cup of coffee on the table. Then, she Jefi


    Maeve took a sip of the coffee and waited patiently.


    This wait took her several hours. The hot coffee had turnedpletely cold.


    The female secretary came in to rece the coffee several times and told her that the meeting was not over yet. She asked her to wait a little longer.


    Maeve could not help but grumble inwardly, ''A meetingsting this long. They don''t need to go to the restrooth, huh?"


    At around five in the afternoon, Maeve finally couldn''t wait any longer.


    When she


    got up


    from the sofa, her legs were a little numb.


    Beforeing here, Leah had reminded her that the person for whom the suit was tailored was rather special and might be difficult to convince, requiring the utmost sincerity. She thought, ''T''ve been waiting here all afternoon. Regardless of my sincerity, at least my intention has been shown


    Upon letting out a sigh. Maeve slowly walked out with numb legs.


    Unexpectedly, she bumped into the female secretary who came in with the coffee as she went out, and the coffee was sshed all over her.


    "Ms. Reese, are you alright?" the female secretary said. "I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to


    She quickly took out some tissues, wanting to let Maeve wipe.


    "It''s fine," Maeve said. "It''s winter. I wear lots of clothes, so I''m not burned. As sheforted her, her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a figure walking over from ahead.


    He wore a well-tailored ck suit that entuated his tall and upright figure. His long legs took sharp and decisive steps. exuding an air of coldness and high status with every movement The higher-ups following him became his background.


    He was the sole focus of attention.


    Sensing Maeve''s gaze. Byron raised his eyelids and looked over


    His gaze lingered on her for a second, or maybe even less than a second, before he withdrew it coldly and walked straight past her into the office


    Maeve watched in a daze as his figure disappeared behind the door, her eyes inexplicably feeling a pang of emotion.


    She thought. Tve long mentally prepared myself to be strangers with him after our future divorce, yet it turns out that I''ve overestimated my resolve.


    "Ms. Reese. I''m really sorry. I have a new set of clothes that haven''t been worn yet. Why don''t you change out of your wet clothes first? The female secretary''s voice snapped Maeve out of her thoughts.


    She blinked, trying to clear away the welling sadness. She managed to pull herself together with difficulty.


    She looked at her coat and sweater, realizing that If she went out in them and the cold wind blew, she would definitely catch a cold the next day, so she agreed.


    After changing her clothes, Maeve transferred money to the female secretary and bought the clothes.


    This would save her the trouble of having to return the clothes in the future.


    The female secretary epted the transfer and said to her, "Ms. Reese, our CEO is free now. You can go in to see him."


    Maeve was stunned, and she asked, "Your CEO is looking for me?


    "Aren''t you the one who is looking for our CEO? That contract... The female secretary looked puzzled.


    Realizing what was going on, Maeve tensed up all over.


    She thought, "The person for the custom suit is Byron? I had a feeling that it could be him, but I didn''t think it could be that coincidental, so I didn''t dwell on it. Besides, he is not the only high-ranking figure in Mcdaniel Group. But now given how he just ignored me, the contract might fall through.


    Maeve bit her lip and felt conflicted outside the CEO''s office for a long while. Thinking of Leah''s instructions, she mustered her courage.


    After knocking on the door, a deep and cold voice came from inside. "Come in."


    Maeve took a deep breath and walked in.


    In the office, the orange evening glow streamed in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, brushing against the handsome figure behind the desk and coating him with ayer of cold light.


    He raised his eyes slightly, his face showing a hint of unreachable aloofness as he said, "Who allowed you toe in Maeve lowered her gaze, walked up to him, ced the contract on the desk, and revealed a standard smile.


    "Hello, Mr. Mcdaniel. I''m Maeve Reese, a designer from Eternal Tope who is in charge of your custom spring suit. If you''re


    willing to give me this opportunity, this is the contract. Please sign here.


    ? 9.75%#


    75¡ãC


    Byron did not even look at the contract. He said with a cold tone "I''m very busy. I don''t have time to read such a thing. Get


    out."


    Maeve kept her smile. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you must have seen the design exhibitionst week. I believe you have seen my skills. It''s just that I haven''t disyed them on men''s suits yet. I hope you can give me this opportunity." Byron paused while writing. "Ms. Reese, do you know which designers customize suits for me?"


    "Go ahead and share with me."


    Byron casually mentioned a few famous designers. They were all highly influential designers in the industry.


    His tone was indifferent. "Ms. Reese, since you have never handled men''s suits before, why should I believe that you have the capability to design my suit? Are you qualified?"


    The words "Are you qualified? made Marve have a sudden feeling of anxiety.


    Clenching her fists, she said indifferently, "Perhaps I''m not as skilled as the renowned designers you mentioned, but since you''re ustomed to their suits and came to Eternal Hope, I guess you want to try something new. Since that''s the case, fact that your project has reached me indirectly suggests that I am qualified"


    Byron raised his eyebrows slightly. The interest in his eyes disappeared in an instant, and his expression was indifferent.


    the


    "In that case, Ms. Reese, you might as well show me your sincerity and let me see what qualifications you have to make such a im.


    "I will" Maeve heaved a sigh of relief.


    She thought, As long as he doesn''t reject me outright, I still stand a chance. Plus, he didn''t chase me out, and that''s already surprising.


    Before leaving the office, Maeve heard Byron''s indifferent voiceing from behind. "Ms. Reese, I''m looking forward to what price you are willing to pay to secure this project."


    Maeve felt a chill run down her spine.


    What price should I pay? she thought. Doesn''t he want to see my sincerity? Could this be a trap?"


    After Maeve left, Archer came in to deliver some documents and reported, "Mr. Mcdaniel, Bert has sent an invitation, wanting to tailor a spring suit for you."


    0


    08-11 Tue, Oct 22? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 118

    "Leave it for now," Byron said in a serious voice, pressing the spot between his eyebrows. "Have you found Neville''s whereabouts?"


    Archer lowered his head and said, "The lead was lost somewhere around the halfway point up the mountain. We he likely took advantage to flee abroad during this time."


    Byron sneered. "If that''s the case, he won''t hide at Lashton Sanatorium."


    "Yes. I''ll get someone to keep investigating."


    Aftering out of Mcdaniel Group, Maeve stood by the roadside and took in the cold wind. It was only then that the chaos in her mind was dispersed.


    She recalled seeing Byron sitting in that luxurious office with a calm and noble demeanor, suddenly finding it amusing.


    She thought, ''Howe he could be so at ease and calm when he pretended to be a driver back then? Was he afraid I''d go after his assets once I knew his real identity? Or was he worried I''d refuse to get out of his hair and get a divorce? Maybe both reasons apply Maeve took a deep breath. The bone-chilling wind entered her lungs, causing her to cough a few times.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    She left and took a taxi to go view rental properties.


    Although Bonnie said Maeve could stay at her ce indefinitely, Maeve did not like being a burden. She reckoned it was better to find a house and move out as soon as possible.


    Early the next morning, Maeve brought the documents and contract to the top floor of Mcdaniel Group..


    As expected, she was ignored again.


    It was the same for the next few days.


    The female secretary who previously received Maeve became familiar with her. When she saw hering over to wait again today, she privately told Maeve, "I heard yesterday that Mr. Mcdaniel has already epted Bert''s invitation. If you keep waiting, it might not lead to anything."


    Maeve''s eyes revealed her disappointment upon hearing the news. She couldn''t help but think that she hadn''t even had a chance to see Byren in the past few days, let alone persuade him. Waiting around like this felt like aplete waste of time to her, Her phone suddenly rang.


    Maeve answered the call and said, "Ms. Mason, I was just about to call you. We might not be able to secure Mr. Mcdaniel''s project..."


    "Forget about that for now then, Leah said. "Hurry back to thepany. A distinguished guest specifically requested to see


    You have to be here within half an hour."


    you.


    She was puzzled for a moment beforeplying. "Alright. I''ll head.back now."


    After hanging up the phone, she said to the female secretary, "Thank you for telling me about this. I still have something on, so I have to go now. Bye!"


    With that said, Maeve quickly walked into the elevator.


    When the female secretary saw the Maeve left on the table, she picked them up and chased after her, but the


    "Where is Marvel A deep and clear voice came from behind.


    Byron had walked out of the conference room at some point. His gaze swept across the lounge area.


    Not seeing the slender figure that had kept sitting there drinkingcoffee and having snacks, his expression suddenly turned cold.


    "Hi. Mr. Mcdaniel, the female secretary said, cowering as she pointed at the elevator timidly. "Ms. Reese just left..."


    Byron squinted. "Where did she go?"


    "Ms. Reese didn''t say, but she left in a hurry and forgot to take these things with her. The female secretary held up the stack of documents.


    Byron''s gaze lingered on the documents for a few seconds. He turned his head and gestured for Archer to take them. Then, he walked toward his office.


    Archer followed him and reported, "Mr. Mcdaniel, there''s an international meeting in fifteen minutes. The progress on the spa resort acquisition..."


    As the end of the year approached, the pile of official duties grew, and there were endless meetings every day.


    So. Byron truly had no time to spare for the trivial matter of customizing suits.


    A thud could be heard as the documents on the corner of the desk were knocked to the floor by an elbow.


    Byron frowned slightly, put down his fountain.pen, and picked up the documents.


    The open folder contained design drafts with a distinctive and mature style in ck and white as well as color. There were exnatory notes at the bottom, detailed and appropriately concise.


    There was a signature at the bottom right corner of every page which was made of the letters "MR" in cursive.


    His gaze lingered for a moment. He then ced the documents on top of the files he was working on and flipped through them page by page, His expression gradually rxed.


    He finally understood why Maeve had been so damn confident in the office that day, so sure she wouldn''t be outshined by those famous design experts.


    She hadn''t been showing up every day just to kill time, she''d cranked out at least ten design sketches already. Sure, they were still in the early stages, but the creativity and elegance of her ideas were obvious. He''d thought about giving her a leg up, but now he realized that would''ve been a waste of time-she didn''t need it at all.


    Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. When he flipped to thest page, a small card that was identally sandwiched in the gap slid down to the table..


    The card featured a drawing of a man.


    That man stood in front of a silver Christmas tree, holding a coffee cup with a rxed and faint smile. His profile was bathed in light, and even his shadow appeared gentle.


    Byron picked up the card and looked at it carefully for a moment. A trace of surprise shed across his eyes.


    He thought, ''Is this me? Did Maeve secretly draw me?


    Byron let out a chuckle. His stern and cold look was like a look with an icy smile which then turned into a teasing and happy


    08:11


    ue, Ucl


    smile.


    He thought, "That woman is quite skilled at saying one thing while meaning another. Outwardly, she says she wants to get a divorce, yet her behavior reflects her real feelings. She actually secretly drew me. Does she like me so much she can''t help herself?" Covering his mouth with his palm. Byron stared at the card and chuckled.


    Archer came in to deliver some documents. For a moment, he thought he had misheard Byron.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, has there been any new progress on the acquisition?" he said. "You seem to be in a good mood."


    "Nope." Byron''s smile faded slightly. He ced the stack of documents and card paper into the right drawer and instructed. "Call Maeve. Ask her toe over and sign the contract now."


    Archer thought, Thank goodness. Mr. McDaniel was cold to Ms. Reese in the past few days. They were like a couple who had a conflict and were not on speaking terms. I was deeply affected. Now, they''ve finally reconciled. If they hadn''t, Ms. Reese might rekindle her feelings for her husband. What should Mr. Mcdaniel do then


    "Alright. I''ll call her now."


    Meanwhile, in thepany building of Eternal Hope, Maeve walked into the reception room and saw a ck-haired, ck-eyed foreign young man sitting on the sofa. His skin was wless. Because he had his head lowered, one could only see an attractive jawline. The ck-haired girl beside him was dressed in a vintage pce-style long dress,ce gloves, leather shoes, and a veiled hats, She looked as dignified as a princess.


    Leah, who was sitting opposite them, stood up and introduced Maeve with a smile. "This is ourpany''s cutting-edge designer, Ms. Reese, she said. "Maeve, these two guests are the niece and nephew of the Queen of Erancia, Princess Fiora and Prince Loren Maeve was secretly shocked, thinking. The Queen''s nephew and niece... They are indeed distinguished guests."


    Just as she was about to speak, Fiora gave her a critical nce and said in Erancian, "She''s the designer who designed ''Moonlight? She''s so young. She doesn''t look like someone who could design that. You''re not trying to fool me, are you?" Fiora probably thought Maeve did not understand. Coupled with her status, she exercised no restraint in her speech.


    Maeve smiled and replied in the samenguage. Thank you forplimenting my youth, but there are quite a few designers in the industry who have achieved sess at a young age. I will work hard to catch up with them" She was neither servile nor overbearing, and her Erancian was very fluent, making Fiora somewhat surprised.

 Chapter 119

    Francia was rumored to be a mysterious country, and itsnguage was rather unpopr. Very few people understood it


    Even Leah had to rely on a trantor to sessfullymunicate with them.


    Surprisingly, Maeve spoke thenguage so well.


    Fiora removed the contempt in her eyes and raised her chin, saying, "I want a few gowns for the state banquet. They have to be dreamy, cute, and match my poise. Also, they have to be special and unique. The cor has to be decorated with top-notch ck pearls, and the cuffs have to be decorated with the brightest gemstones. For the hem, I want you to embroider the most ssy-looking rose pattern on it using that particr type of embroidery..."


    She rattled off a list of requests, just short of directly making ridiculous requests to Marve.


    Maeve listened patiently. She waited for Fiora to stop and drink before asking, "If we use too many gemstones on the gown. it might be cumbersome to wear."


    "It''s surprising that, as a designer, you have such ack of pursuit of beauty, Fiora said with a disdainful gaze. "If you don''t use lots of gemstones, how can you highlight that I am the most beautiful woman?"


    Maeve was left speechless, thinking. Forgive me for not understanding this Christmas tree aesthetic. But since it''s the customer''s request, there''s nothing I can do but fulfill it."


    After noting Fiora''s requests, Maeve could not help but look at the ck-haired young man who had remained silent throughout. She asked, "And what about you, Sir?"


    Fiora leaned close to the young man and expressed her dissatisfaction endearingly, saying, "Loren, she''s asking you. You''re apanying me on a trip this time. Why do you keep ignoring me? You''d better not behave like that, lest Iin to the Queen about you." Loren raised his eyelids. His handsome face was still youthful, and his ck eyes looked at Fiora without any emotion.


    Fiora was a little afraid of his stare. Putting on a tough front despite being timid, she said. "I''m your sister, and you treat me like this?"


    "Say that again, and I''ll throw you off the ne on the way back, Loren said, finally speaking. His clear voice was pleasant and cold.


    Fiora''s face fell. Unable to snap at Loren, she took it out on Maeve, saying, "Ask him yourself! Don''t you have a houth?"


    With that said, sheangrily carried her small handbag and went to the bathroom


    Maeve thought. The temper of these royal rtives is really bad! When she walked up to Loren, she unintentionally noticed that his wless neck was slightly flushed.


    She nced at the hot beverage with milk on the table and asked, "Shall I get you a different drink?


    Loren didn''t answer or refuse, keeping his eyes fixed on his phone.


    A short while after leaving the reception room, Maeve came back with a cup of hot water and a packet of pills on the table.


    "This is the allergic medicine I got from the infirmary," she said genuly. "You already have red spots on your neck, so you must be feeling very ufortable. You''ll feel better after taking this. Next time, if you can''t drink something, make sure to let someone know." Loren stopped tapping on his phone and looked up at Maeve.


    "Don''t try to suck up to me. I won''t fall for it." He looked utterly arrogant.


    Maeve chuckled. "If I were to suck up to you, would I get a verbalmendation from Her Majesty the Queen or a cash reward? Kid, don''t think so badly of people."


    She thought. He''s just a teenager. Why is he so guarded"


    "Who knows?" Loren put his phone back into his pocket. He picked up the allergic medicine and hesitated for a while. In the end, he tossed the pills into his mouth and swallowed them quickly with the hot water.


    Maeve sat down opposite him. Looking at his reaction, she understood something. "Could it be that you are afraid of taking medicine?"


    "Stop being a bbermouth," Loren replied with an icy face and a fierce tone. I''m just afraid you''re poisoning me.


    Maeve smiled. "I see. What kind of evening wear do you


    "ck and wearable."


    like?"


    "Is that all?"


    Loren gave her a look that made it clear that she should not expect anything else as he was not like the troublesome Fiora.


    Maeve was left speechless, thinking. These siblings are really two extremes.


    "Alright. I''ll have free rein then."


    Half an hourter, Fiora came out of the washroom after touching up her makeup. When she found out that Loren was also going to have a custom evening wear, she instantly looked puzzledi.


    On the way back in the car, she tugged at Loren''s sleeve and asked relentlessly, "Didn''t you say that you weren''t interested in getting a custom evening wear! I begged you for so long to do a matching sibling outfit with me, but you refused. Why did you agree when that woman asked you!


    "That''s none of your business," Loren said with a sour expression.


    "Could it be that you have feelings for that woman because she''s beautiful?" Fiora was angry. "She''s a few years older than you. What''s so good about an older woman? Tm your sister, yet you are not even that obedient to me." Loren thought, ''Sister....N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    A


    hint of hostility shed across his eyes. He couldn''t take it anymore. "Have you had enough of making a fuss? My sister


    died a long time ago. Shut up!"


    Fiora was so frightened that she shrank back. After hearing this, she covered her eyes and cried.


    "I''m your sister. Regardless of whether or not you acknowledge me as your sister, I am your sister. Unless that short-lived girl rises from the grave, you''ll have to acknowledge me as your sister for the rest of your life.* Her voice was quite harsh. Loren simply put on his earphones and closed his eyes.


    Maeve didn''t know about this farce. She was zoning out as she stared at the safe that Fiora had left behind.


    She thought, That girl is actually serious about covering her gown with jewels...


    Leah repeatedly reminded her, "The jewelry in this safe is probably worth over 20 million dors. Maeve, you have to take good care of it. You absolutely can''t lose it"


    Maeve snapped out of her thoughts and said. "Ms. Mason, I''ll store it in thepany safeter and only take it out when I


    .


    make the gown.


    She thought. If I lost it, I wouldn''t be able to afford thepensation even if I were to be sold.


    After putting the items in the safe, Maeve received a call from Archer a short while after leaving.


    He asked her to go to Mcdaniel Group now to sign the contract.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel can finally spare some time for a small fry like me, huh?" Maeve said. She had waited for a few days for nothing, so she was very resentful. She felt that she had been tricked. Archer exined. "Mr. Mcdaniel has indeed been very busy these past few days...


    §±


    "I don''t care if he''s busy or deliberately ignoring me. Please tell him that my schedule is full now, and I don''t have the time


    to take on his suit customization. Ask him to go to those international design masters. I''m sure he will find them more satisfying than a small-time designer like me."


    She almost said these words in anger. With that said, she hung up.


    Having just signed two contracts, she felt very confident now.


    Even if Byron did not sign the contract, it wouldn''t be a loss for her.


    In other words, there was absolutely no way she would now butter up to Byron and beg him to let her customize a suit for


    him.


    She would never design a suit for him in her lifetime.


    On the other end, Archer hung up and reported to Byron with a distressed expression.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, Ms. Reese might be upset after waiting for so long, he said. "She has gotten angry...


    Byron raised his eyebrows and thought, ''Angry? She probably wants to rile me up so that I''ll make the first move to see her. But it''s normal for her to be annoyed after waiting in vain for a few days!


    "Call their design director and tell her that I''ll only sign this contract with Maeve. Otherwise, the coboration is off the table"


    Archer sighed and said, "Okay."


    He thought, Mr. Mcdaniel, why are you making things so difficult? When Ms. Reese begged you to sign, you ignored her. Now that she''s upset, you insist on having her design your suit. Men in love can be frighteningly unpredictable: On the other side, aber receiving a call from Archer, Leah told Maeve in bewilderment, "Mr. Mcdaniel wants you to go over and sign the contract today. Otherwise, they will cancel the coboration this time."


    1


    0

 Chapter 120

    "What''s going on?" Leah said. "Didn''t you say Mr. Mcdaniel was unwilling to sign the contract and wanted to give up on this contract?"


    However, Leah could tell from the assistant''s tone that Byron clearly wanted to make this deal happen.


    Maeve''s lip twitched as she thought. "Byron is doing this on purpose, right? Deliberately giving me a hard time, huh? He pulls this trick just when I''m ready to give up, and now he''s left me no way to say no. I can throw a fit, but I can''t let thepany suffer losses because of me," Maeve exhaled and said, "Ms. Mason. I''ll go to Mcdaniel Group


    Leah said, "Can you handle it? Princess Fiora''s request is ridiculous. She wants delivery within two months. With such tight deadlines, do you still have the energy to work on the suit?"


    She thought, Prince Loren only has one custom suit with requirements so minimal that they can be ignored, so he can be disregarded.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with a glint of cheerfulness as she said jokingly, "Initially, I couldn''t handle it. But they offered too much.


    She thought, Once the custom orders on both sides arepleted, I can at least pay a down payment for a house. Of course, I can handle it."


    Leah was amused by her. "Alright, Go ahead then.


    Maeve went back to pack up her things and rushed to Mcdaniel Group.


    Upon reaching the first floor, Byron and the others came out of the building and walked toward the ck Rolls-Royce parked in front.


    When he saw Maeve, he stopped in his tracks and gave a slight bob of his head at her with an indifferent expression, gesturing for her to go over.


    dun


    Maeve hesitated for a few seconds. Thinking of the contract, she bit the bullet and walked up to him under the gazes of others.


    Then, Byron''s warm palm sped her wrist and brought her into the backseat of the car.


    "What are you doing?" Maeve said. She wanted to pull her hand away to get out of the car, but she heard the door close behind her.


    "I''m going to inspect the spa resort now and don''t have time to look at your contract, Byron said indifferently. "If you want to get the contract signed today, you will have toe with me lest I forget" Maeve frowned, feeling that something was off, but she couldn''t put her finger on it


    When they arrived at the spa resort, Byron and a group of higher-ups went to inspect, while Maeve was taken to a room to


    rest.


    The scenery here was fantastic, and the air was fresh. Moreover, every room''s open-air courtyard had its own jacuzzi.


    Maeve had only soaked in a jacuzzi during a trip with her college roommates.


    After graduation, she had to work hard and had no time to enjoy soaking in a jacuzzi.


    She looked at the jacuzzi steaming with white mist in the courtyard, feeling a bit tempted. 08.12 Tue, Oct 22


    A momentter, Maeve wrapped herself in a towel and stepped into the jacuzzi. Her entire body was immersed in the warm water. As she gazed at the forest scenery ahead, she sighed infort. But gradually, her eyelids became heavier and heavier, and she could not exert any strength in her limbs.


    She seemed to hear someone calling her, but she couldn''t open her mouth to respond.


    Ssh


    Someone with a pair of strong arms lifted her out of the jacuzzi. That person then strode into the room andid her t on the bed.


    "Maeve, wake up." Byron called out to her in a serious voice.


    Maeve''s lips, flushed from the heat, were parted, and her eyes were tightly closed, making her look very ufortable.


    Byron frowned and took off the wet towel on her body. After drying her, he wrapped her in a bathrobe and covered her with a nket to prevent her body temperature from decreasing.


    At this moment, he was not in the mood to think about anything else. Even more so, he had no romantic notions.


    He thought: This foolish woman managed to get herself fainted just from soaking in the jacuzzi. If I hadn''te back after leaving abruptly, who knows what could have happened Thinking of what he had just seen, his slender fingers suddenly tightened, and the contours of his knuckles were striking.


    A few minutester, Maeve woke up groggily.


    She was startled when she saw Byron''s grim and cold expression


    "Mr. Mcdaniel?" she said. "Aren''t you supposed to be working? Howe you are here?" She then got up, holding the back of her throbbing head. "I just..."


    "From now on, you''re not allowed to go to the jacuzzi alone," Byron said coldly. "Don''t you know how to get out of it if you''re ufortable! Can''t you think?"


    Maeve cowered from his reprimand. She guessed that she might have fainted and felt a little guilty.


    ''I didn''t feel it. I was sofortable in the jacuzzi that I became drowsy."


    She thought, "Unexpectedly, I would actually faint.


    Suddenly, Maeve gaw the bathrobe she was wearing and realized something. She looked up at Byron and swallowed her saliva, "You asked the female staff to help me change into it, right?"


    Byron''s thin lips let out a sneer, ruthlessly breaking her fluke. "Thelped you change into it myself. Why?"


    Maeve''s face instantly flushed, and she clutched her cor tightly


    She thought, ''I''m not wearing anything under the bathrobe. Doesn''t that mean he saw everything"


    She was so shy and furious that she wanted to jump back into the jacuzzi again. After a long while, she said with difficulty,


    -Pervert!"


    Hearing this, Byron raised his eyebrows and looked at her with a mocking expression. "Maeve, do you have any conscience? If it weren''t for me just now, you would have lost your life. Is this how you treat someone who saved your life?* As soon as he said this, the blush on Maeve''s face quickly spread to her slender swan-like neck. With the white bathrobeplementing it, the color of the blush was so charming that it was dazzling.


    It was as if a vibrant rose had bloomed on the snow.


    Byron''s eyes darkened and his Adam''s apple bobbed involuntarily.


    "I''m sorry for being too loud just now," Maeve said softly. Thank you for saving me."


    Byron''s thin lips curled into a smile, and he said, "Well said. How are you going to thank me?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, with your billions of dors in wealth, why are you still so petty?" Maeve could not help but tease him.


    She thought. "The way he is acting now is no different from the way he haggled over the utility bills with me in the apartment. Where has his demeanor of luxury and extravagance as the CEO of a listed group gone?"


    "You know quite a bit. You''ve investigated me, huh?" A faint sense of cheerfulness appeared in Byron''s eyes. "You pay so much attention to me, yet you keep bringing up divorce. Are you intentionally acting out against me?"


    11


    Maeve felt a sudden pang of anxiety, and she immediately retorted, "I didn''t pay attention to you. I happened to see it while the news was being broadcast"


    "Oh? What is this then!" Byron slowly took out a card from his pocket, waved it in front of Maeve, and smirked. "Huh?"


    Maeve looked over intently.


    After she clearly saw what it was, her eyes widened to the extreme.


    She thought, ''Howe the sketches I doodled while goofing off end up with Byron?"


    "Why did you take my thing as you please?" Maeve endured her shame and lunged forward, wanting to snatch it back.


    Byron did not give her that chance and put the card back into his pocket.


    Maeve lunged at him, blushing and hitting his arm. "Give it back to me. That''s my stuff."


    Byron gave her a nonchnt nce. "The drawing is of me. You''ve vited my portrait rights and you''re still in the right? Do you want to see how formidable the legal department of Mcdaniel Group is?"


    The legal department of Mcdaniel Group had another famous nickname in Kleymond.


    It was called The No-Loss Legend of Kleymond, meaning there was nowsuit that they could not win.


    But these words made Maeve feel fearful.


    you want to sp me, huh?" Her tone was soft.


    "So, you


    0

 Chapter 121

    Byron held her slender waist with one hand and said in azy tone, "If you behave, I might just let you off


    He thought, ''For example, stop saying one thing but meaning another all the time and act like you don''t care about me. What would saying something nice really do for her?" Maeve clenched her fists tightly and said sarcastically, "Oh, right, I forgot that you''re the high and mighty CEO of Medaniel Group. If 1 offend you. I''ll definitely be in hot water. Byron frowned. "What did you say?"


    "Nothing. Mr. Mcdaniel, if you feel that my drawing has offended you, feel free to sue me or call the police to arrest me right now. I don''t care."


    With that said. Maeve struggled forcefully to free herself from his arm.


    Unexpectedly, Byron suddenly let go. Not managing to control her movement in time, she plopped down onto the bed with


    a thudN?velDrama.Org content rights.


    thad


    Even though the bed was soft, Maeve was still stunned by the fall, her gaze nk.


    "You..


    "You have calmed down, huh?" Byron crossed his arms. His blue eyes were sharp and seemed to be able to see through people''s thoughts. Staring at her intently, he said, "Maeve, what exactly are you afraid of?"


    Maeve''s shoulders trembled slightly as she thought, Afraid? So I''ve been afraid all along? I''m afraid that I''d be too involved with someone of Byron''s status, worrying that he would suffer no loss if we parted ways but I might end up badly hurt. I''m also afraid of something like what happened with Jeff before. What I fear even more is... that he just wants to have fun with me and doesn''t really love me. Maeve felt an indescribable sense of


    "I''m still a little dizzy. I want to sle emotional weariness welling up inside her. Not wanting to think any further, she turned and burrowed into the nket.


    now."


    A muffled I voice came from under the nket.


    Byron was so angry that he almostughed, thinking, "This woman scolded me without letting me exin myself, and she wants to avoid the subject now?" He went forward and pulled the nket away. His voice was deep and cold as he said, "Get up. We haven''t cleared things up, yet you want to sleep?"


    In just a few breaths, she


    Holding onto her waist, he dragged Maeve out of the nket. She stretched out her hands to resist, but be grabbed her wrists and pressed them firmly above her head. was like a fish that was at the mercy of others. She was pressed down by Byron and could not move. "Byron Maeve was angry and anxious. She red at him angrily. I have nothing to talk to you about except divorce."


    "What''s wrong? Not calling me Mr. Mcdaniel anymore?" Also riled up by her, Byron pinched her chin and leaned forward. His tone became serious "While I''m still in a good mood, you''d better clear things up. What do you mean you will be in hot water after offending me? What exactly are you dissatisfied with about me, huh?"


    Maeve stubbornly turned her head away. "No, I have no dissatisfaction with you."


    "You''re lying" Byron''s eyes turned slightly cold. "You''re not trying to get a divorce because I hid my identity from you. You''re afraid that I''ll use my power against you, right?" Maeve said nothing. Her jaw ached as he forcibly turned her face toward him, making her meet his gaze,


    "Marve, is t


    is that how you see me?" Byron''s tone was icy. "Or have Theen too indulgent with you, leading you to have delusional disorder?"


    Maeve frowned and said with a sense of self-disdain, "You''re the one with delusional disorder. Yes. So what if that''s how I see you? You''re powerful and influential. You even want to sue me for sketching a drawing of you. If I identally offend you one day, I won''t even have the ability to protect myself"


    She thought. The trauma that


    that Jeff left on me still hasn''t disappeared. I can only force myself to stay rational, not let my feelings cloud my judgment, and not fall into that kind of difficult situation again. Is it wrong with me doing that?" and suddenly chuckled. on in


    Byron looked a ked at her and


    what''s


    Right after that, he leaned close to her ear and said stakething in a joke seriously. No wonder you think you''ll die if you offend me."


    Maeve''s pupils shrank slightly, and her cheeks instantly flushed.


    low


    "D-don''t do


    She thought, "What nonsense is


    she spouting? How can he even say something like that? Does he have any shame? D-a t do anything rash." She swallowed her saliva, her clear eyes filled with panic.


    Byron snorted and chuckled. "You know you can''t protect yourself, yet you still dare to provoke me. Can your small build handle my torture?"


    Maeve closed her eyes in shame and anger, withdrawing from facing the situation.


    Then,


    she felt a pain in her lower lip..


    She opened her eyes i in pain and met Byron''s blue eyes. "If you mention divorce again, do you believe I''ll really use my power against you?"


    "What will you do?" Maeve asked instinctively.


    Byron sneered and slowly said, "T''ll cause you serious trouble."


    Marve was left speechless


    The heat that had just faded surged back to her face, making her feel like her mind was on the verge of breaking from stress, and her entire body was flushing with heat.


    "Byron!"


    "I can hear you," Byron then let go of her hand and said firmly. "Move back before the day after tomorrow. Do you hear me? Maeve''s eyes glinted. After a long silence, she suddenly asked him. "Byron, do you have feelings for me?" Byron paused in his action of getting up. His Adam''s apple inexplicably tightened. After a moment, he replied, "I don''t hate you Inwardly, Maeve smiled self-mockingly and thought, ''So that means he doesn''t have feelings for me either. Fine. I didn''t have any expectations in the first ce. Compared to liking me, he probably finds liking my body more practical even though we''ve never gotten physical   75%


    She


    "Since you don''t like me, why are you unwilling to get a divorce Maeve lowered her gaze. "If you''re worried about the division of assets. I can sign a divorce agreement with you where I won''t take a single cent of your assets, and I''ll leave with nothing." had asked Bonnie to help her find awyer for this reason.


    Perhaps i in the eyes of others, she was getting a raw deal or even acting foolishly.


    However, she did not want to lose her own integrity.


    "Maeve, as long as you don''t talk about feelings, you are Mrs. Mcdaniel, Byron said slowly. "Even if we get a divorce in the future. I won''t treat y inadequately. Understand?"


    He thought. I''ve never considered spending my life with anyone. Marriage can be temporary, but it can''tst forever. Even if Maeve is different from other women, I won''t make an exception for her.


    Maeve felt as if she had been doused with a bucket of cold water. The tiny glimmer of hope that had just arisen within her disappearedpletely.


    "So, what you''re saying is that if we don''t get divorced now, you''ll pay me handsomely in the future?" She swallowed her bitterness and made an effort to calm herself. "Yes, you can name the conditions."


    She


    thought. So generous.


    Maeve gripped the corner of the nket and was silent for a long while. She then looked up and said. "I want that apartment of yours, including that Christmas tree." She thought, Talking about feelings makes me look foolish. Let''s only talk about money then.


    It just so happened that she really liked that apartment. It had decorations and items she had carefully arranged. She had put in a lot of effort.


    The warmth andfort she felt there were greater than anything she had experienced over the past twenty-odd yearsbined.


    Byron raised his eyebrows, feeling slightly surprised. He thought, ''She doesn''t want Mcdaniel Group shares, luxury cars, or mansions. She doesn''t want that building either. She only wants that apartment?" He reminded her slowly, "Maeve, I wasn''t joking when I said I wouldn''t treat you inadequately

 Chapter 122

    "I know, but this is all I want," Maeve said and chuckled. "Why? You don''t want to give it to me, huh?"


    Byron initially wanted to say that he would transfer the entire building to her name, but he was affected by an inexplicable sense of frustration. He merely said, "Sure. It''s just one house." Maeve smiled and said nothing.


    To her, it was more than just a house.


    Byron nced at his watch and said, "It''s gettingte. If you''re not feeling well, don''t go to the restaurant. I''ll get the waiter to send dinner overter."


    He spoke casually, yet he was surprisingly thoughtful and considerate.


    Maeve pinched her palm to remind herself not to indulge in it. She then got out of bed.


    "It''s okay. I''m feeling much better now."


    Soon, in the traditional-style restaurant of the manor, snow was drifting outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    The area near the firece was as warm as the warmth experienced in spring.


    Halfway through dinner, probably because she was too close to the firece, Maeve felt it was too warm, so she took off her coat and ced it beside her.


    She was wearing a beigece sweater dress with an off-the-shoulder design. The beautiful contours of her shoulders and neck could be seen clearly, and she was so wless under the light that she appeared dazzling.


    Her shoulder-length ck hair fell, making her look even more serene and gentle.


    Sensing the overly intense gazes constantly directed at her, Byron slowly frowned and fixed his gaze on her exposed shoulders and neck.


    Maeve, are you cold?"


    "Huh?" Maeve took a bite of a cherry tomato, looking in puzzlement at the man opposite her who was wearing a displeased expression. "It''s not cold. It''s quite warm here."


    Byron''s handsome face darkened slightly. "Can you wear something seasonally appropriate? You want style over warmth and don''t care about getting sick."


    Maeve''s face was filled with bafflement. She was already feeling displeased in the first ce, and now she felt even more so, "It''s my freedom to wear whatever I want. Even if I''m sick, it''s my problem. It''s not that I''de to you for a diagnosis or medication." Byron was left speechless. The tip of his tongue brushed against his cheek, and his gaze was dark.


    He thought, ''Doesn''t she notice that those men stare at her with a look of intense desire? What''s with her wearing an off-the-shoulder outfit in this kind of season? And this restaurant with its inconveniencing firece ced here ispletely out of ce. I''ll have it removed once the acquisition ispleted."


    It was probably because Byron''s expression was too cold as the restaurant manager, who had been observing this side. looked incredibly antsy.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you not satisfied with our dishes? What if the acquisition is off the table?"


    D


    A waiter leaned over to the manager and whispered, "I just overheard something while I was getting water..."


    The manager''s eyes lit up.


    A short whileter, Maeve suddenly felt that the surrounding temperature seemed to have dropped significantly. She even had goosebumps on her neck


    Afraid of catching a cold, she quickly put her coat back on.


    She rubbed her palms and muttered. That''s strange. Howe it suddenly got so much colder?"


    Hearing her words, Byron nced at the counter from the corner of his eye and smirked.


    He thought. The restaurant''s service quality is good. It can be kept


    "Since it''s cold, would you like to go for a soak in the jacuzziter?" he asked, seemingly casually.


    Maeve looked up at him and asked in puzzlement, "Didn''t you tell me not to soak in the jacuzzi alone?"


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "Who said you''d be alone? I''ll be there too."


    "You want to... soak in the jacuzzi with me?" Maeve''s eyes widened slightly. Then, she quickly shook her head "No, I don''t You''


    want to.


    With his bad habit of kissing me at the drop of a hat, who knows what would happen? she thought.


    "You can choose not to soak in it," Byron said calmly. "Go straight to your room and restter."


    Maeve was at a loss for words, thinking, "Is this a threat?"


    She endured it andpromised aggrievedly so that she could soak in the jacuzzi.


    If worsees to worst, I''ll just stay a bit farther away from him, she thought.


    At this moment, the phone on the table suddenly vibrated.


    Maeve thought it was her phone, so she picked it up and answered. "Hello?" she said.


    "Byron, where are you? Quickly return to be with me, okay?"


    Karen''s sobbing voice pierced her eardrum.


    Maeve caught her breath and suddenly found it difficult to swallow the food in her mouth.


    She handed the phone back to Byron and lowered her gaze. "It''s Karen. Sorry, I took the wrong phone just now


    Byron nced at her expression, took the phone, and asked in a serious voice, "What''s the mater?"


    "Byron, my dad... The doctor just issued a critical condition notice." Karen''s hoarse voice was filled with despair. "What should I do... What am I supposed to do?" Byron squinted. "What happened?"


    Karen sobbed as she recounted the incident.


    Patrick seemed to be out of danger this morning, but it was actually the beginning of danger.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Post-surgeryplications,bined with the head injury from a fall a few days ago, caused his condition to suddenly


    If this surg


    failed, then it was very likely.....


    ¦°


    Byron''s expression became even more solemn. He said to her in a low voice, "Tll go back now. Wait for me."


    With that said, he abruptly stood up, picked up his coat draped nearby, and said to Maeve, "ed to go back to the city now. Do you want toe with me or stay here for the night?" Maeve thought, ''Here we go again.


    She gripped the knife and fork in her hands tightly. Her throat felt as if it was blocked by something, and she could not speak.


    By the time she recovered from her daze, her fingers had already gripped Byron''s sleeve.


    "Didn''t you say you want to soak in the jacuzzi together with me! I don''t want to be alon Can you not go back?"


    "Karen is now...


    "Karen, Karen. It''s Karen again!" Maeve could not take it anymore. "Why is it that every time you leave me, it''s because of her?"


    Byron pursed his thin lips slightly and stared at her seriously.


    "Marve, don''t make a fuss. We can soak in the jacuzzi anytime. Karen is waiting for me to return. Things have varying degrees of urgency. Can you be a bit more sensible?"


    Every word was like the sharpest de in the world, mercilessly piercing Maeve''s heart.


    She lifted her gaze with blurred vision and saw only his back as he strode away without looking back.


    I''m being insensible,'' she thought. Tm making a fuss


    She rubbed her teary eyes andughed self-deprecatingly.


    The chess game we couldn''t finish that day, she thought. The jacuzzi we didn''t get to enjoy this time. Throughout, I was the only one who looked forward to them. He can leave at any moment without hesitation, unlike me, who is left behind. without even the right toin. How could I not want a divorce?


    Without moving. Maeve sat in her seat for a long while, feeling the cold wind piercing through her body in waves, leaving her feeling icy all over.


    Somepne suddenly sat down on the seat opposite her.


    ""Hello, are you Ms. Reese!"


    Maeve looked up and saw an unfamiliar man, dressed in a long burgundy coat with a somewhat delicate appearance and demeanor, sitting there and looking at her.


    She could vaguely smell the medicinal scent on his body. It was not strong, but slightly astringent, as if one could only catch the whiff right away after the scent had permeated his entire body. ""And you are?"


    "Let me introduce myself," the delicate-looking man said enigmatically. "My name is Neville Mcdaniel. You might have heard of my name."


    She thought, ''Neville Mcdaniel? Who is that?"


    75%;


    Maeve had no recollection of him at all. She frowned and said, "Sorry, I don''t know you. Also, it''s very rude of you to sit. down without permission. She took him for someone trying to strike up a conversation, so he responded with a confrontational tone.

 Chapter 123

    Neville''s sickly face twisted into a smile. Then you must know my brother, Byron, right?"


    Maeve''s eyes darted to him as a memory suddenly came to mind. Bonnie had mentioned once that the McDaniels had two sons. The older one had disappeared for years and only resurfaced recently. He''d been through hell, always stuck in the shadow of his younger brother, never getting any of the family''s affection.


    Yet, it''s the elder son who ultimately inherited the Mcdaniel Group. That elder son is Byron. And the younger son... is Neville? she wondered.


    Perhaps it was because she had heard too much gossip about the bitter rivalry between Byron and Neville that Maeve instinctively felt wary of him. "If you''re looking for your brother, he''s not here," she said inly.


    Neville chuckled. "I know. He''s gone to meet the childhood sweetheart he grew up with. Leaving such a beautifuldy alone here, that''s just heartless of him."


    "This is between him and me, and it doesn''t concern you. Maeve replied coldly, standing up and grabbing her bag. "If there''s nothing else, III be on my way." Neville didn''t stop her. Instead, he said, "If you ever need my help, feel free to reach out."


    Maeve ignored him, quickening her pace as she left. Once her figurepletely disappeared, the smile on Neville''s face turned cold as he sneered. "No surprise, she''s just as stubborn as that guy."


    Back in her room, Maeve wasn''t in the mood to soak in the jacuzzi. She pulled out some paper and a pencil, burying herself in sketching designs, trying to escape from the troubling thoughts that gued her.


    I have to say, this ce is perfect for creativity, and ideas juste naturally, Maeve thought to herself. The initial sketches for Fiora''s gown and Loren''s suit were nearlyplete, only needing some deeper conceptualization.


    Since thepany didn''t require her to clock in daily, it didn''t matter where she worked. Maeve decided to stay and finish her designs. She turned off her phone, focusing solely on her work.


    Whenever she felt tired, she would soak in the jacuzzi or take a stroll outside before returning to her room, where she would sit by the window, drawing as she gazed out at the snowyndscape. After three days, she found herself so immersed in her work that she nearly forgot everything else.


    Meanwhile, things were far from peaceful for the Booth family. Byron had sent Karen and her mother, Lydia, back to their ce. After days of crying, they were physically and emotionally drained, slumped on the sofa in a daze.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    After helping her mother upstairs to rest, Karen returned to the living room. Her eyes were red as she spoke to Byron, Thank you for these past few days. If it weren''t for you, my mother and I would have copsed long ago."


    "I''ll take care of you and your mother from now on, just like your father did for me. Tell her to rest easy," Byron replied solemnly. "My condolences.


    Karen''s eyes welled up again as she tried to lean into his embrace. But Byron sidestepped to dodge her, pulling out his phone. It was a message from Archer,


    Archer: [Mr. Mcdaniel, ording to the hotel staff, Ms. Reese has been staying in her room for the past few days, onlying out for meals. It''s unclear what she''s been up to.]


    Byron''s eyes flickered, his face reflecting hisplex emotions, Is she still waiting for me to return?" he wondered


    After tapping a few times on the screen, he put away his phone and said to Karen, "I have some things to take care of. Please rest well"


    §±


    "Aren''t you going to stay with me?" Karen''s voice was fragile. "If you''re not here, I''m afraid I''ll do something rash..."


    Byron looked at her coolly. "Are you threatening me?"


    Tm not... I just thought you could stay with me for a few days." Karen''s tears fell as she clung to his arm, refusing to let go. "Every time I close my eyes, I see my father...


    Byron pursed his lips. After a moment, he said, "I''m sorry, Karen. Contact me if you need anything." He pried her hand off his arm and walked out.


    Karen gritted her teeth, thinking. He''s going to see that bitch Marve, isn''t he? She knew all too well that Byron''s tolerance of her over the years stemmed solely from the fact that her father had taken him in during his most difficult times as a child.


    Now that her father had just passed away, Byron''s gratitude for him still lingered. But with time, that sense of obligation would soon wear thin. Karen couldn''t afford to wait passively. She had to eliminate Maeve, the greatest threat to her future.


    On a day free of snow, the sky was particrly clear. Maeve had finallypleted her designs and was ready to leave the spa resort. Apart from not having signed the contract with Byron, this trip had been quite fruitful for her. After checking out, she left the hotel and took a cab back to the city. However, she lost consciousness shortly after getting into the car.


    When Maeve awoke from a deep sleep, she found herself in an unfamiliar environment. It appeared to be some sort of abandoned warehouse, with old cement walls, a damp floor, and the air thick with the smell of rust. Her hands were bound behind her back, restricting her movement.


    Am I being kidnapped? Maeve thought, her mind reeling in shock. Panic surged through her as she heard the sound of approaching footsteps.


    "These two girls are both close to Byron Mcdaniel. We should be able to get a lot of money for them, came a chilling voice.


    Just exchanging them for money sounds boring. I''d like to see what it''s like to mess with Mr. Mcdaniel''s woman," one of them said with a sinister edge.


    "Let''s do it, then? No harm in giving it a try. Another voice snickered.


    The lewdughter drew closer as the men approached Maeve, their lecherous gazes fixed on her like predators eyeing prey, Maeve''s breath caught in her throat, her eyes wide with terror.


    "If you touch me, Byron will never let you off," warned a hoarse and familiar voice.


    Maeve turned her head sharply and saw Karen, bound like her, kneeling on the ground. Karen''s face twisted with scorn as she addressed the kidnappers, "You''d better be smart and let me go right now."


    Maeve wanted to warn her not to provoke them, but before she could speak, the men burst into mockingughter.


    "This girl doesn''t seem to know what kind of situation she''s in. We can''t just let her go without showing bera good time, right?" said one of the kidnappers with a cruel grin.


    "Let''s start with her! Two of the men grabbed Karen by the arms and began dragging her away.


    "What are you doing? Let me go! Do you have a death wish?" Karen screamed, her legs thrashing against the floor.


    Maeve''s mind went nk. Instinctively, she struggled to her feet, desperate to stop them from assaulting Karen. She knew she would be next. It was better to fight now than to wait helplessly.


    But just as she rose, a sharp blow struck the back of her head, knocking her out and sending her to the ground. As consciousness shipped away, she heard Karen''s heart-wrenching cries


    When Maeve finally came to, drenched in cold sweat from her nightmare, she had no sense of how much time had The strong smell of antiseptic left her momentarily disoriented. gone by.


    Suddenly recalling what had happened, Maeve threw off the nket and ran her hands over her body for any signs of injury. Finding nothing amiss, she let out a sigh of relief.


    But confusion quickly set in. ''Wasn''t I kidnapped? How did I end up in a hospital? she wondered.


    The door to the ward swung open, and Maeve turned to see Byron enter, his expression icy.


    Before she had a chance to speak, he cut in with a question. "Maeve, you and Karen were kidnapped together. Why did the kidnappers let you go?"

 Chapter 124

    Maeve froze for a moment. "Wasn''t it you who saved me?"


    "No." Byron replied, his brows deeply furrowed. "When I found you, you had fainted on the path leading to that abandoned


    warehouse.


    If the kidnappers hadn''t released her, how could she have ended up there?" Byron wondered.


    "I don''t know, I was knocked out from behind. After that, I don''t remember anything. Maeve murmured, her eyes filled with confusion. "Wait, are you suspecting that I had something to do with the kidnappers?" As the realization hit her, she stared at Byron in disbelief. "You were both abducted and while Karen was harmed, you managed to escape unscathed. Do you think that makes sense?" Byron countered coldly.


    "So what?" Maeve''s heart sank. "Whatever happened after I was knocked out was beyond my control. Are you saying that unless I suffered like Karen, it wouldn''t make sense?"


    Byron frowned. "Maeve, don''t be unreasonable. I''m just trying to get the facts.


    "Unreasonable?" Maeve almostughed out of frustration. "You''ve already decided I''m a suspect, haven''t you? I don''t have a grudge against Karen, so why would I do such a thing? Even if you''re suspicious, shouldn''t there be some basic logic to it!"


    If I had really done it, I''d admit it. But for something I didn''t do, no one can force me to confess, Maeve thought, seething in anger.


    The ward fell into silence. After a long pause, Byron spoke slowly, staring at Maeve''s reddening eyes. "Back then at the restaurant, you didn''t want me to meet Karen, and you evenined about her, didn''t you?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve''s fingers clenched tightly, a trace of destion creeping into her gaze. "So that''s why you suspect me? Byron, are you! disappointed that nothing happened to me? Do you wish it had been me instead of Karen? I''m so sorry to have let you down


    "Maeve!" Byron''s eyes hardened. "Do you even know what you''re saying?"


    Maeve''s eyes welled up with tears. "Haven''t you already decided that I colluded with the kidnappers? I''m asking you, what evidence do you have? What makes you think I''m guilty?"


    Just because Karen is the one he holds dearest. What about me? Am I so worthless? Not only do I have to endure this nightmare, but I''m also being wrongfully used, Maeve thought, bitterness rising within her.


    Byron caught the huet in her eyes, his throat tightening, frustration and agitation evident in his expression. "Think whatever you want," he said coldly, walking out of the ward and mming the door shut behind him.


    Maeve lowered her head,ughing wryly as tears slid down her cheeks. Her heart felt as empty as a forsaken wastnd, chilled by an unrelenting wind. She thought, Karen is pitiful, but what about me? Is it my fault that something terrible happened to her? How can he be so biased? Is this how you tell if someone is loved or not?


    "Maeve!" Bonnie limped into the ward and threw herself into Maeve''s arms at that moment. "How could something like this happen? You must have been terrified."


    "Bonnie." Maeve wiped the tears from her eyes, her voice hoarse. Tin fine now."


    "Fine?" Bonnie''s voice trembled with anger. "What''s with the bodyguards at the door? They almost wouldn''t let me in. Did Byron send them to keep an eye on you? What''s his problem?"


    le''s watching me? Maeve''s face turned ashen, thinking. He really thinks I colluded with those kidnappers. Is it because I


    §±


    0:75%0


    Seeing Maeve''s pale expression, Bonnie quickly said, "It might not be that. Maybe he''s just worried about your safety and sent them to protect you."


    Maeve chuckled bitterly. "Don''t try tofort me. I know what''s going on." She reflected with a touch of irony, ''Karen was hurt. It''s a miracle he didn''t strangle me. And now he wants to protect me? "Maeve, are you alright?" Bonnie asked with concern. "I heard that Byron arrived just in time, and you weren''t harmed. But Karen... she was seriously injured and is still in surgery."


    Recalling the voices she heard before she passed out, Maeve closed her eyes. As a fellow woman, she didn''t wish such a fate. upon Karen. But being wrongfully used made her feel suffocated. She had to wait for Karen to wake up and tell her side of the story to clear her name.


    Meanwhile, Karen was wheeled into her ward. Standing at the side, Lydia sobbed as she said, "Byron, there''s something wrong with Maeve. She and Karen were kidnapped together. How could the kidnappers just let her go? I can''t believe there''s no foul y involved!" Byron''s eyes darkened. "Maeve is also a victim. Besides, the kidnappers haven''t been caught yet. It''s too early to draw conclusions.


    "Who''s to say she wasn''t putting on an act?" Lydia gritted her teeth. "Byron, you can''t be biased just because she''s your wife. My husband just passed away, and now Karen has to go through this. If he knew, he wouldn''t rest in peace." "Please don''t say that. Byron''s voice was steady. Tm not taking sides."


    "I trust you," Lydia said, wiping her tears. "But now that this has happened, how can Karen ever get married? Byron, you promised her father you''d take care of her. You won''t turn your back on her, will you?"


    Remembering Patrick''sst words, Byron said reassuringly, "Don''t worry. I''ll keep this incident under wraps. No one else will know." He would repay Karen with the kindness her father had shown him. Lydia nodded in relief.


    The next day. Maeve was almost stopped by the bodyguards at the door when she left her room. After much persuasion, she finally got out. She found Karen''s ward and pushed the door open.


    Karen was already awake, lying pale on the bed. When she saw Maeve enter, her gaze became sharp with hostility as she spoke, "You''re here."


    "Didn''t you ask me toe?" Maeve frowned. "What did you mean by that text you sent me?"


    "I meant exactly what it said." Karen sneered. "Maeve, I heard everything while those kidnappers were torturing me. You''re in cahoots with them. You''re jealous of my rtionship with Byron, so you set this up to ruin me, didn''t you?" Maeve''s expression faltered. "No, I don''t even know those people!"


    "Is that so?" Karen narrowed her eyes. "Who do you think Byron will believe? You or me?"


    Maeve''s breath hitched, and before she could react, Karen suddenly sprang up, grabbed a fruit knife from the table, and shed her own arm. In an instant, blood sttered everywhere


    Maeve''s eyes widened in shock. Before she couldprehend what had happened, Karen copsed to the floor, tears streaming down her face.


    "Ms. Reese, I know I was wrong! I''ll tell Byron that the kidnappers weren''t sent by you. Please don''t hurt me. I beg you..." Karen pleaded.


    "What are you talking about?" Maeve was baffled, almost amused by the absurdity of the situation. She was about to pull Karen up when a figure brushed past her.


    Byron strode over to Karen''s side, gently helping her back onto the bed. Then, he turned to Maeve, his gaze icy and filled. with disappointment. "Maeve, haven''t you had enough?"


    0

 Chapter 125

    Byron''s words sent a chill through Macve''s veins. She immediately tried to exin, "ver said such a thing, nor did I force her to rify anything. I¡ª''


    "It hurts!" Karen clutched her bleeding arm, copsing into Byron''s embrace with a weak groan. "Byron, don''t me Ms. Reese. She was just so afraid of me revealing the truth that she resorted to shing me...


    "I didn''t!" Maeve was appalled by Karen''s tant lies. "You saw Byrone in and deliberately cut yourself to frame me..."


    "Enough," Byron interrupted Maeve as he saw Karen''s pained expression. "Get out. From now on, you''re not allowed to enter this room without my permission."


    Marve''s gaze dulled as she looked at the tearful Karen clinging to Byron, feeling the bitterness spread within her. She let out a wry smile, saying softly, "Byron, you''re truly blind." She turned and left the room with a numbing detachment, unable to bear the sight of their intimate closeness any longer.


    "Byron. I''m in so much pain," Karen sobbed. "Ms. Reese barged in, trying to force me into giving false testimony, and even threatened me with a knife... What did I do to deserve this?"


    Byron rang for the doctor and nurse, his brow furrowing as he listened. The kidnappers are still atrge, and now she''s threatening you with a knife to make you lie? Is she really that foolish to incriminate herself?"


    Karen hadn''t expected his focus would be so misdirected, and her cries ceased abruptly. I don''t know, but I heard the kidnappers and Maeve talking on the phone, and they told her everything was settled."


    Byron''s gaze instantly became piercing. "Not only did they make the call in front of you, but they also put it on speaker? He thought. The kidnappers'' actions seemed too deliberate, as if to make Karen believe Maeve was the mastermind:


    Karen was at a loss for words, thinking in frustration, Isn''t the main issue here that Maeve is causing me harm? Why does he keep defending her and absolving her of guilt?"


    "I... I''m so dizzy." Karen closed her eyes and pretended to faint.


    Seeing her copse, Byron had to set aside his doubts and let the doctor tend to her wounds.


    Meanwhile, Maeve returned to her ward in a daze, only to find an unexpected visitor. It was Alex.


    "I heard from Bonnie that you were hospitalized, so I came to check on you," Alex said with concern, his brows slightly furrowed as he looked at her pale face. "Are you alright? Have you been hurt?"


    Maeve forced a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Brown. I''m fine. I should be back at work by tomorrow at thetest."


    Alex shook his head. "You look terrible. You don''t need to rush back to work. We can discuss this once you''ve fully recovered. I''ll grant you leave."


    Maeve''s eyes grew moist at Alex''s genuine concern. Others could see her difort and cared for her, while Byron''s eyes. were solely on Karen. She had foolishly agreed not to divorce him temporarily for the sake of that apartment.


    "Maeve, what''s wrong?" Alex noticed her reddened eyes and mistook her emotional state for illness. After hesitating for a moment, he helped her to the bed. "I''ll call the doctor."


    "It''s alright." Maeve quickly stopped him. "Mr. Brown, I''m fine. I''m just a little dizzy from standing for too long. The blow to her head left her feeling unwell from time to time.


    Alex sighed in relief and took a seat by her bed. He said gently, "I heard from Bonnie that the hospital food is quite nd, and since you prefer stronger vors, I brought you lunch from a private kitchen."


    "How did you know I like stronger vors?" Maeve asked with surprise.


    2K 75%


    "I guessed from how you kept adding cheese to your spaghetti time," Alex replied with a smile as he set out the dishes. T wasn''t sure what you liked, so I brought a variety. Try it and see if you like it."


    His "variety" turned out to be quite a spread, all nutritionally bnced Marve tasted the food, which was well-seasoned but not greasy, much better than the hospital''s nd offerings. Despite herck of appetite, she made an effort to eat in order to not waste Alex''s thoughtful gesture. "It''s delicious. Thank you, Mr. Brown, Maeve said gratefully.


    Alex''s gaze was warm as he watched her enjoy her meal. "You should have more," he said. His efforts were worth it. He had spent two hours overseeing the chef to make sure the meal was suitable for a patient. "By the w


    way, Mr. Brown, you visited Bonnie earlier, right? Is she about to be discharged?" Maeve asked.


    Alex hesitated before replying vaguely. "Probably, though she''s not fully recovered yet."


    Biting into a cherry from the fruit tter, Maeve remarked, "Bonnie is so lucky to have a cousin like you. You even look after her friend. How kind of you"


    Alex chuckled. "You and Bonnie are close friends. Calling me Mr. Brown feels too formal. Since I''m not much older than you, you can call me by my name."


    "Are you sure, Mr. Brown?" Maeve asked.


    Of course, Alex responded cheerfully.


    Without much thought, Maeve nodded and said, "Alright, Alex


    A deeper smile spread across Alex''s face as he looked at Maeve.


    As evening approached, Maeve was resting on her bed when she was jolted awake by a shake on her shoulder. Turning to see Byron standing by the bed, she felt a pang of confusion.


    doctor said if Karen''s wound had been deeper, it might have rendered her hand useless," Byron said, his eyes brooding with anger. And you seem quite at ease."


    Maeve''s throat tightened, sitting up in defiance. "I didn''t injure her. Why shouldn''t I be at case? I haven''t done anything wrong. How many times do I need to say it?"


    "You''re not remorseful at all." Byron scoffed. "Get up. We''re going to Karen''s ward."


    Byron had previously forbidden her from entering Karen''s room. His abrupt change gave Maeve a sense of foreboding.


    "What do you want?" Maeve asked defensively.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Karen can let it go, but only if you agree to take care of her until her hand heals," Byron said firmly


    Maeve felt a lump in her throat, her face growing pale. "Why should I bear the consequences of her actions? The kidnapping and her self-inflicted injury-why should I be responsible for all that'' He won''t listen to my exnations and has already determined it''s my fault. Now, he''s demanding that I care for Karen. How can he humiliate me like this? Maeve thought, fuming with indignation.


    Hearing the quiver in her hoarse voice, Byron''s gaze was conflicted. Yet, thinking of Karen''s nearly ruined hand, his resolve hardened. "Either you go over yourself, or I''ll have the bod

 Chapter 126

    Maeve''s heart went cold when she saw Byron''s determined look After a long pause, she forced a smile through her rage and uttered. "Fine, I''ll go. Don''t regret itter."


    In the other ward, Karen was leaning weakly against the headboard. When she saw Marve and Byron enter, her lips curled into a fleeting smile of triumph. She coughed lightly and said, "Byron, can Ms. Reese really take care of me? After all, she is your wife." "She brought this on herself. Byron''s tone was frosty.


    Maeve clenched her fists but said nothing


    Karen smiled. "Ms. Reese, I guess I''ll have to trouble you. Could you pour me a ss of water first?"


    Maeve walked to the table, poured a ss of water, and handed it to Karen. As Karen reached out to take it, Maeve sshed. the water on her face. Then, she forcefully smashed the ss, picked up a shard, and aimed it at her. Karen shrieked in fear, "Byron, save me!"


    Byron''s face tightened, and he moved forward to intervene, but Maeve pointed the shard toward him.


    "I could take care of her as you wished, Maeve said with a chilling gaze. "But I should warn you, my mental state isn''t stable. I just injured her with a knife, so who knows when I mightsh out again. Don''t me me if I identally hurt your precious one." Her gaze was colder than ever, as though her heart had be numb.


    Byron could feel the pressure building in his chest from holding back his anger. He swallowed hard but remained silent. Karen was frightened by Maeve''s actions. She couldn''t imagine what would happen if those shards from the broken ss had hit her instead "Byron, since Ms. Reese is so unwilling. I''d rather not have her take car she might hurt me again..."


    of me, Karen said, her face turning pale. "I''m afraid


    "What are you afraid of?" Maeve sneered. "If I hurt you, Mr. Mcdaniel would only humiliate me further to avenge you. What is there to fear?


    Karen could only re at the shard in Maeve''s hand, fury simmering within her as she cursed inwardly. This bitch, how dare she? "Byron," Karen murmured aggrievedly.


    Byron, however, didn''t look at Karen. He said sharply to Maeve, "Get out."


    Maeve tossed the shard to the ground and, as she passed by him, calmly stated, "I don''t want the apartment anymore. I''ll file


    for divorce tomorrow."


    "Don''t even think about it," Byron hissed through gritted teeth.


    Maeve walked out of the ward without looking back.


    Byron watched her departing figure with a piercing gaze, his expression growing colder by the second.


    "Why is Ms. Reese-angry with me? I only asked her to take care of me," Karen sobbed, trying to regain his attention. "If it weren''t for her, I wouldn''t have been..."


    Tve told you, don''t make ims without evidence." Byron''s eyes narrowed. "Is the injury on your hand really caused by


    Maeve?"


    Karen froze, tears spilling down her face. She raised her injured hand, her face filled with sorrow. "Do you think I''m lying? I''m not a fool. How could I possibly hurt myself? My hand was nearly ruined!"


    Byron frowned and he offered nofort. The thought of Mary''s resolute eyes when she aimed the shard at him overwhelmed him with unresolved frustration, I Maeve had truly done these things, she wouldn''t be so indignant. Yet, all clues point to her. With so many coincidences, the whole thing seems even more suspicious, he pondered.


    The next morning. Maeve, eager to leave the hospital,pleted the discharge procedures with Alex''s assistance. As she left the ward, Byron approached, pushing Karen in a wheelchair. The sight of them together struck Maeve with a stabbing pain. in her chest. Byron looked at her, and as his gaze fell on Alex, his eyes grew icy.


    "Uncle Byron, is this your wife?" Alex asked with a smile. "You two seem pretty close."


    Karen looked bashful for a moment, but Byron quickly denied it "No," he said tersely.


    Karen''s face stiffened, and she quickly changed the subject. "Byron, is this your nephew?"


    Alex, who was focused on design and rarely attended social gatherings, was unfamiliar to Karen, who didn''t know his identity.


    "You''re mistaken, Alex exined. "Maeve is actually Byron''s nice."


    Karen looked at Maeve with a smirk and said, "So, Ms. Reese is Byron''s niece. I''ve never heard that before. Are you and this gentleman going on a date?"


    Maere caught the provocation in her words, her lips curling slightly. "It''s none of your concern.


    "Since you''re Byron''s niece, it''s only natural for me to be concerned, Karen replied, smiling sweetly but with a subtle.


    undertone in her voice.


    Alex nced at Karen and said to Byron, "Most women aren''tfortable with their husbands being too close to other women. If your wife hears Ms. Booth''s remarks, she might feel jealous."


    The statement caused a shift in the expressions of the three other people present.


    Byron turned his gaze to Maeve, his deep-set eyes devoid of warmth. "My wife is very understanding and doesn''t get jealous. easily."


    Feeling as though she was being subtly insulted, Maeve shot Byron a nce. Her eyes met his cold, piercing gaze, and she could feel her heart tremble..


    "Well, we won''t hold you up any further," Alex replied. He turned to Maeve and said gently, "Maeve, let''s go."


    Byron''s eyes narrowed with cold intensity as he looked at Maeve,


    Maeve felt a chill down her spine under his gaze, but she forced herself to remainposed as she turned away and followed Alex.


    "Bonnie told me you''ve been staying at her cetely. Since she''s now hospitalized, it must be inconvenient for you to stay there," Alex spoke as they walked. "There''s a vacant apartment next door to mine. Since I know thendlord, you can get it at a discounted rate." Marve was tempted but politely declined. "It''s fine. I''m close to finding a ce. I don''t want to trouble you, Alex"


    "It''s no trouble at all Alex smiled warmly. "Besides, it was Bonnie who asked me to help. She''s worried about your safety if you stay elsewhere" Alex had wondered why Maeve was moving out so abruptly. ''It seems like Byron''s mistress has something to do with it, he thought.


    Maeve found it hard to refuse after he brought up Bonnie. "Let me check the ce first. If it suits me, I''ll decide then."


    "Of course, no problem I''ll pick you up tomorrow," Alex replied


    "Thank you. Alex," Maeve said with a smile.


    ¦°


    The two chatted amiably as they entered the elevator. When they reached the ground floor, just as Maeve was about to get into the car, someone yanked her arm forcefully, causing her to stumble back. As she steadied herself, she turned and saw Byron''s brooding face, making her heart race. "What are you doing?" Maeve demanded.


    "Don''t you dare live next to that pretty boy." Byron gripped her wrist tightly, his voice low and threatening.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 127

    Maeve''s arm ached slightly, and she furrowed her brow, retorting. "What does it matter to you who I live next to? Your precious Karen is still waiting for you. I don''t need your concern here."


    "Maeve, stop trying to provoke me," Byron uttered with a chilling tone, his eyes glinting ominously. "Reject him, do you hear me?"


    "Why should I listen to you? What right do you have to control me?"


    His grip on Maeve''s arm was unyielding. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn''t break free. Annoyed, she snapped,


    "Let go


    Byron grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to face him. He took a nce at Alex, who looked puzzled inside the car, but his words were directed at Maeve. "You''d better do as I say, or I''ll kiss you right in front of him. Do you believe I won''t?" he hissed under his breath. How shameless. Maeve eximed internally. Her face flushed with anger, and she felt a strong urge to bite him. Then, her rage turned into augh. Fine, if you''re not afraid of him thinking we''re involved in an incestuous rtionship, then go ahead.


    Byron was momentarily at a loss for words, his expression freezing and growing even colder. "You think I won''t?"


    At that moment, Alex, sensing something was amiss, stepped out of the car and asked with a frown, "Is everything okay?"


    Maeve quickly seized the chance before Byron could speak. "Alex, my uncle is afraid that my aunt will find out about his womanizing ways, so he''s pressuring me to keep it a secret"


    Byron''s face darkened instantly at the mention of "womanizing


    "Maeve, when have I ever sought out other women?" Byron demanded.


    "Fine, you haven''t, I must have misunderstood, Maeve said dismissively. "Can you let me go now? I promise I''ll keep your secret, and your wife won''t find out about your affairs."


    Byron''s clenched his jaw in anger.


    Alex looked troubled as he realized what was happening. "Mr. Reese, it''s wrong to pursue other women when you''re married. Threatening Maeve won''t solve anything. You should stop this before it gets worse."


    I didn''t expect Maeve''s uncle to be a womanizer. He seems so proper and repressive, Alex thought to himself. I thought it was just that woman''s one-sided obsession.


    "Maeve," Byron said coldly, gripping her wrist tightly and pulling her closer. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Do you want to lose your contract?"


    The threat was as chilling as a hand tightening around Maeve''s neck, deting her resistance instantly. "Are you threatening me with the contract?" she said through gritted teeth.


    "Go to the apartment and wait for me. If you''re not around when I return, you''ll face the consequences." Byron loosened hist grip on Maeve, shot a frosty nce at Alex, and then turned to head back to the hospital.


    Maeve was so furious that her shoulders were trembling. If she had known that this would happen, she would have had Byron sign the contract at the resort. Now, he was using it as leverage against her. Why can he be intimate with Karen, while I''m not allowed to ept Alex''s help? He''s got a serious double standard, she grumbled inwardly.


    "What did your uncle say to you?" Alex asked with concern. "Did he threaten you to keep it from your dunt?"


    08:13This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Tue, Uc


    Maeve snapped back to her senses, straining a smile as she replied, "No, he just wants me to go home tonight."


    Tll give you a ride and take you to a nice restaurant."


    "I should treat you this time. Otherwise, I''d feel too embarrassed to go with you."


    "Alright, I won''t fight you for it."


    As night fell. Maeve arrived at the vintage apartment. Perhaps it was because she had been away for too long, but as she looked at the familiar furnishings, she felt a pang of mncholy


    Maeve really liked this ce. She wondered if Byron would be willing to sell it to her after the divorce. Suddenly recalling something. Maeve quickly walked to the terrace. To her surprise, the vegetables she had thought Byron would throw away were still in ce. The watering can was running slowly, set on a ten-minute timer.


    She squatted down to take a look. The vegetables hadn''t wilted as she had imagined. Instead, they were lush and green, even better than before she left. There wasn''t even a weed in sight. ''Has Byron been tending to these vegetables every day?'' Maeve wondered. Feeling a chill, Maeve stood up and went inside. She saw her favorite bunny head pillow on the floor with an obvious. ttened spot on it, as if someone had squeezed it hard. Letting out a snort, she bent down to pick it up and noticed a photo wedged under the table leg. When she pulled it out to take a look, her eyes widened in shock


    It was the explicit photo that Jeff had sent her. She had opened the package in the hospital and thrown all those photos in the trash, so there was no reason for one to be here. Moreover, judging by how the photo was stuck under the table leg. had clearly been there for a while.


    Maeve recalled Byron burning some paper items on the terrace few weeks ago. It must have been those photos from Jeff, she thought, biting her lip with aplicated look in her eyes. No wonder he stopped me from opening the package and quickly realized the photos were fake. It turns out he has already seen them.


    Yet, instead of doubting or looking down on her, he had kept this matter hidden and burned the photos. If Jeff hadn''t been foolish enough to send another package, she might never have known about this.


    Maeve sank onto the sofa. Her heart, which had hardened over the past few days in the hospital, now softened into a pool of warmth and sadness. While she was lost in thought, her phone rang. In a daze, she picked it up and read the message. Bonnie: [Maeve, do you remember when Jeff was thrown out of the partyst time? I just heard from Ray that it was the Great Demon King who set up the gamble against Jeff, winning all his assets and even taking his shares in the Graves Group!] Bonnie: [The Great Demon King has no grudge against Jeff Why go to such lengths? I guess it was all for you]


    Bonnie: [Is this the benefit of having a dominant husband? I take back what I said before about him not being right for you.]


    After reading the messages, Maeve was stunned, thinking, Jeff losing his inheritance and being abandoned by his father was actually Byron''s doing? She had thought it was just her luck and Wace taking a righteous stand. Never did she imagine that someone was protecting her behind the scenes. And that person was Byron.


    She had feared his power, dreaded that he might turn out to be like Jeff, and even once considered divorcing him distance herself. But now, she realized she might have beenpletely wrong. Maeve''s head throbbed intensely, so shey down, staring at the ceiling until she gradually fell asleep.


    lo her drowsy state, Maeve heard someone calling her. She tried to open her eyes, but they felt as though they were weighed down, refusing to lift. Her skin was flushed with heat, and her breath was scorching.

 Chapter 128

    Byron stood beside the sofa, furrowing his brow as he reached out to touch Maeve''s forehead. As expected, it was burning hot. Maeve, restless in her fevered slumber, sensed the coolness on her forehead and couldn''t help but nuzzle into it, yearning for more. "Maeve, wake up," Byron said in a serious tone, caressing her damp hair. "You have a fever. We need to go to the hospital."


    Maeve clung to his hand, groaning in difort. "I just got out of the hospital. I won''t go back... she mumbled through her haze, her words barely audible.


    "Do you think lying here with the window open is wise when you''ve just been discharged?" Byron''s face darkened. "Are you tired of living?"


    ''She didn''t even bother to cover herself with a nket. Is she a child? Byron thought with a sigh.


    Maeve''s shoulders twitched, her eyes still tightly shut. Byron pursed his lips slightly, lifting her into his arms. Itwasn''t until he reached the guest room that he remembered the furniture had been removed. Since she had decided to leave, he had tossed out all the furniture she had used, so the guest room was now empty,


    He carried her to the master bedroom, ced her on the bed, and pulled the nket over her. He then took out his phone and called Ray. "It''s me. What medication is effective for reducing a fever?" Byron asked as he stepped outside. "It''s not for me, it''s for Maeve." "Maeve has a fever? I heard you''re about to get a divorce. Why are you taking care of her while she''s sick?" Ray asked his tone having a touch of irony.


    Byron''s temples throbbed with irritation. "Who told you that?"


    Ray nced at Bonnie, who was munching an apple on the hospital bed. "It''s better if you don''t know."


    Byron grabbed the medicine cab from the living room and said tly. "Stop wasting time. Just tell me what medicine to give her. She refuses to go to the hospital."


    Ray was astonished, thinking, "Who would''ve thought? Byron is actually taking care of someone. He never worries about his own health, yet he''s so concerned for Macve "Byron, is there any chance you could consult another doctor? I''m a surgeon; I don''t deal with fevers and colds," Ray spoke delicately.


    "Then find out and give me an answer in five minutes," Byron replied tersely and hung up.


    Ray was so exasperated he could hardly breathe. He grumbled as he consulted other doctors and then sent Byron a lengthy list of instructions. And he didn''t even receive a reply.


    "I just heard you say that Maeve has a fever?" Bonnie, seeing Ray return, immediately asked with concern-What happened? Who is taking care of her?"


    Ray''s scowl softened into a calm expression. "Yes, she has a fever Byron is taking care of her and just asked me what medicine to give her."


    The Great... um, Mr. Mcdaniel is quite nice to Maeve, isn''t he?" Bonnie remarked. She had expected someone of his starus to delegate such matters to the servants, but he was surprisingly more caring than she had imagined. "Of course, he''s my friend after all, Ray quipped.


    Bonnie''s lips twitched. "Are you sneaking in some self-praise with thatpliment? You really have nd shame


    D


    "How am I being shameless Ray protested yfully. It was just an ident that I touched your butt. Is it really necessary for you to hold a grudge over it?"


    The word "but seemed to act as a special trigger, making Bonnie''s face flush red. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at Ray "Get out! Don''t let me see you again today."


    Ray caught the pillow with case, grinning as he said, "That might not be possible. You have another check-up tonight." He then nced at the image on the pillow with a puzzled expression, thinking. Why did Maeve draw Bonnie''s husband like that? While her taste was unique, his was even more so.


    Meanwhile, in the apartment, Maeve felt much better after taking the fever medication and managed to sleep more soundly. However, she kept kicking off the nket due to the heat.


    Byron had covered her several times but finally lost his patience. Hey down beside her, pulling both her and the nket into his arms. Maeve''s restless legs were pinned beneath him, and only then did she settle down.


    Holding the warm body in his embrace, Byron felt uneasy. He gazed at Maeve''s flushed face, the heat causing her cheeks to glow. Her fine eyebrows furrowed, and her lips, more red than usual, were slightly parted revealing the tip of her delicate tongue. There was a subtle allure to her soft, feverish state.


    Byron genuinely felt that if he could remain calm in this situation, he would no longer be human. But he had to stay


    the


    top ofposed. If her fever persisted, he would be the one most troubled. He pressed her closer, resting his chin on her head, and breathed out softly, his voice husky and sensual. "Sooner orter, you''ll be the death of me," he whispered.


    The next morning, Maeve''s fever had subsided, but the lingering effects of the cold left her with a splitting headache. She woke up with a blocked nose and sore throat, her whole body feeling heavy and weak.


    Did I catch a cold on the terracest night?'' Maeve wondered, touching her forehead and smiling wryly at her fragile constitution. She groggily got out of bed to find some medicine.


    Before she could reach the door, Byron came in with a bowl of oatmeal and medicine. Seeing her standing barefoot, his expression instantly hardened. Maeve was taken aback. Before she could react, Byron ced the items on the table, walked over, and lifted her, cing her back on the bed.


    "Don''t you know to wear shoes when you get out of bed? Has your fever made you stupid? If you don''t want to live, I''ll throw you out right now." Byron''s tone was harsh, and his hold on her was firm.


    Frightened into silence, Maeve felt even more vulnerable in her weakened state, and her eyes soon brimmed with tears. "I didn''t do it on purpose... she said with a wounded tone. "I''m only barefoot, not undressed."


    Seeing her reddened eyes, Byron''s face softened with a touch of remorse. He released her and sat up straight. After a long silence, he asked softly. "Do you want some oatmeal


    After hesitating for moment, Maeve nodded and said, "TII have some." She ate the oatmeal slowly, letting it cool before putting it in her mouth, as swallowing it hot would only aggravate her sore throat.


    After finishing the bowl of oatmeal, she felt warm in her stomach and a bit more energetic.


    Byron looked at her, his arms crossed. "Do you want more?" he asked.


    Maeve shook her head and replied, "I''m full. Did you make this oatmeal?" "Who else?"


    "I didn''t think you''d bother, Maeve muttered.


    After all, he didn''t look like someone who knew how to care for others.


    Byron narrowed his eyes at herment. "Take your medicine


    Maeve grimaced slightly and slowly swallowed the pills.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    0:75%


    "Didn''t you say that even if you''re sick, it''s your own problem and you wouldn''te to me for help?" Byron''s voice was cold


    as he brought up old grievances. "Now you''re enjoying my care and food."

 Chapter 129

    Maeve nearly choked on the pill she had yet to swallow. She quickly took a sip of water, and once the tightness in her throat eased, she cast a bitter nce at Byron. "That was ages ago. Are you still holding a grudge?" "Then why didn''t you listen to me? You refused to wear a coat just to look good in the dead of winter, Byron said pointedly.


    "I didn''t catch this cold from not wearing a coatst time, Maeve argued.


    Byron''s gaze grew colder. "Who else but you would even think of sleeping on the couch without a nket in the middle of winter?"


    Maeve was at a loss for words, her defiant stance weakening. ''I didn''t mean to fall asleep. I just got so wrapped up in my thoughts that I dozed off, she thought. But she didn''t say anything more to avoid further reproach. Byron didn''t press further. He took the empty cup from her hand and headed for the door.


    "Where are you going?" Maeve asked, her gaze lingering on him Perhaps it was because of the illness, but she felt a strong desire to cling to him, reluctant to see him leave.


    Byron cast a sidelong nce at her as though he could read her thoughts. "Go back to sleep. I''ll be working outside." If he worked in the bedroom, she would never get any rest today.


    "Alright." Maeve pulled the nket up and quietly shrank back under it.


    Byron''s lips curled into a faint smile as he closed the door behind him.


    Once the medicine took effect, Maeve fell asleep again. When she woke up, it was already dark outside. A wallmp by the bed cast a warm, gentle glow that wasn''t harsh on the eyes. In her groggy state, Maeve figured Byron must have turned it on. perhaps afraid she would be startled by waking up toplete darkness.


    I''m not a child anymore, Maeve thought, her mind and emotions in disarray. Isn''t he in love with Karen? Why is he being so nice to me?'' All of this gave her the illusion that she was loved His kindness was like a drug, seeping into her very bones bit by bit until she could no longer resist. But she knew that this kindness was fleeting and wouldn''tst forever.


    "Perhaps he''s acting out of pity or still needs my help with his grandfather. Whatever the reason, I must not get attached, Maeve thought, determined not to let her emotions sway. She threw off the covers, got out of bed, and walked out of the bedroom.


    ''Byron is probably back at the hospital with Karen, Maeve thought in passing before she heard a noise from the living room. She hurried over to find Byron standing by the window, talking on the phone.


    He turned around when he heard her footsteps and first nced at her feet. After making sure that she was wearing shoes, he put the phone down and said softly, "Dinner is in the kitchen. The cold medicine is on the table, take it after you eat."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    For some reason, Maeve''s eyes grew misty. She gave a brief nod and turned away so he wouldn''t notice her reaction. Even if it were just an illusion, she would still find it hard to resist him.


    Halfway through her meal, Byron walked over and sat down across from her.


    "Have you eaten?" Maeve asked.


    "Yes," he responded tly. "I''m not like you, sleeping like a log" No matter how many times he tried to wake her, she wouldn''t rouse, so he decided to let her sleep. The food had gone cold, been reheated, and gone cold again until he became numb to his frustration F


    Maeve immediately choked. "Why the personal attack?" she muttered softly before lowering her head to continue eating. 08.13


    24 75%


    At that moment, Byron''s phone rang Maeve nced at the phone on the table and saw the name "Karen" on the screen. Her initial pleasant mood instantly plummeted. She looked away, chewing her food, which now tasted like dry sawdust and left a bad taste in her mouth.


    This time, she wouldn''t foolishly ask Byron if he could stay. She wouldn''tin, either. Although she feltforted by his care, it didn''t mean she had to debase herself, to put herself beneath him. She couldn''t afford to lose herself. Byron nced at the screen, his brows furrowing slightly. Remembering the look in Marve''s eyes that morning, filled with such yearning, his finger hovered over the screen for a few seconds before finally swiping to decline the call.


    The ringtone abruptly ceased, leaving Maeve stunned, thinking. He actually didn''t answer Karen''s call?"


    Sensing her gaze, Byron raised an eyebrow. "What?"


    "Nothing..." Maeve shook her head, unable toprehend why he didn''t pick up. She wondered, ''Could it be that he doesn''t want to leave me alone while I''m sick?'' Maeve felt her heart race at the thought.


    After finishing dinner and taking her medicine, Maeve said to Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''d like to discuss the kidnapping Incident with you.


    Maeve had addressed him as Mr. Mcdaniel countless times, but never had it made Byron feel so annoyed. ''She calls that pretty boy Alex, but I''m just Mr. Mcdaniel? he thought with irritation.


    "What do you want to say?" Byron''s eyes narrowed, his voice cold and detached.


    Sensing the chill in his tone, Maeve didn''t think too much of it and said, "That day. I took a cab from the resort and passed out in the car, after which I was kidnapped. I have a habit of noting the license te number before getting into a car, and I still remember it. "Although the kidnappers were masked, I can describe their build and height to the police, who might be able to catch them quickly


    Byron''s fingers ceased their light tapping on the table, and he slowly lifted his head. "This matter cannot be reported to the police, and it must not be made public." He looked at Maeve, speaking each word with deliberate emphasis.


    "Why?" Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. "How can we find those people without reporting it?"


    "If the police are involved, we won''t be able to keep this under wraps. It would ruin Karen''s reputation," Byron said in a low voice. "So the best oue for this situation is to never bring it up again."


    Maeve hadn''t expected such an answer, and her lips turned pale "What about me?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Does my innocence and suffering not matter at all?"


    "Maeve." Byron''s tone grew heavier as he saw the hurt in her eyes. "If this gets out, Karen''s life will be ruined."


    Maeve felt a wave of despair wash over her as she thought, ''Compared to Karen''s reputation, the doubts and suffering have to endure are insignificant. Even if I continue to be misunderstood as the one who plotted against Karen, it won''t matter to him.'' As a fellow woman, she could understand the reason for such protection, but she couldn''t recoficile herself to iL


    Pursing his lips, Byron said to Maeve, "I''ll have people investigate this matter quietly. As long as you didn''t do it, the truth wille out sooner orter."


    Maeve didn''t respond. She stood up, her voice hoarse as she said "I''m going to bed."


    Lying on the bed, Maeve felt as if all the strength had drained from her body, leaving her exhausted and powerless. She closed her eyes and tried to silence her mind.


    She didn''t know how much time had passed when she felt a warm presence on her back, pressing close against her. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly in an embrace. Maeve began to struggle, shifting on the bed to

 Chapter 130

    Byron naturally sensed Maeve''s resistance. He tightened his arm around her waist, holding her securely in his embrace,


    Maeve knew she couldn''t match his strength, so she stopped struggling Exhausted, she closed her eyes and said, "Can you let go of me? I''m not used to being held while I sleep


    "Liar," Byron whispered in her ear, his voice low and hoarse. "Last night, you slept soundly in my arms."


    Marve''s eyes snapped open, and she replied in disbelief, "Last night, you ced a heat pack on my back, and it got so hot I could barely stand it. The heat pack was particrly hard, making her ufortable even as she slept Why did he think it was a good idea to use a heat pack on someone with a fever? she wondered.


    Byron fell silent, his deep-set eyes narrowing. "Did you see a heat pack on the bed this morning


    She searched her memory but couldn''t recall seeing one, feeling puzzled. Then what was that-


    Before Maeve could finish her question, Byron leaned in, murmuring a few words in her ear. Within seconds, her ears flushed red. Heughed softly beside her, his voice so husky it sent shivers down her spine.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Y-you... Maeve''s voice trembled as she struggled to speak, her limbs iling as she tried to free herself from his arms.


    Her efforts were in vain. Despite using all her strength, she couldn''t break free from his hold. Instead, her resistance only fueled Byron''s growing desire, making him tighten his hold around her waist.


    "Move again, and you''ll have to deal with the consequences, Byron warned, his voice both intimidating and alluring. His words made Maeve freeze, shrinking into his embrace as she shivered from the mounting tension. "Are you for real?" Marve''s voice quivered. Tim still sick, and you''re acting like this..."


    Byron let out a chuckle, his fingers casually stroking her soft hand. "No matter how fragile you might be, you''re still my woman. Why can''t I?''


    "Who''s your woman?" Maeve bit her lip in anger. "If you want a woman, go to Karen. Stop harassing me."


    Her jealousy was palpable, and Byron''s eyes softened with a faint smile. "Maeve, are you jealous?"


    Maeve''s breath faltered, and she quickly retorted, "Why would I be jealous?"


    "You''re jealous of Karen, Byron said teasingly, holding her slender waist and turning her to face him.


    Maeve blushed slighaly. She pushed him away and snapped, "Who''s jealous of Karen? Stop making things up!"


    Byron gently pinched Maeve''s chin, gazing intently at her as he asked, "This morning when you said I was seeing another woman, were you referring to Karen At the time, he had thought she was just talking nonsense to escape the situation. Maeve looked him in the eye without flinching. "Even Alex thought you two were a couple Mr. Mcdaniel, you should reflect


    on that."


    When Byron heard the mention of Alex, his eyes darkened as he questioned, "Then what''s going on between you and that pretty boy? Aren''t you two getting a bit too close? Do you even consider how I feel?"


    "Aren''t you overthinking this?" Maeve countered, feeling both aggrieved and perplexed. "Isn''t it more outrageous that you forced me to take care of Karen?"


    Byron was at a loss for words. After a moment of silence, he said with a serious tone. "I see Karen as a friend. It''s not what you think "


    How could I believe that? We were both kidnapped, but he only cared about Karen and showed no concern for me at all. How can I believe that he sees her as just a friend? Does he even hear what he''s saying? Marve thought, feeling hurt. Maeve''s eyes dimmed. "You don''t need to exin to me. We''re about to divorce anyway. I have no interest in your private affairs


    Byron narrowed his eyes. "Haven''t I warned you not to mention that word again?" He thought in frustration, ''After all the exnations I''ve given, she''s still harboring unfounded jealousy! Is she seriously bringing up divorce again! Maeve replied calmly, "I''ve thought it over. I can give up this apartment, and we really can''t be-"


    Before she could finish, Byron silenced her with a fierce kiss, leaving her unable to utter a single word. His chest seemed to burn with a fiery rage, and Maeve''s mention of divorce only made the mes re up, consuming thest bit of his rationality. Due to her illness, Maeve''s body was warmer than usual. Byron''s lips pressed against hers with an intensity that felt almost threatening.


    "You were the one who provoked me; I''ll decide when it''s over, he uttered, his voice raspy with a dangerous edge. Maeve''sshes fluttered, but before she could respond, he pressed her down, forcing her to ept his passionate kiss.


    Never had she felt so keenly that if Byron was serious, she would be powerless to resist.


    She waspletely at his mercy, unable to fend off his advances. Although she struggled internally, her body gradually softened under his touch, making her resistance appear more like a feeble attempt,


    "Byron," Maeve cried out, fighting to regain someposure, ring at the man before her with reddened eyes. "This isn''t part of the agreement!"


    Byron showered her car with soft kisses, his breath hot against her skin. "Words are meaningless. Show me the proof."


    Maeve''s eyes widened in shock at his audacity.


    Looking at Marve''s incredulous expression, the tension in Byron''s heart eased slightly. He rested his forehead gently against hers, gradually calming his breathing "Get a hold of yourself. You''re still sick. I''m not going to take this any further." Maeve breathed a sigh of relief, but her hand was still held tightly by him. She looked up and met his intense gaze.


    "However, to teach you a lesson, I''ll be collecting some interest, he said teasingly.


    Maeve narrowed her eyes. "What?"


    Byron, with a somewhat satisfied expression, sat beside her. "Haven''t you had a rtionship before? Why do you seem so clueless about everything?


    0

 Chapter 131

    It would have been fine if Byron didn''t bring it up, but the moment he mentioned it, Maeve''s temper red instantly. She turned her head on the pillow and red at him..


    "Who says that having been in a rtionship means one must understand such things? What kind of logic is that?" Marve said sharply.


    Byron remembered how Jeff had onceined about her refusal to hold his hand. Yer earlier, Byron had gripped her hand so tightly. The chill in his eyes warmed a bit at the thought


    He took Maeve''s hand and tucked it under the nket, raising an eyebrow as he asked yfully, "Are you going to bring up divorce again?"


    Maeve pretended not to hear him and changed the subject. "When do you n to sign my contract? Are you trying to weasel out of it again?"


    Her clumsy attempt at deflection amused Byron, and he chuckled sofily. "I did say you''d face the consequences if you didn''te back, but I don''t recall saying I''d sign the contract" Maeve''s mouth fell open in shock. She had already been stunned by his shamelessness countless times that night.


    "Are you going back on your word? Even a doormat knows to stay put," Maeve said dryly.


    "Are you insulting me?" Byron''s lips curled slightly. "Your contract is gone."


    What a jerk! Maeve cursed inwardly, fuming as she got out of bed, slipped on her shoes, and headed for the door. If he''s not going to sign the contract, then what am I doing here?


    Just as she reached the door, Byron said in an unhurried tone, was just kidding. The contract is already signed and in the drawer. I''ll give it to you tomorrow."


    Maeve stopped in her tracks, turning around in disbelief. "Were you messing with me?"


    Byron''s eyes crinkled with amusement at her irritated face. "Well if you had more patience to ask a few more questions, you wouldn''t have been tricked."


    Maeve pursed her lips and asked, "Why tomorrow?"


    "Look at the time," Byron said, patting the bed beside him. "Come over and go to sleep."


    Maeve''s scalp prickled when she heard the word "sleep, thinking. That''s not sleeping; that''s walking into the lion''s den. She immediately shook her head in refusal, backing away. Tim going back to my old room."


    "If I have to repeat myself, your contract will truly be gone," Byron said bluntly.


    ''All he does is threaten me,'' Maeve thought with a groan. After mentally preparing herself, she slowly shuffled to the edge of the bed.


    As soon as she sat down, Byron pulled her into his arms, Her back nestled seamlessly against his broad, warm chest, as if they were two parts of a whole, the closeness almost too perfect to be real Their heartbeats seemed to synchronize. "Go to sleep," Byron murmured into her hair.


    The flutter in Maeve''s chest calined down, though it continued to beat uncontrobly. She closed her eyes, quickly drifting into a deep sleep without the tumultuous thoughts that gued her the night before


    11


    In the hospital ward, Karen was so furious that Byron wasn''t answering her calls that she mmed her phone onto the floor


    1 you?" Lydia walked in, picking up the phone and asking. "What''s the matter with y


    "Byron hasn''t answered my calls sincest night. He must be with that bitch now," Karen seethed with anger. "Shouldn''t be be by my side in a time like this?"


    Lydia replied calmly. "I''ve already told you. If you truly wanted to rece Marve, you should have had someone deal with her back then and sent a video to Byron. That''s the only way topletely ruin her. "Look at how it''s turned out. Byron might pity you, but he hasn''t been entirely deceived. If Maeve were to embarrass him, the situation would be different.


    Karen felt a pang of regret after Lydia''s reprimand. ''It was my first time doing such a thing. I didn''t think it through. Mom, what should I do now? Byron seemed to be suspicious yesterday, and those kidnappers..." Lydia''s gaze turned sharp. "Those kidnappers have nothing to do with us. Remember that."


    "Of course, I know." Karen gritted her teeth. "I thought that with Dad gone and me being harmed by Maeve, it would create a shift in his feelings. But I underestimated that bitchCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    It''s obvious how scheming Maeve is to make Byron abandon me at such a critical time, Karen thought resentfully.


    Lydia took out a stack of photos from her Birkin bag and handed them to Karen. "Look at this."


    After looking at the photos, Karen''s face twisted with jealousy. "Byron actually took her to that apartment?" she eximed. Karen thought bitterly, ''Even I haven''t been to that ce. What gives Maeve the right to be there?


    "If you want to win over Byronpletely, you can''t afford to be soft-hearted. Otherwise, Maeve will remain your greatest obstacle. Lydia advised.


    Karen clenched the photos. "I understand."


    Late at night, Maeve woke up feeling thirsty. She opened her eyes to find the other side of the bed empty, and Byron was nowhere in sight. She got out of bed and went to the living room to get some water. The sound of movement by the door drew her over, and she saw Byron putting on his coat, ready to head out.


    "Where are you going at this hour?" Maeve rubbed her eyes, her voice hoarse.


    Byron halted abruptly and turned to look at her. He replied in a serious voice, "Karen tried tomit suicide by slitting her wrists. I''m going to the hospital"


    Maeve''s grogginess faded away instantly. The thought of how Karen had tried to frame her by hurting herself with a knife made her skin crawl. Karen hadn''t attempted suicide when she first woke up, but now, at this moment, it seemed like a deliberate attempt to draw Byron''s attention, Maeve doubted it was genuine.


    Byron had been with her sincest night, which must have driven Karen to desperation.


    Maeve smirked and said, "She really is full of drama."


    "What did you say?" Byron''s frowned slightly, his expression growing colder. "Maeve, is there something wrong with you?" Without waiting for her response, he quickly left. Maeve turned and walked toward the bedroom, her face devoid of


    emotion


    ''Something is wrong with me? He''s the fool, being spun around by Karen''s schemes. No wonder people say that the current girlfriend always loses if the ex-girlfriend sheds tears. He must think I''m so na?ve to believe that he sees her as a friend, Macve thought, overwhelmed by a sense of numbness


    The next morning, Maeve felt much better than the day before. She got up, went to the terrace to pick some greens, and made herself some sd.


    After breakfast, she searched everywhere for the contract but couldn''t find it. Suspecting that Byron might be ying games with her again, Maeve took out her phone and called him.


    "Hello?" Karen''s weak, sweet voice came through the phone. "Is this Macve?"


    Maeve frowned. "Why are you answering the phone?"


    "Because Byron has been with me all this time. He just went to the bathroom, Karen spoke with a provocative tone. "Marve,


    side no matter how clingy you are, he''s still by my


    You''re quite something, attempting suicide at night and then being full of life in the morning. Are you really suicidal or just pretending?" Maeve said with a scoff.


    "I know you''re jealous of me. Say whatever you want." Karen sneered. "You''re still in Byron''s apartment, aren''t you? Just so you know, that apartm

 Chapter 132

    "What did you just say?" Maeve''s heart sank. "How could this apartment be yours?"


    Maeve had told Byron she didn''t want the apartment, provided they got a divorce immediately. He hadn''t agreed, so their arrangement remained unchanged. Why is Karen saying that the apartment will soon be hers? she thought in disbelief.


    Karenughed derisively. "Byron didn''t tell you? Well, it seems there was no need. I just wanted to recuperate in his apartment, and he agreed to give it to me.


    The smugness in Karen''s voice caused Maeve to tighten her grip on her phone before she hung up abruptly. Staring at the empty bowl on the dining table, she wanted to get up and clean but couldn''t muster any strength.


    He can give Karen whatever he wants, but why does it have to be this apartment?'' Maeve thought with a hollow ache in her chest. She bit her lip so hard she could taste blood.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The phone on the table rang. Maeve, absorbed in her thoughts, looked up in a daze. When she saw Byron''s name on the screen, she felt a quick sense of reluctance.


    Yet, she remembered the lies Karen had told her previously and decided she couldn''t fully believe Karen''s words alone. She took a deep breath and answered the call. "Maeve?" Byron''s voice came through the line. Why did you call me?"


    Maeve pursed her lips. "Nothing. Karen just told me she would being here to recuperate, and that you are giving her the apartment. Is that true?" Byron replied, "Yes, I was about to tell you."


    "Are you not going to exin this?" Maeve questioned, frustration evident in her tone.


    Byron frowned slightly. "Exin what?"


    Maeve fell silent.


    After waiting for a response that never came, Byron sensed something was off and said dismissively, "Maeve, it''s just an apartment. Don''t be so petty.


    At that moment, Maeve felt a sharp pain in her heart, tears of bitterness clouding her vision. "Did you consider my feelings when you made this decision?" she croaked. "If you can''t keep our promise, then there''s nothing more to say. I assure you, I''ll leave and make rooiu for your precious ex-girlfriend. Are you satisfied now?"


    Maeve''s face went pale as she ended the call. She sat in silence for a long time before gathering the strength to get up. She put the empty bowl into the dishwasher and went to the master bedroom to change. ct in the


    Recalling she hadn''t searched the room thoroughly, she half-heartedly rummaged around and found the contract drawer of the nightstand.


    Before leaving, Maeve took onest look at the room she had lived in. Once it became Karen''s ce, she would never have


    the chance to returil


    However, it was nothing like the room she had once upied. When Maeve opened the guest bedroom door, it waspletely empty. Even the light apricot-colored sheer curtain she loved was gone. Staring at the empty room, tears finally streamed uncontrobly down her face, dripping onto her clothes.


    It turns out the signs were there all along. He even cleared out my room for Karen''s arrival. What''s the point of holding on to this apartment? she reflected with a rueful smile.


    Maeve wiped her eyes roughly, took out her phone, and called for a cab. She moved all the vegetables from the terrace, leaving nothing behind. She then closed the apartment door and left, contract in hand, without looking back. Meanwhile, in the hospital ward, Karen leaned against the headboard, observing Byron''s sudden shift to a cold demeanor after he hung up,


    "Byron. I only wanted a ce to recuperate. If Ms. Reese is unwilling, perhaps we should forget it," Karen said weakly.


    "Since I promised you, I won''t go back on my word. Byron''s voice was slightly somber.


    "Alright," Karen responded with a sorrowful expression. "Ms. Reese has such a bad temper, it must be hard on


    Byron cast a cold nce at her. "Maeve has a bad temper?"


    If her temper is bad, then everyone else must bepletely unhinged. Even her rare outbursts were nothing more than harmless quirks, more yful than menacing he thought, his lips curling into a faint smile.


    Sensing an edge in his voice, Karen forced a smile. She did cut me with a knife the other day and threw a cup at me. It was quite frightening


    The smile on Byron''s lips slowly faded as he looked at Karen, his eyes piercing right through her. "Karen, there are things I''ve chosen not to spell out to spare your feelings. But that doesn''t mean I''m oblivious. Do you understand?" Karen''s heart skipped a beat, her fingers trembling slightly. "I-I don''t quite get what you


    mean.


    Byron didn''t answer, his gaze flicking to the bandaged wounds on her left hand. Karen''s face turned ashen.


    The wound on her wrist and the one she imed Maeve inflicted were consistent in depth and direction. If it were just one wound, Byron might not have figured, but with two, it was easy to spot the pattern. He chose not to say anything, allowing her to maintain a shred of dignity.


    How terrifying... How could he so calmly and rationally judge whether my injuries were consistent? Does he truly believe that Maeve would never hurt me? Karen thought, unable to suppress the resentment welling up inside her. ''Mom was right. Maeve has to be destroyed.


    After viewing the house at Zephyr Heights, Maeve and Alex returned to the car.


    "Alex, thank you for yourpany today. I hope I haven''t taken up too much of your time," Maeve said with a smile.


    "Not at all. I was free anyway." Alex replied with a gentle gaze. "What did you think of the house? Are you satisfied?"


    Maeve thought for a moment. "It''s quite good. But I wasn''t nning on looking for a ce in such a high-end neighborhood, so my budget is a bit tight. I might be wasting your efforts."


    Her expectations for a house were modest, and it couldn''t be too expensive. With her monthly sry, she preferred to stay within her means.


    The owner is going overseas soon, so he''s in a hurry to rent out the house. He cares more about finding a good tenant who Will take care of the property rather than the money, Alex said. "Since I''m on good terms with him, I can help you get a discount." Maeve''s eyes lit up. "Really?"


    "Of course. Would I lie to you?" Alex quipped with a chuckle.


    Maeve shook her head repeatedly. "I just feel like I''m bothering you too much. I''m not sure how to repay you."


    Alex had intended to say she didn''t need to repay him, but he was worried it might put pressure on her, so he said, "Actually. I do have a favor to ask"


    What is it?" Maeve immediately perked up.


    "There''s a banquet tomorrow night that my parents insist I attend. They even want me to bring a date, or they''ll set me up with one," Alex said with a touch of helplessness.


    In other words, they''re subtly pushing for marriage, Maeve thou

 Chapter 133

    Alex thought that she was joking. His eyes looked so gently. Then I''ll have to rely on Maeve for the rest of my life."


    "Don''t worry about that," Maeve said.


    Maeve did not understand the hidden meaning in Alex''s words. She only felt that she was delighted to be able to help him.


    The next night.


    At the Crystal Jade Club


    Rows of luxurious cars were parked at the main entrance. A red carpet was spread from the car park to the banquet hall entrance. It was brightly lit in the club, and everyone was toasting


    Maeve held Alex''s hand, and they entered together. She followed him to greet the host of the banquet. She smiled appropriately, neither servile not overbearing.


    Alex was originally worried that Maeve would not be used to such an asion. He did not expect her to be soposed. She did not show any fear.


    No matter what topic the other party asked, Maeve could answer easily.


    Maeve did not look like a girl from an ordinary family at all. Instead, she was more like a youngdy from a wealthy family with a good upbringing


    The luster in Alex''s eyes moved slightly. He looked at Maeve, and his heart started throbbing faster.


    After exchanging formalities, Alex brought Maeve to the rest area. "Maeve, you haven''t recovered from your cold yet. I brought you a cup of coffee to keep you warm."


    "Thank you." Maeve smiled and took the cup of coffee. After drinking it, her abdomen felt warm.


    Narrowing her eyes in pleasure, Maeve put the cup on the table. As she turned, she identally bumped her shoulder into a waitress carrying a tray.


    The red wine on the tray spilled down. Even though Alex took a few steps back with Maeve, she did not manage to avoid the wine totally. The color of the red wine was especially eye-catching on her apricot-colored skirt. The waitress hurriedly apologized. I''m sorry, Miss. I''m really sorry."


    Seeing that the waitress was so anxious that she was about to cry, Maeve waved her hand andforted her. "It''s okay. I''ll go to the washroom to take care of it.


    There are clothes for the guests in the changing room upstairs. Shall I bring you upstairs to change?" The waitress still looked apologetic. "I''m really sorry!" "Maeve, shall I go with you?" Alex frowned slightly and looked at Maeve worriedly. "You won''t feelfortable wearing wet clothes. It''ll be terrible if you catch a cold" Maeve shook her head. "It''s okay. It''s not a big deal. She can just apany me up. I''ll be back soon."


    "If you need anything, you must let me know immediately, Alex said.


    Maeve replied, "Sure."


    At this moment, there was amotion at the entrance of the banquet hall


    D


    Some people gasped Insurprise from time to time when they saw the slender and noble figure appear. Some of the guests even trembled


    His facial features were perfect, his eyes were dark, and his every move was calm and noble. No one dared to look at his directly


    The limelight of the entire banquet hall seemed to be on him. He was the focus of everyone''s attention.


    Even the host of the banquet smiled in a ttering manner as he followed him.


    In Kleymond, Byron Mcdaniel was no different from a king


    Not only because of his powerful background, but also because of his outstanding ability to be the CEO of the Mcdaniel Group at such a young age Most of the young men in Kleymond could not be like him.


    Maeve looked in that direction in a daze. She looked at the big shot who was not very friendly to Alex just now. Now he was trying his best to please Byron Mcdaniel


    She had always felt the difference in status between Byron and her. It was as if they were separated by a big gap. It was difficult for them tomunicate or understand each other.


    Especially when Maeve saw Karen standing beside Byron with a dignified smile, Maeve felt worse.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Maeve, what''s wrong?" Alex did not notice themotion at the entrance. When he saw that Maeve did not look too good. he asked worriedly, "Are you feeling unwell? Go and change quickly. Don''t make yourself sick." Maeve blinked her dry eyes and nodded at Alex. Tll go now. Please wait for me."


    "Okay, I''m going to make a call anyway?" said Alex.


    Maeve followed the waitress upstairs. Karen happened to look in that direction and saw Maeve going upstairs


    Her eyes shed, and she said gently to Byron, "Byron, I am going to the washroom."


    "Sure Byron''s expression was calm. It was impossible to tell if he was happy or angry.


    Karen bit her lower lip and said angrily, "My mother asked you to bring me so that I won''t be bored. Why didn''t you remind me to do that? If I''m lost here, aren''t you afraid that you can''t answer to my mother?" Byron should at least show some concern for Karen. She was still unwell.


    Byron looked at her strangely. "Your mother asked me to bring you out to rx. She didn''t ask me to tie you up


    If Karen could get lost in such a ce, Byron would probably have to get the doctor to do a CT scan on her brain when she returned. That would see if she was alright.


    Karen felt insulted and walked away with an embarrassed expression. Instead of going to the washroom, she went upstairs. Half an hourter, in the changing room upstairs. Maeve changed into the clothes the waitress had brought over. When Maeve came out of the cubicle, she realized that the gown she had changed out of was gone. Maeve wondered, ''Could the waitress have washed it for me? At least let me know...


    Feeling puzzled, Maeve walked to the mirror and saw the cleaning uniform she was wearing. She raised her thin eyebrows slightly.


    No wonder the waitress said that there was only one set of clothes left. She even took Maeve''s dirty gown away. £¤:75%


    If Maeve wore the cleaning uniform downstairs, she would probably be carried out by the security guards at the banquet


    A banquet at the Crystal Jade Club had strict rules for the guests attire.


    Maeve was about to call Alex for help when she remembered that she had left her bag outside. The bag had also been taken


    away.


    This was getting out of hand. Maeve could either go out in the uniform or stay here and wait for Alex toe up to look for her. She sat on the sofa and sighed Maeve heard a clicking sound.


    The door of the changing room was suddenly opened. Maeve stood up and turned around, thinking that it was Alex.


    In the end, a ferocious-looking middle-aged man, John Fett, walked in. His footsteps were unsteady.


    When he saw Maeve standing inside, a hint of surprise shed across John''s narrowed eyes. He rubbed his hands and walked forward with a wretched smile.


    Johnmented, "A banquet for a wealthy family is indeed different. Even the cleaner is so beautiful"


    "Sir, this is thedies'' changing room. Please leave. Maeve stood up and scolded coldly.


    John eximed, "Quite hot-tempered beauty. I like red hot chili peppers like you."


    As John spoke, he suddenly grabbed Maeve''s hand and leaned forward to kiss her.


    The sour taste of the wine from John''s mouth made Maeve nauseous. lost. Stay away from me."


    She was s sa disgusted that she kicked his knee. "Get


    "Ouch!" The middle-aged man screamed in pain and red at her with gritted teeth. "You better know your ce and do what''s good for you. You are just a cleaner. There''s no woman I can''t have. If you know what''s good for you, apany me for the night, and let me have a good time. Otherwise, I''ll have you fired immediately

 Chapter 134

    Maeve kicked John in his groin. That was her answer.


    "Oh no!" shouted John in pain.


    The tone of his voice changed. He twisted his legs, and he clutched his manhood as hey on the floor. He was twitching all


    OVEL.


    Maeve took this opportunity to escape. Unexpectedly, she bumped into a wall when she opened the door. She felt a sharp pain at the tip of her nose, and tears flowed out of the corners of her eyes "Maeve?"


    Maeve touched her slightly painful nose. When she heard a familiar deep voice, she blinked her watery eyes and looked up.


    A handsome face entered her line of sight.


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat, and she took two steps back to look at him. "Byron?"


    "Why are you here?" Byron looked past her and into the changing room. He paused for a few seconds on John who was moaning in pain. Byron asked her, "What''s going on?"


    Maeve bit her lip. "I came here to change my clothes, but this man suddenly barged in and treated me as a cleaner. He even forced me to sleep with him tonight. Then he started to be rough with me, so I kicked him." "He barged in when you were changing? Byron''s expression suddenly turned cold. He looked at John as if he was looking at a dead person.


    "No, I have already changed when he came in," replied Maeve.


    Byron''s expression did not soften. He took out his phone and tapped on the screen a few times. In less than five minutes, Archer rushed over and dragged John out with his bodyguards.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, how should we deal with this person?" Archer asked respectfully,Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Throw him out. Don''t let me see him in Kleymond again."


    "Will do," answered Archer.


    After the bodyguards left, Byron looked at Maeve beside him and realized that she had been staring at Archer. Byron suddenly felt a little unhappy.


    "Why are you staring at Archer? Is he very good-looking?"


    Upon hearing his boss'' slightly displeased question, a cold sweat broke out on Archer''s forehead


    He wondered, "Why is Ms. Reese staring at me for no reason? Did I do anything wrong? Or did Ib my hair so neat that Ms. Reese thinks I look handsome today? It isn''t my fault that I am handsome.''


    Maeve just didn''t expect that Archer wasn''t Byron''s colleague, but his subordinate. So she took a few more nces. However, there was no need for her to exin.


    "These are my eyes, I can look at whoever I want, Maeve said calmly. Tim going down now. Mr. Mcdaniel, please help yourself."


    Archer was shocked by Maeve''s bold attitude in front of Byron and broke out in a cold sweat for her.


    Thest person who dared to talk to Mr. Mcdaniel like this was already in deep shit.


    #47531


    Byron did not appear annoyed. He crossed his arms and said coldly, "Are you nning to go down wearing cleaning uniform?"


    Only then did Maeve remember the cleaning uniform she was wearing. She stopped in her tracks and was a little angry


    "Who did youe with?" Byron asked again.


    "Alex. Is that a problem?" Maeve subconsciously replied.


    In the end, she realized that Byron was looking at her with a faint smile. "He brought you here wearing this kind of clothes "The gown I was wearing earlier had wine stains. The waitress gave me this cleaning uniform. What does it have to do with Hearing how protective she was of Alex, Byron''s eyes were filled with mockery. "Have you been with him for the past two days?"


    "So what if Fam?" answered Maeve.


    "Maeve, have you forgotten what warning I gave you before?" Byron''s voice turned emotionless, and his aura became more oppressive.


    Archer immediately knew what to do. He hurriedly moved out and prevented anyone from approaching. He would protect the secret of his boss falling in love with a married woman.


    Maeve did not answer Byron''s question. She calmly turned around and walked into the changing room.


    Byron''s eyes turned cold. He strode forward and carried her up by the waist.


    "What are you doing?" Marve''s legs were in the air as she grabbed his suit jacket in fear.


    Byron didn''t say anything and threw her onto the sofa. He ced his hands on the side of Maeve''s face and leaned over.


    Maeve wanted to get up, but she was pressed back down. Marve was instantly enraged. "Byron Mcdaniel, what exactly do you want!"


    "I should be the one asking you this." Byron lifted her chin. "You were so needy when you had a fever, and I had to cook porridge for you and look after you. After you recovered, you just left like that? Maeve Reese, this is the first time I''ve seen such a heartless weman like you."


    To think that Byron had specially driven out to buy Maeve''s favorite cake to appease her emotions that day. However, he returned to an empty house.


    The terrace where the flower racks and vegetable pots had been emptied and even the pillows were taken from the sofa.


    Byron originally wanted to Maeve back and teach her a lesson. However, he felt that there was no need. If he spoiled her too much, it would only make her more disrespectful. Macye''s chin hurt from Byron''s grip. She frowned and retorted, Didn''t I take care of you when you were injured previously? Let''s call it even. We don''t owe each other anything" "Well said," Byron scoffed. "You want to draw a clear boundary between us?"


    Maeve did not answer. Her eyshes fluttered. In Byron''s eyes, it was a tacit agreement.


    He pinched her small chin and forced her to look at him. He said coldly, "Maeve, do you really want to settle the score with me one by one?"


    Maeve clenched her fists and shook her head silently. The debt between them had long been settled.


    Ever since Byron used his body to protect her on the Maybach, everything was destined to be chaotic,


    Byron''s expression softened a little. He thought of hisst phone call with her and asked in a low voice, "Does the fact that I gave the apartment to Karen Booth affect you that much?"


    give it to Maeve looked up at him. "I was stupid before and didn''t understand. That''s your property. It''s your freedom to whoever you want. Even if you promised to give it to me after the divorce, I have no right to interfere. I don''t mind anymore. I''ve also chosen a new property. I probably won''t go back to live in the apartment in the future. Don''t worry"


    Maeve''s voice was very calm, without a hint ofint or grievance. She was just stating a fact.


    Byron''s chest felt stuffy for no reason. He suddenly thought of something. He asked, "You think the house 1 gave Karen was the one I promised you?"


    Maeve frowned slightly. She did not understand what Byron meant. She wondered, ''Can it be that the gift he wanted to give


    to Karen was not...


    Byron was keenly aware of the reason for her abnormal mood. He suddenlyughed angrily. "Maeve, who told you that I''m going to give our apartment to Karen?"


    When the doubts in her heart were cleared, Maeve


    r was stunned. "Isn''t that... isn''t that so?"


    "I don''t think I''ve told you." Byron''s tone was light. That

 Chapter 135

    Even if Karen went to that apartment to recuperate, she would not affect Maeve even if the distance from Maeve''s apartment was far.


    Who would have thought that Maeve would have such a bad temper? She hung up without even listening to an exnation. Then she didn''t contact Byron for two whole days.


    After listening to his exnation, Maeve blushed awkwardly. Her hands were clenched tightly, and she looked guilty.


    She didn''t know that Byron owned the entire building-


    Karen had said it so confidently at that time. Naturally. Maeve would think that Byron had given their home away


    Moreover, Byron had said it so nonchntly on the phone back then and that hurt her heart even more. Hence, she would not ask anymore.


    Nobody would expect this to happen. Maeve wished she could bury her head somewhere to hide her embarrassment Byron did not give her the chance. He asked her coldly. "Do you have anything to exin to me?"


    I... Maeve bit her lip. "It''s my fault for leaving without saying anything


    "More?" Byron pressed on.


    "Thank you for taking care of me when I had a fever." Maeve continued.


    Byron waited for a moment but did not hear what he wanted to hear. He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Nothing else?" Maeve knew what he wanted to hear. She hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "I''ll go back after Karen recovers." She did not understand what Byron was thinking. Byron insisted that she moved back.


    et now that Karen was living in that apartment. There


    Maeve thought that it would be convenient for Byron and Karen to meet now was no point in him asking Maeve to go back


    "Where are you staying now?" Byron asked again.


    Maeve thought of the new ce Alex had helped her find. She hesitated for a moment.


    Byron could tell that something was wrong. He stared at her coldly. "Don''t tell me you''re living next door to Alex now."


    "Not yet. I''m staying at Bonnie''s for the time being." Maeve said.


    Byron said, "Come and stay at my ce.


    Macve asked, "What?"


    "I thought you didn''t want to go back to your apartment," Byron said calmly. Then stay at my ce so that you don''t have to move here and there."


    Maeve was stunned for a moment. She shook her head and wanted to refuse, but before she could open her mouth, she was interrupted. Byron said, "I don''t have any ns to separate from my wife for the time being. Don''t tell me you want Grandpa to find out about this? What Byron said was reasonable, and Maeve could not refute it. After struggling for a long time, she still wanted to think about it. "Let me think about iL


    Byron asked, "How many days?"


    "Will a few days be too soon?" replied Maeve.


    Tll give you two days at most," Byron said in a tone that left no room for negotiation.


    Maeve was speechless.


    She had never seen Byron at work, but now she had an idea of how he functioned.


    Maeve thought, "He must be a tyrant who doesn''t change his mind once a decision is made...


    There was a knock on the door.


    0% 75%


    At this moment, Archer knocked on the door and entered. "Mr. Mcdaniel, this is Ms. Reese''s gown and bag. They were found in the staff lounge. The thief has been held ountable. Byron nodded slightly and turned to Maeve. "Check if anything is missing"


    "No, they''re all here. Maeve took out her phone. Coincidentally, Alex called. She pressed on the answer button identally.


    "Maeve, why were you gone for so long? Did you encounter some trouble? Do you need me to go up now? Alex''s voice was filled with anxiousness.


    Byron had a mocking expression.


    Maeve immediately put the phone close to her ear and exined the situation to him. She told Alex that she would go downter. Only then did Alex rx


    After ending the call, Maeve got up to leave, but Byron grabbed her arm.


    "Change your clothes before going down. I have asked Archer to prepare a new gown for you." Bryone said.


    Archer handed over a brand-new box.


    Maeve carried the box into the cubicle and Byron followed.


    The small cubicle became even more cramped.


    Her eyes


    widened. "Why did you


    ue


    "Shouldn''t I personally help you change into the gown I prepared for you?" Byron slowly picked up the gown with a serious expression


    Only Maeve understood the hidden meaning behind his words,


    In an instant, her scalp went numb and she really wanted to escape, In the narrow cubicle, a strange feeling grew very quickly. Even without turning on the heater, Maeve still felt hot Maeve could have changed into the gown in a few minutes, but after half an hour, Maeve walked out of the cubicle looking


    flustered.


    She ran out of the changing room without looking up, as if a wild beast was chasing after her.


    She had never seen such a daring person who did not bother about consequences,


    Even though the misunderstanding had been cleared up, Byron still used the excuse of helping Maeve change her gown to take advantage of her.


    Maeve didn''t really consent.


    Maeve returned to the banquet hall angrily. The heat on her face had yet to dissipate. She looked around for Alex.


    At that moment, someone beside her copsed.


    The person happened to fall at her feet, she was so scared that she took half a step back.


    Maeve thought, ''No way! How can there be an ident here?


    She quickly dismissed the idea. The person who fell to the ground was an elderly man with white hair. He looked like he was in pain.


    The surrounding people did not want to get into trouble. So, they moved to the side of the room. Only the old man''s assistant took out his phone in a panic to call an ambnce. "Isn''t this Mr. Charles Chatterly? Oh my god, is he having a heart attack?


    "There''s an infirmary upstairs! Hurry up and call the doctor overlThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Chatterly doesn''t seem to have a heart attack. But why is his entire body twitching? It''s so scary.*


    The banquet hall was filled with spections, but no one dared to go forward, leaving a big space around Charles.


    Maeve was so close that she could clearly see that Charles''s face was turning purple as if he would stop breathing in the next second.


    Something was wrong. This was definitely not a heart attack.


    She had seen simr cases before. It should be...


    Maeve hesitated for a second and hurriedly went forward to stop the person who wanted to carry Charles away.


    Before she exined anything, she helped him up from the ground and patted hard on his back a few times.


    The assistant''s expression changed drastically, and he came up to stop her. "What are you trying to do? If anything happens to Mr. Chatterly, you''ll take responsibility...


    "If you stop me again, will you be responsible for his death? Maeve turned her head abruptly and a sharp glint shed across her bright eyes.


    The assistant was shocked by her and loosened his grip on her. Realizing Maeve was intimidating him, the assistant felt that it was unreasonable and wanted to push her aside.


    Charles, whose eyes were tightly shut, suddenly opened his mouth and spat something out. After spitting out something, his body stopped twitching, but his hands were still trembling.


    "Mr. Chatterly!" The assistant was overjoyed and hurriedly asked "How are you feeling now? I''ve already called for an anbnce. They''ll be here soon."


    Charles waved his hand and stood up with the help of Marve. "Tm fine. I just choked."


    As he spoke, he looked at Maeve with a gentle gaze. "It''s all thanks to this youngdy. Otherwise, I would have died just now."


    Before this, Charles had never believed that people would choke to death.


    God knew how dangerous his situation was just now, He had also heard his assistant call for an ambnce, but he knew very well that he wouldn''t be able tost until then. Fortunately, Maese was there.

 Chapter 136

    "Youngdy, what''s your name!" Mr. Chatterly asked.


    "Maeve Reese."


    "Maeve, thank you for saving my life." Mr. Chatterly sped Mage''s hands tightly and bowed to her.


    The people around them looked in disbelief.


    Maeve held Charles hands tightly. He looked fragile, and she was afraid that he might fall.


    "Sir, you don''t have to do this. I just did what I should do. It''s no big deal."


    In her university days, Maeve was a volunteer at a nursing home. She had encountered simr situations, so she dared to help.


    Because she knew that if she missed the golden window, the consequences would be irreversible.


    Hearing her say this, Charles felt that it was very rare for people to help others these days. He thought, just did what I


    should do?


    So many people were around, but no one dared to step forward to help him. They all stood far away.


    These people usually showed respect for Charles, but at the critical moment, he was no big deal to them.


    On the other hand, only Maeve was willing to step


    forward.


    Charles''s admiration for Maeve increased. He look out a gold-ted business card and handed it to her. "Maeve, if you need anything in the future, juste to me for help. Don''t stand on ceremony with me."


    Maeve wanted to refuse, but Charles stuffed the card into her palm with the excuse that she should not refuse an elderly. Soon, the ambnce arrived. The assistant helped Charles leave the banquet hall onto the ambnce. They went to the hospital where Charles had a checkup,


    The way the other guests looked at Maeve changed.


    "If I had known that Mr. Chatterly was just choking, I would have gone up. The Chatterly family rarely gives out gold business cards, right?"


    "In the past, I heard that if you go to the Chatterly family with the gold business card, you can ask them for anything. You can even ask for their family''s shares. It''s actually true."


    "Which family does thisdye from? She was really good just now, and bold too."


    "In short, she is not from an ordinary family, The gown she''s wearing is a limited edition gown. You can''t buy it even if you have money."


    The gossip did not reach Maeve''s ears. However, Byron heard it


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, Ms. Reese was really bold just now Archer could not help but sigh. "If not for her, it would be hard to say if Mr. Chatterly would still be alive."


    Everyone could tell that Charles'' condition was critical just now It looked like a sudden illness.


    That was why no one dared to step forward, afraid that he would offend the Chatterly family should anything happen to


    DI


    Charles


    However, Maeve was not worried about that. Even if she did, she might still choose to save him without hesitation.


    Byron thought of Macve''s gaze when she stopped the assistant just now. He developed a strange emotion in his heart. Byron had never seen Maeve like that. She was like a thorny rose under the light, soft but firm, and had the power to protect herself. It was theplete opposite of her usual soft and gentle appearance.


    A hint of interest appeared in Byron''s eyes as the tip of his tongue slowly swept across the roof of his mouth. He was getting aroused.


    Karen stood in the corner and listened to the guests praising Maeve. She gritted her teeth in hatred.


    It was not easy for Karen to set up this trap. If Karen was lucky, Byron would get to know about Maeve''s supposed affair tonight. Maeve''s reputation would have been ruined, instead of being praised by everyone like now.


    Karen thought, ''Didn''t she just pat on Mr. Chatterly''s back? Everyone must be thinking of that. What is there to be smug


    about?


    Maeve did not know about this. She received a message from Alex, asking her


    60 to the other side of the banquet hall.


    Alex was talking to a woman in her thirties who was wearing a dark purple suit. When Alex saw Maeveing over, he immediately introduced Maeve to the woman! "Maeve, this is Ms. Linds Watson, the director from Trend Style Magazine."


    Trend Style was one of the top fashion magazines in the country. Its founder had some connections with the royal family of a country, so the magazine had a high status internationally.


    Maeve was surprised and said humbly, "Hello, Ms. Watson.""


    Linds stretched out her hand to Maeve with a smile. "Hello, Ms. Reese. Your design at thest exhibition was indeed dazzling. Yourbination of ssical elegance and vintage style is quite outstanding. It''s really surprising. The crewelwork was outstanding, fit for royalty."


    This might be the difference between fashion directors and ordinary people.


    When ordinary people saw beautiful clothes, they would only say, "Damn, these look so beautiful."


    Linds, on the other hand, could grasp the essence of a design from many angles and summarize it.


    As Linds praised Maeve, her cheeks turned slightly red. "You tter me. I still have room for improvement."


    Designers were the happiest when their work was recognized. Maeve was no exception.


    "You''re too humble." Linds'' tone changed. "Will you be willing to do an interview for our magazine?"


    Being able to get an exclusive interview with Trend Style was the lifelong dream of most designers in the country.


    "Sure! I will be honored." Maeve''s eyes were bright. She felt the blood in her body heat up slightly.


    Linds smiled. "Let''s hope our cooperation is a pleasant one."


    "Yes!"


    After Linds left, Maeve''s gaze identally caught Alex''s smiling eyes. Her level of excitement suddenly went down a little.


    "Alex, is this..."


    Alex knew what she was going to ask. He shook his head and derned it. "It really wasn''t me. Ms. Watson took the initiative to look for me and asked me to help pull some strings and introder you to her." When Linds came to find Alex, Alex was very surprised.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    He knew how outstanding Maeve was and guessed that she would be invited to be interviewed in a fashion magazine next


    11owever, Alex did not expect Trend Style to be the first to look for Maeve.


    After the banquet ended, Maeve returned to the Hancock Residence.


    Bonnie had just been discharged yesterday and had returned home to recuperate.


    She didn''t know if it was because of the food in the hospital or something else.


    Maeve realized that after Bonnie was discharged from the hospital, she had been sighing andining that her house was not as good as the hospital.


    Maeve vaguely guessed something and teased Bonnie with a smile. "Are you reluctant to part with someone in the hospital?"


    To be fair, Ray was quite handsome. He was a gentleman and had a sense of humor. It was not surprising that Bonnie would be attracted to him.


    "No, I just feel that it''s very troublesome to go for weekly checkups in the future. It''s better to stay in the hospital and recuperate, Bonnie replied. "Fair enough. So why did you leave the hospital?"


    "I can''t help it. I have been there for so long. Bonnie mumbled. Then, she grabbed Maeve and said, "Theard that you went to the banquet with my cousin just now?" Maeve shook her head and told Bonnie about renting a house and Alex''s parents forcing him to marry.


    When Bonnie heard the address Maeve mentioned, Bonnie subconsciously said, "Nobody lives next to Alex. That floor belongs to him."


    After saying that, Bonnie realized Alex''s intentions and immediately covered her mouth.


    However, it was too


    "That floor belongs to your cousin?" Maeve was stunned. "No wonder. I was wondering why the owner was so generous."


    ¸Ê

 Chapter 137

    Chapter137


    "Maeve, don''t be angry." Bonnie looked vexed. "Alex probably sail that because he didn''t want you to have other thoughts. When I told her that you moved out of the house, he thought that you had suffered some grievance...


    Maeve looked at Bonnie''s nervous expression and smiled. "I''m not angry. I know he has my interests at heart. Otherwise, he could have just asked me to stay for free. Why would he go through so much trouble?" Maeve was not someone who did not know what was good for her.


    "Don''t tell Alex that I told you okay?" Bonnie pleaded.


    Maeve said, "Don''t worry, I won''t say anything."


    Bonnie hugged Maeve happily, "You''re the best. Will you still move next door to Alex?"


    Maeve thought for a moment. "Alex gave me a discount out of goodwill, but I can''t really take advantage of him. I n to find another house soon, and I''ll talk to him to ease the tension


    Maeve was not particrly interested in that high-end neighborhood.


    Now that she knew that Alex had sacrificed his interests to rent the house to her, she would not stay there. Otherwise, she would more or less be suspected of taking advantage of others through her rtionship with Bonnie. Bonnie was full of apologies for Alex in his heart. If it weren''t for her, Alex might have been able to get close to Maeve Bonnie sighed.


    At the Noble Ladies Coffee Club meeting.


    The richdies of the top Kleymond families all gathered here. It could be said to be an excellent social gathering.


    Alexis was the focus of this group of people. With her status, everyone had to show her some respect,


    "Betty isn''t here today? I heard that Mr. Chatterly was hospitalized yesterday


    "Don''t say it out loudly. Betty and Alexis don''t have a good rtionship. Don''t mention Betty if she isn''t here."


    That''s true. We can''t afford to offend either of them.


    The Chatterly family was also a reputable noble family in Kleymond. They were only slightly lower in statuspared to the Mcdaniel family, and they had cooperated on many


    asions.


    However, Alexis and Betty''s personalities were exactly the same. They were arrogant and didn''t care about anyone. Therefore, the two of them didn''t get along well with each other. There was always tension between both of them.


    As everyone was chatting, an elegantdy in a smoke-green dress with a snow-white shawt walked in. She had a faint smile on her face as she walked towards Alexis with a gift.


    "Alexis, I''m here to thank you on behalf of my father."


    Alexis had already put on a cold face. She was caught off guard by Betty''s expression of gratitude and hence, she was surprised.


    Alexis wondered what the Chatterly family was up to.


    "Thank me?" Alexis put down the coffee cup elegantly. She still remained indifferent. "For what?"


    Betty nced at the nobledies sitting beside her. They tactfully made way for the two of them to talk.


    Betty sat down beside Alexis and smiled. "Alexis, your daughter-mw is Maeve Reese, right?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Alexis paused for a moment, trying to decide if she should continue. Originally, she despised Maeve because of her background and ability.


    However, after thest exhibition, what Maeve said to Alexis showed that Maeve did not have the slightest intention of humbling herself to please Alexis just because she was Byron''s mother. Hence, Alexis'' impression of Maeve changed. Alexis and Betty had never been on good terms. Usually, they would not even acknowledge or greet each other.


    Now that Betty hade over, Alexis wondered if Maeve had offended this woman and was here toin to her.


    As she thought about it, Alexis'' expression was calm. "Maeve is my daughter-inw. Our family is happy to have her. What do you want to say?"


    When Betty heard that, she knew that Alexis had misunderstood, Alexis thought that Betty was here to look for trouble, so Alexis had to defend Maeve first.


    "Alexis, you''ve misunderstood. I''m really here to thank you," Betty exined. "My father attended a banquet at Crystal Jade Clubst night and almost died because he ate something wrong. It was Maeve who helped. I heard from the doctor that if it had been a few secondster, my father might have not died,"


    Speaking of this, Betty felt a lingering fear. Charles was the pir of the Chatterly family, and everyone in the family respected him. If anything happened to him, the Chatterly family would be in chaos.


    Therefore, as soon as Betty found out about Maeve''s identity, she didn''t bother that the Mcdaniel family had been so secretive about this matter. She hurriedly brought a gift to the Mcdaniel residence. Alexis couldn''t hide her surprise. She could not imagine Maeve saving Charles'' life..


    Alexis wondered, Isn''t she a designer? How is she able to save people?"


    "Are you sure?" asked Alexis.


    "This concerns the Chatterly family''s savior. How could I be wrong?" Betty smiled. "I don''t have your daughter-inw''s contact number, so I have to ask you for a favor and pass this gift to her. If there''s a chance in the future, we''d like to thank her personally." Seeing such a gentle expression on Betty''s usually cold and arrogant face, Alexis'' feelings were extremelyplicated.


    The two of them had been enemies for many years. As their characters were simr, they didn''t like each other. Even if the two families cooperated on many asions, their rtionship wasn''t that good.


    This time, because of Maeve, Betty took the initiative to express her goodwill to Alexis.


    It was different from what Karen had said.


    In the Eternal Hope Building,


    Maeve took a photo and scanned the glossed design draft. Then, she sent it to Fiora''s phone and asked her if there was. anything she needed to modify.


    After a while, Fiora replied.


    Maeve fell silent when she saw the long and nitpickingment Fiora stopped short of saying that Maeve should look at


    the rainbow and put in different colors.


    Maeve wondered, ''How did I offend this princess? She clearly wasn''t that fussy thest time!


    If Maeve really did as Fiora said, these design drafts would all be wasted..


    Another message came in.


    Fiora: [Don''t tell me you can''t do it. Is this all the designers in Serigal can do?]


    After reading this message, Maeve took a deep breath. As expecter, it was not easy to earn a living. Resigned to her fate, Maeve picked up her pen and started drawing again.


    At noon, Maeve received a call from the real estate agent. She packed her things and left thepany to look at houses. The house she looked at was not bad. It suited her taste. It took less than an hour to sign the contract and pay the rent.


    Maeve returned to Pinehurst Apartments and asked the movingpany to sendrge pieces of furniture she had stored in the small warehouse to the new house. This included the furniture Byron bought.


    Maeve might not be able to fit so many things in her new rented house.


    She thought that she would throw away those pieces that she didn''t want. Then she wouldpensate Byroh, Hence, Maeve took out her phone and searched for the furniture using the logo


    It would have been better if she hadn''t searched. Maeve got the shock of her life. That bed was custom-made by a famous foreign designer. It cost more than 4 million dors.


    That sofa cost more than 2 million dors and that desk was slightly more than 1 million dors. Including the cabs andmps, everything came up to about 12 million dors.... Maeve wondered, ''Are these furniture or gold?''


    If these pieces were ced in her previous dpidated apartment, they would definitely attract thieves.


    Please wait." Maeve quickly stopped the staff who was moving the furniture out. Her voice trembled slightly. "Please be gentle. Thank you."

 Chapter 138

    If this furniture were spoilt, Maeve wouldn''t be able topensate Byron even if she sold herself.


    What was Byron thinking, buying these expensive stuff?


    After knowing the value of the furniture, Maeve''s heart skipped a beat, let alone throw them away.


    Were all these furniture? They were actually worth millions of dors.


    After everything had been moved into her new home, Maeve spent some time arranging and tidying things up. Her gaze stopped on Byron''s bed.


    What was the difference between a bed worth 4 million dors and a bed worth 400 dors?


    Since Byron was not around. Maeve fell backward and her body sank into the soft bed.


    After enjoying the feel of the bed for a while, Maeve felt sleepy. She felt sofortable. It was as if she was lying on a cloud, which was of suitable softness. Her entire body was very rxed.


    Moreover, Maeve did not know if it was her imagination, but after so long, there seemed to be a faint cedar fragrance unique to Byron on this bed.


    It was faint but it made one''s heart itch..


    Maevey there, feeling surrounded by his aura. She seemed to have drified into a daze.


    A ringing sound was heard. There was a call on Maeve''s phone.


    Maeve took out her phone while she was still in a daze and answered the call,


    A handsome and indifferent face immediately appeared on the screen. Behind him was a tall floor-to-ceiling window. This window should be in the office


    Maeve was stunned for a moment before realizing that it was a video call.


    "Where are you?" Byron asked in a deep voice.


    Maeve sat up slightly, thinking that he would find out sooner orter. She said truthfully, "I''m at the house I just rented."


    Byron frowned slightly. "I gave you two days to consider. I''m not asking you to rent a house and live outside."


    "I know, but I al


    need a ce that belongs to me," Maeve said calmly. Even if I leave your ce, I can still stay there" Hearing the meaning in her words, Byron stared at her serious face for a moment and said calmly, "Come to my officeter." Maeve was puzzled. "Didn''t you sign all the contracts?"


    What else did he want her to do!


    "You have not asked for my opinions and did not take any measurements. Are you nning to make my suit out of imagination?"


    "Oh yes, I forgot. I''ll go over right after I clean up this ce."


    As she spoke, Maeve got up from the bed. The camera lens happened to show the head of the bed. The extremely familiar pattern chosen by Byron made him raise his eyebrows. "This bed...


    Maeve suddenly remembered that he had video-called her. She was in the bed answering the call. Her face suddenly turned red.


    Maeve wanted to exin, but Byron had already thought of something when she sat up from the bed. His eyes were filled with mockery.


    "Maeve, is my bedfortable?" His voice was low and maic


    Byron seemed to be doing it on purpose.


    Byron looked at Maeve on the screen, whose face was getting redder and redder, and whose eyes looked nervous. Heughed softly. "We''ve only been apart for one night, and you miss me so much?" Byron wondered why Maeve actuallyy on his bed. Was it a subtle message to tell him that she missed him?


    He thought, ''It would have been good to agree to go home with mest night. You always don''t mean what you say


    Maeve''s entire body felt warm and reddish. Her eyes were filled with shame and anger.


    "I''m not! I was just trying out this expensive bed. What''s the difference between this and my bed? Don''t get the wrong idea."


    "So what did you find out?" Byron leaned forward slightly. There was a faint smile in his eyes. "Do you feelfortable?"


    Maeve thought of how she felt just now and muttered, "Comfortable."


    There was still a difference between 4 hundred dors and 4 million dors.


    The smile on Byron''s face deepened. "Since you''refortable, sleep more, in case you miss me too much"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    He realized that Maeve had brought all the furniture he had used in the past to her new home. It meant that she had reserved a room for him


    Byron wondered why Maeve said that she didn''t like him and wanted a divorce.


    "Which eye of yours can tell that I''m thinking about you?" Maeve could not help but retort.


    "Both," Byron said slowly. "You can sleep first. Come and find me when you wake up."


    Maeve turned off the video call Byron had told her to sleep first, Of course, he was not being considerate. Instead, he was deliberately teasing her.


    Maeve did not do what Byron wished. Maeve went to wash her face, grabbed her bag, and left.


    When they reached the top floor of the Mcdaniel Group, the female secretary walked over with a smile.


    "Ms. Reese, Mr. Mcdaniel has instructed that you can go straight to his office."


    "Thank you." Maeve thanked her and knocked on the door before entering the CEO''s office.


    Byron was not at his desk. Instead, he was on the sofa at the bottom of the stairs, flipping through the documents beside him.


    "Hello, Mr. Mcdaniel." Maeve put on a professional attitude and walked over to greet him. "Are you free now? I''ll take your measurements."


    Byron raised his eyebrows slightly. She had just slept in his bed, and now she was being so formal with him?


    "Sure." Byron put down the documents, stood up, and let Maeve fiddle with the measuring tape and ruler. She started with the neck area


    She stood behind him, her+lender and soft fingers inadvertently brushing against his Adam''s apple, shoulders, and back, like a butterfly stopping for a moment. Byron could feel Maeve''s fingers behind him, fluttering up and down


    His brows were tightly knitted together. He felt an unexinable surge of heat in his body. His back was slightly tense, like a bow that was ready to be fired.


    Maeve lowered her head and did not realize that the darkness in Byron''s eyes seemed to want to engulf her figure.


    After measuring, she went around to the front to continue measuring and asked him a few more questions.


    Byron answered absent-mindedly. He lowered his eyelids slightly and fixed his gaze on her fair fingers. His gaze became even deeper.


    The image of her using her hands to serve him a few nights ago suddenly appeared in his mind.


    In the next second, the measuring tape in Maeve''s hand wrapped around his waist and it gradually moved down to his groin.


    Byron''s breathing became slightly heavier. His Adam''s apple bobbed a few times in frustration, and he could not suppress the frustration in his heart.


    He suddenly thought of something and asked in a hoarse voice. Did you measure like this for other men too."


    "No, No." Maeve was also nervous. She had to remind herself that this was her job. If not for that, she won''t be able to do it well


    The coldness in Byron''s eyes faded a little until the measuring tape in Maeve''s hand slid down to the sensitive area again. He couldn''t help but snort. It was low and sexy, like the sound he made in bed at that time... Maeve recalled what happened that night. The tips of her ears began to burn, and her fingers trembled. She lowered her head and did not dare to look at Byron.


    However, when she looked down, she saw her leather measuring tape that was suddenly tightened.


    Maeve looked up expressionlessly and met Byron''s dark gaze. She seemed to have been trapped by a beast that was about to devour her.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, can I trouble you to cooperate with me and control your reaction?" Maeve suppressed the embarrassment in her heart and said seriously, "This is sexual harassment in the office. "Sexual harassment?" asked Byron.


    Byron raised his eyebrows, and a hint of interest shed across his eyes. "You''re quite good at ying"


    0

 Chapter 139

    Maeve was taken aback.


    What did Byron say about her?


    "How am I supposed to measure you like this?" said Maeve.


    Byron said, "I''ll teach you."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Byron grabbed Maeve''s shoulder and made her sit on the sofa behind him. He bent his right leg and squeezed between herlegs. He leaned over and approached her. "Since you''ve said so, wouldn''t it be impossible if I don''t do as you wish?" Byron asked.


    Maeve Reese ced her hands on his chest and tried her best to remain calm, with a flustered look. "Mr. Mcdaniel, can you please not waste our time during working hours?"


    What she didn''t know was that every time she mentioned Byron as Mr. Mcdaniel, it seemed that their rtionship was taboo.


    Byron''s spine was slightly numb. He stopped caressing her ear, and his fingertips slid to the back of her neck to hold her up. He kissed her heavily.


    He was like a dominant hunter, and Maeve was the prey that had unintentionally fallen into his trap


    After struggling for a while, she became a hunter''s meal.


    The surrounding air gradually became stuffy and hot. Even Maeve''s naturally cold palms began to feel hot, and her heartbeat became faster, The kiss was almost lingering.


    Gradually, Byron was not satisfied with just taking a little bit. He moved away from her red lips and kissed her behind her ear, on the side of her face, and then on her corbone.


    Numerous kissesnded on Maeve''s head. Her body became weaker and weaker. She leaned to the side and against one of his arms so that she would not fall.


    Fortunately, Byron still remembered where they were.. After sucking and leaving a red mark on Maeve''s fragile and beautiful neck, he let her go.


    Maeve''s cheeks were flushed, and the corners of her eyes were red. Her eyes were watery.


    She still looked charming and adorable.


    It was easy to use Maeve''s looks to arouse a man''s desire to destroy.


    Byron''s cheeks tightened slightly. He suddenly wanted to bite her


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, don''t tell me you have to kiss every woman whoes in to talk to you about work?" Maeve recovered and said angrily.


    "What do you take me for!" Byron looked at her unhappily. "Do you still want to take measurements?"


    Maeve was speechless.


    She suspected that he did not agree to a divorce because he was exceptionally attracted to her body. Otherwise, why would


    he want to bite her?


    Maeve was not a walking aphrodisiac.


    She wondered if Byron would do the same to Karen


    Thinking of this, Maeve''s thumping heart slowly calmed down as sheforted herself in her heart.


    Whatever the case, he was a good kisser. It was enough for her to sit still and enjoy herself. No matter how she looked at it. she was not at a loss. She did not lose anything.


    After calming herself down, Maeve stood up and took her measuring tape to continue to take measurements.


    After recording his size and preferences, Maeve sat to the side and began to draft a design.


    Byron''s style was too unique and strong. The design sketches she had drawn previously might not be suitable, so she had to redraw them Fortunately, he didn''t have many requests. At the very least, he didn''t mention anything like asking for ck color.


    In the end, when she confidently handed the design to Byron, he rejected it


    "It''s crude. Did you even think about it?" Byron frowned unhappily. "Redesign it"


    Maeve puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction. "Tve put in a lot of effort.


    "Three drawings in an hour?" Byron nced at her and tapped his fingertips on the table. "I want the best, not this kind of perfunctory drawing. "Then tell me what you don''t like?"


    "I don''t like everything. It''s gettingte today. Come back tomorrow to continue designing."


    Maeve frowned in confusion. "I can design at home and thepany. Why must Ie to your ce?"


    She didn''t work at the Mcdaniel Group.


    Byron said casually. "I have my doubts about your standard. I have to supervise you personally."


    Maeve was not happy when othersmented on her professionalism.


    J


    She agreed immediately. "Sure! I''ll definitely draft a design that you won''t stop praising!"


    The next day.


    Maeve rubbed her hands together, ready to give Byron a surprise. Unexpectedly, when she drove to the Mcdaniel Group as promised, she realized that he was not there.


    "Ms. Reese, Mr. Mcdaniel had something on at thest minute and left. He asked me to tell you toe another day." A male secretary walked in and smiled warmly. "Where did he go? Maeve asked.


    "I''m not too sure where Mr. Mcdaniel went, but I saw Ms. Booth''s Twitter group chat, it seems she''s sick, so..." The male secretary hesitated.


    Maeve could understand the unspoken meaning in the male secretary''s words, but her smile faded."I understand. Thank you


    for telling me."


    "You''re wee. It''s my job."


    After leaving the Mcdaniel Group, Maeve received a call from Lids asking if she was free tomorrow to do an exclusive interview.


    After agreeing to meet tom


    tomorrow at 1:30, Maeve felt more rxed and less frustrated.


    She walked to the side of the road to hitch a ride and was suddenly stopped by two men in ck sunsses.


    "Ms. Reese, Mr. Mcdaniel asked us to bring you somewhere."


    Maeve wondered if they were Byron''s bodyguards.


    Maeve was slightly taken aback. "Where are we going?"


    "The Booth family," the bodyguard said in a businesslike manner. "We''ve found one of the kidnappers. We need to bring you there to confront the kidnappers." Maeve was in a daze.


    Previously, Byron had said that he would send someone to secretly investigate this matter. In fact, Maeve did not bear any hope that Byron would do that. Unexpectedly, he wasn''t trying to brush her off.


    Half an hourter, the car stopped in front of a vi. Maeve followed the bodyguard inside, but he did not go upstairs. Instead, he led her downstairs. When they reached the basement, Maeve suddenly had a bad feeling.


    "Why did you bring me here?" she asked the bodyguards.


    Not only did the bodyguard not answer her question, but he also pushed her into a room with railings surrounding it like an iron cage and locked the door. Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. She stood up from the ground and tried to push the metal door, but she could not open the door no matter how hard she tried. "What are you trying to do? Are you really Byron''s bodyguards?


    The bodyguard did not answer her. Instead, he pointed to the iron cage beside him and asked her, "Ms. Reese, please identify this man first. Was he one of the kidnappers at that time?" Maeve looked over and saw the man''s face. She nodded. "Yes."


    She remembered very clearly that this person was the one who dragged Karen away.


    "Good," the bodyguard said. "Mr. Mcdaniel wants to know whether you kidnapped Karen Booth or not."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "No!" Maeve denied it without hesitation. "I''ve never kidnapped Karen Booth."


    "Haha." The kidnapper in the other cage let out a roughugh. "Ms. Reese, you''re really forgetful. How can you forget about us so quickly?"


    Hearing this, Maeve frowned. "What do you mean? I don''t know you at all."


    "The truth has been exposed. You definitely won''t dare to admit you know me." The kidnapper smiled viciously. "But I still


    G


    remember your voice. You asked us on the phone to cooperate

 Chapter 140

    "What? Do you have evidence?" Maeve''s pupils shrank slightly and immediately retorted when she realized that the kidnapper was lying


    "Tve kept the phone records and recordings. They''re on my phone. They''ve already checked it." The kidnapper sneered. "I was captured and ended up like this. Do you think you, the mastermind, can escape?"


    "You''re really good at spouting nonsensel" Maeve was so angry that she almostughed. However, when she heard the voice recording yed by the bodyguard, her eyes opened wide in disbelief.


    Maeve heard, "I''ll send you photos of Karen Boothter. Don''t get the wrong person. You have to destroy herpletely. You can do whatever you want. I''m the wife of the CEO of the Medaniel Group. After this is done, you''ll get what you want." That was clearly Maeve''s voice.


    She wondered "How did that happen?"


    She clearly did not say these words.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "This recording is created digitally," Maeve analyzed calmly. "Am I stupid enough to reveal my identity to the kidnappers. leaving them leverage over me?"


    "We''ve verified this recording and confirmed that it''s authentic." The bodyguard turned off the recording. "Karen Booth fainted from crying because of this. Mr.Mcdaniel is currently taking care of her and doesn''t have time to deal with you. So you''ll stay here till you admit that you are the mastermind."


    Maeve''s face suddenly turned pale.


    She had agreed to meet Linds tomorrow for an exclusive interview. That was a rare opportunity, and she could not miss it. However, Byron wanted her to confess to something she did not do. Maeve would not do it.


    She was also a victim. She should not be used of being the perpetrator,


    Then, the bodyguards left. The basement door blocked out thest bit of light.


    Maeve''s heart sank bit by bit. She could not believe that Byron took the kidnapper''s words for real. He didn''t even have the patience to ask her himself.


    Byron knew that she was ustrophobic and was afraid of the dark, but he still locked her in this small and dark basement.


    +


    Maeve looked up at the railings around her and realized that this ce was no different from an iron cage that used to keep animals.


    It was just a little bigger.


    The kidnappers at the side were still yelling at the top of their lungs. The sound constantly tormented Maeve''s nerves in the endless darkness.


    Maeve subconsciously looked for her phone in her bag, but she found nothing.


    The bodyguard must have taken her bag when he pushed her in


    Maeve closed her eyes and felt cold all over.


    She thought, Byron, did you really do it?"


    08:16 Wed,


    It seemed that a century had passed.


    The basement door opened, and Maeve immediately opened her eyes.


    This time, it wasn''t the bodyguards, but...


    "I have something to tell Macve Reese. Can you wait for me here for a while? Karen''s voice came from the stairs in front of the basement.


    The voice that followed sent a chill down Maeve''s spine.


    "There''s no need to waste too much time with her. I''m worried that she will hurt you again," Byron said coldly.


    Karen said gently, "There are bodyguards. It''ll be fine."


    "Okay."


    A momentter, Karen walked in and stopped in front of Maeve''s iron cage. She ordered the bodyguard, "Open the door."


    Yes.


    Maeve looked in the direction of the basement entrance in a daze. Her heart instantly felt like it was being grabbed by a big hand, and she felt hurt terribly.


    Karen stood in front of Maeve and said condescendingly, "Maeve Reese, I''ve discussed with Byron. As long as you''re willing to turn yourself in and confess, I won''t pursue your subsequent responsibility and you''ll get a lesser jail term. You should be grateful." "In your dreams." As she had not drunk water for a long time, Maeve''s throat was extremely dry. Her eyes were cold. "Ask Byron to tell me personally."


    "I''m afraid that won''t do. Byron feels disgusted just looking at you now." Karen said.


    Karen squatted down and grabbed Maeve''s hair. Seeing Maeve frown in pain, Karen said viciously, Tasked you to turn yourself in because of Byron, do you know that?


    "You''ve caused me so much trouble, yet you still dare to smash the cup in front of me and threaten me? I think you have n shame!


    "If you know what''s good for you, apologize to me now and confess. p yourself and say that you''re a bitch who only knows how to seduce men!"


    Karen pulled Maque''s hair till her scalp hurt. Her temples hurt, but her mouth was tightly shut, and she did not make a sound


    A hint of ruthlessness shed across Karen''s eyes. She grabbed Maeve''s head and mmed her against the railings. Maeve''s forehead collided with the iron bars, emitting a sound that made one''s ears tingle.


    The intense pain spread from Maeve''s forehead to her limbs and bones. She felt dizzy, and everything she saw was red. It was as if her forehead had cracked open and she started bleeding. Maeve was in a lot of pain.


    Even so, Maeve bit her lips tightly to prevent herself from showing any signs of weakness.


    "This is the consequence of opposing me," Karen sneered. She deliberately used her long nails and swiped them down Maeve''s face.


    @K 77%


    Maeve felt a sharp pain across her face. She was actually numb from the pain. Now she started to tremble and curl up.


    There was a very deep cut across Maeve''s face.


    When Karen retracted her hand, Macve''s eyes shed with ruthlessness. She used thest bit of her strength to m into Karen''s face.


    "Ouch!" Karen was caught off guard and fell to the side. She felt an unbearable pain as if her nose was shattered. She could even feel the blood flowing down.


    Maeve gasped and fell to the cold floor. She looked in the direction of Karen in the darkness and scoffed hoarsely, "Karen Booth, you''d better send me to the police station now and never let me out for the rest of my life. "Otherwise, I''ll beat you up every time I see you in the future. I''ll pay you back for the pain you inflicted on me today!"


    Maeve''s forehead and cheeks were covered in blood. Her hair was messy, and the blood flowing from the corner of her mouth added a strong sense of damage to her pale face. There was also a hint of... viciousness.


    Karen could not see her, but she also felt chills running down her spine. She covered her nose and screamed, "Byron, help! Maeve is going to kill me!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, footsteps came from outside the iron cage. A tall figure walked in and carried Karen up from the ground. When he passed by Maeve, he paused. Maeve forced her eyes open and looked at the blurry figure.


    The faint fragrance of cedar and wood entered her nose, making her heart turn colder and colder. Then, the figure raised his leg and kicked Macve to the side like he was kicking trash. "You really deserve to die" Byron''s cold voice sounded from above.


    Maeve widened her eyes in disbelief, wanting to see Byron''s current expression clearly.


    She wondered, ''It was actually... really him?''


    As soon as this thought appeared, all the pain intensified and Maeve fainted.


    Seeing this, Byron immediately carried Karen out of the basement and put her down.


    Ms. Booth, sorry I have offended you just now."


    0

 Chapter 141

    141


    The person remained the same, but the voice suddenly shifted several tones, bing rough and unrecognizable. The face that appeared bore no resemnce to Byron at all; it was utterly ordinary.


    Karen shot him an impatient nce. "Are you a statue or something? Hurry up and get a doctor! My nose is broken! Are you taking responsibility for this?"


    She bellowed inwardly, Apart from being able to mimic Byron''s voice, he''s utterly useless!


    The bodyguard quickly replied. "I''ll go get someone right now!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    By the time Lydia received the news and rushed over, Karen had already unleashed her fury on the doctors nearby. "What do you mean my nose will be crooked even if it heals? You''re all aseless! Can''t you fix something as minor as this? Why don''t you just drop dead? If something happens to my nose, I''ll make sure you never work again and end up begging on the streets! Quacks! Useless!"


    Lydia noticed the doctors'' ufortable expressions and asked them to leave before turning to Karen. "What happened? How did your nose end up like this?"


    Karen copsed into her mother''s arms, crying.


    As she heard the story. Lydia''s expression turned cold. "That little brat dared to mess with your face? She has no idea what she''s up against! Is she admitting to it?"


    "She''s stubborn as a mule! The evidence is all there, but she won''t admit to it!" Karen gritted her teeth. "Mom, Byron always disappears around this time of year, and I have no idea where he goes or when he''ll be back. If hees back and finds out what happened to Marve..."


    "What are you worried about!" Lydia asked calmly. "Byron always returns in a foul mood after disappearing. Even Gilbert''s words can''t sway him. You think Maeve will have a good oue if she confronts him?" The mother-daughter duo had meticulously nned everything, so they dared to set up this trap.


    "With Byron''s debt to your father, who do you think he''ll stand by, you or Maeve?" Lydia said earnestly.


    Karen immediately perked up. "Of course it''s me!"


    "Good. Just remember that," Lydia said. "Keep her locked up for a few more days, and have the bodyguard who can imitate Byron''s voice mock her daily, so she can feel the pain. After that, we''ll let her go."


    Karen frowned "Shouldn''t we just... get rid of her? That would be better."


    ¦£


    Lydia shot her a disapproving look. "Are you stupid? If we kill her, even if Byron lets us off easy because of your father, do you really think there won''t be resentment? That''s a terrible deal "Alright..." Karen pouted. "Then I''ll just follow your lead."


    Lydia finally looked satisfied, thinking. My little girl might be a bit dumb, but at least she listened. Must be like her father


    While they were plotting upstairs, they werepletely unaware that Maeve, who had been unconscious, quietly opened her eyes. She pulled out the phone she had stealthily taken from Karen''s pocket during the chaos and, using her body for -cover, sent a message to Bonnie. [Help me. Basement of Vi 3 on Maple Street. Maeve]


    After sending the message, Maeve could no longer hold on and fell back into unconsciousness.


    Time passed, though how long, Maeve couldn''t tell. When she woke up again, she found herself in a hospital room. Bonnie and Alex stood by her bedside, worry etched across their faces.


    "Bonnic, Alex?" Marve''s voice was hoarse and painful. "Did you get me out?"


    Tears streamed down Bonnie''s face. "Maeve, don''t be scared! You''re safe now! I swear I''ll make whoever kidnapped you pay


    for this


    "The police are investigating and will catch the culprits, Alex added, his usually gentle voice now chilling. "I won''t let them get away. When he and the police barged into that basement and found Maeve bloodied and unconscious, no one could know how close his heart was to stopping. Only after arriving at the hospital did the paralyzing fear finally begin to fadle.


    Alex looked at Maeve''s pale, injured face and wanted to reach out to wipe the cold sweat from her, but he hesitated. clenching his fists instead.


    "Maeve, are you okay?" Bonnie asked when she saw Marve remain silent, worry creeping into her voice. "The doctor said you have a mild concussion. Do you still feel dizzy?" Not just a concussion; Maeve had bruises on her abdomen, and the cut on her cheek needed immediate care or it would get infected and scarred.


    Maeve shook her head lightly. T''m fine. Don''t worry about me." She could no longer tell what hurt more, her body or her heart. She felt she was just numb and felt nothing at all.


    "After all this, you still want to act tough? Bonnie cried. "I''m going to get a doctor!"


    The doctorarrived shortly after and examined Maeve. "Ms. Reese. Do you feel nauseous at all?"


    Maeve shook her head.


    The doctor said, "You need to rest in bed and avoid moving for now. I''ll check on you again in a couple of days."


    Maeve replied, "Thank you, doctor,"


    Once the doctor left, the police entered the room to ask Maeve some routine questions. When asked who had kidnapped her, she fell silent for a moment.


    "I only saw four people clearly. I''m not sure if there were others, Maeve replied.


    Those four were the two bodyguards who came for her, Karen, and the other kidnapper also locked up. Maeve didn''t mention Byron-not because she wanted to protect him, but because she hadn''t seen his face clearly that day. She couldn''t identify him just by his voice and scent. Given this uncertainty, she kept that part to herself.


    "Ms. Reese. Do you know why they kidnapped you?" the police asked again.


    Maeve nodded and replied softly. "Yes, this goes back to myst kidnapping..."


    The police hadn''t expected that this kidnapping case was connected to another one. And Maeve was the victim of both. That changed everything


    "Thank you for your cooperation. We''ll do everything we can to piece together the details. Please wait for further news.


    "Thank you.


    After the police left, Bonnie and Alex returned to the room. Bonnie peeled an apple while Alex pulled a chair closer and set out some food.


    "You''ve been unconscious for a day and a night. Have some warm soup first and then eat," Alex said gently. "Or is there something else you''d like? I can go get it."


    Maeve hurriedly said, "This is enough. Thank you, Alex."


    Bonnie held up the apple. "I''ll cut it into pieces for you. It''ll be easier to eat, and your face won''t..." Before she could finish, Alex gently nudged her.


    Bonnie bit her lip in frustration, thinking. How could I be so clumsy and bring that up?


    Maeve smiled gently. "You don''t need to be so careful; I''m not that fragile. Can you hand me a mirror?" That blow from Karen had hurt a lot, and she suspected it would leave an ugly scar. After a moment''s hesitation, Bonnie handed her the mirror. "Marve, don''t be upset. The doctor said that as long as the wound is treated in time, it''ll heal nicely."

 Chapter 142

    Maeve looked at herself in the mirror. Perhaps because of her delicate skin, the narrow, one-finger-long crimson scar appeared particrly striking on her right cheek. It was like a crack in a fine gemstone, adding a sense of fragility.


    Although the wound was not severe, it still looked rather frightening at first nce. It was Maeve''s first time seeing herself like this, so she curiously inspected her reflection. She even brushed aside the strands of hair on her forehead to touch the bandaged wound. Previously, when people praised my looks, I didn''t really feel it, but with this scar, I finally realize I''m quite beautiful," Maeve said. Bonnie and Alex, who had been worried about her, could not hold it in and burst outughing.


    "You''ve always been beautiful, a stunner, Bonnie eximed. "What misunderstanding do you have about yourself? Even if your face was covered in mud, you''re still the most beautifull Bonnie said.


    Maeve was amused. Tm going to get arrogant if you continue," she said.


    Tm telling the truth, Bonnie said.


    After dinner, Maeve had to rest. Alex gently reminded her to take care of herself before leaving with Bonnie.


    Maeve did not sleep. She picked up the phone on the table and hesitated a few seconds before calling Linds.


    "Ms. Reese?" Linds sounded much more colder than previously. What''s the matter?"


    Fm sorry, Mr. Watson. I didn''t mean to miss our appointment yesterday." Maeve briefly exined the situation. "I apologize for letting you down."


    Linds sounded calm. "Since there''s a reason, I don''t me you. However, I''ve already reced you for the next designer interview because of your absence. Let''s reconnect should another opportunity arise in the future."


    The implication could not have been clearer. Maeve''s fingers on the nket clenched tightly, then let go weakly. "Alright, sorry to trouble you. See you next time," she said hoarsely.


    When Maeve was locked up, she had prepared for the worst. Regardless of the cause of her absence, it had urred and was irreversible. It was reasonable for Linds to rece her.


    Therefore, she had no right to ask for anything from him. After all, there were many new designers. She had not reached the stage of being indispensable.


    After hanging up, Maeve saw the name at the top of the contact list and was stunned. "Byron.


    She could not believe he was the man in the basement. The reason was simple. If Byron were angry with her, he would only turn around and leave. He would not attack her, let alone kick her. But the voice she heard.... Maeve could not figure it out. She directly dialed Byron''s phone number.


    [The number you have dialed is not avable...]


    Maeve pursed her lips and sent him a message. [Where have you been these few days?]


    After sending the message, she put down her phone and covered her head with the nket to calm down. However, remembering the wound on her face, she quickly pulled the nket down. She gently ced her finger near the wound. It still hurt a little. Maeve could not help but sigh. Even if Linds did not rece her with her current appearance, she would probably not be able to appear in the Trend Style Magazine''s exclusive interview this time. However, she felt frustrated missing out on this opportunity. .


    In the evening. Maeve was jolted awake by the


    und of someone pounding on the door. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up, only


    to see Lydia forcefully barging in, ignoring the bodyguards Alex had left to stand watch.


    "Maeve, don''t you think you''ve done enough harm to my daughter?" Lydia red at Maeve with bloodshot eyes. "You kidnapped her first and broke her nose bridge. I haven''t even settled the score with you yet, but you actually have the cheek to call the police to arrest her!"


    Maeve''s cardrums hurt from her sharp scolding. Her expression turned cold. "Mrs. Booth, let''s get something straight. It was your daughter who kidnapped me and illegally detained me, using violent methods to force me into a confession. Isn''t her amrest well- deserved?"


    Lydia pointed at her angrily. "You''re still ndering my daughter? I''m warning you, we have witnesses and evidence proving you nned thest kidnapping. If the police investigate further, let''s see who ends up in jail!"


    "Then let me ask you, Mrs. Booth. Since you have all the evidence in your hands, why didn''t you hand it over to the police? Why did you kidnap me and force me into a confession?" Macve asked. "Are you afraid that the evidence is too fake and the police won''t believe you?" "You... I really don''t know why Byron married a vicious woman like you!"


    Maeve sneered. "I really don''t know why Byron didn''t marry your fake gentle and vicious daughter. Could it be that your daughter refused to?"


    Lydia''s well-maintained face distorted in rage, and she grabbed the vase from the table, hurling it toward Maeve. Before Maeve could raise her hand to block it, an arm intercepted the vase, diverting its path as it crashed onto the floor.


    That''s enough, Madam." Alex looked at Lydia coldly. "If you continue to make a scene like this, I''m calling the bodyguards


    IML"


    Lydia recognized Alex. Her expression changed, and she red at Maeve. "Maeve, just you wait and see. Let''s see who ends up in jail!"


    Maeve pursed her lips. Thinking of the kidnapper''s words and the extremely realistic recording of the call, she suddenly felt a little uncertain. What other tricks does the Booth family have up their sleeves? Also, why are Karen and Mrs. Booth so sure that she was the one who did it?''Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    While she was deep in thought, she suddenly heard Alex''s worried voice. "Maeve, are you alright? Did she hurt you just now?"


    Maeve looked up and shook her head at him. "No, she didn''t. Thanks for your help. She didn''t hurt me."


    Alex heaved a sigh of relief. That''s good. I will have the bodyguards strengthen security here to prevent anyone else from getting close."


    There''s no need to go through so much trouble. Karen, who kidnapped me, has already been arrested for investigation." Maeve''s eyes shed. "Thanks to her mother. I''ve already confirmed that the person who kidnapped me is her


    "It''s not Byron, and the two bodyguards who looked for her were most likely Karen''s people, Magve thought.


    Alex nodded. "My friend who works at the police station mentioned that she''s a key suspect in this kidnapping case. Given the violence and illegal detention against you, the police have the right to detain her for questioning.


    "As for what you told the police about the other kidnapping case, they found some strange things during their in-depth investigation.


    Maeve immediately asked, "What is it?"


    "The police discovered that you were taken away by a kidnapper disguised as a taxi driver, but they couldn''t trace how Karen was abducted. Her whereabouts during that time seem to have beenpletely erased without a trace/ Alex said, furrowing


    his brows slightly. "My friend found this very strange and ns


    Hearing this, an incredible thought suddenly appeared in Macv herself?"


    "What made you think so?" Alex asked. "Did you think of someth


    0

 Chapter 143

    "Karen kept saying that I hired the kidnappers, conspiring with them to harm her... but what about the other way round? She was trying to set me up from the very beginning?" Maeve said calmly. ''Or maybe nothing ever happened, and it was all just a y staged by Karen and those kidnappers? After all, I was knocked unconscious at the time and knew nothing. Maeve thought. Alex understood what she meant. His expression turned serious. I''ll make a call. Someone will send food overter. Remember to eat more." Maeve knew who he was going to call and nodded.


    ''If Karen was behind the previous kidnapping as well, then that woman is truly terrifying. To frame me, she stooped to using her innocence as a bargaining chip, Maeve thought. Even if it was all just a ruse, it sent chills down Maeve''s spine


    Moreover, Karen likely did this to push Byron to divorce her. Although Byron did not do so, his favoritism and protection of Karen remained a thorn in her heart till now.


    A few dayster, Maeve recovered quite well. The reaction to the concussion was gone, and the bruises on the surface of her abdomen were also fading. There was only asional pain. Even the wound on her forehead had healed but the scar on her face remained. Bonnie was even more anxious than her. She engaged a dermatologist to look at her face. The specialist said it was a scar caused by a fingernail and was not easy to recover. In short, Maeve had to be mentally prepared for a slow recovery. Maeve did not feel it herself, but Bonnie''s expression was one of sheer devastation, which made herugh.


    "You''re stillughing? You really don''t care about your face!" Bonnie retorted, feeling indignant. "And that Great Demon King of yours, where is he, anyway? You''ve been in the hospital for so long, and he hasn''t even shown up. I''ve misjudged him before."


    At the mention of Byron, Maeve''s smile became moreplicated. "Maybe he''s busy. She had been calling his phone for the past few days, but it was switched off. She sent him a message, but there was no reply.


    In this era of information overload, she could not think of any reason for someone turning off the phone for nearly a week


    When she called Gilbert, she only got an answer that Byron might be busy, but she did not know what he was busy with. Even Gilbert could not reach him, let alone her.


    "Even if he''s busy, he can surely find a moment, right?" Bonnie mumbled, but she did not mention it again, afraid Maeve would be unhappy. She then changed the topic and asked, "Will the kidnapping investigation resultse out tonight? Did my cousin tell you? Maeve nodded. "He said he''ll inform me as soon as there''s any news. He hopes to settle this once and for all this time. She did not intend to show mercy to Karen as that would be cruel to herself.


    That night, Maeve could not sleep for a long time, waiting for Alex''s call. "Ding! Her phone rang and she picked it up immediately. "Alex. What''s the result?"


    "Maeve, I''m sorry," Alex''s slightly heavy voice sounded. "The investigation materials of the first kidnapping case encountered issues during transport and werepletely destroyed." Maeve''s heart sank. "Was it an ident?"


    "I can''t tell yet," Alex said. "Although we didn''t find traces of man-made activity at the scene, the timing was too coincidental. Furthemore..."


    Sensing his hesitance, Maeve suddenly felt a sense of foreboding "What else?"


    "The second kidnapping case originally had conclusive evidence that could convict Karen, but just now, her bodyguard suddenly came out to confess and took all the me."


    Alex sighed. "Karen was also released because there was no direct evidence that she was an aplice. Your testimony alone. might not be enough because you two have a grudge."


    As soon as Alex finished speaking, the door of Maeve''s ward was suddenly pushed open.


    A tall, slender figure walked in from outside, his dark windbreaker enhancing hisposed and cool demeanor. As he moved with his long legs, the hem of his clothes fluttered slightly, stirring a sharp breeze Perhaps due to his overnight flight back to the country, a hint of weariness was between his brows. His lips pressed together, giving him an air of fatigue. His presence made the spacious ward suddenly cramped. Maeve turned around and was caught off guard by the man''s deep eyes. She was slightly stunned. "Byron?"


    Alex did not hear her mumbling clearly and asked instinctively. What?"


    Maeve came back to her senses. "Alex, no matter what, it''s been hard on you for the past few days. I''ll treat you to a meal another day.


    "Alright, I''ll be waiting." Alex had doubts in his heart but agreed with a smile.


    After hanging up the phone, Maeve looked at Byron again. Just as she was about to speak, he interrupted her in a low voice. During the time you were injured and hospitalized, Alex has been here taking care of you?" Maeve swallowed her question and nodded. "Yes, he and..."


    "Are all the doctors and nurses dead? Byron''s expression suddenly turned cold. There was no warmth in his eyes as he looked at her. "Must you have him?"


    Hearing the inexplicable anger in his words, Maeve was confused "What are you talking about? Alex only visited me a few times because of Bonnie.


    ''It''s not that he has nothing to do. How could he be in the hospital all day long? He only followed when Bonnie visited me and brought small gifts to relieve my boredom.


    "Why did it sound like something so outrageous or despicable when it came from Byron''s mouth? Maeve thought.


    Byron looked at Maeve''s innocent expression and pursed his lips. If I''ve not seen those photos, you might be able to deceive me. I''ve only been away for a few days, and you can''t stand the loneliness?


    A wave of frustration rose in Byron''s chest, but when he touched the wound on Maeve''s right cheek, it paused for a moment. "How are your injuries? Are you alright?" Byron asked.


    In front of Bonnie and Alex, Maeve felt quite open about things, believing that everything would be fine after some time. She had thought staying angry and frustrated would only hurt herself.


    However, when Byron asked, for some reason, her grievances overflowed her heart. The areas that had already stopped hurting seemed to start aching subtly again.


    Maeve wanted to say that she was not good but felt it was a little pretentious. "I''m fine now," she said.


    Byron''s brown eyes stared at her for a long time until she turned her head ufortably. Then, he asked, "What happened?"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Karen," Marve said.


    "Are you sure it''s Karen


    Maeve was stunned. "What do you mean?"


    Byron sounded slightly grave. "On the day you disappeared, Karen fainted and was hospitalized. After that, she was recuperating in the hospital. How did she kidnap and hurt you? "Maeve, the evidence that originally pointed to her was done by Alex for you, right? You want to destroy her so badly?"


    These few words instantly made Maeve''s heart sink to the bottom of the sea. She took a deep breath and controlled her emotions, but the corners of her eyes began to turn red.


    "I want to destroy her? Do you know what she''s done? You''re questioning me here, suspecting me of setting her up? Is she worthy?"

 Chapter 144

    Byron frowned and his voice gradually became cold, "Maeve, be rational. Don''t be controlled by your emotions"


    Rational


    At this moment, he actually thought that she was irrational? He thought that she was controlled by her emotions and she was ndering Karen?


    Maeve almostughed. Her heart was filled with sorrow,


    She rubbed the corners of her eyes and did not try to exin to him. Instead, she said, "Byron, do you know how long you''ve been missing? A whole week. You didn''t show up when I was locked in Karen''s dark, cold basement. You weren''t there when Karen dragged my hair against the bars and my head was dovered in blood. I wanted to call you for help, but your phone would always be switched off."


    Hearing this. Byron had some other emotions in his eyes.


    Maeve swallowed the bitterness in his throat and looked up at Byron. She asked word by word. You weren''t even there when eded you the most. So, what right do you have to question me about this now?" Her heart bled with every word.


    She had been waiting for him toe back, but this was the result.


    Byron''splicated gazended on Maeve''s pale face. His Adam''s apple bobbed a few times as he recalled those photos


    He said mockingly. "Do you really need me, or are you afraid that I''ll continue to pursue the matter of Karen and change the topic?"


    Maeve closed her eyes. All the strength in her body was sucked away in an instant. "You can go. I''m going to rest."


    Byron nced at her coldly. Without saying a word, he turned around and left without hesitation.


    Just as he was about to step out of the ward, Maeve suddenly asked, "Where have you been all week?"


    Byron stopped in his tracks. The aura around him was clearly different from before.


    He was like a ferocious beast that was angered, emitting a dangerous and terrifying coldness.


    His jawline tightened slightly. Without answering Maeve''s question, he walked out of the ward.


    The driver drove the car to the hospital


    Byron sat in the back seat with his long legs crossed. He pressed his eyebrows in frustration. He looked gloomy and angry.


    There was an open paper bag on the seat beside him.


    A few photos slid out. Maeve and Alex were in the photos.


    The two of them hugged each other intimately with smiles on their faces."


    It was a real hug. The photos weren''t processed and Byron didn''t misunderstand


    If Maeve had been here at that moment, she would definitely have recognized that it was the day she moved her legs in the room and fell to the ground because of a cramp. Bonnie was too weak to carry her, so she asked Alex to help her to the bed.


    Because of the cramp in her legs, her facial expression was quite distorted when she moved. When she was photographed, it was as if she was smiling blissfully.


    Byron nced at the photos. His eyes were cold and filled with mockery.


    He picked up the paper bag and threw the photo inside into the locker. He closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat "Archer."


    "Mr. Mcdaniel. I''m here. Archer, who was in the front seat, turned around.


    "Send the surveince footage of Karen in the hospital to Jarrett and ask him to do a new identification, Byron said slowly. "Investigate the abandoned vi where Maeve was locked up and the people Karen contacted over the past few days. I want to know everything. Archer was stunned. "Mr. Mcdaniel, haven''t we already investigated these?"


    Karen had already left the police station. The whole thing should have ended.


    Byron looked up indifferently and stared at him without saying a word.


    "I''ll immediately arrange for someone to re-investigate!" Archer''s heart was filled with tears. It was another day of being forced to work overtime.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Back to the office."


    "Yes" Archer sighed in his heart.


    No wonder Byron was the CEO at such a young age while he was still nothing.


    He was abroad and had not slept for nearly a week. After learning that Maeve had had an ident, he had to rush back overnight to deal with the follow-up.


    If it were anyone else, they would have copsed long ago. But Byron didn''t rest at all. He chose to go back to work in thepany.


    Was he really a human?


    The ward was so quiet that not a single sound could be heard.


    Maeve was still in her emotions just now. She sat there for a long time without moving.


    She originally had a lot of questions to ask Byron.


    Howeyer, when he subconsciously defended Karen, she suddenly realized that there was no need.


    So what if Karen sent someone to impersonate his bodyguard or even someone to impersonate him?


    He could only see Karen''s grievances and would not pursue everything Karen had done.


    Even if she was almost killed by Karen, he didn''t care.


    t of his sweetheart, what was she worth?


    In front of


    Maeve could not help butugh. Her voice became lower and lower. It was as if there was something stuck in her throat. She could not swallow it or spit it out. Perhaps Byron did care about her a little. It was just that that little bit of care was not insignificantpared to Karen, whom he held in his heart


    The night outside the window was getting darker and darker. Other than a few sporadic lights, nothing else could be seen.


    Under the wallmp, Maeve bent over the table and edited Fiora''s design drawings. She was serious.


    She did not like to be immersed in negative emotions all the time. Only by doing imagination run wild. thething could she not let her


    After drawing for two days and two nights, Maeve sorted out all the design drafts and sent them to Fiora


    Fiora: [Why are there 15 design drafts? I remember that I only ordered three sets of gowns.]


    Maeve: [Yes. But the state banquet is approaching and your gown design draft hasn''t beenpleted. The production might be dyed and you might lose the chance to shine on the banquet.]


    Maeve: [So I drew five different design drafts for each gown for you to choose from.]


    Fiora still wanted to pick on Maeve, but after flipping through these design drafts, she had already maximized her requirements. There were no more thorns to pick on


    More importantly, Maeve was right. There was only one month left before the state banquet began.


    Fiora: It''s barely eptable. I want these.]


    Maeve sent a smiling emoji: (I''m sorry, ording to the contract, you can only choose three of them. Please decide before noon and give me an answer.] Flora: [...]


    Did Maeve send some many over to tempt her


    Maeve could not feel Fiora''s madness. She was in the hospital, but her heart was focused on work.


    The fabric of the gown this time was more particr. It had to match Fiora''s gems.


    Shepared many styles before choosing them to ensure that the fabric and the gems would not steal each other''s limelight.


    It was a high-grade fabric from overseas, and it would take a few days to fly it by air.


    After Fiora chose the design, Maeve immediately ordered fabrics, essories, handmadece, and other items.


    On the day the goods arrived, she finally couldn''t help but be discharged from the hospital. Bonnie had something on and did note, but she asked Alex to pick her up from the hospital. However, when Maeve came downstairs, she immediately saw the ck Rolls- Royce parked there. Behind the half-lowered car window was a handsome face. His dark eyes were fixed on her face

 Chapter 145

    Maeve''s gaze froze momentarily as she was about to look away. Suddenly, her phone rang from her coat pocket. She pulled it out, and a message immediately appeared on the screen. Byron: [Come over.]


    With just a nce, Macve turned off the screen, slipped her phone back into her coat pocket, and followed Alex into the car As the white Mulsanne drove away, Alex noticed that Maeve was still wearing the veil that covered the scars on her face, and he said. "You can take off the veil. You don''t have to worry about what others think-I''m no different."


    Maeve shook her head. Td rather keep it on. I feel morefortable this way. For some reason, the wounds on her face would re up just when they were about to heal, sometimes even bing infected. She could barely stand looking at herself in the mirror, so she thought it best not to subject others to it.


    A hint of sadness flickered in Alex''s eyes, but seeing her insist, he didn''t push further. Instead, he handed her a box from the side. This is the phone you dropped in the basement that day. It''s been with the police for safekeeping


    Maeve took the phone from the box, looked at it, and shook her head. "This isn''t mine. I took it from Karen that day when she wasn''t paying attention."


    "Karen''s?" Alex mused, his expression thoughtful. "Honestly, I don''t believe she''s innocent. But with the evidence destroyed and her bodyguards covering for her, suspicion alone isn''t enough to charge her."


    Maeve powered on the phone and gave it a slight wave in his direction. "Well, let''s


    "There should be a passcode, right?" Alex asked.


    see if there''s any clue in this phone, shall


    "I picked up a few unlocking tricks while working part-time in college. Let me give it a try." After just a few minutes of fiddling, Maeve looked at the screen as it unlocked to the main interface and smiled. "Got it." Alex''s gentle gaze fell on her. "Let''s see if we can find any clues in there."


    "Okay," Maeve replied as she first opened the contacts and messages, only to find them empty-nothing at all. The social media apps were equally bare, with no single message in sight and only a handful of friends listed. It was as if the phone were brand new. "She''s very cautious; she didn''t leave any information on the phone," Maeve said, not surprised but feeling a bit disappointed. "And now she gets away just like that."


    It made sense. If Karen also orchestrated the first kidnapping, there was no way she would leave even the slightest trace for anyone to find.


    Alex gentlyforted her. "We all know she''s the true culprit. It''s only a matter of time before we find the evidence to hold her ountable"


    Maeve remained silent, her thoughts swirling, ''After finding the evidence, will we be able to convict Karen? As long as Byron protects her, no matter how often she''s found guilty, she''ll always find a way to escape responsibility


    Maeve pursed her lips and looked down, about to turn off the phone when a thought struck her. She opened the notes app for a nce. Unlike the other empty apps, it contained a string of numbers that resembled a phone number. After thinking for a few seconds, she decided to try the number and dialed it.


    The call connected, but no one answered on the other end. Just as Maeve was about to hang up, suddenly came through the phone. "Hello? Who is this?"


    Maeve thought, A woman? That likely had little to do with the kidnapper"


    , an older woman''s voice


    Maeve quickly shifted her thoughts and said. "Sorry, I dialed the wrong number," before hanging up.


    "What''s wrong?" Alex asked. "Did you find any


    clues?"


    Maeve shook her head helplessly. "No, I was just being paranoid She thought the the kidnappers, so she called and tested it.


    ing of numbers might belong to one of


    Alex smiled gently, about to reassure her not to lose hope, when he suddenly noticed a car that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The car darted past him on the left and stopped a short distance ahead. Frowning, he quickly mmed on the brakes, stopping just 6.5 feet from the vehicle. The sudden braking caused Maeve to lurch forward uncontrobly, and her phone slipped from her pocket, falling beneath the seat. Holding her veil in ce, she bent down to retrieve her phone and asked, "What happened"


    Alex kept his eyes on the road ahead and shook his head slightly, I''m not sure. It looks like the car opposite us is purposely blocking my way.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Maeve''s phone pinged. She nced down to see a message from Byron. It read: [Are youing alone, or should I find you?]


    She shot a furious nce at the imposing ck Rolls-Royce blocking the road, clearly determined not to let her pass unless she approached. Clenching her teeth angrily, she thought, "Why doesn''t he fly up to the sky? Does he think this road belongs to him!


    This road saw little traffic and was a singlene, two-way street. Unless the driver chose to move, they wouldn''t be able to get through. Tll go see what''s going on," Alex said, unbuckling his seatbelt and preparing to get out of the car.


    "Wait," Maeve called out to stop him. "There''s no need to check. That''s someone I know, and they''re here to see me." "Someone you know?" Alex asked, his expression puzzled. "How he''s trying to get your attention is... quite unustaal." He thought, "Who greets someone by blocking the road like this?


    Maeve forced a couple of dryughs, unsure of how to exin. She was just as curious about what Byron was thinking,


    "Then you should go over quickly; you don''t want your friend to get impatient," Alex said, noticing her difort and not pressing further. He added gently, "Let''s save dinner for another time. Don''t rush back to the office; take care of your health first. I''ll approve your leave."


    "Thank you, Alex," Maeve said, feeling a warmth in her heart. She smiled and bid him farewell before exiting the car and striding angrily toward the ck Rolls-Royce.


    The car door was ppen, so she climbed inside. Before she could unleash her frustration, she heard Byron''s cold, sarcastic voice put through the air. "Are you that afraid of him seeing mee to find you?"


    Maeve returned his gaze with equal coldness. "Is that the only reason you came to find me? It seems we don''t need to meet at all, then."


    Byron fixed his gaze on her veiled face and seriously said, "I believe I mentioned before that I have no intention of separating from my wife at the moment."


    Maeve was taken aback. She had almost forgotten about that matter until he brought it up. She might have been happy to live with him if it were before. Now, however, she felt no such inclination.


    "How unfortunate. I have no ns to live with my husband either." Maeve replied tly. "So please, go back to wherever you came from. Goodbye." With that, she pushed the car door open, ready to exit.


    However, before she could exit, a firm grip suddenly seized her right wrist, yanking her back. Her back collided with Byron''s warm chest, and his mighty arms wrapped tightly around her slender waist, pinning her against him so closely that she


    couldn''t break free.


    Maeve stomped in frustration. "What are you doing? Let go of me!"


    Byron ignored her protests, holding her waist firmly with one hand while the other removed the veil from her face. Maeve reacted, trying to evade his hand, but it was toote; the veil slipped away.


    "Don''t look! Give me back my veil!"


    trembling with anxiety.


    er eyes began to redden as she raised her hand to cover the unsightly scar, her wristC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 146

    Every was no exception.


    girl hoped to be remembered in the best light by the person she liked, and Mac


    When her face was first injured, she still had the mood to joke around with Bonnie. But as the days passed and the wound showed no signs of healing, she began to feel an underlying anxiety that it might leave a permanent scar. It was thest image she wanted Byron to see.


    "Don''t touch it." Byron frowned and reprimanded, gripping Marye''s wrist to prevent her from reaching her scar. "Your hands have a lot of bacteria on them. Do you want to ruin your face?"


    With her eyes red, Maeve turned her head, only to be forcibly tuned back by his grip on her chin. Frustrated, she red at him fiercely. "What do you want? Is it amusing to tease me? Do you want to see me in such a terrible state?" As she spoke, her voice caught in her throat. In a burst of anger, she bit down hard on his thumb.


    Byron watched her silently, neither moving nor stopping her. It wasn''t until he noticed her grip loosening that he coldly said. "What''s the point of wearing something like that?"


    Feeling bold. Maeve said, "I can wear it if I want to! It''s none of your business!"


    To her surprise, Byron didn''t get angry; instead, heughed. "I can''t control you, but who do you want to be in charge? That pretty boy?"


    "That''s my freedom. Don''t you think you''re overstepping? Macve looked straight into his deep eyes. "I haven''t interfered with you and Karen, so why do you feel you can control me!*


    The air in the car froze for a moment. Byron''s grip on her chin varied between gentle and firm. After a moment, he said coldly. Just because you''re in the same household as me does that reason suffice?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve had expected him to say, "I''m yound, so I have the right to control you Hearing his words instead nearly choked her. She thought, ''What kind of reason is that?"


    She didn''t want to argue with him over something so trivial and reached for the veil beside her. With a quick flick of his fingers, Byron sent the veil straight into the trash can.


    "Byron Mcdaniel!" Maeve was furious. "Is this how you want to see me humiliated? What exactly am I doing to bother you? Haven''t you already taken enough revenge for Karen!" It felt like he was twisting the knife when Karen was already bullying Byron''s deep eyes fixed on her. "Am I taking revenge for Karen? Maeve Reese, do you have any conscience left?


    Maeve bit her lip in silence, her eyes red and puffy, the corners tinged with a hint of pink. Byron closed his eyes briefly, suppressing the frustration that surged within him. He said in a low voice, "The veil also carries bacteria. Covering your face with something like that-are you trying to ensure your wound gets worse?"


    ''Gets worse? Maeve''s attention was drawn to that point, and she furrowed her brows, asking, "How do you know my wound has been getting worse?" She thought, He had only visited me once during my hospitalization, hadn''t he?"


    Byron swallowed as he paused for several seconds. "If your wound hasn''t been getting worse, why hasn''t it healed by now?"


    Maeve fell silent, knowing deep down that he was right. She thought, ''But didn''t I know that veils could harbor bacteria and shouldn''t be worn for long periods? I wouldn''t want to cover my face like this if I had a choice. With that thought, she scoffed, "Karen did this to my face, and while I''ve been lying in the hospital all this time, I didn''t see you caring about me.


    Now you''re pretending to care. Is it because Mr. Mcdaniel wants to see me again, or do you need something from me as your nominal wife? You can say it outright. This act doesn''t suit you.


    At her words, a cold glint seeped into the depths of Byron''s eyes, resembling an icy, shadowy pool "You think I''m being


    insincere?"


    "Isn''t that the case? As soon as the words left her lips, the temperature in the car plummeted to freezing point.


    The driver and Archer wished they could disappear beneath the car. As Byron''s capable assistant, Archer couldn''t stand by and watch; he cautiously said, "Ms. Reese, you might have misunderstood Mr. Mcdaniel. He has been extremely busy withpany affairs these past few days, hardly finding any time to rest, and he''s been focused on helping you with the kidnapping investigation..."


    "Shut up." Byron interrupted coldly, cutting him off before he could continue. Archer quickly went silent and retreated into


    his seat.


    Maeve''s expression momentarily froze as she thought, ''Reinvestigating the kidnapping? Is Byron looking into the kidnapping case again? Didn''t he already determine that Karen was innocent? Why would he be reinvestigating?


    As she was lost in thought, the driver''s timid voice came from the front, "Mr. Mcdaniel, we''re here."


    She wondered, Where are we? Maeve instinctively nced out the window.


    What caught her eye was a series of beautifully arranged flower arches nked by expansive grassy areas and topiary sculptures, all surrounding a grand double-tiered fountain in the center. The car stopped before an emerald green townhouse, its modern-style eaves shimmering in the sunlight, exuding luxury and elegance.


    Maeve asked Byron, "Why did you bring me here?"


    Byron didn''t even nce up, his tone as cold as ever. "Bringing you home doesn''t require a reason."


    Karen stayed at the apartment while Maeve threw a tantrum and refused to move in. The only ce that could be called his home was this one. The mention of "going home and bringing her home" felt like a small hammer gently tapping Maeve''s heart and stirring sweetness and difort.


    She was momentarily stunned, but when she returned to her senses, Byron exited the car and approached her side, signaling her to get out.


    Maeve hesitated, her eyes reflecting uncertainty. "What about my face..."


    Byron''s gaze softened as he looked at her scar; he said, "I have a star on my back that''s deeper than this one. It''s nothing to worry about."


    "You have that on your back!" Maeve grumbled in dissatisfaction: "No one can see it."


    "And what does that matter?" Byron replied, his expression unwavering. "Would you stop being yourself just because of a scar? No matter if there''s a scar, you''re still Maeve Reese."


    Maeve felt a tremor in her heart, a vague understanding of the deeper meaning behind his words. The anxiety and self-doubt that had been pressing against her heart vanished like droplets of water evaporating under the zing sun. A swell of joy came in their ce, filling her with warmth and lightness.


    This scar that she couldn''t ept seemed to mean nothing to him. She imagined, "Could he mean I looked perfect in his eyes?


    Lost in thought, she suddenly felt a warm cover above her head. Thinking she still minded, Byron removed his suit jacket and draped it over her head, blocking her face and ensuring it wouldn''t touch the wound.


    He clicked his tongue in annoyance, "What a nuisance" Maeve was the most troublesome woman he had ever encountered, and she didn''t even appreciate it


    Maeve puffed up her cheeks, yanked off the jacket, and stepped out of the car. "It''s fine if it doesn''t cover."


    She returned the jacket to him, catching the refreshing your perfume easy to find?"


    "ver use perfume, Byron said.


    Linwood scent lingering on it, her heart skipping a brat. "Byron, is


    Maeve looked at him in confusion, "Then what''s that scent on you?"


    "It''s a special energizing aromatic blend prepared by my private doctor, Anthony Garcia. It naturally lingers on me after using it for a while, Byron exined tly.


    0

 Chapter 147

    This kind of private specialization was impossible to buy through any means, especially Byron.


    Maeve wanted to ask something, but she swallowed the question when she remembered what she had said in the hospital.st time. Without solid evidence, Byron would only believe Karen, not her. Thinking of this, the spark of joy in Maeve''s heart instantly diminished. She lowered her eyes and followed Byron, but her thoughts were elsewhere.


    Suddenly, a butler''s greeting pulled Maeve back to reality. The vi was quiet. Only the old butler in a ck suit, bow tie, and pocket watch was waiting at the door. Maeve was slightly surprised. Byron sensed this and raised his eyebrows. "What''s wrong?


    "It''s..." Maeve leaned closer to him and whispered back, "A vi this big usually has two butlers and at least ten maids in a row. When you leave the car, they should bow down to wee you with a smile."


    As Maeve spoke, she secretly nced at the butler with a kind smile, "Then, when the butler sees that you brought a woman back, he will say something like, ''Sir, you''ve never brought a woman home before! Or, Sir, I''ve never seen you so happy!" Something like that." Byron''s lips twitched hearing that. Meanwhile, the butler''s face looked tense. When he took the final exam at the Butler Academy, he never had to say those lines. Thinking of this, he thought his career was over.


    "You need to watch fewer television dramas. Show some ss, will you?" There was a hint of helplessness in Byron''s voice. "Thinking about the noise they''d make every time I get home makes me exhausted." He preferred to have peace of mind. when he got home. Maeve understood what he meant. But hearing Byron''s response, she was still shocked. "You''re saying you only have one butler to look after this house?"


    "Mr. McDaniel likes peace. He doesn''t like visitors unless it is an urgent matter. You can rest assured you won''t see an outsider here," the butler exined. Maeve nodded. "What? So he can do illegal things?


    Byron''s thin lips suddenly smiled. "As for what you said about bringing a woman back, my mother and Karen live here. So, that kind of situation can never happen."


    Maeve didn''t know why Byron brought her to a ce where Karen was. She thought he was lying, but there was no evidence. Is he nning to hang me from the ceiling to see how I will shine and illuminate their unparalleled love?


    Maeve rolled her eyes and said childishly, "But you brought me to your house. What if she gets angry when she finds out? She has such a bad temper. If you got beaten up, my heart will ache!"


    As soon as Maeve stopped talking, the butler almostughed out loud. He thought Byron was carrying home a clown.


    Meanwhile, Byron was entranced by Maeve''s childise and did not notice the sarcasm in her words. His back gradually


    tightened as he felt an electric shock crawl from his heart to his limbs. He cleared his throat, and his already low voice added a hint of sexy hoarseness. "Maeve, can you speak properly?"


    ears tingled, and an uncontroble heat spread across her checke m 1 m tz¨¦ien, KONTOR ZA


    don''t like to hear


    Byron frowned. He immediately grabbed her wrist and led her into, the elevator to the master bedroom on the third floor. Maeve''s heart skipped a beat when he saw him removing his jacket and pulling down his tie with his fingers. "Why are you taking off your clothes?" Byron nced at her lightly. "To sleep."


    ''Sleep? Is he trying to sleepayith me? Maeve was suddenly on guard. She turned around and rushed out


    However, Byron stretched out his long arms and easily wrapped them around her slender waist. He pressed her onto the bog ck bed behind him. Byron hugged her from behind and asked in a low voice, "Where are you going?This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "If you want to sleep, then sleep. Why are you hugging me?" Maye pushed his arm angrily. "Let go!"


    "How can I sleep if you keep moving like this? Can''t you make this more easy!"


    Maeve instantly calmed down. She froze in Byron''s arms, not daring to move. She was afraid she would identally arouse his beastly desires again.


    After a few minutes, Maeve heard a soft and even breathing sound in her car. It was obvious that Byron had fallen asleep. She frowned in confusion, ''So soon? How tired is he?''


    Thinking of what Archer had said in the car, Maeve''s thoughts of sneaking away were scattered. ''Did he get any sleeptely? Is he tired because he had been busy re-investigating my kidnapping?


    Based on Byron''s attitude that day, he was reopening the case to help Karen get off the hook. However, there was no need to continue investigating. Karen had gotten out of prison.


    Maeve bit her lip, feeling extremelyplicated. Should I believe him?"


    Meanwhile, Karen looked grateful as she stood before a desk. "Thank you very much for your help this time, Mr. McDaniel. I don''t know how to thank you."


    Jason took a newspaper and said calmly, "If I remember correctly, you like Byron very much, right?"


    "Yes, I''ve liked him since I was young. Karen admitted.


    "You grew up with Byron. In my heart, you''ve always been the most suitable person to be his wife, Jason said, "If it weren''t for his grandpa insisting that Byron marry that woman, our families might have already gotten together. Thankfully, we''re not toote."


    ""Mr. McDaniel, what do you mean?"


    ner and looked at her sharply. "With me backing you up, as long as i


    Jason put down the divorces that woman, I''ll let him marry you."


    Karen understood what he meant. Her heart suddenly pounded excitedly. "But will Byron agree?"


    "That depends on how you present yourself."


    "Don''t worry, Mr. McDaniel, I won''t disappoint you."


    Karen left the study. But when she arrived at the hall, she turned around and met Alexis'' probing gaze. "Mrs. McDaniel, when did youe over?"


    Just now." Alexis looked at her. "What did Jason say to you?"


    Karen clenched her arms and smiled shyly. "Mr. McDaniel said he wants me to be Byron''s wife."


    Alexis frowned slightly. An indescribable difort surged in her heart, but she suppressed it and reminded her, "Byron and Maeve are not divorced yet."


    "I know." Karen thought Alexis was worried about her. She smiled and said, "Don''t worry, Mrs. McDaniel, they will get a


    divorce sooner orter."


    "What if they don''t?"

 Chapter 148

    Soon, Marve''s face would start rotting and bepletely ruined.


    Karen was feeling quite pleased with herself, not noticing that Alexis''s face har slowly turned grim as Alexis observed her presumptuous attitude.


    If Byron and Maeve had already been divorced, Alexis would not have minded anything Karen did.


    However, they were not divorced yet, and Karen''s eagerness made Alexis feel a bit ufortable. When she thought about Betty''s words, Alexis could not help but feel suspicious.


    She wondered, ''Can I trust Karen''s previousments about Maeve?


    Meanwhile, at the Nightfall Manor.


    Not long after Maeve fell asleep, Byron slowly opened his eyes and pressed the inte.


    In less than five minutes, Anthony rushed over and checked the wound on Maeve''s cheek as Byron had instructed on the phone earlier.


    Byron stood at the side with his arms crossed. When he saw that Anthony did not speak for a long time, he frowned. "How is


    it


    "Not good, Anthony said. "This wound doesn''t look like a bacterial infection. It''s most likely caused by poison."


    "Poison?" Byron''s eyes turned cold. "What kind of poison? Can it be cured?"


    "I''m afraid it''s difficult to determine what kind of polson it is with the naked eye. However, judging from the extent of thisdy''s wound, she has been poisoned for some time. If it had been discovered a couple of dayster, by the time the taxin spread across her entire face, it would lead to disfigurement and be beyond treatment."


    Disfigurement.


    The moment Byron heard that word, his demeanor shifted dramatically, his striking features now cloaked in ayer of icy frost, cold enough to send shivers down one''s spine.


    Byron thought of how Maeve was so worried about people seeing her facial wound that she had to cover her face with a veil. An uncontroble sorge of anger welled up in his chest.


    If Maeve were disfigured, she would likely feel even worse and would not want to leave the house at all.


    After a moment, Byronposed himself and asked, "Has her body been affected by the poison?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "This toxin doesn''t only target the face; its harm is just not as significant as that on the face, Anthony replied. "Once the toxin is eliminated, her wound will heal naturally." "Just tell the butler whatever you need. Don''t worry about the cost or consequences; just focus on curing her," Byron said.


    "Alright. Rest assured, Mr. Mcdaniel."


    Their voices were deliberately lowered. In addition, since Maeve had spent several sleepless nights in the hospital, she had fallen into a deep sleep as soon as her body rxed.


    b GT.


    As a result, she was not disturbed by their voices.


    Anthony quickly prepared the ointment and was about to use it when Byron rolled up his sleeves and took the ointment


    "You just tell me what to do. I''ll handle it. Byron said firmly.


    "O-okay," Anthony said.


    The topical ointment needed to be applied all over the face. Just as Byron was spreading it over Marve''s cheeks, Maeve drowsily opened her eyes.


    Feeling something cold on her face, she subconsciously touched


    A warm and strong hand grasped her wrist. I''ve applied medicine on your face. Don''t touch it," a voice chided.


    Maeve becamepletely awake. She looked at Byron who was standing by her bed with a clear bowl in hand and asked cunously. "What did you apply to my face?"


    "It''s an external ointment made by the doctor. Byron sat down on the edge of the bed. As he applied the ointment to Maeve''s face, he exined calmly. The bacterial infection in your wound is too serious, so you have to apply the ointment all over your face. Lie down and don''t move"


    When Maeve heard this, she grabbed the corner of the nket nervously. "How serious is it? Is it incurable?"


    "It''s nothing to worry about," Byron said, his expression remaining unchanged. After applying the ointment to her lower face, he got up andughed at her appearance, which was covered in a pale green ointment. Maeve


    looked at him in confusion. "What are youughing at?"


    He teased, "The ointment is the same color as the winter melon you nted on the terrace. It looks stupid."


    Maeve was speechless.


    She thought angrily, Has Byron never seen a girl put on a facial mask before? How can he call me stupid? "Also, where is the medicine that the hospital prescribed for you? Byron asked again.


    Marve took her coat from the side and took out an ointment from the pocket. "Here. Why do you want it?"


    "My doctor will prepare a new ointment for you, so don''t use the old one anymore," Byron replied.


    Macve looked at the bespectacled Anthony beside her and hesitated. "Are the services of your private doctor... expensive?" Byron was taken aback for a second, then he could not help but chuckle. I won''t ask for money. How about youpensate me with some home- cooked meals?" "Alright!" Maeve nodded.


    Compared to Byron not epting a single cent from her, Maeve felt that this was more eptable.


    Half an hourter, Maeve went to the bathroom to wipe off the ointment on her face and washed her face.


    She was not sure if it was just her imagination, but the area around the wound on her cheek felt cool and was no longer as itchy and ufortable as before.


    "There''s indeed a reason why private doctors are expensive, Macve thought.


    She sighed inwardly. Qutside, Byron handed the ointment to Anthony and asked him to check if the ointment contained


    poison


    After Anthony left, Maeve came out of the washroom.


    She waved her hand domineeringly. "Let''s go and see what ingredients your fridge has. I''ll make you a feast tonight!"


    Byron could not help butugh.


    ''She''s so easy to coax, he thought.


    After half an hour, Maeve''svish meal was still far from finished, but she had already be chummy with the chefs Byron had poached from upscale, luxurious dining establishments. She was even fed a lot of their homemade snacks.


    She was almost full before dinner..


    Byron came over and saw this scene. He quietly walked to Maeve''s side and asked her, "Do you need help?"


    The chefs promptly silenced themselves and returned to their workstations.


    Maeve did not hold back and said, "Help me wash and cut those vegetables. I want to use themter."


    "Okay," Byron replied calmly. He removed his luxury watch and ced it on the kitchen counter, rolled up his sleeves, and went to wash the vegetables.


    Perhaps it was his tall and slender physique that made even the act of washing vegetables appear sophisticated.


    It looked as if it were a scene from a supermodel photo shoot.


    Maeve looked at Byron''s well-defined side profile and felt a little surprised.


    She thought Byron was just saying it casually, but she never expected him to actuallye and help.


    After all, she had seen how much Byron detested doing housework.


    Maeve suddenly remembered something


    "Byron, can I ask you a question?"


    "Yes, what is it?" Byron said.


    "You can''t even differentiate between leek and spring onion but the dishes you make are actually quite delicious. Why is that


    so?" she asked.


    Byron''s lips twitched. Why is she still so hung up over this? he thought.


    After the dishes were served, Maeve came out of the kitchen. Unexpectedly, she saw a familiar figure in the dining room. "Alexis?"


    Alexis handed the coat to the maid before she nced at the food in Maeve''s hand.


    "Do you think that just by catering to my son''s appetite, you can wint his heart?" Alexis said indifferently.


    And it''s only been a little while, yet Byron has already brought her here?'' she thought to herself.

 Chapter 149

    Marve set the food on the table before responding to Alexis. "Your son made this dish.".


    Alexis frowned. "What are you talking about!"


    How could Byron possibly cook?" she thought


    Just then. Byron walked out of the kitchen with the final dish, his sleeves rolled up, revealing a slender arm still damp from washing.


    Seeing Alexis sitting there with a visibly shocked look, he frowned slightly and spoke in a calm, distant voice. "What brings you here?"


    His overly indifferent tone made Alexis heart ache a liule. She forced a smile. "You don''te home often, so I wanted to check on how you''ve been. I also brought some of Maria''s best desserts for you." "I''m not a child anymore. You don''t need to go to such trouble, Byron said.


    The atmosphere grew cold in an instant.


    Alexis stood there, a rare trace of disappointment crossing her usually dignified andposed face.


    It was unclear if it was due to Byron''s coldness or the fact that hed prepared a meal but hadn''t even considered inviting her, his own mother, to join him.


    Maeve, though aware that Byron and Alexis didn''t have a good rtionship, hadn''t realized it was this strained,


    There was nothing between them but formality-none of the warmth or closeness one would expect between family members.


    They were more like distant acquaintances than mother and son,


    Alexis took a steadying breath, gripping her handbag tightly before asking. I haven''t had dinner yet. Would you mind if I stayed and joined you?"


    Byron''s eyes flickered with brief surprise at her words.


    In the past, Alexis would''ve made a polite excuse and left, never offering to stay for a meal.


    She often expressed her desire to be close to him but only through words, never action.


    Though he was surprised, Byron''s expression remained unchanged. He said calmly, "Maeve did most of the cooking, so it''s not my ce to decide. You should ask her." Maeve blinked, caught off guard.


    ''Could it be that he heard what Alexis said to me just now, so he said this on purpose?" she thought.


    Alexis hadn''t expected him to respond that way either. Her eyes, filled withplex emotions, turned to Maeve. "Ms. Reese, may I try your cooking?"


    Maeve recalled the way Alexis had hesitated, wanting own parents.


    to connect with her son but unsure how, and it reminded her of her


    Byron was luckier than she had been-at least he had a mother who truly wanted to care for him. "Feel free to make yourself at home if you like," Maeve said, her tone polite but not overly warm,


    Alexis nced at her again, surprised.


    The meal was unusually quiet.


    Alexis had every intention of trying to ease the tension with Byron, asionally offering him food with themunal fork and whispering a few words to him


    Although Byron''s responses were brief, she found herself extraordinarily happy just to receive them.


    It was the first time they had shared a meal since Byron had left the Mcdaniel family.


    Only then did Alexis realize that every time she gave Byron a dish, it ended up in Maeve''s bowl.


    The smile faded from her face.


    She thought. Am I hated 177/ doing this on purpose?


    so much that he couldn''t even eat a single bite of my food? But I''m his mother. Was he


    Maeve noticed the dishes piling up in her bowl and couldn''t help but say to Byron, "Thank you, but that''s too much for me."


    "Uh-huh. Byron responded, turning his hand to ce a peeled shrimp on her te.


    Maeve, not wanting toin for the sake of the shrimp, turned her head and saw Alexis looking upset across the table. A thought suddenly urred to her. Maeve knew why Byron wasn''t eating certain dishes, but Alexis, who was still awkward with him, might not understand.


    She might even think he was purposely trying to embarrass her


    Thinking this over, Maeve''s eyes sparkled "Byron, are you just satisfying your craving for seafood by piling it on me, knowing you can''t eat it yourself?"


    Byron nced at her, his gaze lifting slightly. "So, you knew it? Six out of ten dishes are your favorites, and you have the nerve to say you''re making me a big meal?" "Whose stomach was the real treat for, anyway?" Byron thought.


    "And don''t me me?" Maeve shot back, taking a bite of a crab leg. "The truth is that you need to take your stomach medicer, so you can''t enjoy any of this."


    Alexis paused a second and then blinked in confusion. "Why didn''t you ever tell us about your stomach issues?" she asked. The dishes she had just given him were all raw, cold, and greasy-the worst for someone with stomach problems. And since he had to take his medication soon, he needed to avoid those food entirely.


    She hadn''t known any of this and had even silently used him of being hard-hearted.


    Byron casually ced the unwrapped crab in front of Maeve and wiped his hands before answering Alexis in a quiet tone. "It''s just a minor issue, nothing worth mentioning."


    Guilt surged in Alexis'' heart, her eyes reddening.


    She suddenly remembered when Byron had first returned to the Medaniel family, and how they had all sat around the table, eating in silence.


    She had given him a lot of food, and at the time, he ate all of it, which made her feel relieved.


    Butter, when she saw him vomiting in the restroom, her heart turned cold.


    She even began to wonder if he was someone who was hypocrital and was good at hiding his true self.


    That day was strikingly simr to today.


    The only difference was that now, Byron no longer forced himself to eat the dishes she served, only to end up vomiting. while she watched coldly, still harboring suspicions about his true intentions Alexis suddenly stood up. T''m going home," she said, grabbing her bag and walking out of the room.


    Maeve watched her leave, confusion clouding her eyes. "Did I say something wrong?"


    Byron, knowing that Maeve just tried to help, reassured her, "No don''t worry about her. Besides, she''s gone, so you need to be nervous anyway. Just rx and be yourself."


    It made no difference to Byron whether Alexis stayed or left.


    The only one who seemed affected was Maeve, who now seemed ufortable.


    don''t


    Tm not nervous. It''s just that people have to eat properly in front of others, Maeve muttered. Then, as if giving up the pretense, she began to eat more freely.


    Byron''s lips curled slightly at her words.


    ''Did she mean that she and I are family in her heart?'' he thought


    "But on a different note, Maeve said suddenly, "your mom looked really sad earlier. Shouldn''t you call her to check in It wouldn''t be good if something happened."


    Byron''s expression darkened. He regarded her with a suspicious gaze.


    "How much money did his mother give her this time to make her willing to speak favorably of his mother? Was the money his mother gave to her used up so quickly?" he thought. "Maeve, are you short on money?" he asked coolly.


    Maeve blinked, confused by the sudden shift in conversation, having no idea what this question had to do with his mother, After a moment, she answered truthfully, "Yeah, I''m running a little low, so I''m doing my best to earn it now," Three women''s dresses, one men''s suit, plus his custom-made clothing-each order came with a goldenmission.


    All of it went toward her dream home.


    Snap.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    A ck card with gold-ted edgesnded on the table. Byron''s voice was icy as he asked, "How about bing my realy wife? And the card would be yours."

 Chapter 150

    Maeve nearly choked on Byron''s words, her eyes widening slighty as she turned to him. "What do you mean?


    "Literally," Byron said, looking directly into her eyes, a smirk ying at the corners of his lips.


    The atmosphere in the restaurant was tense for a moment.


    Maeve''s gaze shifted to the ck card. She suddenly grasped the real meaning behind his words andughed out loud


    "So in your eyes, marital rtionships can be bought with money, she mocked. "And you might be mistaken about one thing. I''m short on cash, but I won''t sell myself for it."


    Byron raised an eyebrow. "Isn''t it just a matter of mutual benefit


    "But I don''t really need your card" Maeve shrugged. "I can earn money if I need it."


    You''d rather take from others than ept mine?" Byron''s gaze tired icy. "Should Imend you for your integrity?"


    Byron thought. Or did she think that using my mother''s card was less burdensome than taking mine?"


    Maeve met his gaze fearlessly and said, "At least what I earn is rightfully mine."


    She nced at the white roses in the vase, continuing, "And if you really wanted to take our rtionship to the next level, what''s in front of me, even just a rose, is better than that card." She wouldn''t be anyone''s outlet for their desires.


    Byron''s lips pressed together, his eyes sullen as he looked at her


    The dinner ended on a sour note.


    Maeve returned to her room, grumbling about how Byron was utterly ridiculous.


    Maeve thought, I earn my living through hard work, never stealing or robbing, so why is he so angry?"


    He offered her a ck card to buy her, and she wasn''t even mad about it.


    Macve thought, "What did "mutual benefit even mean? If he was so unsatisfied, why not go find Karen?"


    Just then, her phone chimed


    She opened it to find a text from her assistant, saying that the remaining fabric had been procured and asking if she was free for a call to discuss it.


    If it hadn''t been for the constant glitches in Maeve''s chat app, which kept crashing unexpectedly, a video call would have been much better.


    Maeve replied with a simple "Okay" and walked over to the window seat with her phone.


    Meanwhile, in the study across the house, the glow from theputer illuminated the man''s cold, handsome face, highlighting his sharp features and the thin silver sses perched on his high nose, while his lips were barely tinted. To an outsider, it might seem he was busy handling some important international affairs.


    But the screen disyed a search interface.


    The search bar read, "What does it mean if a woman won''t take your money but epts someone else''s?


    There were likely thousands of replies under this question.


    [She doesn''t love you. Move on.]


    [Is your rtionship so clear-cut? She probably doesn''t love you at all.]


    [Have you considered that what you offered isn''t as good as what others give?]


    [Hey there, you might need to consider finding a new girlfriend


    As he read the top-voted replies, Byron''s face darkened.


    Byron thought, ''Have these people ever seen how devoted Maeve was to me? What bullshit are they talking about!"


    Byron coldly closed the search interface, pressing his fingers against his temples, suddenly recalling Maeve''s words, "Even just a rose." He picked up his phone and sent her a message,


    Byron: [Do you like roses?]


    Maeve was probably looking at her phone at that moment, as her reply came quickly.


    But after he read her response, Byron''s expression turned icy.


    Magve: [I like the roses Alex gave


    me.]


    The mouse in Byron''s right hand cracked, the sharp edge digging into his palm. Blood seeped out and dripped onto the dark red desk. Behind the thin lenses, his dark eyes were clouded with an inescapable gloom.


    He thought, ''Did she really mean it?


    A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts..


    Byron casually tossed the broken mouse into the trash bin, his voice cold as he replied, "Come in."


    Archer entered, noticing the boss was wiping blood from his palm with a handkerchief. He paused and asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you hurt? Do you need me to call a doctor?"


    "What is it?" Byron asked.


    "You asked me to investigate something, and we have results." Archer ced a folder on the desk. "The investigation. materials regarding the first kidnapping case were destroyed, not by ident, but by your father. I wasn''t sure how to handle it, so I came to ask you first."


    At this, Byron''s gaze sharpened slightly. "Go on."


    Archer nodded. "The kidnapper in the first case insisted that Ms. Reese hired them to harm Ms. Booth, but the recordings: and records he provided have all been verified as fakes.


    "We used a polygraph on him, and oddly enough, he didn''t lie."


    Byron squinted and asked, "Why was he locked in the basement with Maeve?"


    "He believes he was retaliated against by the victim, which is why he dragged Ms. Reese into this..." As he spoke, Archer suddenly understood. "The victim'' the kidnapper referred to could only be Ms. Booth." 08:19


    Wed, Oct


    It was self-incrimination:


    Byron slowly wiped the blood from his hands, speaking slowly. Tomorrow night, bring Karen to that abandoned vi."


    "Understood," Archer said..


    The next day, after Maeve came downstairs, she noticed the atmosphere in the vi felt strange.


    The fresh roses that had adorned various cornersst night were nowhere to be seen.


    The original spots hadn''t even been reced with new vases, making everything feel a bit empty.


    Maeve felt puzzled, but since she was in a silent treatment with Byron, she held back from asking. Breakfast went on in silence.


    After breakfast, Byron stood up, picked up his coat, and as he walked out, coldly instructed the butler, "Remove all the roses from the house. I don''t want to see any of them tonight."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it right away," the butler replied respectfully,


    Holding hef ss of milk, Maeve was taken aback, unable to help but mutter softly. "Did the roses offend you?"


    Thankfully, she wasn''t a rose fanatic. She preferred peonies.


    When he heard her muttering, Byron''s expression grew even colder as he strode out of the dining room.


    After he left, Maeve remembered she needed to go to work and hurried to catch up.


    By the time she reached the door, Byron''s car was just passing by, without even stopping.


    Maeve stood there, watching the ck car disappear into the distance, feeling an inexplicable sense of loneliness.


    She thought, ''Did he just leave me behind like that? Wasn''t he the one who wanted to bring me back? What did this mean now!


    "Ms. Reese, you have a phone call. The butler stepped out, handing her the phone she had left on the dining table. "Thank you." Maeve managed a weak smile at him and took the ringing phone. "Hello? Alex?" "Maeve, I''m sorry." Alex''s voice sounded unusually serious. "It seems we won''t be able to continue investigating the kidnapping case.


    Maeve froze. "What happened?"


    "My friend just told me that the evidence was destroyed, and Karen''s release was all orchestrated by the Medaniel-family," Alex said.


    1


    SEND


    O GIFT

 Chapter 151

    151


    Maeve''s heart sank when she heard that. "So it''s not a coincidence?"


    The fact that the evidence was destroyed and that the bodyguard suddenly stepped in to take the me wasn''t a coincidence.


    "In the entire Kleymond, I''m afraid only the Mcdaniel family can achieve this." Alex sighed. "And as far as I know, Karen, the one who kidnapped you, and the CEO of the Mcdaniel Group, were childhood sweethearts and were very close. If Gilbert hadn''t objected to it, Karen would have almost be the fiancee of the Mcdaniel Group''s CEO." as understandable that the Mcdaniel family would take action to protect Karen.


    With the rtionship between the two, it


    With the Mcdaniel family''s interference, this matter was destined to be left unsettled. Maeve was in a daze and forgot to answer.


    Alex felt her silence and felt even more guilty. "Maeve, I''m sorry that I can''t give you the justice you


    deserve." Maeve


    e came back to her senses and immediately said, "Alex, you don''t have to apologize to me. I''m already very grateful that you''ve been helping me so far. Besides, it''s not our fault." The person who was wrong was someone who knew that Karen had done something wrong but still wanted to protect her.


    After hanging up, Maeve looked at the screen in a daze.


    When she thought of what Alex had sai


    that Karen almost became the Mcdaniel Group''s fiancee, she was heartbroken, and she felt like her heart had been soaked in ice water.


    ''No


    She wondered,


    wonder Byron likes Karen so much but did not marry her.


    No wonder he agreed to my sudden "proposal" the second time we met.


    ''Therefore, every time he makes a choice between me and Karen, he will always choose Karen without hesitation.''


    "Ms. Reese, Ms. Reese?" Hearing the old butler''s voice, Maeve snapped out of her thoughts. "What''s wrong?"


    "It''s cold out here. You''ll catch a cold if you stay here for too long. Why don''t you go back to your room first?" said the butler with a kind smileCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Maeve shook her head. "I want to go


    It was so


    back. Cou Could you


    take me to the gate?"


    darkst night that she didn''t even notice where the car came from.


    The old butler looked troubled. "But Mr. Mcdaniel instructed Dr Garcia toe and apply medicine on your face twice in the morning and night. If you''re leaving now..."


    Since the wound on her cheek hadn''t hurtst night, Maeve almost forgot about it.


    "Can''t you get the doctor to give me the medicine? Why don''t I go back and apply it myself?" she asked hesitantly.


    The old butler smiled and shook his head. "Dr. Garcia said that the effect of the medicine will be greatly reduced if it''s left for a long time, so he only prepares it when it''s needed. The treatment process will take a few days. I hope you''ll understand." At this point, Maeve couldn''t make things difficult for the butler anymore. Besides, he was looking out for her. She said, "Thank you. I''ll stay a little longer then."


    The butler replied, "It''s our pleasure."


    After lunch, Anthony came over on time to apply medicine to Maeve.


    Just the process of preparing the ointment took almost 40 minutes, which dazzled Maeve. Shepletely gave up on the idea of applying it to herself since she couldn''t do it.


    She supposed such jobs were what doctors paid to do.


    An hourter, Maeve washed off the ointment on her face and sat on a stool while Anthony examined her.


    "The rate of infection of your wound is under control, but the toxin has not beenpletely expelled. It is normal for your face to feel pain asionally. Please don''t worry," Anthony advised. Maeve was about to nod when her eyes suddenly widened. "Toxin? Isn''t my wound infected by bacteria?"


    Anthony realized that he had misspoken and his expression changed.


    "I have something on. I''lle back tonight to apply your medicine. Goodbye." After saying that, Anthony picked up the first aid kit and left in a hurry.


    I


    to ask further, but she saw the old butler walking in with an box.


    Maeve wanted to exquisite


    giaid


    The butler said, "Ms. Reese, Mrs. Mcdaniel just sent her men to deliver this to you. She said that it''s a thank-you gift from the Chatterly family."


    Hearing that it was from the Chatterly family, Maeve was stunned for a moment before she remembered that it was the Chatterly family where Charles was from. After thanking the butler, she took the gift box into the room and ced it on the table.


    When she opened it, Maeve saw that it was actually a whole set of sapphire jewelry, with the cut surfaces refracting a stream of light that was quite beautiful. This showed the Chatterly family''s sincerity. Even who were not interested in


    girls


    However, Maeve was a fashion designeelry could not help but be happy when they saw such beautiful and eye-catching jewelry.


    She often dealt with expensive jewelry, and she would use it in clothing design.


    She was already used to such gorgeous jewelry.


    Moreover, she was not in the mood to admire jewelry now. Her mind was filled with the sentence Anthony had unintentionally said, "The toxin has not beenpletely expelled." She wondered, "The wound on my face has not healed for a long time because I''ve been poisoned? Then why did Byron lie to me and say that it was a bacterial infection?'' Maeve pressed on the edge of the gift box and her breathing quickened.


    She thought, ''Is he doing this for my sake or... Is he trying to shield someone?''


    45


    45


    Late at night, everything was silent


    Byron returned to the vi and handed his coat to the old butler He asked in a deep voice, "How did it go?"


    "ording to your instructions, all the roses in the manor have been cleaned up and reced with other flowers that were flown in from abroad. Also, Ms. Reese has been resting in her room all day. Dr. Garcia has been here twice. In addition, Mrs. Mcdaniel has also sent her men to send the Chatterly family''s thank-you gift to Ms. Reese, the butler said respectfully. Byron frowned slightly and asked in dissatisfaction, "Did I ask about her?"


    He didn''t care what Maeve did today.


    "I''m sorry, I spoke too much." The butler lowered his head.


    Brayn said, "Never mind. You may go get some rest now."


    The butler said, "Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel. Call me if you need me."


    Byron turned around and


    and went upstairs. When he reached the door of the master bedroom, he paused for a moment before walking toward the study with an indifferent expression. By the time h he was done with thepany''s matters, it was already 12:30 a.m.


    pressed the bridge of his nose. After resting for a while, he got up and walked out to the master bedroom to get his clothes and take a shower. he reached the door, he couldn''t help but push


    Byron


    When he


    Only the floormp beside the couch was still lit, enve the door gently. Unexpectedly, when he entered, he didn''t see Maeve on the bed.


    enveloping a figure curled up on it.


    Byron frowned and walked over. He saw Maeve lying on her side. Her petite body only took up a small area. She was sleeping peacefully and her cheeks were blushing a bit. He suddenly remembered that when he once returned to his apartment after drinking too much at a social event, Maeve slept like that, waiting for him. Back t then, she had made some soup in the kitchen for him.


    Byron''s aloof expression could not t help but soften.


    He supposed Maeve would only be more well-behaved without making him angry after she fell asleep.


    He leaned down, put his arms around the back of her neck and the hollow of her knees, and lifted her off the couch.


    Maeve


    woke up at this moment. She opened her eyes in a daze and was shocked when she saw the handsome face in front of her.


    She asked, "When did I fall asleep? When did you get back?"


    Hearing this, Byron tightened his arms around her and looked at her with his deep eyes. "Have you been waiting for me?" "Yes." Maeve slowly regained her senses and met his gaze without dodging. "ed to ask you something."

 Chapter 152

    Byron was instantly in a good mood, but his handsome face did not show the slightest bit of emotion. He still looked indifferent when he said, "Go ahead." "Is it really an ident that the evidence rted to the kidnapping case was destroyed?" Maeve asked seriously. only said, "Well."


    Byron


    101 a


    After she waited for a few seconds, he still didn''t continue. Maeve revealed a puzzled expression. "What... what do you mean by ''well?" Byron raised his eyebrows slightly. "You may ask, but I may not answer you."


    Perhaps it was because she had just woken up and was still in a daze, Maeve was stunned for a few seconds before she could sense the shamelessness in his words. She said, "So you''re just going to run away from my question?"


    Byron was pleased by her confused look. He chuckled softly and leaned closer to her.


    Byron


    "If you


    I want


    said, " t to get an answer from me, you have to give me something of equal value in exchange, understand? I don''t do pro bono transactions." The two of them were so close to each other. In addition, Byron was still in a position to carry her. Therefore, when he lowered his head slightly, his warm breath inadvertently brushed past the side of her face. her a sensed danger. She lea


    It day


    Maeve a tingling send back and tried to pull away from the overly intimate distance.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    However, her lower back was grabbed by his palm, which happened to stop what she was doing.


    Maeve''s eyshes trembled uneasily. When she met Byron''s deep eyes, her heart instantly began to beat wildly. It took her a long time to brace herself and say, "I don''t have anything I can exchange with you right now..." "Who says you don''t?" Byron lifted her chin and pressed his slightly rough fingers on her red and plump lips. The flirting meaning was obvious.


    Maeve''s lips heated up slightly as she felt nervous.


    She seemed to understand something, but she wasn''t so sure, so she asked, "What do you mean?"


    Byron suddenly


    smiled. The gloominess that had umted in his eyes for the entire day suddenly dissipated.


    He lowered his head slightly and pressed his forehead against Maeve''s. His gaze on her face was extremely focused. "You don''t understand? Then let me make it clear. I want to kiss you. Is that okay?" Maeve''s eyes


    widened in an instant. Her face turned extremely red, spreading to her ears. She was as beautiful as a rose that had bloomed in an instant.


    Her heart was beating so much that it was almost numb.


    She didn''t even know when Byron had started kissing her.


    Maeve had kissed him before.


    However, there had never been a moment like this where her heart thumped uncontrobly.


    D


    Even though she knew that the apple pie in front of her might be poisonous, she still warned herself not to touch it.


    However, she had uncontrobly fallen for him.


    +3


    The hazy light shone over, outlining the petite figure lying on the couch and Byron''s powerful body that was firmly pressed above her.


    The air became hotter and hotter as if a spark could light it up.


    The tip of Maeve''s tongue was slightly painful and hot. She was almost out of breath as her fingers weakly clung to Byron''s strong forearm.


    When the kiss reached the most passionate part, Byron let go of her slightly. His forehead was pressed against hers, and he looked straight into her eyes.


    "Maeve, do


    like roses?" His voice was husky and charming.


    Maeve panted lightly. When she heard this question, her eyes were filled with confusion. She did not understand why he suddenly asked this.


    "Yeah, I guess," she said hesitantly.


    The tenderness in Byron''s eyes suddenly dissipated. He held her reddened cheek in his palm and warned her in a low voice, "You''re not allowed to like roses anymore, do you hear me?"


    Maeve was even more confused.


    She wondered, ''Can kissing make one stupid? What kind of grudge does he have with roses? Why is he stopping me from liking them?''


    "Fine. I''ll stop liking roses then." She nodded perfunctorily. "Is it okay for me to like peonies?"


    She supposed he couldn''t ban her from liking peonies as well.


    Byron seemed to have sensed something. He lowered his head and kissed the corner of her lips when he asked in a low voice, "Why peonies?"


    Maeve could not resist his deliberate kiss at all. She bit her lip and turned her head before she had the energy to answer, "I told you before that during my college time, I worked part-time as a gardener in someone''s house. His courtyard was filled with peonies. They were beautiful. I took a picture of them and used them as cell phone wallpaper for a while. I fell in love with peonies from then on." Maeve hid some details.


    Maeve


    Before that, she had encountered some trouble in school. Her studies had not been smooth, and her family had even stopped giving her living expenses. She was at her lowest point. That part-time job as a gardener solved her urgent problem.


    The peonies there gave her greatfort.


    Therefore, even if she wasn''t very interested in flowers, she would involuntarily think of peonies when others asked her what flowers she liked.


    Byron stared at Maeve''s ignorant expression with mixed feelings.


    He wanted to remind her, but in the end, he did not say anything.


    He thought it was better to let her discover the truth herself.


    T.


    "Can you answer my question now?" Maeve raised her head and asked him, "Does the destruction of the evidence have anything to do with you?" Hearing this, Byron narrowed his eyes. "Why are you asking this? Do you suspect that I did it?"


    Maeve pursed her lips and did not say anything.


    Ding! The phone on the table suddenly rang.


    Byron frowned and turned his head to look when his expression froze.


    Then, he stood up and walked toward the French window with his phone.


    He answered it and said, "Hello?"


    0


    "Byron, save me!" Karen''s anxious cry for help came from the receiver. "It''s dark and scary here. There are terrifying noises. I really can''t take it anymore. Save me!"


    Byron looked up gloomily and looked at the reflection of Maeve on the couch in the French window. His voice was harsh. "I gave you a chance. You should know very well how to use it."


    "You can''t do this to me. This ce is really scary. I really can''t stay here anymore..." Karen was sobbing and sounded like he was about to break down.


    "How can that be?" Byron said calmly. "Maeve was there for two days and two nights. You''ve only been there for two hours. You should be able to take it."


    These words i


    words instantly sent chills down Karen''s spine.


    After being locked up in this basement, she refused to admit why Byron locked her up.


    Even now, when she heard him admit it himself, she still could not take it.


    She couldn''t believe that he treated her like this for Maeve''s sake!


    Karen sobbed. "Do you still remember what you promised my father? How could you do this to me?"


    "If it wasn''t for Patrick, you would be at the police station now." The gloom in Byron''s eyes intensified.


    "I... I was being s**id!" Karen cried and begged for mercy. "Can''t you forgive me for once? Is what we''ve had for years not evenparable to the two months you and Maeve have known each other? I met you first. If your grandfather hadn''t stopped us, I would have been your wife. Maeve is just a nobody!"

 Chapter 153

    "In terms of family background, ability, and feelings for you, how can shepare to me?" At the end of the questioning, Karen''s voice became hoarse. It was filled with unwillingness and resentment. She was unwilling to ept that someone like Maeve could get the man she had admired for a long time. She even med Gilbert for objecting to her rtionship with Byron in the first ce.


    She thought that since her father was indebted to Byron, she was the most qualified to marry Byron.


    "I''ve warned you from


    om the very beginning," Byron said slowly her.


    His eyes were calm and emotionless. "Maeve is mine."


    Even if Maeve were his pet, he wouldn''t allow anyone to


    Karen could not believe what she was hearing andpletely lost her rationality. "Are you sure Maeve is yours? She''s clearly having an affair with Alex, and you don''t care?" Hearing this, Byron narrowed his eyes. "Did you get someone to take those photos?"


    He now figured out why it was so coincidental that it was delivered to him when he returned to the country.


    Karen yelled, "I just don''t want you to be deceived by this flirtatious woman!"


    "Mind your own business." As soon as Byron finished speaking, he hung up the phone and looked up at the French window.


    When he saw Maeve pick up a piece of paper from under the sofa, his expression suddenly became nervous. He turned around and walked quickly to the couch.


    Maeve had already finished reading the contents of the paper.


    It was a test report.


    The blood from her wound and the ointment prescribed by the hospital were tested.


    The results showed that there was no problem with the ointment.


    There was poison in her wound, which wasn''t caused by a bacterial infection.


    The


    The


    person


    who caused the wound on her face was Karen.


    Maeve looked up in a daze and met Byron''s gaze.


    a few seconds of silence, she asked, "I was clearly poisoned. Why did you lie to me that it was a bacterial infection?"


    After a


    "It''s not good for you to know too much." Byron reached out and took the test results from her hand. His tone was gentle. "It will take at least a week for the doctor to help you treat this wound. As for the rest, don''t think too much about it." Maeve asked, "Don''t you have anything to exin to me?"


    Byron stared at her for a few seconds and said in a deep voice, "Get some rest."


    With that, he walked past Maeve and walked out of the room.


    The hope in Maeve''s eyes was extinguished bit by bit until it disappeared into nothingness.


    She thought, ''As expected, he knows who poisoned me, but he still chose to cover up for Karen.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ''It turns out that he did not hring me here to let the doctor treat my face for


    ''I can''t believe that Byron still kissed me while he''s still in love with Karen.


    my


    sake.


    ''He''s made my imagination run wild, but he just walks away at any time. That''s so unfair.


    Maeveughed self-deprecatingly. She propped herself up on the couch and walked to the bed before she rolled herself into the nket and fell asleep.


    After tossing and turning for a few hours, she finally fell asleep.


    In the middle of the night, she felt the wound on her cheek itchy and hot. She couldn''t help but scratch it.


    At t


    this s moment, a tall shadow stood by the bed and pressed down on her hand.


    Byron turned on a wallmp and looked at Maeve''s cheek.


    The wound was red and slightly purple, a sign that the poison had begun to spread.


    had said.


    It was just as Anthony had


    As long as Maeve was agitated or exercising strenuously, the poison that was not expelled from her body would slowly spread from the injured to all parts of her body. frowned and thought that he shouldn''t have brought the test results back.


    To Maeve''s face was itchy. Her wrist that was held by him kept moving around, trying to scratch the wound.


    The


    circled her wrists with one hand. Then, he unscrewed a box of ointment and slowly applied it to her wound.


    refreshing fragrance smelled nice.


    The prickly itchiness in her wound eased, and Maeve''s tightly knitted brows gradually rxed. She rubbed against the pillow and fell asleep peacefully. look and


    and chuckled.


    He muttered, "You look ook like a a green


    Byron looked at her innocent look gumell on her facest night. When she woke up the next morning, she realized that it was just an illusion since she couldn''t feel it any longer.


    Maeve felt t


    felt that there was a very cool


    She washed up and went downstairs. After breakfast, she hitched a ride to the office with Byron. She did not say a word to him the entire time.


    Even her seat was on the farthest side from him.


    When Byron saw this scene from the corner of his eye, his hand that was swiping the iPad paused slightly. He said calmly, "Your wound hasn''t healed yet. Why are you in a hurry to go back to work?" "As a designer, I don''t rely on my face to make a living," Maeve replied lightly.


    She could rest for so many days because the designers in herpany did not need to clock in on time. They just needed toplete their work before the deadline.


    However, when it came to the process of making clothes, it had to bepleted in thepany.


    08:21


    911


    "The doctor wille and apply medicine to your face twice a day." Byron''s expression did not change.


    Under normal circumstances, Maeve might have been happy with his thoughtfulness.


    But now, she couldn''t be happy. She casually nodded and didn''t say anything else.


    This silencested during the ride.


    a 88%


    Ja


    When they were about to reach thepany building, Maeve asked the chauffeur to stop the car at the intersection and walked over.


    Byron''s dark eyes were slightly gloomy as he mocked, "What''s this for? Are you afraid that others will find out about our rtionship?"


    He was thinking, ''She''s actually learned to avoid arousing suspicion. Is she that afraid of being spotted by that gigolo?''


    0


    Maeve could hear the mockery in his words. She stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. "What''s there to be afraid of? You''re my uncle, so what''s wrong with you sending me to work?" With that, she picked up her bag, got out of the car, and left.


    Byron was speechless and wondered, ''She''s so heartless. I should not have helped her apply the medicinest night.''


    As soon as Maeve arrived at thepany, she was called over by Leah.


    Leah said, "I heard from Mr. Brown that Trend Style Magazine''s editor-in-chief invited you for an exclusive interview, but the news I received yesterday was that they''ve reced you as the guest. What happened?" Maeve was stunned. She recalled Linds''s disappointed and aloof tone on the phone that day and felt ufortable. Maeve answered, "Something happened that day and I couldn''t rush over. I missed this opportunity." Leah was quite e disappointed. "Ho I silent.


    Maeve looked down and remained could you even miss such a good opportunity? Are you that unlucky? You really need to work on your luck."


    "It''s one thing for them to rece you as their guest, but they invited a designer from Finesse Bloom." Leah held her forehead and looked troubled.


    Maeve came back to her senses. "Finesse Bloom? That famous designpany that was founded two years ago? Does it have a grudge with ourpany?"


    Leah


    answered, "Yeah. There''s been a grudge between the twopanies since a long time ago. In the early stages of Finesse Bloom''s founding, they poached ourpany''s design team and held a fashion exhibition before us. They giarized our designs and caused us to suffer heavy losses." Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion after she heard what Leah said. "With Eternal Hope''s status in the industry, it should''ve been able to deal with a newly establishedpany, right?"


    Leah thought that Maeve was too innocent. "That''s because the founder of Finesse Bloom is not an ordinary person. She has a powerful background."


    Maeve asked, "Who is it?"


    Leah said, "The daughter of the Booth family. I heard that she''s the secretary of the Mcdaniel Group''s CEO. In short, her background is not ordinary."

 Chapter 154

    When Maeve heard that it was the daughter of the Booth family and the secretary of the Mcdaniel Group''s CEO, she immediately thought of Karen, but to be sure, she still asked, "What''s her name?"


    Leah said without hesitation, "Karen Booth


    Maeve nodded.


    sure,


    I


    On''t forget this name.


    Just as what she had expected, it was indeed Karen.


    Previously, the designers in the office had mentioned that Finesse Bloom was rted to the Booth family, but Maeve did not pay attention at that time.


    Unexpectedly, it was a brand founded by Karen, who had poached Eternal Hope''s design team, giarized their designs, and even made a name for herself in the industry, which showed that she was indeed capable.


    Maeve frowned and thought, ''After Trend Style Magazine reced me, the who took over happen to be Finesse Bloom''s designer. How could there be such a coincidence? Did Karen kidnap me back then not only for personal revenge but also for this reason?'' "Maeve, what are you thinking about?" Leah looked at Maeve who was in a daze. She reached out and patted her shoulder. "Are you still going to make Miss Fiora''s gown?"


    Maeve immediately stopped pondering. "I''m about to go to the studio. I''ll finish it by the 10th of next month at thetest."


    interview. There will still be opportunities in the future."


    Leah said, "Alright. Forget about the


    Maeve smiled at her. "I know."


    However, she knew very well that there probably wouldn''t be another interview for her.


    It was useless to be disappointed and sad. She might as well do the job at hand.


    Leah looked at the wound on her face and felt sorry for her. However, she did not ask anything and left in her high heels.


    Only then did Maeve take her things to the studio. She even searched for thetest developments on the official website of Finesse Bloom.


    Unexpectedly, she saw that a princess of Erancia''s royal family had also ordered a custom-made gown at Finesse Bloom. Maeve logged out to search for relevant information about Erancia''s royal family, but she only found sporadic relevant information. The current queen


    has two sons, both Fiora and Loren were her eldest son''s kids.


    The princess was also not to be underestimated. She was the queen''s cousin and had never been on good terms with Fiora, which had been on the international news.


    From the looks of it, both the queen and the princess nned to suppress the other at the state banquet.


    Maeve''s eyes gradually calmed down.


    Legally, she could not do anything to Karen.


    However,


    it


    was not impossible for her to get some interest through other means.


    For the next few days, Maeve was busy in the studio. She even had lunch there, saving her a lot of time.


    <3


    When she finally had time to take a break, her phone suddenly rang.


    Maeve was stunned for a long time when she saw the caller ID.


    She answered it and said, "Mom?"


    "Maeve, what have you been busy with recently? You didn''t even call home," Valda rebuked over the phone. "Your brother is back from vacation. If you have time,e home for a family meal." Perhaps because Maeve had not spoken to Valda for a long time, she was not used to her mother''s gentle tone.


    Thinking that she had indeed not been home for a long time, she agreed, "I''ll be home tonight after work." Valda said, "Alright. Don''t forget to take your husband with you."


    Maeve was stunned. She pursed her lips slightly. "He''s been very busy recently. He might not be free."


    In the past few days, apart from eating, they rarely saw each other even when they were in the same ce.


    Coupled with the fact that she deliberately avoided him, even the time they spent talking was little.


    Valda did not keep asking. She replied with an "Alright" and hung up.


    Maeve stood in front of the workbench and went into a daze. Then, she rubbed her cheeks and perked up to continue working on the folds of the gown.


    The creases made by tools were too stiff and not as natural as the ones made by hand, so she always did the work herself.


    After work in the evening, Maeve took a taxi to the Reese family''s ce. When she was changing her shoes at the entrance, her shoulder was suddenly knocked hard.


    She looked up in shock and saw Horace in a yellow sweater and torn jeans walking over with an arrogant expression. He ignored her and walked in.


    Maeve called out to him, "Horace, is this how you greet me? I''m your sister."


    Horace stopped and turned to scoff at her. "Stop trying to suppress me just because you''re older than me. You''re nothing."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    After saying that, he put his hands in his pockets and continued walking. His pace was crooked and he looked like a hooligan.


    Maeve frowned. She couldn''t figure out why he was bing more and more rebellious after entering high school since Horace was clearly quite well-behaved when he was a kid.


    After entering the dining room, Maeve mentioned this matter to her parents. She wanted them to pay more attention to Horace''s educational problems.


    Valda didn''t mind. "Which boy isn''t rebellious? Horace will be sensible when he grows up."


    "As an elder sister, why should you argue with your younger brother?" Scott agreed with Valda''s opinion. "Horace is just a bit straightforward. He doesn''t have any bad intentions." -Hearing this, Maeve was rendered speechless.


    She wondered, ''He''s already in his third year of high school. If he still doesn''t know things better now, when will he learn?''


    She was about to say something when the chair she was sitting on was suddenly kicked from behind, making her scalp tingle.


    She turned around and saw Horace rolling his eyes at her. Then, he sat beside Valda and took out his phone while instructing, "Mom, help me get my food."


    The corners of Maeve''s mouth twitched. "You''re already in your third year of high school. Haven''t you learned how to get your food? Do you need Mom to put it into your mouth directly?" Horace said, "None of your business."


    Maeve was really furious. She turned around and found it unbelievable that Valda had already got the food for him and walked over with a smile.


    Maeve said, "Mom, he''s not a kid anymore. It''s time for him to learn to be independent."


    "Horace is still young. He''ll always be a kid to me." Valda looked at her disapprovingly. "Why do you have so many opinions about your brother today? Hurry up and eat. We need to tell you somethingter." Maeve subconsciously asked, "What is it?"


    "Let''s eat first." Scott folded the evening newspaper and said, "Horace, it''s time to eat. Put down your phone now."


    Horace pouted. "Dad, Mom, why can''t you tell her now? Are you worried that she''ll lose her appetite when she finds out? Anyway, she''s our cash cow. Just be direct to her."


    As soon as he said this, Maeve''s expression changed.


    Valda realized this and patted Horace lightly. "Horace, what nonsense are you talking about? She''s your sister."


    "Sister my ass." Horace looked disdainful. "Didn''t you guys always say that she was just an adopted girl?" Scott frowned and scolded, "Shut up!"


    Only then did Horace stop talking back. He picked up a piece of braised pork and started eating.


    "Maeve, Horace is just kidding with you. Don''t take it to heart," Valda said.


    Maeve''s lips twitched. For a moment, she lost her appetite.


    If it wasn''t for their parents nagging at Horace every day, how could he blurt out that she was their cash cow?


    It turned out that in their opinion, the money she sent to her family every month was not to show filial piety to her parents as a daughter.


    Instead, they saw her as their cash cow.


    "Just say what you need to tell me now. I''ll be off soon," Maeve said calmly.


    Valda and Scott looked at each other before saying, "It''s like this. Your brother was bullied by his ssmate in school and identally injured the kid''s eyes. His parents now want us topensate them. Otherwise, they will call the police to deal with this..."

 Chapter 155

    "Horace is going to take the college entrance examination next year. If he gets a criminal record, what if he can''t get a good job in the future, let alone go to university?" Valda looked worried. "That boy''s family is asking for too much. They''re asking for 100 thousand dors yuan aspensation before they will settle it privately. But you know how our family''s doing. Perhaps even 20 thousand dors..." Valda did not finish her sentence. She just looked at Maeve with a troubled look.


    Maeve felt that something was wrong. She frowned and asked, "If that boy bullied Horace first, you should ask the school authorities to check the surveince footage and prove that it''s not Horace''s fault. Why do you have topensate that boy''s family?" As she spoke, she looked at Horace, who was still eating with a fearless expression. "And I can''t tell that he''s been bullied." She thought with Horace''s temper, how could anyone bully him?


    Horace rolled his eyes. "I''ve got strong fists, and that weakling hit himself with them. That''s not on me!"


    Maeve''s expression turned slightly gloomy. "How "How can you be so self-r If-righteous when you''re in the wrong? Dad and Mom are spending over 200 thousand dors every year to send you to the private elite school to study. How could you fight in school?" With a smack, Horace mmed his fork on the table and raised his chin high. "What''s wrong with that? Are you jealous? Are you dying of jealousy because they didn''t send you to a private elite school back then? Tsk." After saying that, he kicked the chair away and walked toward his room.


    Valda quickly stopped him. "You''ve only eaten so little. How can you not eat anymore? This won''t do. It will give you stomachache." The only response she got was the sound of Horace mming the door.


    "Horace is just unbelievable," Valda chided. However, she didn''t seem to me Horace. Instead, she still had a doting look on her face.


    Maeve almostughed. "Mom, aren''t you spoiling him too much? If you don''t teach him now, he''ll go astray, and you''ll regret it."


    "He''s still young. It''s normal for boys to do this during their rebellious phase. Horace will behave." Valda didn''t change her attitude. "Anyway, Maeve, you can''t just watch as your brother gets arrested. You have to help him."


    Scott thought for a moment. "You''ve been working for a while. You must have got more savings than 100 thousand dors. We need the money for this emergency."


    "If that''s not enough, ask your husband for some. We''re family after all," Valda added.


    Maeve''s hands on her knees clenched tightly as she listened to them decide on the whole matter.


    She asked, "Aren''t you going to ask me for my opinion?"


    Valda was surprised. "Do you have a problem with this? He''s your brother. If you don''t help him, are you going to watch him be pushed byw?"


    "He''s your only brother," Scott said earnestly. "You''re blood-rted, so you should always look out for him."


    Maeve''s parents would always tell her, "He''s your only brother."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Ever since Horace was born, they had been saying this to Maeve nonstop.


    Because she was the older sister, she had to give in to Horace, no matter what her subjective wishes were.


    Because Horace was the only boy in the family, Scott and Valda were biased, believing that Maeve was supposed to give in to him since she was a few years older.


    But no one had ever asked if Maeve was willing to give in.


    She was her parents'' kid and wanted to be favored by her parents, who were only gentle to her when her brother needed help to clean up the mess he made. Maeve didn''t want any of that.


    Maeve pursed her lips tightly. His heart ached, and there were tears in her eyes.


    "I treat Horace as my younger brother, but does he treat me as his older sister?" she asked. "In his eyes, I''m just a cash cow and an adopted outsider. Forgive me for not being able to do everything I can to help this kind of brother, because he''s not worth my help at all." Maeve stood up and looked at Scott and Valda gloomily. "In the future, I will wire you the living expenses you need ording to the standards set by thew. Other than that, I won''t give you any more money. Don''te to me." Her parents


    had


    I not shown up during the days when she was hospitalized. Therefore, she didn''t t need them in her life.


    After saying those words, Maeve took her bag and left the dining room.


    Scott scolded her behind her back and told her to stop immediately.


    She turned a deaf ear to him and walked straight out of the door of the Reese family''s ce. Her slender back was straight and did not bend at all.


    Valda chased after Maeve anxiously, but by the time she reached the door, Maeve had already disappeared into the elevator


    Vilda stomped her feet anxiously as she wondered, ''If Maeve refuses to give us the money, won''t we have topensate those unreasonable people?"


    After Maeve walked out of the neighborhood, her shoulders were slightly hunched due to the night wind downstairs. She quickly walked to the side of the road to wait for an Uber.


    A motorcycle sped I over from the front and crashed straight into her.


    When Maeve realized it, she immediately dodged, but the bag in her hand was grabbed by the person in the back seat of the motorcycle.


    The strap of the bag was hooked around her elbow, so that guy failed to pull the bag over. He dragged her along the ground for a distance.


    "Ah!" Maeve screamed.


    Her face turned pale from the pain, and she subconsciously let go of her bag strap.


    The guys on the motorcycle sped away with her bag and soon disappeared.


    Maeve fell to the ground. The bones in her wrist were swollen and painful as if they had split open. Her ankles had been dragged along the asphalt by the motorcycle, and her light brown socks were covered in blood. She gasped in pain and could not sit up for a long time.


    "Maeve!" A low and clear voice sounded from behind her, followed by slightly hurried footsteps.


    Byron quickly walked to Maeve and held her shoulder with one hand to check her injuries.


    "What happened? Who hit you?" His tone was gloomy and heavy with a hint of hostility.


    Maeve was in so much pain that her eyes turned red. "I... I think they''re some racers nearby. They stole my bag."


    Her gown design was still in her bag.


    Miffed. "Do you know how to fix it?"


    did you still hold on to your bag at such a dangerous moment?" Byron looked at her swollen wrist and frowned. "Your wrist is dislocated. It will hurt more if you don''t get it treated right away. I can help you now. Bear with it." Byron said, "I''ve learned it before."


    Maeve said, "Then can you go easy on me? I''m afraid... Ah!"


    The sudden pain in her wrist made Maeve''s face turn pale. She hadn''t finished her words yet, but she just screamed.


    Her shoulders twitched as she asked weakly, "Why... Why didn''t you wait until I was prepared..."


    It didn''t hurt anymore, but her heart was still pounding from the shock.


    Byron gently twisted her wrist and said without looking up, "By the time you were prepared, your wrist would be broken." As soon as he finished speaking, he bent down and picked up Maeve horizontally before walking toward the parking lot. There was a small medical kit in the car, which contained some basic medical supplies. Maeve was leaning against the back seat with almost half of her body. There was a small pillow under her knees for Byron to help her check her injuries.


    Her socks were covered in blood. Coupled with the fact that she had not taken them off in time, part of the socks was already stuck to the wounds. The socks were bloody, a stark contrast to the surrounding fair skin.


    When Byron saw the wounds, he gave off such a mad vibe that it was terrifying.


    He asked, "Does it hurt?"


    -5

 Chapter 156

    Maeve''s beautiful teary eyes were filled with tears. When she heard what Byron said, she immediately sniffed. "Why don''t you try it and see if it hurts?"


    She had been dragged away by the motorcycle for quite a distance. Now, the wounds hurt so much that she seemed to be about to lose consciousness. She held it in and did not scream.


    Byron''s fixed his eyes on her pitiful face and his lips pursed slightly.


    "Take a shortcut back to Nightfall Manor. Archer, call Dr. Harold Foster and tell him to wait there," Byron instructed seriously.


    Archer, the chauffeur in the front seat, immediately replied, "Okay, Mr. Mcdaniel."


    Byron lowered his head slightly and used a pair of scissors to cut off Maeve''s bloodstained socks to prevent the blood and flesh from adhering more tightly, which would not be conducive to cleaning the wounds. After the socks were torn off the wounds, the wounds that had already stopped bleeding began to bleed again.


    Maeve pursed her lips tightly and did not make a single sound throughout the entire process. She only gripped her sleeves so tightly that they turned pale.


    Byron pressed down on the bleeding wounds with gauze and looked at her in surprise. "You can scream if it hurts. No one willugh at you."


    "It doesn''t hurt that much." Maeve exhaled softly. "It''s still bearable."


    Seeing that she was pretending to be calm, Byron did not expose her. He asked in a nonchnt tone, "Why did your parents ask you to go home?"


    "How do you know that I didn''t go home voluntarily?" Maeve could not help but be curious.


    "You wouldn''t look for trouble for no reason," Byron said casually. He pressed a new piece of clean gauze on her wounds. Maeve moved her ankles ufortably, but he held them down. "Stop moving."


    His warm fingers pressed against her cold ankles. The overly clear touch made her gradually numb, and she forgot to avoid him.


    Maeve took a deep breath and calmed herself down before answering his question. "Yes, they did ask me to go home."


    "For what?" Byron asked.


    Maeve pursed her lips and did not speak.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    These days, she had never forgotten the gap between her and Byron. She just didn''t think about it so often.


    What Horace and her parents said made her realize once again that she and Byron had never belonged to the same ss.


    He was the only heir of a prominent family with a strong background.


    As for Maeve, she was about to lose her home.


    It was probably because Maeve had been silent for so long that Byron''s gaze on her became deeper and deeper, but he did not say a word.


    When they arrived at the manor, Harold had been waiting for a long time.


    After examining and treating Maeve''s wound, he said to Byron respectfully, "Ms. Reese just needs to apply medicine to her injured parts for a few days, and she''ll be fine. She''ll have to keep water away from the abrasions for three days to avoid infection. Also, she''ll need to use the medicine on time." "Okay. Thank you." Byron nodded slightly. "Put down the medicine and leave us."


    "Alright." Dr. Garcia left with the first aid kit.


    The master bedroom suddenly became quiet.


    Maeve looked down at the graze on her palm and said self-deprecatingly, "It seems that Ms. Mason was right. I really should work on my luck."


    She had been injured several times in that th


    "That''s superstition." Byron returned from his call and handed her the ice pack. "Press it on your wrist."


    Maeve took it and did as he said.


    The pain on her swollen and hot wrist eased a little.


    The silence made her ufortable. Maeve wanted to say something to ease the tension, but when she recalled what had happened a few days ago, she didn''t really want to speak.


    She was grateful that Byron had helped her, but she would not forget what he had done before because of this. However, before she could say anything, Byron spoke, "Maeve, have you been avoiding me recently?" Maeve froze slightly and subconsciously shook her head. "No. You''re thinking too much."


    Byron stared at her avoiding look and sneered. "Do I look that gullible?"


    Maeve avoided his sharp gaze and looked down.


    "Previously, you asked me if the destruction of the evidence was rted to me." Byron''s expression was serious. "Alex has been investigating that matter behind the scenes. What did he tell you?" Maeve answered, "Nothing..."


    "Nothing?" Byron interrupted her harshly. "Why don''t you tell me why you''re suspecting me now? I want to hear how ridiculous the reason is."


    Maeve slowly frowned. "I''m not suspecting you."


    She was telling the truth.


    She was thinking, ''Byron knows that Karen poisoned me, which almost ruined my face, but he still chose to side with Karen without hesitation. ''Of course, he''d destroy the evidence and bail out Karen.


    "That''s the truth. There''s no need for me to doubt it.''


    Byron pursed his lips and stared at her gloomily, asking, "Then why are you avoiding me? Hmm?"


    "Aren''t you avoiding me too?" Maeve asked. "Other than eating together, you''re never around. How can you say that I''m avoiding you?"


    Byron''s expression froze and his Adam''s apple bobbed. "I''ve been busy."


    At the end of the year, thepany was busy. Byron even had to make time to eat with her.


    "I''ve also been very busy," Maeve said. "I''m busy working on a big client''s order while I have to make time to think about your suit design. How would I have the time to avoid you?" She said thest sentence righteously.


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "Is that so? Then where is your design? Let me take a look."


    Maeve''s expression immediately became guilty. "It''s not done yet. Wait a little longer..." Byron almostughed out of anger.


    He thought, ''It''s been so long, but it''s still not done. Is she fooling me now?''


    0


    Before he could say anything, Maeve suddenly covered her stomach. "My, my stomach hurts. I need to go to the bathroom. Please carry me there!"


    She thought that at this moment, running away was the best solution.


    Otherwise, if he found out that she had not even started working on the design, he would probably throw her out.


    Byron saw through her clumsy acting and his cheeks tightened slightly.


    He said, "Show me the blueprint the day after tomorrow, do you hear me?"


    When Maeve heard that he needed it the day after tomorrow, her expression was bitter. She wondered, ''If I do my best to catch up on my work, it will work out... right?''


    After entering the bathroom, Maeve was still thinking about the design when she suddenly felt the hem of her shirt being lifted.


    She immediately came back to her senses and hurriedly grabbed Byron with her uninjured right hand. "What are you doing?" She wondered why he lifted her shirt for no reason.


    Byron looked up slightly and looked at her indifferently. "Aren''t you in a hurry to go to the bathroom? Can you take off your pants now?"


    He sounded so straightforward that Maeve''s face turned red. "I-I''m not crippled. Why can''t I do it?"


    "Then you do it." Byron looked at her calmly.


    Maeve was about to go crazy. "How can I take my pants off while you''re still here?"


    Byron looked her up and down. "Are you sure you can stand steadily if I let go now?"


    She could barely move her most severely injured right ankle, and there were many abrasions on her left foot.


    Not to mention standing, she could not even stabilize herself while leaning on the wall.


    Maeve suddenly felt like she had shot herself in the foot.


    She regretted making the excuse she made.

 Chapter 157

    What was worse was that Maeve really wanted to pee now.


    Maeve held the corner of her shirt and froze, not daring to move.


    Byron saw that her face was about to turn red and she still looked awkward. A trace of teasing appeared in his wrong? Do you need me to help you?" eyes. "What''s


    "No, thanks!" Maeve was afraid that he was serious, so she quickly shook her head. "I can do it myself. Please don''t be creepy!"


    When she told him not to be creepy, Byron, who had never been evaluated like this before, narrowed his eyes. "Maeve, do you think it''s creepy for your husband to take care of your physiological needs? Are you that heartless?" 12,


    He thought that if he was a creep, he would have slept with her long ago.


    Hearing the displeasure in his words, Maeve shrank her neck. "No. I know that you''re a nice friend."


    Byron, who was told to be in her friend zone, was speechless.


    His mood became even worse.


    "Hurry up. If you dawdle any longer, I''ll do it directly," Byron urged with a gloomy expression.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve hesitated for a few seconds before finally giving in. "Turn around. You''re not allowed to peek." Byron sneered. "Which part of you is worth me peeking at? You''re ttering yourself."


    As he spoke, he turned his back to her, but his arms were behind her so that she could lean on them.


    Maeve pursed her lips in grievance. She had never felt so awkward in her life.


    Maeve thought, ''Why can''t I be as thick-skinned as Byron?


    ''Back when he was hospitalized, I helped him to the washroom. He was not embarrassed at all but was even in the mood to


    tease me.


    ''So I''ve been suffered losses because I''m not thick-skinned enough.''


    After Maeve endured the shame in her heart while solving her biological needs, her face was burning. She felt utterly ufortable and embarrassed.


    "I-I''m done." Her voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible.


    Byron turned around and saw her bright red face when he smiled imperceptibly.


    He thought that she was shy now, which meant that she was not bewitched by that gigolo


    He did not say anything. He raised his hands and held her slender and soft waist, After lifting her up slightly, he walked to the sink and ced her on it.


    Maeve still had her head lowered. She turned around and washed her hands, not daring to look him in the eye.


    "Please carry me back, thank you," Maeve whispered, inexplicably reserved.


    However, Byron did not move.


    After waiting for a while, Magve could not help but look up.


    She saw him standing two steps away from her with his arms crossed, looking at her with a rxed expression.


    <3


    0


    Maeve''s heart was jumping so fast that it was about to jump out of her throat, but she still pretended to be calm and said, "I''m done with washing my hands. Can you carry me out?" Byron said, "I can''t."


    Byron''s answer stunned Maeve for a short while. "Wh


    Why?"


    "The current situation is very beneficial to me." Byron''s tone was casual. "So, you can answer the question I asked you in the


    car now."


    Maeve thought, ''Answer the question he asked me in the car now... So he didn''t put me here to make it easier for me to wash my hands?''.


    Maeve bit her lip. "What if I refuse to answer?"


    "Take a guess." Byron looked extremelyzy. He leaned against the ss shelf and rolled up his sleeves: "I''m free tonight."


    He meant that he could keep waiting until she talked.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion when she recalled wh

 Chapter 158

    "I''ll fix it!" Maeve raised her hand. "I''ll put it in the washing machine for you. You can watch it wash the shirt. Is that okay?"


    A faint smile appeared in Byron''s eyes. "Sure."


    The sharp stone stuck in Maeve''s heart seemed to have been sharpened in an instant and no longer hurt.


    She smiled and finally felt relieved. "It''s just that I won''t have a home anymore. I can live on my own."


    She didn''t care about her family any longer, who had only kept asking her for money.


    Hearing this, Byron frowned. "What are you talking about?"


    Maeve looked up at him nkly from the towel.


    "Maeve, you seem to have forgotten something." Byron raised his eyebrows, his gaze extremely aggressive. "We''re not divorced yet."


    In an instant, Maeve''s heart began to race, as well as her blood.


    She widened her teary eyes slightly, and her beautiful eyes shone brightly.


    After a while, Maeve suddenly calmed down when she realized that there was another meaning behind his words.


    She barely suppressed her joy. As she wiped her face, she pretended to say casually, "It''s only a matter of time before we''re divorced, right?"


    Byron did not say anything about this.


    He never made meaningless promises.


    Maeve''s action of wiping her face slowed down, and she felt that the vigor in her was gone.


    Maeve thought that since he didn''t deny it, it meant that he still wanted to divorce her, but not now.


    She supposed it wouldn''t change that their marriage had always been time-barred and would end at any time.


    *****


    In the bedroom in the Reese family''s ce, Horace stood by the window with his phone. From there, he could see the situation at the intersection of the neighborhood. When his cell phone rang, he answered it immediately.


    It was unknown what the caller said, but Horace mmed the window frame angrily.


    Horace yelled, "There''s a pile of waste paper in her bag? Where''s the card? Where''s the money? Doesn''t she keep that in her bag? Search it carefully!"


    The caller said, "We''ve searched a few times, and her card isn''t in the bag, so how are we gonna get that for you? Seriously. You even said that your sister is rich, but in the end, there are only about 20 dors in her wallet." Horace pulled his hair. "She definitely didn''t bring her card with her. Damn it, I miscalcted. I thought she''d bring it with her whenever she came home."


    In the end, he didn''t even get 40 dors.


    The caller asked, "Isn''t your father an executive of a listedpany? Go and ask him for money!"


    "My dad almost beat me up because of 100 thousand dors. If he finds out that I''m owing money, he will probably be furious." Horace was extremely annoyed. Otherwise, he would not have pinned his hopes on Maeve.


    "That''s none of my business," the man said. "Anyway, if you don''t return Mr. Craig''s money this week, you''ll suffer."


    With that, the person hung up.


    Horace cursed and threw his phone to the floor.


    He thought, ''It''s all Maeve''s fault for not bringing her bank card with her. What a waste of my tips for getting two buddies to rob her!


    Horace was about to angrily step on the phone when he got


    It was an unknown number.


    another call.


    Horace spat in annoyance before picking up the phone. "Who is it? What? Booth? Who the hell are you


    The next morning, Maeve woke up with a faint floral fragrance.


    When she opened her eyes, she saw a bouquet of peonies on the table. There were crystal-clear water droplets on the petals. The flowers were very fresh and moving. Harold''s medicine was very effective. Her two ankles no longer hurt as much asst night. Maeve felt a little ufortable when she walked, but she could tolerate it.


    She stood in front of the table and realized that there was a box in the middle of the bouquet.


    She opened it and saw that it was a brand new phone.


    There was no need to guess who had prepared it.


    She wondered if this was a bonus reward for the sticker.


    Maeve smiled unconsciously, but she soon stopped.


    She thought, ''He does treat his wife well. Will he treat Karen so well in the future?''


    Thinking of this question, Maeveughed at herself. She supposed it was a waste of time to ponder on that question since the answer was obvious.


    She stopped pondering and slowly walked to the bathroom to wash up.


    When she came out, she saw Byron walking in.


    He was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit with a golden ratio. Even good-looking models would feel ashamed of their inferiority when they saw him. His slender legs were elegant as he walked, and he exuded a noble aura. Maeve held onto the wall and walked slowly. She was stunned for a moment when she saw this scene.


    The next second, Byron was already in front of her.


    "I''ll carry you down," Byron said calmly. His tone did not sound like he was negotiating with her. Instead, it sounded like he


    was informing her.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "No, thanks. I can walk by myself." Maeve shook her head and rejected him without any hesitation.


    It was just a little ufortable to walk. She felt much better than she did yesterday.


    Byron frowned slightly. "Breakfast will be cold by the time you walk downstairs."


    Then, he took a step forward, picked up Maeve, and strode out of the bedroom.


    Maeve raised her head and looked at his well-defined jaw. She had a lot on her mind.


    "I saw the bouquet and the phone. Thank you," she whispered.


    Byron walked into the elevator and asked her calmly, "Do you like it?"


    Maeve said, "I don''t think there''s a woman who wouldn''t love a surprise like that."


    "Is that so?" Byron gave her a sidelong nce. "I can''t tell how much you like it."


    He thought that if she liked it, she wouldn''t look so troubled.


    Maeve was speechless and could not answer.


    She liked it, whether it was the sticker or the new phone he had specially bought for her.


    However, Maeve thought that she would be happier if Byron had prepared this surprise for her not because she was his wife.


    After breakfast, Byron dropped Maeve off near Eternal Hope.


    "Are you


    sure you


    don''t need me to send


    you


    in?" Byron nced at her ankles. "Can you reach the office before dark?"


    have to worry about that. I''ll definitely make it before dark."


    The corners of Maeve''s mouth twitched. "You


    With that, she pushed open the car door angrily and slowly walked toward the building.


    It was a critical moment in the production of gowns. As long as she was not lying on the hospital bed and unable to move, she had toe to thepany.


    As long as Maeve walked slower, the pain in her wound would not be so obvious.


    "Maeve." A warm and clear voice


    From behind her.


    Maeve stopped and turned around. When she saw Alex walking over, she smiled at him. "Alex, good morning."


    "Good morning to you too." Alex noticed her abnormality and could not help but look at her feet. He asked worriedly, "Have you not recovered from your previous injuries? I see that you''re having a hard time walking." Maeve shook her head. "It''s not


    1. at. I identally fellst night, but it''s fine. I just walk slower."


    Alex sighed softly. "You''ve really been through a lot recently. Let me help you walk. This way, you won''t have to do it so hard."


    Seeing him extend his arm, Maeve was too embarrassed to refuse. She nodded and said, "Thank you, Alex."


    Alex said, "I told you not to avoid troubling me."


    The two of them chatted andughed as they walked into thepany. They did not notice that there was a gloomy and sharp gaze on their backs.

 Chapter 159

    When Maeve reached the 21st floor, she saw Leah walking out of the office with a solemn expression and her iPad in her hand. Upon seeing Maeve and Alex, Leah immediately walked forward. "Maeve, I was looking for you. Mr. Brown, it''s good that you''re here too." "What''s going on?" Alex asked.


    "Finesse


    Bloom updated a blog post on the official website today and showed the gown designs of Princess Elvira of Erancia," Leah briefed. "It''s exactly the same as Maeve''s." Maeve''s eyes widened in shock. "How is this possible?"


    Alex took the iPad from Leah. After he finished reading the contents, his frown deepened.


    It wasn''t just the same.


    The design n posted on the official website was Maeve''s. Only some details had been changed.


    Not only that, Finesse Bloom even issued a challenge to Eternal Hope on the official website.


    They said that they wanted to use the Erancia''s banquet topete with Eternal Hope''s designers.


    One was the benchmark of the fashion industry, and the other was a new talent in the fashion industry. There were countless people watching the battle between the twopanies. Maeve recognized that the gown designs on Finesse Bloom''s official website were the ones that she had lostst night. She suddenly realized that those racers were sent by Karen. But she couldn''t figure out how Karen knew that she had the design with her.


    "Mr. Brown, Ms. Mason, this is my mistake. Last night, I brought the gown designs back and wanted to make some modifications. I didn''t expect the bag to be s***ed and obtained by Finesse Bloom," Maeve exined apologetically. Leah frowned. "No wonder. I was wondering how Finesse Bloom got these designs when we did such a good job of keeping it


    a secret." There were three gown designs.


    "How far has your gown production progressed?" Alex pondered for a while and suggested to Maeve, "If you cane up with a better idea, you might be able to convince Miss Fiora to agree to change the design. It''s not toote now." Maeve shook her head. "The first gown is almost done. Some gems have been embedded and sewn on it. If they''re removed, the gown will definitely be damaged. Besides, I don''t want to give the designs to them just like that."


    She would never make way for a group of thieves, who used the design she had painstakingly drawn to challenge Eternal Hope.


    Maeve had finally seen how shameless Finesse Bloom was.


    that


    that


    Leah disagreed


    why don''t you think about what will happen to you after Fiora and Elvira wear the same dress at the states banquem? Your future will be ruined if there is a time record on the designs, it can''t be considered solid evidence. If you insist on continuing to use the original designs,


    Designers valued reputation the most.


    1/3  T


    9


    If Maeve''s reputation was ruined, no matter how outstanding her design skills were, she would be despised by the fashion industry. No one would pay for her designs anymore.


    Not to mention that Maeve might offend two royal nobles at once.


    As long as she was not s*****id, she should stop her losses now instead of benefiting her enemies in a fit of anger.


    Maeve understood Leah''s concerns, but she still said, "Ms. Mason, it''s their business that Finesse Bloom is used to taking shortcuts. However, if we turn a deaf ear to such incidents every time, it''s no different from telling them that we''re pushovers." She believed that retreating would only help the enemy''s arrogance.


    Messe Bloom


    has already taken your designs and imed that they''re theirs. If you don''t avoid them, are you going to fight them head-on?" Leah asked. Yes. I can''t take this lying down." Maeve''s tone was firm.


    Leah felt helpless. "You''re really reckless! I''ve already analyzed it so clearly with you. You..."


    "Just do as you think," Alex interrupted her gently. He stared at Maeve. "I''ll bear the consequences."


    Leah said, "Mr. Brown, she''s being s***d. How can you do this with her?"


    "I believe Maeve has her considerations." Alex''s attitude did not change. "Finesse Bloom has already challenged us like this. There''s no reason for us to take it down lying." Leah was furious. "Alright, I won''t i


    I won''t interfere in this matter anymore. It''s up to you!"


    With that, she left left angrily in her in her high heels.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve felt greatly troubled. She turned to Alex and said, "Mr. Brown, thank you for trusting me. I''ll go to the studio first."


    Alex nodded. "Don''t be too burdened. We''ll cross that bridge when wee to it."


    "I know that." Maeve forced a


    smile.


    Karen quickly got the news about the three of them arguing at the office door.


    Her room was a mess of debris and crumpled paper.


    After staying in that dark and terrifying basement for three days and three nights, Karen had be quite neurotic and would smash things to vent.


    Upon hearing this news, Karen finally smiled. The bridge of her nose, which had yet to fully recover, was slightly twisted.


    She said, "This b***h caused me so much trouble just because she has Byron''s support. Mom, I have to do everything to ruin her reputation this time."


    Apologize?


    She wondered, "He wants me to admit my mistake? No, I''ll never admit my mistake. I have to take a hard revenge for the pain I''ve suffered these days before I stop.


    Lydia''s face darkened. "I underestimated how much she matters to Byron and acted rashly. This kind ofpany battle is normal. He probably won''t interfere."


    "I know that." Karen''s eyes lit up. "That''s why I want to destroy Maeve. When she offends the Erancian royal family and bes notorious, I don''t believe the Mcdaniel family will still let her in."


    She knew that Mr. Mcdaniel would not sit back and do nothing.


    <3


    88% +5


    0


    Lydia was a little worried. "Are you sure that Horace won''t talk nonsense after receiving the money? He''s Maeve''s younger


    brother."


    "I don''t trust him," Karen said disdainfully. "When this matter is over, I''ll send him to the police station. If I didn''t have something on him, I wouldn''t have dared to ask him for help."


    She had only nned to ask Horace to make things difficult for Maeve.


    Karen did not expect to get the designs, which was a huge surprise for her.


    She thought, ''Maeve has such a nice brother''


    After Finesse Bloom issued the challenge, Maeve spent almost every day in the studio.


    Because


    of the previous argument,


    Leah was still angry.


    Even the other departments had heard that the two of them were at loggerheads now.


    There were even rumors that Maeve thought that because she had Alex''s favor, she did not take Ms. Mason seriously.


    The 1


    were arguing, which was something that Finesse Bloom loved to see.


    two


    They hoped that Maeve would make things worse and embarrass herself internationally.


    In the increasingly anxious atmosphere in Eternal Hope, the agreed delivery date arrived.


    Fiora sent some bodyguards over to retrieve the gowns.


    The three gowns were ced in three ck boxes. After one of the bodyguards checked them against the designs, he said to Maeve in a businesslike manner, "Miss Fiora hates it when the goods are incorrect. If such a situation happens, we will execute the right to refuse to pay the fees and hold you ountable."

 Chapter 160

    "Of course," Maeve affirmed.


    The bodyguard nodded and led the others out.


    Maeve sent them to the elevator. She had been worried about the gowns these days. After watching them leave, she finally felt relieved.


    "I advise you not to celebrate too early. I think your nightmare is just about to begin," Leah sneered as she walked past her.


    "There''s no need for you to worry." Maeve''s expression was aloof "No matter what the consequences are, I''ll bear them alone."


    Leah snorted and walked past her.


    Maeve didn''t take it to heart and prepared


    to go back to the studio to wrap up Byron''s new suit.


    Unexpectedly, when she turned around, she saw a familiar and aloof figure walking out of the elevator, followed by Archer and a group of Eternal Hope''s executives.


    Maeve was stunned on the spot and wondered why he was there.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Catching Maeve''s gaze, Byron looked at her from a distance. His eyes were calm, and his emotions were unpredictable.


    Samuel was also there. When he saw Maeve, he immediately smiled. "Mr. Mcdaniel, this is ourpany''s new designer, Maeve Reese. She''s in charge of your private customized suits this time." One had to know that Mr. Mcdaniel was very picky. Other than Bert''s customized handicrafts, he did not favor


    suits. suits.


    The fashion industry was shocked that Eternal Hope was able to gain his favor.


    It was also a good start for Eternal Hope''s future development in men''s clothing customization.


    Byron''s expression was indifferent. "I see."


    "Maeve, this is Mr. Mcdaniel. You should have seen him before. Come and greet him," Samuel said to Maeve.


    Maeve braced herself and walked forward. "Mr. Mcdaniel, nice to see you here. It''s been a while."


    any other


    Outsiders did not know about her rtionship with Byron. ording to the time she went to the Mcdaniel Group to sign indeed a while ago. the contract, it


    was


    A hint of mockery appeared in Byron''s eyes.


    He was wondering, ''It''s been a while? She slept beside me and talked in her sleepst night."


    "Ms. Reese, you don''t mind if I check the results of the suits now, right?" Byron said casually. "After all, it''s been a month."


    Before Maeve could answer, Samuel immediately said, "Of course, there''s no problem, Ms. Reese should be almost done! Isn''t that right, Ms. Reese?" Maeve held back the urge to refuse and nodded. "Yes."


    Samuel said, "Then I''ll have to trouble you to bring Mr. Mcdaniel over. Entertain him well. Don''t neglect our esteemed guest."


    §ã


    000 87%


    Maeve could only say, "Alright."


    Maeve brought Byron into the studio, while Archer and the others stayed outside.


    As soon as the door closed, she immediately asked Byron, "Why did you suddenlye over? Are you afraid that I''ll ck off?"


    Byron nced at her. "Ms. Reese, I''m here to check my suits. Don''t try to get close to me."


    Maeve was speechless and wondered, ''What''s going on with him recently? He always rebukes me for no reason. I''ve never offended him, have I?''


    Maeve was simply confused. Looking at his aloof expression, she could only temporarily suppress the doubts in her heart and try to discuss with him. She asked, "Can you not check them now?"


    Byron said said calmly, "Give me a reason."


    "I''m already at the finishing stage of your suits. I''ll give them to you the day after tomorrow at thetest," Maeve exined. "They''re notpleted yet. If you check them now, you''ll lose a sense of surprise." She was quite confident in those suits,


    Hearing that he would be surprised, Byron raised his eyebrows slightly, and the indifference in his eyes dissipated a little. His expression did not change, but his voice was filled with displeasure. "So you want me to go back like this?" Maeve''s eyes darted around. When she saw the coffee mug beside her, she immediately had an idea. "I''ll treat you to coffee! It''s hand-made. Everyone who has tried it says it tastes good!" Byron frowned slightly. "Who "Who has tried it?"


    He wondered if that gigolo


    had tried it.


    Maeve thought for a moment. "A designer in the office who''s on good terms with me and Ms. Mason."


    Byron''s expression softened a little before he nodded reluctantly. "Then I''ll give you a chance. If it doesn''t taste nice, you''ll have to bear the consequences."


    "It will absolutely taste nice!" After saying that, Maeve turned around and went to the coffee table to make coffee.


    Byron crossed I


    were


    arms and sized up the studio that was already exclusive to Maeve.


    many things son the workbench. Maeve had neatly categorized the fabric, needlework, chalk, and various clothes-making tools so that they did not look messy.


    thing was well-organized at a nce.


    The studio was as simple as her.


    Byron walked to her workbench and picked up two notes that she had casually written,


    The densely packed measurements and calctions were rigorous and meticulous.


    It waspletely different from her usual muddle-headed and slow style.


    The second note, however, had a huge crying face drawn on it. It even said, [I''ve spent all my mathematical knowledge on this. My head hurts.]


    Byron showed a smile. Suddenly, he heard Maeve shout behind him, "Byron, the coffee is ready."


    Maeve put the second pad away and turned to Maeve.


    11


    11


    did not boast. The coffee she made was indeed delicious.


    The fragrance was pure, and the taste was rich and smooth. Even the coffee made by the Mcdaniel Group''s secretary, who was the best at making coffee, could otpare to the one in Byron''s hand.


    After t


    tasting it, Byron raised his eyebrows and asked her, "Did you specially learn it?"


    Maeve nodded. "During my college time, I worked part-time in a cafe for a period. The manager saw that I looked young and taught me a few moves."


    This was not the first time Byron had heard about her part-time jobs.


    However, he did not expect her to have so many part-time jobs while she was in college.


    "Were you short of money when


    Ou were in college?" he asked.


    "If I didn''t need money, why would I do part-time jobs every day?" Maeve took a sip of coffee and gently pursed her lips. "But those part-time jobs weren''t for nothing. The things I''ve learned from them havee into use now." Not only could she earn money from those part-time jobs, but she could also enrich her life skills. She was actually quite satisfied. Byron''s eyes were deep. "Your parents didn''t care about you?"


    Maeve said,


    "Well... When I applied for the colleges I wanted to go to, I made the decision that they didn''t agree. They probably felt that their dignity had been challenged, so they stopped giving me living expenses." She remembered that when she was at her worst, she couldn''t even afford the cheapest bread in the canteen. She could only have the free oatmeal to fill her stomach.


    Now that she thought about it, she couldn''t even remember how she got through it.


    Maeve stopped recalling the past and asked him, "You''ve asked me so many questions, but why haven''t you said anything about your past?"


    "What do you want to know?" Byron asked calmly.


    Maeve thought for a moment. "I heard from Bonnie that your family has two sons. One is you, and the other is Neville Mcdaniel."


    Byron said, "Yeah."


    "But I remember you telling me that your parents valued their adopted son more and were not close to you." Maeve was puzzled. "So I''m thinking that the rumor about your family having two sons is fake. Actually, you are the only Mcdaniel family''s biological so


    Bonnie''s information was incorrect, indicating that the Mcdaniel family had never revealed Neville''s true identity.


    The outside world still regarded Neville as the second son of the Mcdaniel family.


    Maeve didn''t quite understand and thought, ''Why? Isn''t it said that these wealthy families value blood rtions the most?''

 Chapter 161

    Probably not expecting her to notice this, a trace of surprise shed across Byron''s eyes. Then, he took another sip of coffee unhurriedly. "You misunderstood." Maeve was stunned. "What?" "Before I returned to the Medaniel family. Neville was the Mcdamel family''s biological son."


    Hearing this,


    Maeve''s eyes widened slightly.


    Was that... what she was thinking?


    If that was the case, why would the Medaniel family keep Neville


    Why did the Mcdaniel family let him stay? Why did the Mcdaniel family treat him even better than Byron?


    Even if Neville did not do the identity swap, he was the one who benefited. He owed Byron.


    How could the Mcdaniel family do that? It was ridiculous.


    For a moment, Maeve felt extremelyplicated and her heart ached.


    However, when she saw how calm Byron was, she gradually felt relieved. She knew very well that Byron did not need anyone to feel sorry for him. The D The


    position he was in now was the best counterattack against the Mcdaniel family''s unfair treatment.


    Byron saw the change of emotions in Maeve''s eyes.


    She didn''t say those superficialforts that he was already used to and even hated.


    Byron.


    how about I treat you tonight? I will cook myself, Maeve suggested.


    Delicious


    food could solve most of the troubles in the world.


    If one meal didn''t work, then two.


    Byron suddenlyughed. His low and deep voice was as maic and pleasant as the sound of a cello, revealing traces of joy. "Good idea." After work, Maeve and Byron went to the market to buy ingredients.


    The market environment was not very good. Byron frowned slightly. "Why don''t you go to the supermarket?"


    "The ingredients here are rtively fresh and cheap. Moreover, I''m quite familiar with the bosses of a few shops. They will give me a discount every time, Macve said naturally. "I guarantee that the ingredients here are fresh." Byron did not say anything else. He watched as she chose the ingredients one by one and bargained with the bosses.


    Her soft voice


    §ß§Ö§Ô


    sounded cute.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Byron''s eyebrows suddenly twitched. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind him.


    "What''s wrong?" Maeve asked him in confusion.


    have money. I don''t need you to be so frugal," Byron said in a deep voice.


    Maeve refused firmly. "No, we can''t live a too extravagant life, what if we go bankrupt in the future and can''t adjust our mentality? We have to put an end to this situation from the beginning and be independent." Byron was speechless. He did not understand why she was acting cute with those bosses just for a few bucks.


    Also,


    she actually thought that he would go bankrupt in the future, so she didn''t dare to spend his money? Byron was so angry that he almostughed.


    "Even if you squander my assets without limit every day from now on, you won''t make me bankrupt," he said coldly. "You can try if you don''t believe me." He wanted to see if she could spend all his assets in her lifetime


    Maeve opened her mouth. Wasn''t she just making an analogy? Why was he so serious?


    At this moment, the boss walked over with the beef and handed it to Maeve with a smile. "Maeve, is this your boyfriend? He''s verypatible with you." "No, he''s NO, e''s not my boyfriend, Maeve subconsciously denied.


    Tue. Do you want me to introduce you! warmly.


    an outstanding


    man? He''ll definitely be worthy of you, the boss said


    young


    Maeve didn''t know whether tough or cry. "No need, no need.


    Hey, don''t stand on ceremony with me."


    Maeve regretted denying that Byron was her boyfriend. These middle-aged men and women loved to be matchmakers.


    At this moment, Byron took out his wallet and paid. He nced at her and said coldly, "Let''s go, honey."


    Then,


    he walked forward.


    Maeve was shocked. What was he doing?


    The boss was shocked too. Honey? The two were actually married?


    After


    buying the


    the ingredients and returning to the car, Maeve still hadn''t recovered from the shock. She secretly looked at Byron''s expressionless face through the car window, did you call me that just now?" She couldn''t help but ask curiously. Byron drove out of the parking lot. His expression did not change when he heard this. "What?"


    Just." Macve''s felt her ears heat up. She tightened her grip on her bag and whispered, "Didn''t you just call me honey?"


    heard wrong," Byron said calmly. "I said ''hurry."""


    Maeve was both shocked and speechless.


    Honey? Hurry?


    Maeve was stunned. Did she hear wrongly?


    What did he call her back then?


    turned his head to look at her with a teasing look in his eyes. "Why? Do you want me to call you honey so much that you hallucinated?


    Byron


    09:05


    Maeve felt shy and embarrassed. Her face turned red.


    "Not at all! You made me mishear!"


    "Maeve, true self-reliance is to dare to face your own heart."


    "I already said I didn''t! Shut up!"


    Byronughed softly, his eyes filled with joy.


    How gullible.


    +


    In Nightfall Manor, after the meal. Maeve returned to her room to take a shower so that she could wash away the smell of food.


    Aftering out of the bathroom, she saw Byron, who had changed into dark home clothes, walk in. He asked her, "Do you want to watch a movie as a gift for this meal?"


    "Now?" Maeve looked at the quartz clock. "Isn''t it toote to go to the cinema at this hour?"


    "I have a home theater on the basement level."!


    Maeve followed him from the elevator to the cinema on the first floor. When she saw the extravagant equipment around her and thefortable luxurious sofa in front of the screen, she could not help but click her tongue. He was so damn rich!


    "A movie without popcorn and coke is iplete," Maeveforted herself in a low voice. "We can''t buy happiness even if we have money."


    When Byron heard her soft voice, he took out his phone and sent a message to the butler..


    t long after, a servant pushed a cart in. There were coke buckets, a small popcorn machine, and some desserts and snacks When the servant brought the coke and popcorn over, Macve thanked him numbly. These damn rich people! Their lives were so extravagant


    Byron


    handed the iPad to her. "You can choose what you want to see."


    Maeve looked at him and suddenly remembered the movie they watched in the ward when he was injured and hospitalized.


    She had actually forgotten what the plot was about.


    However, she clearly remembered the warmth of his skin and the shallow breathing that brushed past her ears.


    She still had memories of that time.


    Maeve immediately retracted his gaze and pretended to look down at the movie to hide the sudden panic in his heart. "This one." Maeve chose a movie and returned the iPad to Byron


    When Byron saw the name of the movie she chose, he looked at her meaningfully. "Are you sure you want to watch this?"


    "Yes." Maeve nodded. In order to prevent the awkward situation from happeningst time, she specially chose a film that looked very pure.


    There would definitely be no more problems!

 Chapter 162

    162


    After the film began, the first scene of the male lead betraying his girlfriend and having sex with his ex. When Maeve, saw this, her expression turn nk bit by bit. This was not the end.


    The male lead talked affectionately with his ex, as if he was going to get back together with her.


    But then, he had sex with a dancer in a bar.


    His girlfriend rushed over and saw her boyfriend''s adultery. She rushed over angrily and tore the two of them apart. Then, she bit her boyfriend''s neck!


    It turned out that she had been bitten by a zombie on the way here and was gradually undergoing a mutation. She was about to be a zombie,


    So she decided to turn her boyfriend and the homewrecker into zombies.


    However, after the male lead was bitten by the zombie, there were no mutations. The research institute checked his blood and found that there were genes that suppressed mutations.


    Later on, the male lead received the protection of the research institute. He became even more unrestrained when he flirted with girls. He even had sex with zombies.


    Hence, the entire home theater was filled with the panting of the man and a lot of women...


    Maeve''s hand that was holding the popcorn trembled slightly.


    Byron, who was sitting beside her, turned his head and teased in her ear, "So you''re more interested in this kind of film?"


    It was all about sex.


    Maeve stuffed the popcorn into his mouth and retorted angrily, I didn''t! How would I know that the film called ''Rebirth would be like this?"


    How did the movies these days pass the censorship?


    Why didn''t they be more careful?


    Caught off guard by Maeve''s soft palm, Byron''s spine stiffened slightly, and his eyes gradually turned deeper.


    He grabbed Maeve''t hand and pulled her in front of him.


    She was caught off guard and the bucket of popcorn beside her fell onto the sofa


    Byron''s handsome face suddenly erged in front of her. The blue light on the screen reflected in his eyes, like a dark tide hitting a reef. His eyes were so deep that they made Maeve panic.


    The distance was too close. Her entire upper body was pulled in front of him. The refreshing scent of male hormones kept entering her nose.


    "We. We are watching a film. You are so close to me. How can still watch the film?" Maeve gulped and could not help but move back.


    Byron''s eyes darkened. His palm moved up the back of her neck and held the back of her head. Then, he lowered his head and kissed her restless red lips.


    The popcorn melted between their lips and teeth. Both of them asted the sweetness.


    Maeve''s heart was racing. Her fingers gripped his arm tightly and she slowly closed his eyes.


    The panting sounds in the film became the best aphrodisiac for the two people on this sofa. The temperature kept rising. The scene inside the room was indeed romantice. Perhaps it was because she had just finished bathing, Macve''s body emitted a faint fragrance of leaves. The smell was faint, attracting people to explore deeper. Byron''s rationality was gradually destroyed by this fragrance. He lightened his grip on Macve''s waist and pulled her into his arms tightly, kissing her deeper and handler. Maeve felt that her waist was about to be broken by him. There was a hint of indulgent pleasure in the faint pain. She could not and did not want to escape.


    However, Byron''s kiss stopped just above her corbone.


    "Maeve." He panted softly. His voice was so sexy that it made Maeve''s ears tingle. "Stop seduce me like this. I won''t be able to hold it in for long."


    Maeve''s face was flushed, and her body was still unconsciously trembling. Under the open cor of her pajamas, the red marks were faintly discernible, like a plum blossom blooming in the snow, seductive and charming- When she heard his words, her face turned even redder. She reached out to push him, only to realize that she didn''t have the strength.


    "I didn''t seduce you! It''s this film''s fault!" Maeve was embarrassed and angry.


    She shouldn''t have agreed to watch a film with him. Everytime they watched a film together, something would happen. Such) things had happened twice.


    Last time, there were so many parts of having sex in a horror film.


    This time, it was the same in a zombie film.


    Could there be any normal movies!


    At the thought of this, Maeve red at Byron in front of her. "You were the one who gave me the film list. You knew that there was something wrong with this film, but you didn''t remind me?" Byron''s Adam''s apple bobbed. He said without blushing. There are so many movies on the film list. Have I seen every one


    of them?"


    However, he had heard Ray mention the film before.


    Therefore, when Maeve picked this film, he had already sensed that something was wrong, but he did not stop her.


    As for the reason... Who knew?


    Maeve thought that it made sense and wanted to get off hisp.


    Unexpectedly, his arm suddenly tightened and she could not break free for a moment.


    "Let go." Maeve looked at him in confusion.


    Why was he still hugging her after kissing her?


    Did he think she was a bolster?


    "If you move again, I can''t guarantee that I won''t do anything to you here. Byron''s voice was hoarse. "Just watch."


    Maeve felt something and her body froze. "You... Can you control yourself?"


    Was she a walking aphrodisiac or something?


    It was just a kiss, but he...


    Byron did not say a word. He rested his chin on her shoulder and slowly calmed down the impulse and heat in his body. He kept panting.


    Maeve''s ears were burning as she listened. She wanted to leave him immediately, but she was afraid that if she moved, he would suddenly lose control and the situation would be worse.


    She could only try her best to shift her attention elsewhere. The lousy movies on the screen became pleasing to the eye. The film was alreadying to an end. The male lead, who had absolute immunity, died in the zombie world. How did he die?


    His ex, who he thought had turned into a zombie and died, bit his head into pieces. He died in the wilderness. No one cared about him anymore.


    Maeve was shocked to see this ending.


    "So the bastard died a miserable death? I take back what I said about this lousy film!"


    No wonder this film was on the four-star rmendation list. It was probably because of this ending.


    When Byron heard her exmation, his eyes turned deep again. He gritted his teeth,


    Maeve was staring at the screen when she suddenly felt a pain in her shoulder and neck.


    "Ah!" She turned her head in shock and saw Byron pressing against the back of her shoulder. She felt something warm and moist on her shoulder. She asked aggrievedly. "Why did you bite me?"


    She didn''t move.


    "Bite you?" Byron let go slightly. His voice was deep and hoarse, with a strong sense of danger. "More than that."!


    He emphasized the word "more".


    Maeve''s entire body trembled. She felt that she could vaguely understand what he wanted to do.


    An indescribable fear rose in her heart. After hesitating for a few seconds, she turned around and kissed theer of his lips. "How about this?"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Byron tightened his grip on her arm and said in a hoarse voice, Do you think this is enough to get rid of me?"


    Maeve endured the shame in her heart and leaned over to kiss him again. Suddenly, she thought of something and retreated. She looked at him and asked, "Byron, can you tell who''s in front of you now?"  G

 Chapter 163

    She would not be anyone''s substitute.


    No


    o matter how much she liked him.


    If he said Karen''s name, she would leave this ce without hesitation. She would definitely not pester him anymore.


    Maeve pursed her red lips and waited anxiously for Byron''s answer.


    After waiting for a long time, when she was about to be disappoited, she heard the man behind her say casually, "A stupid little girl" Maeve''s cheeks puffed up. Who was stupid? And she wasn''t a little girl at all.


    Just as she was about to question him, he kissed her lips again and she could not say anything


    She almost fell into his broad and warm embrace, epting the kiss that deepened.


    The hazy light of the cinema shone down, making them blush and their hearts race.


    A smell that was even sweeter than the sweet fragrance emitted by the popcorn slowly flowed.


    After the movie that taught the bastard man a lesson ended, Maeve picked another movie to watch.


    This time, she carefully searched in advance to ensure that there were no more strange plots before she dared to choose This time, it was a pure romance movie. Maeve heaved a sigh of relief.


    However, not long after, Byron realized that the woman in his arms seemed to have fallen asleep. Her breathing was light and even


    He picked her up and got up to leave.


    When the butler saw theming out, he was about to step forward to speak when he was stopped by a look from Byron. After they left, the butler could not help but look worried.


    Maeve


    was


    However...


    very good. The servants also liked her very much.


    The butler sighed.


    In t


    the


    master bedroom on the third floor. Byron ced Macve on the bed and pulled the nket over her. His palm could not help but stop for a moment before gently caressing her. The vibrating phone on the table interrupted this rare warm moment.


    Byron retracted his hand and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window with his phone. "What is it?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ve already found out who the racer who robbed Ms. Reese that day was," Archer said respectfully. "I feel that things are a little strange. That''s why I''m disturbing you sote at night to report to you Byron said in a low voice, "How is it strange?" "Those two racers were hooligans who dropped out of high school. They were friends of Ms. Reese''s younger brother. Horace Reese. They personally admitted that Horace instructed them to rob Ms. Reese for money"  $94%


    Archer reported to Byron about Horace causing trouble with his ssmates in school and borrowing tens of thousands dors from the hooligans outside the school. He even found out that Horace usually skipped sses, fought, caused trouble, and owed money in the underground casino.


    If not for the fact that he had personally investigated, Archer would not have believed that a young man would actually let someone rob his biological sister for money. A sharp glint shed across Byron''s eyes. "Is Horace an adult?"


    "No, he won''t be of age for another three months."


    "Then send him to the reformatory and let him stay there until he bes an adult, Byron said coldly.


    Archer replied, "Yes. I''ll I do it immediately."


    After hanging up the phone, Byron stood quietly in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. His eyes seemed to be dyed by the rich night sky outside the window, deep and dark. There was no expression on that handsome face, but the anger surging in his chest was difficult to calm down.


    Her situation was even worse than when he first returned to the Mcdaniel family years ago.


    After a


    a long time, he turned around and returned to the bed. He lifted the nket andy beside Maeve. of family.


    Then, he gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into his embrace. He rested his chin on the top of her soft head and slowly exhaled. She didn''t need that kind of


    Maeve was enough with him protecting her.


    The next morning, Maeve did not know that when she woke up, the culprit who had caused her to be knocked down had already been sent to the reformatory to be educated. In the mirror, the scabs on her face had all fallen off. The skin underneath was slightly red, but there were no scars at all,


    She was so happy that she jumped on the spot twice. She felt that her ankle was still a little ufortable and immediately stopped.


    After


    washing up, she took her bag downstairs and ran to Byron, who was sitting at the dining table. She leaned her face towards him.


    Byron raised his eyebrows when he saw how proactive she was.


    She was asking him for a morning kiss right after she woke up?


    That was too much


    With this thought in mind, Byron put down the coffee cup in his hand and lowered his head slightly to kiss Maeve''s plump lips. He even sucked her lips gently.


    The servants in the dining room immediately lowered their heads, not daring to look again.


    Maeve was also stunned by him. Then, her face flushed red and her heart thumped. "Why did you


    kiss me?


    "Didn''t youe over and ask me to kiss you?" Byron asked. "There are still outsiders around. When can you be more reserved?"


    Maeve''s eyes widened at his question. "I came over to let you see that the wound on my face has healed. I didn''t let you kiss


    Not only did he kiss her, but he even med her for it!


    Byron naturally did not think that he had misunderstood. He only thought that she was shy and quibbling. He took a few more nces at her face. "Isn''t one side of your face injured? Why are both sides so red?" Maeve clenched her fists. ''Don''t you know who caused that? She thought. Thinking of what she was about to tell him, she calmed down and hesitated for a long time. Byron could tell that


    she


    wanted to to say something but but hesitated. "What do you want to say?" disappeared.


    "Well, we agreed that I will stay at t your house


    Byron understood what she meant. His smilentil my injuries recover. I''m almost healed now. Sorry to trouble you during this period of time, Maeve said hesitantly.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "You''ll have to


    back


    Ungrateful? Why was he so serious? cover. Maeve, how can you be so ungrateful?"


    At A trace of f confusion appeared I in Maeve''s eyes. "I didn''t mean that. It''s just that I haven''t been back for almost a month. I don''t know if the vegetables I nted are dead or alive... Looking at his suddenly cold expression, Maeve didn''t know what to say.


    Byron ignored her quibble and interrupted her calmly. "It''s up to you. You don''t have to exin to me."


    It did make her seem a little heartless to leave as soon as she recovered.


    It


    However, she was afraid that if she continued t I to live


    She might as well take the initiative to leave when she he, she would feel even worse when she really had to leave one day.


    had a choice.


    Maeve pursed her lips and did not exin further. She sat on the other side and ate in silence.


    Half an hourter, Byron sent her to the intersection in front of thepany. For the first time, he asked the driver to drive away without waiting for her to walk past Maeve stood by the roadside, feeling a sudden sense of loss.


    Was he angry?


    Feeling


    Before


    gher phone vibrating in his pocket, Maeve immediately took it out to take a look.


    It was actually her mother.


    efore this, there were a few missed calls and more than a dozen text messages.


    It was obvious that it was about Horace again.


    Maeve ignored her mother and walked into thepany with her phone..


    For the entire day, Maeve was listless. In the afternoon, she saw finesse Bloom post thetest news on the official website:


    [The gown has been delivered to Princess Elvira of Erancia. The princess is very satisfied. Everyone can look forward to the live broadcast of the state banquet the day after tomorrow.]

 Chapter 164

    Thements below were all cheering. Finesse Bloom was mostly praised for winning the favor of the royal princess and obtaining a showcase opportunity at the state banquet. The brand was promising. There were also some sarcasticments against Eternal Hope


    [They evenck the courage to respond to Finesse Bloom''s challenge. The top luxury brand in the country? What a joke!]


    [Is Eternal Hope afraid of being outdone by Finesse Bloom, so they be so quiet?]


    [The designer in charge of the royal order at Eternal Hope is a newbie called Marve. She doesn''t even have many famous works. That exins their silence.]


    [LOL, they can''t muddle through by ying dumb like this. The whole world will see the live stream the day after tomorrow. I think some people are going to be a globalughingstock] More sarcasticments followed.


    The post drew more attention and became the third trending topic on social media. The buzz was building, but there was still no response from Eternal Hope.


    Everyone tended to believe that Eternal Hope had chickened out. Nearly half of the customers, who had made an appointment with Eternal Hope for their gowns, changed their minds at thest minute,


    If a new brand like Finesse Bloom proved to have the power to overshadow Eternal Hope, Eternal Hope would probably be downgraded on the day of the state banquet. That would mean devastation to the footing they had built up over a decade.


    As the crisis was looming, the designer''s office on the 21st floor was plunged into gloom. The usualughter and chat were §Õone.


    Maeve left thepany under her colleagues'' angry gazes. Suddenly, a car pulled up beside her and the window rolled down. "Maeve, it''s been a long time." Karen sat in the car with his chin raised in disdain. Thanks to you, I''ve been to the hospital lot recently." Maeve looked at her and asked coldly, "You mean a stic surgery hospital?"


    Karen''s face hardened as she subconsciously reached for the bridge of her nose that was recovering. Then she gritted his teeth in anger. "Huh, you''re very funny," Karen sneered. ''However, I''m not here for a chitchat. I''m here to offer you a way out, out of


    kindness.


    "After the livestream the day after tomorrow, I''m afraid you can''t stay in Eternal Hope anymore, right? I can take pity on you and let you work at mypany, but your work can only be used in the name of others. At least it''s considered a waste use. That will make your garbage useful again."


    The look on her face made Maeve feel patronized. She then fixed Karen with an icy stare


    "Karen, you think too highly of yourself. I won''t even go to your trashpany, a ce for bad lots. My works can be used in the name of your designers? Not gonna happen."


    "Do you think you have other choices after the day after tomorrow? No famous designpany will want a designer who is globally notorious for giarism, not to mention Eternal Hope, Karen warned.


    Maeve frowned. "You have no shame. You''re the ones who giarized!"


    "Is that so? Do you have any evidence? Karenughed arrogantly, "Others will only think that you are talking nonsense. No


    one will not believe you. This is so hrious."


    we


    If Maeve could prove our giarism, she would have done it long ago. Sadly, she has no evidence, Karen thought. confidently.


    A loud pnded on Karen''s cheek, tears ofughter falling from her eyes. It caught her off guard, and she looked at Maeve in disbelief. "Maeve, how dare you hit me!"


    "Because you just reminded me. Maeve waved her hand casually. She looked at the furious Karen and smiled. "I told you in the basement that I would hit you every time I see you in the future. By the way, you''re really thick-skinned. My hand hurts. from the smack," With that, Maeve slowly turned around and got into the car, leaving Karen with her sharp cry behind.


    Karen banged the car window, her face gradually contorting with hatred. ''I swear I''ll ruin her reputation this time,'' Karen thought darkly.


    The taxi stopped in front of the apartment building. Maeve paid and got off. Unexpectedly, she saw a familiar slender figure beside the flower bed.


    "B-Byron?" she murmured. Her eyes widened slightly as she quickened her pace and stopped before Byron. "Why are you here?" she asked in confusion.


    Byron was wearing a dark windbreaker. The cor design made his impable face look even more cold and handsome. He looked like a medieval nobleman in those ancient oil paintings.


    "Huh? So I can''te?" Byron asked.


    "That''s not what I meant... Maeve shook her head. "I''m just a little surprised. Why aren''t you home at this hour?"


    Byron''s gaze was cold. "I''m here to check if you''ve broken my expensive furniture."


    Maeve immediately replied, "No! I had been watching them move the things that day. Your furniture is absolutely fine."


    "I don''t believe you," he said. Maeve could only bring him upstairs to take a look.


    The apartment hadn''t been decorated yet, but there was some furniture. It looked a little drab.


    Maeve brought him to the guest bedroom. "Look, your things are fine."


    Byron walked in and looked around. Then, he raised his eyebrows. "Tll sleep here tonight"


    Maeve was stunned. "Aren''t you going back to your manor?"


    "The manor bed is not asfortable as this one," he remarked.


    Maeve was trying to say something else, but Byron turned to look at her and asked, "Do you know how much my private doctor cost me?"


    The topic changed too fast. "How much?" she asked, looking puzzled.


    "Millions of dors a year."


    Maeve gasped and started doing the maths in her head. ''Millions of dors? His sry is so many times mine."


    She looked up at Byron with watery eyes. "H-How much do I have to pay him for the medical fees?"


    A trace of a smile shed across Byron''s eyes, and his tone remained unchanged. "I can waive your medical fees, but...


    G


    He paused to give the guest bedroom a meaningful look. Maeve instantly guessed what he wanted. She was about to say it


    out loud but she couldn''t.


    If I agree to let him stay here, then there''s nothing different between living here and the old days at Nightfall Manor. And I''ll still be affected by him, Maeve thought.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    She was afraid that she would end up in a worse situation and suffer more in the future.


    It was only human nature to protect themselves and avoid harm and Maeve was no exception.


    The silence dragged on, and Byron''s eyes gradually turned cold. Finally, he couldn''t help but ask, "Why? Are you unhappy that I''m staying?"


    Maeve opened her mouth but was too flustered to answer him.


    The doorbell suddenly rang, distracting them. Maeve immediately felt as if she had been saved. She said, "I''ll go get the door. Then she ran to it. Byron looked at her back with a dark expression.


    When Maeve opened the door, her face turned ashen. "Why are you here?"


    "I thought I was mistaken, but it''s really you, Maeve, Jeff said.


    Jeff put his hand on the door frame. His face looked haggard as if alcohol had sucked him dry. He looked at Maeve with undisguised longing


    "You actually moved to the opposite apartment. Did you do it on purpose? You thought it through and want to get back together with me?" he ventured.


    The smell of alcohol in his mouth made Maeve take a step back. She pressed against the door hard. "If I knew that you lived here, I wouldn''t have moved here. Are you done? Take your hand away." "What a bad day. Why is this bastard living opposite to me?'' Maeve cursed inwardly.


    0

 Chapter 165

    Jeff did not let go and tried to squeeze in through the door. His tone was sinister. "Because of you, my life has been a living hell. How are you going to make it up to me? Huh?"


    It had been a long time since hest saw Maeve. Her family couldn''t help him. Jeff had long wanted to vent his anger and finally found her. It would be strange if he left so easily.


    "Let go!" Maeve shouted as her wrist started to hurt. She pushed the door so hard that her face turned red. Suddenly, she felt a pair of hands pulling her shoulders back.


    She was forced to let go and Jeff got in with a smug expression.


    "Do you think you can run away- Halfway through his sentence, Jeff took a kick in the abdomen, and the brutal force sent him flying. He hit the ground and made such a noise that it spooked Maeve. She swallowed and could not help but look at Byron. He was walking past her with a cold expression.


    The dark windbreaker was just below his knees, and his slim suit pants brought out his leg muscles as he walked.


    It was a bad time to notice this, but Maeve already recalled that every time they kissed, he would sandwich her legs between. his, not allowing her to move or break free. He was extremely domineering. Her heart beat faster, and her palms were slightly hot. She forgot to be afraid for a moment


    Outside the door, Jeff was sweating profusely from the pain. He kept cursing, Fuck, who the fuck are you?"


    Byron walked out with one hand in his pocket. His shiny leather shoes stepped on Jeff''s chest and exerted a strong force.


    Jeff''s face immediately turned ashen. He heard his ribs shattering and tasted blood in his throat. Now he sobered uppletely and looked at Byron with fear.


    Jeff''s broken wrist seemed to be in pain again as he thought. Why is this evil guy here?''


    "Stay away from her." Byron''s gaze was condescending and cold. "You''ll break more than a few ribs if I see you again."


    Byron retracted his leg, and Jeff choked. Despite the pain in his chest, he scrambled to the elevator.


    Byron turned around and walked back into the apartment. When he saw Maeve leaning against the wall, dazed and blushed, he asked in a low voice, "He''s just a weakling. Why are you scared of him?" She was embarrassed about the sudden thoughts just now. Afraid that her eyes would betray her, she avoided his eyes.


    "N-No, I''m not scared of him. You''re here to protect me, right?" Maeve said..


    "Then what are you scared of?" Byron''s sharp gaze seemed to be able to see her through. Just now, your hand was shaking so much that you couldn''t even hold the doorknob."


    ''She had a big reaction, Jeff was not the only reason. Besides, I''m here for her. There must be something else, Byron guessed.


    Maeve held her breath and the blush on her face slowly faded. She pressed her lips together and did not speak.


    Byron did not press her but stared at her quietly.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, you seem very interested in other people''s previous rtionship?" Maeve avoided answering and pretended to be rxed. "But I don''t have the obligation to satisfy your curiosity, right?"  G


    "Don''t change the tople-Byron did fall for her trick. "It''s not toote to call yourself other people after our divorce."


    Hearing this, Maeve choked. He even mentions divorce at this time. He can''t wait to divorce me, right, sheined in


    her heart.


    Feeling bitter and angry, she retorted, "We''re going to get a divorce anyway. Aren''t you afraid that your future wife will be jealous if she finds out that you''re so curious about my past?" As Byron heard this, there was a fleeting faint smile in his eyes. Maeve, are you jealous?"


    Tm doing this for your own good." Maeve put on a fake smile. Besides, haven''t you already guessed that there was something between me and Jeff? Why do you have to ask me?"


    "I want to hear it from you," he insisted.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    This bastard is not easy to fool, she thought. She did not even mention that matter to Bonnie. That was also the main reason why Maeve was afraid of Jeff.


    After dating for a while, Jeff revealed his true colors. Once Maeve disobeyed him, he would be furious.


    Once, when she woke up in the middle of the night at home, she saw Jeff standing by her bed and staring at her with the same murderous gaze.


    Jeff then questioned Maeve if she had an affair with another man. Otherwise, why would she mention breaking up? He even said that it was better to let her die before she could cuckold him.


    When she was struggling, she identally cut Jeff. Later, he used it to threaten her to get back together. She didn''t dare to mention breaking up ever since.


    The thought of those dark days made her throat tighten. If Mave told Byron the story, she would be a real mess and he would not feel sorry for her. She did not want to use it to get his pity, so she decided to keep it a secret.


    "Forget it. I''m not interested in your rtionship with another man." Byron''s voice was low and deep. "You won''t see him again. Get rid of him from your mind as soon as possible."


    Maeve blinked, not knowing what to feel. Before she could think of a reply, Byron let go of her. He checked his watch and said, "It''s gettingte. Lock the door and windows. Bye." Maeve was stunned. She should have felt relieved, but her hand grabbed his windbreaker when he left.


    "W-Wait," she whispered.


    Byron turned his head. "What''s wrong?"


    Maeve was a little flustered. "Didn''t you just say that you wanted to sleep here? You even said this bed is morefortable than the one in the manor."


    Tve changed my mind now," Byron said lightly. "Besides, I have no reason to stay."


    "That''s not what you just said, Maeve thought with dismay.


    in her mind. After a while, she said, "You said we don''t have any ns to Maeve bit her lip as she searched for an excus separate for now. If you leave now, we''ll be separated, right?"


    "If I remember correctly, you insisted on moving out and living separately from me?" Byron looked at her with a faint smile. "Why? Are you regretting it?"


    Maeve gritted her teeth. To sleep well tonight, she nodded vigorously. "Yes, I regret it. Now I fully understand how lucky 1 am to be able to live with you." ¦£¦°.


    Half an hour ago, she would ever have thought that she would ask Byron to stay.


    ''Damned Jeff. Why would a trust fund kid live in such an ordinary ce? And he lives right opposite me,'' she thought angrily.


    Byron snorted softly, thinking. ''Little liar, there is no truth to what she said. Does she really think I don''t know why? She''s afraid of being alone here at night."


    Byron took her hand off the edge of his windbreaker and walked towards the living room. "What are we having for dinner?"


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief and locked the door carefully. Then, she followed closely behind. "You can eat whatever you want," she answered.


    Maeve thought happily, "With Byron sleeping in the next room, I''m not afraid of Jeff. Byron alone can take down ten men like Jeff.


    It was time for sleep. Maeve dried her hair andy down on the bed. The next second, she heard a bang and then a shaking sound. Just like that, the bed copsed.

 Chapter 166

    Maeve quickly turned over and saw the bed tilted to the side. She was stunned on the spot.


    She thought, "My bed cost 400 dors and I''ve slept on it for a few years. Why did it copse?


    Maeve squatted down and


    She scratched her hea


    and tried to straighten the bed. However, she saw that the foot of the bed was extremely worn out. It was probably because the movingpany had identally broken it that the bed suddenly copsed. head in anger. She had been so focused on supervising them to treat Byron''s furniture well that she had forgotten about her own. She wanted to find something to put on the foot of the bed for the night, but it was useless even after trying for a long time.


    Five minutester, Maeve stoodC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    at the door of the guest bedroom with a pillow in her arms. She smiled awkwardly at Byron. who came out to open the door. "Well, you might not believe it, but it seems that my bed suddenly copsed due to long-term use just now. I think it''s normal for a married couple to sleep in the same bed." Byron thought. Was that the sound of her bed copsing just now?


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure it copsed because of long-term use? You didn''t cause it to copse on purpose so that you can sleep on my bed?" almost choked on his words.


    Maeve


    "How is that possible? I-I''m not heavy, she said a little guiltily.


    Byron sized her up lightly and then moved aside to let her in. He said teasingly, "Be gentle on the bed. Don''t cause another bed to copse."


    Maeve''s face immediately turned red. She hugged the pillow tightly and walked in angrily. She deliberately jumped up bed as if she were going against him. It would be best if the bed copsed. He would have to sleep on the floor with her tonight.


    Unfortunately, the bed that cost several million dors was like a wall. She jumped so hard, but it didn''t shake at all.


    At this moment, Byron walked over and nced at her. "Go to sleep. Don''t make any noise."


    Maeve crawled into bed resentfully.


    the


    the


    As the lights dimmed, Maeve felt the spot beside her slowly sink. The scent that belonged solely to Byron almost enveloped her.


    Maeve pulled up the nket and sniffed. She sighed.


    "What''s wrong?" Byron asked solemnly.


    "I smell something


    Maeve could not help but roll to the side. She was wrapped in softness and said solemnly. "The smell of money."


    Byron frowned slightly at the sudden space beside him but did not speak.


    Anyway, she would roll back by herself in thetter half of the night.


    Sleeping on this bed, Maeve soon felt sleepy.


    Just as she was about to fall asleep, she suddenly heard Byron ask in a deep voice, "The Mcdaniel Group is holding the annual party this Saturday night. Do you want to go with me?" "Annual party?" Maeve was in a daze. "It''s it''s fine.


    Maeve wait for me at home on Saturday afternoon. I''ll pick you up."


    did not respond to him this time and fell asleep.


    Byron turned


    ned around and looked at her. His cold eyes softened when he saw her sleeping with her cheek against the pillow.


    The state banquet of Eranciasted for an entire day and was held in Iredale Pce.


    During the day, it was an important asion whereby the heads of state visited and met with the Queen. Members of the royal family were gathered, so live streaming was not avable. It could only be seen on the international news. At night, when the live streaming started, tens of of millions ofizens flooded in. Filming was still gathered inside were members of the


    Most of the people ited in the banquet hall where the Queen and the heads of state were seated. The location of the filming was the side hall of Iredale Pce.


    Princess B


    Elvira,


    of the royal family and the descendants of famous people from other countries. They were drinking and chatting happily. who had recently gained a lot of attention on social media, was among them.


    When the camera focused on her, everyone was stunned by the silver-white tasseled feather dress she was wearing. Erancia''s culture was more reserved and conservative, so they were not that bold in their dressing,


    The dress yed perfectly to Elvira''s advantage, making her sparkle and stand out in the crowd.


    Not long after, this scene appeared on the trending list in the country. Second on the list was Finesse Bloom.


    When


    Karen


    saw this, she immediately called the public rtions department of Finesse Bloom and asked them to release the prepared draft. They had won this battle.


    At this moment, the camera in the live stream turned and stopped on the right.


    A young girl in a retro pce dress with snowe flowers walked over. She was holding a folding fan in herce-gloved


    hands.


    Like a shower of flowers, the light purple snowe flowers entrenched themselves on her cor, cuffs, and skirt, turning static into movement in an instant. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her looks were instantly enhanced.


    Loren, who was standing beside her in a dark blue tuxedo, looked even more handsome.


    The cor of his shirt was embroidered with golden thread, and there was a snowe flower on each sleeve. It was just right


    "Princess Fiora, you''re really beautiful tonight."


    11


    11.


    "Prince Loren, may I have the pleasure of dancing tonight''s first dance with you?"


    94%T


    "Oh. Your Highness, look at the national flower on your gown. I''ve never seen such a beautiful and vivid pattern. It looks like the flowers are going to fly out of your dress."


    "If I may be so bold as to ask, whose masterpiece is this?"


    The corners of Fiora''s mouth curled up. She would not tell these people and give them a chance to wear the same dress as


    ner.


    her.


    Loren looked at her and replied to that person. "The designer of Eternal Hope, Maeve Reese." He added, "I like it very much." The expressions of those people changed instantly. Some even secretly took out their phones.


    Fiora red at Loren, but she could not re up on the spot


    "Princess Fiora." At this moment, a prince raised his ss to Fiora and praised, "Tonight, you are undoubtedly the belle of the empire.


    Fiora lifted


    Elvira''s


    In t


    I the hem of her dress and returned the greeting sweetly.


    face darkened. She


    the end, her movements were too big, and the strap on her gown suddenly loosened. She screamed in shock and Inurriedly reached out to cover herself. "Oh, Finesse Bloom! I won''t let you off!"


    The scene became chaotic.


    Before the live stream ended, only Elvira''s angry shout could be heard...


    Nobody could ess the, trending searches in the country for a moment,


    Hashtags: "Eternal Hope, Reese", "Princess Fiora''s three outfits", "Prince Loren praises the designer, Maeve Reese", "Crewelwork going international", "Princess Elvira''s gown fell and she made a fool of herself in public" and "The Finesse Bloom hated by Princess Elvira posted all over the inte saying that Eternal Hope was mediocre".


    It was no exaggeration to say that nearly a dozen topics on the trending list were discussing what had happened at the banquet just now.


    IL


    Elvira was outshined by Fiora tonight because her gown paled inparison to Fiora''s, and her gown fell because of Finesse Bloom''s quality control issue.


    Any woman with status would not be interested in such a shameful brand.


    Finesse Bloom had been marketing itself as the future top luxury brand in the country that was going international for nearly a month. At this moment, the brand''s reputation had fallen to an all-time low


    "Oh!" Karen screamed and smashed everything on the desk. The assistant came over to persuade her, but she kicked him


    -hard.


    "Didn''t you say that Maeve would follow the original design? Then what is this? Where did Fiora''s three gownse from?"

 Chapter 167

    The assistant held his knee and was in so much pain that he could not straighten his back. "Either the information we received was wrong, or the higher-ups of Eternal Hope and Maeve have been putting on an act and lying to us


    Elvira and Fiora''s gowns were not of the same standard at all. It was like the difference between a simplified version and an exquisite version.


    In other words, it meant that the design that Finesse Bloom had obtained from the beginning was fake.


    Karen was even angrier. She smashed everything that could be smashed in the office.


    She thought, I''ve been tricked by that bitch!"


    "Ms. Booth, the issue of Princess Elvira''s gown has already be a trending topic. If you don''t deal with it as soon as possible, the impact on thepany-


    Karen was furious. "Do I need you to teach me how to do things? Why did I spend money to hire you guys? Find a publicist to suppress all the news online and get the designer to send an apology to Princess Elvira to absolve Finesse Bloom of responsibility," The assistant suffered in silence. "Yes."


    While the apology letter on the official website of Finesse Bloom was ridiculed by allizens, everyone on the 21st floor of Eternal Hope was celebrating.


    "Let''s apud the great hero!" Leah raised Maeve''s hand andughed. "We won a great battle."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    The other designers apuded.


    "Oh, I heard that thepany''s pre-orders have skyrocketed today, and the sales of other series have also increased. It''s all


    thanks to Maeve."


    "Good job. You''ve done us proud."


    "Maeve, with Prince Loren''s attestation, your path in the future will be much smoother. The doubts and disdain you''ve suffered these past few days haven''t been in vain."


    Maeve''s face blushed from everyone''s praise. She pursed her lips and smiled embarrassedly. Thank you, everyone, I''ve made you worry during this period of time. I''ll treat everyone to drinks next week at work."


    Leah immediately said, "Shouldn''t you give an actor like me a treat? I''ve sacrificed so much for your show,"


    Maeve smiled wryly, "Okay, I''ll treat you alone to a week''s worth of drinks."


    At this moment, Alex walked in. As he greeted the others, he said, "Everyone has worked hard during this period of time. It''s Saturday tomorrow. I''ll treat everyone to a jacuzzi to celebrate."


    The office was instantly filled with cheers. "Mr. Brown is generous.


    Alex smiled and could not help but look in the direction of Maeve. Her eyes were curged like crescent moons as she smiled. The dimples at the corner of her lips revealed a sweetness that made his heart suddenly begin to beat faster. He hurriedly averted his gaze, and his ears slowly turned red.


    While Maeve and the others were happily unaware, Leah happened to catch a glimpse of it.


    She narrowed her eyes and wondered, "Why is Mr. Brown looking at Maeve shyly? Something is wrong


    G.


    After a while, Alex called Maeve out alone..


    Alex said, "Mr. Lambert said that most of the pre-orders today are because of you. There''s nock of royalty and foreign celebrities among them. The remmeration is generous. Ile hopes you can ept them all. I want to hear your opinion" Maeve was stunned for a few seconds. After thinking seriously for a moment, she shook her head and refused.


    Maeve said, "I have limited energy. If 1 ept all of them, my career path for the next two years will be confined to customization. It''s not conducive to long-term development." Alex''s eyes were filled with admiration. "You''re just as I thought. There''s no need to use up your value quickly for temporary benefits. You still have to cherish your reputation."


    If Maeve really epted those orders and produced a design every one or two months, that would be no different from the wholesale business on the streets. Gradually, her designs would lose their value.


    Ordinary designers would not have such a problem, but Maeve sessfully made a name for herself with the few gowns designed for Princess Fiora.


    From this moment on, she was destined to walk a different path from others.


    "I understand." Maeve''s eyes crinkled. "That''s why I think I''ll only ept two custom orders in half a year. The rest of the time. I''ll focus on thepany''s internal series design"


    She knew very well that her current reputation was as illusory as fog.


    When the state banquet of Erancia was over, no one would remember who she was.


    Slow and steady won the race. There was no such thing as instant sess.


    Alex was very pleased to see that Maeve had thought it through so thoroughly. He chuckled and said. "It''s rare for a new designer who has suddenly be famous to be as rational and calm as you."


    Then, he asked, "By the way, can I ask you a question?"


    "Go ahead."


    "How did you know that Finesse Bloom would steal your design? Why did you happen to have it with you?"


    Maeve touched the tip of her nose. "Would you believe me if I said I didn''t know? That day, I heard that Finesse Bloom was founded by Karen. Moreover, after her designer reced my interview on Trend Style Magazine, I had a feeling that she would make the next move. "That''s why I deliberately brought the scrapped design draft with me and waited for her to make a move. I didn''t expect her to really make a move and dere war on us on the inte with great fanfare."


    Maeve did not know that the racer was Horace''s friend. Thinking that the design draft was obtained by Finesse Bloom, she assumed that Karen had hired someone to hit her.


    Alex could not help butugh. "What about Princess Elvira''s shoulder strap? Was that within your expectations?"


    Maeve shook her head. "That was really an ident. The shoulder straps of the evening gown in the design are very thin. The material and craftsmanship requirements are very high. If it were me, I would choose to sew it by hand. Machines are prone to that kind of situation


    It was true that the quality control of Finesse Bloom was not up to standard. Even such a basic problemi was overlooked.


    For some reason, Alex''s heart was beating faster. He looked at Marve''s serious expression and gradually became distracted


    Maeve still had to make a trip to the Medaniel Group and give the finished suit to Byron. She said goodbye to Alex.


    "I was wondering if pigs would fly." Leah walked over and said sarcastically, "Mr. Brown, you''ve always ignored thepany''s big and small matters, and are only obsessed with design. Would


    specially ask Mr. Lambert about such a


    small matter?"


    Alex coughed. "Leah, what are you trying to say?"


    No one in Eternal Hope knew that Leah and Alex were biological siblings. It was just that one of them took after their mother''s surname.


    "Let me ask you, do you like Maeve?" Leah asked Alex directly.


    Alex was silent for a second. His ears were red as he nodded.


    Leah''s eyes almost popped out when he admitted it. "Are you serious? Didn''t you n to never get married in this lifetime?"


    "That was my original n." Alex rubbed the back of his head and smiled like a young man who had just graduated from university. "But when I saw Maeve, I felt that if the person I''m going to spend the rest of my life with is her, then I would like to give marriage a chance."


    The most terrifying thing in the world was when an unromanticguy started to say sweet nothings.


    Leah was shocked and speechless by Alex for a long time. W

 Chapter 168

    In the Mcdaniel Group, the secretary panicked for a moment when she saw Maeveing over. "Ms. Reese, Mr. Mcdaniel has something on now. Could youe overter?" "Is he busy?" Maeve asked curiously. "N-not really..." The secretary was hesitant.


    Maeve''s eyes curved up. "That''s fine. He asked me to go in directly. He shouldn''t me me. Thank you for reminding me." The secretary sighed and watched her leave. She had tried her best.


    In the office, Karen stood by the desk and cried pitifully, tears falling down endlessly. No man could help but feel pity for


    her.


    Byron did not even look up. The piles of documents were getting thinner with his enormous efficiency.


    Karen, who had been crying for almost half an hour, felt kind of helpless as if she was winking at a blind person.


    "Byron, Finesse Bloom is apany that my father funded for me. I don''t want to see it destroyed like this. Can you help me?" Karen begged weakly.


    Byron signed the document swiftly and said indifferently, "Your father dotes on you very much."


    Karen hurriedly nodded. "Yes, my father definitely doesn''t want to see...


    Byron interrupted her. "Now that he dotes on you so much, he probably won''t fuss over such a small matter."


    Karen choked and her tears fell even more miserably. "Can''t you just help me? As long as I have your words, Finesse Bloom can get through this difficult time...


    Byron


    "1,


    paused slightly. "After you came out of the basement, did you apologize to Maeve?"


    have I been locked up by you for so long, right?" Karen bit her lips. "I know my mistake now."


    "Then you didn''t." Byron''s eyelids lifted slightly as he looked at her coldly. "What identity are you using to ask me for help now? My secretary, or Patrick Booth''s daughter?" Before Karen could answer, Byron added coldly, "No matter what your identity is, I don''t think there''s a need for me to offend my wife for you."


    "Your wife? Karen''s eyes widened as she felt burning jealousy in her heart. You just admitted that she is your wife? And y even refused to help me just for that b***h? What? That''s not fair Karen took a deep breath. "You promised my father you''d take good care of me. Have you forgotten that


    "The fact that you can still stay in thepany is my greatest tolerance for you." Byron''s thin lips curled up coldly. "You should know very well how much I hate people who push their luck." Karen''s entire body turned freezing cold.


    Suddenly, a faint beeping sound came from the sensor door of the office


    you


    Karen nced at Maeve''s figure from the corner of her eye. The jealousy in her eyes instantly erupted to its new peak. She immediately leaned against Byron and hooked her arms around his neck, in an attempt to kiss his lips. Byron coldly avoided it. Then, he stood up and pushed her away forcefully.


    Just as he was about to question her, Maeve walked over and looked at them in a daze.


    Byron narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "No matter what you''re thinking now, it''s not like that."


    Maeve''s eyes turned moist and she almost wanted tough somehow.


    "Looks like I''ve disturbed you? Maeve lowered her eyes and said softly, "I''m here to deliver the suit. I''ll leave now. Enjoy your


    time


    She put the bag on the sofa and turned to leave quickly.


    Byron''s Adam''s apple bobbed. His cold and oppressive gazended on Karen. "Did you do it on purpose just now?"


    Karen exined with a sobbing tone. I''ve been feeling unwell recently. I just suddenly cked out and fainted." Thinking of Maeve''s expression just now, she felt a burst of joy in her heart.


    "Is that so?" There was no warmth on Byron''s handsome face. Since you''re not feeling well, you should rest at home. Ms. Booth, you''re fired."


    the button for


    Karen felt like she had been struck by lightning. She looked at Byron in disbelief as he strode out without looking back. I''m fired? I am fired!'' Karen''s legs went weak. She identally tripped over the corner of the table and fell to the ground. In the elevator, Maeve pressed expressionlessly. However, just as the door was about to close, a chiseled hand reached out and blocked the door. forced the He walked in and fixed his gaze on Maeve''s stunned face. "Maeve, why are you running "I didn''t run." Maeve came back to her senses and said in a rxed tone, I''m here to deliver the suit. After I''m done, I naturally have to leave so as not to dist Byron walked up to her and said in a deep voice, "Are you angry It''s not what you think?"


    Byron


    I the door open ag


    to disturb the two of you, about it. Don''t misunderstand me, Maeve said calmly. "You don''t have to exin it to me. It has nothing to do with me"


    "I''m


    Even en I


    Even if Karen and I really kissed, it has nothing to do with you? Byron''s eyes gradually turned cold


    Maeve felt a stab in her heart. Her hands curled up in her sleeves and clenched so tightly to maintain her calm on the surface. It seemed that this was the only way to preserve thest bit of her self-esteem and make her seem less pitiful. "Yeah, I don''t care." Upon hearing this answer, Byron suddenly felt suffocated. A sinister coldness seeped out from the edge of his eyes.


    Before that aura of destroying everything reached Maeve, he turned around with a cold expression and walked out of the elevator.


    The elevator doors closed again.


    Maeve leaned against the cold wall as her body slowly slid down. Finally, she squaued there, her eyes empty and nk.


    Before she came, she was full of anticipation to share the joy of shooting to international fame with him. She also wanted to see if he would be stunned by the new suit.


    Now the joy and anticipation were like a cold p to her face. She had won Karen. But Karen had also defeated her.


    All she needed was Byron and she would be utterly crumbled this time,


    ck at the apartment, Maeve saw peopleing in and out of Jeff''s ce, removing all the furniture  0


    94


    94


    Two men were registering something and muttering. "I hate people who suddenly go overseas and dump everything on us. Do these people know how troublesome it is to settle the procedires now?"


    stingy. I heard he''s from a rich family."


    "And just for a little money. So his family. Otherwise, how could be live in such a ce?"


    "He''s long been chased out by


    Maeve was stunned for a moment before closing the door. Jeff went overseas and even sold the apartment opposite!


    Somehow, she felt that Byron had something to do with this


    It was even possible that he was the one who sent Jeff away.


    Not to think about anything rted to him anymore, Maeve changed her shoes and went to the balcony.


    Late at night, Byron did not return.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Perhaps it was because she had gotten used to sleeping with him recently, Maeve could not fall asleep as she tossed and turned the whole night.


    The next day, she took a taxi to the resort hotel. Her head was dizzy. Moreover, she felt that she had forgotten something, but she could not put her finger on it.

 Chapter 169

    In the misty jacuzzi, Maeve leaned against the stone wall and massaged her temples to ease the headache brought about by insonunia.


    Leah came over with a towel wrapped around herself. She sat down opposite her and asked, "Maeve, do you mind if Lask you a private question?" "What is it?" Marve tilted her head.


    Tve seen your resume. It shows that you''re married. Leah rubbed her chin and sized her up. "Why did you get married so young?


    Before such an unexpected question, she was stunned for a moment and smiled faintly. "I had no choice. My family pushed me too hard."


    Leah found


    At that time, she had no choice. She could either marry Jeff or lind someone to make do with. However, she did not expect that man would now walk into her heart finally. quite a pity. What a pity for her brother. This was the first time in his life that he had a crush. But there was nothing he could do.


    "If that man doesn''t treat you well, tell me. I''ll beat him up in minutes. Leah patted her chest.


    Maeve was amused. But Leah might not be able to beat him. She said with a smile. "He won''t."


    "You''re so sure?" Leah doubted it.


    Yes, because we will divorce soon. He probably won''t have the chance to treat me badly anymore." Maeve lowered her eyes at the ripples on the water. "What?" Leah was pleasantly surprised. This''s so..."


    She swallowed the words and pretended to sigh. "A pity. But marriage is all about getting together and leaving. Can''t get along, just part with each other. Don''t be sad. Perhaps there''s a better one toe." For example, her brother, a perfect partner whocked experience and acted like a hothead, but had money and a house without parents to take care of. How suitable he was for marriage Considering that Maeve was not divorced yet, Leah swallowed these sales words.


    For some reason, Maeve''s heart felt stabbed when she heard the words ''Can''t get along, just part with each other". soaking in jacuzzi, they went to the cafe.


    After


    "I''m sorry, we made a mistake just now. This is the coffee you ordered." The waiter walked over and reced Maeve''s coffee with an apologetic expression. Maeve picked up the new ss and took a sip. She could not help but frown.


    Leah ask "The coffee Leah took a Maeve a Chapter


    asked, "What''s wrong?"


    here is bad. Maeve put down the cup immediately.


    a sip of hers. "This tastes pretty good. It''s quite fragrant."


    adjusted her bathrobe and said with a smile, "Maybe they didn''t make this cup well. Anyway, I want to sleep early tonight. It''s good not to drink coffee."


    169


    "Tin not as lucky as you I still have some things to deal with before I go to bed tonight," Leah said as she turned on her phone. "Wow, today is the Mcdaniel Group''s annual party. A week ahead of us. Maeve paused. The Mcdaniel Group?"


    "I saw the post from their seniors. The mysterious Mr. Mcdaniel was also present. I remember that the raffle was a luxury car worth 16 million dors. I don''t know what it is this year. So rich Leah was kind of jealous. The year-end lottery draw for Eternal Hope was also quite extravagant, but still inferior to the Mcdaniel Group, which spent money like water


    Macvet before suddenly thought


    t of something and was stunned. This wits what she had forgotten.


    asked.


    The night before yesterday, had asked her if she wanted to attend Mcdaniel Group''s annual party with him. She even agreed at that time.


    "Is the party over now? now?" Maeve hurriedly aske


    "I think the the lottery has just started. It shouldn''t be over yet, Leal said,


    Maeve immediately stood up. "I just remembered that I still have something on. I have to go back!"


    "Wait, we have a a barbecue partyter!" "Leah reached her hand.


    "So sorry for that. You guys have fun!" After saying that, Maeve jogged away without looking back, leaving Leah confused.


    After changing her clothes, Maeve ran to the nearest taxi. She turned on her phone and saw a few missed calls and messages, which were all calls from Byron


    At that time, Maeve didn''t take her phone, so she missed them all.


    She bit her lip in frustration. How could I forget this? The problem yesterday is one thing. But he wouldn''t think that I stood him up on purpose, would he?'' Maeve called back, but


    Sir, can you lower the heated not pick up. Perhaps he did not hear it at the venue. Perhaps she was too anxious, she felt, her cheeks and neck heat up. She couldn''t help but tug at her cor, but it was useless.


    It''s too hot," "Maeve said to the driver.


    The driver said in confusion, "The AC in my car is broken. I haven''t turned it on


    "Is that so?" Maeve used her hand as a fan to


    The traffic was congested all the way. It too cool her face. "Why do I feel so hot? Because I ran too fast just now?''


    t took nearly an hour to arrive at Pearl Tower.


    Maeve paid for the ride and took the viewing elevator all the way up to the top floor. Unfortunately, she was toote. The party had already ended.


    The waiters were cleaning the venue, leaving only a few employees busy with something.


    Disappointment welled up in Maeve''s heart. At this moment, she saw a figure from the cortier of her eye and immediately jogged forward. "Archer!"


    Archer stopped with two bags in his hands and looked at Maeve in surprise, "Why are you sote!"


    "Where''s Byron?" Maeve hurriedly asked, "Has he left?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel drank some wine and went back to Retro Apartment to change his clothes," Archer said tactfully. "He''s been waiting for you for more than an hour tonight. You should have called to inform him." Maeve felt a chill in her heart when hearing that Byron had been waiting for her for more than an hour.


    G


    On the way here, she evenforted herself that they had just arreled yesterday, so even if she did note tonight, Byron would not care about it. Archer''s words hit her like a bolt of lightning


    However,


    Seeing that Maeve did not speak, Archer hesitated for a moment before saying, "You might not know that Ms. Booth has been fired by Mr. Mcdaniel. Although Mr. Mcdaniel did not give a reason, I guess it should be because of you." "Because of me?" Maeve was stunned.


    "As far as I know, Ms. Booth and Mr. Mcdaniel have known each other for many years and have quite a close rtionship. Back then, when she identally lost the contract worth hundreds of millions, Mr. Mcdaniel never med her," Archer said. "But after you left yesterday, Mr. Mcdaniel fired her."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    In the past, this would have never happened.


    With the trump card Patrick, Karen could be tolerated by Byron no matter what stupid mistakes she had made.


    Only this time was different.


    0

 Chapter 170

    Marve''s eyes gradually widened, filled with disbelief,


    Her mind was in chaos, tangled up in a web of confusion.


    Could it be that I had misunderstoodst night? Had Byron not led to me after all?'' she thought.


    Not wanting to let her thoughts spiral any further, Maeve left the Pearl Tower and took a cab to the Retro Apartment.


    Maeve wondered if Byron was still inside.


    As she reached the apartment, her heart was both nervous and hesitant as she unlocked the door.


    Maeve


    was not quite sure how to face Byron after standing him up.


    Maeve wiped the sweat that had trickled down her cheek, suppressing the sudden rush of heat coursing through her, then slipped on her slippers and walked inside.


    But after


    But just a few steps, her legs suddenly gave out, and she copsed to the floor.


    Luckily, the carpet cushioned her fall, saving her knees from pain.


    Maeve tried to get back up, but her hands, braced against the floor, were trembling uncontrobly. It felt as though a hundred ants were gnawing at her from the inside, a sensation too strange for words. me?" she


    What''s wrong with me?" she thought.


    It was an ufortable sensation.


    Byron''s wet


    The frosted ss hair glistened beneath the showerhead, with water sliding down to his chiseled brow, enhancing the cold piercing look in his narrow, de-like eyes.


    door of the bathroom was misted over, and the sound of running water gradually came to a stop.


    He casually wrapped himself in a c


    f in a ck robe, leaving the cor loose, revealing his chiseled chest.


    Then, he stepped out of the bathroom.


    Immediately, his eyesnded on Maeve, who was curled up on the carpet. Byron''s eyes turned cold. "What are you doing here?"


    In all these years, no one had dared to stand him up.


    o one dared to make him wait wait that lon


    No


    that t long.


    ''How dare she appear in front of me? he thought angrily.


    weak slipped from her lips as she heard his voice. "I don''t feel well..


    Byron''s expression remained calm. If you''re unwell, go to the hospital. Don''te here and get in my way," he said


    Maeve whimpered, too ufortable to speak.


    She had no idea what was happening to her, but she felt like she was burning alive as if she were on the brink of copse. Her Her body felt as though a fire was raging inside, making her desperate to dive into ice water.


    170


    Noticing something was off, Byron frowned slightly and walked over, lifting Maeve up from the carpet.


    His palm met skin that was scorching to the touch. It was damp and feverish.


    Maeve''s face was flushed crimson, and the skin on her neck had turned a rosy pink, radiating intense heat.


    are you burning up like this? Byron frowned as he felt Maeve''s forehead. "Do you have a fever? Are you feeling


    unwell?"


    Unconsciously, Maeve rubbed her cheek against the cool relief of his palm. "It feels... so nice..."


    Byron


    noticed she was barely coherent and stopped asking questions. He lifted her up and carried her toward the couch.


    The moment Byron held her, though, Maeve''s difort intensified.


    It was as if there was a ma in her body. Macve subconsciously pressed herself against Byron and wrapped her slender arms tightly around his neck.


    The sweater dress, originally covering her knees, had bunched up to her thighs, revealing a striking expanse of tanned skin.


    Byron stiffened at her touch, sensing her uncharacteristic boldness and teasing, and finally realized that something was


    wrong.


    "Maeve, what did you eat before you came here?" Byron asked in a low voice.


    I don''t want to eat anything right now!" Maeve said, feeling ufortable, sweat beading on her nose, her awareness fading, and a hint of grievance in her voice. "I feel terrible, Byron," she said. Byron was well aware of Maeve''s difort. He was not faring much better with her overly touchy behavior.


    Taking a deep breath, he pulled Maeve off him and ced her on the sofa, then turned to grab the phone from the table.


    But before he could reach it, Maeve, like a clingy octopus, wrapped herself around him again.


    "Byron...


    Maeve,


    stop messing around." Byron pushed her away, his palm resting on her burning cheek. "You''ve been poisoned. I will ask the driver to bring the car around and take you to the hospital" felt like she was about to explode from the heat, and her eyshes glistened with tears as she pouted, "I don''t want to go to the hospital. I want you." Byron hesitated for a moment, and Maeve seized the opportunity, burying her face in the crook of his neck and rubbing against him.


    MaeveThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    she stuck tongue and him a quick lick.


    Byron," Maeve pressed her lips against his neck, her voice sweet and sticky like honey. "Kiss me Please kiss me," she said.


    At her words, Byron''s entire body tensed up, his lower abdomen tightening. The arm he had wrapped around Maeve''s waist suddenly gripped her harder. Thest remnants of his rationality were on the verge of crumbling under her repeated, soft pleas.


    At thest moment, Byron-still tried his best to suppress his urge


    Maeve back on the sofa and looked at her tear-filled eyes. He said firmly, "You stay put. I''ll take you to the hospital."


    He ced


    Maeve was clearly acting like this.


    ar in her,right mind to 1


    Byron did not consider himself a gentleman, but he certainly had no interest in taking advantage of her vulnerability.


    After Byron spoke, he intended to stand up but suddenly felt a tight grip around his waist.


    He looked down to see a hand gripping the tie of his bathrobe.


    "Are you not up to it?" Maeve asked.


    Byron''s


    eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"


    Maeve''s cheeks were flushed. She gritted her teeth and said, "Every time you kiss me, it''s obvious you want to do something, but you don''t. I''ve always wondered how you can resist. "Now that I''m being this forward, you are still holding back. Are you even a man? If you are not up to it, should I find someone else who can?"


    The effects of the drug,bined with her small outburst of anger, made Maeve bolder than ever.


    Not only did she unleash a torrent of curses at Byron, but she truly nned to go out and find someone else.


    She had her pride!


    If he really doesn''t want me, I won''t cling to him! she thought.


    However, as soon as Maeve stood up, Byron forcefully pushed her back down onto the side of the sofa, leaning over her.


    "Find someone else?" Byron stared at her coldly, and he clutched her chin forcefully and asked, "Who are you intending to


    find


    lind


    Previously, Byron was considerate of her age and afraid that she was unwilling. Hence, he would rather take cold showers at night rather than initiate anything with Maeve. He never thought Maeve would view him as ipetent.


    Byron clenched his jaw, and his gaze turned dangerously sharp.


    Usually, Maeve would have backed off by now, but who could expect someone with a muddled mind to reason properly?


    "Anyone will do. You''re not the only choice for me, Maeve said, fidgeting in annoyance, causing her loose sweater dress to slide down and reveal a hint of her shoulder.


    Thest shred of Byron''s reason snapped in his mind with a buzz, and a furious smile spread across his handsome face as Byron pinned Maeve''s wrists above her head. Byron t then grabbed the remote and turned off the lights and curtains in the living room.


    "Don''t regret itter," he said,


    His cold tone made Maeve''s shoulders tremble slightly, and she btedly felt afraid.


    The next second, Byron bent down and captured Maeve''s lips forcefully, the sudden intensity leaving her unable to respond.


    Maeve was left dizzy from the kiss, and then she felt a sudden coolness on her skin, realizing her sweater dress had inexplicably disappeared.


    She gently furrowed her brows. The strange sensation of ants gnawing at her intensified instead of easing.


    "Byron..." Maeve sobbed solily. "Stop kissing. I feel so ufo

 Chapter 171

    Byron caught Maeve''s bow ribbon with his teeth, giving it a gentle tug to loosen it.


    Byron gazed intently at Maeve''s enchanting figure, with shapely contours that exuded sensuality and allure. With a maic tone, Byron asked, "Where do you feel ufortable?" A hint of bewilderment appeared in Maeve''s gaze. 1-I''m not sure."


    Some foolish individuals can''t even pinpoint their difort but dare to seduce me, Byron thought.


    He chuckled. "Then what do you want me to do?"


    "Kiss me," Maeve said..


    "Didn''t you just tell me not to kiss you?" Byron said.


    "No, Maeve said, her cheeks flushed as she boldly took his hand and pressed it against the ribbon. "I meant here...


    An electric current shot from Byron''s palm to his spine, and his gaze intensified as the pink ribbon suddenly snapped beneath his fingertips..


    It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the full allure of Marve''s curves.


    Maeve paid the price for her youthful recklessness.


    the night, the only light in the living room came from the dim glow of two scented candles on the table.


    As the night wore on, both candles had burned halfway down.


    Byron and Maeve did it on the sofa and on the carpet.


    The light shone


    you lic to me?"ough the ss bathroom door, and a voice filled with grievance and disbelief said, "Didn''t you just say


    were going to give me a bath? How could


    "I don''t recall saying when I would give you one," Byron said.


    Maeve sobbed, "Do sobbed, "Do you have an ounce of humanity left in you?"


    "I have no intention of being humane tonight," Byron said.


    Once 1


    they


    entered the master bedroom, Byron ced Maeve on the bed and adjusted her nightgown.


    Suddenly, Maeve reacted instinctively, waking up and gripping Byron''s hand. She stared at Byron with tear-filled, red eyes as she pleaded, "No, no more... I''ll die if you continue..."


    The effects of the drug had clearly worn off, but Byron, using the excuse of being thorough, was nearly wearing Maeve outpletely.


    Not a drop of the drug was left in Maeve''s system now.


    If Maeve had known this would happen, she would rather go to the hospital than seduce him,


    Byron looked at Maeve''s terrified expression and raised his eyebrows slightly. "Didn''t you say that I''m not up to it? What are you afraid of? "What I said yesterday doesn''t count. I was too young back then, Maeve said, scrunching her flushed face, struggling to keep her eyes open from exhaustion. "I have now matured-I''m apletely different person now,"


    Byron


    chuckled I at her words, gently tugging her dress back into ce. He climbed into bed and wrapped Maeve in his arms. "I won''t touch you. Sleep.


    do I feel like you''re lying to me?" Maeve remembered how Byron had said the exact same thing carlier, only to make her lower her defenses. Grabbing the cor of his robe, Maeve insisted, "I want you to swear that you are not lying."


    "If you don''t want to sleep, then we can continue," Byron said.


    Maeve was so frightened that she quickly closed her eyes. She did not dare to say another word.


    Byron''s lips curled into a faint smile as he adjusted her into afortable position and simply held her until they both drifted to sleep.


    At noon the next day.


    Maeve stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at the even more vivid red marks decorating her body after the night, especially the area beneath her corbone, which looked like a disaster zone. mere Her e


    Her expression was nk, and her legs wobbled like jelly.


    Byron had been so aggressivest night..


    14 Jaeve way, I


    Byron


    As


    I don''t have to go to work today. Otherwise, how am I going to go out like this? Maeve thought.


    washed up and walked out of the bathroom. Coincidentally, Byron came back with a bag of things and was changing his shoes at the entrance.


    I to her, "There''s food on the table. Go wash up and eat."


    walked I over and said to


    soon as she saw Byron, Maeve could not help but recall the scenes fromst night. Her cheeks burned, and she did not dare to look him in the eye. Maeve hurriedly lowered her eyes and looked at the bag Byron was holding. She changed the topic and asked, "What are Medicine," Byron said said concisely and ced the bag on the dining table.


    Maeve sat down. She felt a little confused and opened the bag to take a look.


    a


    It turned out to be a 24-hour emergency contraceptive pill.


    The heat on Maeve''s cheeks quickly drained, and her face turned pale. This is for me?"


    "Yeah. Byron''s gaze was fixed on her, his tone calm, "There was no preparationst night. This pill is just in case" He added tly, "I don''t need children." "You don''t like children?" Maeve asked.


    "I don''t need children." Byron''s dark eyes remainedposed and rational, but there was a faint chill in his words. "We don''t need children between us either"


    A sudden ache gripped Maeve''s heart as she saw the growing coldness in Byron''s expression. Her clenched hand was bing colder by the second. Maeve thought that their rtionship would be different afterst night, but it turned out that there was no difference.


    Byron had no intention of taking their rtionship to the next level. It was just wishful thinking on her part


    89


    Sensing that Maeve was in a daze, Byron pursed his thin lips slightly. He cupped the back of her head with one hand and gently turned it toward him. He said in a low voice, "I will never have a child in my life. If you can''t ept it, it''s not toote to regret it now." Maeve looked up in a daze and saw his exceptionally solemn face ''Do I regret it?'' she thought.


    Last night, Maeve was undeniably bold, and she could not deny that the effects of the drug yed a part.


    But deep down, Maeve knew she was just using the drug''s influence as an excuse to do what she had always wanted to do but dared.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    never dar


    Therefore. Maeve did not regret it at all.


    Moreover, the thought of having kids seemed far too distant for her. No matter how much she liked kids, Maeve was not ready to have one of her own.


    It seemed a little silly to worry about a problem that had yet to appear.


    After figuring this out, Maeve felt much more rxed. She deliberately asked Byron, "If I say that I regret it, will you divorce


    me now?"


    Seeing through her yful intent, Byron raised an eyebrow, "That statement was only valid until yesterday. You missed your chance


    Then why are you still asking me that?" Maeve pouted. When she saw that there was something else under the bag, she took it out to take a look. It was a


    a box of ointment and a small pile of colorful square boxes


    When Maeve saw the words on the small square box, Maeve''s face turned red. Her fingers felt as if they had been electrocuted.


    she threw those small square boxes at Byron. She was embarrassed and angry. "Byron, are you crazy? Why did you buy so


    any of these? Can you even use them all?"


    "Why not?" Byron picked up a small box with his fingertips and said casually, "If I don''t buy more, I''m afraid I won''t be able to satisfy you."


    Maeve was so taken aback by his shamelessness that she struggled to find her words. After a while, she said, "Did you forget that the effects of the drug have faded? Is there any need for all these?"


    0

 Chapter 172

    Byron raised his brows and asked. "Have you ever seen a man wo opens his mouth once?"


    Maeve gritted her teeth in anger. But then, she was stunned. "What do you mean once? Don''t tell me you''ve never had sex before?


    "Have you ever had sex before?"


    "Do I look like I''ve had sex before?"


    "If you never had one, how do you know I''ve never had sex before?"


    Byron kept retorting, and his words were hard to counter. However, Maeve was not convinced. They would have had sloppy sex if Byron never had one before. Byron''s movements were smooth, and his tongue moved freely like a fish swimming. He did not look or feel like a newbie at all, "Macve," Byron suddenly asked, "What are you muttering about ine in your heart?"


    Maeve was in a daze when she heard this. Without thinking, she said, "Nothing. I''m just puzzled that you didn''t look like you''ve never had sex before. Afterward, Maeve suddenly returned to her senses. Looking at Byron''s teasing eyes, she cringed. "Maeve, are you praising my skills?"


    "No!" Maeve denied it with a red face. "Don''t tter yourself. No one is praising you."


    Byron pushed the bowl to her hand. He was feeling good. "Hey, the food is getting cold."


    Maeve lowered her head and ate her food. She could not help but say, "I''m not praising you. I''m just curious if it truly was your first time.


    "What, do I look like I''ve had experience?"


    Maeve took a piece of her lettuce and shook her head. "Not really, it''s just... quite unexpected." Jeff was two years younger Than Byron. However, he was already ying well and had ten women under his feet. He was even quicker in changing sex partners behind her back than changing clothes.


    Putting aside that scumbag, Bonnie had been gossiping with her about some of the rich men in the circle. The most ridiculous was a man sitting at a table ying cards with his mistress. When Byron came over, they called out "Hubby" in unison. In addition, Byron had dated Karen before, so Maeve was surprised when she heard it was his first time.


    Byron asked her calmly, "Do you know how many things I have to deal with in the Mcdaniel Group?"


    "Huh?"


    o mess around with women?"


    "Do you think I have so much spare time to


    Maeve was silent. Thinking about what she had experienced when she first returned to the Mcdaniel Family, it did not seem like she had time to talk about love. But that was strange.


    "Then why do you still have time to date Karen?" Maeve suddenly lost her appetite.


    Hearing this, Byron slowly frowned. "Who told you that I dated ber?"


    Maeve heard the doubt in his voice and was stunned. "Isn''t that so?" "Answer my question


    ""She told me."


    Byron crossed his arms andughed coldly. And you believe what she says? Are you her wife or mine?" He couldn''t believe


    Maeve distrusted him.


    She


    Meanwhile, Maeve did not understand what this had to do with whose wife she was. But that didn''t stop her from arguing. The first time we met, she told me she was your ex-girlfriend. You two broke up after quarreling and had a cold war. exined this clearly. Meanwhile, I have no idea about your past. It was only logical that I believe her. Moreover, Byron was indeed close to Karen. Anyone who saw them would think they were dating.


    "The first time you saw her was about two months ago. Byron tapped his knuckles on the table before suddenly mming his hand. Two months, and you


    didn''t even think of asking meProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve pursed her lips and remained silent. Meanwhile, Byron kept staring at her. "Maeve, say something. Stop keeping things to yourself and leave me guessing. If I can''t guess correctly, will you continue to carry those things to your grave?"


    At the same time, Maeve wondered who she had learned this bad habit from. Maeve was intrigued and angry. Byron''s words had stirred herplicated emotions.


    You and your ex-girlfriend are history, so I feel there''s no need to ask you. Moreover, won''t you be annoyed if I ask you about such a trivial thing?"


    "If you never ask, how do you know I''ll be annoyed?"


    Maeve''s heart was pounding. When she met Byron''s eyes, it was as if she was stuck in a spider''s. The more she struggled, the harder she could escape. Byron''s gaze was the same as the countless times they had been entangledst night. It was deep, dark, and intimidating. Maeve was scared. But somehow, she didn''t want to escape.


    "Then is it okay if I ask you anything?" Maeve asked softly.


    Yeah.


    "Where did you put that headband you took from my hair yesterday?"


    This questionpletely exceeded Byron''s expectations. He thought Maeve would ask him how many women he had dated n the past, or which woman he had a good impression of. Most girls seemed to like to be entangled in these matters. Unexpectedly, Maeve did not ask about it. It was as if she was not curious. Or rather, she was not curious about his past. Byron had almost forgotten that the heartless woman before him had misunderstood he was kissing Karen but did not seem to care. Thinking of this, Byron felt somewhat disappointed. "Mieve, is there nothing else you want to ask me?"


    Maeve hesitated for a moment and shook her head. She had wanted to ask something, but on second thought, she felt there was no need. It was enough for her to know that not only had he never dated Karen, but he also did not have any other women by his side after taking over the Mcdaniel Group. At the very least, Maeve wouldn''t have to worry about a random skank popping out and iming to be his girlfriend as Karen did. If that happened again, she would lose it.


    However, Maeve didn''t expect that shaking her head would make her pay a heavy price. The pile of condom packages Byron bought that afternoon could finally be used. The lights in their bedroom were not switched off the entire night. The light and shadows on the walls swayed, giving off a musky smell


    The next morning, Maevey in bed, feeling sleepy. When she watched Byron get up refreshed, she felt angry and confused. "You didn''t get enough sleepst night. But why are you so full of energy this morning?"


    They went to Pound Town multiple timesst night, and Bonnie told Maeve before that people feel tired after having sex repeatedly. However, that didn''t seem to apply to Byron.


    Byron stood before his wardrobe and changed his clothes. He slowly buttoned up his shirt and replied: "Your stamina is weak. Youck exercise."


    19:15 32 Uct 26


    Maeve puffed up her cheeks, and retorted, "Are you kidding me? walk 5,000 steps every day!"


    "Yeah, yeah. I know you''ve been keeping records with your phone. You think I don''t know?"


    Maeve was speechless. ''How did he know?'' She retracted back into the nket. But momentster, she felt the space beside her sink. She lifted the nket to take a look..


    Byron had sat over beside her. He held the tube of ointment he had bought the day before and used his other hand to lift her nket. "What are you doing?" Maeve tightened her grip on the nket. She had a bad feeling. "I identally hurt youst night. Look, your body is bruised. This is the least I can do to ease your pain." Byron''s tone was


    as calm as ever.


    Hearing that, Maeve felt awkward. Her face was so red that she wished to weld herself into the nket. "No, no, no, my hands are still intact. Give me the ointment and get out!"


    0

 Chapter 173

    EB


    173


    "I''ve seen everything I need to see. Isn''t it toote for you to be shy now?" Byron did not care about Maeve''s little struggle. He used one hand to restrain her waist with absolute control and lifted the nket under her. Then, he slowly rubbed her skin.


    Maeve was like a captured animal. She lost all her strength andy down with a red face and tears in the corners of her eyes, She did not know if it was because she was ufortable or embarrassed.


    Byron looked up and saw her face, which was as red as a rose. Her eyshes fluttered like butterfly wings. Her behavior aroused the desire to destroy in his heart. He wanted to wreck her until she cried like he did to herst night.


    Byron''s eyes were filled with desires, but he suppressed them. After applying the ointment, he covered her with the nket again. Maeve''s face was buried under the nket, revealing only the tips of his ears. She was just a little bit away from dying on the spot.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Ever since Maeve was young, she treated herself every time she fell or hit something. Her parents rarely cared about her. In the past, she had also fantasized about whether someone would gently blow on her wound and patiently apply medicine for her after she fell or got injured. However, this was beyond her expectations. She felt she could die peacefully.


    Byron knew Maeve was shy, so he stopped teasing her and ced the ointment on the table. "Every morning and every night, remember?"


    "Noted Maeve silently wrapped herself tightly in the nket, but she made a mental note on how to apply the ointment.


    Byron did not leave immediately. He asked again, "Now, do you have any idea who drugged you?"


    Maeve thought briefly and exined, "I was ying with my colleague at the jacuzzi that day. I was fine during the day. Then at night, I went to have coffee. As I took a sip. I felt the coffee tasted funny, so I stopped drinking it. Now that everything that happened, I think there is something wrong with that coffee." Her taste buds were quite sensitive. However, she didn''t overthink it then and thought it was just coffee that was not brewed properly.


    "Could you tell me the hotel''s address?" Byron asked, and Maeve told him the address.


    Tll get Archer to investigate this matter. Remember not to eat or drink anything given to you without clear asion," Byron warned firmly. Then, he picked up his coat. "I''m going to thepany. Call me if you need anything." Maeve nodded under the nket. "Alright, be careful on your way."


    When she heard the door close, Maeve finally dared lift the nket to take a breather. She sat and moved her legs. It was so painful that she gritted her teeth.


    Fortunately, she had a week off after her order had been fulfilled. Even better, Byron didn''t have a day off. Otherwise, she would die in his bed from over-exhaustion. The thought of Byron''s beastly side in bed scared her.


    After washing up and having breakfast, Maeve took herptop and sat on the carpet in the living room. She began to study the series design that Eternal Hope was preparing. Remembering her phone was out of battery, she plugged in the charger But when her phone turned on, a notification popped up. It was from Leah: [Maeve, where are you? Are you home?]


    Another message came in from Alex: [Maeve, are you okay? Call me back when you see this message!]


    Maeve was puzzled. ''Why do they seem concerned?


    After she replied to their messages, Alex immediately called her. "Maeve, are you okay?"


    "Alex, I''m fine. I''m having a week off and staying at home." Maeve asked in confusion, "What happened? And why is Ms. Mason looking for me too?"


    Alex seemed relieved, "Oh, I''m d to hear it. There was an ident at the hotel you were in. An alcoholic broke into your room and we saw him subdue you. I know you weren''t in your room. But although Piers said you had already returned home, I''m still worried and need to ensure you''re safe. For the past two days, he had been worried. But hearing Maeve''s calm voice, he felt relieved. Tm sorry for making you worry, Alex, but I''m fine." Maeve apologized. But in her heart, she was furious.


    "So someone did try to drug me. That drunkard hade for me! If Maeve hadn''t left the hotel and returned to her room instead, she would have been scared just thinking about what would have happened.


    Alex chuckled. "I''m relieved to hear that you''re fine. Have a pleasant day off. See you at thepany next week."


    "Okay, looking forward to it."


    After hanging up the phone, Maeve rubbed her long hair, feeling troubled. She didn''t know who could be so vicious as to use such a dirty method to deal with her. But almost immediately, Maeve thought of one name, ''Karen Booth!"


    Other than Karen, no one would bother to do anything to destroy her. It seemed she had learned to be smarter and yed even dirtier. Additionally, since Karen wanted Finesse Bloom to be famous internationally, she would do anything to help her. Maeve clicked on Finesse Bloom''s official website. The designer''s apology letter was hanging at the top. However, the criticism in thement section had not subsided. Her eyes turned cold seeing this. ''Does Finesse Bloom think my designs are easy to steal?"


    Finesse Bloom spent a few hundred thousand dors on public rtions to turn the situation around and salvage some of the brand''s precarious image. However, that afternoon, a well-known ount revealed nine out of ten of Finesse Bloom''s works were not original. Those who liked her brand were still stubborn. It was understandable that the design was simr, but they refused to admit it as giarism.


    The well-known ount posted the three gowns Princess Elvira had worntely andpared them to the three designs Maeve signed. Finesse Bloom seemed cautious and modified the details of Maeve''s design n. Finesse Bloom argued that it was an ident of inspiration.


    However, she never expected that Princess Elvira''s gown had signature patterns that no one could erase, and it was Maeve''s trademark. The broken diamond pattern on the belt, the floral with wave-like patterns, and the other was an S-shaped flower. Thest item was a mix of triangr patterns. If one did not look carefully, they would not notice it.


    Some of those patterns werebined to avoid public suspicion. But after being exposed, everyone came to a realization. Finesse Bloom had no business or right to incorporate Eternal Hope''s signature pattern into her designs.


    This was not the end. Immediately after, a designer who used to work for Finesse Bloom started a live broadcast. He testified to destroy his former employer. In that broadcast, he imed Finesse Bloom''s brand could not survive without giarism and had been ying dirty.


    The owner of Finesse Bloom knew how to copy a designer''s script and use her influence to suppress the designer until they had no choice but to submit. She specialized in picking newbies with potential but had yet to gain fame. In the past few years, she had used this trick to gain fame.


    Afterward, those who were victims of Finesse Bloom began to make a public statement. One person''s voice was easy to ignore, but the voices of many were hard to shut.


    Soon, many well-known brands, led by Eternal Hope, issued a joint statement: [There is always injustice in this industry. Although we can''tpletely stop this, we can make some efforts to reduce it. Therefore, we would never coborate with corrupt brands such as Finesse Bloom. Boycott Finesse Bloom until the end!]

 Chapter 174

    them one of the worst examples in the industry.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Finesse Bloom copsed overnight. The brand did not even have a chance to make a statement. Thepany was boycotted and dered bankruptcy soon after. The negative impact of giarism and ckmailing was so great that officials criticized them and made No one cared when Finesse Bloom dered bankruptcy. But, in way, Karen fulfilled her wish to be famous from this downfall. Her name was at the top of the hot list, and people swarmed her social media ount.


    At the Booth family residence, furious screams pierced everyone''s ears, and porcin shattered on the ground one after


    another.


    "Ah!" Karen pushed down the ornament on the table with bloodshot eyes and stomped on it several times as if it were Maeve, "Die, you sick bitch!"


    Immediately, Lydia stopped her from the side. "Karen, calm down. Be careful not to hurt yourselff"


    "It''s all that bitch Maeve''s fault, Karen cursed, "She must be behind all of this. She can''t bear to see me doing well and wants to chase me away from Byron!"


    Lydia hugged her and patted her back tofort her. "With Mr. Mcdaniel''s support, no matter how influential Maeve is, she won''t have a chance of winning."


    Thanks to Jason''s intervention, Karen could be bailed out of prison. This made Lydia realize that Jason never recognized Maeve as his inws. Alexis also showed the same attitude.


    "But I can''t let her get away with this. It wasn''t easy to manage Finesse Bloom, and she destroyed my hard work overnight!"


    "Honey, our family doesn''tck this money. You canunch a new brand"


    "You''re missing the point. Karen was furious. "Back then, I could use Byron''s influence to pave the way for Finesse Bloom. But now, Byron has fired me. Even if I create a new brand, it wont be as sessful as Finesse Bloom!"


    Lydia looked worried. "Did Byron forget his father''s instructions? How could he fire you for no reason?" In her view, Byron and Karen were childhood sweethearts. At the very least, he should keep her as his secretary.


    However, Karen burst into tears, thinking of Byron''s heartless face that day. Byron might have been cold and indifferent since they first met, but he showed the same attitude towards other people, even his parents. Karen was the only woman who could get close to him at will and get to his good side. Then Maeve appeared, and Karen discovered Byron''s gentle side that she had never seen before. She became so jealous that she could not control herself.


    "Mom, Byron fired me because of Maeve." Karen gritted her teeth in hatred, "I can''t let her get away for ruining my life. I want to strip her publicly and force her to dance naked. I want to ruin her reputation first!*


    Lydia knew about Karen''s n that day and advised. "Karen, you''re being impulsive. If Byron discovers your n, you''ll get yourself in trouble."


    "Then what should I do?"


    "You don''t need to get your hands dirty. Mr. Mcdaniel and Alexis Mcdaniel don''t like Maeve that much, and we have her biggest weakness in our hands. As long as we can maximize our sources, we won''t have to worry about being unable to kick her out."


    Karen understood what her mother meant. She looked at Lydia andughed.


    After Finesse Bloom left the fashion industry, Maeve had vented most of her anger. However, their downfall was not


    K 89%


    enough. Her ultimate goal was to destroy Booth Corporation, which became Karen''s source of confidence. But with Macve''s. current influence, taking them down would not be easy. After all Booth Corporation was more massive than Finesse Bloom At night, sleepiness overwhelmed her. Maeve felt a warm and muscr man''s body pressing against her from behind. His long arms firmly wrapped around her waist and into his arms. His intention was clear, and Maeve was familiar with his presence. Her shoulders trembled as she pretended to be asleep


    A dark look shed across the man''s eyes. Immediately after, a kissnded on Maeve''s neck and shoulders. With a hint of coldness, it kept pecking her body.


    Maeve gritted her teeth. She was embarrassed and angry. Then, she finally opened her eyes. She realized what was even more difficult to deal with than the Booth Corporation was the man who munched her every night.


    Maeve decided to keep pretending to be asleep. No matter how reckless the man behind her acted, she was determined not to speak. Does he think I''m a sex doll he can use anytime?''


    However, when Byron moved too rough, she could not help but moan. Her moan was as beautiful as an iplete melody. It tickled her heart.


    It was not easy for Maeve to catch her breath. She pushed Byron''s chest away and asked angrily, "Aren''t you afraid of breaking my bones from moving too rough?"


    "Oh, so you''re pretending to be asleep?" Byron looked at her with a faint smile. "Are you afraid that I will eat you up?"


    After being exposed, Maeve was even angrier. "At least show some self-restraint, will you? Besides, it''ste. Aren''t we going to your parents'' house for dinner tomorrow? I don''t want to go over with dark circles under my eyes. Even with a week off, she still could not sleep peacefully.


    Byron frowned. He hugged her from behind and said lightly. "I told you not to agree to Grandpa. What''s the point of eating with them? You''ll only suffer."


    Maeve thought about how she felt when she ate with his parents. She was indeed suffering. However, she shook her head and replied, "This is your grandpa''s wish. I don''t want him to be disappointed. He''s not in good health. Besides, it''s just a casual dinner. I''ll be fine. No matter how Alexis and Jason disliked her, she knew they would not make a scene before Gilbert.


    Byron stroked her long hair with his palm. "Don''t be too far from me when we''re there. Things could get unexpected sometimes, But with him around, his parents might not do anything to Maeve.


    "Noted." Maeve''s heart warmed slightly. She leaned the back of her head against his chest and put aside her worries about the future.


    At noon the next day, Maeve and Byron drove to Maple Hill. No one was allowed to visit thend that belonged to the Mcdaniel Family''s old residence. The ck carved gate was solemn, giving the impression of an old money.


    After the car drove through the gate, it went up a distance and finally stopped in front of a quaint townhouse. In such an environment, Maeve should have been nervous. However, for some reason, her heart was unusually calm It was as if she had been through worse long ago, This feeling shed across her mind without leaving any traces.


    Macve followed Byron into the living room. Gilbert, Jason, and Alexis were already there. On the sofa beside them was a person beyond Maeve''s expectations, Karen. Uneasiness immediately shed in Maeve''s eyes. She had a feeling that Karen was up to no good. At that moment, Gilbert said, "Byron, how do you take care of your wife? You made Maeve lose so much weight. You don''t look good either." His words made Karen''s face stiff.

 Chapter 175

    Karen had arrived half an hour early. However, Gilbert did not bother to talk or even look at her. He acted as if she didn''t exist. But since Maeve had arrived, he uttered those words as if purposely trying to trigger Karen. Maeve did not notice Karen''s anger. She smiled and exined to Gilbert, "Grandpa, you''re mistaken. Byron takes good care of me. I''m looking like this because I''ve been staying upte recently. Don''t worry, he kept me well-fed."


    §£§å§ä§à§á


    However, Gilbert was not entirely wrong. After all, Byron was indeed responsible for making Maeve stay up. caught Gilbert''s probing gaze but did not budge.


    Gilbert nodded hearing Macve''s words and reminded, "You need to rest more. Otherwise, your body will be overexhausted. The diseaseplication will catch up to you when you are my age."


    Maeve agreed obediently. Then, she greeted Jason and Alexis, "Good evening. Mr. and Mrs. Mcdaniel. She wanted to call them Sir and Ma''am'' but felt it was inappropriate. So, she changed her words.


    Jason nodded tly, but Alexis smiled at her for the first time and even pulled her to sit beside her, Maeve looked at Byron in confusion. But seeing he did not mind, she agreed to sit down.


    "Byron''s grandmother gave this to me when I married Jason. It blends perfectly with your skin tone, so I''m giving this to you. Alexis ced a brocade box in Maeve''s hands.


    Insidey a pair of emerald earrings, emitting a smooth and elegant luster. It was obvious they were extraordinary. Seeing this, Karen almost lost herposure. She knew Alexis rarely wore luxurious things like those earrings, but she was angry because she casually gave such an item to Macve. But in her heart, she guessed that Alexis acted that way because of Byron''s presence.


    Meanwhile, Maeve was surprised. She hurriedly pushed the brocade box back. "This holds a special value to you. I can''t ept this,"


    "This is what his grandma would''ve wanted, Alexis said firmly,


    Immediately, Maeve looked at Byron for help. However, he said calmly. "Take it, she''s giving it to you."


    Hearing his words, Maeve could only ept the brocade box and thank Alexis. "I appreciate the gift. Thank you, Mcdaniel."


    Mrs.


    Standing at the side, Jason awkwardly took his coffee cup. He did not like Maeve, so he did not prepare any gifts for her. However, Jason felt Byron''s words just now implied that he was so stingy that he couldn''t even afford a gift, even though that was not the case. Not long after, the butler came over and said that dinner was almost ready. Maeve asked Byron softly where the bathroom


    After Byron told her the location, he asked in a low voice, "Shall I go with you?"


    Was


    But Maeve quickly shook her head. "I can take care of myself. As a grown-up, she didn''t need someone to apany her to


    the toilet.


    Not long after Maeve entered the toilet, Karen followed her. "Maeve, don''t be so smug Gilbert and Alexis are only being nice to you because of Byron. You''re not worthy of their attention at allr


    Maeve turned around. Her red lips curled into a smile. "At least it''s better than someone who tried too hard to be on Gilbert''s good side by bing a back-stabbing bitch."


    Gilbert never liked Karen, and his attitude had exined a lot. Just now, Karen had pretended to say goodbye, but Gilbert did not even say a word of courtesy. He could not be bothered to care if she left or not. It was Alexis who asked her to stay Hearing Maeve''s taunting, Karen could not wait to tear Maeve''s face apart.


    However, when she realized she was in Gilbert''s house, Karen calmed down and sneered. "Do you think you''ve won? Byron only sees you as a sex toy and is ying with you. What makes you think you''re so special!"


    "I don''t know. But I do know that I''m Byron''s legal wife. Other than the title of delusional ex-girlfriend, what other title do you own, Ms. Booth


    "Delusional? Who are you calling delusional?" Karen was furious.


    Meanwhile, Maeve''s eyes were filled with mockery. "Stop making things up, I already know you were lying to me. You''ve never dated Byron"


    Karen pretended not to care and said, "So what? We''ve been friends for many years!"


    "You lied to me because you wanted me to back off and leave Byron," Maeve interrupted, "If your rtionship with Byron was solid, why would you go so far as to lie to me?"


    Maeve chuckled and added. "Unless you''re not confident and afraid that Byron doesn''t have romantic feelings for you. Is that why you want to chase away all the women around him?"


    Every word she said was like an arrow hitting Karen''s sore spots, and her face turned dark red. "Other than throwing shades, what else can you do to me?"


    As he spoke, Karen flipped her hair proudly. "Remember how badly I got youst time! Even if you managed to get me to jail. I can easily get out.


    Hearing that, Maeve felt choked. She knew Karen''s confidence was all because of Byron''s bias. Even if he didn''t have romantic feelings for her, they had known each other for so long. In a way, he couldn''t bear to see Karen suffer. Maeve lowered her eyes and said sarcastically, "By the way, I heard your brand is copsing, so how''s bankruptcy doing you?"


    Karen''s eyes widened and filled with anger. "Maeve, you bitch!"


    for


    "Say all you want, Karen. You may be close to the Mcdaniel family, but that doesn''t mean I won''t dare to do anything twisted to you." Maeve said as she looked at her nails, her beautiful eyes filled with coldness.


    Karen subconsciously took a few steps back, opened the door, and was about to leave. But before leaving, she suddenly thought of something and turned to look at Maeve mockingly, "Byron doesn''t love me, but that doesn''t mean he loves you You still remember that he disappeared for an entire week at the end of December, right? Do you know where he went and who he was with?"


    Maeve frowned slightly. "What are you trying to say?"


    But of course, Karen would not tell her. "You should look at your face when you know nothing." Then, she closed the bathroom door.


    Maeve stood still, her heart sinking. Maeve would not believe her if she told her where Byron was and who he saw. However, Karen left her hanging, which meant she knew something she did not.


    Her mind began to y vario

 Chapter 176

    "There''s no harm in letting him know," Jason said firmly. "The Booth family was once indebted to him. I''m protecting Karen to protect him and the Medaniel Group''s reputation." The middle- e-aged man nodded. "I believe your son will understand your painstaking efforts."


    Their conversation entered Marve''s ears, causing her to stop. Her eyes widened in shock. ''So, Mr. Mcdaniel destroyed the investigation report and asked a bodyguard to take the me for Karen?'' In shock, Maeve identally bumped into the potted nt beside her and made a soft sound. Jason noticed it and turned around. "Who''s there? Maeve hesitated between leaving or showing up but chose thetter. "Maeve Upon seeing her, Jason frowned in disgust. "Are you cavesdropping on our conversation?"


    sorry,


    looked displeased. He said to the middle-aged man, "You can leave."


    Mr. Mcdaniel, I happened to pass by here Just now. I didn''t mean to eavesdrop."


    the man lett, Jas


    lett, Jason said coldly, "You heard our conversation just now."


    Jason "Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel'' After


    Alter


    Maeve bit her lip. "Yes." She had always thought Byron had done those things to protect Karen. Unexpectedly, it was not him, but his father.


    You came from a humble family, and you probably don''t understand how important reputation is to a family like ours. You only care about temporary gains and losses and don''t care about the big picture. Jason''s tone was cold. "Although you are Byron''s wife, you are far from qualified to join our ranks."


    People who had been in power knew where the weakest part of human nature was. With just a few words, Maeve''s face turned pale, and ayer of embarrassment appeared in her eyes. Alexis had said a simr thing.


    Jason''s attitude and tone hit her sore spot even though his words were not direct. Even so, Maeve tried to keep level-headed. "As you said, I don''t understand how important your reputation is. However, I can differentiate between right and wrong"


    She tried her best to calm her breathing. "In your opinion, I called the police to arrest Karen out of personal grudges that it almost affected Byron and yourpany''s reputation. But I think you''re just biased against me." Jason picked up coffee sses. "Then I''d like to ask, what do you think is good for Byron?" Hearing this, Maeve pursed her lips and remained silent.


    Jason added, "As far as I''m concerned, you''re only marrying my son to make a name for yourself. Because, as I stated earlier, youe from a humble beginning"


    Maeve was stung by Jason''s words. She clenched her fists tightly, may not have an outstanding family background, and my parents may be nobodies. They can neverpare to your wealthy family, but just based on this, you''ve rejected my entire... "The family you were born into might have something to do with what you did in your previous life. If you can''t live this life, you might as well call it quits and move on. But you will never be good enough for my son in this lifetime," Jason interrupted her coldly. Maeve''s eyes were filled with unbearable pain and bitterness. She wanted to argue back. However, her throat was so choked that she could not say a word


    Jason, who was opposite her, closed the lid of his cup. His face remained firm as he said, "My family doesn''t need a young woman who doesn''te from the same ss. Your existence is affecting our family''s pure bloodline, and you''re pretty 09:15 Sat. Oct 26


    09:15


    much useless. As Byron''s father, for the sake of his future, I will never allow you to continue staying by his side and be a stain on his reputation"


    Maeve left the corridor in a daze. Her eyes were so dim that no light could enter them. Her mind was filled with Jason''s cruel yet realistic words. She could not change her background or other''s opinions. She had already tried her best not to care about those things. But she couldn''t help herself. She felt indescribable sadness,


    "Maeve." A low and clear voice suddenly came from the front. Marve looked up in a daze.


    Byron


    strode towards her. As he approached, he asked concernedly, "Why didn''t you call me when you got lost?"


    When he finished, he noticed Maeve''s pale face and frowned. "Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"


    As he spoke, he raised his hand to touch her forehead. But Maeve subconsciously avoided his hand. Byron''s arm stopped mid-air as he looked at her dark eyes.


    *L...


    I''m on my period. I''m not feeling well. Please don''t get too close to me. I smell blood and it''s unpleasant." Maeve lowered her eyes and casually lied. But hearing this, Byron''s gaze softened. He ced his palm on her shoulder and pulled her into his arms.


    "What are you doing?" Maeve was shocked. She immediately looked around nervously. "Let go of me!"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Byron did not say anything. The tip of his nose leaned close to her shoulder as he sniffed lightly and said. "Your smell is pleasant.


    The skin on her shoulder and neck burned from his light breath, and the tips of Maeve''s ears suddenly began to burn as she reached out to push him away. "Stop messing around! It won''t be good if someone sees us," "Don''t worry, no one will dare to speak nonsense.


    Maeve red at him. But Byron knew she was shy, so he did not tease her anymore. He held her hand as he walked her towards the dining room..


    Meanwhile, Maeve looked down at Byron''s hand that pulled her. His fingers were long and slender, and his palm was broad. It almost enveloped her hand, and she felt his warmth transmitted to hers. Feeling this. Maeve''s frozen heart slowly thawed. The Mcdaniels didn''t have many rules during dinner. However, basic table etiquette was still applied. For some reason, Alexis was enthusiastic about Maeve that evening. She kept putting food into her bowl.


    Maeve did not want to embarrass her, but she did not have much appetite and ate sluggishly. Soon, she couldn''t eat and didn''t touch the remaining half of the food on her te.


    Maeve frowned a


    wned awkwardly. As she was hesitating about what to do, Byron asked her in a low voice, "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m feeling ufortable. I can''t eat anymore, but it''ll be such a waste, Maeve replied in a low voice.


    Byron nced at her bitter face. "I can help you eat it, but on one condition"


    "What?"


    ''Maeve''s s eyes widened. "You''re negotiating at times like this?"


    I won''t help you then


    t. Mr. Profiteer, state your conditions." Maeve gritted her teeth. She was cornered at that point.


    Meanwhile, Alexis picked up another piece of roasted salmon and said, "Maeve, try this salmon. The chef bought it straight from the fish market this morning. It''s especially fresh."


    When the salmon almost fell to Maeve''s te, Byron suddenly pushed his te. Alexis looked surprised.


    09:15


    "She''s already full." Byron exined calmly as he put his te before him. He wanted to help her finish her food.


    Suddenly, Karen dropped her fork and looked at Byron in disbelief. She had been by Byron''s side for years and had seen how picky he was. She also knew he was obsessed with cleanliness. He mostly ate alone and seldom ate with

 Chapter 177

    Moreover, he had been so particr about the restaurant''s environment. But now, he is actually eating Maeve''s saliva? Isn''t he a neat freak? Does he forget about his eating habits? Is he crazy? Gilbert also saw this scene and grinned from ear to ear


    "I finally know why Maeve is so slim. It turns out that Byron snatches food from you every day" He deliberately joked.


    Maeve did not expect Gilbert to notice their little trick. Her face flushed immediately. "No, Gilbert. I can''t finish it myself. So Byron helped me."


    "Oh?" Gilbert smiled even more happily, "d to hear that. Byron now knows how to dote on his wife."


    Byron''s eyebrows twitched. For the sake of Gilbert''s health, he did not refute him in case he would upset Gilbert.


    Alexis looked at Maeve with aplicated expression.


    Alexis wondered, Was Maeve really unable to finish it, or did she say that on purpose when she saw that Byron refused to eat the food I handed over? This way, Byron would eat all the food I handed him." Alexis felt so moved that she wanted to cry. She was both happy and sad.


    Suddenly, a servant walked into the living room and said to Gilbert, "Mr. Mcdaniel, there are two guests outside the door. They said that they were Ms. Reese''s parents."


    Maeve''s pupils shrank due to shock.


    She thought, "Why were my parents here first? They clearly did not know Byron''s identity."


    Byron seemed to have noticed something and swept his gaze across everyone at the dining table.


    "Invite them in now," Gilbert instructed with a smile. Even though he felt that it was a little strange, he did not show it on his


    face.


    After a while, Scott and Valda walked into the dining room.


    They were all shocked by the elegant and luxurious decorations around them.


    They thought, The Mcdaniel family is indeed the richest family in Kleymond. Even the dining room is more luxurious than ours. Anyway, it will be our daughter''s in the future. Then it means that everything will be ours"


    "Inws, I apologize for noting out to greet you," Gilbert said, standing up and shaking hands with Scott and Valda, a smile on his face. "Why didn''t you let us know in advance that you wereing? We weren''t prepared. I''m sorry we can''t treat you better." Scott had never had the opportunity to encounter a rich and powerful figure like Gilbert, except for seeing them on TV.


    He was iparably excited. "Nice to meet you, Gilbert. It''s all my daughter''s fault. She married into the Mcdaniel family. but she actually kept it from her family. She really doesn''t take me seriously as her father.


    Valda happened to see Maeve sitting there. She rebuked, "Maeve didn''t I just say a few words that upset you? Why were you


    call? so angry that you didn''t even answer my


    Maeve felt a chill rush through her heart as she bit down hard on her lower lip.


    To those who didn''t know her well, it might seem that Maeve was someone who disrespected her parents, had a bad temper, and acted on impulse.


    Jason frowned when he heard that. Alexis looked sullen ton


    Only Karen had a gloating expression. She almostughed out loud.


    Gilbert smiled at Valda and said, "Maeve is usually to obedient and sensible. If som refuses to answer the phone, they must be quite someone."


    can make her so angry that she


    Valda looked embarrassed and speechless.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Medaniel, well, we took the liberty to visit you today mainly to ask you for a favor, Scott said shamelessly. "Im afraid only you can help us. For the sake that my daughter is married foto your family, please... He thenughed awkwardly.


    Gilbert returned to his seat. He was still smiling. "Just say it


    "Maeve''s younger brother was bullied by his ssmates at school a while ago. When he tried to defend himself, he identally injured someone. That person''s family is powerful and influential. Not only are they demandingpensation, but they have also had Maeve''s brother arrested and sent to a reformatory...


    With just a few words, Scott beautified Horace into a pitiful boy who had been bullied by his ssmates.


    Maeve wanted tough when she heard that, surprised that Scott could make up such a ridiculous lie.


    "My son has never had to endure much in his life, but this time, he has truly suffered," Valda said, tears welling in her eyes. "Maeve only has one younger brother. If anything happens to him, it will break Maeve''s heart..."


    Maeve could not take it anymore. She stood up and wanted to expose their lies. Even if she would be disliked by Byron and Gilbert, she didn''t care about it.


    Byron suddenly pressed down on the back of her hand and said in a deep voice, "Don''t move. Let them continue." Maeve looked at Byron in confusion, but Byron had no intention of exining. His expression remained calm. She could only suppress her anger and see what other ridiculous lies they could say.


    "We can''t make Maeve sad. Gilbert frowned and said, "After all, she only had one brother."


    Valda''s face lit up, and just as she was about to speak, Karen interrupted her. "Gilbert, I can''t stay silent any longer. I don''t


    want you to be misled. The truth is, Maeve''s younger brother often yed truant and got into fights. He bullied b


    ssmates and had a gambling addiction, umting a lot of debt. He was arrested and sent to the reformatory for injuring a ssmate''s eyes, resulting in their loss of sight."


    As soon as Karen said this, Scott and Valda panicked. "No, that''s not the truth..."


    Karen sighed. "If this matter gets out, it will definitely damage the Mcdaniel Group''s image. Anyway, Byron''s wife''s brother did it."


    Maeve clenched her fists tightly as if there was something stuck in her throat. She felt terrible.


    Gilbert''s expression darkened. "If that''s the case, it won''t be so easy to resolve this matter."


    "What do you mean?" Scott asked carefully.


    "I can get your son out of the reformatory, and I can alsopensate for you. However, I have a premise. Gilbert paused for a moment. "Maeve has to divorce my grandson." Maeve felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. It was as if something inside her heart was crumbling, and everything around her began to blur.


    Gilbert, who had always doted on her the most, wanted her to divorce Byron....


    Had their marriagee to an end so soon?


    Scott and Valda were shocked.


    Alexis immediately tried to stop him. "Gilbert, this is not a good idea..."


    Jason gave Alexis a look, signaling her not to speak.


    "Alexis, Gilbert is still angry." Karen suppressed the ecstasy in her heart and advised Alexis in a low voice. "It would be bad if it gets you involved. Forget it."


    Only then did Alexis stop talking. She looked at her son with worry in her eyes.


    Ever since Alexis found out that he had married Maeve, she had hoped that he would divorce Maeve and marry a better


    wife.


    But now..


    She actually regretted it.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, what do you mean?" Scott asked hesitantly. "You just lift a finger, and it will be done. What does it have to do with my daughter''s divorce?"


    Gilbert said, "What your son did will also affect the Mcdaniel family. Do you think it''s just a small matter? There''s no need to say anything else. As long as you agree, you can see your son tomorrow. Otherwise, there''s no need to talk." Scott''s and Valda''s eyes were filled with fear,


    On one side was their precious son, on the other was theing wealth for them.


    No matter which one they chose, it would hurt for them.

 Chapter 178

    "Choose our son. No matter in our


    supporti


    old age rich the Mcdaniel family is, Marve won''t share the wealth with us. Our son can even


    Valda persuaded Scott in a low voice.


    Scott disagreed. The reformatory isn''t a prison. It doesn''t matter for him to stay in there for a while longer."


    "You make it sound so easy, but you''re not the one suffering there. Even if you don''t feel sorry for your son, I do!"


    "You''re really shallow and short-sighted!"


    They thought that their voices were very low, but in fact, Gilbert and the others heard them clearly.


    The sneer in Karen''s eyes was undisguised.


    Maeve''s face turned pale, and it felt as though she was nailed to her seat. She couldn''t bring herself to meet the gazes of the others, let alone look at Byron.


    These are my parents. I''m sitting here, but it feels like they can''t see me at all. All they care about is their son and the Mcdaniel family''s wealth. If they had even a shred of pity for me, they wouldn''t use my marriage as a bargaining chip to gain more benefits. Perhaps my family truly is my original sin


    Just as Maeve was thinking in that way, she suddenly felt someone grabbed her hand.


    Byron said, "You''re not the one who did anything wrong. Keep your head up."


    Maeve opened her eyes and looked at Byron''s calm face. Her expression was stunned.


    "Well Gilbert coughed lightly and interrupted Scott and Valda''s argument. He slowly asked, "Have you guys made up your


    mind?


    "No, not yet." Scott smiled obsequiously. "Can you give us more time to think about it?"


    Jason frowned and felt even more disgusted.


    Gilbert''s expression did not change. "You can only make a decision now. Do you want your son or your daughter? If you can''t make a choice, I can only ask you to leave now." "Well... Scott looked troubled.


    "Our son! I want my son back!" Valda could not wait any longer. "Let Maeve get a divorce. She can even sign it now. In short, I want my son back unharmed."


    Scott had a pained expression on his face. However, Valda had already said it out loud. He could only wait for Horace toe out before asking Maeve to think of a way to remedy it.


    ""Mr. Mcdaniel, please help us get our son out."


    Coldness surged in Byron''s dark eyes, and the atmosphere around him seemed to drop in temperature. The chill felt palpable, as if it was about to take form, wrapping around the room and intensifying the tension. Especially when he saw Maeve''s pale and fragile face, the anger in his chest almost reached its peak.


    In the end, he forced himself to calm down.


    Gilbert said, "You''re really good parents, Maeve said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "You didn''t hesitate to sacrifice your daughter''s marriage for your son. It''s truly an eye-opener for me."


    The smile on Gilbert''s face had long disappeared, reced by a sharp intensity in his once-hale eyes. "I was just testing you to you to be so selfish..."


    Se if you care about your daughter before deciding whether could acknowledge you as my inws. Well, I didn''t expect


    The expressions of everyone in the dining ball changed drastically.


    Cold sweat broke out on Scott''s forehead, and his lips trembled. "Mr... Mr. Mcdaniel


    Valda was extremely anxious. "What test? Didn''t you say that you would get our son out of reformatory after Maeve divorced your grandson? Were you lying to us?"


    Gilbert waved his hand. "From the beginning to the end, I only value Maeve, not anything else. If you are qualified caring parents, it doesn''t matter. Since you are not, let me tell you, we will take care of Maeve from now on. You don''t have to worry about it. Butler, see the guests out."


    "Yes. The butler came over and grabbed Scott and Valda to send them out.


    Scott and Valda was dumbfounded. They were still immersed in the disillusion that they lost everything and forgot to resist.


    The difficult choice they thought was actually Gilbert''s intention


    After the dining hall became quiet, Gilbert''s dignified eyes swept across everyone at the dining table. "I wonder who meticulously prepared this show for me today. If you have the time, why don''t you go to be a screenwriter?"


    Jason said, "Dad, you''re thinking too much."


    That''s right. Why would we do such a disrespectful thing?" Alexis exined


    No matter how much Alexis disliked Maeve previously, she had never thought of using this method to embarrass Maeve. Karen wanted to say something, but when she saw Gilbert''s eyes that could see through anyone, she felt extremely guilty. Gilbert said, "Whether it''s you or not, remember what I said just now. Maeve is my approved granddaughter-inw. Even if Byron bullies her, let alone her elders, I won''t sit back and do nothing"


    After saying that, he smiled kindly at Maeve and said, "Maeve,e over with me."


    Maeve had yet to recover from the shock of the turn of what happened just now. After she heard Gilbert''s words, tears welled up in her eyes.


    "Okay." Her voice was a little choked as she stood up and left.


    Byron slowly retracted his gaze until her back disappeared at the entrance of the dining hall.


    "Butler." His voice was deep and cold as he said without a trace of warmth, "Send Ms. Booth away. In the future, you''re not allowed to let her in without my and my Grandpa''s permission


    As soon as he finished speaking, Karen''s expression changed drastically. She looked at Byron anxiously.


    Karen asked, "Byron, why? What did I do wrong? How could you do this to me?"


    Alexis wanted to speak up for Karen, but when she recalled Karen''s words to fan the mes just now, doubt surged in her heart.


    Alexis thought, ''Is this really unrted to Karen? Byron won''t punish her for no reason.


    "Nonsense," Jason scolded in a low voice. "Have you forgotten that the Booth family is your benefactor? Is this how you treat the daughter of your benefactor? If it spreads out, what will others think of the Mcdaniel family?*


    Karen''s eyes were filled with tears. She looked so pitiful.


    Byron removed his napkin with an indifferent expression. His cgle-like dark eyes happened to meet Jason''s.


    "Father, you should worry more about your adopted son who''s hiding around. You don''t have to tell me what to do."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "You...


    Jsaon looked angry, but before he could say anything, Byron had already stood up and left the dining hall. The butler did as he was told and invited the grieving Karen out. He also took away her pass to Maple Hill.


    It would be difficult for Karen toe to the Mcdaniel family freely.


    "He''s really grown up now. He isn''t in charge of the Mcdaniel family yet. Jason was still angry.


    Alexis narrowed his eyes. "You always praise and encourage Neville. Why are you so dissatisfied when ites to Byron?"


    Jason said, "Neville is more reasonable than him."


    Alexis wouldn''t say much when she heard such words in the past, but now, they made Alexis unhappy.


    "Are you saying that Byron is a troublemaker? You''re not in charge of the Mcdaniel family now. Why are you so fierce to my son? Do you


    want to divroce me?"


    Alexis and Jason had been respectful to each other for many years, but this was the first time they had quarreled to the point that the servants did not dare to approach the dining hall.


    0


    CO

 Chapter 179

    the second floor, in the small parlor,


    Gilbert personally poured Maeve a cup of coffee and asked her gently, "Did I scare you just now?


    Maeve shook her head. She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Well, yes, a little. My parents love their son so much that they came to ask for help," she said solemnly. "They were being rude to you, and I want to apologize on their behalf," she said solemnly. Gilbert''s hand paused in mid-air as he looked at Maeve, his expression shifting from warmth to something moreplex.


    for her. The love in his eyes gave way to a deep sense of sympathy. In the end, he felt sorry


    He thought that Maeve would resent her parents and even be ashamed to let others know that such people were her parents.


    However, from her words, he knew that although she was aggrieved, she was clear-minded and kind.


    That was why she apologized at this time instead ofining and crying.


    Gilbert was d that he did not choose the wrong granddaughter-inw, but he also pitied Maeve for learning to endure even though she was still young.


    Just as peope always said, the more sensible a child was, the easier it was for her to be let down.


    "Maeve, you don''t have to apologize, Gilbert said softly, patting the back of her hand gently. "I should be the one apologizing. I didn''t consider your feelings and made the decision to test your parents without thinking about how it would affect you. I made you suffer." Maeve''s eyshes fluttered and she wanted to cry. "Gilbert, I know you''re doing this for my own good."


    She knew her parents.


    ily to ask for benefits.


    They came today not only for Horace, but also to use her marriage with the Mcdaniel family to


    But in the end, no matter what benefits they received, she was the only one who was med and dissatisfied by the Mcdaniel family.


    By doing so, Gilbert had drawn a clear line between her and them.


    Everyone knew that her parents could abandon their daughter for their son.


    In that case, no matter what wrongs theymitted in the future, they would not me her.


    Gilbert had used a well-intentioned trick.


    Gilbertforted Maeve. "You''re an outstanding child. You''ll have a better life in the future after getting rid of that shadow."


    Maeve tried her best not to cry. She did not feel the warmth of family from her parents, but she got it from Gilbert.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Perhaps it was a form ofpensation.


    When Maeve emerged from the small parlor, she spotted Byron leaning against the fretwork fence with his arms crossed. his posture suggesting he was waiting for someone. His gaze was distant as if lost in thought. Byron''s eyebrows moved slightly. He walked towards her and fixed his gaze on her red eyes.


    "Did you cry?"


    "No." Marve sniffed. How could I be so useless?"


    §£§å§Ô§à§ß


    did not believe her. He raised his hand and gently pressed it against the corner of her slightly warm eye, rubbing it a few times.


    Maeve felt a little itchy when his fingers rubbed against her eyes, but she was greedy for the warmth of his palm and endured the itchiness,


    "1


    ''I can grant you a wish," he said suddenly.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. "Wish?"


    Yes. Byron''s voice was low. "Whether it''s making them disappear from Kleymond or letting your troublesome brother stay in reformatory forever, I can do it for you."


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t solve these things for her in private.


    However, those people were her family after all. Even if they made trouble for her all the time, it was up to her to decide how to deal with them.


    Maeve''s eyes shed. She felt as if someone gently caressed her beart. It felt so good.


    The words "I can do it for you" made her gloomy mood instantly clear up.


    Byron was defending her.


    Did this prove that he had her in his heart?


    A smile appeared in Maeve''s clear eyes. "But in fact, I don''t want to spend such a precious wish on unimportant people."


    She suddenly remembered that on the rainy night when they first met, after she saved him, he had also said that he would grant her a wish. However, at that time, she only felt anger and grievance after being molested. She did not care about that at all.


    Byron stared at her with a sly smile and chuckled. "Then what do you want?"


    ""Well..." Maeve began to think.


    Before she could figure out a better answer, the butler came over with a tray.


    "Sir, you instructed the chef to make some honey lemon tea. It has been done it for almost an hour, it almost cools down. Byron nodded slightly. "Send it to my room."


    "Sure."


    Maeve blinked and asked in confusion, "Why did you ask the chef to make that?"


    Byron brought her upstairs to the bedroom and answered her, "Don''t you have a stomachache?"


    Maeve was at a loss for a moment before she suddenly remembered the little lie she had told.


    She did not expect Byron to take it to heart.


    Also, the butler had just said that it almost cooled down.


    Was it because she hated boiling hotness that he specially instructed the chef to cool it down for a while?


    For some reason. Maeve did not cry when her parents chose to let her get a divorce in exchange for Horace, nor did she cry when Gilbert cared about her so much. But now, she couldn''t take it anymore.


    Byron did not hear her answer for a long time. Thinking that she did not follow, he was about to turn around when he suddenly felt a touch of warmth on his back. Maeve buried her face in his broad back and hugged his strong waist tightly.


    "Byron, why are you so nice?


    Her voice was muffled, so soft that one could not hear her clearly


    With the difference in their height and physique, Byron had always been the one hugging Maeve from behind.


    Now that Maeve was hugging him from behind, it felt refreshing


    Byron let her hug him like this. When he heard her words, his eyes shed with sorry for her.


    The Reese family people treated her so badly that just a cup of honey lemon tea could move her to this extent.


    Byron frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "People who are too easily satisfied are easily let down. Maeve, you can be greedy. There''s no need to live so carefully."


    Maeve hugged him even tighter, seekingfort in his presence: As she buried her face against his shoulder, she quietly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes on his shirt, careful not to let him notice. "Then it''s over for you. I''m getting a little greedy," she snickered.


    "Yes! Tell me about it."


    "I want to eat fish soup


    soup noodles that you


    make.


    Thest time she had a fever, he had made the food himself for her. It tasted very good.


    It turned out that the level of culinary skills had nothing to do with whether he could distinguish spring onions from leeks.


    Byron was silent for a few seconds. "Is this your wish?"


    yeah.


    Byron was speechless.


    Byron wondered if she did not know the vaule of his promise.


    Otherwise, why would she exchange a wish for a bowl of noodles?


    Then, he chuckled softly. His eyebrows rxed, and his handsome face seemed to glow with an effortless charm.


    Only Maeve could make him do that. Only her.


    Downstairs in the kitchen, the cook and the butler had been shoped out. They stood in the doorway withfused faces, peering in.


    Alexis was in a bad mood after arguing with her husband. When she saw the cook and the butler gathered here, she frowned and asked, "What happened?"


    "Madam, your son is cooking inside. He won''t let us help. I think he''s nning to make fish soup noodles.


    Alexis thought, ''Sciously? Did I hear it wrong? Weren''t they kidding?"


    Alexis walked into the kitchen, full of doubts. She saw her eldest son, who was capable and decisive when he was at work in thepany, was wearing a snow-white apron and handling a fresh fish at this moment. His expression was so solemn that he seemed to be considering whether to sign a contract involving over 20 million dors...

 Chapter 180

    Alexis touched her forehead, confirming that she didn''t have a fever or any hallucinations. She then walked over and asked. "Byron, what are you doing?"


    Byron did not even look up. He simply said, "Making noodles."


    "Are you not full from lunch? Alexis asked with concern. Just let the chef make it. Why do you have to do it yourself..."


    ""Maeve wants it."


    This answer made Alexis frown. "Do you cook for her often?"


    She had seen it more than once.


    Byron ced the prepared fish into the casserole and replied casually, "Yes."


    Alexis had reluctantly epted Maeve for Byron''s sake, but her dissatisfaction with Maeve only grew stronger.


    "You''ve already been exhausted from work. Why is she still being so willful and expecting you to take care of her? Doesn''t she realize she should be more considerate of you?"


    Byron narrowed his long and narrow eyes. His voice turned cold. "Why should she be considerate of me?"


    "You''re the eldest son of the Mcdaniel family, and she''s just from an ordinary family..."


    "Mother, you''re wrong," Byron said, giving Alexis a faint smile. "I lived an ordinary life just like Maeve did for over twenty years. If you look down on her, you''re essentially looking down on the old me." Alexis''s heart trembled at these words.


    She was surprised that Byron actually defended Maeve so much.


    He clearly knew that the 20-odd years of dislocation between him and Neville had left an indelible scar in her heart.


    "Byron, I definitely don''t look down on you. I just..."


    Byron retracted his gaze indifferently. "I still have work to do. Please leave."


    Alexis looked extremely disappointed.


    Byron was willing to cook for his wife, Maeve, just someone unimportant, but he was so cold to his biological mother.


    Alexis thought, "Why, exactly?


    In the bedroom on the second floor.


    Scott and Valda bombarded Maeve with countless text messages and phone calls, urging-and even threatening-her to seek help from their son-inw, Byron.


    Speaking of which, it was funny that they now admitted that Byron was their son-inw.


    Previously, when they believed Byron was just a driver, they mocked him on numerous asions.


    Maeve had wanted to ignore it, but she thought of something and picked up the call.


    "Who told you Byron''s true identity?" she asked without preamble. "If you lied to me, this will be thest time I answer your call


    Valda paused for a moment before speaking. "It''s...it''s your brother. He saw Mr. Mcdaniel on the news regarding an airne ident and informed us that, we just found out." Thinking back on it, they were filled with regret. When Byron came to visit them, why hadn''t they treated him better? Instead, they had even allowed Jeff toe over and cause trouble. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be so awkward now.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with disappointment. "You''re lying. Horace has never seen Byron before. How did he know that it was my husband when he saw the news?" Valda replied. "I


    "I don''t mind since you don''t want to tell me. Don''t call me again, and don''t ever o


    to see me.


    Valda immediately panicked. "No, Maeve, wait. I''ll tell you. A woman came to us and said that our son-inw is the CEO of the Mcdaniel Group. She even came up with an idea for us, telling us toe to the Mcdaniel family to see you... Maeve frowned. "What''s her name? Have you seen her?"


    "No, no. She only called us once. We didn''t see her."


    A familiar trick...


    Maeve had a guess in her heart, but to be on the safe side, she said, "Send me her numbers."


    Il send them to you right away." Valda''s tone was urgent, with a hint of ttery that was theplete opposite of what they had in the dining hall. "Maeve, look, can you plead with your husband and ask him to be magnanimous..." Before she could finish, Maeve hung up.


    Valda gritted her teeth in anger. "What a wretched girl. She is so ruthless. She won''t even beg Mr. Mcdaniel for her brother."


    "Don''t worry. No matter what, she''s still our daughter. Scott''s eyes lit up. "That won''t change the fact that Mr. Mcdaniel is our son-inw."


    As long as Maeve and Byron were still a couple, it could make the Reese family benefit greatly.


    It did not matter whether Maeve acknowledged them or not and whether she was willing to help. Maeve did not know what they were calcting. After hanging up, she clicked open the message.


    During the call, Valda sent her the numbers over.


    Maeve dialed. They were unavable numbers-


    If she guessed correctly, it must be done by Karen.


    Karen was so sinister that she kept blowing Maeve''s mind.


    Maeve pursed her lips tighter and tighter. Suddenly, she heard a low-voltage warning on her phone.


    She looked around and reached for the charger on the table.


    However, she saw a photo frame upside down on the table, as if it had fallen down identally.


    She picked it up and was stunned for a moment when she saw that it was not a photo in the photo frame.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    It was an old portrait.


    On it was a young mair with short hair and dark eyes, exuding a cold and gloomy demeanor. A band-aid was ced on the side of his face, and his thin lips curled slightly upward.


    It added a hint of gentleness in him.


    Maeve immediately recognized that this was Byron from his youth. Her eyes w


    So this was what the old Byron was like?


    filled with curiosity.


    He was like a young wolf king yet to mature in the snowy ins, unaware of how to conceal his sharpness and brimming with it instead.


    He appeared different from the calm, wise, and mature decision-maker of the corporation, yet there were simrities as


    well.


    At this moment, Maeve saw the signature at the bottom right corner of the portrait, L.A.


    Maeve wondered. "Who is this?


    Just as she was feeling puzzled, the photo frame in her hand was suddenly taken away.


    Somehow, Byron appeared before her. With an indifferent expression, he set the photo frame back on the table, leaving it still upside down. "Don''t touch it."


    Perhaps it was Maeve''s imagination, but at that moment, she seemed to have seen some dissatisfaction in his eyes.


    When she looked into his eyes again, there was nothing there.


    Maeve blinked in confusion. "That portrait is..."


    "Your noodles." Byron interrupted her question. "It''s going to cool down if you don''t eat it now."


    Maeve subtly sensed that he did not want to answer her question about the portrait.


    Byron could not even allow her to bring it up.


    Although he stood right there, an invisible barrier seemed to separate them, enclosing secrets she couldn''t uncover.


    On the way back.


    From time to time, Maeve would think of the terrible things that had happened today. When she thought of the portrait again, her mind was in a mess.


    The car stopped in front of the apartment building. Byron said coldly, "We''re here."


    Maeve lowered her head to unbuckle her seatbelt. In her chaotic mind, she suddenly recalled what Karen had said.


    Her eyshes fluttered, and she suddenly asked him, "You disappeared for a week of the end of December. Where were you then?"


    Byron''s arm that was resting on the steering wheel paused slightly as he slowly looked sideways at her.


    "What?"


    "Nothing. I just suddenly thought about it and wanted to ask you


    Byron narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, sensing that, judging by Maeve''s expression, her question hadn''te out of


    nowhere; she had clearly been contemting it for some time.


    It was as if she had been preparing for a long time before fi

 Chapter 181

    The silence in the car spread.


    Byron tapped his fingers on the steering wheel asionally. After a long pause, he said calmly, "I still have some work to do at the office. You can go upstairs by yourself now." Maeve''s pupils constricted


    His reluctance to answer was, in itself, a response.


    "Okay, be careful" Maeve pursed her lips and did not ask further, She carried her bag and got out of the car.


    A cool wind blew at night, and a chill rose from the bottom of her heart.


    Her face was pale, and she went upstairs without looking back. Looking at everything familiar in the apartment, she felt that something was different.


    So much had happened today that she was exhausted.


    Especially just now...


    Maeve rubbed her temples. Was what Karen said...


    Maeve thought, ''No, I can''t go back to relying on inferences to draw conclusions. I can''t afford to misunderstand him again. Perhaps it''s the same this time. Am I overthinking? I should have trusted him. If he''s unwilling to share, why should I let my imagination run wild?" After figuring this out, Maeve cheered up. She turned on the heater and went to sit on the carpet. She used the iPad to flip through the design information.


    The next day, her vacation ended.


    Maeve returned to work and bought coffee and drinks for everyone in the office.


    She received everyone''s warming wee.


    Maeve picked up the coffee and cake for Leah and whispered, "No one else has cake, only you do."


    Leah was joyful.


    Leah said, "I said that on purposest time because I was afraid that they would make you spend a lot. Why are you so honest?"


    "Then you don''t want it?" Maeve asked deliberately.


    "Yes, yes, yes. It''s mine since you have given it to me."


    Leah took over her cake and said to Macve, "Fiora has been dying the final payment and saying that there''s something wrong with your gowns. I think she did it on purpose, but I suggest you call and ask them about it." After all, Fiora was a princess and they couldn''t afford to offend her.


    People with princess syndrome and a princess lifestyle were the most annoying.


    Maeve didn''t expect Fiora to continue causing trouble when it was time for the final payment.


    Sighing, she took her phone to the corridor and dialed Fiora''s private numbers.


    09:16 Sat,


    She called a few times, but-up one


    nicked up.


    Just as Maeve was about to give up, the call finally went through


    "Hello?" Fiora''s arrogant and dissatisfied voice sounded. "Why did you call me when I''m busy? What''s the matter?"


    "Princess Fiora, are you dissatisfied with the gowns?" Maeve asked calmly.


    Fiora snorted. "Dissatisfied! It''s more than dissatisfied. What the hell did you make? They''re not gowns at all."


    Maeve''s eyelids twitched. "If I remember correctly, you were wearing those three gowns and received a lot of praise at the state banquet...


    "That''s amusing. You don''t really think it''s just about your gowns do you? Who would even notice the trash if I weren''t wearing those dresses?" Fiora was simply unreasonable and disrespectful to the extreme


    Since she called the gowns Maeve made trash, didn''t that imply that she, who wore those gowns to the state banquet, was a beggar herself?


    Maeve took a deep breath and asked in a steady voice. "Then what do you want?"


    "I''m not satisfied, and I''m very dissatisfied, Fiora said coldly. "Not only do you have to return my deposit, but you also have topensate me for the damage to my gemstones!"


    Maeve thought. Are you kidding me?"


    Maeve almost wanted to curse.


    She thought, Is she really a princess? She''s too perry.


    "Hey. What are you doing!"


    A sudden burst of noise erupted from the other end. It seemed Fiora''s phone had fallen into someone else''s hands, but s! didn''t snatch it away.


    Then, a cold young man''s voice reached Maeve''s ears. I apologize. Fiora is ustomed to being willful. Your gowns are lovely, and the Queen admires them. I''ll arrange for the final payment to be transferred to youter.


    "I won''t allow it!" Fiora screamed. "I''m the only one who can attract so many people with the trash she made. I don''t even her for money, but why should I pay her?"


    Loren immediately hung up the phone. He frowned and said, "Shut up. You''re shameless, but you can''t disgrace the royal family."


    Fiora said, "You''re helping an outsider and not me?"


    Loren said, "Are you a fool?"


    Fiora was so enraged that she pped away the maid who was doing her nails. She stood up and pointed at Loren. "Are you interested in that woman? Otherwise, why are you so protective of her?" Loren looked annoyed. "What''s wrong with you?"


    "Well, I got you, didn''t I? Fiora gritted her teeth. "I''ll go tell the Queen that you''ve been bewitched by amoner. You''ve even disobeyed your honorable sister because of her."


    With that, Fiora picked up her bag and intended to walk out.


    ask


    "Stop. Loren''s voice turned-gold and gloomy.


    Fiora ignored him.


    Loren suddenly smiled. "Fiora, do you really think that you''re ray sister after being a princess for so long?


    Fiora''s footsteps froze. She clenched her fingers so tightly that they were numb.


    "Loren, you, you


    Loren walked behind her. He was two heads taller than her and looked down coldly.


    "You don''t deserve it."


    Fiora''s manicure shattered in her palm as she opened her eyes wide, fixated on the direction Loren had gone. She trembled with rage, her body shaking with anger.


    Fiora thought, Tm the princess of the royal family, and also the rose of the empire that everyone praises endlessly. I don''t deserve it? Did he mean that woman deserve it? I''ll report it to the Queen! The royal bloodline incident did not affect Maeve. Loren was very trustworthy and quickly settled the bnce.


    It could be seen that not everyone in the royal family was as unreasonable as Fiora.


    After Maeve received themission, her treasury grew significantly richer.


    She had long since forgotten about Fiora causing her trouble and didn''t take it to heart at all.


    Next month, thepany would host a spring new arrivals exhibition, but no one had been appointed to organize it. Each time, designers on every floor submitted their designs within a week.


    After that, the higher-ups would select the best design drafts, which would then be turned into a ready-to-wear disy for


    release.


    Maeve had long been focused on the new arrivals exhibition and was diligently working on her design n. However, many of her drafts were deemed invalid, and none of them presented particrly novel ideas.


    Just as she was vexed, Alex walked over and gently knocked on her desk.


    "Maeve, let me tell you something


    "Yes?" Maeve raised her head in confusion. "What is it?"


    "Suvin Group''s editor-in-chief came to me. He wants to do an exclusive interview with you. Are you free tomorrow!"


    Suvin Group!


    Maeve''s mind instantly cleared, and her eyes lit up. Is it that unique fashion magazine that celebrates women''s beauty and suggests that a girl can not only hold a rose in her hand but can also wield a gun with deadly precision?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Alex chuckled. "That''s right. I didn''t expect you to know so much about it. While they may not be as famous as Trend Style Magazine in the country, they hold significant international influence. Moreover, you''re the first designer in the country to be interviewed by Suvin Group.


    Maeve was so excited that she almost stomped her feet.

 Chapter 182

    She especially liked Suvin Group''s philosophy


    It was said that Suvin Group printed a special number on the back of each magazine, designed to assist disadvantaged women facing difficulties who do not have ess to legal aid.


    Moreover, there was a dedicated team to address these issues. As long as one could locate a Suvin Group branch in her country, she could receive their assistance at no cost. Putting all this aside, they enjoyed a very high status in the fashion world.


    "Mr. Brown, what do I need to do now?" Maeve''s eyes sparkled like stars. "Suvin Group''s head office is overseas. When will I start off?" Alex''s heart was stirred by the shinning light in her eyes. The tips of his cars turned slightly red, and his heartbeat suddenly became erratic.


    He was ustomed to her calm andposed demeanor, so this was the first time he had seen her so vibrant and lively.


    "Well." Alex toughed to cover up his embarrassment. personally tomorrow."


    "You don''t have to go overseas. They said that they wille to see you


    Macve was extremely surprised. "They''re quite easygoing, aren''t they?"


    Maeve thought that people from famous foreign magazines were more arrogant.


    "Their editor-in-chief appreciates the gowns you designed for Fiora. He believes your design ideas align perfectly with their philosophy and holds you in high regard." Alex exined. Maeve immediately smiled. "Then I''m relieved!"


    Seeing how happy she was, Alex thought for a moment and asked her, "Maeve, are you free the night after tomorrow?"


    "Yes, what''s going on?"


    "Forget it, it''s not a big deal." Alex smiled gently.


    Actually, thest time he brought Maeve to the banquet, his parents friend saw it.


    His parents had joined forces and kept asking him to bring Maeve home so that they could get to know Maeve.


    Although Alex could ask Maeve for help like he didst time, he was more concerned about potentially offending her than about his own difficulties. Therefore, he decided to let it go. When Maeve heard him say forget it, she did not think too much about it and continued working.


    When she returned to her apartment in the evening, she was surprised to find Byron at home.


    During this period of time, Byron had almost disappeared.


    Maeve felt that Byron was deliberately avoiding her, so she did not take the initiative to contact him.


    Their eyes met across the air.


    Byron, who was sitting on the sofa, was the first to speak to her. "Come here."


    Maeve pursed her lips, thinking, ''Does he think I am a puppy that wille and go as he please?


    She was about to leave with the ingredients when she heard him say, "I brought you a gift


    Maeve stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him suspiciously. "A gift? Why did you bring me a gift?" Today was not a festival


    As she asked, she slowly moved to Byron''s side and saw a ck suitcase beside the sofa. ""You''re going on a business trip?" she asked.


    "I just came back, Byron replied calmly. He then grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto hisp. Maeve subconsciously hugged Byron''s neck and sat on his side with a dumbfounded expression. She tried to get up, but her waist was held tightly by his arms and she could not break free at all. She was a little angry. "Did I allow you to hug me?"


    He just went on a business trip, but why did he have to disappear and never contact her? Just as she was angry, an exquisite sapphire blue gift box appeared in front of her.


    Byron''s voice had a hint of a smile. "Aren''t you going to open it?"


    "Don''t even think about bribing me, Maeve retorted, pretending to be back-boned.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    -Then, she took the gift box from him and opened it.


    A pair of heart-shaped pink diamond earringsy quietly inside the box, their edges adorned with a ring of light-colored diamonds. They were so stunning that they seemed almost dreamlike. More importantly, it was suitable for both daily and important asions.


    Maeve''s eyes lit up slightly. "You specially picked a gift for me on a business trip?"


    Byron lifted the hair by her ear. As he helped her put on the earnings, he replied casually, "I just bought them at a roadside stall. It cost less than 40 dors."


    In other words, he didn''t buy them specially.


    Maeve wasn''t interested in jewelry, but she had seen it too much So she knew it too well.


    40 dors might not even be enough to buy the smallest diamond on an earring, not to mention pink diamonds with such high purity.


    However, the hidden worry in Maeve''s heart immediately dissipated.


    *40 dors. Great. It won''t be a pity even if I lose them," Maeve said deliberately.


    Byron narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at her snow-white carlobes that appeared even more exquisite beneath the pink diamond earrings. His Adam''s apple bobbed a few times, and he couldn''t help but lower his gaze. He gently bit her earlobe, and gave her a warm kiss.


    Maeve immediately trembled as if she had been electrocuted. Her calf that was stepping on the carpet straightened and rxed. She tried to use the force to escape a few times, but she failed.


    In the end, she copsed in his arms.


    8 K. ¡ì. 89%l


    Byron knew precisely where her sensitive spotsy. He didn''t need to provoke her intentionally, he could make her surrender in juu a few rounds,


    "Wait, wait..." Maeve barely avoided his hot kiss. Her eyes were filled with panic. "You just.. just came back. You haven''t eaten dinner yet. Aren''t you hungry?"


    Byron''s deep eyes seemed to be burning with dark mes, His voice became a little hoarse. I''m enjoying my dinner now?


    Maeve was dumbfounded for a second. Before she could react, she was lifted into the air and carried towards the bedroom.


    As soon as her body sank into the soft bed, the kiss that was wrapped in the scent of pine treesnded on the side of Maeve''s face, her slender neck, and down her corbone.


    He was too domineering. He held her slender wrists firmly with one hand, as if he was afraid that she would run halfway and not allow her to move.


    Maeve''s head spun from the kisses, her limbs feeling weak. Even the strength of her push seemed to be yielding to him.


    The earrings he had helped her put on glimmered faintly through her hair, radiating an alluring and seductive glow.


    Byron was about to take off her clothes.


    "Wait, wait. Maeve''s cheeks flushed a deep red as she wrinkled her nose and grabbed Byron''s arm, feeling the bulging veins beneath her fingers. A slight pain flickered in her lower abdomen


    "I can''t wait." A drop of sweat rolled down Byron''s handsome brow. His expression was tense, and his narrow eyes were so dark that it made Maeve''s heart tremble.


    He was about to seed in getting Maeve.


    If he stopped now, he would regret it.


    Maeve sensed something and immediately stopped him with a flushed face. "I think I''m going to have my period!"


    As soon as she said this, Byron''s face darkened.


    "Maeve, you...


    "I didn''t do it on purpose," Maeve argued before he could say anything. "Is it under my control when my periodes?"


    Byron''s cheeks tightened slightly. "You have your period twice a month?"


    Maeve blinked, thinking. ''Oh no, I forgot about it.


    "I lied to youst time. This time, it''s true... Her voice became softer.


    Byron was so angry that he almostughed. He pinched her chin with a gloomy expression. "How are you going topensate me?"


    Maeve was flustered. She simply closed her eyes and blurted out "Let''s save it for next time, okay?"


    Looking at her flushed face, eyes closed, Byron felt his heavy mood lighten just a bit.

 Chapter 183

    3


    She didn''t even know why he had so much energy, especially after just returning from a business trip.


    It was as if he hadn''t done anything in the past hour or so.


    But that was something she only dared to dwell on in her mind.


    Maeve hurriedly rolled out of bed, wrapping a thin nket around herself as she headed to the bathroom.


    Her instincts were right-she had gotten her period.


    A deeper blush crept over her face as she associated it


    it with the earlier events.


    She changed out of her stained panties, took a shower, and slipped into her pajamas.


    When she emerged, she saw Byron approaching with a cold expression, a touch of unsatisfied frustration still lingering on


    his brow.


    He l looked like a beast that hadn''t gotten enough sleep and had been rudely awakened-exuding an aura of danger.


    Maeve felt an urge tough but restrained herself for the sake of her own wellbeing.


    "Come in and help me shave," Byron said gruffly before walking into the bathroom.


    Maeve suppressed a smile and followed him, deciding not to turn him down since he was still in that mood.


    As it turned out, men''s words were unreliable.


    Byron hac


    had said he was going to shave, but he hadn''t mentioned that he wouldn''t try anything else.


    There were always a hundred ways to stir up a little fun, even if they didn''t go all the way.


    The next


    t morning, Maeve woke up to find that her period was unusually light.


    An entire night had passed, and there was only a small spot of blood on her tampon.


    Besides, other than the initial difort, she didn''t feel any abdominal or leg pain.


    Tve been staying uptetely, did that interrupt my period?'' she thought


    She''d experienced irregrities before, but this felt a bit more concerning


    Unfortunately, she didn''t have time to deal with it now, and she''d have to wait until she could make a hospital appointment. After washing her face, Maeve looked at the pink diamond earrings on her earlobes, reaching up to adjust them.


    She had a meeting with the principal of the Suvin Group today, and dressing too casually might offend the principal who had been immersed in the fashion world for years. She needed to be prepared.


    An hourter, inside Sunset Cafe, at the table by the window in the far corner, Maeve sat down and epted the menu handed to her by Karina Lemos, the principal of Suvin Group.


    She ordered an icecream float coffee.


    "Ms. Reese, your outfit today is striking," Karina remarked appreciatively, her gaze lingering on Maeve''s earrings. "It seems Suvin Group made the right choice in you."


    183


    Maeve smiled modestly "Bunks for thepliment


    Thankfully, she didn''t dress casually just because it was a simple meeting.


    "Do you know why we chose you, Ms. Reese!" Karina asked again


    Maeve thought for a moment. "Is it because my designs align with Suvin Group''s philosophy?"


    Karina smiled. "Yes, "Yes, but not exactly."


    "Your designs are indeed unique and full of energy, but they''re still developing-not yet at a point where we have to have you."


    Maeve wasn''t offended by the bluntness, just a little surprised. "Then why did you choose me?"


    Karina then


    said, "The evening gown you designed for Princess Flora-the one inspired by the snowe flower-had the fewest jewel embellishments, but it was the most vibrant of the three. You breathed life into that gown, like a withered leaf finding its way back to life. And that''s how we saw you-as a designer. Maeve''s eyes changed slightly. She thought no one had noticed the thinking she had subtly hidden in that gown.


    She had never thought that Karina would notice it.


    The i


    inspiration for for that t gown


    national symbol. That got me


    actually came from some reflection I did on the snowe flower," Maeve admitted with a softugh. That flower only blooms in the snow and fades in less than half a season. But it still outshines ever-blooming flowers and became Erancia''s could be like that, bing something precious, even only for a short season."


    Not because of her family on food not for her skills or education, but simply because she was who she was,


    Karina''s usually polite smile Karina


    Maeve pressed


    Suvin


    became warmer, more genuine. "I think that''s why we chose you," Karina said.


    her lips together thoughtfully, then asked with a smile, "Can I ask why Suvin Group goes to such lengths to support disadvantaged women?"


    Group wasn''tcking in money or fame, and there was no need for a publicity stunt by doing that.


    What intrigued her was what drove Suvin Group to continue this work.


    At the mention of that, a flicker of sadness passed through Karina''s brown eyes.


    "If it''s a sensitive subject, you can pretend I didn''t ask." Maeve quickly added.


    Karina shook her head and sighed. "There''s nothing I can''t say. It''s because Suvin Group''s founder once lost a daughter, and she didn''t want that kind of pain to touch another family."


    Maeve''s heart clenched, as if something sharp had pierced it.


    She paused for a moment and then said, "Suvin Group''s founder must have been a good-mother."


    And, of course, she was also aC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    good leader.


    Karina smiled. "But she doesn''t think so herself."


    Without diving further on the subject, Karina continued, "Ms. Reese, you''re very talented-the most ethereal designer I''ve ever seen. But you''re still young, and there are some areas where you could improve. So, I''d like to give you some advice."


    blinked. "What kind advice?"


    B%89%


    "I''d like to rmend you further your studies at Gradelle University. It would greatly benefit your design career, Karina


    said.


    Said.


    Gradelle University, often called the "garden of designers", had a reputation-no designer who graduated from there remained unknown.


    Maeve''s breath caught, her heart racing with excitement at the suggestion.


    But soon, her excitement faded.


    Graduating from Gradelle University would take two or three years-simply too long.


    "Ms. Lemos, I appreciate your offer, but I''ll have to decline, Marye said.


    Karina didn''t ask for a reason. She just smiled and ced a business card in front of Maeve. "You don''t have to decide right now. Go home, think it over, and when you''re ready, contact me. Surprised by Karina''s persistence. Maeve hesitated for a moment before epting the card. "Thank you."


    After leaving the cafe, Maeve escorted Karina and the photographer she had brought to the office.


    By the time the photos were taken and the interviews finished, it was nearly dark.


    Karina didn''t stay the night.


    She took a special flight home but left her private number with Maeve before she left, telling her she had at most a month to decide.


    Once that time passed and Gradelle University stopped epting students, Maeve wouldn''t get another chance

 Chapter 184

    184


    Just as Maeve was lost in thought, her cell phone beeped


    It was a message from Byron, asking her toe downstairs immediately.


    She quickly gathered her things and headed down, momentarily stunned when she saw his car parked at the curb. This was the first time he hade to pick her up from work.


    Usually, he just gave her a ride to work.


    "Wait! Maeve thought, suddenly realizing something,


    The Mcdaniel Group and Eternal Hope were inpletely opposite directions, so he just specially took her to work before


    A smile tugged at the corners of Maeve''s lips as she jogged over pulled open the door, and slid into the back seat.


    "What brings you here to pick me up today?" she a


    asked.


    Byron, flipping through some documents, paused for a second before responding coolly, "Just happened to be passing by didn''t believe him, but she didn''t feel the need to make him admit it. Instead, she stifled a quietugh.


    Maeve


    As she fastened her seatbelt, she habitually slipped her hands into her pockets to warm them, only to brush against the hard edge of a business card. Her lighthearted mood fell instantly. Two years-it wasn''t long, but it wasn''t short either.


    If it had been two months ago, Maeve wouldn''t have hesitated to pursue further studies at Gradelle University.


    But now..


    Maeve gazed absentmindedly at Byron''s face, so bright andposed.


    She had an attachment now.


    And he had once told her, even without entering a rtionship, that she was his wife.


    If she chose to study abroad, there was no doubt their marriage would end.


    She couldn''t afford to give that up.


    rat


    "What''s the matter?" Byron noticed her gaze and lifted his eyelids slightly. "You''ve been staring at me with that look for a while. What''s on your mind?" So, staring at someone too long did get one noticed.


    Maeve''s ears warmed as she quickly averted her gaze. "Nothing, just trying to figure something out."


    "Maybe you can ask me," Byron said.


    Maeve hesitated, arranging her thoughts. But as soon as she opened her mouth, she felt like it was the wrong thing to say.


    a long pause, she realized the car was heading in the wrong direction. Confusion flickered in her eyes. "This isn''t the way back to the apartment."


    After a


    "I had Archer make a restaurant reservation," Byron said casually


    Tha


    "Why the sudden dinner ns?" Macve asked, puzzled.


    Byron


    shot her azy nce. Just a change of pace."


    Maeve nodded. That worked-she didn''t really feel like cooking tonight, anyway.


    The restaurant was across the river. By now, night had fallen, and the streetlights along both banks formed a shimmering line that stretched into the distance, illuminating the view from their window seat. It was breathtaking. Maeve''s earlier gloom began to lift. While By


    took a phone call, she quietly poured herself a small ss of red wine.


    Byron ended the call and returned to his seat, only to find Macve watching him, her chin propped on her hand, cheeks faintly flushed, and eyes shining with a soft giggle. situation


    His eyebrow arched when he noticed the nearly empty ss of red wine in her hand. It didn''t take much to understand the


    "Who gave you permission to drink?" Byron snatched the ss from her and set it aside, sulking. "Did you forget that you can''t drink too much wine?"


    Maeve smiled, waving a hand casually. "I know. I only drank a little."


    Ignoring her protests, Byron called the waiter over to bring a cup of water.


    Maeve muttered under her breath, "Why didn''t you wear the suit I designed for you? Don''t you like it?"


    Who said I didn''t?" Byron''s gaze darkened. "I wore it the day you stood me up.


    He was, of of course, referring to the day of the Mcdaniel Group''s annual meeting.


    Maeve suddenly felt a cold shiver down the back of her neck, her eyes darting nervously. "The wine here is pretty good."


    Byron snorted. "Don''t change the subject. Tell me-where were you that day?"


    "At the resort hotel... Maeve said.


    "With who?" Byron asked.


    "Ms. Mason and a coworker," Maeve answered.


    Byron raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised she''d answered so quickly.


    Then,


    noticing her gaze growing unfocused, he smiled.


    you love he suddenly asked.


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered like butterfly wings, and she quickly covered her blushing face with her hand. "My dear brother-inw, it''s wrong of us to do this." The smile on Byron''s lips froze.


    The waiter, arriving with a ss of water, trembled slightly.


    Marve continued sadly. "My sister just left. If she finds out we''re doing this, she''ll be very angry ande to us half the night!" ng. +


    The waiter''s hands shook, and he ced the ss of water down little too hard.


    An oppressive silence followed, with Byron''s intense gaze locking onto him.


    "P-please, enjoy your meal." The waiter stammered before quickly retreating, fearing he''d heard too much


    "Byron..."


    Maeve


    still tried to say something.


    "Shut up. Byron''s brow furrowed as he interrupted her in a deep voice. "Drink the water"


    Maeve nced at the ss of water, a mischievous smile twisting on her lips. "I want you to feed me, mouth to mouth." Byron was struck speechless.


    He silently swore never to let her near alcohol again.


    lit Retro brightened.


    Maeve shoved Byron away and stumbled toward the trash can on unsteady feet, where she promptly threw up.


    She continued retching until there was nothing left but bile, still dry-heaving painfully.


    Byron, staying calm, patted her back and handed her a ss of water to help her rinse her mouth and soothe her. "Are you going to drink again next time?"


    The vomiting had cleared Maeve''s mind, though her face remained pale, almost ghostly. "Byron, this is awful."


    The lingering nausea gnawed at her, even though she hadn''t been able to bring up anything for a while.


    How could less than half a ss of light red wine have hit her so hard?


    Byron frowned as he picked up his phone from the table. "T''ll call the doctor."


    "No need," Maeve quickly stopped him. "It''s toote now. No point in bothering the doctor. I''ll just drink some water and


    rest."


    Byron studied her frail appearance and reached out, pinching her slightly warm, flushed cheek.


    He intended to give her a sharp pinch, a little reminder of her overindulgence, but instead, his fingers lingered, gently tracing her skin.


    Maeve squirmed slightly at the ticklish sensation and lifted her head, only to meet his intense, dark gaze. "W-what''s wrong?"


    Byron''s voice dropped to a dangerously low murmur. "Didn''t you just ask me to feed you?" His tone carried a slow, teasing menace. T''ll make good on that now,"


    A shiver ran down Maeve''s spine, and her instincts told her to run.


    She barely took a step before Byron caught her around the waist pulling her back effortlessly. "Where do you think you''re going?" he teased, his grip firm. "Do you really think you can get away?" She had been so b bold to tease him at the restaurant.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    And now they were at home. Even though she tried to escape, Byron wouldn''t let it happen


    Byron scooped up the blushing Maeve and set her down gently on the couch, his tall frame pinning her in ce. She had nowhere to run.


    His handsome face loomed closer, and Maeve felt her breath catch


    Tm on my period, she blurted out, desperately clinging to thest shreds of rationality. "So we can''t... do this


    Byron chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming. "Who says we can''t?"


    Maeve''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Could he really be this... shameless? she tho

 Chapter 185

    The scene Maeve had imagined didn''t happen after all.


    In t


    the


    end, Maeve finished the ss of water that had been sitting half-full on the table, though in a rather different way. After everything was said and done, Byron carried Maeve, who was nearly drenched up to her cor, to the bathroom.


    She leaned against him, breathless, feeling even more exhausted and sleepy than if she''d just 5 miles.


    Like a fish lying on a chopping board, casually waiting to be desciled or made into soup, she didn''t even have the strength to flick her tail and struggle. Afterward, she was cleaned up and and tucked under the covers.


    Still


    not


    fully


    sober, and after spending so much time in the hot, cramped bathroom, Maeve''s head was spinning. I''m dizzy," Maeve murmured.


    "Byron, I''m


    turned off the lights and walked over to her, his tone calm and measured. "Are you going to drink again?" I shook hook her head. "No more"


    eve frowned and


    The tight feeling in her stomach hadn''t eased even now.


    Byrony down beside


    her, pulling her into his arms as if out of habit. His hand rested gently on her back, patting softly eyes clo closed, sleep beginning to take hold.


    Maeve nuzzled into into his chest with her


    "What were you so upset about today?" Byron asked suddenly.


    On the verge of of sleep, Mae Maeve answered hazily, "When are you going to... divorce me?"


    Her voice grew quieter and quieter, f


    fading into a weak, barely audible whisper.


    But Byron heard it clearly. The softness in his eyes vanished in an instant, reced by a cold, heavy silence.


    ''Have I been too kind to hertely and spoiled her too much? How dare she ask for a divorce?'' he thought.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    This time, it tool


    it took Maeve two or three days to fully recover from her drunken stupor.


    Once she''d finished the tasks at hand, she decided to go to the hospital for a checkup, worried that staying up all night would eventually break her body.


    "Ms. Reese, congrattions," the doctor said with a smile after reviewing her test results. "You''re four weeks pregnant." ''Pregnant? How could that be? Maeve thought.


    Maeve froze, her entire body stiffening as her mind went nk. Her lips parted, but no words came out for a long time.


    Her heart was gripped by panic and helplessness


    Doing the math, the timing lined up with the night she had been drugged and sought out Byron.


    But the problem was, she had taken emergency contraception afterward. Sat, Oct 26


    "Doctor, are you sure this isn''t a mistake?" she asked.


    The doctor answered. "It''s clearly shown on the report. There''s no mistake."


    Maeve pursed her dry lips. "But I''ve been taking birth control pils, and I''ve been careful every time since. How could this still happen...


    The doctor, noticing she wasn''t very old, responded kindly, "Contraceptive pills aren''t 100% effective. It''s rare, but that doesn''t mean it''s impossible. And your report shows signs of a potential miscarriage. Thankfully, it''s not serious. Just take the prescribed medication and make sure toe back for regr checkups."


    The doctor''s words sent Maeve''s heart into a spiral. She wasn''t sure what to feel.


    said..


    "Thank you, doctor," she walked absentmindedly, almost bumping into someone. Leaving the the hospital, Maeve


    She found a bench and sat down, her face as pale as paper as the doctor''s words reyed in her mind.


    This baby hade so suddenly.


    She wasn''t ready to be a mother.


    Maeve''s gaze was vacant as she gently ced her hand on her t stomach. It didn''t even feel like there was a life growing inside her.


    The sensation was so unfamiliar, so foreign.


    It terrified her, and she wanted to run, but she didn''t know where to go.


    Taking out her phone, she i


    "Mom''s been through the instinctively pulled up Valda''s number and almost hit dial.


    this before. Sh this before. She''d I know what to do, she thought.


    But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she stopped herself and quickly hung up.


    She had almost forgotten that her family wasn''t like other families


    Her parents weren''t a safe haven or a source offort.


    A bitter smile tugged at at Macve''s lips as she clutched her phone, feeling utterly lost.


    "What am I going to do? How could I tell Byron about this? It seems that he doesn''t like children..." she thought..


    She sat on the bench for what felt like ages, until her legs went numb. When she finally stood up to leave, her steps were unsteady, as though she were walking on clouds. Passing by the park next to the hospital, Maeve noticed some small children ying in the sand-


    Their voices were soft and sweet, their smiles innocent, and they ran around like little Smurfs, full of energy and joy.


    Maeve couldn''t help butugh.


    But when she realized what she was doing, her face flushed with embarrassment. She quickly turned and left


    Back at the apartment, she noticed that Byron was sitting on the couch, working on hisptop,


    Ass


    soon as he saw her, Maeve''s nerves tightened.


    "You''re back?" Byron''s fingers paused on the keyboard. His gaze was calm, unreadable. "You went to the hospital today?" Maeve''s heart lifted inmediately. "How did you know?"


    Byron gestured with a nod toward the small chalkboard sitting on her desk.


    It disyed her to-do list for the day, and one of the items was clearlybeled "physical exam."


    Marve bit her lip, feeling a twinge of embarrassment.


    "How did the checkup go?" Byron asked again.


    Maeve subconsciously pressed her jacket pocket, struggling with the weight of telling him the truth as she met his inquisitive


    gaze.


    As she pondered what to say, it felt like her mind split open, recalling the words Byron had spoken not long ago.- "We don''t need children between us." clenched her palms and replied, as tly as she could, "It''s nothing serious.''


    "Yeah?"


    Byron shifted theptop from hisp and raised his arm slightly. "Come here."


    Maeve hesitated for a moment before walking toward him, feeling uneasy.


    Maybe it was because she was hiding something, but she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something unustal in the way Byron was looking at her. His dark, cold, silent eyes seemed to see right through her.


    She wasn''t sure if he would notice anything.


    In the next second, Maeve''s body suddenly dipped as Byron pulled her into hisp.


    He seemed to enjoy holding her like this-possessive, strong, in control.


    A


    A blush lush crept across Maeve''s cheeks. She was about to speak when she suddenly noticed Byron pulling a report from her jacket pocket, and her face turned pale. "Give it back!" Maeve eve panicked, reaching for it.


    Byron held her down with


    one hand, preventing her from moving, and with the other, he unfolded the report and scanned it in one swift nce. His face, usually as calm as still water, grew darker and heavier, a storm brewing behind his expression.


    Maeve knew exactly what that look meant.


    He was angry, very angry.


    Her heart raced, and her throat tightened as even breathing became more difficult


    What should I do now? Would he not want this baby... she thought.


    "Maeve, is this what you call ''nothing serious?" Byron''s voice was chilling as he stared at her with eyes so cold they seemed devoid of any warmth. 89%%0


    The color drained from Maeve''s face. Her eyes filled with panic and unease. "I... I can exin. I don''t know why this is happening...


    "Why did you lie just it! Byron gripped her waist, pulling her closer. His gaze lowered as he coldly questioned her. "Are you that afraid of me finding out? Hmm?"

 Chapter 186

    Maeve''s shoulders trembled slightly, and it took her a moment to gather her thoughts. "I was afraid you''d be angry...


    Byron let out a low, coldugh. "You think hiding it would keep me from being mad?"


    Maeve lowered her eyes, her mouth tasting bitter. ''It was an ident. I''m panicking inside, so scared I don''t know what to do."


    Ever since she found out she was pregnant, there hadn''t been a single moment of calm.


    Fear, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness hit her all at once, as if she had tasted a hundred different emotions in a single day.


    She had originally nned to hide it from him for a while longer, but she hadn''t expected him to find out so quickly.


    Looking at her panicked expression, Byron''s anger began to subside, though his voice remained cold and harsh. "So you stressed yourself out to the point of getting gastritis? Impressive. Maeve nodded numbly, listening, but something suddenly struck her as off. ''Gastritis?"


    Byron unfolded the report in his hand and gave a derisive snort. "Did you think I wouldn''t find out if you kept it hidden? Try drinking alcohol around me again, and we''ll see."


    He''d suspected something that night when she was so violently ill. He just hadn''t thought it was this.


    Maeve, still bewildered, blinked at him until her eyesnded on the words on the report.


    Then it hit her. She had gone to the gastroenterologist before her gynecological exam!


    The pregnancy had shocked her so much that she''d forgotten about the earlier diagnosis entirely.


    Realizing this, she flushed with embarrassment, thinking Byron had caught her about the pregnancy when it was really just the gastritis.


    Maeve exhaled deeply, her heart, which had been racing, slowly settling back in her chest.


    "It''s just gastritis. It can be treated. Don''t be so angry," she said.


    At that, Byron''s eyes darkened further. "Just gastritis?"


    Maeve shrank back slightly. "Don''t you have stomach problems yourself? Yours still hasn''t healed...


    "Say that again?" Byron reached out, his hand gripping the back of her neck lightly. The cool touch sent shivers down her spine, making her instinctively want to step back, Terrified, Maeve raised her hands in surrender. "I swear I won''t drink again! If I do, I''ll be a puppy!"


    Byron''s expression grew colder and more withdrawn.


    It was true that he also had stomach problems.


    But he couldn''t stand watching her neglect hers.


    It was unknown if he had thought of something unpleasant in the past, but his eyes were filled with coldness and gloom.


    Maeve thought he was still mad at her for hiding the stomach bug. She dwelled on it for a moment, then took a chance and kissed him on his cool lips.


    Her kissing skills werent the same anymore,


    Even the slowest of rabbits can learn from being petted and kissed by a lion every day.


    And Maeve was smart enough to pick up a few things.


    She followed Byron''s lead each time he kissed her, licking and kissing his bottom lip, sucking on it like a lollipop until his breaths gradually fell out of rhythm.


    Then she pried open his teeth, letting the tip of her tongue slip.


    Byron''s eyes darkened, and the long arms around her waist tightened like cast iron.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was the first time Maeve had taken the initiative to kiss him.


    Her checks flushed as red as roses, and her eyshes fluttered, as if she were trying desperately to hide her blush. She mimicked the moves he usually used to tease her, attempting to please him in return, though her effort was adorably clumsy Byron''s heart suddenly felt as though something was tickling it a soft, tingling sensation.


    The look in his eyes lost its innocence.


    Maeve quickly lost the upper hand and was pressed deeper into the couch, his kisses growing fierce and intense, barely giving her room to breathe.


    His scorching kisses trailed over her face, easily stirring a storm of sensations in Maeve, who trembled beneath him, sensitive to every touch.


    Byron''s grip became heavier, leaving red marks on her waist.


    Tsk," his voice was low and hoarse, "do you even have any bones?"


    She was so soft, he worried he might pinch her too hard.


    Maeve''s face flushed even deeper, her watery eyes ring at him. "Of course I do! You don''t need to check so thoroughly!


    If this kept going, it was bound to get out of hand.


    Remembering the pregnancy test, Maeve snapped back to her senses and hurriedly grabbed his hand. "Wait! My period hasn''t ended yet!" Byron''s expression remained unchanged. "I didn''t forget."


    "Then... then let go of me?" Maeve said.


    "Not now." Byron smirked at her. "You dared to tease me even though you''re still on your cycle. Wouldn''t it be a waste if I didn''t collect some interest?" Maeve stifled her frustration, pouting as she closed her eyes, resigned to whatever he was going to do.


    Once one lost sight, the other senses became even sharper-sometimes unbearably so.


    In the end. Maeve, who hadn''t moved much, was drenched in sweat, as if she''d just run a marathon.


    Byron carried her back to the master bedroom andid her down on the bed.


    Looking at his expressionless face, Maeve felt a little uneasy. "Byron, are you still angry?"


    Byron lifted his eyelids, his voice low and cold. "You realize you made me angry?"


    Maeve smiled awkwardly. I didn''t want to get sick either. I promise I won''t touch alcohol again."


    "Come back to the manor with me. Byron suddenly said.


    "What?" Maeve was surprised.


    "Dr. Foster is an expert. It''ll be easier for you to recover if you stay there." Byron''s tone was calm but left no room for argument


    Maeve instantly tensed up.


    She had witnessed Harold''s skills before-an expert in both traditional and modern medicine.


    If he saw Maeve, he might figure out her pregnancy in an instant.


    "I don''t want to stay there," Maeve said, lowering her eyes, resisting the idea. "I can take care of myself. There''s no need to bother Dr. Foster."


    Byron''s dark eyes locked on her. "You don''t trust his medical expertise?"


    "Of course I do!" Maeve said.


    Then give me a reason, Byron said.


    Maeve furrowed her brow, her mind racing.


    "What excuse could possibly convince Byron not to take me back to the manor? she thought.


    But she couldn''t think of anything, and her face was slightly pale as difort stirred in her stomach.


    Byron''s expression tightened as he watched her unease.


    Is my manor really that repulsive to her? Or is it... he thought.


    "Maeve," Byron said quietly, ''do you still think it would be better to marry a chauffeur than to marry me?"


    Whether it was never asking him for gifts, never turning to him when work became difficult, or treating his manor like a hotel she could leave as soon as she felt better-all of it pointed to one thing: she couldn''t get past the difference in their social status, which was why she was so clear with him.


    Maeve froze at his question, her fingers gripping the corner of the quilt.


    If he''d asked her two months ago, her answer would have been clear.


    Marrying a chauffeur would have been much simpler than marrying the heir to a grand estate.


    But now....


    "I don''t know," Maeve admitted, shaking her head. Then, under Byron''s sudden, icy stare, she added yfully, "I guess I wouldn''t know the difference unless I married a chauffeur in my second marriage, would I?"

 Chapter 187

    Before she could finish herst word, Byron pinched her chin and leaned down, biting her red lips heavily. Maeve''s eyes were filled with tears as she frowned in pain. "It hurts! What are you doing?" Byron narrowed his eyes and looked at the fresh marks on her lips as he said casually, "I''m just waking you up."


    The corners of Maeve''s mouth twitched when she heard his mockery.


    Fortunately, Byron''s phone rang at this moment, saving Marve from the crisis.


    While he left the bedroom to answer the phone, Maeve sat up. Then, she rushed to the table and took out the pregnancy test report from her bag, madly searching for a ce to hide it. Byron was too shrewd. If she just hid it on her body, he might catch it at any time.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Before she could figure out how to tell him about this, she would dy it as much as she could.


    Suddenly, Maeve thought of something terrifying.


    This was Byron''s bedroom, so no matter where she hid it, there was always a risk.


    At this moment, footsteps approached from outside the door.


    Maeve was worried that Byron might be suspicious when he came in and saw her sneaking around, so she simply stuffed the test report into an empty vase.


    When she turned around, Byron was looking at her with a frown. "What are you doing there?"


    Maeveughed awkwardly and patted the vase. "I thought this was an antique. I got closer. And it''s not


    Byron sensed that something was weird with her today, but he did not probe further. "Show me the medicine the doctor. prescribed for you."


    Maeve was stunned. "Stomach medicine? I''ll put it in my bag... Before she could finish speaking. Maeve saw the bag on the table beside Byron and immediately shut her mouth. BYTO


    followed her gaze and picked up the bag strap with his long fingers. "Is it in here?"


    Maeve''s breathing froze, and her heart almost stopped beating.


    "Wait!" She practically jumped in front of Byron, grabbed the bag in his hand, and pulled it back. "I''ll take it myself!"


    She was afraid that if she was any slower, Byron would see what was inside. However, this only made him more curious.


    Not only did Byron not let go, but he pinched one of her hands and yed with it. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "I''m just looking at your medicine. Why are you so nervous? What? Is there something inside that I can''t see In other words, other than that report, she must be hiding something else from him.


    He was so sharp that it scared Maeve.


    Especially when she was stared at by his dark eyes, she almost surrendered and told him everything


    "Of course


    not!" Maeve gritted her teeth. "I have a lot of pads in my bag!"


    Byron''s probing gaze froze.


    B


    Maeve was going all out anyway. "It''s not just pads. There are also some girls'' things. My privacy! So, you know"


    As soon as she said this, Byron immediately let go of her bag and turned around to cough ufortably. "Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    "You have to give me a chance to say it." Maeve hugged her bag tightly and secretly heaved a sigh of relief.


    Byron''s back was facing her, and the tips of his ears under his ck hair turned slightly red. He said in a low voice, "Take out your medicine."


    Maeve responded and quickly took out the stomach medicine from her bag.


    Fortunately, it was not mixed with the folic acid prescribed by the gynecologist. Otherwise, it would be difficult to distinguish thisplicatednguage on the bottle. Maeve closed her bag and poked Byron''s arm. "Here."


    Byron nodded and took a photo of the medicine before sending it to Harold, who replied instantly.


    "Don''t take these medicines for the time being. From tomorrow onwards, Dr. Foster will send medicinal cuisine to you and let you go back to health," Byron said to Maeve calmly. Maeve was stunned for a moment, and a warm feeling spread in her heart.


    Perhaps this was just a small matter for him. However, it was already rare for someone of his illustrious background and high status to take such a small matter to heart and act on it.


    At the very least, to her, it felt good to be taken seriously,


    Maeve was so touched that she even felt the urge to tell him about her pregnancy to see what kind of attitude he would have. But she still held it back atst. Anyway, it would not be toote to find an opportunity next time.


    The next morning, Nightfall Manor sent the morning''s medicinal cuisine to the apartment.


    Marve tasted it and eximed. There was no bitterness of medicinal taste at all and this medicine even tasted so good. Byron came out of the bathroom after washing up. When he saw Maeve''s intoxicated expression, he raised his eyebrows slightly. "Is it good?" "Yeah!" Maeve nodded crazily. "Dr. Foster is amazing! That''s why he gets paid a lot."


    "He''s married." Byron pulled out a chair and sat down. He said indifferently, "He also has two daughters."


    Maeve was stunned. "What does this have to do with me? I''m not...


    Byron took a sip of coffee. That''s good." It would be very troublesome for him to rece a doctor he was so familiar with.


    Maeve did not know that she had almost ended Harold''s career. She stirred the oatmeal in her bowl. "Dr. Foster looks so young, but has two daughters."


    Byron did not respond. He was not interested in the love life of others.


    Maeve held the spoon tightly and pretended to ask casually, "Byron, why don''t you like kids?"


    "Is it necessary?" Byron ate his breakfast slowly with an indifferent expression. "I''ve always rejected troublesome things."


    Is a child a troublesome thing to you? Maeve''s emotions wereplicated. The delicious oatmeal in her mouth suddenly became nd. "So you don''t n to have children in the future?  G


    "Yeah." He was nonchnt,


    "What if... you do?" At this point. Maeve''s heart was almost jumping out of her throat, and her palms were sweating.


    Byron''s eyes were dark as he asked her ambiguously, "Macve, are you testing me?"


    "I''m just curious." Maeve took a sip of oatmeal to hide the panic in her heart and said slowly, "Because you seem to be very resistant to children, but you''re also the only son of the Mcdaniel family.


    "So you''re just curious. Byron''s voice was slightly mocking. "Macve, I don''t care if you have that intention or not. You''d better remember what I saidst time."


    Maeve clenched her fists tightly on her knees.


    Byron seemed to have lost his appetite to continue eating. He picked up the watch on the table and slowly put it on. He adjusted his cuffs, his tone still calm. "In my life, there''s no what if. Even if there is one, I won''t let ite to this world." As soon as he finished speaking, Byron''s gazended on Maeve''s side profile which was covered by her hair. "You''d better not take any chances and think that you can challenge my bottom line. This is good for both of us."


    He picked up his suit jacket and strode out of the apartment.


    Maeve was sitting at the dining table and her face turned pale.


    0

 Chapter 188

    Byron''s words were like a spell that echoed repeatedly in Maeve mind.


    He wasn''t joking. He was actually warning her.


    Maeve held her stomach tightly with both hands with panic suddenly engulfing her entire body.


    What should I do? Keep it, or abort it?'' She had no clue. She had been suffering in her heart for a few days and could not make a decision.


    She still received the medicinal cuisine from Nightfall Manor on time every day, but she didn''t have much appetite so she just took a little every time. Fortunately, Byron had been busy untilte at night recently and had already gone out before she woke up in the moming, so he did not notice this.


    For the past few days. Maeve could not help but recall Byron''s expression.


    When he mentioned the child, his eyes were unprecedentedly cold, apanied by a trace of disgust. Compared to hating children for being troublesome, it was more like there was something else going on in his mind.


    However, she knew almost nothing about his past and could not figure it out at all.


    In the afternoon, after handing the new spring design to Leah, Maeve got off work early and went to the Hancock family.


    "How can there be a man who doesn''t want a child after getting married?" Bonnie gave a blow. "Your friend''s husband is so rich and handsome. It''s impossible that he doesn''t want a child. Then, it can only be that their rtionship is not good enough.


    "Not good enough?" Maeve''s heart sank. "But... my friend''s husband usually treats her well. Maybe he''s just stubborn when ites to children, right?"


    Bonnie was eating chips. Then you have to tell your friend to be careful. Is her husband having another woman outside?"


    ""Huh?" Maeve widened her eyes.


    "Or that man''s heart had been upied but he was forced to marry your friend. So he hoped her true love would give birth to his child." Bonnie talked like an experienced expert. "I''ve seen this kind of situation many times in the game. There''s even a plot where the true love is infertile. Then that asshole man waits for his wife to give birth to a child and divorces her before giving the child to that woman!"


    Maeve''s throat froze as she thought about that scene. Even if she died, she would never tolerate her child calling someone else mom.


    "Maeve, you can''t take things too hard. Don''t have a child so early. Bonnie said earnestly. "Your friend is a good example. Not to mention that you''ve only known him for just a short period of time. You haven''t even understood his character.


    "Now that you don''t have a child, you can still leave yourself a way out. If you find he''s not a good man one day, that can stop your losses in time. Even if he''s not bad, you''re not in a hurry to have one baby at such a young age. Wouldn''t it be good to enjoy yourself for a few more years? Being a mother is exhausting and unrewarding. Why trap yourself in your family?"


    "Bonnie, thank you." Maeve was warmed by the genuine worry in Bonnie''s eyes, but the worry in her own heart grew - stronger.


    She had never nned to have a child so soon. However, she did not expect that the two contraceptive pills would not stop the arrival of this child.


    God must have yed a huge joke on her.


    05 Mon, Oct 28Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "What if, I mean what if I''m pregnant?" Maeve asked hesitantly. Do you think I should keep this child?"


    Bonnie hit the nail on the head. "Unless your rtionship has developed to that point, you''d better not keep it. There are too many examples of wives in rich. families trying to use children to retain a man''s heart, but in the end, they didn''t end up well. You don''t have this thought, but I''m afraid others will think that you do."


    No one could say for sure when it came to rtionships.


    Maeve lowered her eyes to hide the worries. "Never mind, I know very well that a man''s heart can''t be kept. I''ve never thought of doing that."


    She liked Byron and she liked him so much. But she would not lose herself.


    Maeve subconsciously touched her lower abdomen and quietly made a decision in her heart.


    The next day, in the hospital.


    "Are you sure you want to undergo an abortion? The doctor put the report on the table with a regretful expression. "It''s rare to get pregnant with twins, less than one percent. It''s quite a pity to abort them. Upon hearing this, Maeve''s eyes suddenly shrank. "I... I''m pregnant with twins?"


    "Yes. The doctor nodded. "And your uterus wall is quite thin. If you do this surgery, it might be very difficult to conceive again in the future. I suggest you think about it carefully."


    Maere''s face turned pale. ''I will have a difficult pregnancy in the future if I abort this child now. Really? Is it worth it?


    Her head was in a mess. She thought of Byron''s cold and heartless face, then Bonnie''s sincere look.


    Atst, her gazended on the ultrasound report. It had only been a month, and it could barely show that it was the size of a bean.


    However, Maeve''s heart instantly softened. Her reluctance had reached its peak.


    Before she knew that she was pregnant, she had gotten into trouble twice. The first time, she bled. The second was a long period of difort caused by a ss of red wine. Even so, her kids stayed strong in her stomach. And she had made such a rash decision. If they knew that she didn''t want them, would they... feel sad?


    "I''m sorry, Doctor. I''ve changed my mind. I want to keep it. Maeve left the office with the report. Before she couldpose herself, she saw a familiar figure walking over. "Maeve?" Alex approached with a surprised expression. "Why are you here? Are you feeling unwell?"


    Maeve was also stunned. "No, I''m not feeling unwell. What are you doing in the gynecology department?"


    Alex heaved a sigh of relief when he heard that she was fine. "I came with my mother for a checkup and happened to see you, so I came to take a look."


    "Is your mother not well?" Maeve asked.


    "It''s an old problem. Not serious. Alex waved his hand slightly.


    Maeve pursed her lips and smiled. "That''s good."


    It''s on


    Alex looked at her smile and his heart skipped a beat. "Maeve, are you free tonight? I want to have dinner with you. It''s on me. Also... I have something to tell you." 5


    It was probably something-inappropriate to say in the hospital.


    Maeve did not think too much about it. She smiled and nodded. "Sure. Where are we going to eat?"


    Alex was about to give the address when she suddenly felt something behind his back and turned around.


    "What''s wrong?" Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion.


    "Hmm... I think I heard the sound of taking photos just now." Alex did not notice anything and retracted his gaze. "Maybe I''m wrong.


    At the same time, Karen was hiding in the corner, looking at the photo on her phone and sneering.


    She was here just to check on her body, but she did not expect to have such a big surprise that Maeve came to the gynecology and obstetrics department with another man. Perhaps she was fooling around outside and was pregnant with a bastard child.

 Chapter 189

    1@ x 91%


    After leaving the hospital, Alex drove Maeve to a high-ss privite restaurant. Worried she would feel ufortable, Alex chose an elegant seat by the window on the third floor. It was covered by a hollow room divider which gave a hint of privacy. The ce was only open three days a week and had to be booked in advance, there were not many customers.


    The owner is the great-grandson of a chef who served the royal pce and earned his second Michelin star at 28 Alex handed the menu to Maeve and said with a warm smile, "You have to try their bone marrow, it''s out of this world!" Maeve looked up and smiled. "Well, since you so, I might as well try it. She scanned the menu from top to bottom and drew a tick on a few of her favorite dishes.


    Suddenly remembering something, she crossed some checkboxes and changed her order. Alex took back the menu and noticed this. He asked curiously. "I remember you like these dishes very much. Why did you cross them out?"


    "My doctor said I have gastritis, and I don''t dare to eat anything too spicy." Maeve waved her hand helplessly. Moreover, her gynecologist also reminded her to pay attention to her diet and eat lighter and more nutritious food. Not long after, the dishes they ordered were served one after another.


    "Dear guests, the soup you ordered is made with spices that can nourish your body, however, it is not suitable for pregnant women or patients with high blood pressure. Therefore, the head chef asked me toe over and ask. We''ll cook it after the two of you confirm that there''s no problem with it, the waiter said dutifully.


    Alex nodded. "It''s fine. You can cook it."


    "Wait." Maeve Reese stopped the waiter. "Is it all food cooked with medicinal herbs that pregnant women can''t touch?"


    The waiter nodded with a smile. "Yes, ma''am. Our restaurant is famous for its use of spices. However, some food may be too strong for people with certain conditions. For example, pregnantdies. Some of our ingredients can pose a threat to fetal development. Most of their customers were rich or noble, so they had to be careful with what they served.


    "Thank you. Maeve forced a smile as her face turned paler. No wonder the gynecologist told her to pay attention to her diet. Otherwise, it would cause adverse consequences for the mother and the fetus.


    During this time, the manor had kept a strict diet on her. Their food tasted fine but was mostly nd. It didn''t suit her tongue. Fortunately, her appetite had improved recently and she had not eaten much. Maeve believed she would be fine. "Maeve, are you alright?" Alex noticed that Maeve''s face looked odd. He frowned slightly. "Is your stomach upset again?" "No, I''m feeling fine. Maeve pulled herself together and shook her head. "Alex, thank you for bringing me here today. Really. If not for the waiter''s reminder, she might never have known that there was such a thing. She never had such an experience.


    Alex smiled wider, and his eyes emitted warmth.


    The dishes were served quickly. Maeve took a few bites of Alex''s rmended bone marrow. It was rich and improved her apetite. Other than the spiced soup she had not touched, the other dishes were very appetizing. They were light but still vorful


    For dessert, they had apple strudel. It was sour and sweet, and Maeve ate ravenously. Seeing Alex smiling at him, she felt embarrassed. "Am I eating too much?"


    "How could that be?" Alex shook his head slightly. The smile on his face seemed to be able to melt one''s heart. "Eating more means you''re in good health. Your health is all that matters."


    Maeve could vaguely see something in his eyes at that moment, and there was a hint of confusion in his bright eyes. But before she could think further, Alex added, "Maeve, there''s something I need to tell you tonight."


    "Yeah? Tell me. I''m all cars: Maeve thought he would talk about something serious, so she immediately straightened her back like an obedient kid.


    The anxiousness in Alex''s heart was dispelled seeing Maeve''s behavior. He straightened his face and continued, "When I first saw you, I was only attracted by your design and cherished your alent. But after you showed your outstanding performance, I realized you are much more than a talented designer. You had my interest, and now you have my attention."


    Upon hearing Alex''s words, Macve''s eyes widened in shock as she looked at him, not knowing what to do. However, Alex smiled. "I wanted to take things slowly. I''m waiting until you are ready and have a good impression of me before telling you my feelings. However, I feel that I can''t wait that long. You''re so beautiful. No one can ever hate you. I''m afraid others might take over if I''m being too slow. I like you, Maeve, and I wonder you are ready to start a rtionship with me."


    Alex''s voice was gentle despite his impatience. There was no angrity in it, only the calmness and distantness that had settled over more than 20 years. At that moment, he could only see Maeve in his eyes. His eyes were filled with the love and affection that young people had. When faced with the nervousness and uneasiness of his first love, he wished he could give her his entire heart.


    Maeve had seen this type of gaze before. After all, she used to be like this. She could understand how sincere A, and she didn''t want to brush him off and trample on his sincerity. Ex''s words were. However, she was not ready to start a rtionship. Maeve clenched her fists and took a deep breath, intending to tell Alex her thoughts.


    "Maeve," At that moment, a cold and deep voice suddenly barged in.


    Maeve subconsciously raised her head. Unexpectedly, she met a pair of pitch-ck and sinister eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. Byron stood before her. His oppressive presence immediately made the room a little cramped.


    A Reese?" Alex was surprised. He put away his emotions and greeted Byron. "Have you eaten? Do you want to sit down?"


    However, Byron turned a deaf ear. He raised his hand and pressed it on Maeve''s shoulder. His tone was cold. "Come back with me.


    Maeve thought about how she had left without hesitation that day and deliberately avoided him afterward. So, she rebelled. "I don''t want to go back."


    Hearing her answer, Byron''s eyes darkened. "Get up. Don''t make me repeat myself."


    But Maeve did not budge. She was determined to go against him until the end. However, in less than three seconds, Byron suddenly grabbed her wrist with such force that she was almost pulled away from her seat. "I said, I don''t want to go back!" Maeve could not break free from his grip no matter how hard she tried. She was furious.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Byron scoffed. "We''re not negotiating."


    "Stop!" Alex stood up and blocked his path. He frowned and asked, "Mr. Reese, what are you doing? Maeve has said clearly that she doesn''t want to go back. It''s not good for


    you to force her like this. You''re her uncle, not her father. You don''t seem to have the right to interfere in her affairs."


    0

 Chapter 190

    After Alex finished speaking, Marve saw Byron''s face instantly stiffened. She immediately had a bad feeling. Just as she was about to speak. Byron suddenly pulled her closer to him. At the same time, he tilted his head slightly and kissed her demandingly. Maeve widened her eyes in disbelief. Her heart skipped a beat from the touch on her lips. ''Has he gone mad? To do this on such an asion?''


    Maeve hurriedly tried to push Byron''s chest, but she could not move him for even an inch. Instead, a sharp pain came from her lower lip. The next second, the man''s breath suddenly left her, leaving only a slight chill on her lips and a trace of blood. Byron did not look at her. His cold gazended on Alex. "I don''t need her permission.


    Then, Byron wrapped his long arm around Maeve''s waist and forcefully brought her away. Meanwhile, Alex stood on the spot with a pale face and a frown.


    After a while, a message popped up on his phone. It was from Maeve: [I''m sorry about what happened today. You see, he''s not my uncle. I''ll exin to you when I have the chance. But thank you for keeping mepany tod


    Thest word of the message was unfinished. Perhaps it got sent before she could finish typing. It was as if her phone had been snatched away..


    This was indeed the case. Alex did not know Byron''s true identity and had always thought he was Maeve''s uncle. So, when he saw that scene just now, his worldview might have copsed.


    Maeve took advantage of the time when Byron walked to the other side and got into the car. She took out her phone and sent Alex a message to exin. However, before she could finish typing, Byron suddenly took away her phone. She identally swiped the send button and sent it out.


    "Give me back my phone!" Maeve''s face turned red with anger. She reached out to grab Byron''s raised hand. However, Byron grabbed one of her hands and pressed her down. Then, he nced at the phone screen that was still on. The message Maeve sent was still visible.


    Soon, a new message suddenly popped up below. Alex replied: [Maeve, are you okay? If you need my help, please tell me. I''m worried about you.]


    Alex did not mention the impact he had suffered. He was only worried that Maeve had encountered some trouble was a unique gentleness in his words: [Also, I meant every word I said to you just now. I hope you can consider it.] There


    After reading this message, Byron''s face became more and more sinister and cold. "Maeve, have I been too soft on you recently?"


    His voice was so cold that Maeve shuddered. "I only refuse to go back with you. What''s there to be angry about? I didn''t even argue when you gave me such a rough treatment just now!" He also did it in front of an acquaintance. Just thinking about ir made Maeve want to disappear from the face of the earth.


    "If you don''t want to go back with me, then where do you want to go!" A mocking smile appeared on Byron''s lips. "Stay and ept that man''s proposal?" Byron couldn''t ept that Maeve was flirting with another man behind him. After all, he was still alive and well. Maeve widened her eyes in shock. "Oh, that''s rich. You''re so full of yourself. Did you kiss me just now to threaten Alex?"


    "So what if I am?" Byron''s tone was firm. "He dares to covet my


    woman?"


    Maeve was furious. "Byron, you''re going too far. He only confessed to me and didn''t do anything. Even if he was to be rejected, I should be the one to do it. What right do you have to do that for me, and in that way?"  B


    Byron narrowed his eyes. Maeve, are you protecting him? Have you forgotten who you are?"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "I''m not. Maeve looked up stubbornly. Tm afraid you''re the one who forgot. I''m only your wife in name, not your pet! I also have my own private space. What right do you have to interfere


    Hearing that, the anger in Byron''s chest was ignited. Meanwhile, Maeve opened the car door and wanted to get out. But unexpectedly, a pair of strong arms pulled her back into her seat and pressed her firmly against it. "Byron!" She frowned angrily. "Let go of me


    However, Byron sneered and did not say anything. His palm circled the back of her neck and then pinched her chin, forcing her to turn her head. Then, he kissed her directly, almost ravaging her soft lips. It was as if this was the only way to alleviate the hostility in his heart.


    Maeve''s back was pressed against his broad chest, and her position was locked. There was no room for her to struggle. She was so angry that she wanted to curse, but only intermittent whimpers came out of her mouth.


    Maeve''s back was pressed against his broad chest, and her position was locked. There was no room for her to struggle. She was so angry that she wanted to curse, but only intermittent whimpers came out of her mouth


    Maeve suddenly felt a chill on her body and closed her eyes weakly. She knew Byron was angry, but he had no feelings for her. He didn''t even want her child. On that note, she found it odd that Byron got upset because Alex was flirting with her.


    Perhaps in Byron''s eyes, Maeve was a pet through and through. When happy, he could tease her and say a few harmless. words of love to deceive her. He coaxed her until she was dizzy. But when he was mad, he could kick her away without showing his face. He was like a dictator.


    Who am I to him? Am I just a concubine? Or am I his sex doll?''


    All sorts of emotions piled up in Maeve''s heart, causing her stomach to feel a strong sense of difort and nausea, Her angry red face instantly turned pale. She used all her strength to push Byron away and grabbed the edge of the car seat to retch "Urgh... The umted lust in Byron''s eyes quickly faded and turned into a never-ending coldness. "Very good, Maeve." Hearing his tone, Maeve knew he must have misunderstood. However, her stomach churned. She retched for a long time but could not vomit anything. Instead, she felt even worse. After lying for a while, she reluctantly exined, "My stomach doesn''t feel good."


    Byron released her wrist coldly and said mockingly, "It seems that gynecologist is not quite the expert, huh?"


    Maeve tidied up her clothes and sat calmly. "Stop disrespecting his medical expertise. My appetite is low and I haven''t eaten muchtely. That''s why I''m like this."


    "Why? Don''t you have to cherish something?"


    "I lost my appetite because of a certain man who''s always ying the Cold War. Maeve was in a bad mood and retorted without any hesitation.


    Hearing this, Byron narrowed his eyes slightly. "Maeve, who do you think is ying the Cold War?"


    "Did I stutter?" Maeve had a bad temper. She looked straight at him and asked, "Who is the person who leaves me aside every time there''s an argument? It can''t be me, right?"


    In frustration. Maeve hit the car dashboard and added, "Oh, but forgot. You''re a nobleman. You can''t tolerate others being Impudent in front of you. You can give people cold treatment as you please and always feel entitled to everything. I expect nothing less from a pampered, tone-deaf man like you. After all, usmoners are nothing but tools, right?"


    9:06 Mon. Del 28

 Chapter 191

    Maeve was sarcastic as her words had an inexplicable sense of joy. She was like a sulking penguin, unsure of how to exp himself. Instead, she could only discreetly poke at others and bury his head in their soft bellies to hide. express


    Byron had rarely been mocked like that, but he was not angry at all. He remained silent. He then raised his hand and knocked on the panel. "Archer, give him my schedule for the next few days," Byron said. Archer immediately replied, "Okay, Mr. Medaniel."


    Once the partition was lowered, Maeve took the itinerary from Archer and nced at Byron frownly. Seeing Byron, she had no intention of exining as she could only look down.


    A few thin schedules were densely packed with Byron''s daily schedules. His schedule started at six-thirty in the morning and ended at eleven-thirty in the evening. His time for resting was less than two hours in total, including his meal time.


    For the past few days, Byron had revolved around the "West City Development Project Maeve had unintentionallye across news that several well-establishedpanies werepeting for the project.


    Maeve realized Byron was not avoiding her on purpose, but he was in a real busy.


    "Add Archer''s WhatsApp," Byron spoke to Maeve.


    Stunned, Maeve replied, "Why?"


    In the future, he''ll send you my daily schedule, Byron sneered. In case you''re suspicious and think that I''m deliberately giving you a cold war," he added. Mave felt hesitant as she then said, "I don''t think that''s necessary..." "Why not? Don''t you think I''ve neglected you? Byron asked.


    Meave only remained silent..


    Maeve inwardly cursed the small-minded man, though her face showed no expression. "Let''s say I misunderstood this time. But what about the times before? Don''t you intend to ignore me on purpose?" she said. Byron frowned and did not say anything.


    Maeve smiled and said, "You always act like this during our arguments. I can''t help but feel that you''re in a cold war with me this time. Isn''t that just normal?"


    "Is this your reason for having dinner with other men?" Byron lowered his voice.


    "That''s another matter," Maeve replied. "I just want to tell you that I hate what you did to me. I would prefer to be locked in a room and argue with you until dark rather than be left alone like this," she added. "Otherwise, each time you walk away unhappily, I''ll think it as you waging a cold war against me, leaving me with the feeling that I''ve done something wrong," she finished her words firmly.


    Outside the car window, the lights and shadows intertwined and flowed to Byron''s sharp face. It was difficult to know his emotions. However, Maeve did not expect him to listen to her words. With his position, he was used to controlling the dominant position.


    How could he understand my feelings? Perhaps that was the disadvantage of being ipatible, Maeve thought pessimistically. She then looked up and realized they had arrived at Retro Apartment. She then opened the door and got out


    of the car.


    After entering the apartment, the two of them walked in one after another. Neither of them took the initiative to break the silence. It was not until they entered the bedroom that Byron slowly turned around and looked at Marve.


    "Let''s continue," Byron suddenly said.


    "What?" Maeve asked. "Continue what?"


    Byron put down his suit jacket and adjusted his culls. "You''ll think that I''m having a cold war with you because of the topic that day. Is it so difficult for you to ept that I can''t have a chil


    Byron hit the nail on Maeve''s head. Maeve was indeed worried about the child. Sheposed herself and she said, "What if I say yes? 1 like children very much. What if I want one in the future?" Then adopt one," Byron easily replied.


    Hearing that answer, Maeve was puzzled. "If you can ept adopted children, why don''t you want your own biological


    child?" She asked.


    Byron stopped tidying his sleeves and walked closer to her, staring straight into her eyes. Then, he ced his palm on Maeve''s stomach.


    "Maeve, are you pregnant?" Byron asked.


    In an instant. Maeve''s ears buzzed, and her heart was pounding. The shock in his eyes was about to overflow, but she suppressed it firmly.


    "Don''t you always take precautions? How am I supposed to get pregnant?" She tried her best to keep her voice steady and threw the question back at him.


    -Byron withdrew his hand thoughtfully. "You seem to be paying a lot of attention to the topic of children recently," he


    replied.


    "That''s because I don''t understand why you hate children, Maeve uttered.


    You don''t need to understand, Byron said calmly. If you like children, we can adopt a few in the future," he added.


    Maeve clenched his fists. "Do you hate your own child that much?" She raised her voice.


    Byron raised his hand and touched the back of her neck. He pinched it neither gently nor forcefully and said casually, "Biologically. I''m afraid I won''t be able to help but strangle him to death." "Why?" Maeve wondered.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Since you''re not pregnant, that''s the end of the topic. As you said, every time I take measures, the probability of you getting pregnant is about zero," Byron exined.


    His lips curled into a smile, but there was a hint of cruelty in it. "Give up on this idea as soon as possible. I won''t repeat the same words twice," he continued.


    Macve''s palms were cold, and her heart felt like it was leaking air. It was so cold that she could not help but tremble. She still had no idea why he refused to have a child.


    However, Maeve understood his heartlessness towards his biological child. Or perhaps, it was his heartlessness towards her The child was not expected by Byron. ''How long could Maeve hide it from him in the future?" She thought. Macve did not dare to appear too disappointed in case he noticed something. Hence, she changed the topic. "I still feel a little ufortable in my stomach. I''ll go see if there''s anything else to eat in the fridge," she said. Byron suddenly said. "Wait"


    "What''s wrong?" Maeve turned her head and felt Byron''s fingertips on her cheek as her eyshes fluttered.


    B


    Byron brushed a strand of hair from her cheek to her ear and uttered, "Arguing in a room until dark is just too clich¨¦d."


    Maeve was stunned and she asked, "And?"


    "Why don''t we change it to some

 Chapter 192

    Maeve wanted to stop him, but she gave up her intention as she was worried that doing so would make Byron suspicious. However, if she did nothing, Harold mighte and the truth would be exposed. Maeve was caught in a dilemma, Cold sweat seeped out of his forehead.


    For a moment, she even wanted to let him know. At most, they would get a divorce and the child would belong to her. But in the end, she held back that thought.


    At that moment, Maeve saw something in the kitchen. A white light suddenly shed across her sight. Byron returned after the call. When he saw that Maeve was still busy in the kitchen, he slowly frowned.


    "If you''re not feeling well, go outside and wait. Someone will bring food overter," he offered.


    "Did you call Dr. Foster?" Maeve asked.


    "Yeah," Byron replied.


    Maeve forced a smile. Tm much better now. It''s not good to trouble Doctor Chen to make a trip sote at night," she uttered.


    Byron looked a little pale, "If you had taken healthy diets on time every day, you wouldn''t have to go through this trouble" Maeve choked on his words. She did not say anything else and walked towards the living room. Half an hourter, Harold arrived with his medical kit. "Mr. Mcdaniel. There was a traffic jam on the way. I am sorry for beingte," Harold uttered.


    Byron nodded slightly. "Please, take a look at her. Her stomach disease might have worsened, he asked.


    "Alright, Harold replied as he walked forward and started examining Maeve. "Ms. Reese, please extend your hand," he said.


    Hearing that, Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. She secretly clenched her sleeves.


    She looked at Byron, who was standing beside her, and hesitantly ced her hand on Harold''s small pillow. Harold examined her pulse for a moment, and a trace of surprise shed across his eyes.


    Harold retracted his hand and took her pulse again. Then, he started again. Byron frowned even more and asked in a low voice, "How is it?"


    Harold kept his silence. It took a long time before he finally replied, "Ms. Reese''s pulse is a littleplicated. I can''t find any problems at the moment."


    Maeve quietly heaved a sigh of relief. Her fingers were gripping her sleeves so tightly till they had turned white.


    She looked at Harold and noticed his suspicious expression. "Is it because I just vomited and my pulse weak? Your medical skills are brilliant. How can you not find anything?" She deliberately said. Harold immediately went down the stairs. "That might be the reason. I can only trouble Ms. Reese to describe her curre physical condition," he exined.


    Maeve''s eyes flickered. She could not eat those medicinal cuisines again, let alone take medicine casually.


    After thinking about it, Maeve hid part of his illness and told Harold that she was very sensitive to the smell of medicinal herbs. Every time she ate medicinal cuisine, her nausea would increase. Hearing that, Byron nced at her. "Isn''t it because I''m angry?" He asked.


    Maeve smiled awkwardly and said, "That''s also the reason, but is is the main reason."


    "Your condition is rtively rare," Harold said. "If the medicinal cuisine will have the opposite effect on your condition, then I suggest that you prioritize food supplements. Although the effect will be slow, it''s more ideal for your recovery," he continued. "Thank you, Dr. Foster." Marve thanked him softly.


    At that moment, the huge rock that was pounding on her heart waspletely relieved. Harold gave ten prescriptions for her supplements and left. When he reached the apartment door, Byron called out to him from behind.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, is there anything else?" Harold asked.


    Byron thought for a moment and asked in a low voice, "Is Maeve pregnant?"


    Harold thought of Maeve''s pulse and said honestly, "Ms. Reese''s pulse is very weak. It''s mainly because of her stomach disease. I don''t think it has anything to do with pregnancy


    It was rare for a weak pulse to disappear. However, Maeve seemed to be fine, which was even more puzzling. Therefore, Harold would not say it out loud if he was not confident.


    The doubts in Byron''s eyes slowly dissipated. "Yes, it''s been hard on you," he tried to understand.


    Maeve, who heard their conversation at the entrance, turned pale. Byron was indeed suspicious of her. Otherwise, he would not have gone to Harold alone to confirm her pregnancy. Fortunately, Byron had probably dispelled his doubts by now.


    Maeve pursed his lips and turned to enter the washroom, locking the door behind him. Then, she took out a small appl¨¨ that she had been holding under her arm. Maeve used to work part-time in the Chinese Medical Hall. asionally, she would hear the old doctor talk to someone about how she could hide her pulse by tucking the ball under her arm.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Maeve had used that method to sessfully deceive Harold. However, although that method was good, it still had a huge drawback. After more than five minutes, the arm tissue would necrotize.


    Fortunately, Maeve immediately rxed after taking her pulse, so other than a slight soreness in her arm, there was nothing serious. Maeve looked down at her t abdomen and pursed his lips.


    "So what if I could hide it from Byron just for a while? Could I still hide it when the month was older? At that time, what should I do?'' Maeve could not hope that Byron would change his mind. She could not sacrifice her own child to maintain her marriage with him. But she totally had no idea find a bnce between the two.


    The next day, on the 21st floor of Eternal Hope. Maeve wanted to apologize to Alex, but he did note to thepany today.


    "I don''t know where he is, but he took a sick leave as he called in sick at home," Leah said as she handed a document to Maeve. "You don''t have anything to do this morning, so help me do the chore. Take this information to his house," she prompted. Maeve was stunned. "I''ll go? Is that good?" she said.

 Chapter 193

    Worried that Maeve had waited too long, Alex quickly tidied up and came to the living room. He even brought her a cup of


    hot cocoa.


    "Thank you." Maeve epted the cup of hot cocoa with some restraint.


    Alex could tell that she was ufortable. He sat down on the sofa at the side and smiled to ease the atmosphere. "Thank you foring to deliver the information to me. I''m bored at home and just happen to need these, he said. "You''re wee. I happen to have nothing to do today," Maeve replied.


    After a moment of silence.


    Alex asked her gently. "Did that manst night make things difficult for youter?"


    "No." Maeve pursed his lips and guilt shed across his eyes. "He''s very good to me," she added.


    As soon as she finished speaking, Alex''s face turned paler than before.


    Maeve felt even more guilty, but she continued, "I''m sorry for lying to you before. He''s not my uncle, but my husband. I''m also sorry aboutst night."


    How could someone as smart as Alex not understand the two meanings in herst apology?


    It was both an apology and a polite rejection.


    "Is he good to you?" Alex asked.


    Maeve hesitated for a moment before nodding and said, "He''s very good to me. I like him very much."


    Upon hearing this answer, Alex''s fingers on the armrest tightened slightly, and the smile on his face was as gentle as ever.


    "Since he treats you well, I''m relieved. You don''t have to be sorry for me. I couldn''t help but like you. You didn''t do anything. wrong," he uttered.


    Maeve gripped the cup in his hand tightly, not knowing what to say.


    It was as if no matter what he said at this moment, it would be wrong.


    "I''m serious," Alex looked at her seriously. "Maeve, I''m very happy that you can be honest with me."


    He continued, "To tell you the truth, my preferences are the same as my inspiration. Theye and go as quickly as theye. They''re even more vtile than a June day."


    At this point, he chuckled. "So, don''t feel burdened. I can''t marry such a cute girl like you, but I think it''s not bad to have another sister, Alex finally finished his words.


    Maeve saw that his expression was calm, and there was even a hint of casualness that he usually joked about. The guilt in his heart was greatly soothed.


    If Byron was said to be an iceberg, what was exposed on the surface of the water was far inferior to the sharpness and coldness hidden under it. It would never be seen through, and anyone who approached it would be frozen. Then Alex was undoubtedly the clear spring at the top of the mountain, silently nourishing all things. It was reserved and gentle, easily letting down one''s guard.


    "Thank you. Alex, Maeve said softly.


    Alex reached out to rubrher hair, but in the end, it onlynded of her shoulder.


    "You and him are fine. If he dares to bully you,e and find me I''ll avenge you." he said firmly.


    Maeve couldn''t help butugh and said, "Alright, I understand."


    After staying for a while, Maeve left.


    The smile on Alex''s face disappeared, and the fatigue and disappointment that he tried his best to suppress appeared. Suddenly, the phone next to him rang.


    Alex picked up the call. "Yes?"


    "Why do you sound like you''re about to die? Don''t tell me you were rejected by Maeve?" Leah teased him from the other end.


    Alex smiled. "Yes, she didn''t even leave me with any illusions," he replied.


    Leah was silent for a while. "There are plenty of fish in the sea. I''ll find you something else. You can have as many as you want," she tried to cheer him up.


    "No," Alex declined politely. "I''m going into seclusion recently. I suddenly had an inspiration," he made his stance.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Alright, alright, alright. I won''t disturb you anymore," Leah replied.


    After confirming that he was fine, Leah hung up with relief.


    As long as Alex still had the energy to create, it meant that it was not a big problem.


    Thinking about it, it made sense. Alex had only known Maeve for a few days. His feelings for her could not be that deep.


    Before the Spring Festival, Maeve finallypleted thest bit of work at hand and could enjoy the holiday in peace.


    Byron was much busier than her. It was not until New Year''s Eve that he made time to take her back to the Medaniel family for the holidays.


    The manor of the Mcdaniel family was decorated withnterns and banners. There were also two rednterns hanging at the front door, and couplets written by Gilbert Mcdaniel were pasted on both sides. The brush moved like dragons and snakes, and the handwriting was carefree. It formed a style of its own.


    The vi was bustling with activity as they prepared for the New Year''s Eve dinner.


    Even a prestigious family like the Mcdaniel family, had to cook their own New Year''s Eve dinner. Gilbert was the head chef, and Mr. Mcdaniel was the assistant.


    Alexis was making pancakes in the dining room.


    Maeve could not help but be a little surprised. She quietly asked Byron, "Isn''t it too hard for Grandpa to cook so many dishes alone? His body....


    "It''s fine," Byron said calmly. "Grandpa is only in charge of thedle. Other people will do the rest," he added.


    If anyone tried to persuade him, he would be angry that others would think that he was too old to even carry the pot.


    Then I''ll help too," Marve said.


    She had just taken a step out when the back of his cor was hooked by Byron''s fingertips.


    She looked back at him in confusion.


    "Grandpa knows how to scold people," Byron Mcdaniel pushed her shoulder and walked towards the dining room. "Go and help Mom make pancakes. There are men to do the kitchen," he asked other things instead. Maeve almostughed when she heard that.


    It was not easy to hear such a down-to-earth sentence from the CEO.


    Even the Medaniel family, who she had always felt was high and mighty, seemed to have be much friendlier.


    Maeve walked into the dining room to help Alexis.


    Alexis took the time to nce at her and said indifferently, "We''re almost done here. Go and sit in the living room and y for a while. How can we let the guests do anything during the festive season?" The word ''guest made Maeve stand rooted to the ground, feeling a little helpless.


    Thest time Alexis gave her the pair of purple jade earrings, she had been happy for a long time.


    Unexpectedly, it was just as Karen had said back then. Alexis had only treated her with courtesy because of Byron.


    She


    was too naive.


    Alexis, L...


    Alexis interrupted her. "If you don''t want to be idle, go to the garden and water it for me. I don''t need your help here."


    Maeve pursed his lips. "Then go ahead. I''ll go take a look in the garden," she replied.


    Since Alexis did not want to see her, there was no reason for her to stay here.


    Even Byron could not make her carefully curry favor with Maeve, let alone others.


    Even if they were his parents.


    Maeve walked into the garden to take a breather. Then, she picked up the spray can by the wall and watered the flowerbed.


    Plop!


    A muffled sound suddenly came from the side.


    Maeve turned his head and saw a girl about ten years old fall beside the flower bed. He put down the watering can and walked over to help her up.


    "Are you all right?" Maeve asked.


    Maeve then patted the dust on her down jacket and looked into her eyes.


    The girl did not answer. She stood there and cried like a child. Her dirty hands wiped her face and became dirtier and dirtier.


    "Don''t rub your eyes with your hands. Maeve immediately pressed down on her hand which was stained with mud. She took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. "Use this." The girl did not take it and stopped crying. However, her eyes were still filled with an indescribable foolishness.

 Chapter 194

    Seeing the girl''s expression. Maeve felt a sudden surge of concem.


    This girl seemed different from most people.


    Maybe she couldn''t understand what Maeve was saying.


    Watching the girl on the verge of tears, Maeve decided to wipe the dirt off her face and hands with a handkerchief.


    Then she applied a band-aid to the girl''s scraped palm.


    "All done." Maeve smiled at her. Just be careful next time and try not to fall."


    The girl blinked, tears still on her face, but she broke into a silly grin.


    Maeve put the handkerchief away and returned to watering the flowers.


    The girl followed closely behind. Maeve turned around, worried she might bump into the girl.


    "I have candy for you," Maeve said, pulling out a mint-vored lollipop from her pocket. "How about you go over there and stay out of my way while I water the flowers?"


    The girl snatched the candy, tore it open, and ate it without moving an inch, grinning at Maeve,


    Maeve couldn''t help but feel exasperated.


    this girl seemed to just attach to Macve.


    Just then, a servant rushed over, apologizing to Maeve. "Ms. Reese, I''m sorry. She''s a bit mentally challenged and doesn''t behave quite normally. She didn''t offend you, did she?" Maeve shook her head. "No, she''s been quite well-behaved."


    "That''s good." The servant grabbed the girl''s arm and pulled her away. "Come on, let''s go back. If Mr. Mcdaniel finds out you''re out here, he''ll be furious."


    Seeing the girl''s pained expression, Maeve couldn''t help but interject, "Wait, be gentle with her. You might hurt her."


    The servant nodded but didn''t ease up at all.


    The girl looked longingly in Maeve''s direction, mumbling something with the lollipop in her mouth.


    Maeve furrowed her brow and thought, ''Is this girl some rtive of the Mcdaniel family?"


    She didn''t seem like it. Otherwise, the servant wouldn''t dare treat her that way.


    Besides, the servant had just mentioned, "If Mr. Mcdaniel finds out you''re out here, he''ll be furious." It implied the girl had no connection to the Mcdaniel family. "Maeve." Byron rounded the corner of the hallway, noticing her lost in thought with the watering can, and asked in a calm voice, "What are you doing?"


    Maeve raised the watering can. "Alexis said the pancakes were almost ready, and she asked me to get some fresh air. I thought I''d water the flowers while I was at it." Byron frowned slightly. "She asked you to water the flowers, didn''t she? Next time, ignore whatever she says."


    Byron thought, ''d. Did she really follow Alexis''s orders just because Alexis gave her two cards? Maybe I just hadn''t given her enough.


    Byron withdrew his gaze, waiting for Maeve to wash her hands before they headed toward the dining room together.


    Maeve wanted to ask him about the girl but thought better of it. After all, this was a matter concerning the Mcdaniel family, and she didn''t to T The dinner was lively and harmonious..


    To Maeve''s surprise, Gilbert''s cooking was even better than what she''d had at a hotel restaurant.


    Jason''s cooking was pretty good too, even if he only made a dish of cucumber sd. It was quite tasty.


    Maeve couldn''t help but reflect that cooking skills must be hereditary.


    After the dinner, Gilbert brought out gifts he had prepared in advance for Maeve and Byron.


    The gift for Maeve was particrly substantial.


    "Maeve, I hope you and Byron have a happy year ahead," Gilbert said with a smile. "It''d be great if I could have a great-grandchild soon." Maeve''s cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Gilbert."


    Byron ced his gift in Maeve''s hands and said softly, "Grandpa. Maeve is still young. There''s no rush."


    Gilbert shot him a disapproving look. "Maeve is still young, but I''m not.


    Byron said, "You''re still in great shape and will live to a ripe old age."


    "You rascal." Gilbert chuckled, clearly pleased. "Well then, I can take care of the kids for you if you have the baby


    Byron smiled faintly but said nothing-


    Maeve poked Byron''s wrist and whispered, "Why did you give me your gift?"


    "I''m giving you double the fortune. Don''t you want it?" Byron shot her a nce. "Later, make sure to ept whatever mom and dad give you, too." Maeve said, "Alright. Gifts from elders are a blessing


    "Well, now you have double the blessings." Byron''s usually sharp gaze softened slightly, his voice enchanting. "Next year will go smoothly for you." Maeve felt extremely warm and happy.


    Looking at Byron''s slightly lowered face, she felt enveloped in his affection, unsure whether it was the dazzling chandelier above or the expression on his face that illuminated her heart. Suddenly, Maeve really wanted to kiss him.


    But the moment was wrong, and she couldn''t make it happen.


    "What are you thinking about?" Byron raised an eyebrow, noticing her daze.


    "I was just thinking. Maeve licked her dry lips and said softly, honestly, "Right now, I want to kiss you, but there are too many people here for me to do that."


    Byron felt a rush of tension at her blunt words, and his eyes were filled with desire.


    "What''s so difficult about that?'' He smirked casually,


    Maeve popped a candy into her mouth, turning her head in confusion as a cool kiss unexpectedlynded on her lips.


    She widened her eyes in surprise, realizing where they were and instinctively trying to pull back.


    Byron wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her firmly into his embrace, using the vase on the dining table as cover to deepen the kiss...


    Footsteps asionally echoed in the dining room.


    Even with the vase concealing them, if Gilbert stood up, he would immediately see what they were up to.


    Maeve had always been a good girl. She never did anything her parents forbade, kept her distance from boys at school, and never even experienced puppy love.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Yet here she was, secretly kissing under the watchful eyes of her elders, separated by a long table.


    This kiss seemed to carry a shroud of forbidden allure.


    Maeve was excited, and her head spun, making it hard to know where she was.


    Afraid of being discovered, she was much morepliant than usual, while Byron''s eager movements slowed down, savoring her rich sweetness as if he were indulging in dessert after dinner. Only when he sensed someone approaching did he finally let Maeve go, his handsome face still lingering with an air of


    reluctance.


    Maeve quickly pushed him away to sit properly, her cheeks flushed and burning, and she was unable to look at him out of sheer nervousness.


    It felt like sneaking a nce at a ssmate during a lesson, terrified of being caught by the teacher.


    The more she pretended nothing happened, the more attention the teacher''s gaze seemed to draw.


    "Maeve, why is your face so red?" Gilbert turned to her, noticing something off, and asked with concern, "Is the air conditioning too high? Or are you feeling unwell?"


    0

 Chapter 195

    <


    Maeve''s face flushed deeper, and she struggled to find her words


    "Grandpa, she was eager to go out and set off fireworks, and she choked on some water, Byron said calmly, quickly making up an excuse. Then he stood up. "I''ll take her over now."


    Gilbert smiled knowingly. "Good. Take Maeve and have some fun. No need to rush back."


    Maeve sensed that Gilbert''sstment held some deeper meaning, but feeling guilty, she didn''t dwell on it as she left the dining room with Byron.


    din


    Just as they stepped out, the butler rushed in and whispered something to Gilbert.


    Gilbert adjusted his cor and sleeves before saying, "Help me over there."


    "Yes," said the butler.


    In the backyard, the entirewn was dimly lit except for the small paths around it, making it feel vast and distant. Maeve initially insisted she wasn''t interested in fireworks, but after watching Byron set off a few, she couldn''t resist joining him.


    Byron nced at her and scoffed lightly. "You''re just pretending. Such a contradiction."


    Maeve''s ears turned red, and she pretended not to hear him, focusing instead on the sparkling glow of the wand in her hand, warmth spreading in her heart.


    Since Horace turned three, the family fireworks had been exclusively his


    The only ones she could y with were the ones he didn''t want


    As a child, Maeve always wished her parents would buy more so she could enjoy them fully, but that dream had nevere


    true.


    Later, as she grew older and could buy as many fireworks as she wanted, that sense of anticipation and joy from childhood faded away.


    Maeve turned to Byron, who had one hand in his pocket and the other holding a wand with, aid-back and rxed air


    about him.


    Today, he broke from his usual attire and wore a smoke-gray trench coat over a white turtleneck sweater, softening his typically stern face. He looked like a character straight out of aic.


    Suddenly, Maeve wanted to capture this scene.


    The sound of a camera shutter startled Byron,


    He turned his head, eyeing Maeve, who was holding the camera. "Are you taking a picture of me?"


    Maeve smiled calmly, looking up at the sky where the fireworks wereunching. "I''m not photographing you. I''m capturing the fireworks."


    At that moment,rge fireworks were being set off throughout the city.


    Byron urately tossed the spent fireworks into the trash can and walked toward her.


    G


    Maeve sensed trouble and-turned to run, but in the next second, he pinned her shoulder against a nearby tree trunk.


    He grabbed her wrist and lifted it, and the photo on her phone screen caught his eye.


    Byron smirked. "What''s this?"


    Maeve''s cheeks flushed. "I was actually photographing the wand in your hand and happened to take a picture of you..."


    "Is that so?" Byron leaned down slightly, his long fingers weaving through her dark, smooth hair, lifting the back of her head.


    Then, slowly yet forcefully, he sealed her lips with his, reiming what had been interrupted back in the dining room.


    Just then, fireworks exploded overhead, illuminating the dark sky above thewn like falling stars.


    In the fleeting light, one could see two figures by the sycamore tree, their lips locked, seemingly merging with the romantic- night.


    Before the fireworks finished, Maeve was already breathless, her legs weak


    Byron lightly caressed the back of her neck, his voice thick with desire. "When does your period end?"


    Hearing the implication in his words, Maeve blushed even more


    She gently touched her abdomen, slowly saying. "It ended a while ago, but I''ve been having stomach pains, so you might want to hold off for now." Byron frowned, his palm sliding up her waist, resting near her stomach.


    "Does it still hurt?" Byron asked.


    Maeve said, "Sometimes it hurts a little, but it''s not too severe."


    Byron leaned down and kissed her lips heavily, and when he pulled away, his eyes were filled with a mixture of frustration and helplessness. "Such a delicate flower."


    Maeve immediately bristled. I''m not delicate."


    Byron snickered, crossing his arms and leaning against the tree, ignoring her.


    After watching the fireworks in silence for a moment, Maeve suddenly said, "Byron, I have a question."


    "Hmm?"


    Maeve bit her lip, hesitating before finally gathering the courage to ask, "You said before that once Grandpa''s condition stabilizes, you would divorce me. What are your thoughts now? Have you changed your mind?" Her voice trailed off, bing softer and softer.


    Byron stared at her for a long while, about to respond when a servant rushed over from a distance.


    "Sir, Mr. Gilbert Mcdaniel asked me to bring Ms. Reese to the fifth floor."


    Byron asked. "Just Maeve?"


    "Yes, he said he would call for youter. He wants to speak with Ms. Reese alone," said the servant.


    Byron nodded slightly and turned to Maeve. "You go ahead"


    Maeve suppressed her disappointment, nodding "Okay."


    Just a few steps out, Byron''s deep voice suddenly came from behind her. "Tll give you the answer to your questionter."


    Maeve''s eyes brightened, and with her back to him, she sofily replied, "Alright."


    She would wait.


    The servant only took Maeve to the stairway entrance, telling her to walk straight to the end of the hallway and wait in the room. Gilbert would be back shortly. "Okay, thank you."


    After thanking him, Maeve walked toward the room at the end of the hallway.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Pushing the door open, she found the room dark, without any lights on, and it smelled bloody.


    Maeve felt something under her feet and bent down to feel around. She touched a cold object. It was too dark to see what it


    t was.


    Finding a touch panel on the wall, she turned on the lights.


    As the light brightened, she saw Gilbert unconscious in a pool of blood, her face going pale instantly.


    "Gilbert?" Panicking, Maeve rushed over, checking for his breath. Realizing he was still alive, she immediately grabbed her phone to call an ambnce.


    At that moment, she saw the object she had picked up earlier.


    It was a bloody fruit knife.


    Just then, the door burst open, and a furious voice exploded in Maeve''s ear.


    Jason shouted, "Maeve, what are you doing? What did you do to Gilbert? Are you crazy? Throw away the knife you''re holding! If you do anything reckless, we''ll call the police right now." Jason and Alexis entered, finding Maeve in apromising position, their faces sullen with anger,


    Hearing their words and looking at the knife in her hand, Maeve felt chilled, and she reflexively tossed the knife aside.


    Maeve said, "No, it wasn''t me..."


    Ignoring her exnation, Jason stepped forward, pushing her away from Gilbert and coldly telling Alexis, "Call the police. Immediately."

 Chapter 196

    "Wait, I really didn''t do it. Maeve''s face was pale, and she looked helpless. T just got here and found out..." Before she could finish her sentence, Alexis''s sharp p struck her face.


    "Shut up" Alexis red at her with disgust. "If anything happens to Gilbert, just wait to pay with your life."


    Maeve was struck sideways, her hair falling messily against her fished check, the imprint of the p clearly visible.


    A wave of unprecedented humiliation washed over her, making her eyes burn with unshed tears.


    The butler quickly brought in the medical team to give Gilbert emergency treatment.


    "Bind her up first, in case she has more malicious intentions, Alexis ordered the bodyguards following her.


    Maeve instinctively recoiled, but the bodyguards misinterpreted her action as an attempt to escape. They seized her shoulders and forcibly bound her hands behind her back. "What''s going on?" Byron strode into the room, his voice suddenly cold and deep as he spotted Gilbert lying unconscious int the center surrounded by doctors. "Who hurt Grandpa Jason pointed coldly at Maeve. "Who else could it be? Your wife stabbed Gilbert with a knife, and we caught her in the act."


    Byron''s brows furrowed deeply, and his sharp gaze turned to Maeve''s pale face.


    Maeve felt pierced by the icy re in his eyes and hurriedly shook her head. "It wasn''t me! I didn''t... How could I hurt Gilbert?"


    "We saw you with the knife next to Gilbert. Who else could it be? Alexis sneered. "Save your excuses for the police."


    Maeve gasped.


    "Maeve has no motive to harm Grandpa," Byron interjected in a deep voice. "It would be unfair to jump to conclusions based solely on her presence at the scene."


    Alexis looked shocked. ''Byron, your grandfather is unconscious, and his life is at risk. Yet you''re still defending this woman?


    "Gilbert cared for you so much, and this is how you repay him?" Jason said, anguished. "Are you out of your mind?"


    Maeve was shocked that Byron would defend her instead of assuming she was the culprit.


    She thought he wouldn''t believe her.


    "Wait, what''s in her pocket?" Alexis suddenly asked.


    Maeve froze and looked down.


    Her coat pocket was bulging, as if something had been forcefully stuffed inside.


    A sense of foreboding washed over her.


    At Alexis''s signal, the bodyguard reached into Maeve''s coat pocket and pulled out a pure gold, gem-encrusted music box.


    "Isn''t this Laurel''s favorite thing from before?" Alexis red at Maeve. "You''re really bold to have something that doesn''t belong to you. No wonder you dared to harm Gilbert. You probably thought you''d get away with it if you killed him to cover up."


    "I didn''t take it. I don''t know how it ended up in my pocket Mative shook her head in denial. "I swear, I didn''t hurt Gilbert"


    She looked urgently at Byron. "It wasn''t me. I promise I didn''t...


    Byron pressed his lips together, saying nothing.


    Maeve''s hopes began to plummet in his silence.


    Just then, the doctor said seriously to Jason, "We''ve temporarily stopped the bleeding from Gilbert''s wounds, but he lost too much blood, which has caused otherplications and aggravated existing conditions."


    At these words, everyone''s expression changed.


    "The ambnce is downstairs," Byron said, putting away his phone. His expression was cold andposed. "We''ll use the special passage. We can reach the hospital in no more than five minutes. The operating room and the best doctors are on standby." Jason immediately instructed someone to carry Gilbert on a''streicher and leave.


    "Byron!" Alexis called after him, frowning. "This involves your grandfather and the Mcdaniel Group. You can''t let your emotions cloud your judgment. Maeve needs to be taken to the police station for questioning, or else you...


    "Just lock her up for now," Byron said, slightly turning his head. His tone was devoid of any emotion. "She''s my wife. Surely you understand that we all share the consequences."


    With that, he strode away.


    Maeve watched him leave, her heart heavy with bitterness.


    He didn''t believe her.


    He thought she was the kind of person who harbored greed and malice, someone who would harm Gilbert.


    At this thought, it felt like a massive hand was gripping her heart tightly, flooding her with an overwhelming pain. The pain from the p mark on her right cheek was overshadowed by this deep ache.


    They soon arrived at the First Hospital.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    1. y. Gilbert was taken to the intensive care unit.


    After the surgery.


    The lead surgeon removed his mask. "Although Mr. Mcdaniel''s abdominal wounds avoided the vital organs, he lost too much blood, which has led to otherplications and worsened his pre-existing conditions. If he can wake up within a week, he''ll be fine. But if he doesn''t...


    Jason''s expression changed. "What will happen?"


    "The worst-case scenario is that he''ll be a vegetable."


    The term "vegetablended like a heavy blow on both Byron and Jason.


    The atmosphere in the corridor grew gloomy and silent, with no one daring to speak..


    Jason leaned against the wall, exhausted and filled with hatred. "Once we get back, you and Maeve should file for divorce. A woman like her cannot remain in the Mcdaniel family."


    "My affairs are none of f your concern, Byron replied coolly. "This may not even be her fault."


    Jason said. "You still want to defend her with solid evidence?"


    B


    Byron lifted his gaze, meeting Jason''s furious stare without flinching. "Given her character, there''s no way she would steal That''s all"


    His phone suddenly vibrated.


    Byron nced at the caller ID and walked to the window to answer the call.


    Jason clenched the armrest of the bench, his expression sullen.


    Jason thought. Clearly, he isn''t a child raised in the Medaniel family. His grandfather is in critical condition, yet he showed no sign of anxiety or sadness, even taking the time to make a phone call. Gilbert will surely be heartbroken''


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ve tracked down the miracle doctor from the Chatterly family and contacted his assistant. However, he refused our request for an appointment, saying that the miracle doctor feels there''s no fate with us. Archer reported over the phone. Byron''s gaze turned icy, "What a ridiculous excuse."


    Archer continued. This miracle doctor is known for being whimsical and has set a rule of three refusals. He doesn''t treat those close to death, those he dislikes, and those he feels no connection with."


    If one put it nicely, he was a miracle doctor.


    Put harshly, he was a devil who took pleasure in making those seeking help suffer with his arbitrary rules.

 Chapter 197

    Unfortunately, those who needed his medical expertise dared not challenge him. They could only butter him up.


    But clearly. Byron was not the type to go soft.


    "Find out who he has offended recently, stir the pot, and force him back to the country. Byron smirked coldly. "Those guys in the Secret Sect have been idle long enough. It''s time they got little exercise." Archer could not help breaking into a cold sweat.


    a


    After so many years, Byron was finally unleashing those madmen.


    He hoped that Jaylen had some thick skin and could take a hit.


    The storage room on the third floor of the Mcdaniel residence was dim. Only a faint light shone through a window.


    Maeve had been locked in here for three days. At first, someone would bring her water and food. But suddenly, that stoppedst night.


    The room was chilly at night, and nothing in the storage room could keep her warm. Maeve curled herself up as tightly as possible, trying to conserve some body heat. However, it was futile.


    After a full day with no food, her blood sugar had plummeted, and her stomach issues were ring up. Her head spun. her breathing grew shallow.


    She could even feel a dull ache throbbing in her lower abdomen.


    Maeve bit her lip. If this went on, she might lose her baby, even if her body could take it.


    "Knock, knock."


    Suddenly, there was a faint knock on the door.


    Maeve looked up and saw pieces of chocte being slipped in under the door..


    They piled up in a small heap.


    Surprise shed across her eyes. She wondered who it could be


    Maeve forced herself up and walked to the door. She then tapped on the door. "Thank you."


    "Hehe. Came a little giggle from outside.


    Maeve thought the voice sounded familiar. It must be that silly little girl.


    So it was her.


    She wondered how the girl knew she was being held here.


    and


    Doubt shed across Maeve''s mind. But the thought quickly faded as her body''s weakness took over. She unwrapped a piece of chocte and began to gulp it down. Halfway through, the door of the storage room suddenly flung open.


    Maeve squinted at the bright light. Before she could see who it was, the chocte was pped out of her hand.


    "You''ve got the nerve treat, Alexis''s voice was dripping with contempt. "Thanks to you, Mr. Mcdaniel is still in ae. How do you even get an appetite now?"


    Maeve choked on the half-swallowed chocte.


    She clenched her fists tightly and retorted in a hoarse voice, "I told you, I didn''t hurt Mr. Mcdaniel. It wasn''t me


    "Hah, as if anyone would believe you! If it weren''t for the fact that you''re still useful, I would''ve thrown you in jail already?"


    Maeve furrowed her brows. "Useful?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel is in a critical condition. Byron said that miracle doctor from the Chatterly family may be hisst chance." Alexis'' tone was cold. "You saved Mr. Chatterly before, and they owe you a favor. If you ask for help, they will definitely help you


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief.


    She did not think that Alexis was taking advantage of her.


    On the contrary, as long as she could help Gilbert, she''d be more than willing


    The following noon arrived.


    At the Chatterly residence, Maeve was led into the study on the fifth floor.


    Wearing navy traditional clothes, Charles was practicing painting at his desk.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Chatterly Maeve greeted him with a polite smile. I''m sorry to disturb you."


    Charles did not answer her. He continued to examine his work and said casually, "Come and help me prepare the paint."


    Maeve hesitated for a second before nodding. "Okay."


    She walked to the side of the desk, picked up the watercolors, and got to work.


    Nearly an hour passed, and Charles did not say a word.


    Maeve''s wrist began to ache, but she kept her expression calm andposed, maintaining a steady rhythm as she prepared the paint.


    She stole a nce at Charles''s painting, and a trace of surprise shed across her eyes.


    The painting was highly abstract.


    The paint danced wildly across the paper, making it nearly impossible to tell what it was supposed to be..


    "So, what do you think of this painting?" Charles straightened up and asked her.


    Maeve pondered briefly before responding tactfully, "Your style is quite unique." "In what way?"


    "I''d say it''s on the level of an abstract master in the watercolor wash painting industry."


    Charles'' hand paused mid-stroke as he stroked his beard. ''Is that apliment or an insult?"


    "Would you prefer the truth or a lie?"


    Hearing this, Charles let out a dissatisfied grunt. He casually tossed aside the brush and walked around the desk before


    09:07


    Mon, Uct


    making his way to the coffee table.


    Then, he began to order Maeve around.


    I''m thirsty. Come make me a pot of coffee," Charles said leisurely. "Let it steep for exactly six minutes, no more, no less, or I won''t drink it."


    He was clearly making things difficult for Maeve.


    However, Maeve had no intention of demanding anything in return.


    She was here to ask for help to save Gilbert''s life, and she was prepared to be as humble as necessary.


    Maeve lowered her gaze and picked up the ingredients on the table. She then began preparing the coffee with graceful and practiced motions. Her slender hands moved fluidly as if painting a picture themselves. A dark glint flickered in Charles'' eyes.


    "I heard youe from a modest background. How did your parents manage to teach you the art of coffee?"


    Maeve smiled lightly. "I picked it up on my own."


    Of course, her parents would never have taken the time to teach her such things.


    She had learned it while working a part-time cleaning job in college at a barista''s house.


    When the coffee was done, Maeve poured a ss for Charles, filling it precisely to


    70


    percent.


    Charles tapped his fingers lightly on the table and took a sip of the coffee.


    Maeve waited nervously for his judgment.


    "It''s just average" Charles frowned. After setting down the ss, he went straight to the point. "You came today to ask my grandson to help treat someone, right?" "Yes. I''d be grateful if you could help."


    "Well, you''re probably aware my grandson has a rather particr temperament, along with his own strict rules about who he will and won''t treat?"


    Maeve nodded. "I know. As long as Dr. Chatterly is willing to help, I''m willing to pay any price."


    Charles gave a dismissive chuckle. "I''ve heard that line countless times. It''s hardly new."


    His tone


    was


    soft, and Maeve did not catch what he said. "Pardon?"


    "Anyone can im they''d do whatever it takes, but very few can follow through. Charles'' eyes carried a hint of arrogance, but it disappeared in an instant. "Words are cheap." Understanding the sarcasm in his words, Maeve clenched her fists on her knees.


    Tell me what you''d like me to do. If it''s within my power, I''ll give it everything I''ve got."


    Charles let out a mockingugh. "I heard you''re a designer."


    ""Yes, I am"


    "In that case, give me one of your hands as the price" Charles replied as if it were the most casual request in the world.


    Maeve''s eyes wideneil


    "You want... one of my hands?"


    Charles looked at her, seemingly unsurprised by her reaction. "What''s wrong? Dirin''t you just say you''d do anything?"


    "It''s not that. I just...Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Before Maeve could finish her sentence, Charles stood up and sal coldly, "ver make things difficult for others. If you''re unwilling. Ms. Reese, you may leave."

 Chapter 198

    "Wait!" Maeve hurriedly called out as Charles was about to turn around and leave. Almost immediately, she said, "One hand, right? I''ll do it!"


    Charles paused. He narrowell his eyes and looked at the pale-faced Maeve, who was pretending to be calm. Suddenly, he smiled.


    He then pointed to the fruit knife on the table. Are you sure?


    Maeve bit her lip and did not answer right away. Her mind raced, but eventually, she grabbed the knife.


    Her right hand was still sore from preparing the paint just now, and it trembled slightly as she held the knife.


    In one swift, decisive motion, she closed her eyes and prepared to slice into her left hand.


    But the expected pain never came.


    Instead, a cool hand had gripped her wrist.


    Maeve opened her eyes in shock and saw Charles who was now standing before her. He said in confusion, "You..."


    "Ms. Reese, if I''m not mistaken, you''re doing this for someone else." Charles'' voice was hoarse and utterly cold. You''re giving up your hand to save someone else? Are you out of your mind?" Maeve barely registered the harshness in his tone, but she was not angry.


    Perhaps it was because she hadn''t eaten for too long, and she felt emotionally numb.


    She did not have the strength to think further.


    Hence, when she heard this, she remained calm. "Doctors save lives in exchange for payment. Sometimes it''s money. sometimes it''s something even more valuable."


    believe this is a fair trade, and I''m willing to pay whatever it takes. It''s the result that matters, not who it''s for."


    Maeve might not have realized it, but she sounded ruthless when she said that


    Being ruthless was one thing.


    But it was pretty scary to see someone behaving so ruthlessly while being sober.


    Charles eyes darkened.


    Perhaps she had convinced him, or maybe he had his reasons. Either way, he released her wrist and muttered indifferently. "Fine, you pass."


    Maeve looked stunned. "You mean... I don''t have to give up my hand?"


    Charles sneered. "Why would I need your hand? To make soup?


    Then are you willing to help me?"


    "Yes, I''ll go visit Mr. Mcdaniel tomorrow." Charles walked back to his desk, picked up his brush, and continued, "As for the price, I''ll decide thatter."


    Joy filled Maeve''s eyes. Her hand rxed, and the knife ttered to the floor.


    She picked it up and ced it back on the table before saying to Charles, who had resumed painting again. "Thank you"


    Charles gave no response


    Not pressing him further, Marve turned to leave.


    As she reached the door of the study, she suddenly thought of something. Then, she turned around and asked. "I have a question. If you never nned to take my hand, then why make that demand?" It was as if he wanted to watch her squirm.


    Charles cast her a sidelong nce. "Anyone too afraid of death isn''t worth my time."


    Hearing this. Maeve was not surprised at all. Realization dawned on her.


    She smiled faintly and said. "Mr. Chatterly, you indeed have quite the character."


    A trace of surprise appeared on Charles'' calm face in an instant.


    After a long silence, he spoke again in a voice that suddenly seemed younger and more distant.


    "You''ve only met my grandfather once. How can you tell?"


    Maeve observed his slender figure after he straightened his back. A strange blend of cynicism and detachment emanated from him


    -His light brown eyes were indifferent.


    He seemed to look right through the world as if nothing truly mattered.


    He didn''t look like a doctor. Instead, he looked more like a demon who was used to killing people.


    Maeve pursed her lips and answered truthfully. "You spent 30 minutes painting without bending your back or showing any strain. I suspected then that you weren''t Mr. Chatterly.


    "And when you asked for my hand, I knew I was facing the miracle doctor himself."


    Charles'' eyes turned gloomy. "So, you were just putting on a show for me?"


    "Not at all," Maeve responded, "I figured out who you were, but I had no idea what you were thinking. Even if I knew who you were from the beginning. I would have made the same choice. Charles studied her calm and beautiful face for a long time before breaking into a smile.


    ""Get out."


    Marve nodded and left the study.


    After the door clicked shut, Charles put down his brush and ran a finger along the edge of his jaw. After a moment, he peeled away ayer of thin, almost translucent skin.


    He also took off the silver hair he wore.


    Now revealed, his skin was pale, and he looked cold. He had dark brows as fine as willow leaves, eyes that glinted like starlight, and a single red mole under his left eye-a touch of crimson that made his sharp, haunted features seem almost dangerously alluring. His hair fell all the way to his waist, yet he didn''t look feminine. It gave him the air of an ancient, carefree poet.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Jaylen casually threw the mask into the trash can and continued painting.


    Halfway through, he paused, and a smirk tugged at his lips.


    "Interesting."


    He liked interesting people.


    They made life feel less dull.


    After the Chatterly family''s matter was settled, Maeve was brought back to the Mcdaniel family by Alexis.


    When she entered, she was surprised to see Byron here. Maeve was stunned for a few seconds, and she felt a sharp pang hitting her chest.


    "Byron, you''re back?" Alexis stepped forward and asked, "How is your grandfather? The Chatterly family had already agreed to help. They''ll go to the hospital tomorrow."


    "Nothing much changed. Byron walked past Alexis to reach Maeve. He held her wrist and said, ''ed to talk to her. You should get some rest.


    Alexis frowned. "No, she needs to stay in the storage room. What if she..."


    "Once the police finish their investigation, you can punish her however you like." Byron''s expression was cold as he led Maeve to the dining room.


    Alexis stood there, fuming.


    She was doing this for Byron''s sake!


    What if Maeve suddenly acted up and injured him too?


    Maeve felt even moreplicated than Alexis.


    She had assumed that Byron had taken the time toe back from the hospital to question her about everything that had happened that day and whether she had stolen anything before assaulting Gilbert. But he did something out of expectation.


    Byron had the chef prepare another table of dishes. ncing at his watch, he said in a low voice, "You''ve got 30 minutes."


    Maeve wasn''t sure what he was up to. She asked in confusion, "Didn''t you say you wanted to talk?"


    "We''ll talk after you eat."


    "Why don''t you just tell me now? I''m too nervous to eat with you staring at me like that."


    Byron narrowed his eyes. "Look who''s suddenly found her backbone. Funny, considering you didn''t seem so tough when she locked you up. You were fine going hungry for a day"


    Maeve choked on her words and could not help but retort, "Of course, I''d stand up for myself if I could. But when your mother snaps her fingers, there are plenty of people willing to back her up. I''m hardly a match for any of them, am I?*

 Chapter 199

    "That''s why I''m back. Byron stared at her. "Finish your meal, and we''ll talk


    Maeve lowered her eyes to hide herplicated thoughts. She then picked up the fork and began eating.


    She was indeed hungry


    She''d only had half a chocte bar since yesterday.


    The table was filled with her favorite dishes. It was clear Byron had specifically asked the chef to make them light and healthy.


    Maeve felt a surge of bittersweet emotion hit her, but she quickly swallowed it down.


    After finishing a bowl of noodles, she put down the fork with a heavy heart.


    "I''m done."


    "Finish the soup. Byron said in a deep voice.


    Maeve looked at the bowl of mushroom soup before her. Although she''d lost her appetite, she obediently sipped until it was gone.


    "You''re too slow." Byron nced at the time on his watch and frowned slightly. "I still have a conference call to take. ?o wait for me in your room.


    Maeve opened her mouth to protest, but he was already pulling out his phone, clearly ready to leave. Frustrated, she threw him a re before heading upstairs. As she climbed, she muttered to herself.


    She was the one eating, not him. Why couldn''t he just talk and let her get on with it?


    Byron was oblivious to her grumbling. He calmly put away his phone and took the other set of stairs up..


    Back in her room, Maeve waited anxiously. It wasn''t long before sleepiness crept over her, and she dozed off by the window,


    Not long after, Byron entered.


    As if he had expected this, he carefully covered her with a nket and turned up the temperature of the air conditioner before turning around to leave. When Maeve woke up, it was already the next morning-


    Rubbing her messy long hair, she sat up. She quickly washed up and went out to look for Byron.


    To her surprise, she bumped into him the moment she went out.


    "I''m sorry, I identally fell asleep yesterday!" Maeve looked frustrated with herself. "I was just so exhausted. I really didn''t mean it...


    In her haste, a fine-sheen of sweat dotted her nose.


    Byron''s gaze flickered. He gulped before saying faintly, "I had business at the office, so I left after you fell asleep. I just got


    back."


    Marve heaved a sigh of relief. "So about that thing you wanted to discuss..."


    Just as he was about to respond, Alexis approached them from the elevator and interrupted him. "Byron, Dr. Chatterly is already at the hospital with your grandfather. Your father wants you there now. Byron was surprised to hear that.


    "I got it." Byron nodded slightly. Suddenly, he thought of something and turned to ask Maeve in a deep voice. "Were you the one who invited him?"


    Maeve nodded.


    "What did you do to make them agree?"


    Maeve wasn''t expecting this question from him. She hesitated liefly before answering leisurely, "Nothing. You know I saved Mr. Chatterly''s life before. He owed me one, so I didn''t have to do anything?" There was no way she was telling Byron she''d nearly sacrificed her hand in the


    He''d only get angry,


    It was better not to tell him.


    e process.


    Byron suspected she was not telling the truth. But with Alexis hurrying him, he decided to let it go for now.


    "The police are investigating the attack on Grandpa. We''ll have answers by tomorrow. As long as you''re innocent, no one cany me on you."


    Byron looked straight at Maeve''s stunned face. His cold voice gradually softened as he said, "Stay home and wait for me."


    With that, he left.


    Maeve stood rooted to the ground. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she almost couldn''t hold them back.


    Not once had he said he believed her.


    Yet, his words wereforting.


    He believed her.


    That was enough.


    Meanwhile, Gilbert was at First Hospital.


    His surgery hadsted for nearly three hours, and he was sent back to the ICU.


    Jaylen stood by the bed with one hand in the pocket of his white coat and the other taking Gilbert''s pulse. He looked as casual as ever. However, no one in the ward dared to underestimate his medical skills.


    After all, Gilbert was his attending doctor. They had witnessed how he saved someone from the brink of death and truly admired him. Some people were just born with a natural gift for this line of work.


    Dr. Chatterly, how long will it take for my father to regain consciousness?" Jason asked urgently.


    "What? Isn''t saving him enough? Now I have to predict when he''ll wake up too?" Jaylen''s eyes were cold.


    Sitting at the top of thepany hierarchy, Jason wasn''t used to anyone talking to him this way, except for Byron.


    However, since he had a favor to ask of Jaylen now, he didn''t want to appear too indifferent.


    "Dr. Chatterly, Mr. Mcdaniel is just worried that his father might experience another critical episode while still unconscious like before, the assistant said with a smile.


    "Are you insulting my medical skills!" Jaylen looked at him.


    The assistant quickly shook his head. "No, no. Of course not! You''ve misunderstood!


    "If you doubt my abilities, you''re free to find someone else." Jaylen scribbled a prescription and tossed it on the table. "Don''t bother me with trivial questions that any quack could answer."


    The attending doctor and the others looked embarrassed.


    For some reason, they felt insulted.


    Jaylen certainly didn''t hold back with his words.


    Ignoring their reactions, Jaylen picked up his medical bag and headed toward the door.


    When he reached the door. Byron, who was wearing a dark trench coat, arrived.


    Their gazes shed in an unspoken battle.


    Byron''s gaze was dark and sharp. It radiated a terrifying aura,


    Meanwhile, Jaylen seemed bored. It was as if everything he saw was no more than an insignificant weed by the roadside.


    In that brief moment, the two men could feel their hostilities toward each other.


    It was as if they were dragons guarding their treasure against the other.


    However, their thoughts quickly disappeared.


    The two of them brushed past each other without a word.


    "Byron, you came just in time," Jason said. "The police have sent over their findings from the scene.


    Byron''s expression froze. "What did they find?"


    Jason''s face darkened. "Based on fingerprints found on the weapon and the music box, as well as the footprints at the scene, they determined that Maeve was the only person with your grandfather when he was injured. Only her fingerprints were found on the knife and music box."


    "The surveince cameras in the hallway on that floor show that she indeed entered the room alone. Your mother and I only arrived afterward."


    A storm of emotions shed in Byron''s dark eyes.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Jason continued, "The evidence is conclusive. She must be the attacker. Byron, she didn''t just harm anyone; she went after your grandfather, our family''s strongest pir."


    "We can''t keep a woman like that in our family. I''ve already sent word to your mother to hand Maeve to the police. But this is not enough. You have to divorce her as soon as possible and cut all ties with her."


    Byron gritted his teeth. His expression turned frigid.


    He remained silent for a long time.


    Just as Jason had said. Alexis wasted no time and had Macve sento the police station after receiving the news.


    Despite Macve''s protests, she had no choice. The security team of the Mcdaniel family was not to be trifled with.


    If such a shocking scandal was leaked to the public, it would be disastrous for the Medaniel Group''s reputation.


    0

 Chapter 200

    Alexis acted not only for the sake of the Medaniel family but also to protect Byron


    From a practical standpoint, their decision was beyond reproachs.


    But for the innocent Maeve, it felt like the end of the world.


    Even as she sat in the pitch-dark detention cell, she couldn''t understand how things had spiraled to this point. She hadn''t hurt anyone. Nor had she stolen anything that belonged to Laurel.


    Curled up in a corner, Maeve was overwhelmed with self-doubt and confusion.


    Byron''s


    words:


    suddenly appeared in her mind.


    as you''re innocent, no one cany me on you.


    As long as


    home


    and wait for wait for me.


    Menched her hands tightly, feeling some of the coldness in her heart start to fade.


    Byron told her to wait for him.


    I do so. She would wait for him to return with evidence to clear her name and take her away from this ce


    She would do so. She


    As these thoughts filled her mind, her panic subsided. She rested a hand on her abdomen, trying to draw strength from within What Maeve hadn''t anticipated was that this wait would stretch into a full week.


    For an entire week, Byron did not show up.


    Maeve tried to reassure herself. She understood that this was aplicated matter and wouldn''t be resolved overnight.


    His absence only underscored the gravity of the situation.


    Sheforted her herself and continued to w to wait patiently.


    Two dayster, a police officer came over and escorted her to a meeting room.


    "Ms. Reese." A young man in sses and a suit nodded slightly at Marve


    Seeing him, the hope that had been building within Maeve crumbled instantly. "Who are you?" she asked.


    "I''m Mr. Mcdaniel''s


    Im Mr. Mcdanie personalwyer.


    The words struck Maeve like a bolty surname is Jonathan Harris. Jonathan went straight to the point. "I''m here today on Mr. Medaniel''s behalf to discuss the divorce arrangements with you."


    t of lightning. She felt her head buzz, and her mind went nk.


    She couldn''t believe that Byron was divorcing her. That was impossible.


    he believed in her, so she had no idea what was going on


    Jonathan took out a divorce agreement from his briefcase and handed it to Maeve. "This is the divorce agreement. Please read it thoroughly, and if you have no objections, sign at the bottom. Maeve mechanically lowered her eyes. As her eyes fell on Byron''s bold signature at the bottom, she felt a crushing weight on


    her chest, making it hard for her to breathe.


    It was


    impossible. She didn''t believe it.


    "I''m sorry, but I can''t sign this document based solely on your word." Maeve''s eyes were filled with resistance.


    Jonathan reminded her, "Mr. Mcdaniel wanted me to tell you that, for the sake of your marriage, he''s willing to forgo pressing any criminal charges against you. However, you must sign the divorce papers." "I don''t believe you!" Maeve''s face turned ashen. Her voice was hoarse. "Unless Byron tells me himself that he wants a divorce, I won''t believe a word you say!"


    Jonathan looked troubled. He sighed and got up to leave the meeting room.


    After a few minutes, he returned with his phone in hand and handled it to Maeve. "Mr. Mcdaniel wants to talk to you."


    Maeve''s eyshes trembled slightly as she reached out to take the phone. Before she could speak, she heard the familiar cold voice on the other end. Jonathan said you wouldn''t sign it. "Yes." Maeve pursed her dry lips. "I don''t believe what he said. I need to hear it from you. Do you really want a divorce?"


    Yean. Yeah. "Why?" why?


    Byron''s tone was terrifyingly cold. "You''re so clueless. Maeve, how can you ask such a question? It''s only been a few days, and you''ve already forgotten what you''ve done?"


    A chill ran down Maeve''s spine. "Do you think I hurt Grandpa too? Do you not believe me?"


    That was not what he said the other day.


    "10 days in custody, and you still haven''t woken up?" Byron asked


    If there was no conclusive evidence, she wouldn''t still be in detention.


    Understanding the unspoken usation in his words, Maeve felt fear creeping into her heart. "I really didn''t do it. Byron, believe me-" she said.


    "Maeve, that''s


    at''s my grandfather. If you want me to believe you, then prove your innocence," Byron interrupted her coldly. "A vicious woman like you has no ce to be my wife "Sign the papers. Let''s end this on good terms."


    Holding back her heartbreak, Marve choked. "I won''t, I won''t confess to something I didn''t do. Why should I take the me?"


    She didn''t want to part


    to part on good terms with Byron.


    It wasn''t her fault. She didn''t understand why they would use her.


    She thought she shouldn''t be condemned without cause.


    Maeve hung up the phone and tore the divorce agreement in half in front of Jonathan. She then followed the police officer back to her cell.


    She skipped dinner and simply leaned against the wall as she tried to collect herself.


    Even her sorrow and desire to cry had to be suppressed for the sake of the child inside her. She couldn''t let her emotions


    affect them.


    All I her wishes for peace and well-being made under the New Year''s fireworks seemed meaningless now.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    It was no use.


    The next


    t day.


    Jonathan arrived with a fresh set of divorce papers


    Maeve expressionlessly tore it apart again,


    The same thing happened on the third day.


    On the fourth day, Jonathan did not return. She was then transferred to a shared cell. Surrounded by


    Those


    iron


    bars, the people inside looked like a group of beasts in a cage.


    who were locked up here were most likely people who had been used of crimes. Being new here, she became a target for bullying,


    Maeve suffered a lot.


    Her food was thrown to the floor, ps came unprovoked, and she was even sshed with cold water as she slept. Whenever Maeve was in trouble, others wouldugh and mock her misfortune.


    Maeve endured until she finally couldn''t take it anymore. She struck back, pping the woman who''d sshed her with waler.


    "Ah!" The woman stomped her feet. "What the hell are you doing?"


    The ringleader approached, ring at her. "Do you have a death wish?"


    You people better stop messing with me," Maeve said coldly.


    Thedy immediately reached out to shove her. "What did you say? Say that again."


    "I know someone''s put you up to this to make my time here miserable." Maeve''s eyes were calm. "Let me make one thing clear. I''m the wife of Byron Mcdaniel. Are you sure you can bear the consequences for messing with me?" Upon hearing this, thedy and her sidekicks burst intoughter. "Oh my god, she must be delusional! She''s already in this state, yet she still thinks she''s somedy of the Mcdaniel family"


    "If you''re really Byron Mcdaniel''s wife, get out of here then!"


    Despite the mockery, Maeve''s expression did not change. "You don''t have to believe me, but you''d better think carefully. Are you sure it''s worth it to offend me?"


    The people who wereughing at her hesitated.


    The leader gave Maeve a long look but eventually backed off. If Maeve was lying, they''d see it soon enough.


    But if she was telling the truth, no one wanted to risk angering the Mcdaniel family.

 Chapter 201

    As thedies stopped bothering Maeve, she was able to find a bit of peace. She wrung out her wet clothes as best she could to avoid catching a chill. It didn''t matter to her, but she was worried for the baby. Maeve suddenly thought of her baby.


    She slowly caressed her lower abdomen, and a wave of sadness washed over her.


    Byron didn''t want this child, but she did.


    Their stalemate could only end one way.


    Still, she couldn''t bear the thought of being falsely used and would rather endure this hardship than sign the divorce


    papers


    It f felt


    as though staying here would somehow prove her innocence.


    It seemed stubbom, almost foolish.


    She wondered if Byron would change his mind.


    Would Byron really trust her unconditionally?


    After all, Gilbert was Byron''s grandfather. He was one of the few people who had shown Byron warmth after he returned to the Mcdaniel family.


    She couldn''t imagine her ce in his heart being so important that he would choose her over his family.


    What was she waiting for?


    Ripping up the divorce agreement over and over again wouldn''t change anything.


    How silly she was.


    "Drip."


    A tear fell onto Maeve''s wrist. She wiped it away forcefully, but they fell non-stop. Shey awake until dawn.


    around nine o''clock, Jonathan came again.


    Before he could speak, Maeve said calmly, "Give me the divorce agreement."


    Stunned, Jonathan immediately took out the agreement and a pen from his briefcase.


    Maeve took it and stared at them for quite some time.


    The settlement was certainly generous.


    It even included Retro Apartment.


    After a nce, she pushed the papers back across the table. I''m not satisfied with thepensation."


    Jonathan smiled. "Ms. Reese, the assets Mr. Mcdaniel is offering would be more than most people could hope for in a lifetime. I advise you not to be too greedy..." "You seem to have misunderstood." Maeve cut him off. "Please tell Byron that I don''t want anything other than that apartment.


    Jonathan''s smile froze, and his eyes widened in disbelief behind his sses.


    He wondered if Maeve realized the extent of the wealth this settlement represented.


    How could I she refuse to take it?


    "Have you thought it through?" Jonathan asked.


    Maeve nodded lightly. "Please have it revised as soon as possible, and I''ll sign it.


    After


    the meeting. Jonathan called Byron and conveyed Maeve''s message.


    There was a pause on the other end before Byron''s cold voice came through. "Let her be."


    "Okay, Mr. Mcdaniel."


    By the afternoon, Jonathan returned with the amended divorce agreement.


    Even though Maeve had prepared herself, she couldn''t help but feel a wrenching pain as she signed her name.


    Perhaps their marriage had been a mistake since the beginning


    Too wrapped up in a dream, she ignored reality, hoping their marriage couldst a little longer.


    But now, the dream was over.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    After signing the divorce agreement, the police officer came to inform Maeve that she could leave.


    The women in the holding cell exchanged nces. They were all d that they did not push Maeve too far.


    Unaware of their thoughts, Maeve walked out emotionlessly. Her heart felt numb


    It was a rare


    sunny day outside the detention center.


    Having been cooped up for so long, the sunlight and fresh air felt almost unfamiliar to Maeve.


    When she reached the roadside, a ck Bentley pulled up beside her.


    Archer go out of the car. "Ms. Reese, Mr. Mcdaniel asked us to take you to see him."


    "I''m sorry, but I don''t want to see


    right


    now. Maeve tly refused.


    "It''s about Mr. Mcdaniel Senior. It''s important for you, too."


    hesitated for


    Maeve hes


    for a moment. In fact, she really wanted to know why Byron suddenly thought she was behind everything.


    She couldn''t let it go without knowing what happened


    After getting into the car, Maeve leaned against the window in a daze. Suddenly, a strange smell hit her nose. Before she could make out what it was, a wave of drowsiness hit her, and she slumped into the seat.


    When Maeve opened her eyes again, she found herself in an unfamiliar ce.


    08:07 Oct 29 G.


    08:07 Tue,


    The air was thick with the stuell of antiseptic.


    Af


    few doctors and nurses in white coats gathered around her and whispered to each other. It sent chills down her spine.


    Who are you?" Maeve sat up in rm and realized that she was lying on an operating table. His scalp went numb. "What are you doing to me? Where''s Archer?"


    "Ms. Reese, please remain still and lie down," the lead doctor said "We''re about to begin your procedure."


    "Procedure? What procedure?"


    "An abortion, of course.


    Maeve''s eyes widened in horror. "How did you... Wait, where''s Archer? Where is he? Did he bring me here?"


    "Ms. Reese, are you looking for me?" Archer entered the room, maintaining his usual polite demeanor. "Rest assured, these doctors are highly skilled. The procedure won''t take long. Please bear with it. This is also Mr. Mcdaniel''s order." of dread hit Mad Maeve. "How did Byron know about my pregnancy?" She wondered if he had discovered the pregnancy test report that she had hidden in the vase in the apartment. ondered,


    A


    Archer smiled faintly. "You''ve underestimated Dr. Foster''s abilities. Mr. Mcdaniel didn''t confront you earlier because he wanted to give you a chance to abort this illegitimate child on your own. But you''ve disappointed him."


    His words cut through Maeve like a knife. She almost couldn''t believe what she was hearing.


    "He


    thinks that this child is illegitimate and wants it gone?"


    "Yes," Archer replied. "Ms. Reese, Mr. Mcdaniel wanted me to pass along a message. He will never allow someone as lowly and disgraceful as you to give birth to his bloodline. Otherwise, it would be the Mcdaniel family''s greatest shame." Upon hearing this, Maeve felt her breath grew shallow. Her vision turned ck, and she was about to faint. Byron


    called her lowly and disgraceful.


    He even said she was the Mcdaniel family''s greatest


    shame.


    She never expected him to think this way of her.


    She wondered if this was the real reason he didn''t want a child.


    "Don''t waste time. Get on with it," Archer instructed the doctor before leaving.


    The docter exchanged a look with the nurses, and one of them moved to pin down Maeve while forcing her legs apart. They treated her like an animal, stripping her of all dignity.


    "Let go of


    of me!" Maeve struggled with all her might. "Performing an abortion without my consent is illegal! What you''re doing is a crime!"


    The doctor''s face turned cold. "Ms. Reese, you''d better save your energy and stop causing trouble. If something unfortunate happens to you here, well, that would be bad. Maeve felt a chill in her head.


    She wondered if they were actually nning to let her die on the operating table and fake it as an ident.


    Byron was nning to


    kill her to pay for Gilbert''s life!


    Tue, Oct


    The corners of Maeve''s eyes turned red. She struggled with every ounce of strength she had, but the doctor moved closer, holding an anesthetic needle that crept nearer and nearer. Her heart clenched with such sharp pain that it felt like it might stop altogether. She red at the cold needle and wanted to push it as far from her as possible. However, she was powerless.

 Chapter 202

    Maeve''s eyes. wide open to the extreme, were filled with fear, despair, and a trace of deepening resentment.


    It''s my child. It grows in my womb and is bound to me by blood, sharing the same lifeline.


    What right does Byron have to disregard my wishes and force me to abort my child? What right does he have to do this? A strong sense of resentment surged in Maeve''s heart. She then turned and bit hard on a nurse''s wrist, pulling with force. Blood instantly spurted from the nurse''s wrist, apanied by her piercing screams. The other doctors and nurses were shocked, and their grip on Maeve loosened. Maeve mustered all her strength and kicked the doctor holding the anesthesia needle right between his legs. Amidst the chaos, she grabbed and threw the nearby medical instruments at them to stop them from grabbing her.


    "Crash! ng!" The surgical tools on the table were scattered all over the floor. Amidst the chaos, Maeve adjusted her clothes and dashed for the window. Before anyone could catch her, she threw caution to the wind and leaped out of the window. "Bang!" There was only a muffled sound. Maeve did not feel the pain she had predicted. She was as if pressing against a soft object, and the object let out a muffled groan.


    "Oh my god!" Maeve quickly got up to help the unlucky person on the ground that she hit. "Sorry, I''m sorry. I didn''t do it on purpose, Are you alright?"


    That person stood up with the support of his hands. Dust stained his traditional clothes, and his face was cold and gloomy.


    "Thanks to you; I''m not dead yet," he said.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve looked embarrassed. Fortunately, she had jumped down from the third floor. If it had been higher, the oue was hard to predict


    I''m really sorry. I''m in a hurry to leave this ce. If you''re alright, I''ll make a move first. She feared that Archer would chase after her with his people, so she did not dare to stay.


    However, she had just taken a step when her arm was grabbed. Jaylen''s gaze was cold. "You think you can just leave after hitting me?"


    "I really have an urgent matter, sir, Maeve''s eyes darted anxiously. "If you want to seekpensation from me, please go to Eternal Hope, okay? I work there and can''t possibly run away. Right now, ed..."


    "Ms. Reese can''t even remember my voice?" Jaylen asked. Hearing this, Maeve looked puzzled. It was obvious that she had forgotten.


    Jaylen''s lips twitched, and he saw a group of people rushing over from the corners of his eyes. He grabbed her arm and walked in ae opposite direction.


    His car was parked outside. Before those people arrived, Maeve finally left the ce smoothly.


    She instantly heaved a sigh of relief. Her legs felt weak, and lingering fear filled her when she thought of what had just happened. But halfway through that exhale, she caught sight of the man in the driver''s seat and immediately sat up straight. "Sir, thank you so much for your help just now," Maeve thanked him, her posture tense and reserved.


    Jaylen looked straight ahead. "Ms. Reese, your memory is really not that good."


    Maeve was stunned. "Do you know me


    The previous medical bill, together with thepensation for emotional distress this time, how does Ms. Reese n to pay


    for all that?"


    Hearing this, Maeve finally recalled. "You''re Dr. Chatterly? I''m really sorry about what happened earlier. I didn''t expect you to be standing there," Maeve said apologetically. "Whateverpensation you seek, I''ll agree"


    After all, if he had not acted as a cushion for her, she would probably have a miscarriage on the spot even if she could escape the clutches of those people.


    In that situation, she had no choice but to jump; it was better them being pinned down on an operating table and dying without dignity. She would rather choose her way to die.


    Jaylen nced at her. "You don''t have to keep addressing me as Dr. Chatterly


    "Uh... I thought addressing you this way would be more respectful to you," Maeve responded.


    "Really?"


    Maeve was at a loss for words, and the conversation died just like that.


    Maeve did not look for topics to continue the conversation. It might have been because of the forceful movement when she jumped that she had suffered some impact, she felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. She initially wanted to ask Jaylen to take her to the hospital, but then it urred to her that Byron might have already sent people out looking for her.


    If he finds me, will I be as lucky as I am this time and avoid a cmity? But if I don''t go to the hospital, who can I ask for help from? Bonnie? No, I can''t involve her." Maeve was in a dilemma.


    Just as Maeve was hesitating, Jaylen suddenly said, "Your face shows signs of miscarriage."


    In traditional medicine, observing, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking were essential. Even without checking one''s pulse, a skilled practitioner could often discern specific issues by examining one''s facial features When they first met, he had already noticed something wrong with Maeve''s health. That was why he had thought she came to him for her health condition.


    "Miscarriage?" Maeve''s face turned pale. "What should I do now?"


    "I can help you," Jaylen said somewhat wearily. "But what can you offer me this time?"


    Maeve bit her lips. "What do you want? Money or...


    "I''m not short of money."


    ''If you''re short of money, it''ll be difficult for me,'' Maeve thought.


    "Do you always ask for a price from those you help?" Maeve asked, a bit confused. "What if the person can''t afford to pay?"

 Chapter 203

    Jaylen nodded and did not say anything.


    After dinner, Maeve took small sips of the medicine. The difort in her lower abdomen gradually eased, and her mind rxed.


    "Let''s talk about the price, Jaylen said.


    Maeve felt nervous. "Go ahead"


    Previously. Jaylen had wanted her hand to test her, but she knew deep down he would really dare to take it.


    What does he want this time?" Maeve thought.


    Jaylen''s gaze stopped on her abdomen. "I want your child."


    Maeve abruptly stood up and looked at him with a pale face. "You want my child?"


    "Don''t get me wrong: I''m not interested in an unborn child," Jaylen said, his hand touching the corners of his eyes. "I just want your child to follow me and learn medicine after he''s born, to carry on my legacy." So, this''s what he means, Maeves felt relieved.


    While Maeve heaved a sigh of relief, confusion appeared in her eyes. "If you want to take in students, many people are willing. Why did you choose my unborn child?"


    ''Could the miracle doctor''s eyes be so sharp that he could see through my belly, and determine that the embryo would grow into a medical genius? It''s ridiculous! Maeve thought.


    Jaylen''s eyes were cold and gloomy. "What do those people have to do with me? They''re just some vulgar people who''ll annoy me


    Maeve was a little ttered. Then 1.."


    "You seem a little less annoying." Jaylen said.


    Maeve was speechless. "Thank you so much, she said in her heart.


    Maeve thought for a while. "Dr. Chatterly, the child isn''t born yet. I don''t have the right to decide for him rashly. Can you


    wait until..."


    "No, I can''t," Jaylen said before Maeve could finish speaking.


    "What if it doesn''t have medical talent in the future...


    "That''s not my concern."


    child. For some reason, Maeve was helpless. This miracle doctor is really willful. But now, he''s the only person who can help me. Regardless of his reason for taking in my child as a student, one thing for sure is that he''ll not harm me and Maeve had such an intuition my


    "Alright. Maeve finally made up her mind. He looked at Jaylen and said, "I promise you."


    Jaylen seemed to have smiled, but it was too faint and quickly disappeared. Maeve even thought she was hallucinating


    At night, lying on the bed in the guest room, Maeve somehow could not fall asleep.


    08:08


    ¦°Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    The moment she closed her eyes, everything that happened during the day would automatically appear in her mind.


    She had thought about how Byron would react upon hearing about her pregnancy, but she had always held onto a glimmer of hope, believing that he might not be so ruthless.


    However, she waspletely wrong. His previous kindness toward her was built on the foundation that she would quietly ept her role as a nominal wife. He would not have treated her so ruthlessly if he had any feelings for her.


    Maeve buried her face in the pillow and pressed her pale fingertips against her heart, trying to expel the pain that could not be ignored. Those past sweet and warm moments were like des, repeatedly piercing her heart, causing her to curl up in pain, utterly at a loss. Maeve rested in Jaylen''s vi for several days. After feeling better, she went to Eternal Hope.


    "Why did the Mcdaniel Group suddenly target ourpany? We didn''t offend them."


    "It''s all because of Maeve on the 21st floor. I heard she harmed Mr. Mcdaniel from the Mcdaniel family. Therefore, the Mcdaniel Group is fully geared to deal with ourpany. It''s truly an unwarranted disaster."


    "Theunch event for the next quarter''s new collection is approaching soon. If something goes wrong at this critical moment, it would be a huge blow to thepany''s reputation and resources


    "That''s right. I heard the management team held a meeting and wanted to sack Maeve. Without Ms. Mason protecting her. she would have long...


    In the elevator, those who saw Maeve enter shut their mouths. However, they did not stop sizing her up with disdain.


    Maeve lowered her eyes in embarrassment and tightened her grip on the strap of her bag.


    When she reached the 21st floor, Leah called her over. However, Leah did not ask her what she had done. Instead, she reassured her not to be afraid, stating thepany would not fail to protect its designers. "Otherwise, what''s the point of running apany?" Maeve was silent for a long time. "Ms. Mason, I''m very sorry for the trouble and impact I''ve caused thepany. Actually, I came today to resign."


    "What did you say?" Leah was shocked. "Don''t take things too hard. Those rumors are all baseless. You...


    "It''s not because of this." Maeve''s voice was very soft. "It''s due to a personal reason. It has nothing to do with this."


    like Leah was puzzled. "Then you can just take leave. Why do you have to resign? You probably don''t know yet. The fashion designs you submitted previously have been selected. That''s a rare opportunity. Are you really going to give it up just


    that?"


    Maeve bit her lower lip. Of course, she did not want to give it up. It was the result of her efforts for a long time, something she was about to reap. It was with her heart and soul.


    But if she did not give up, Byron would never stop targeting and suppressing Eternal Hope. Thepany''s willingness to protect her was an act of goodwill, but she could not ept their protection without taking action. She loved this ce, and it was precisely because of this that she knew she had to leave.


    In the end, Leah failed to convince Maeve. Therefore, she could only call Alex for help.


    Alex had been in seclusion recently for creative work and was taken aback upon hearing the news. "How did this happen? Where did all those groundless rumorse from?"


    "If I knew, would I need to look for you? Hurry up and call Maeve. The person who stirred this up is targeting her, forcing


    08:08


    her to leave." Leah was extremely anxious.


    "I understand. I''ll look for Macve now."


    Leah was a little surprised. "Are youing out of seclusion right now? So soon?"


    Alex stared at the nk paper on the table and rubbed his be. It was the first time he had failed to sketch a line after being in seclusion for so long. The impact of Maeve on him was more profound than he had imagined


    Maeve left Eternal Hope and wandered on the street like a wandering soul. The red light was on and she stood by the roadside and stared nkly ahead.


    ''My child, my job, Byron seemed to have destroyed them one after another. What will happen next? Must he be so ruthless?"


    Maeve felt lost.


    "ording to sources, the current president of the Mcdaniel Group will be hosting an engagement party on the third of next month. The woman is suspected to be the daughter of a prominent family. The two had dinner at a famous restaurant a week ago, and were photographed..."


    On the LED screen of themercial building in front, the host announced thetest entertainment news clearly.


    Maeve was first stunned, and when she looked up, she saw the familiar and cold figure on the screen. Standing beside him was a girl in a white dress whose face could not be seen clearly.


    When Byron stared at the girl, the faint and gentle smile on his lips clearly pierced into Maeve''s eyes.


    1


    COMMEN

 Chapter 204

    Maeve had never seen Byron so gentle and doting to anyone, not even to her.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve looked at the couple on the screen in a daze. A hint of bitterness surged in her throat.


    A week ago, she foolishly waited for him in the detention center. She thought something important had held him up and thus did note to see her.


    He actually had someone else in his arms and seemed too preupied to care about anything else. ''Next month, on the third, they''re getting engaged. That''s fast, isn''t it?''


    Maeve thought to herself self-deprecatingly as she walked forward in a daze. She did not even notice that a car was approaching.


    "Watch out!" A shout came from her back, then a pair of hands grabbed her arms and pulled her back.


    A car almost brushed past Maeve''s back as it sped by. Maeve''s heart pounded wildly, and her limbs bad gone weak when she


    came to her senses.


    Not far away, a ck Rolls-Royce was parked by the roadside. The window of the backseat rolled down, and a pair of brown and cold eyes looked straight in their direction as if they wanted to burn through the bodies of the man and woman who were hugging by the roadside.


    So, you couldn''t wait to throw yourself into Alex''s arms right after our divorce? You must have felt aggrieved being with me all this while Byron thought.


    Byron''s lips curled into a mocking smile. He instructed the driver to start driving coldly. "Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel, the driver said.


    As soon as Maeve regained her senses, she immediately withdrew from Alex''s arms and thanked him with a pale face. "Alex, thank you"


    "Not at all, as long as you''re fine, Alex said gently and forcefully "But what''s wrong with you? You were so distracted even when crossing the road. Do you know it''s so dangerous?"


    Maeve''s face instantly turned even paler. T''m sorry...


    Alex wanted to say something, but he frowned when he saw the news on the LED screen with Byron husband end up with...


    "We''ve divorced. Maeve turned her face away.


    on it.


    "How did your


    Alex quickly retracted the question he was about to ask. As he noticed her visibly troubled expression, softly, he asked, "I happened to book a restaurant nearby. How about we have dinner together?" Maeve forced a smile at him. "Sure."


    When they arrived at the restaurant, Alex first helped Maeve pull out a seat before he sat down.


    Considering her stomach condition, he even got someone to serve her a hot soup to warm her up.


    Alex finally asked, "Maeve, what''s going on between you and him? Previously, I said that if he ever bullies you, I will seek justice for you, but that doesn''t mean I want to see him bully you Maeve pursed her pale lips. "Ms. Mason should have told you I''ve resigned, right?"


    Is it because of the rumors?" Alex asked.


    )


    "That''s not a rumer. Maeve smiled bitterly and briefly recounted the entire situation to him


    Alex frowned. "My family is friends with the Mcdaniel family. 1


    "No need. Maeve shook her head. Tm just too frustrated. I want to find someone to talk to. After that, I''ll be fine. I''m okay now, right?"


    Alex looked deeply at her. ''Are you really okay? The person who usually loves tough the most isn''t even smiling now!


    "Maeve, are you really going to give up everything you love because of his suppression? Didn''t you say that you wanted to be the top international designer?" Alex asked her seriously,


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. "I don''t know."


    She had never actually thought about resigning. Until the veryst moment before giving birth, she would not consider stopping her design work at all.


    However, after hearing the discussions of those employees in the elevator, she realized that she really had no choice. Behind Byron was the huge Mcdaniel Group. She had no way of resisting if he wanted to deal with her. Moreover, he was not targeting her directly, but Eternal Hope. She could not ept others being implicated by her


    At the same time, in a private room in the corner, Byron crossed his long legs and sat in an armchair. He held a wine ss in his hand, and the ice cubes clinked against the ss.


    His entire body was as if being covered in ayer of ice that would not melt for a long time. Cold air overflowed around him, making people not dare to approach him.


    Ray rubbed his hands. "Byron, is the rumor spreading in the circle true? Your grandpa was hospitalized because of Maeve! I don''t believe it."


    "Why are you asking so many questions?" Jarrett nudged him. "Didn''t you see he''s in a bad mood?"


    "It''s all because Bonnie kept asking me," Ray saidzily. I''m also quite curious. If Maeve didn''t do it, Byron would not divorce her. If she did, why did Jason let the detention center release her?"


    ''Unless there''s a deal between Byron and Jason, and Maeve is the key to the deal, Ray thought.


    Byron looked up coldly. "Noisy."


    "Just tell me." Ray winked. "This concerns whether Bonnie will let me sleep in the room today. I''m counting on you."


    Byron could not be bothered with him. He raised his head and drank, his Adam''s apple moving sexyly.


    Jarrett smiled. "Compared to this, I''m more curious about something else. Byron, are you really going to get engaged to Lynn"


    "Yes," Byron replied in a low voice..


    "Why?"


    There''s no reason."


    =


    Jarrett frowned. He wanted to say something but was interrupted by Ray. "Compared to Karen, you know Lynn longer and better, but her health condition is not..." Before Ray could finish his sentence, he stopped under Byron''s cold gaze. Lynn has poor health. However, she''s lucky. She has known Byron since she was young and almost lost her life because of him. Even Karen could notpare to her, Ray thought. 2¡Á94%


    Ray sighed in his heart and asked again, "What about Maeve? You two have been together for so long. Don''t you feel even a bit reluctant to part with her?" Bonnie had also asked him to ask Byron this question. He did not know why girls were so obsessed with such questions. Byron swirled the wine ss in his hand and recalled the scene by the roadside just now. His eyes became even colder.


    "Lynn''s


    health isn''t good. In the future, don''t mention anything about Maeve to her, Byron said.


    Ray and Jarrett looked at each other and understood one thing. Mapared to Lynn who has a special status in Byron''s heart."


    At this moment, the door of the private room was pushed open


    has lost, and it''s aplete loss. She''s nothing.


    A girl wearing a light apricot-colored long dress walked in. Her long hair was slightly curled, her makeup was light, and herplexion had a pale, sickly hue. Her figure was as delicate and frail as a fern swaying in the wind, resembling a little white flower that grew tenaciously against the breeze.


    When she saw Byron, a shy smile appeared in her eyes. "What are you guys talking about? I think I heard my name."


    Byron put down his wine ss, got up, and walked to Lynn''s side He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Why didn''t you wear thicker clothes?"

 Chapter 205

    205


    Lynn smiled gently at him. ''I was in a hurry to see you The engagement ising up soon, but I can''t shake this feeling that it seems unreal,"


    Byron stared at her brown eyes and said in a low and calm voice You have to go to the hospital for a checkup tomorrow. Shall I send you back first?" "Okay." Lynn nodded and waved at Ray and Jarrett on the sofa, "We''ll make a move first. Bye."


    The two left side by side. When the door closed, Ray could not help but curse, "Fuck! Did you notice just now? Why does Lynn resemble Maeve so much? Especially when she smiles. At first, he thought she was Maeve. Jarrett clicked his tongue. T''m not blind; can''t I see that?"


    "Do you think Byron married Maeve because of this?" Ray rubbed his chin. "When Gilbert forced him to get married, Lynn happened to be preparing for surgery overseas."


    "Who knows?" Jarrett was not as gossipy as him. He shrugged and did not say anything further.


    In the corridor, walking beside Byron, Lynn asked gently. "Byron, before I went in just now, I think I heard Ray and Jarrett say that you were reluctant to part with someone. Who is that person?"


    A cold look shed across Byron''s eyes. "It''s an unimportant person. You don''t have to know."


    Lynn smiled and said, "I see." She thought it would be a wild woman who appeared out of nowhere during her surgery.


    After passing by the corner, Byron suddenly stopped in his tracks. His gazended precisely on the slender figure at the table by the window. It was Maeve.


    She rested her chin on her hand and looked drowsy. There was a set of used cutlery on the seat opposite her. Obviously, someone had been sitting there just now.


    "ng..


    Suddenly, a loud noise came from above the restaurant as the chandelier shook, creaking and tilting downward, with the connections of the lights looking quite fragile. The other guests were frightened and scattered in a panic, hurriedly fleeing the dangerous area, while only Maeve remained seated, seemingly unresponsive.


    "Rumble!" The chandelier suddenly shook violently and fell straight down. Maeve was right below it.


    Lynn watched with her eyes wide open. Immediately after, she felt a figure sweep past her with a cold wind.


    "Byron!" Lynn screamed when she saw the dangerous scene in front of her. "Watch out!"


    That figure showed no hesitation and, just before the chandelier came crashing down, swiftly embraced Maeve and rolled to the side with lightning speed.


    "Rumble!"


    "ng!"


    "Bang!"


    The chandelier smashed a hole in the tile floor, and fragments flew like dust. Even those watched from afar were identally scratched by the fragments, not to mention Byron, who was less than two feet from the chandelier.


    The hook of the chandelier struck his shoulder, the sharp end piercing through his flesh and leaving a bloody gash that pozed down his arm. Part of the chandeliernded on his right leg, pinning him down and making him unable to move. Byron''s handsome face lost its blood color. He frowned and looked at Maeve in his arms. "Marve, wake up" He lowered his voice and called Maeve several times.


    Her eyes were tightly shut as if she had fainted. She did not move at all.


    Lynn ignored the waiter who tried to stop her and ran over. When she saw Byron covered in blood, tears immediately fell. "Byron, are you alright? Don''t scare me; I''ll call an ambnce infinediately.


    Not long after, an ambnce and a police car arrived simultaneously. Maeve and Byron were taken to the hospital in different ambnces.


    Marve tested for the presence of sleeping pills in her body, but aside from that, there were no obvious external injuries. However, Byron did note out after he entered the operating theater. While Lynn was waiting anxiously, Alexis rushed over. "How''s Byron? Why was he suddenly injured?"


    "Alexis, the surgery isn''t over yet. Byron has been in there for two hours. I''m so scared... Lynn''s tears fell uncontrobly.


    "Don''t cry; tell me what happened," Alexis said.


    "L..I have no idea. The chandelier in the dining room suddenly fell, and Byron rushed out to save her." Lynn sobbed softly.. That woman was also sent to this hospital. I heard Byron call her Macve..." Alexis''s expression changed instantly. She said sternly, "Maeve? Why is it this jinx again? Nothing good will happen as long as it''s rted to her."


    11390


    First, it was Gilbert, and now it''s Byron. I''ve said that this woman is here to jinx the Mcdaniel family, Alexis thought.


    Lynn looked at Alexis in confusion. "Alexis, do you know her? Who is she?"


    "She''s just a stray dog that failed to climb the socialdder," Alexis said resentfully. When her eyes met Lynn''s bewildered gaze, her expression softened slightly. "Lynn, I''m really grateful that you''re by Byron''s side this time. Once you two get married, I can finally feel at ease." ''Although Lynn isn''t in good health, at least her family background is worthy of Byron. Byron can marry anyone except that scourge, Alexis thought.


    Lynn smiled shyly at Alexis and looked at the operating theater anxiously.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    In the ward on the other side, after the effects of the sleeping pills wore off, Maeve gradually woke up. She looked around and frowned.


    Why am In the hospital? Am I not having dinner with Alex in the restaurant? Maeve thought.


    While eating, she felt a little sleepy. After that, she seemed to have heard a loud bang but could not open


    her eyes...


    "Maeve, you''re finally awake." Alex walked into the ward and put aside the lunch he had just bought. He looked at her with concern and asked, "How do you feel? Are you feeling unwell?" Maeve sat


    up


    and shook her head. "No. Alex, what''s the matter with me?"


    "Last night, the chandelier in the dining room suddenly fell. You were almost hit by it," Alex said with lingering fear. "The doctor said they detected the presence of sleeping pills in your body, so you didn''t wake up even after such a bigmotion."


    Macve''s eyes were filled with surprise. "Sleeping pills? But I''ve never taken sleeping pills.


    "No wonder I felt so sleepy then, she thought,


    Alex''s expression was serious. "Someone must have nted it for you. But after that, the restaurant was in chaos, and many things were damaged. It''ll be difficult to verify."


    Maeve gripped the corner of the nket tightly as a chill ran down her spine. She did not believe it was a coincidence.


    After she took the sleeping pills, the chandelier suddenly fell. The person who drugged her clearly wanted her to die.


    ''But who could have done this?'' she wondered.


    The police will investigate this matter, don''t overthink it. The results wille out sooner orter, Alexforted her gently. "Eat something first."


    Maeve suddenly thought of something and asked, "Alex, I fell asleep in my seat then. Were you the one who saved me?" At that time, she had notpletely lost consciousness. She vaguely felt someone hugging her tightly and protecting her in his arms.

 Chapter 206

    However, Maeve did not see clearly who that person was.


    Alex shook his head regretfully. "I wasn''t there. I heard about what happened fro


    saved you"


    someone else. A couple seemed to have


    If he were there, he would probably risk everything to save the person he liked without a second thought.


    "Did theye to the hospital, too?" Maeve asked again. "I want to thank them in person."


    "I''ve asked the doctor about that, too. They seemed to be fine, and were discharged yesterday."


    There was a hint of disappointment in Maeve''s eyes. "I didn''t even have time to thank them.... Oh yes! If we get that restaurant to check the surveince cameras, will they be able to find out?"


    "I knew you might ask this, so I had checked with that restaurant They said the surveince footage had been damaged and could not be checked. Alex, too, felt somewhat regretful.


    After saying that, heforted Maeve, "They probably didn''t expect to receive gratitude after saving people. Don''t carry such a heavy burden in your heart."


    Maeve nodded, but she felt like she had overlooked something. However, she could not figure out what it was.


    At the same time, in the VIP ward on the top floor, the atmosphere was tense.


    Byron leaned against the hospital bed. His face was ashen, and his lips were pale. He lowered his eyes, waiting for the doctor to change the dressing on his right leg.


    "Mr. Jason Mcdaniel, Mr. Byron Mcdaniel, it''s indeed very fortunate that the heavy object didn''t hurt the nerves of the leg. If the position had been slightly off, Mr. Byron Mcdaniel''s right leg might have been crippled on the spot," the doctor said carnestly. "However, Mr. Byron Mcdaniel''s right leg has been suppressed too long. Therefore, his walking will be affected for a short period."


    After hearing the doctor''s words, Jason''s face darkened. His unprecedented anger surged, "Since when did our Mcdaniel family have a romantic fool? You''ve already divorced that woman; her life and death have nothing to do with you. Yet, you shielded her from harm with your body? How can her worthless lifepare to yours?"


    Byron frowned and looked at Jason with a dark gaze. "Our deal is over, I don''t want to hear a simr thing from you again"


    "Deal?" Jason sneered. "If you didn''t insist, do you think I would let her off so easily? Your grandpa hasn''t woken up yet, and you''re injured and hospitalized. Didn''t she cause all this?"


    Gilbert held extraordinary significance for the Mcdaniel family. Once something happened to him, it was only natural that the Mcdaniel family would harbor deep hatred for Maeve, the culprit behind it


    If not for Byron''s protection, Jason alone would have been enough to make her stay in prison until her next life.


    Byron''s expression suddenly turned cold. "Why? Do you still want to attack her?"


    Don''t worry. Since you two are already divorced, I won''t pursue any legal action against her anymore, Jason said in a deep voice. "Byron, you may not understand my painstaking efforts now, but in the future... you''ll eventually understand."


    "Is that so?" Byron''s tone was cold. "Then let me give you a piece of advice. Stop being one-sided wishful thinking." Jason was So angry that he left on the spot.


    As soon as he left, Lynn ran in crying and threw herself into Byron''s arms. "Byron, you scared me to death this time. You were covered in blood at that time. I thought you would... If anything happens to you, what should I do?* 08:08 Tue, Oct


    She had always been gentle, timid, delicate, and sensitive. It was obvious how upset she was to cry like this.


    Byron gently pushed her away. His deep voice was somewhat gentle. "Am I not alright now? Don''t cry"


    Lynn''s shoulders twitched. "Byron, tell me the truth. What''s your rtionship with that woman? Why would you risk your safety to save her?"


    Byron''s gaze paused slightly, and his expression became a little subdued. "What did my mother tell you?" Byron asked.


    Lynn nodded hesitantly. Alexis said that you... married her in the past.


    "Yeah, Byron said.


    Hearing him admit it, Lym bit her lips. "Is that why you saved her?"


    Byron nodded hesitantly. "Sort of."


    Lynn suddenly heaved a sigh of relief. "Byron, we''re about to get engaged. From now on, you can only look at me and not other women. Otherwise, I''ll feel sad." She revealed a worried expression.


    Byron slowly hid the darkness in his eyes and said softly. "You may go out for a while. Let Archer in; I have something to tell


    him."


    "Okay." Lynn nodded obediently and went out to call Archer.


    Soon, Archer walked in. "Mr. Mcdaniel, is there anything?"


    "How''s Maeve''s condition now?" Byron asked.


    Archer had prepared himself. "Ms. Reese has been tested for the presence of sleeping pills in her body and has just woken up this morning. She''s overall fine, and can be discharged tomorrow At this point, Archer looked hesitant. Byron narrowed his eyes. "What else?"


    The doctor also said that Ms. Reese has been pregnant for nearly two months."


    Byron''s narrow eyes suddenly sank when he heard the word "pregnant". It was like a hurricane rising from the depths of the sea, wanting to devour everything that approached.


    Archer stood there and felt waves of cold wind drilling into his body. He could not help but shiver.


    "She''s pregnant?" Byron enunciated each word slowly, his voice so cold and terrifying.


    "Y-yes."


    "Does she now?"


    Archer thought for a moment. "I think so. I also found out that on the day Ms. Reese came out of the detention center, went to a private clinic for abortion surgery. However, she didn''t do it in the end..."


    she


    Archer slowly shut his mouth as he noticed Byron''s handsome face turning increasingly gloomy, and his eyes were like a wild beast about to devour someone.


    Byron sneered softly, "Maeve, you''re truly great!"


    ''Before the divorce, you had kept the pregnancy a secret and tried to test my attitude. After the divorce, you couldn''t wait to abort my child?


    "From the beginning to the end, you had kept me in the dark and never told me the truth. You''re capable now!'' Byron


    thought to himself.


    Byron''s face darkened as he asked coldly. "Where is she now?"


    "In the ward downstairs," Archer said.


    At night, Alex was worried about Maeve staying in the hospital alone. He wanted Bonnie toe over and apany her, but Maeve refused. Her injuries were not serious, and she did not need someone to take care of her. After taking a shower that night, she took the pregnancy medicine Jaylen had given her andy on the bed to prepare for sleep.


    In a state between dreams and wakefulness, she suddenly felt a chill envelop her, followed by a cold hand gripping her neck. slowly tightening.


    Maeve awoke from this drowning sensation of suffocation and opened her eyes to see Byron''s cold, handsome face. She was taken aback. "B-Byron?"


    She wanted to sit up, but he grasped her neck firmly. She felt his hand tighten the moment she moved. Soon she struggled to breathe.


    Maeve''s face turned red and she could not say a word.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 207

    "You''re pregnant?" Byron''s tone was cold and menacing as he stared at her under the dim light. Itis gaze was as dark and deep as an abyss, sending chills down her spine. Maeve''s heart skipped a beat, and she thought, I knew he wouldn''t let me go.


    Tjust didn''t expect him to show up so soon.


    With a hoarse voice, Maeve met his gaze without any fear and taunted, "So what? This is my child. It has nothing to do with


    you."


    Byron''s expression darkened instantly before he replied, "Nothing to do with me? You wouldn''t be pregnant without me! How dare you...


    His words trailed off as he thought, ''Abort it without my consent?


    "It''s in my body!" Maeve''s hateful voice interrupted him. The helpless despair she felt while lying on the operating table surged back into her heart.


    Her gaze toward Byron reflected resentment as she muttered, "Byron, we are already divorced. You have no right to interfere in my affairs, including this child!"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Maeve, say that again?" Byron eximed.


    Maeve stubbornly raised her chin and spat, "Even if I say it a hundred times, it''ll still be the same! This is my child, and it has absolutely nothing to do with you. I don''t need you meddling in my business!" She couldn''t bear the thought of waking up one day and finding herself back on the operating table, calling for help that


    never came.


    She could not endure the pain of almost losing her child a second time.


    Suppressing the suffocating feeling in her chest, Maeve looked at Byron and pleaded with each word, "Byron, for the sake of what we once had as husband and wife, I beg you, please let me go."


    ''Let her go?'' Byron contemted, his jaw clenched, and the warmth in his gaze toward her faded.


    He silently reasoned, ver liked children, but I didn''t expect Maeve to dislike them even more.


    ''She''s even willing to lower herself to beg me just to get rid of this child.


    ''Or perhaps... she simply doesn''t want to bear my child!


    With that thought, Byron grabbed Maeve''s chin, his voice icy and dangerous as he asked, "Do you think that''s possible?"


    His mind raced, "This is my child too. How dare she say no as if I don''t have a say in this?


    ''Did she ever consider my opinion?''


    Maeve''s eyes reddened as she begged, "I promise I''ll stay far away from you in the future. You''ll never have to see me again. This child... 1


    Hearing her say, "Never see you again, a surge of indescribable fury rose in Byron''s chest, and he yelled, "Maeve, dream on!"


    With those words, he coldly withdrew his hand, straightened up and ordered, "Send someone over immediately and take her to the manor:


    Maeve''s eyes shrank in fear, and she gasped, "What are you nning to do now?"


    "Why is he taking me there? Maeve silently panicked,


    Maeve was on the verge of breaking down.


    After being taken to Byron''s manor, her range of movement was limited to the master bedroom, and two bodyguards were constantly stationed at the door. Whenever she opened it, they would block her immediately.


    There was even a maid checking on her every hour.


    "How is this any different from being under house arrest? Maeve thought, fuming with rage.


    If Byron were in front of her now, she might not be able to resist biting him


    "Ms. Reese, it''s time for your meal. The maid pushed a small cart into the room and said the words mechanically. Afterward. she fell silent as she ced the food on the table. Frustrated, Maeve asked, "Has Mr. Mcdaniele back? How long does he n to keep me locked up here?


    The maid kept her lips tightly sealed, refusing to speak no matter how many questions Maeve asked.


    Maeve stopped wasting her breath and didn''t touch the food on the table, contemting. ''Dr. Foster is highly skilled.


    I can''t let my guard down.


    What if Byron put something in the food to cause a miscarriage? I wouldn''t even have time to cry if that happened. He''s already had me drugged and sent to the operating table once. Who knows what else he''s capable of?" Thinking about this, Maeve''s mood worsened. Her nose stung with suppressed emotions, but there was no outlet for her frustration.


    The entire day passed, and Maeve hadn''t eaten a single bite, surviving only on the fruits in the room.


    Dr. Foster came to check her condition and immediately reported the situation to Byron, who was still in the hospital, "Mr. Mcdaniel, Ms. Reese''s pregnancy is unstable, and there are signs of a potential miscarriage.


    "The most important thing is to avoid emotional fluctuations and strenuous activity and ensure proper nutrition. If she continues to refuse food like this, the child may..."


    Byron''s gaze darkened as he asked, "She hasn''t eaten anything all day?"


    Dr. Foster replied, "Yes. Ms. Reese''s constitution is weak. If this goes on, it will cause significant harm to both her and the child."


    "I understand," Byron spoke in a low voice before hanging up and calling the master bedroom at the manor.


    Inside the room, Maeve was lying on the pillow, thinking about how to escape. Suddenly, the phone by the bed rang


    Byron''s cold voice echoed through the receiver when she picked it up, "Maeve, what kind of game are you ying this time? Is starving yourself supposed to be fun?"


    Maeve was momentarily stunned andughed, "Don''t you already know? How long are you nning to keep me locked up here? We are divorced. What right do you have to treat me like this?"


    Byron''s tone grew heavier, and he said, "Because I am the father of your child. Stop ying these tricks that will only provoke me further, or I can''t promise what I''ll do."


    Maeve reminded him, I believe I''ve told you before that this is my child, and it has nothing to do with you, right? Does any) of this make sense you?"


    Byron questioned, "Do you really have to go against me?"


    Maeve almostughed at the absurdity of it all. She thought, He wants to get rid of my child, and I''m not supposed to resist?


    ''Does that even make sense?"


    She replied, "So what if I am? You''d better let me go, or I can''t guarantee what I''ll do either.


    Upon hearing this, fury surged uncontrobly in Byron''s chest as he thought, ''Does she really not want to keep this child?


    ''Or is it because she thinks having this child will make it harder for her to find another man?


    "Maeve, don''t even think about it!" Byron''s lips curled into a cold sneer. ''I''m warning you-if you keep up with this hunger strike, I won''t hesitate toe back and feed you myself!" Maeve sprang up from the bed and cursed angrily, "Byron, you bastard!"


    "I''ve never imed not to be. Feel free to try me," he replied.


    Magde was at a loss for words. She bit her lower lip, desperately trying to think of a solution


    She thought, "He was about to get engaged to another woman. There was no way he was acting out of concern, so why was he so insistent on her eating properly?


    She was more inclined to believe that he didn''t want her child to be an obstacle to his future marriage and would stop at nothing to get rid of it.


    With her current abilities, she couldn''t win against him head-on


    "Byron, I don''t trust you. Unless you agree to let me go downstairs and cook for myself, I won''t touch the food they bring me," Maeve dered. Byron let out a coldugh, "Suit yourself."


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    Maeve was furious and pounded her fist against the pillow.


    After a whil there was a knock on the door. "Ms. Reese, Mr. McDaniel said you may go downstairs but are not allowed to leave the vi


    Maeve pressed her lips together and thought, "Has he really let me go, or is he just nning something else?''


    She couldn''t afford to let her guard down. The consequences would be too severe if she did.


    Maeve went downstairs and made herself a bowl of noodles. To be safe, she washed every ingredient several times before putting them into the pot.

 Chapter 208

    "Mr. Nelson, I came to get some fresh clothes for Byron. Which room is his?" A soft, sweet voice suddenly came from outside the dining room, causing Marve to pause mid-bite. "Hmm? Why are the lights still on in the dining room?" Lynn asked curiously as she walked over, her gaze immediately. locking with Maeve''s,


    Maeve was momentarily taken aback and asked, "Who are you?"


    Lynn pretended not to know her and replied, "Who are you? Why are you in my fiance''s house?"


    The word "fiance pierced Maeve''s heart like a sharp de as she silently repeated it in her mind. The memory of that news headline shed before her, and her face grew pale. "You are Byron''s fianc¨¦e?" Maeve asked.


    Lynn tilted her head yfully and introduced herself, I''m Lynn And who might you be, Miss!"


    Hearing that name left Maeve stunned again, making her think, Lynn, 1.A, the initials on that sketch Byron made when he


    was younger....


    Could it be this girl''s name?''Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Miss Anderson, you''re here!" Damian Nelson, the butler, walked over with a warm smile. When he saw Maeve, he exined, This is a guest of Mr. Mcdaniel, staying here temporarily.


    Lynn shed Maeve a sweet smile. "Oh, I see. Byron is really kind-hearted. Don''t be too reserved, and just treat this ce like your own home. I have something to do, so I''ll be leaving now.


    With that, Lynn left the dining room with Damian while Maeve sat there, her appetitepletely gone.


    However, for the sake of her child''s nutrition, Maeve forced herself to finish the bowl of food before heading upstairs.


    Damian stopped Maeve in front of the master bedroom and said, "Ms. Reese, Miss Anderson is inside packing Mr. Mcdaniel''s clothes. Could you wait for a moment?")


    Maeve smiled faintly and asked, ''Is Byron going on a business trip?"


    She remembered how he was a neat freak, disliking anyone touching his things.


    He would throw it straight into the trash even if someone identally brushed against his coat.


    "Perhaps," Damian answered vaguely.


    Maeve lowered her gaze, thinking. "Of course, they''re getting engaged soon."


    Seeing Maeve''s expression, Damian lowered his voice. "Ms. Reese, Miss Anderson, and Mr. Mcdaniel have known each other. since childhood, and their rtionship is... special. He doesn''t really want you two to meet, nor does he want her to know anything about your past with him. "Miss Anderson isn''t in the best of health, and Mr. Mcdaniel is always worried about her. He''s concerned that you might upset her. So, do you understand what I mean?"


    Maeve understood perfectly, but she didn''t agree to Mr. Nelson''s suggestion


    She responded, "This is Byron''s issue. What does it have to do with me? I don''t think I have any obligation to help him pacify his fianc¨¦e.


    She thought, ''If Byron belieges I will upset Lynn, that''s his problem.


    If he wants me to stay quiet, he should tell me himself, not have his butler interfere.


    Damian''s expression darkened slightly. He gave Maeve a deep look but said nothing further.


    Not knowing how long Lynn would take to pack in the master bedroom, Maeve decided to wait in the study.


    She walked inside and nced around, her eyes finally settling on something.


    On the ck marble desk facing the floor-to-ceiling window, there was a photo frame... and another sketch. However, This time, the sketch wasn''t of Byron but Lynn.


    It depicted her as a teenager, looking slightly younger and more innocent than when Maeve had just seen her.


    Maeve''s fingers curled as she stood there in a daze, her mind racing, ''Sketching each other and framing the drawings. cing them in the most important rooms like the bedroom and the study....


    No one would believe they aren''t in love with each other. And what about me...what am I to him? Just a fleeting amusement?


    Maeve instinctively avoided answering that question, unwilling to face it


    When enough time had passed, she left the study.


    She suddenly heard Lynn speaking with Damian as she reached the corner.


    "I know she''s Byron''s ex-wife, but she''s already in the past. What matters is the future Byron and I will have together. Besides, I don''t think Byron cares much about her. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have divorced her the moment I came back." Lynn said, her tone innocent but cruel as sheughed.


    Damian smiled satisfactorily, "You and Mr. Mcdaniel have known each other for over twenty years. Of course, she could neverpare to that


    "Im leaving now. Byron''s still waiting for me, Lynn replied.


    "Alright, I''ll walk you to the car," Damian said.


    The voices gradually faded until Maeve could no longer hear them. Only then did she step out from the shadows, her face as white as snow.


    Lynn''s words were like a needle, mercilessly piercing through the questions Maeve had avoided, forcing her to confront them. Her mind raced, ''Why did Byron decide to divorce me so quickly? "Why was his attitude so firm?


    Why wouldn''t he give me even a chance to prove my i


    "Deep down, I''ve always known the answer. I just didn''t want to believe it. I refused to ept that he left me for another.


    Woman.


    "But now, no matter how much I lie to myself, there''s no escaping the truth.


    Two weeks passed, and during that time, Byron never once showed up.


    If Maeve hadn''t seen on the news that his engagement party was being nned, she might have thought he had gone on a business trip to Citaly.


    She didn''t want to see him, but that didn''t mean she wanted to remain trapped here.


    D


    The medication Jaylen had given her to stabilize her pregnancy would onlyst for two weeks, and she was running out of


    time.


    Finally, the day came when all the staff were scheduled for a break. Everyone gathered in the living room downstairs.


    Maeve locked herself in her room upstairs, quickly tying the bedsheets is into a rope, securing it to the window, and letting it dangle just a few feet above the ground. It was safe enough.


    She put her coat on inside out and carefully padded her stomach with severalyers of clothing before daring to slide down


    the rope.


    By the time her a


    arms were burning with exhaustion, she was close enough to the ground to jump.


    But as soon as she let go, she fell into a familiar embrace filled with the scent of cedar and cold air.


    The familiarity of the scent sent a chill down her spine, her instincts screaming in rm.


    Reflexively. Maeve tried to escape, but a pair of strong arms locked her waist, holding her in ce as a furious voice growled, "Maeve, are you trying to get yourself killed?"


    Byron''s jaw clenched as he effortlessly lifted the struggling Maeve into his arms and strode back into the vi.


    Damian froze when he saw the scene unfold, "Mr. Mcdaniel, this


    Byron''s icy gaze swept over him, demanding, "What were you all doing? You didn''t even notice her jumping out of a window?"


    His words caused the butler and the guards to go pale.


    "Go and receive your punishment," Byron ordered coldly before stepping into the elevator with Maeve still in his arms.


    Once inside the master bedroom, Byron''s anger had no outlet. Instinctively, he wanted to throw Macve onto the bed, but something stopped him at thest second.


    Instead of tossing her, he gently set her down. Leaning over, Byron gripped Maeve''s chin, his cold eyes locking onto hers as he asked, "What were you trying to do just now? Escape? Or..."


    His gaze drifted downward, settling on her stomach as a chilling aura surrounded him.

 Chapter 209

    0


    209


    Maeve Reese never expected her luck to be this terrible. After filly finding a chance to escape, she was caught right on the


    spot.


    She thought, Why did he have to return at this exact moment?


    Maeve braced herself and retorted, "So what if I wanted to escape? How many times do I need to tell you? divorced! Can you please do me a favor and let me go!"


    Lu We


    are already


    "Where do y you n to go? To find Alex?" Byron Medaniel asked as his cool fingers pinched her earlobe, his eyes dark and deep.


    Maeve was about to deny it but then thought, ''Why do I need to exin anything to him?''


    She took a deep breath and replied, "Byron, do you really think this is amusing? You are about to get engaged to Miss Anderson, and yet you''re still entangled with me. Don''t you think it''s a bit disgraceful?" Byron let out a coldugh. "Entangled with you? Maeve, you really think too highly of yourself."


    He thought. If she hadn''t been determined to abort his child, would he have had to lock her up?"


    "Then why don''t you just let me go!" Maeve shot back.


    Byron straightened up, looking down at her from above. "You can leave if you want, but you''ll have to leave the child behind.


    Maeve''s face turned pale, her eyes filled with resistance. She screamed, "No! Don''t even think about it! This is my child. Whether I keep it or not is my choice! You cannot force me!


    She thought, I''m not asking him to give birth to it, nor to raise it So why is he so fixated on making me abort my child?


    ''Does he really hate me that much?


    However, to Byron, her words took on a different meaning,


    His gaze towards her grew increasingly disappointed as he asked. "Maeve, how could there be such a cruel woman like you in this world?"


    "Even a tiger does not eat its cubs, yet this woman wants to kill her child.


    Is she really so unwilling to give birth to my child?'' he thought, his jaw tightening, his face as cold as ice.


    Thinking of this, Byron Mcdaniel''s cheeks tightened slightly, and his face was as cold as ice.


    "Whether this child stays or goes is not up to you," Byron stated, leaving those words behind as he strode out, mming the door shut with a loud bang


    Maeve''s shoulders shrank, her eyes hollow as she stared at the tightly closed door. The bitterness that seeped from her heart threatened to engulf her entirely.


    ''If Byron knew that after aborting these two children, I would never be able to have another, would he consider letting me live for the sake of our past? Am I truly evil just because I want to keep this child? He really overestimates me, she thought.


    But recalling the cold, indifferent look in his eyes, as if he were staring at a mere weed on the side of the road, Maeve felt all her strength drain away, copsing onto the pillow without moving


    "Knock, knock." A faint noise abruptly sounded in the room.


    Maeve jerked her head up, looking towards the window from where the sound came.


    Under the night sky, she saw a figure outside the window waving at her.


    Maeve was startled at first, but after seeing who it was, she quickly ran over and opened the window,


    "Dr. Chatterly? What are you doing here?" Maeve asked.


    Jaylen held onto a rope above him with one hand, his brooding eyes gazing down at her. He asked, "When a patient refuses to take their medicine on time, what else can a doctor do bute here in person?" Marve felt a bit horrified by his words.


    But considering that his future apprentice was still in her belly, it made sense that he''de.


    "Dr. Chatterly, do you have a way to help me leave here?" Macve asked.


    Jaylen nodded without exnation. With his free hand, he wrapped his arm around Maeve''s waist, lifting her off the ground. The noise of helicopter des cutting through the air roared above the estate. The noise of helicopter des cutting through the air roared above the estate.


    The master bedroom door swung open again. Byron entered with a stern face, bringing men with him. His dark gaze fell immediately on the wide-open window.


    His voice was cold and sharp, filled with a nameless fury as he ordered, "Find her. Turn the ce upside down you must.. but find her."


    Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel!" his men replied.


    Half an hourter, the helicopternded on the rooftop of Alex''s apartment building.


    Maeve and Jaylen had just left Zephyr Heights when she remembered to ask why theynded there.


    "To divert the trouble," Jaylen said with a sly smile, a tear-shaped mole beneath his eye entuating his mischievous expression. "It''s better than having your ex-husband show up at my ce one day." He certainly wasn''t nning to return her.


    Maeve immediately understood, but seeing how calm and unbothered he looked, she couldn''t help but silently curse. This guy is so shameless!


    He deceives people without even blinking.


    "But what about Alex?


    Maeve tried to negotiate, "Dr. Chatterly, could you lend me your phone? I need to let Alex know. Give him a heads-up." Otherwise, it would be too cruel, she thought.


    "1


    Jaylen closed his eyes and said, ''I don''t use phones. And don''t even think about contacting him. Your ex-husband will stop looking into him if there''s nothing to find, but if you contact Alex, even nothing will be something" His words made sense, and Maeve couldn''t think of a way to refute him.


    Clutching her aching conscience, she silently apologized, ''Sorry, Alex


    As Jaylen had predicted, Alex drew most of Byron''s anger and attention.


    However, Byron took less than a day to sense that something was off. He sent men to investigate the helicopter''s owner and pilot.


    Fortunately, Jaylen had made extra preparations, using a false identity to throw off the trail.


    Unfortunately, Byron''s intelligencework was far more ruthless than anticipated. Through cross-referencing information, he quickly traced it back to the Chatterly family.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    By this time, Jaylen and Maeve had already fled the country, disappearing into the distance.


    Byron''s dark eyes gleamed with a terrifying chill upon receiving this news.


    "They''re still in the country. Keep searching," he ordered.


    "But Mr. Mcdaniel, the flight information..." Archer began to exin.


    Byron''s expression grew colder as he stated, "It''s just a smokescreen. If they had really fled the country, they would''ve done it on the first day of her escape, not now." Archer suddenly understood and replied, "I see. I''ll send more men to continue the search,"


    "Have them pay close attention to all hospitals, especially in the obstetrics and gynecology departments. Report back immediately if you find anything, Byron instructed. "Yes, sir!"


    After Archer left, silence returned to the master bedroom. Byron stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his sharp features touched by the deep darkness outside, giving off a sense of istion and coldness, Maeve, you better not do something foolish," he murmured.


    If she truly aborted the child, then there would be nothing left between them.


    Eight monthster, in a remote ancient city by the coast of Belldol, in a private obstetrics and gynecology hospital.


    A few days before her due date, Maeve checked into the hospital


    During this time, Jaylen and the housekeeper had been taking care of her, but no matter how brilliant a miracle doctor he was, he was truly not skilled in gynecology.


    He was often more flustered than the housekeeper.


    At first, when he immediately diagnosed her signs of miscarriage and prescribed her medicine to stabilize the pregnancy. she thought he was a gynecological expert. But it turned out his abilities in this area were quite limited


    Every ti ne this came up, Jaylen would get irritated and say, "What pregnant woman is so special that she gets my personal care? Don''t push your luck."

 Chapter 210

    At first, Maeve would still be startled by his cold tone, but over tine, she realized he was all bark and no bite, She became less and less concerned about it.


    Sitting calmly on the hospital bed, she said leisurely. "Even Mrs. Patterson said your medical skills aren''t as good as hers"


    Jaylen kept his expression stoic and said, "Ie from a prestigious background. I gained fame at a young age, and those big names in the internationalmunity treat me with the utmost respect. And yet, youpare me to a housekeeper?" After finishing, he stood up and walked out in annoyance,


    "Where are you going?" Maeve asked.


    "The bathroom, Jaylen replied coldly, pushing the door open and leaving


    Not long after, J, the housekeeper, came in with Maeve''s lunch With a cheerful grin, she mentioned, "I just saw Mr. Chatterly talking to the head of obstetrics about some childbirth issues. He really cares about you"" Maeve almost choked on her soup, thinking, "I was only joking with him, but he''s actually serious about learning obstetrics?


    Typical Dr. Chatterly, always needing to excel at everything...


    J continued, "Oh, and on my way here, I saw a news broadcast in the Northern Commercial Building. A CEO of some multinational corporation is offering a hundred million to find his missing ex-wife!


    My goodness, a hundred million! People like us can''t even dream of that. Who would''ve thought that even among the wealthy, there''s someone so devoted to his ex-wife? If I were her I''d be moved to tears already."


    As usual, J went on about how she hoped to get lucky one day and run into that ex-wife to im the reward.


    Holding her soup bowl, Maeve listened to the gossip and found amusing.


    She replied, "Who knows? Maybe you''ll bump into her someday


    Jughed, "You always know the right thing to say. If I find her, I''ll split the reward with you!"


    Maeve eximed, "That''s so generous! I better wish for you to meet her today so we can enjoy the money in style!"


    J chuckled, "Hahaha, that would be great! After all, the McDaniel Group is filthy rich. Why not take the money if it''s up for grabs?"


    The moment she heard "McDaniel Group, the smile on Maeve''s face froze.


    "What did you just say? Which group?" Maeve asked.


    her sudden change in expression, J looked puzzled. The McDaniel Group, of course. Ms. Reese, are you feeling unwell? You don''t look too good." Seeing


    Maeve shook her head numbly and pressed her lips together before asking again, I''m just curious. The CEO of the McDaniel Group is offering a hundred million to find his ex-wife. Wouldn''t his fianc¨¦e have something to say about that?" J gave her a knowing look as shemented, "Ms. Reese, how long has it been since you''ve watched the news? That CEO never even got engaged. For some reason, the wedding was postponed. But with my years of soap opera experience, I''d he''s still hung up on his ex-wife!"


    say.


    Maeve''s lips curled slightly and pondered, "Byron McDaniel still hung up on me?


    The only thing he''s fixated-on is finding me and getting rid of the child I''m carrying


    "A hundred million?


    ''Quite thevish offer.


    This just confinns one thing once he finds me, he won''t let it g


    Suddenly, J said, "Hey, Ms. Reese, you kind of resemble that CEO''s ex-wife...


    Maeve quickly interrupted her. "Really? How about you help me hide this from my husband, and I''ll go see the McDaniel Group CEO to swindle that hundred million?"


    Hearing this. J''s suspicions immediately vanished, and sheughed.


    "Haha, you better be careful, or Mr. Chatterly will be furious!" J joked.


    Maeve forced a smile and didn''t respond further.


    Though the expected delivery date was two days away, perhaps due to overthinking. Maeve went intobor that very night. Jaylen stood outside the delivery room, listening to Maeve''s gut-wrenching screams, his face as expressionless as a statue. If there were a machine to capture his thoughts, his inner monologue would''ve been quite colorful.


    "Last year, the guy who came to me for necrotic tissue removal didn''t scream this loud.


    Is she giving birth in there, or is some unscrupulous doctor torturing her?


    "Why didn''t my teacher ever teach me how to deliver babies?"


    Thankfully, Maeve couldn''t hear his thoughts, or she might lose focus fromughing and make the pain even worse.


    Not that it could get much worse.


    She felt like she had been in pain for an eternity, but the doctor till said she wasn''t fully dted.


    Maeve wanted to faint right there, but thinking about the two babies she saw on the ultrasound, she found a surge of energy


    Yet, unable to curse at the babies, she could only curse one person, "Damn you, Byron McDaniell Why aren''t you the one giving birth instead?! Ahhh-


    With each agonizing scream, as the dawn began to break, the first child was finally born.


    "Doctor! This baby isn''t breathing!" the nurse shouted in panic.


    "Take the baby to Dr. Linda Wells. It might be temporary," the doctor replied.


    "Y-yes!" the nurse answered.


    cir conversation, Maeve''s hard-fought strength nearly dissipated. Her voice hoarse, she asked, "Doctor, my


    The doctor reassured her, "This is normal. The baby will be fine soon. Now focus, I can see the head of the second baby."


    A wave of overwhelming fear surged within Maeve. She wanted to check if the first baby was okay, but the contractions continued to ravage her body.


    Just then, there was a loud knock on the delivery room door.


    G.


    BK993%


    "Maeve, Byron is on its way, He''ll be here in less than ten minutes. I''m sending people in. As soon as you deliver, we''re moving you!" Jaylen''s voice came from the other side, heavy with urgency. Maeve shuddered at the news. He''s found me this quickly?"


    She couldn''t bear to think about what Byron might do if he saw her children.


    After all, he had promised to kill them. She didn''t dare take that risk.


    Maeve steeled herself and followed the doctor''s instructions. Before long, the second baby was born.


    Not long after, the second child came out..


    Completely exhausted, Maevey there, but as soon as the nurse finished, Jaylen rushed in and said, "We have to leave immediately.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Wait, my babies... Maeve struggled to sit up to see them, but the doctor''s grave expression stopped her.


    "Ms. Reese, I''m sorry, but your first child was born without breathing. Thankfully, your second baby is healthy. You..."


    "What did you say?!" Macve''s eyes widened in disbelief as her mind went nk.


    Jaylen held her by the shoulders as a voice came through his earpiece. His expression grew cold.


    "Byron is downstairs. We can''t dy any longer."


    Maeve''s ears buzzed, drowning out Jaylen''s words.


    Jaylen furrowed his brow and gripped her arm tightly. "Maeve, did you hear me? Do you want the other baby to die too?"


    His words jolted Maeve back to reality. Her lower lip, swollen and bleeding from her biting, trembled as she fought through her heartbreak. I''m taking both of them with me," she said to Jaylen, her voice filled with determination.


    0

 Chapter 211

    Earlier, the nurse took her first child to the next room for examination and hadn''t returned them.


    Jaylen heard the notification in his earpiece, and his expression subtly changed. He stated, "We don''t have time, we need to leave now."


    He took the surviving second child from the doctor and ced the baby into Marve''s arms, his tone calm, "Think it through."


    Maeve''s eyes immediately welled up, her arms trembling as she held the baby. She wanted to hold tighter but couldn''t bring herself to do so. She was torn between emotions. She hadn''t even had a proper chance to see the baby who had passed away. How could she bear to leave him alone here?


    But she had already lost one child; she couldn''t afford to lose this one too.


    Byron would not let them go.


    With this in mind. Maeve steeled herself and said, "Let''s go."


    Jaylen nodded, bent down, and carried Maeve off the operating table, walking briskly toward the exit


    They had just stepped into the elevator when Byron emerged from the adjacent elevator and his men quickly surrounded the entire floor.


    Tthe doctors and nurses, who were trembling under the pressure, confessed everything they knew.


    Upon hearing that Maeve had left just minutes earlier, Byron''s cold aura intensified as he asked in a deep voice, "Where is the child?"


    The doctor shivered and stammered, "Th-the child... The child was taken to the next room for examination and was just confirmed... to have passed away


    As thest words left the doctor''s mouth, he could distinctly feel the temperature drop even further in Byron''s gaze.


    It was as if the man standing before him was a terrifying figure straight out of hell, his aura freezing to the bone. "Take me there," Byron ordered, his face devoid of emotion. "Y-yes!" The doctor hurriedly led Byron to the room, where the deceased childy on a small bed, eyes closed,pletely still.


    The surging anger in Byron''s chest suddenly stalled, and his steps faltered for a few seconds before he slowly approached, only to see the pale, bluish face of the child. "Already... dead?" Byron thought, his fingertips trembling slightly as he hesitated.


    He gently lifted the child from the bed, holding the baby as delicately as if it were something fragile.


    When the tiny, almost weightless body settled into his arms, Byron''s initial joy at bing a father was quickly reced by an uncontroble wave of anger "Ch-


    Suddenly, a faint whimper interrupted Byron.


    He thought he had misheard, but when he looked down, he saw the child in his arms, with a bright red face, letting out a


    G.


    loud wai!!


    Byron''s entire body stiffened, but momentster, ayer of joy barst forth in his dark eyes. Trying to offer the gentlest smile he could manage, he softly soothed, "Don''t cry. From now on, Daddy will always be here. Nothing will ever happen to you again." Four yearster, in the city of Swnd, Erancia, inside Iredale Pce.


    The spring sun was shining brightly, and the garden was filled with blooming flowers. It was a perfect season.


    A small figure walked by the fountain, dressed in a id shirt paired with denim overalls and a brown beret atop his head, looking both trendy and fashionable from head to toe.


    Hugging a notebook to his chest, he nced around seriously, his delicately sculpted, cherubic face looking so earnest that it was hard not to smile as if he were a little adult.


    Theo, you''ve snuck out again behind your mommy''s back, haven''t you?" The elderly gardener chuckled as he saw the little one approach. "Careful or your mommy will give you a spanking"


    Theo instantly smiled, squinting his eyes, and replied, "No way, Mommy is the most beautiful and gentle girl in the world. She wouldn''t spank me."


    Another woman gardener straightened up and teased, "Last time you picked John''s best roses that were intended for the Queen and gave them to your mommy, I saw her giving you a spanking


    Theo''s face flushed red as his big, grape-like eyes blinked rapidly "Th-that was just a gentle pat, an act of love... It wasn''t really a spanking


    The group of gardeners burst intoughter, and the garden was filled with the sound of joy.


    They asked, "So you''re not in the front hall with your mommy? Are you nning to pick more of John''s precious roses?" Theo shook his head and raised the notebook in his arms, saying sweetly, "Mommy is designing this year''s royal uniforms so as her capable little assistant, I''m here to do some research with all of your


    The female gardener looked surprised, "You''re so small, can you even write?"


    "Of course I can!" Theo puffed out his little chest as he replied. "Don''t underestimate me."


    "Haha, well then, make sure to take good notes for your mommy and maybe she''ll reward youter, the gardenerughed. Theo''s dimples deepened as he smiled adorably, "Okay!"


    Wherever he went, Theo charmed everyone. His sweet talk and cute antics made it hard for anyone to let him go after he finished his "research."


    Just then, a graceful figure appeared at the garden''s entrance.


    She wore a knitted red dress beneath a cream-colored coat, making her skin look even more radiant, like fine jade, her slender figure exuding elegance.


    Her smooth, ck-hair cascaded over one shoulder, her petite face as small as a palm, with bright eyes and red lips, her every expression radiating charm.


    As she arrived, it felt as though the garden''s beauty dimmed slightly inparison.


    Maeve nced around and finally saw her son picking a flower, making one of the maids smile so widely that her eyes


    disappeared.


    Judging by the scene, she suspected the maid might have pledged herself to him on the spot if the little guy were a bit older. Maeve was at a loss for words as she thought, I''m not like this, so where did he get these charming genes? Beside her, Karina, who wasdressed in an borate gown,ughed, "Your son is so charming, he makes me want to have one of my own."


    "Well, you should hurry up and settle your own marriage first, Maeve joked with a smile.


    Karina shook her head, "There''s no rush. By the way, think carefully about my earlier proposal. If you agree to stay, you''ll be the next royal chief designer. You''d be the first person under thirty to hold that position." Maeve''s smile faded slightly, her gaze bing moreplicated as she replied, "I appreciate the queen''s kindness, but I want to return home to take care of something important."


    "So, does that mean you''lle back?" Karina asked.


    Maeve thought for a moment, "Maybe. I can''t guarantee when I''ll return."


    Karina smiled and nodded, "Alright then, whenever you decide to return, let me know. That position will always be waiting for you. After all, both the Queen and Prince Loren admire you so much." Maeve also smiled, Tm incredibly grateful for their recognition


    Back when she first arrived in Erancia, she didn''t know anyone, and her previous identity and qualifications couldn''t be used, making it difficult for her to find a job.


    Fortunately, she met Loren, who rmended her to the pce''s chief designer. After a series of tests, she was allowed to stay.


    Later, her design for a formal banquet gown for the queen earned the queen''s favor, solidifying her position in the pce.


    It was one year after their marriage.


    Byron sat on the sofa reading a document when he suddenly called toward the kitchen, "Baby"


    Momentster, a soft little figure toddled over, leaned against his leg, and tugged on his pant leg. "Daddy, did you call for me?" The little toddler asked. Byron looked down, lifted the little one onto hisp, and chuckled, "I was calling for your mommyContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Not me?" the toddler asked.


    Byron responded lovingly, "You''re Joy. Mommy is ''baby."


    The little one seemed to half-understand and slid off hisp, waddling toward the kitchen with tiny steps.


    "Mommy, Mommy," Joy cried out.


    I


    Maeve, who was busy making soup in the kitchen, heard the voice and turned to see the little one wobbling toward her, looking like a plump little penguin.


    She couldn''t help butugh at the sight. Setting down thedle, she crouched to steady the toddler''s soft, squishy body.


    "What''s wrong, baby?" Marv? asked.


    "Mommy, Daddy is looking for his baby," the little toddler dutifully ryed, her chubby cheeks puffing out as she added, "Mommy, go quickly,"


    Maeve pinched her daughter''s adorable little cheeks and asked, "Did my baby make Daddy angry again? Do you need Mommy to help you?"


    Ever since her daughter learned how to walk, she had be especially mischievous. One day, she started pulling her father''s hair, and the next, she started sticking shiny stickers all over his important documents. The key issue was that whenever she showed the slightest hint of a pout, Byron would melt and have no choice but to continue spoiling her.


    "It wasn''t me," the little toddler blinked her big, grape-like eyes and said, "Daddy''s baby is Mommy."


    Maeve''s face flushed red as she wondered, ''What kind of things was he saying in front of our child?"


    0

 Chapter 212

    However, the Queen was very busy. Maeve would only see her when she needed to take the Queen''s measurements for her clothes.


    On the other hand, Loren would asionallye to her house for a free meal or to bring some high-tech toys for Theo.


    Even when she had another identity, Maeve had never tried to go out of her way to please them, merely treating them with basic human decency.


    After chatting for a while, Karina went back to work.


    At this moment, the little boy had also spotted Maeve. His round eyes instantly lit up and he pounced at Maeve.


    ""Mommy! I missed you so much!"


    Maeve did not know whether tough or cry. "You''ve only been out for less than an hour. Did you miss me that much?" Theodore shook his head, "As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. It''s even more so for me!" "You and your silly ideas," Maeve said as she picked him up, tapping the tip of his nose. "If you missed me so much, why didn''t you stay here with me?"


    "Hehe, of course, I went to help you gather information!" Theo patted the notebook in his arms mysteriously.


    Maeve looked at it curiously. "What is this?"


    "Mommy''s court uniform research report!" Theo answered,


    Maeve had not expected that Theo had been running around the pce for this.


    "Thank you, Theo." Maeve lowered her head and kissed his soft cheek. She smiled and said, "You''ve really helped me a lot." Theo blushed as he wrung his hands together, "Not really, just a little."


    Maeve carried him out of the garden and climbed into the car that the pce had provided for her. They left the pce and headed home.


    As Maeve opened the door, she asked, "Have you finished your homework for today? Don''t wait for Jaylen toe back and check on you. If that happens, he''ll give you more."


    Theodore immediately wrinkled his nose, "Mommy, why don''t we lock the door tonight and not let Jaylen in?"


    "Who aren''t you going to let in?" A disgruntled voice came from the living room.


    Maeve was stunned for a moment before Theo was lifted from her arms.


    The man was dressed in gray traditional clothes. After a few years, the disillusioned look in his eyes had be more mature and stable, and he was much gentler "Jaylen?" Maeve was a little surprised. "Weren''t you supposed toe back in two days? Did you finish what you needed to


    do?


    Jaylen nodded and weighed the young boy in his arms. He said in disdain, "No wonder your mother calls you Theo. You''re getting even chubbier. You should eat less" These words made Theo so angry that he puffed his cheeks up.


    I''m just a child! So what if I''m chubby? I''ll be as thin as a bolt of lightning when I grow up!


    "A bolt of lightning with a diameter of 16 feet?" Jaylen was as sharp-tongued as ever.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Theo held Jaylen''s face with his chubby hands. Jaylen, if you continue to speak like this, you might not be able to get married for the rest of your life!"


    Jaylen subconsciously looked at Maeve, who was smiling gently beside him. He snorted and said, "Children should drink more milk and worry less. Also, I told you to address me as your godfather. Why are you addressing me this way?"


    "I don''t want to!" Theo refused. "Once a brother, always a brother Don''t even think about trying to change your seniority. just because I''m young!"


    Jaylen was speechless.


    Maeveughed so hard that she had to bend over.


    You''reughing?" Jaylen''s face was numb. 93%


    "I''m sorry, I couldn''t hold it in." Maeve held back herughter with much difficulty. "You should have just epted Theo as your student back then. Why did you go through the entire process of bringing him around?" By doing so, he''d lost a student to his master.


    Now, Theo was thest disciple of Jaylen''s master and also the youngest one in the entire sect.


    The student that Jaylen had been anticipating for a few years had slipped through his fingers. Jaylen had been upset for long while and had not even returned to the sect.


    Theo ced his hand on Jaylen''s shoulder and said with a brotherly expression, "Jaylen, this is called all your efforts going to


    waste.


    "You brat," Jaylen led him to the study room. I''m going to test how you''re doing. Did you lose your focus when I wasn''t around


    Theodore whined.


    Maeve didn''t know which one of them was more childish. She shook her head and headed to the kitchen.


    Not long after, Jaylen came out of the study to help Maeve wash the vegetables.


    I heard from Loren that you n to go back?" His voice was a little deep. ''Aren''t you afraid of meeting him?"


    Maeve''s hand paused, and her chopping slowed down.


    "Of course, I''m afraid." She smiled gently. "But there''s no point in being afraid. I''ve been running away for four years. Theo has grown up. I want to... go back and bury the child''s body."


    In the past four years, Maeve had never forgotten this.


    That child''s premature death had always been a deep scar in her heart. Even a slight touch would cause her pain.


    Maeve could not and would not forget it.


    Jaylen knew that this was a sore spot for Maeve. Sometimes, when he passed by her bedroom door at night, he would hear her being woken up by nightmares and crying out the child''s nickname. If this matter was not resolved, Maeve would never be able to start a new life.


    G


    Jaylen turned to look at her. When are you nning to go?"


    "The day after tomorrow," Maeve answered.


    ""That soon?"


    Maeve nodded. "Coincidentally, there''s a fashion show happening at Kleymond soon. They invited me to be a judge. I''ll treat it as a short holiday."


    Jaylen raised his eyebrows. "I forgot that MR is now an internationally renowned figure. If you weren''t hiding in the pce, you''d have drowned in invitation letters by now."


    "That''s nothingpared to Dr. Chatterly''s poprity. You get approached almost every day."


    The two of them ttered each other for a while. Jaylen hesitated for a few seconds and asked, "What about him? What are your ns?"


    There was silence in the kitchen.


    After a long time, Maeve lowered her eyes and said calmly, I don''t care about him anymore. I''ll just treat him as a stranger."


    Jaylen''s smile reached his eyes as he said, "It''s good that you think that way. I was afraid that you would be sad, so there''s something I haven''t been able to tell you." "What is it?" Maeve asked.


    The year you left, he had a child with that Lynn."


    Maeve suddenly tightened her grip on the hilt of the knife. She did not even notice she had cut her finger and that she was bleeding.


    Jaylen''s eyes tightened. He immediately grabbed her wrist and brought her to the sink to rinse the wound with water. "How can you cut your hand just by cutting vegetables? What are you thinking?" Jaylen said. Maeve smiled nonchntly. "The handle of the knife was a little slippery from the water. I even identally cut the glovest time."


    Jaylen took some gauze to bandage Maeve''s wound before chasing her out of the kitchen.


    "Go and see if Theo is cking off. Leave this to me." Jaylen said


    "Alright," Maeve turned around and walked toward the study. The forced smile on her face slowly faded and she turned pale.


    She looked down at the bandage on her index finger and frowned slightly.


    "How strange. It''s just a small wound, why does it feel so ufortable?" Maeve thought.


    However, Maeve didn''t notice a tiny figure dashing back toward the study room when she turned around, locking the door behind him. The young boy held his chin with a deep expression. "So Mommy had another child? That''s my older twin no my younger twin brother? Maeve red in the direction of the living room. Then, she deliberately asked the little child, "So if I''m the baby, what are you?"  DG


    The little girl poured indistress. Then, her eyes lit up, I''m just the silly child of Mommy and Daddy!"


    The little child''s nickname was Joy. It was probably because of this nickname that she was always happy all day.


    Maeve was charmed by the serious look on her face. She pressed his cheek against Joy''s and said, "Don''t listen to your daddy You''re our baby"


    "No!" Joy said seriously, "Only Mama is his baby,"


    Maeve''s face flushed red and she wondered when he was going to stop treating her like a child.


    Once the little girl finished conveying her message, she left to go and watch her cartoons


    Maeve originally thought that this matter would be over just like that. As long as she did not admit that she was a baby, she would be able to guard her pride as an adult.


    However, the next evening, when she went to the kindergarten to pick her daughter up, she realized that the teachers and parents seemed to be looking at her with looks of ridicule.


    After bringing Joy home, Maeve finally understood the whole story from the group chat.


    Her obedient child went up on stage and said, "My Daddy is so clingy. He clings to Mommy every day! Can''t he look for his own Mommy? Also, why does Mommy get so angry when Daddy calls her his baby.... Now, everyone, including the children''s parents, knew that Joy''s father was clingy to his wife and called his wife a baby.


    This was nothing.


    However, when this clingy wife was equated with the CEO of the Mcdaniel Group, everyone felt that it was amazing.


    No one would have imagined that the great CEO who was always on the news and full of vigor at work, would behave like this normally.


    After Maeve read the group message, her embarrassment soared. He kicked his calf as he sat next to her watching television. "Byron Mcdaniel, look at what you''ve done!"


    FF

 Chapter 213

    Furthermore, based on the conversation between Maeve and Jayen, Theo could tell that this was very likely caused by his supposed father. Theo knew that there was no other reason why Maeve would have left her hometown the moment he was born.


    Theo puffed up his cheeks as he turned on the customputer that Loren had given him. A second after it had turned on. he immediately opened the coding program. Then, he skillfully started nting codes in Byron''s personalputer


    Once he was done, the screen flickered and a few words appeared


    I am your father.]


    Unexpectedly, in the next second, Theo realized that someone had hacked into the webcam of hisputer.


    "You actually cracked my firewall so quickly this time?" Theo muttered.


    small hands tapped on the keyboard, as he targeted the other party''s webcamn.


    Unable to withstand the hacking attempts, both cameras turned on at the same time.


    Two identical faces appeared in the video frame on the screen.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Theo''s round eyes were wide and calcted. His ck hairy t against his face, other than a few strands on the top of his head which stood straight up, making him look extremely cute. The little boy on the other side pursed his lips slightly. There was no expression on his exquisite and handsome face. The corners of his round eyes were angled upward, making him look even colder and unapproachable. Coupled The


    with


    his grayish-blue suit and expressionless face, he looked like a miniature version of Byron.


    two boys were like two peas in a pod, even though they had some defining features that made it easy to tell them apart. ern off at the same time.


    The two young boys looked at each other briefly on the screen before turning the camera


    No one realized that something was wrong.


    They


    had both thought that they had been looking at their own images.


    Theo felt that he had helped his mother to get back at Byron. He pushed hisputer aside and left the room to have


    dinner.


    Meanwhile, the other little boy was sitting in front of theputer with a frown. Somehow, he felt that something was amiss.


    At the dining table, Maeve asked Jaylen whether he wanted to go back with them.


    "You want me to cure Gilbert and help him regain consciousness, right?" Jaylen had already guessed what she was thinking. Almost immediately, he shook his head. I still have to fly to Afloca tomorrow to operate. The earliest I can go over is next month. Maeve was a


    Maeve a little disappointed when she heard that, but she did not force the issue any further.


    Jaylen frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "Even if I can''t go, there''s someone else who can help you? "Who!" Maeve asked.


    "Theo. Jaylen looked at the little boy sitting beside him and raised his eyebrows. "It just so happens that my master asked me to find an opportunity to give him an actualbat assessment test his current level Gilbert''s condition should not be 100 difficult for him. He can also use it as a training opportunity


    Maeve nced at her son''s short legs and said. "Theo is only four years old, and the Medaniel family people won''t agree to


    "If you mention that he''s the disciple of the miracle doctor, the Mcdaniel family may not reject the idea. Unless they don''t want the old man to wake up for the rest of their lives." Jaylen sail. That made sense.


    Maeve thought for a moment and asked Theo, "Honey, do you remember the old man that Mommy often talks about?" Theo lifted his small face from the bowl and said, "Yes! He treats Mommy well. He''s a good person."


    "Do you want toe with me to see him?" Maeve asked.


    "Hmm..." Theo held his chin and thought for a few seconds. Then, he said slyly, "Then, will you let me y games for an hour every night?"


    Maeve rejected him mercilessly. "No, you''re still young and can''t look at your phone for too long. Fifteen minutes at most."


    "Half an hour is fine too!" Theo blinked his eyes with a pleading look.


    Maeve


    could


    I only give in. "Ill give you 20 minutes at most, no more!"


    "How petty, Mommy! Theoined,


    "If that''s the case, you won''t even get 20 minutes," Maeve said.


    Theo remained quiet.


    A warm smile shed across Jaylen''s eyes as he watched the mother and son bicker


    to help


    Choosing to


    Maeve


    Three dayster, the


    back then was probably the most risky and rewarding thing he had done in his life.


    Maeve had p I put on a a disguise


    the Kelymond airport entrance was filled with reporters who were waiting for an opportunity to interview Maeve, since the international media had made reports on her return to the country. e with Theo and finally managed to avoid the reporters, slipping out of the crowded airport and getting into a private car to go to their hotel. While they were checking in at the hotel''s front desk, there was a suddenmotion in the lobby.


    Someone has fainted! Call an ambnce!"


    s been clutching his chest. Is he having a heart attack?"


    "Is there a doctor here? There''s a patient here who''s in critical condition!"


    Maeve heard themotion and walked over with Theo to take a look. A pale-faced middle-aged man was clutching his chest tightly, surrounded by a crowd.


    It didn''t look like a fearrattack.


    "Mommy" At this moment, Theo tugged at the corner of Maeve''s clothes and whispered a few words into her ear.


    Maeve nodded and quickly walked forward to disperse the crowd "Everyone, please make way. Let some fresh air in to prevent the patient''s breathing difficulties from worsening his condition!" Hearing this, everyone hurriedly took a few steps


    back. ¦°


    Maeve walked to the man''s side and watched as Theo took his pulse.


    After taking his pulse, Theo peered into the man''s mouth and frowned.


    The onlookers could not stand it anymore. "Are you a doctor? Otherwise, you should move aside! The patient is already in such a state, yet you''re still causing trouble here with a child. Do you think this is a game?" The child is even trying to take a pulse like a traditional doctor as if he knows what he''s doing! He must be watching too much television."


    "Exactly!


    "She''s probably a horrible mother who wants her child to be famous on the inte. If she creates this scenario and traditional medicine persona, wouldn''t she go viral?"


    "Traditional medicine? Western medicine is much better! This mother has chosen the wrong path for her child.


    Annidst t


    idst the mockingughter, Maeve''s e''s expression did not change at all.


    "Mommy, this man''s tongue raising his head when he heard the people around mocking his mother.


    Theo was even calmer, is thick and white, he has shortness of breath, and his pulse is deep and tight. When I pressed the right side of his chest, the pain worsened. It''s not a heart attack. It should be tuberculosis pleurisy. Please help me to apply pressure on these


    acupuncture points to help reduce his pain. Otherwise, it will be hard for him to wait until the ambnce arrives."


    The people who had been saying nasty things looked surprised


    Putting aside whether Theo was right or not, his eloquence and calm attitude were enough to surprise everyone there.


    "Were all children so smart these days?" They all wondered.


    Maeve browsed the medical books that Theo''s teacher had given him from time to time, so she easily understood what Theo was saying.


    e man was still pale and seemed to be getting weaker.


    After a few minutes,


    the


    the


    Another person mocked, "Do you think that treating illnesses is game? How dare you bring out such outdated traditional medicine methods? If anything happens to himter, will you be able to bear the consequences....


    Before he could finish speaking, the man groaned, sat up, and opened his eyes.


    Everyone around was immediately shocked that it had worked.


    At this moment, an ambnce arrived and the man was lifted in


    Meanwhile, Maeve stood by the side and informed the doctor about the patient''s symptoms.

 Chapter 214

    Surprised, the doctor said, "You''re right. This patient''s symptoms indeed point to pleurisy, rather than heart disease. I didn''t expect a diagnosis from traditional medicine methods to be so urate."


    These words made the passers-by who had mocked Maeve and heo embarrassed and they silently disappeared into the crowd


    Even a doctor from First Hospital personally verified it, making their doubtful words seem foolish and humiliating,


    However, how could they possibly know that a young child was this talented?


    They wondered if he was special in some way.


    Someone standing in the crowd took out their phone and started recording a video of what was happening


    Maeve noticed it but ignored it


    Since Maeve and Theo had disguised themselves, even those who knew them well might not be able to recognize them.


    Ignoring the piercing gazes of the people around, Maeve took Theo''s hand and left, not interested in getting fame or iming credit.


    Two women dressed in elegant and fashionable clothes stood at the top of the stairs in the second-floor lobby. Anyone would be able to tell that they came from extraordinary backgrounds. As they watched, a warm light seemed to flicker in their eyes "Alexis, that child is only a few years old. He can''t have such abilities. His mother must have been guiding him," Lynn said gently.


    Alexis nodded. "His mother seems to be quite capable, Perhaps...


    Lynn understood what she meant and took the initiative to say. Alexis, leave this matter to me. I will definitely be able to invite that female doctor to treat Mr. Gilbert and wake him up as soon as possible"


    "Lynn, you''re a good kid." Alexis was moved. "Then I''ll leave this to you."


    ""Don''t worry," Lynn responded.


    In the presidential suite on the top floor of the hotel, Meave hugged Theo as he took a nap. The time difference was hard to adjust to. Once evening came, she asked the front desk to send some food up to their room, "Honey, Mommy is going to a fashion show tonight. I might not be back untilter."


    Maeve changed into a gown and walked out. She reminded Theo, "Don''t open the door for strangers and don''t let anyone know that you''re the only one in the room. If you need anything, call me immediately, alright?" Theoy on the sofa and shook his little feet. "Mommy, don''t worry and go enjoy yourself. I can take care of myself."


    Although Theo was lively and active, he was usually quite reliable


    Maeve left the room with the invitation letter and her bag.


    As soon as she left, Theo opened a game and nned to finish all the game time that he had not been able to use on the ne yesterday.


    In the first round, he achieved victory with a shot to the opponent''s head.


    In the second round, Theo-attacked the opponent from a blind spot.


    In the third round, he was ambushed and killed by the enemy.


    The fourth round....


    The opponent finally couldn''t help but say, [Are you done? You only know how tounch steak attacks every time. As a man, can you be more transparent? I really look down on you.] Theo chuckled at the other party. [Didn''t you ambush me once as well? You''re not transparent either.]


    The opponent replied, [Do a one-on-one battle with me then.]


    Theo responded. [Let''s go then! I''m not afraid of you! The loser will have to bow down before the winner!]


    A few minutester, the battle ended. Theo''s opponent had lost by a huge difference.


    Theo typed a message. [So? Satisfied now? Are you going to bow now?


    Theo sent a few emojis of a husky shaking its butt, extremely snug.


    The opponent was silent for so long that Theo thought he had logged off.


    The opponent responded, [I''m not satisfied. What''s so good about fighting in the game? If you''re a real man, let''spete offline and see who''s better.] After that, he sent an address.


    The address happened to be near the Gold Spire Hotel in Kleymond


    When Theo saw the address, he thought it was such a coincidence that this rookie gamer was staying in this hotel as well.


    Theo replied: [Sure, the loser can wait there for the winner.]


    After sending this message, Theo readjusted his position on the sofa and continued ying his game.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He had no intention of leaving the room.


    Half an hourter, the other party sent him a message: [Are you here yet?]


    Theo responded: [Almost]


    An hourter, the other party asked him where he was.


    At this moment. Theo had just happened to see Maeve''s invitation lying on the sofa and had no time to bother about the other gamer


    After a little while, Theo took the invitation, hurried out of the hotel, and headed to the fashion show to look for Maeve.


    The venue was not far from the hotel and he arrived in ten minutes.


    He was just in time to catch Maeve before she entered the venue


    Maeve was worried about Theo going back to the hotel alone and wanted to send him back to the hotel beforeing back


    Theo gave his mother a look, telling her not to worry. "The car from the hotel is still down there. I know the way, so I won''t get lost. Mommy, don''t worry, and go have fun!" After saying that, Theo ran into the elevator and waved at Maeve


    Maeve did not know whether tough or cry. He was so young and yet so independent. She wasn''t sure how to endure this as his mother.


    Theo walked out of the observation elevator, heading to the parking lot to look for the hotel''s car.


    However, a hand suddenly grabbed the back of his cor.


    Immediately after, a low and cold voice sounded. "Running around again? Didn''t I tell you to stay at home obediently?"


    Theo iled about a couple of times before hended in a warm embrace,


    Just as he was about to speak, Theo looked up and saw a handsome face that almost seemed to be exquisitely carved.


    The man was wearing a well-tailored ck suit. He was tall and imposing with a noble aura, almost like fine wine. Every move he made seemed to exude the aura of a mature man. Theo''s eyes widened.


    "Deadbeat Daddy?" Theo thought.


    Theo felt he was very unlucky.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Byron frowned and hugged the boy in his arms. Suddenly, he felt that something was


    wrong.


    "Will, have you gained weight recently?" Byron asked, wondering why the boy felt heavier in his arms.


    This was a sore point for Theo and he immediately responded, "Who are you calling fat? I''m just not that skinny!"


    Theo thought quietly to himself, "It''s not like I''ve eaten any of your food."


    A strange look shed across Byron''s eyes. Ever since his son had turned two, Byron had rarely seen such a lively side of


    him.


    "Are you unwell? Byron''s expression turned serious, and he reached out to touch Theo''s forehead. His temperature seemed normal.


    Theo felt a little ufortable in Byron''s arms and tried to squirm his way free.


    Byron sensed his rejection but did not think much of it, putting him back down on the ground.


    Before Byron could ask anything, Theo slipped off.


    The lighting in the parking lot wasn''t good, so Byron couldn''t find him.


    "Archer, get


    someone


    toe and find the young master," Byron instructed.


    "Yes, Mr. Medaniel


    Byron sat in the car and raised his hand to apply pressure on a spot between his eyebrows. He recalled his son''s abnormality just now and aplicated expression passed across his face. Was Will angry because I said he put on weight? Since when did he care about such things?" Byron wondered.


    xt to the hotel, a little boy who had been waiting for Theo for two hours was


    At the same time, in the car on the street next geuing colder and colder.


    The heater in the car was sufficient, but his exquisite little face still looked a little sick


    He was sitting in the Bark set. While he was small in size, his aura more than made up for it.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, what''s wrong?" The driver asked carefully.


    Will shook his head slightly, indicating that he was fine.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, are we still waiting?" The driver asked.


    "No." Will pursed his lips. A person who went back on his word wis not worth paying attention to.

 Chapter 215

    With no change in his expression, Will deleted Theo from his friends list in the game and instructed the driver, "Let''s go


    home."


    "Alright, Mr. Mcdaniel." The driver responded.


    At the fashion show, Maeve sat in the middle, as the judge with the most weighted votes, and chatted casually with the other judges The others did not look down on her just because she was young, either.


    A woman who could be chosen as the chief designer of the royal family at this age was definitely not to be underestimated.


    After the show ended, Maeve was immediately surrounded by a group of beautiful girls,


    "Ms. MR, I really like your designs, especially the celebratory dress you designed for the queen. I can only dream of having


    it


    "Me too, me too! Our school''s design teacher even used this as an example in our lecture. He said that you''re a rare designer and asked us to learn from you." talented


    "Have you considered taking on private orders in the future? I have a red carpet to walk next month, and I want to ask you for help.


    "Me, me, me! I also have an award ceremony to attend."


    Maeve had a faint smile on his face. "I don''t have such ns at the moment. If I do, I''ll inform everyone. Thank you liking my work."


    for


    Most of the geniuses in the fashion world had more personality. They weremonly known as arrogant people who looked up to everyone. Especially to those outside of the industry.


    As such, the girls present couldn''t resist a gentle person like Maeve.


    After a while, Maeve was starting to feel suffocated by the surging wave of people around her.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    What a sweet burden.


    "Ms. Reese, the dinner is about to begin. Shall we go over together?" The judge who Maeve had been talking to earlier called our to her. "T


    just upstairs, and isn''t far."


    Maeve nodded with difficulty. "Alright, I''ming."


    It was not easy


    to extract herself from the crowd. Maeve''s gown had even gotten a little messy and she didn''t even know which overenthusiastic fan had pressed their lips to her arm, leaving a lipstick mark. As Maeve got into the elevator with the other judge, she tidied herself up.


    "Ms. Reese, you''re really popr. Socialites and celebrities are usually very aloof but this is the first time I''ve seen them so enthusiastic," the judge said with a smile.


    Maeve chuckled lightly. "Maybe it''s easier because we''re alldies


    "By the way, another important guest isingter. He''s the organizer and investor of this fashion show. I''ll introduce him to youter."


    "Alright, thank you in advance," Maeve said.


    The two of them walked out of the elevator and followed the water to the open-air booth.


    "Ms. Reese is finally here. I thought that group of girls would not let you


    "I''m a handsome man, but I''m not even as charming as Ms. Reese. I''m really ashamed."


    The judges who had already taken their seatsughed and teased her lightly.


    Maeve''s lips curled upward into a smile. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly felt a chill. It almost felt as if she had been targeted by a beast, and her entire body was filled with goosebumps. Maeve froze and turned to look around, but she did not find anything amiss


    It was not until the judge beside her urged her to sit down that she suppressed her doubts and sat down.


    "I''m sorry I''mte." A gentle and clear voice sounded out.


    Maeve turned her head and happened to meet Alex''s clear gaze. She was instantly stunned.


    "Alex?"


    Marvel


    The two of them looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with surprise.


    Once the meal ended, Maeve left early. Not long after, Alex followed her out.


    "There were too many people just now, so there were some things I couldn''t ask you," Alex looked at Maeve as he spoke. His gaze was as gentle as ever. "Maeve, how have you been these few years?" Maeve''s bright eyes curved upward. "I''m fine. How about you?"


    "I... I''ve been alright," Alex said, smiling as he swallowed back the urge to tell her that he had missed her.


    After leaving the hotel, they seemed to warm up to each other again.


    Alex told Macve to wait while he went to get his car, offering to drive her back to the hotel.


    Maeve walked to the side of the road. From the corner of her eye, she saw a low-key and luxurious ck Bentley parked not far away. There was a slender andzy figure leaning against the front of the car, the tips of his fingers red The thin smoke rising from the cigarette blurred his deep face, making him look a little unreal under the light of the street Lamps.


    Through the smoke, Maeve could feel his gaze on her.


    Even from a distance, the coldness in those pitch-ck eyes stillnded on Maeve.


    The familiar coldness spread throughout her body again.


    Marve once again felt rooted to the spot, and found herself unable to move.


    She had never imagined that they would meet so suddenly like this.


    The man seemed to have inadvertently nced over, but he quickly retracted his gaze and slowly extinguished the cigarette


    "Byron, sorry to keep you waiting!"


    At this moment, a beautiful and sweetdy ran over and pounced into the man''s arms.


    Maeve tightened her grip on the strap of her bag and lowered his eyes. Then, she continued walking forward as if she had not seen anything.


    Only Maeve knew that even her fingers were stiff.


    All of a sudden, her phone rang.


    Maeve opened her phone and saw that it was a distress message from Theo, [Mommy, save me! I''m on the west side of the parking lot. A bad man is chasing me!] "What?" Maeve thought.


    Maeve''s chest tightened. She immediately turned around and ran towards the parking lot


    As her figure disappeared into the distance, Byron''s thin eyelids narrowed slightly. He quietly pushed Lynn away, who was


    about to lean into his arms.


    In an indifferent tone, he said, "Lynn, you''re not young anymore. Don''t always behave like this."


    "Like what?" Lynn looked at him innocently. "I''m just used to it.


    "It''s better not to have bad habits," Byron said.


    Lynn pouted. "Anyway, I can''t change. Just bear with me.


    Byron''s expression froze before he took his vibrating phone out of his jacket.


    "What is it?" Byron answered the phone.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''m in the security office. I know who punctured your car tire," Archer was very nervous.


    "Who was it?" Byron asked


    "I... I think it was the young master... Archer had just finished speaking when he suddenly eximed. The surveince video is malfunctioning!"


    Byron frowned slightly. "Seriously? Are you sure it was Will?"


    "The surveince camera only captured the young master approaching your car. However, it is malfunctioning now, so I can''t show it to you..." Archer was extremely stressed.


    The Ing was too coincidental. It was so coincidental that even he felt like he was using the boy of something he didn''t do


    one to send a car over"


    Byron said in a deep voice, "Juste back here now and get someone


    "Yes, I will," Archer answered.


    Lynn heard their conversation and was surprised. "Will has such a mischievous side? He''s usually so quiet and obedient. But this is how boy usually is."


    "It might not be Will Byron nced at Lynn before he continued. "Even if it was him. I can let him y in the manor''s garage as long as he likes"


    "Byron, you''re a good father, Lynn smiled sweetly. "If only I could be Will''s mother. I wonder when he will be willing to ept me?"


    0


    0

 Chapter 216

    Hearing this, Byron''s eyes darkened. "Lynn, there''s something I hope you understand."


    "What is it?" Lynn asked.


    "I don''t n to find a stepmother for Will, let alone let him acknowledge anyone other than his biological mother."


    Lynn immediately revealed a hurt expression and looked at him with a pitiful look. "Why? It''s me. Am I not good enough?"


    Byron''s eyes darkened. "I''m going to say it again. I can give you anything you want, except Will."


    "Are you worried that Will won''t ept me?" Lynn asked stubbornly. "I''ve gotten closer to him recently. I believe that as long as you give me some time, he''ll be able to ept me. Byron, if Will can ept me, you won''t object, right?" Byron''s expression did not change as he met Lynn''s expectant and eager gaze. He did not make any promises nor did he respond


    Lynn looked indignant. "Byron, just wait and see. I''ll definitely be able to get Will to ept me!"


    Just for the sake of marrying Byron in the future, Lynn was determined to work hard to get Will to ept her.


    dragged her little boy into the the suite


    room on the top floor of Gold Spire Hotel.


    Maeve Wearing his hat with bear ears, Meave asked him seriously. "Tell me the truth. What did you do?"


    "It''s not a prank!" Theo retorted loudly. "I was just worried that there was too much air in the car''s tires so I let out some air!"


    Maeve was almost unable to maintain her strictposure.


    She pinched


    the bear''s ear on Theo''s hat. "Theodore Reese, you better tell me which car''s tire was punctured. Otherwise, if someonees knocking on our door because of this, I''ll give you to them as a peace offering."


    "That''s a prank! Maeve using his full name, he immediately quieted down.


    When Theo


    "Alright, I''ll tell you. It was a ck Bentley, Theo said, also reciting out the license te for Macve.


    A ck Bentley? Five sixes on the license te?" Maeve though


    Maeve was stunned for a few seconds as that cold and indifferent figure instantly appeared in his mind.


    "He punctured his father''s tires?" Macve thought.


    She was stunned.


    "Well done!" Maeve thought.


    However...


    "Honey, there were so many cars in the parking lot. Why did you choose that car?" Maeve asked suspiciously.


    Theo continued to put on an obedient face. "Master used to say that he charges the rich ten times more for treatment because they have money, and it would be a waste not to rip them off. That car looked the most expensive, so I thought if T was gonna puncture a tire, I should choose that one."


    After all, Theo was just archild and he didn''t have a penny to his name.


    Since he didn''t have money to get anything for his deadbeat fatlier, Theo decided this would do as the first ever present for


    him.


    Maeve didn''t know what her son was thinking, but she couldn''t raise him for a job well done in case she encouraged bad behavior.


    So, Maeve merely nagged him a little, making him promise that he wouldn''t puncture tires again before getting a ss of milk for him. In order to grow taller, he drank a ss of milk every night.


    After all, you are what you eat.


    While Theo was showering. Maeve studied the information on the best kindergartens in Kleymond.


    Maeve figured they would probably stay here for a while and Theo was almost at the age where he would need to start kindergarten. Her first considerations were the qualifications of the teachers as well as the privacy of the schools.


    Kleymond wasn''t a huge


    so she didn''t want Theo to bump into Byron''s child by ident.


    city, so


    Maeve was a little distracted as this thought crossed her mind, thinking about how Byron had lied to her back then,


    He said he didn''t want or need a child. He just didn''t want a child with me. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have a child with Lynn a mere year after our divorce," Maeve thought.


    Maeveughed mockingly at herself, but thought that this was for the best, since she wouldn''t have to worry about Byron wanting custody of Theo.


    On the third floor of Nightfall Manor, Byron walked into the child''s room with heavy steps. When he saw the boy sitting in front of the floor-to-ceiling window meditating, his eyebrows twitched slightly.


    Is he preparing to be a religious?" Byron wondered.


    "Will," Byron called out in a low voice.


    "Daddy, please wait a moment." The little boy sat on the futon with his eyes closed. He was sitting in a meditation posture, both his hands ced on his knees as he spoke, I''m meditating to calm my mind. It''s not appropriate for me to interact with anyone during this period." Byron pressed his forehead and patiently sat on the sofa beside him, waiting for the boy to finish.


    Half


    f an hourter, the boy opened his eyes. A sense of rity and understanding seemed to be written acr the boy''s face.


    "Daddy, I understand now."


    sed his eyebrows. "What do you understand?"


    Byron raised "There


    are so many things in the world. Not everything can go ording to my wishes," Will said calmly. "It''s meaningless to be angry with others."


    Will had reached this conclusion about the game as well. All things rted to the game should stay in the online world of the game.


    It was too childish to bring it out into reality


    The other person had probably not dared to show up because he was afraid,


    Will concluded that he was the victor in this situation.


    Byron


    scratched the corner of his lips with his fingertips and asked with a faint smile, "Will, are you trying to ask me to be more tolerant?"


    "Yes." Will looked seriously at this father. "Dail, let''s grow together"


    Byron''s forehead twitched.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    §²§å§Ô§à§á


    First. Will had p punctured I his tires, then he had sat down to meditate. Byron wondered if Will knew that he''d been in the wrong and was now trying to pacify him so he wouldn''t be punished. However, Byron could see that Will was doing his best to try to make him less angry.


    In the first ce, Byron had not been angry with him. He just found it amusing.


    "Do you like cars?" Byron''s voice was deep and gentle. "I still have many limited edition cars. Do you want to take a look?"


    Will turned around. "Dad, I''ve been into meditation drum recently. Can you buy one for me?"


    Byron was speechless.


    "Don''t even think about it," Byron answered.


    No father would be happy with his son going down this route of bing a religious in the future.


    Will lowered his head. His slightly curled short hair fell past the edge of his face, making him look as adorable as a character out of a cartoon.


    Even if if he was putting this on to get what he wanted.


    Byron''s expression did did not change. "I can buy it for you, but you have to go to kindergarten."


    Will immediately


    closed


    I his eyes and put on a cool face, Tm going to meditate and calm my mind. It''s not appropriate for me tomunicate with the outside world" Byron was speechless and didn''t know how to react


    If not for the fact that Will was his biological son, he would have thrown this boy out.


    After Byron came out of Will''s room, Archer called, "Mr. Mcdaniel, Dr. Chatterly said that he asked his youngest disciple toe and treat the old man. If you agree, they wille over tomorrow." "Jaylen Chatterly? This man again?" Byron thought


    Byron''s eyes were deep as he asked in a low voice, "Who contacted him?"


    "We didn''t contact him. The miracle doctor''s assistant suddenly called to inform me about this," Archer said. The assistant said that they would consider it as payment to Ms. Reese for saving Mr. Charles'' life back then." 18

 Chapter 217

    "Tell him." Byron''s cold voice carried a hint of mockery, "The Modaniel family is not Marve''s family. Find the right ce if the Chatterly family has to repay the favor." "Alright, Mr. Mcdaniel, Archer replied.


    After the phone call, Byron''s expression turned cold as he walked towards the study.


    Before going to bed, Maeve learned this from Jaylen on a video call. She was silent for a moment before saying calmly. "He probably still hates me for not getting an abortion back then, she doesn''t want to have anything to do with me." Jaylen did not say anything about this. He just looked at her and Sud, "Still, you help him." Maeve shook her head slightly. "I''m not doing this for him. I''m doing this for Gilbert and myself"


    She felt indebted to Gilbert for his kindness in the past, but she was more worried about the murder charges against her.


    Only when Gilbert


    After the video call up would Maeve be able to clear her name; as for Byron, she no longer cared about him.


    I ended, Maevey back on the bed, tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.


    She then sat up, took her phone, and entered a phone number. After hesitating for a full five minutes, she hit the call button No one picked up. After the ringtone ended, it automatically hung up.


    No


    Maeve pressed her lips together and


    sent a message. (Mr. Mcdaniel, please put aside your grudge for now and do what is good for your grandfather.] Getting no reply, she texted again: [Do you want t your grandfather to lie there for the rest of his life?]


    It instantly showed that Byron had blocked her. Maeve almostughed out of anger, thinking, ''Alright, he doesn''t want to cure his grandpa. What do I care? She tossed her phone away and went back to sleep.


    The next morning. Maeve was woken up by an urgent doorbell. She walked to the door and looked through the peephole. It was actually Lynn standing outside. How did she find her way here? What does she want? Maeve thought with a frown but could not figure it out.


    At this moment, Theodore in cow pajamas and a nightcap walked over with a small pillow in his arms. He asked in a sweet voice, "Mommy, who is it?"


    "Some


    stranger, ignore her," Maeve replied as she turned around and hugged him. "Go back to bed. I''ll stay with you for a while more.


    "Okay," Theodore said. They went back to his room and didn''t wake up


    until noon.


    The receptionist delivered a gift box to Maeve''s door, saying that it was from a youngdy.


    Inside the gift box was aplete set of pearl and diamond jewelry with a card.


    chewed on the donut as she flipped the card and skimmed it. Then, she threw the card aside.


    Maeve che


    Theodore put down the milk and leaned over to take a look. "Mommy, someone wants you to see a patient? Was he impressed by us yesterday when he saw how heroic we were together to save the patient?"


    "Where did you get so many narcissistic words?" Maeve smiled.


    Theodore sniggered as he held the ss with a milk mustache.


    Maeve stared at the card and found it ironic, though her face didn''t show it.


    No matter what, Byron refused to ept her help. But his fiance sent the gift to ask for Macve''s help..


    Interesting, Maevemented.


    Lynn made no particr impression on her; she neither liked or disliked Lynn. But she won''t let Theodore do Lynn a favor. Maeve gave the card a card a gentle push with her fingertips and it fell straight into the trash can under the table.


    After breakfast, Maeve took Theodore out to look for a kindergarten-


    She had her eye on three private kindergartensst night. They were all prestigious private kindergartens with good privacy. However, their requirements were strict. The parents would have to pass the interview and some assessments before their kids could get admitted.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    The first kindergarten was fine, and there was nothing outstanding about it, so Maeve took Theodore to the next one.


    The principal dropped Maeve''s resume to the desk, his expression somewhat contemptuous.


    Ms. Reese, with your family background and professional background, isn''t it a bit unrealistic that you want to send your child to our kindergarten Maeve frowned. "Any problems with my professional background?"


    Sitting on the other side of the sofa, Theodore pursed his lips and stared straight at the principal.


    "Yes, I''ve also heard that you''re very famous overseas. You were almost the chief designer for the royal family." The principal crossed his hands and supported his chin. He said in a questioning tone, "But you''re now back. This impressive resume can''t change the fact that you''re still unemployed." "Sir,


    this is because I''ve just returned to the country. I haven''t had the time to settle everything yet," Maeve exined.


    Then we''l e''ll talk about it when you''re done. The principal faked smile. "This is one of the best private kindergartens in Kleymond. The kids here are either from a wealthy family or a respectable family. epting kids with unqualified parents will damage the quality of this school." Maeve felt a surge of anger within her. Damned old, bald bastard, who does he think he is to look down on me? Even the best royal kindergarten in Erancia opens its doors to Theo, she cursed inwardly, Before she could retort, her phone suddenly rang. Maeve answered it and asked, "Hello?"


    She identally pressed the speaker button, and the principal heard everything. "Hello, this Ms. Reese? In the principal of Iton Private International Kindergarten, Quinton Mayer.


    "I''m wondering if you''ve already chosen another school. Last night, you said on the phone that you would bring your son to my school for a tour today. It''s almost afternoon, but you''re still not here." Maeve was stunned for a moment before


    "Alright, I''ll wee you and your son with the greatest enthusiasm," Mr. Mayer said with a grin. Tve always admired such. an outstanding and independent woman like you. Your son must be as brilliant as you.


    "How about this? If you''re satisfied with the environment of my school, I can waive the interview and assessments for you and admit your son directly."


    Quinton sounded so excited and enthusiastic as if he was afraid that Theodore would choose another school.


    The other principal, who was sitting behind his desk, grimaced their conversation. His kindergarten was ranked in the top five in the city, but Iton Private International Kindergarten was the top one. The most powerful families would send their kids to Iton. There had always been a gap between the most powerful families and wealthy families. Those big shots would have to show Quinton some respect.


    However, Quinton begged Maeve to send her boy to his school. This sobering fact made the other principal''s toes curl and his hand tremble slightly as he held his cup.


    Did I miss something else when I did her background check? he wondered


    At this moment, Theodore trotted over and stood on his tiptoes to ask over the phone, "Mr. Mayer, which is better between your school and Blue Star Kindergarten?*

 Chapter 218

    Maeve lowered the phone so that Theodore could reach it.


    "Blue Star Kindergarten?" Quinton replied in surprise. Tve never heard of such a kindergarten in Kleymond. Is it very famous?


    "However, there is one thing I know for sure: no school can beat us regarding recognition."


    As the principal of Blue Star Kindergarten heard this, his face changed from blushing embarrassment to pale indignation.


    "Oh." Theodore drawled. "But their principal just said that they don''t ept students from humble families. They''re worried about their ranking. Does your school do the same?" Maeve looked at his mischievous look and held back herughter.


    Quinton disagreed. Then he''s really snobbish andcks an eye for talents. Boy, if youe to my school, I guarantee there won''t be such contemptible discrimination."


    The principal of Blue Star Kindergarten could only swallow the insult and remained silent.


    Maeve smiled and said, "Since Mr. Mayer is so open-minded, I believe your school will provide a healthy and inclusive environment. Then see youter."


    Theodore stuck out his tongue. "Mommy, you hung up too quickly. He meant that that was not humiliating for the principal of Blue Star Kindergarten.


    Usually, Theodore would pay back double whoever had offended him once he had the chance.


    Maeve touched the tip of his nose and then looked at the principal, whose face was pale


    "M-Ms. Reese, I think we can talk about this again." The principal tried to salvage the situation.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I don''t think that''s necessary, Maeve said lightly. "Your school is too good for us. We''re not worthy of it. Thank you for the rejection. I''m sending my son to Iton now."


    Thest sentence hurt the principal so badly that his face contorted.


    Maeve turned around and left his office with Theodore for Blue Star Kindergarten.


    The kindergarten tour took less than two hours, and then theypleted all the procedures. Theodore could officially start school tomorrow.


    After they left, the teacher beside Quinton asked, "Mr. Mayer, is there anything special about the mother and son? Many students heree from better families, but I''ve never seen you treat them specially." on their


    Quinton smiled and replied, "However, none of them can win the favor of the royal family of Erancia and outstanding ability to raise the status of women in Estan. Now you see why Ms. Reese is different, not to mention her son." The teacher looked curious. "He''s quite well-behaved, but is there anything special about him?"


    "He''s a Mensa member, Quinton said meaningfully. "And he go into Mensast year. He''s now only four years old." The teacher immediately gasped in shock. "Wow! The high-IQ society? He''s actually a prodigy"


    The previous youngest member of Mensa was only six years old and Theodore was qualified when he was three. Quinton nodded. "Our kindergarten has seen a prodigy, but only a few have fared well. I just don''t know if this boy will


    be a sad story


    Back at the hotel, the receptionist told Maeve that three people hade to look for her, and one was still waiting for her in the lobby.


    Maeve nced into the lobby and thought it was Lynn again. Unexpectedly, she saw Bonnie.


    They had not seen each other for a long time but it didn''t make them feel any estranged. They hugged each other and jumped happily.


    "Bonnie, how did you know I was here?" Maeve asked.


    Bonnie was a little unhappy. You reminded me. Are we really best friends? You didn''t tell me the moment you returned to the country. I found out from my cousin."


    Maeve quicklyforted her. "I just wanted to look for you after I settled down. It''s my fault. Don''t be mad at me."


    "Mommy." Theodore poked his head out from behind and asked sweetly, "Is she the pretty godmother you always talk


    about?"


    Bonnie wanted to pretend to be sad, but his sweet words immediately delighted her.


    "Maeve, where did you steal the boy?" Bonnie looked at him with a curious expression


    Upon hearing this, Theodore corrected her seriously, "Bonnie, Mom gave birth to me after ten months of pregnancy. She didn''t steal me."


    Bonnie found him so adorable that she pinched his chubby face "Alright, she brought you to the world. My apologies.


    "It''s okay. I forgive you because you''re so pretty," he replied..


    Bonnie''s heart melted. She turned to ask Maeve, "Maeve, did the doctor give you any miracle drug during pregnancy? You have such a sweet and cute son,"


    Maeve felt annoyed and amused. "I suppose so. This guy praises everyone he sees. I can''t stop him.


    "That''s good. He''s very generous and better than most kids I''ve met. Bonnie liked him very much. "By the way, what''s his


    name?"


    "Bonnie, my name is Theodore, and you can call me Theo. I''m four years old. I love drinking milk and ying video games. You can y with me when you''re free. I can carry you," he replied. Bonnie''s eyes lit up and she could not help but hug Theodore. "Great. I like to y video games too. That''s a deal!" she


    eximed.


    "That''s a deal. Theodore said.


    Maeve looked at them hugging each other and shook her head. Let''s go up and talk. I grabbed some groceries. Let''s make a feast to celebrate our reunion tonight."


    "Wonderful!" Bonnie nodded repeatedly.


    When they reached the penthouse suite, Bonnie looked surprised again. "Maeve, you made a fortune overseas for the past few years? You''re willing to pay for the presidential suite."


    She still remembered that to save money, Maeve had never been picky about what ce to rent. Maeve would go for the cheapest as long as it was habitable.


    §±


    When Maeve saw Theodore actively carrying the bags of groceries to the kitchen, her eyes glinted with tenderness. "Back then, I was alone and it didn''t matter where I lived. But now I have Theo" She always wanted to give him the best. Bonnie understood her motherly love. "If I had such a cute baby, I might even do something dramatic. In less than an hour. Bonnie had been charmed by Theodore.


    The three of them sat by the table and enjoyed a warm and lively feast. After dinner, Theodore poured milk for himself and returned to his room, leaving space for Maeve and Bonnie.


    They sat side by side in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the street view outside and talking about the past.


    Bonnie could not help but ask curiously, "Maeve, Theo is Byron''s child, right?"


    Maeve nodded, then shook her head. Theo is my child.


    Bonnie hugged her in understanding. There are many men out there. I''ll find you better ones. Forget him."


    She sounded like a matchmaker, which amused Maeve. "Let''s talk about menter. There''s something that I need you to help me find," Maeve said. "What is it?" Bonnie asked

 Chapter 219

    "I want to start a brand studio and focus on customizing gowns for now," Marve told Bonnie her n. "As far as I know, other than Eternal Hope owned by your cousin, very few brands in the country can surpass foreign luxury brands in terms of fame and reputation. "However, Eternal Hope focuses on the wedding dress series. When ites to other series, the public will still prefer foreign brands. I want to try and see if I can break this unspoken rule." This was not a new idea.


    It was also because the principal of Blue Star Kindergarten said that Marve was unemployed and looked down on Theo. This made Maeve even more determined to set up a studio.


    Bonnie immediately agreed. "Indeed. I heard from my cousin that the domestic fashion industry has been a little sluggish in the past few years. The current gown series with the highest salet at Eternal Hope is still the styles you designed back then." "Do you think it''ll work?"


    "It''s feasible, of course it''s feasible." Bonnie said excitedly. "I have two office buildings under my name, and they''re both in good locations. You can choose either of them one of these days I won''t charge you rent."


    Maeve refused. Short reckonings made long friends. She could not take advantage of Bonnie.


    Bonnie disagreed. "Must you draw a line between us? Also, you can convert the rent into shares for me. I can rely on you to make money effortlessly in the future then."


    Maeve thought about it and agreed readily.


    After settling the office location, Maeve went on toplete a series of paperwork.


    As for the brand name, she registered it as "Dreamscape, which ineant dreand.


    After everything was done, Maeve went to the car dealership to pick up an SUV. As soon as she came out, she received a call from the teacher at Iton Private International Kindergarten. Yes, the teacher called Maeve when it was only Theo''s first day at the kindergarten.


    Maeve rushed to the school and into the office as fast as lightning. "Mr. Taylor, who did Theo bully?"


    Diego Taylor''s mouth twitched. Usually, when parents were called to the school, they would subconsciously feel that their child had been bullied. He felt that Maeve was a unique parent.


    Diego said, "Ms. Reese, your child didn''t bully anyone. He wasnt bullied either."


    Maeve looked puzzled. "Then why did you call me here?"


    "This is what happened." Diego invited Maeve to sit down and then started toin.


    In one example, Theo had charmed all the female ssmates in a day, causing them to fight to be his deskmate.


    In another example, a male ssmate wanted to sit with Theo. In the end, the female ssmates scolded the male ssmate


    so much that he cried on the spot, causing the other children to cry too. The teacher couldn''t coax them.


    In a third example, during the art lesson, Theo used a paper rose to perform a little magic trick on the female teacher, causing the female ssmates to be jealous. Thus, another round of loud crying started Upon hearing this, Maeve could already guess what Diego nned to say next.


    2497%#


    He probably wanted her to educate Theo to keep a low profile in the future.


    Unexpectedly, Diego said, "Ms. Reese, I think Theo has strong leadership and organizational skills Coupled with his very lively and cheerful personality, he''s very suitable to be the ss monitor" "What?" Maeve was stunned. "But didn''t he make the children cry


    Diego sighed. "Yes, but in the end, he was the one who coaxed them."


    Maeve could not help but cough. She thought, Theo is a charmer no matter where he goesContent is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Taylor. I''ll answer you after I go back and ask Theo"


    Diego smiled and nodded. Then leave it to you. Also, thank you for making this trip today?


    "Don''t mention it, I ought to do so. Maeve stood up, pressed down the creases on her skirt, and left the office with her handbag


    When she reached the door, she suddenly heard a teacher ask in a low voice, "When is Mr. Mcdaniel''s soning to school!" Maeve thought. Mr. Mcdaniel''s son...


    Maeve stopped in her tracks and listened carefully.


    "I heard from the Mcdaniel family''s butler that he''s sick. He might be absent likest semester, Diego replied casually


    Maeve subconsciously tightened her grip on her handbag with aplicated gaze.


    Unfortunately, Theo and Byron''s son happened to be attending the same kindergarten.


    Although Diego said that Byron''s son was sick and would not being to school for the time being. Maeve still had the thought of changing schools for Theo.


    When she walked out of the teacher''s building, the bell for the kindergarten to finish school rang


    Maeve collected her thoughts and went to the gate to wait for Theo toe out.


    In the end, she saw Theo walking out surrounded by a group of children. All of them looked reluctant as if they couldn''t wait to go home with him. "Alright, alright. My mommy is here to pick me up. See you guys tomorrow." When Theo saw Maeve, he immediately waved at his ssmates. The children clung to the gate railings and looked at him eagerly,


    "You muste. I''ll bring you the super delicious chocte my daddy bought from overseas tomorrow


    "I''ll bring you my limited edition Ultraman toy."


    "I have a full set of Barbie dolls with a vi and a magic wand. Let''s y together."


    Theo waved his little hands very calmly. "I''ve already grown up. Big children don''t have time to y with toys. I want to conquer the world."


    With that, Theo turned around and climbed into Maeve''s car.


    Maeve looked at the gate and vaguely heard a little girl saying while cupping her face, "Theodore is so handsome. Did he get bitten by a spider before?"


    Maeve immediately blushed with shame. She thought. That girl has a wild imagination. The mutant spider won''t be interested in letting such a brat be a superhero.


    "Mommy, you must have waited for a long time." Theo twisted his body and sat in the back seat. Then, he leaned over and kissed Marve. "I miss Mommy so much. Did Mommy miss me today?" Maeve found him extremely adorable. She smiled and said, "Of course. I''ve been thinking about you."


    Theo immediately revealed a happy expression.


    Maeve asked, "How was your first day at school?*


    Theo patted his bulging bag. "The kids were so enthusiastic. They gave me so many sweets. I said I didn''t want them but they still forced them on me. The teacher even rewarded me with a sticker," As he spoke, he took off the sticker from his bag and stuck it to Maeve''s wrist.


    Maeve snorted. "You''re giving me a sticker too?"


    "Yeah. Theo bobbed his head. Tll reward Mommy foring to pick me up on time."


    Maeve''s heart softened. She patted his little head and drove away


    "To celebrate your first day of school. Mommy will take you to eat something delicious. What do you want to eat?"


    The pretended to be conflicted as he thought about it and said the answer he had been nning for a long time, "McDonald''s"


    "Mommy will buy you some new clothes after we eat at McDonald''s, okay?"


    "Okay" Then sat in the back seat and swayed his legs. "With a mommy like you, what else can I ask for?"


    Marve burst intoughter.


    Contrary to the warm and lively atmosphere on this end, a gloom loomed over Nightfall Manor because Will had run away from home.

 Chapter 220

    220


    In the arcade of amercial street.


    When Maeve went to the washroom, Theo disappeared.


    Most likely, he couldn''t control the urge to y when he saw these game consoles.


    Maeve was not afraid of him running around, or that he would meet any kidnappers.


    With Theo''s with


    ''s cleverness, if he encountered kidnappers, he would probably outwit them.


    She looked around and her gaze suddenly stopped on a small figure in front of the w machine.


    Since his back was facing her, she could only see the back of the little boy''s head, which was covered by a cap, and his denim jacket and ck pants.


    Beside the little boy''s feet was a pile of dolls that had just been caught. The passers-by who passed by him were envious.


    Just by looking at his back, Maeve could recognize him at a a nce. This was her child.


    Little kid, you caught so many dolls. Can you sell me two?" A couple leaned over to discuss with the little boy,


    Will looked straight ahead at the w clip of the w machine with a cold expression. I''m not selling them."


    As soon as he finished he finished speaking, someone grabbed the back of his cor.


    "My baby, when did you be so good at catching dolls? Maeve bent down and leaned towards Will''s head. There was ark expectant smile on her lips. "Is there any for me?" Will didn''t know Maeve. He frowned and dodged to the side ufortably.


    Then, without looking at the pile of dolls on the ground, he walked forward with his hands in his pockets.


    Maeve''s smile froze. She wondered what was wrong with Theo. Was he angry?


    "My baby?" Maeve chased after him, only to find that Will''s footsteps had quickened significantly.


    He seemed to be deliberately avoiding her.


    Maeve


    was confused. She wondered what game Theo was ying with her. Was he ying Tag with her?


    Just as she was pondering,


    the small figure in front of her walked too quickly and identally bumped into an adult. The force caused Will to hit a robot ced at the side. The robot was about 6.5 feet tall, and i its base was not very stable


    As soon as Will bumped into the robot, it swayed a few times and fell towards him.


    Maeve''s expression changed instantly, and her heart almost stopped.


    By the time she reacted, she had already subconsciously run over, picked up Will, and dodged to the side.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    The robot''s extended arm brushed past her waist andnded heavily on the ground.


    Will''s mind went nk for a second. He leaned into Maeve''s warm arms that exuded a mild fragrance and blinked slowly.


    Maeve hugged him tightly. Her tone was filled with anxiety and worry. "My baby, how are you? Were you hit just now? Does


    it hurt?"


    As she spoke, she checked if Will was injured.


    Will pushed her hand away with some resistance and said calmly, "I''m fine."


    "Really? You can''t lie to Mommy," Maeve looked at him. Her eyes were slightly red because she was too anxious.


    Will frowned. He didn''t have a mommy, and he wouldn''t call anyone monmy.


    However, when he met her eyes which made him feel as if he was enveloped in a warm cocoon, his entire body felt warm. He instantly rxed, and his heart was filled with a strange feeling.


    He didn''t like it, but it seemed like... he didn''t hate it that much either.


    Will pursed his lips."


    "Yes."


    Maeve waspletely relieved. Tm d then. Mommy was really scared just now."


    "You''ve got t the wrong person. I''m not your


    son, Will corrected her.


    Maeve burst intoughter and leaned over to give him a peck on the cheek. "What a joke. I will never mistake my son for anyone else"


    Will''s serious face flushed red. He quickly covered his cheek that was kissed by Maeve.


    ..." Will thought, ''How could you kiss me?"


    You-you... Will


    Maeve rubbed his little head. "Alright, didn''t you want to go to McDonald''s? Let''s go over now


    Will was startled at the mention of McDonald''s. He had heard from others in the past that parents would take their children there when their children scored full marks.


    his father had never taken him there.


    However, his


    Will could not bring himself to refuse. "Alright."


    When they arrived at McDonald''s, Maeve ordered a bunch of things and brought them over. She said to Will, who was sitting in his seat waiting for her, "There have been many new products recently. Let''s try them." She put down her things, took a napkin, and brought it to Will.


    Will immediately retreated, but she pressed down on his shoulder.


    "Don''t move. I''m going to put a napkin under you so that you don''t get the ketchup on your cor again" Maeve''s voice was gentle as she patiently folded aer of the napkin into Will''s cor Will shifted ufortably. "I can manage on my own."


    "I just want to help you. Can''t I?" Maeve looked at him with a smile. "My child is still a baby" ears w


    were slightly red under his soft short hair. He wanted to retort but didn''t say anything.


    "My baby, why aren''t you eating?" Maeve took a bite of the fries and asked him in confusion.


    Theo usually loved to eat these things, but she strictly stipted that he could only eat them once a month Therefore, every time Theo entered McDonald''s, he was as happy as ark.


    213


    ??


    Maeve wondered why Theo was so quiet today,


    Will shook his head. "It''s junk food"


    Maeve was amused. She thought. "This is what I say every time. Has Theo learned to gain the upper hand?


    "It''s alright. As long as you enjoy it, it''s fine to eat it once in a while. Maeve adroitly said the words that Theo used to defend himself every time.


    Will hesitated for a moment. Under Maeve''s mischievous gaze. He did as she did and put on the gloves. He took the fries and put them in his mouth.


    Even though he grabbed the fries with his hands, the dining etiquette that he had nurtured since he was young was still vividly reflected in him.


    He chewed and swallowed slowly without making a sound. He looked refined and delicate.


    Maeve felt a strange feeling in her heart. She thought, The Theo in front of me seems to be...


    As soon as this thought appeared in her mind, she saw Will''s eyes light up, and a hint of joy appeared on his usually tense


    face


    He seemed satisfied with the taste of the fries.


    ?


    The strangeness that Maeve felt instantly dissipated.


    She thought. Theo is probably in a bad mood because of the shock just now. Whose child could this be if not mine?"


    "Does it taste good?" Maeve took a a fry dipped in ketchup and handed it over. "Don''t you usually like ketchup the most? Could it be that you want me to help you!" Will looked at her, thanked her politely, and took it.


    Very few children could dreject the sweet and sour taste of ketchup.


    Maeve also enjoyed feeding her son. When he finished eating one, she dipped a fry in ketchup and handed it over.


    Perhaps because of this, Will suddenly felt that junk food was not that uneptable.


    No wonder those children were trying so hard to get full marks just to get their parents to bring them here.


    "Are you still in pain?" Will suddenly asked.


    Maeve was stunned for a few seconds before realizing that he was referring to the spot where she had been hit by the robot''s


    arm.


    She didn''t expect Theo to notice. She wondered if this was the reason why he was so depressed.

 Chapter 221

    96% §±


    A warm feeling flowed through Maeve. She smiled and touched Will''s cheek. "It doesn''t hurt at all. It''s just a scratch. I don''t feel it anymore."


    Will thought, ''Liar, I saw her frown just now.


    Will pursed his lips and did not speak.


    Maeve saw that there was still so much food left on the table and called the waiter to pack it up.


    Will asked in a low voice. "Why did you do that just now?"


    "What?"


    "Weren''t you afraid of being hit!" Will looked at Maeve seriously, His round eyes with upturned ends gave off a cold aura.


    That robot was 6.3 feet tall. Its volume and mass were estimated to be about 66 pounds. If it hit you, you''d have a concussion or a fracture,"


    This was the first time Maeve had seen Theo so serious. It was a little refreshing.


    "Baby, seriousness really doesn''t suit you, I feel likeughing. She reached out to pinch him so that he would start cracking


    LITTL


    Unexpectedly, Will pushed her hand away, but his expression did not change.


    Maeve was stunned again. Then, she saw his seriousness and slowly stopped joking. "Of course I was afraid. It''s just that I didn''t have time to be afraid at that time. I was more worried that you would be hit by it. I didn''t think too much and ran


    over.


    Maeve''s voice softened. "My baby, I didn''t disregard my own safety, but I''m an adult. Even if I''m injured, it won''t be a big deal. You''re different. If anything happens to you, it will break my heart


    Will''s hands, which were resting on his knees, suddenly clenched tightly. His round eyes were filled with endless confusion.


    However, his body seemed to be wrapped in a warm balloon, carrying him upwards continuously.


    It turned out that the maternal instinct mentioned in books was not an exaggeration.


    However, she wasn''t his mother. He didn''t have a mother either


    Will suddenly jumped off his seat, turned around, and ran out of the shop.


    "Where are you going, Theo?" Maeve hurriedly picked up the items and chased after him.


    However, when she came out, there was no sight of Will anywhere.


    Maeve stood rooted to the ground, feeling extremely anxious.


    "Mommy!" A childish voice came from behind her. Then, Theo ran over and said angrily, "Mommy, why didn''t you wait for


    Before Theo could finish speaking, he saw the takeaway bag in Maeve''s hand and immediatelyughed. "Mommy, I''m hungry


    "Where did you go just now?" Maeve pinched his little face. "How could you run around? Do you know that I will be very worried if I can''t find your


    In the blink of an eye, she thought that someone had abducted Then,


    II


    Theo put on a pitiful expression. "Mommy, I was wrong. I know was wrong. I won''t do it again."


    He just yed in the arcade for a while longer. When he realized that Maeve was gone, he immediately ran out.


    11


    Maeve snorted sofily. She looked down and saw that his knees were stained with some dust. She squatted down and patted his knees. Did you just fall? Why are you so dirty?"


    Theo and Will were wearing simr clothes today. Even Maeve could not tell what was wrong


    Theo blinked his big angry eyes. "Some inconsiderate person threw the dolls on the ground and caused me to trip."


    Theo thought. The person didn''t take away the dolls he caught as that person ever considered the feelings of someone like me who has never been able to catch a doll? How madden On the other side, Nightfall Manor


    When Will returned, Damian and the bodyguards almost cried tears of joy.


    "William, where did you go just now? Your dad was very worried about you. He canceled his meeting and came straigh home. It''s so dangerous outside these days. You can''t run off like this next time."


    At this moment, a low and cold voice suddenly came from the stairs. "William,e to my study."


    After saving this, Byron turned around and left.


    The living room fell silent.


    Will walked upstairs emotionlessly and entered the study.


    Byron sat behind the desk and dealt with work. He casually put down a document and said coldly without looking at Will. Face the wall and reflect on your mistake."


    Will lowered his eyes in silence. Without a word of rebuttal, he walked to the familiar wall and stood upright.


    Other than the sound of shallow breathing in the study room, there was only the sound of paper flipping.


    After half an hour, Byron spoke again, Do you know what you did wrong?


    "I do. Will said calmly.


    Tell me


    "I shouldn''t have gone out alone without informing you. It''s very easy for a child like me who doesn''t have the ability to protect himself to encounter danger outside."


    The anger within Byron subsided a little. "Then why did you do it?"


    Will pursed his lips and remained silent.


    "Is it because you don''t want to go to kindergarten?" Byron put down his fountain pen and asked Will in a low voice, "Thus, you tried to resist me?"


    with


    "You have the right to decide whether I go to school or not, but also have the right to resist," Will said. "I don''t agree wi your actions, but I''m still young. I rely on you for food and clothing. I don''t have the means to resist you." Byron''s eyes shed with interest. "If you grow up and don''t need to rely on me anymore, what will you do?"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    000


    .


    Will looked hesitant. Do you really want to know?*


    "Yes, tell me. I''m not a petty parent. No matter how ridiculous your answer is. I won''t hold it against you," Byron promised slowly.


    Only then did Will feel relieved and say, "When I grow up, I want to be the CEO of the Mcdaniel Group, I can do anything. Then, I''ll let you go to kindergarten for me."


    Byron was speechless. He was not even old, and Will was already thinking of usurping his position.


    He had expected Will''s answer to be ridiculous, but he had not expected it to be so ridiculous.


    "Will you''re quite ambitious." Byron nced at Will''s small figure and said meaningfully. "Do you want others tough at the Modaniel family for having a CEO who didn''t even graduate from kindergarten?"


    Will looked up at the sky. Tad, my name is William. May I know who Will is?"


    In other words. Byron was talking about Will. It had nothing to do with William.


    Byron was speechless again.


    Will was a nickname that Gilbert had prepared for his future grandchild before the ident.


    Originally. Gilbert wanted to call the child Peace, hoping that he would have a peaceful life.


    However, the name was too ordinary. In the end, Gilbert picked the name "Will". It was cute and meaningful.


    Later on, when Will was born, Byron gave Will this nickname and named him William.


    Looking at Will''s stubborn expression, Byron rubbed the spot between his eyebrows and wondered if he should throw Will''s futon out to teach Will a lesson.


    Unexpectedly, in the next second, Will standing in front of the wall suddenly fell


    "You''ve already used this ruse before. It won''t work this time. Byron said coldly,


    After a few seconds, there was still no reaction from Will. His face was frighteningly pale.


    Byron''s throat tightened. He strode forward and picked up Will Only then did he realize that Will''s forehead and neck were covered in cold sweat.


    Byron immediately carried him out and asked Damian to call Harold over.


    Will covered his abdomen with his hands and moaned in Byron''s arms. "It hurts..."


    "Will, tell me, where does it hurt?" Byron''s eyes were dark and repressed. He restrained his anger and rubbed Will''s stomach gently. "Does it hurt here?"


    1


    000

 Chapter 222

    Will couldn''t speak. In the end, he fainted.


    In an instant, a cold aura surrounded Byron like the brewing of a storm. It was as if he had instantly returned to the situation when he saw Will being abandoned in the hospital


    Fortunately, Damian soon brought Dr. Foster over. Only then did Byron suppress his rage and carry Will back to his room with a dark expression.


    Harold quickly gave Will a full body checkup and then said respectfully to Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, William might have eaten something bad


    Byron asked, "Since he ate something bad, why would he faint?!


    "William has a weak physique and his stomach is weak. He usually cats light and healthy food. If he suddenly eats something cold or greasy, he will have a severe gastrointestinal traction, Harold exined. "In addition, Mr. William is a little anemic, so he fainted and will wake up soon."


    Byron frowned. Then, he turned his head and instructed Damian beside him, "Ask Archer to check where Will went today."


    Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel, Damian replied and left.


    Byron then asked Harold, "Will fainted. Will this cause any irreparable consequences to his body?"


    Don''t worry. After these few years of recuperation, Mr. Wim''s physique is much better than before. As long as he pays attention to his diet and takes medicinal food on time, it won''t affect him" Byron nodded slightly. He looked at the pale-faced Will, who was still unconscious and pursed his thin lips tightly.


    "Dr. Foster, is it possible to restore Will''s health to normal?" he asked in a low voice.


    "Well" Harold hesitated for a moment. Tm sorry. With my current ability, I can only maintain Will''s physical condition at a stable level"


    It might have been possible if it was the miracle doctor of the Chatterly family.


    However, Byron did not like that miracle doctor, so Harold did not mention it


    After the intravenous drip was done, Harold put down the medicine and left. Not long after, Archer called.


    When Byron heard that Will was with Maeve in the afternoon and had eaten at McDonald''s, the coldness in Byron''s eyes almost materialized.


    Four years ago, Maeve abandoned Will and left. He wondered about her intentions now.


    "Got it," Byron said coldly and hung up.


    Unexpectedly, when he turned around, he saw that Will had sat up at some point in time. There was a hint of confusion on his delicate face. He had just woken up. "Dad, what''s wrong with me?" "You ate something bad. Byron walked to the edge of the bed and sat down. Looking at Will''s confused little face, he asked. slowly, "Does your stomach still hurt?"


    Will shook his head. Just a little. Don''t worry, Dad."


    Byron gently pressed Will''s head. "Did you go to McDonald''s with someone today?"


    "Yeah."


    "Stay away from her in the future. Don''t get close."


    Will tilted his head in confusion. "Why? Do you know that woman?


    at


    Byron''s thin lips twitched slightly mention of Macve. There was an inquestionable dominance on his cold face. "There''s no reason. If she approaches you in the future, just ignore her. Will''s curly eyshes drooped. After a long moment, he said, "The food at McDonald''s is delicious, Dad"


    "You''re in such pain, yet you still think it''s delicious?"


    "Yes" Will''s hoarse voice was soft. "I want to dine there with you


    Byron frowned. The doctor said that you can''t eat junk food argnore. It''s not good for your health


    He didn''t tell Will directly that he couldn''t. Instead, he told Will the pros and cons and let Will weigh them.


    Will was not an ordinary four-year-old child. He was much more intelligent than ordinary children. He would understand if Byron reasoned with him.


    However, after a moment of silence, Will suddenly asked, "Dad, what kind of person is my mother?"


    In an instant, Byron''s eyes turned cold.


    Why are you suddenly asking about your mother?" He narrowed his eyes imperceptibly, his tone unchanged. "Who said anything to you?"


    When Will was only two years old, he asked Byron once where his mother was. After that, Will never asked Byron this question again.


    Byron wondered if Maeve had said something to Will.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "The woman who treated me to McDonald''s saved me today. Will said.


    "And!"


    Will thought of the gentle fragrance on Maeve''s body and her patient face when she put on the napkin for him. A trace of confusion appeared in Will''s usually calm and clear round eyes.


    "If I had a mother too, would she be like that woman who would protect me at all costs when I was in danger?"


    Maeve made Will curious about the mother he had never met,


    However, he had known since he was young that his mother had abandoned him and his father and would nevere back.


    In order not to make his father sad, he had never asked about her


    Byron''s heart tightened when he heard Will''s curious and disappointed question."


    Perhaps it was because Will was usually too quiet and sensible that Byron had neglected something.


    Will was still a child, and he still yearned for motherly love.


    "Will, do you want a mother?" Byron asked.


    Will thought about it and shook his head. "Dad, I''m just curious about it. I''m not looking forward to having a mother."


    III


    In Will''s opinion, if its mother had loved him too, she wouldn''t have disappeared for so many years.


    Byron raised his hand and stroked Will''s head. His gaze was slightlyplicated.


    He could make up for the motherly love that Willcked.


    However, he would not let Will acknowledge Maeve. Maeve didn''t deserve to be Will''s mother.


    On Friday, Maeve rushed to the studio after sending Theo to kindergarten. She received a call from the private detective in Belldol.


    The private detective said. "Ms. Reese, I''m afraid the matter you entrusted me with is not easy to handle."


    Maeve frowned. "What do you mean?"


    "The address of the hospital you gave me went out of business two years ago because of poor management. I heard that before that, the surveince footage was erased because of a malfunction. The situation four years ago can''t be traced. "Also, I went to visit the gynecologists and nurses you mentioned. They all said that it had been too long and they couldn''t remember what happened back then."


    Maeve''s heart sank at the detective''s words.


    "What about the list of newborns to be cremated? Don''t hospitals send dead babies to be cremated? There''s got to be record of that, right?"


    The detective said, "I''ve also verified this. Unfortunately, the day you gave birth was not recorded in the file, and there was. no cremationinformation either" Maeve took a deep breath. She thanked the detective before she broke down, and hung up.


    She thought, Is God punishing me for abandoning my child and leaving? Therefore, I''m not even given a chance to make up for it


    After squatting on the ground and taking a long time to calm down. Maeve stood up expressionlessly. She took her bag, left the studio, and drove to Belldol.


    The private gynecology and obstetrics hospital from back then had long been bulldozed, leaving only a wilderness.


    Maeve walked over with a bouquet of budding daisies. Based on her memory and estimation, she arrived at the location. closest to the delivery room


    She looked into the void as if she wanted to see the distant past through this open space.


    Her heart was in so much pain that it was bleeding. A low murmur dissipated in the wind. "I wish you well in your next life"


    0


    08.43 Wed, Oct

 Chapter 223

    Back at Kleymond, Maeve arrived just in time for Theo to finish school.


    As soon as Theo got into the car, he moved closer to Maeve andaniffed her.


    Maeve was amused by his puppy-like appearance. "What''s wrong? Did you find out that I secretly ate delicious food again?"


    "Mommy, you cried. Theo''s expression was serious. I can smell the salty and wet smell of tears on you."


    Maeve was stunned. "No-No way. How could tears have a smell?


    "Mommy, you should say that there wouldn''t be a smell of tears because you didn''t cry." Theo had an expression that said he had managed to trick Maeve. He was little angry. "Who made Mommy sad?"


    Maeve smiled wryly. Theo had actually learned to trick her.


    "No, my eyes were just ufortable in the afternoon, so I couldn''t help but tear up after the wind blew," Maeve exined as she drove into the hotel parking lot.


    Theo reluctantly believed her exnation, but when he got out of the car, he realized that there was a lot of mud on the


    tires.


    However, the roads in Kleymond were good. There was no ce that could be stained with such soil.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Theo thought of the box of gas station tissues he had seen in the car just now. It was clearly printed with the words "Belldol". Theo knew that Maeve had given birth to him and his brother in Belldol. He wondered if Maeve had cried today because she went to Belldol to mourn his brother.


    Theo''s heart ached, but he could not think of a way to make Maeve happy and not feel sad.


    When they entered the hotel, the front desk staff told Maeve that ady called Alexis Palmer had been waiting for her for almost two hours.


    ''Alexis? Maeve thought for a while, but she couldn''t think of anyone she knew by that name.


    She took Theo to the lobby to take a look and saw Alexis sitting there, looking down at the time on her watch from time to


    time.


    Maeve immediately stopped in her tracks. Then, she picked up Theo and sprinted into the elevator.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Theo asked cautiously,


    "I met someone whom I used to know. I don''t want her to see mer Maeve exined softly. "Let''s go up and disguise- ourselves beforeing downstairs." She had more or less guessed Alexis''s motive.


    Now, Byron refused to ept Jaylen''s suggestion. If they wanted to treat Gilbert, they could only do so through Alexis.


    However, at the same time, Alexis could not let Byron know that she was the one who was behind it.


    After a while, Maeve and Theo returned to the lobby.


    The two of them were wearing ssic traditional clothes. Although their faces looked ordinary and were not recognizable, their temperament was very eye-catching. 1/3


    0.96%E


    "Ms. Palmer, why are you looking for me? Maeve led Theo to sin front of Alexis and asked directly.


    Alexis sized her up a few times with an elegant and polite smile on her lips. "How should I address you?"


    "My name is..." Maeve could not think of any pseudonym at the moment, so she could only use Jaylen''s surname. "My name is Kylie Chatterly, and this is my son, Leo Chatterly." Theo''s big eyes blinked and he thought, ''Mommy, you''re being to perfunctory!


    However, Alexis''s eyes lit up when she heard Maeve''sst name. Pardon me for asking, but what''s your rtionship with the Chatterly family?"


    "My son is Jaylen''s junior. He is also thest student of jaylen''s master, Maeve replied calmly.


    Alexis''s smile instantly became even more sincere. "That''s too much of a coincidence. I have a lot of interactions with Dr. Chatterly''s family and our rtionship is not bad."


    Maeve took a sip of coffee and did not reply.


    Alexis said a few more words to get closer to them before exining her purpose foring. "I would like the two of you to treat my father. He has been in aa for nearly five years. We''ve consulted many famous doctors over the years, but there''s nothing they can do. Thad nned to g give up at first, but I didn''t expect to see the two of you at the hotel that day. Thus, I wanted to give it a try!


    Her words were extremely sincere, but she was afraid that Maeve would not agree, so she even took out the remuneration she had prepared in advance.


    This familiar gesture of handing over a card reminded Marve of the first time she met Alexis. That was when Alexis humiliated her with money.


    "Baby, what do you think?" Maeve turned around and asked for Theo''s opinion.


    Theo knew his mother best


    Theo had long felt that Maeve did not like Alexis. In fact, she was a little repulsed. Therefore, even though he knew that this was his grandmother, he was not affected.


    Only his mother mattered most to him


    Theo pushed the card back with a cool expression. "Jaylen told me that his grandfather still owes Macve a favor, so he asked me to treat your father. As for the remuneration. I won''t ept Alexis looked at Theo and felt surprised.


    He seemed to be even more intelligent than the other day when she looked from afar.


    He was not inferior to Will


    "Tim being tacky. Dr. Chatterly, don''t be angry: Alexis could not help but soften her voice. Then what do you like? I''ll buy it for you


    Marve didn''t want to interact too much with Alexis, so she said, Mrs. Mcdaniel, my son usually has school during the weekdays. It''s best to arrange the treatment on the weekends." Alexis naturally agreed. ''Of course, we will amodate Dr. tterly''s schedule;"


    Maeve was surprised. The Alexis in her memory was not so easy to talk to


    96%I


    However, she was not interested in investigating the reason behind it. She left the lobby with Theo and returned to the penthouse suite.


    Alexis suddenly missed Will very much. Coincidentally, it had been a few days since she went to see him, so she asked the driver to go to Nightfall Manor


    Byron did not tell her about Will''s illness. He only said that Will was asleep,


    Alexis was a little disappointed. "So early? I bought a car full of toys and new clothes for Will. I guess he can only check them out tomorrow when he wakes up."


    Byron said, "Will doesn''tck anything. You don''t have to bring him gifts every time youe."


    I''m his grandmother. How can I visit him empty-handed? Alexis disagreed. "Also, you''re usually so busy. If you can''t cope, just send Will over for me and your father to take care of. We both have time. Byron''s expression was indifferent. "Will is obedient and doesn''tcause worry."


    Alexis was once again rejected. She had mixed feelings.


    "Byron, no matter how obedient Will is, you can''t neglect his mental health because of this. Such a young child willck a lot of warmth without a mother. He''s usually so quiet. I''m really afraid that he''ll be bored." Upon hearing this, Byron thought of the question Will asked, and his eyes darkened.


    Alexis continued, "Anyway, Will''s mother is no longer around. You''ve seen how Lynn has been treating Will wholeheartedly over the past few years. What else are you worried about?"


    Every time Alexis came over, she would mostly be talking about these topics.


    Byron was tired of hearing them.


    Byron''s heart was calm as he interrupted Alexis''s long speech, "still have a meeting to attend. Let Damian entertain you."

 Chapter 224

    "Wait..." Before Alexis could finish, Byron''s figure disappeared from the staircase.


    Alexis looked troubled. She wondered why Byron was so reluctant to marry Lynn.


    She thought, "Could it be that he is afraid that Will will mind? It seems that I have to convince Will first.


    Back in the study. Byron finished reading the itinerary for tomorrow that Archer had just sent him and thought for a


    moment


    Then, he sent a voice message over. "Cancel all ns for tomorrow and the day after. I''m going to take Will to the resort to


    rx


    Archer said, "Alright, Mr. Byron. I wish you and Mr. William a happy weekend."


    Archer sympathized with himself for not having the weekend off. His hair was already thinning


    On the weekend, at Lashton Sanatorium.


    Gilbert had been staying here ever since he fell into aa. The Mcdaniel family had specially hired a top-notch medical team to take care of him here at all times, hoping that he would recover one day,


    However, years had passed, and there was still no sign of him waking up.


    Moreover, because Gilbert had been lying on the hospital bed day after day, his face was very haggard and he was skin and


    bones.


    Maeve felt a lump in her throat.


    After Theo finished checking Gilbert''s pulse, Alexis immediately asked, "Dr. Chatterly, how is he? Do you have a solution?"


    Theo ced his hands behind his back and said in a childish voice, "He has merely slept for too long, and his bodily functions are slowly deteriorating. The more he sleeps, the lower the chances of him waking up. At most, he only has half a year left." Alexis and Jason, who had been skeptical, looked at each other in shock.


    Gilbert''s condition was absolutely confidential. Other than the Medaniel family and the medical team, no one else knew.


    Yet, Leo''s words were exactly the same as what the doctors had said.


    Jason''s attitude changed. He asked anxiously, "Can he still wake up?"


    *Sure. As long as we stimte his acupuncture points through acupuncture and massage and gradually awaken his five senses, he will definitely wake up within a month."


    As soon as Theo finished speaking, the doctor beside him sneered. "What an arrogant child. Even Hippocrates wouldn''t dare to say that he could make Mr. Gilbert wake up in a month."


    Theo was very calu. "ver lie.


    The doctor ignored him and said to Jason and Alexis, "Mr. Jasori Mrs. Mcdaniel, we''ve used all possible methods over the years, including acupuncture, but you know the oue. Are you really going to let this child aness around?" The doctor thought, ''Can this brat hold the silver needles steadity, or does he know all the acupuncture points in the human


    1/a


    143


    body? How dare he say much shameless words!"


    Jason hesitated.


    He was already suspicious of a miracle doctor who was not even live years old.


    After what the doctor said, he really couldn''t bring himself to le Theo try. He was afraid that Gilbert''s condition would


    Worsell


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with mockery. Then, she went forward and held Theo''s small hand. She said calmly, "Mrs. Mcdaniel, Mr. Jason, this is your family matter. The decision is also in your hands. However, I have something to say.


    "Regarding Mr. Gilbert''s treatment n, it''s the best solution that Jaylen and my son have discussed together. The sess rate is at least eighty percent. However, seeing that my son is still young, I can understand why you don''t dare to trust him for the sake of caution. We''ll take our leave today


    After saying that, Maeve was about to leave with Theo.


    Jason had already relented after hearing her words. When he say that Maeve and Theo were about to leave, he immediately said. "Ms. Chatterly, please wait. I didn''t mean to be skeptical of your son''s ability. I just considered it for a while longer."


    Alexis stepped forward and grabbed Maeve''s arm. "Yes, that''s right. Since we invited the two of you here, of course, we won''t question your abilities, let alone Jaylen''s. Please rest assured."


    After Alexis met Maeve and Theo, she called the Chatterly family to verify it.


    Theo was indeed Jaylen''s junior. It was said that he was the most talented student among them all. This was definitely true.


    Moreover, Jaylen hade up with the treatment n with him so there would be even less of a problem.


    Maeve frowned and looked a little forced. "Son, what do you think?


    Theo immediately gave Maeve a way out. "Mommy, since this is Jaylen''s request, let''s show him some respect," All right, then."


    Alexis and Jason heaved a sigh of relief. They no longer doubted Theo''s performance.


    The first acupuncture session took less than half an hour.


    The medical team watched the entire scene from the side. Their dissatisfaction turned into admiration.


    His hand is really steady. He inserted the needles urately. He must have practiced for more than a year."


    How old is he? When I was his age, I only knew how to y with mud."


    he doctor who first questioned Theo looked skeptical. "Little kid. Mr. Gilbert''s physique is weak. Acupuncture should be one step by step. I don''t think it''s suitable to undergo intense acupuncture in the first treatment, right?"


    lis physical senses are deteriorating now, A gradual treatment won''t have much effect, Theo exined in a childish voice. My method won''t hurt his body, and can even achieve rapid effects."


    he doctor thought for a while and his eyes lit up. "How ingenious! Why didn''t I dare to do this before?"


    e felt that Theo was really fearless.


    though the acupuncture took a short time, it required constant concentration, so it was more tiring than usual.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    seo yawned a little, and Maeve held him in her arms. Then, she said goodbye to Alexis and Jason. "We''lle back next


    weekend.


    When they reached the door, Alexis caught up with them.


    Me, although you and Dr. Charterly are unwilling to ept t


    remuneration, please ept this item." Alexis


    handed over a card. "This is the VIP card of the resort under Modaniel Group. The resort has good scenery andplete facilities. It''s very suitable for children. Maeve was about to refuse when she heard that it was suitable for children. She hesitated for a few seconds before taking it Thank you


    "You''re wee. I should be the one thanking you, Alexis said with a pleasant expression.


    No one could imagine how Maeve was tortured by her four years ago.


    Maeve pursed her lips and left with Theo.


    If it weren''t for Gilbert, she would never want to have anything to do with the Mcdaniel family in this lifetime.


    It was still early when they came out of the sanatorium. Maeve pulled up the navigation for the resort and drove over.


    Theo was exhausted and slept like a log. He only woke up when they reached the resort.


    "Mommy, where are we?" Theo rubbed his eyes and looked out curiously.


    "A resort. Maeve smiled and said, "Let''s chill out here for two days.


    During this period of time, she had been busy with work in the studio and Theo had to go to school during the day. It had been a long time since they went out together. There were jacuzzis in the resort, but Theo was obviously more interested in the arcade on the ground floor of the hotel, so/ they split up.

 Chapter 225

    Maeve came out of the changing room and took the card to the single-person jacuzzi that she had reserved.


    It was surrounded by greenery, and the lighting was just right. The misty pool was sprinkled with rose petals, and the fragrance was pleasant Marve


    squatted down and scooped up some water. The perfect temperature made her eyes crinkle.


    Suddenly, there was the sound of water in front of the pool.


    Immediately after, a low and cold voice sounded. "Who''s there?"


    The voice was extremely textured, exuding an invisible coldness that bound one''s throat. It broke through the mist and hit Maeve''s eardrums.


    Her entire body stiffened. It was as if she was rooted to the spot, unable to move.


    This voice was too familiar. Even after four years, she could still recognize it urately when she heard the voice again.


    It was Byron.


    On the other side of the pool, Byron turned around and red at Maeve.


    His brown hair was wet. Water droplets dripped down his handsome brows, streaked across his brown and cold eyes, and down his high nose bridge, creating a soul-stirring beauty. Compared to the capable and aggressive upstart businessman four years ago, he was more calm and reserved now.


    He hadpletely be the leader of the Mcdaniel Group.


    Thest time they met by the roadside, Maeve still had room to hide.


    However, now that she was being stared at by those sharp eyes, she could not move at all.


    "Sir, you''re in the wrong ce." After a long time, Maeve said calmly. "This is the jacuzzi pool I reserved."


    A hint of ridicule shed past Byron''s eyes. "Is it interesting?"


    Maeve frowned. "What?"


    Byron sneered and immediately got up from the misty water. His strong upper body muscles were well-defined, and his well-proportioned muscles added a touch of explosive beauty.


    It could be seen that he had a habit of keeping fit.


    This was probably the scene of a handsome maning out of the bath.


    However, this scenery was quickly hidden under the bathrobe and could not be seen.


    With a cold expression, Byron fastened the belt of his bathrobe and approached Maeve step by step. He stood in front of her, his eyes filled with disdain. "You''re still the same as before. You''ll do anything to get my attention."


    The corner of Maeve''s mouth twitched. She was almost amused by those words. "You went to the wrong ce and used my jacuzzi pool. Yet, you turned the tables on me. Fine, since you''ve used this pool, I don''t want to use it anymore. I''ll leave, okay? Maeve thought, ''He made it sound as if I''ve deliberately bumped into him.


    Maeve was furious. She stood up and was about to leave.


    In the end, either because the floor was too slippery or because she identally stepped on a spot with water, her feet suddenly slipped and she crashed straight into Byron


    She subconsciously wanted to grabs something to stabilize herself, so she did not notice Byron''s angry expression.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Ouch!" Maeve only saw a sh of white before she fell into the pool behind her.


    "Ssh" "Ssh!"


    The sound of two people falling into the water could be heard one after another. The ssh caused the tiles and cobblestones on the shore to be wet.


    Marve choked on a few mouthfuls of water. At the thought that this was Byron''s bath water, she was so angry that she wanted to curse.


    However, the next moment, the pain in her ankle made her face turn pale. Her body sank as if it was filled with lead.


    The main feature of the resort was naturally the jacuzzi. The jacuzzi here was deeper than the usual jacuzzi. It was only avable for special guests and service staff was always around. However. Byron did not like people around him, and no one would be tactless enough to disturb him.


    Byron came out of the water. The displeasure of being pulled down by Maeve made his dripping face look as if it was covered in ayer of ice. His expression was dark and gloomy. He turned around and leaned against the shore, suddenly realizing that something was wrong.


    He looked back, but there was no sign of Maeve in the pool.


    Byron''s expression did not change. He cursed softly, "This idiot!


    Then, without hesitation, he sank into the water


    A ssh was heard.


    There was a ripple on the surface of the water. Byron put his arm around Maeve''s shoulder and brought her to the shore. Afterying her t on the ground, he patted her cheek. Her eyes were tightly closed, and her face was frighteningly pale. Fortunately, she was still breathing.


    Byron held her chin with one hand and the back of her head with the other to give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.


    After a few moments, Maeve coughed out the water in her lungs and woke up in a daze. She looked at Byron''s handsome face that was inches away from her and her eyes widened.. "You..." Marve coughed. "What are you doing?"


    When Byron saw that she had woken up, his Adam''s apple bobbed. He pushed her shoulders away coldly and stood up to -look down at her.


    There was no warmth in his eyes, only disgust.


    "Such pretense and seduction tactics are outdated, Maeve." After saying that coldly, he strode away from her without looking back.


    U3:43 Wed, Uct


    Maeve held her aching ankle and gritted her teeth as she red at his back.


    Maeve thought. "Who seduced him What is there about him that is worth seducing? Is it his arrogant face, or his bad. temper


    However, very quickly, her brain, which had yet to recover, slowly realized a problem.


    She wondered why Byron was only wearing a towel around his lower body. Where was his bathrobe?


    Maeve suddenly remembered that she had grabbed something before she fell into the water. The texture was very simr to... a bathrobe.


    She looked back at the pool woodenly and saw the bathrobe Byron was wearing


    Maeve found the situation crazy,


    She covered her eyes. Her head was throbbing.


    Now, Maeve was no longer in the mood to soak in the jacuzzi. Se took a clean bathrobe and wrapped it around herself. She endured the pain in her ankle and limped out. When she went out, she saw the number on the sign. It was 9.


    She took out her card and realized that it was & instead of 9. It turned out she was the one who had gone to the wrong ce.


    Maeve almost died from embarrassment. She was overwhelmed by shame.


    "Miss, are you feeling unwell? Shall I help you back to your room? At this moment, a female employee walked over and asked with a smile.


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief. Thank you, thank you."


    If she walked back on her own, she might not even be able to get back at dawn.


    "You''re wee. This is The female employee remembered the instruction of the cold man just now and immediately changed her tone. This is what I should do."


    Back in her room, Maeve thanked the female employee and closed the door.


    Theo hadn''t returned yet. He was most likely still in the arcade Having fun with the w machine.


    She called Theo, but he didn''t pick up the call.


    Theo wanted to answer it, but he c couldn''t.


    It was because the back of his neck was grabbed by a familiar hand.


    "Weren''t you meditating in your room?"


    Upon hearing the voice, Theo''s face turned wooden.


    He thought, "Why is it that I could even meet Dad here?


    Byron had just changed into dark casual clothes, making him look even taller.


    He looked at the w machine in front of Theo and raised his eyebrows. "Do you like to y this?"


    Theo didn''t want to talk to Byron, especially when he thought about how his mommy had cried because of his brother. Byron had to bear most of the responsibility, so Theo ignored him.

 Chapter 226

    But By


    was not surprised. Will was usually quiet and would only answer seriously asionally.


    He stood with his arms crossed, watching from the side as his son showed off his w machine skills. of his w machine skills,


    One minute passed, five minutes, and fifteen minutes; still, the little guy had not caught a single toy. His face was dark with frustration; he did not even deserve a constion prize. A smile shed across Byron''s eyes as he said, "Give me a coin"


    "Exchange it with money. Theo said very coldly, with an air of indifference.


    Byron opened the wallet and took out a note. "The coins in your hand are now mine."


    Theo was silent. He took the note and gave Byron all the game coins.


    Byron inserted a coin and asked calmly, "Which one do you want?"


    Theo pointed at the rabbit at the end, which was holding a drink. His mommy liked this drink the most, so he wanted to catch the rabbit for her. However, he always failed


    He dominated in every other game, crushing opponents and achieving glorious victories. However, he was utterly hopeless with the w machine game.


    Theo nced at Byron, standing in front of the w machine with his hand on the joystick, exuding the samemanding presence he had in the boardroom. Theo muttered to himself, Talent is inherited. If I don''t have a knack for the w machine, no way my cheap dad will have it.


    Half a minuteter, his wish shattered after Byron stuffed the doll into his arms. Moreover, the culprit asked him, "What else do you want?"


    Theo''s small face was nk as he pointed at a blue fatty buried underneath. That one. In less than a minute, the blue fatty


    also came up


    Five minutester, the game coins were used up, and Theo''s arms were full of dolls.


    The dolls'' strange expressions made the expressionless Theo, surrounded by the dolls, look like an angry pufferfish..


    I don''t understand; I really don''t. Isn''t gene hereditary? Does this make sense?'' he thought.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "What else do you want to y?" Byron touched the strand of hair on Theo''s head and said calmly, Tll apany you.


    Perhaps it was because the house was usually too quiet. Moreover, he was busy with work and rarely apanied Will, so he did not know Theo had such a hobby.


    Theo frowned and looked at Byron suspiciously. He found it strange since thest time. Not only did the cheap daddy call him "Will", but he also spoke to him as if he were familiar with him.


    He seems to have mistaken me for someone else. Could it be... that ''Will is a child he has with another woman, and it so happened that I resemble that child thus the confusion? What kind of biological father is he? He can''t even recognize his son? Interesting Theo''s eyes darted around, his expression mischievous.


    In the room, Marve was about to call the front desk to send some ice cubes over when someone suddenly knocked on the door.


    She opened the door, and Will was standing outside. Today, he wore a ck hoodie of the same style as Theo, his cap the other way around, and a silver cross pendant on his chest. He looked so cool.


    On the contrary, his nervous and ufortable little face faintly blushed. He handed Maeve the ointment and a small bucket of ice. "For you," he said.


    Maeve looked surprised. "Darling, how did you know that I sprained my ankle?"


    Wasn''t he in the gaming hall just now? Maeve wondered.


    "I saw it," Will said.


    Just now, when the waitress helped Maeve into the elevator, Will happened to see her. He even noticed that her ankle was swollen. Therefore, he asked the receptionist for these things to bring to her. Maeve was touched and stuck close to his little face. "My son is sull the most considerate. I love you!


    Will had never been so close to anyone before. For a moment, he stood there stiffly, at a loss. Fortunately, Maeve''s ankle was injured, so she was distracted and did not notice this..


    Will acted as a crutch and helped Ma


    Maeve felt guilty. She had just promised his son that she would not get injured again. This time, she twisted her ankle.


    Will my child be angry? she wondered.


    Maeve back to the sofa in the room. He looked at her ankle, it was red and swollen.


    Will was expressionless; one could not tell if he was angry. He went to the bathroom to get a towel before he sat by Maeve''s feet.


    He had sprained his ankle before and thus knew how to reduce the pain. He did not apply the ointment directly because it would affect her recovery. He could only apply coldpresses to relieve the pain and swelling first. Maeve finally realized that her child would be in a bad mood whenever she was injured. His expression was so serious that she did not even dare to breathe loudly.


    However, when he saw how serious Will was as he massaged her calf while applying coldpresses to her injury, Maeve could not help butugh.


    "Darling, don''t be so serious. I''m so scared, Meave said.


    Will lowered his eyes. Tve already told you, you''re not my mommy."


    Maeve was embarrassed. Alright, I''m expelled each time I''m injured. Do 1 still dare to get injured in the future?


    "By the way, let me see if the injury on your waist has healed," Will said to Maeve as he raised his head.


    Maeve immediately said, "It''s been nearly a week. I''ve recovered a long time ago."


    "Let me see," Will insisted. Maeve could not dissuade him, so she could only lift the hem of her blouse for him to see.


    When Will saw the bruise on her lower back, he was anxious for no reason.


    Maeve felt a little uneasy when she did not hear Will speak for a long time. She turned around to look and only saw the little. guy''s tightly pursed lips and aggrieved yet angry expression. She became nervous. "Darling, it doesn''t hurt anymore. I''m fine, really," Maeve said.


    Will was silent for a long time before saying, "Adults always like to say they''re fine, but if it hurts, it hurts; if it doesn''t, it doesn''t. Why must you hide it?"


    Maeve was stunned. "What happened to my child today? He seeins different from usual.


    "I don''t like this." Will had calmed down. "Don''t lie to me again.


    After saying that, Will looked up at Maeve with his eyes slightly welled up with tears. "Okay?"


    H


    Maeve''s heart instantly melted. She reached out and pulled the litle guy into her arms, kissing his little tender face hard.


    "My darling treats me so well. I promise not to lie to you again. tell you if it hurts, okay?"


    Will''s cheeks flushed as he bit his lips. He wanted to get out of her arms but could not bear to part with the warmth he had never felt before.


    At this moment, his mind was clear while struggling deep down. He knew the person in front of him was not his mommy. She just mistook him for someone else. However, if I have a mommy, she may not be any better than her, Will thought.


    Will hesitantly reached out his small hand to hug Maeve and quickly pulled back. He was as if afraid that she might notice.


    Just this once. I''ll pretend to be the darling she calls, Will thought to himself.


    0


    COMM

 Chapter 227

    As for Theo, whom Will secretly admired, his father had just carried him back to his room and forced him to go to bed because he had yed too much in the gaming hall.


    It was under the pretense that children would only grow well if they went to bed early and woke up early. Byron also slept. with him to improve the rtionship between father and son. Theo looked at the cheap dad who had fallen asleep beside him and thought, ''You can actually sleep at this age?


    He quietly got out of bed, patted Byron''s forehead with his chubby hand, and muttered in his ear, "Wake up, quick! Ultraman is here to rule the earth!"


    Perhaps because thepany had been busy recently, he was this too tired. Furthermore, only his son was by his side. Byron was thus in a deep sleep and was not woken up by him. Theo instantly revealed a sly smile. He slipped out of bed, ran out of the bedroom, and then returned with ab and rubber bands in less than two minutes.


    Then, he crawled back to Byron''s side and yed with his short hair.


    "Sigh! If I were 20 years old this year, I might be able to have a real man-to-man showdown with you."


    As Theobed


    kindergarten. leon''s hair, he sighed deeply with a serious expression. It''s a pity I''m four years old this year and still in


    kindergarten. I can only settle our grudges via a child''s method


    After a round of nagging, Theo looked at his masterpiece and was extremely satisfied. Before Byron woke up, he ran out of the room to look for his mommy.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Tve been out for so long Mommy must have been anxious, he thought.


    Theo ran to the room door and was about to swipe his card to enter when something seemed to have knocked his heart, and it beat extremely fast and vibrated continuously.


    Will, who had just walked away, stopped in his tracks. The strange heartbeat made his small hands go numb. He turned around but only saw a small figure enter the room and close the door.


    Will frowned and his round eyes looked confused. What what happened just now? An invisible thread seemed to have pulled me, he wondered.


    The following day, Byron, who always had a regr schedule, woke up before 7:00 am. Perhaps because he hardly slept with his son, he rested well and was in high spirits.


    Archer came over with an urgent document for him to sign. The scene he saw when he opened the door nearly shocked him


    to death.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, Archer asked with difficulty and caution, "Are you feeling unwell


    Byron stopped walking toward the bathroom. "What''s wrong?"


    "Your... Your hair... Archer looked as if he was in a trance and found it hard to tell him.


    "Hair Byron raised his hand and touched his hair. He then discovered two bumps that he should not have


    He frowned and strode into the bathroom. When he looked in the mirror, his handsome face darkened. "William!" 173


    This brat actually dared to pess around on my head while I was asleep! Did he want to rebel? Byron thought.


    When Archer heard a suppressed and angry voice from the bathroom, his heart trembled,


    1 knew it. How could Mr. Byron Mcdaniel not care about his image?'' Archer thought. It turned out Mr. William Mcdaniel was the one who made the two braids. Oh no, Byron is going to teach William a lesson Just as Archer thought this, Byron walked out of the bathroom with a dark expression and went straight to the bedroom. where Will slept.


    Archer could only persuade him from behind. "Mr. Byron Medaniel, Mr. William Mcdaniel is still young. Moreover, he''s a boy. Understandably, he''s a little mischievous. Please calm down


    "Bang!" The bedroom door was mmed shut.


    Will was woken up. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and sat up. When he saw his father standing by the bed with a fierce expression, his childish voice sounded tired. "Dad?"


    Byron''s expression softened a little as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "Will, don''t you have anything to say to Dad?"


    "Hm?" Will put down his small hand. "Good morning, Daddy,"


    Byron was expressionless. "Don''t change the topic. I''m asking you, why did you make braids on my head?"


    Braids! Will was a little confused. "I didn''t."


    Refusing to admit a mistake is much worse than ying pranks Byron''s voice was slightly deep. "Taking responsibility for your actions is what makes a real man." "But Dad, do you have any evidence?" Will asked seriously. "If you don''t have any evidence, this should be considered a false usation. It''s also bad Byron''s lips twitched. At that time, only Will and I were in the room. Why does he still need evidence? This guy is really getting more and more unruly!"


    Im punishing you by making you write a 50-word reflection essay before breakfast. If you don''t finish writing it, no breakfast for you, Byr  De.


    In the end, he warned Irim, "Don''t do such pranks again, or it won''t be just a fifty-word reflection,"


    ek95%


    Will was about to say something when he suddenly saw several dolls on the sofa. They did not seem to be there previously.


    "Dad, where are the dolls from?" Will asked.


    Byron frowned slightly. "Have you forgotten them so quickly? Daddy caught these for youst night."


    Will was shocked. He did not go to the gaming hallst night, nor did he ask his father to catch the dolls for him.


    Who was the child with Dad at that time? Or rather, how much did that child resemble me that even Dad could not differentiate? So, the child was the one who braided Dad''s hair and pranked him? Will thought. Will opened his mouth, wanting to tell Byron about it, but quickly calmed down. He had no evidence, and these vague guesses could not prove anything.


    Suddenly, he remembered the little figure who ran into Maere''s roomst night. ''Could it be him? Will wondered.


    Will was shocked. He stopped eating the croissant and said, "Dad, I want to go out for a while.


    "Where are you going?" Byron asked.


    "Go... Will hesitated. "Going to the gaming hall."


    The child might be there today. I might be able to catch him, Will thought.


    No. Byron took a sip of coffee and looked at him expressionlessly. "You had yed for a long timest night. Be good and follow Daddy today. Don''t even think about going anywhere."


    Will fell silent. It''s hard not to suspect Dad is taking the opportunity to take revenge. That guy has caused me a lot of trouble. he thought to himself.


    00


    0

 Chapter 228

    Archer said by the side, "Mr. Medaniel, I made a detailed y guide when I came. I''ve just sent it to your phone. You can take a look


    Byron nodded slightly. "Thank you."


    "Not at all, Mr. Medaniel, I''ll go back to thepany first. Have good tinie."


    "Yeah"


    After applying ointmentst night, Maeve no longer felt as bad day and could barely walk, but she was basically excluded from the exciting activities at the resort. However, the good thing was she did not have to worry about running into Byron.


    They rarely visited this ce, she did not want to waste time in the hotel room. She picked a few scenic spots with less traffic where she could take the sightseeing bus around with Theo.


    After stepping off the cable car from the mountaintop, they reached Cloudhaven Lake. The mother and son rented a boat and sat there fishing while basking in the sun.


    Theo tried to imitate Maeve, sitting there with a fishing rod, but it was not long before he grew restless. He ran off to ssh water and feed the fish, then sprawled out on the boat''s deck, sunbathing his chubby little belly.


    Maeve was amused. Neither mother nor son noticed ake-blue boat slowly approaching.


    The father and son, dressed in dark casual wear, sat at one end of the boat. They wore sunsses, masks, and baseball caps, each holding a fishing rod, and both had the same indifferent expression. Other than one beingrger and the other smaller. there was no apparent difference between them.


    "How many have you caught?" Byron asked casually.


    "Only three," Will said modestly. "What about you, Dad?"


    Just as they were talking. Byron''s fishing float suddenly moved. Byron calmly reeled in the line and responded to his son, This is the eighth one. Will was speechless.


    On the other end, Maeve saw a boat approaching from afar but could not see anything clearly besides two blurry figures. She retracted her gaze when a fish bit the hook. "Darling, I caught three fish. Let''s have all fish dinner tonight." Maeve put away the fishing rod and poked Theo''s belly. "Let''s go to Lake Ind to see the roses. Theo immediately sat up. "I want to eat the rose macarons you make."Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Then you''ll have to wait til we get back. We can''t take away the roses here." Maeve smiled and asked the boatman to steer the boat toward the shore.


    It was March at this time. The rose blossoms were in full bloom on Lake Ind. They looked like clouds of rouge falling beautifully and vibrantly from the sky.


    As they walked along, Maeve took many photos of Theo. Feeling tired from walking, Maeve told Theo to wait under a tree while she went to buy some drinks and snacks.


    As soon as she left, Theo looked at the tree behind him and suddenly had a bold idea. He wanted to climb up to take a look. Without hesitation, the little guy moved with agility, quickly climbing up to the fork of the branches."


    "Wow, it''s so high up Theo''s eyes sparkled as he looked down and urately found his mommy in the crowd. "Mommy! he


    called out


    Just as Will arrived beneath the tree and heard the sound, he instinctively looked up, only to see a face he recognized all too well, one he saw in the mirror every day. He looked exactly like him.


    Will''s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Theo, who perched on the tree branch waving at Maeve. The shock in his heart was indescribable. Then, a thought crossed his mind.


    He must be the person Dad saw. Who is he? Daddy can''t be having another child. Then he''s... ''Will''s usually smooth- running mind went nk instantly.


    When he heard Theoing down from the tree, he quickly hid behind the nearby tree to observe discreetly. He saw Theo dusting off the dirt from his clothes, then, with his short legs, he dashed toward the figure heading toward this direction. "Mommy!" The little guy pounced over and hugged Maeve''s thigh like a baby bird returning to its nest.


    "Did you just roll the ground?" Maeve smiled and squatted down. She handed him the fruit juice she had just bought and wiped his face with a handkerchief. "How did you get yourself dirty?"


    Theo giggled. Seeing this scene, Will pursed his lips and turned around with mixed feelings. He then walked in another direction without looking back.


    When Byron saw his son return with a pale face, he frowned slightly. "What''s wrong? Are you not well?" "Daddy, I''m a little tired. Will lowered his eyes to hide all the emotions in his eyes. "Shall we go home?"


    He indeed looks tired but there seems to be other emotions, Byron thought


    Byron rubber the top of his head and replied in a low voice, "Let''s go home now."


    When they returned to the manor, Will locked himself in his room and did not even eat dinner. That night, he had a low fever.


    After Dr. Foster examined him, he told Byron, "Mr. Mcdaniel seems to be overthinking. His mood fluctuations are causing a low fever. In other words, it''s a psychological problem."


    "What do you mean? Byron''s eyes were deep and darkened.


    "When I checked his temperature just now, I heard him mumbling Mommy in his sleep. Dr. Foster did not say anything


    further.


    Byron''s expression turned slightly cold. "You may go out first."


    "Okay," said Dr. Foster.


    After closing the door, Byron walked to the bed and sat down. His warm palm gently covered Will''s sweaty forehead.


    Will seemed to have sensed something. His eyshes fluttered, and he opened his eyes to look at Byron. "Daddy. His voice was hoarse. "Why doesn''t Mommy want me?"


    Is it because she likes my younger brother more? Or does she have some difficulties and have no choice but to abandon me? Will thought


    After saying that, Will closed his eyes and fell asleep, without realizing these words had set off a dark storm in Byron''s heart. His eyes were so gloomy that they seemed to want to devour everything.


    "No matter how mature Will is, he''s just a child less than five years old. The absence of a mother is more damaging than being abandoned by his mother. Meave, You''re really despicable 10.44


    ?? 95%


    It was Monday. As usual, Maeve sent Theo to kindergarten befor leaving for work at the studio.


    However, she found out that several clients who had ordered custom dresses a few days ago suddenly changed their minds today. It was fine if it was just one or two clients, but it was more than a dozen of them as if they had made a prior arrangement.


    Maeve called to inquire, but either no one picked up or, when they did, they spoke vaguely, with none willing to provide a reason. The more this happened, the more suspicious it seemed


    As per the saying, "When it rains, it pours." While the situation with the customers backing out remained unresolved, several designers seemed to have coordinated beforehand and tendered their resignations.


    The newly-established studio seemed to have be a tiger''s den that everyone avoided. Maeve did not try to retain them but turned to the other designers, asking if anyone else wanted to leave. As soon as she spoke, others stood up.


    Maeve finally confirmed that someone was scheming behind her back. Not only did he drive away her clients, but he also poached her designers. He probably aimed to ruin her studio and see the newly founded Dreamscape copse at the starting line. However, Maeve had no clue who it was

 Chapter 229

    "Ms. Reese, what should we do now?" the remaining people asked nervously.


    Will we face unemployment as soon as we''ve just started working?'' they thought.


    Maeveposed herself and said, "Everyone, just work as usual Dreamscape doesn''t only provide tailor-made service. There''s still a long way to go. Treat this matter as a test. Let''s work hard with Dreamscape."


    Over the past few years, she had been through so much and had nothing else but resilience and emotional strength. Seeing her soposed reassuring others, they no longer felt anxious.


    Maeve returned to her office and continued to make calls. After making numerous calls, she managed to gather some information.


    These clients retracted their orders because they heard about the grudge between her and the Mcdaniel family four years ago. They might be targeted if they were close to the people who had offended the Mcdaniel family. This circle was


    that realistic, but Maeve wondered who had spread the news that was four years ago.


    is just th


    Maeve pursed her lips and pondered. ''Could it be Byron? Only he hates me so much to the point my existence is intolerable. However, he saved me beside the hot spring that night. He could have just ignored me as I was merely an utterly insignificant ex-wife, after all. However, he didn''t. Why is that so


    Magre rubbed her temples and suddenly heard someone knocking on the door. "Ms. Reese. Alex walked in with a warm smile T heard your studio has justunched, so I came to give you a gift"


    "Alex, why are you here?" Maeve asked with a smile as she stood up. "Bringing a gift? A flower basket or fruits? I won''t stand on ceremony-arith you."


    Alex smiled and ced a contract in front of her. The coboration of Eternal Hope''stest summer collection. How about this gift?*


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with surprise. "Are you kidding me? Dreamscape is not well-known now. Coborating with us is just like doing charity work."


    "I''m not looking at fame but focusing on Dreamscape''s potential and talent, Alex said warmly. "Though it may not be well-known now, true talent and value will eventually be recognized. I''m counting on this foresight to invest ahead of others. Will you let me down?" Maeve could not say no. This contract was just right for her to resolve her urgent needs. However, she did not want to take advantage of Alex.


    "Alex, can you give me for two weeks?" Maeve thought for a moment and said, "Just two weeks. You can take back his contract if Dreamscape fails to prate into Kleymond. But if I seed, we''ll sign the contract." This gave Alex a way out, and a chance for her to prove herself.


    Alex looked at the seriousness in her eyes, and his heart felt a tickling sensation making him restless. He sighed softly. "You''re still the same, you''ve never changed."


    You continuously captivate my gaze every moment. How could let go? Alex sighed deep down.


    Maeve did not perceive the underlying meaning in his words and smiled sweetly. "You, too. I''m d to see you all again,"


    A thought suddenly crossed Alex''s mind, "Do you... have a boyfriend now?"


    "No." Maeve shook her head, and her gaze was gentle for a moment. "But I have a son


    Alex''s mind fluctuated with emotions, bing much moreplicated after hearing this, but at the same time, he let out a sigh of relief. As long as she''s still single, nothing else matters


    How to win Dreamscape''s first battle became the question that heve had been thinking about all day. She was famous internationally, butpared to offending the Mcdaniel family others would rather offend her. Unless a few representative nobledies in the upper-ss circle were willing to wear Dreamscape''s dresses when attending some parties.


    At the monthly charity g. Maeve wandered around the banquet hall with a wine ss in hand. With her impressive background and eloquence, she managed to convince several nobledies to try the dresses.


    After scheduling the appointments, just as she was about to leave, a ss of red wine was suddenly sshed toward her. Maeve instinctively tried to dodge, but it was toote.


    Red wine trickled down her chest to the hem of her dress, leaving arge stain on the pristine silver starry gown, rendering it ruined. Maeve''s gaze turned cold as she looked at the nobledy who had intentionally spilled the wine.


    "Oh dear, my hand shipped, the nobledy said, brushing her hair which was adorned with pearls and jewels. Her figure also exuded wealth with every step causing her to sway slightly.


    She approached Maeve, giving her a disdainful once-over. There are actually people like you who don''t know your identities desperately and relentlessly trying to force your way into high, trying to solicit customers here. You''re really lowering the standard of this g!" When the surrounding guests heard this, they looked at Maeve with undisguised mockery and contempt.


    You came to such a ce to solicit clients? Are you crazy? You''re pretty enough; why not just hook a trust fund baby instead?'' they wondered.


    Maeve could tell the nobledy had deliberately said this to mislead others. Her eyes were cold when she said, "Madam, please show respect. I only invited a fewdies to view the gown How did it be soliciting?"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Really? So you''re a designer?" The nobledy feigned surprise. Is the threshold for bing a designer really that low nowadays? Anyone can be a designer now? Thosedies don''t mind tarnishing their tastes by associating with you?"


    The expressions of the several nobledies who had just agreed to view the gowns turned ugly. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, being publicly humiliated like this caused them to lose the goodwill they initially had for Marve "Who said I wanted to go with you to view the gown? You misunderstood, didn''t you?"


    "That''s right. I only said I would consider it; I didn''t promise you Don''t tter yourself."


    "It''s not that everyone is worthy of our consideration."


    They all spoke up to keep a distance from Maeve, and that nobledy became even more arrogant.


    "Did you hear that? Why don''t you take a look at your status? Is this where youe from? Get lost and go back to where you are. You''re not worthy!"


    "p Maeve raised her hand and pped the nobledy on the face. The nobledy''s head tilted to the left, momentarily stunned, while the other guests looked on in disbelief.


    "You dare to hit me? The nobledy''s voice was sharp, trembling with anger. "You filthy thing actually hit me? Don''t think you can act so lowly just because you''re a royal family''s designer."


    "I advise you to keep your mouth shut." A cold female voice came from the side. The crowd made way for Mrs. Betty


    .


    Chatterly, wearing a pearl-white tight-fitting dress.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with surprise as he watched Mrs. Betty Chatterly walk to her side. She held her shawl and said coldly to the nobledy, "You only know that she''s the designer of the royal family of Erancia. Why don''t you investigate it yourself? She''s also a student personally acknowledged by the queen, who can be on the same level as the prince and princess.


    "Scolding her is insulting the queen and pping the entire Erancia royal family in the face."


    At this point, Mrs. Betty Chatterly looked at the nobledy''s pale face and raised her chin proudly. "You, can you afford to do

 Chapter 230

    "Betty, you''re too exaggerating" Maeve chuckled. "The queen won''t go to the extent of teaching her a lesson but cutting off herpany''s business in Erancia at most. It''s more in line with the queen''s style." Back then, when she first attended the national banquet of Francia, the son of a jewelry tycoon spoke disrespectfully to her and even tried to dirt with her.


    After the banquet, the royal family terminated their cooperation with that jewelry tycoon, and all jewelry and diamonds within the territory were no longer sold to him. Subsequently, Maeve realized that the queen and Loren had taken stern action against the jewelry tycoon to protect her and prevent others from looking down on her. "You... don''t think that this will scare me. What is the big deal about a queen''s student? Do you really think I''m someone who can be intimidated just like that?" The nobledy''s legs were trembling as she stood. After saying these words, she hurriedly left.


    Maeve was amused. The nobledy turns out to bully the weak and fear the strong!"


    "And you. Why didn''t youe to me when you were in trouble? Why did you let them bully you?" Mrs. Betty Chatterly tapped Maeve''s forehead and rebuked. Maere blinked. "Jaylen told you, did he? I didn''t tell because I was afraid of troubling you"Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Why are you treating me like an outsider? Jaylen isn''t in the country, of course, I have to take care of you for him. Otherwise, he''ll be anxious when hees back."


    When the nobledy by the side heard this, she immediately revealed an ambiguous expression "Mrs. Betty Chatterly, could it be that your youngest son will have good news soon!"


    "You''re really good at hiding it. Don''t forget to invite us to the wedding when the timees."


    Your future daughter-inw is not bad. Her looks and temperament are outstanding. That nouveau riche''s family is purely looking for trouble. They have to show off their superiority to everyone."


    There were praises everywhere. The atmosphere was so harmonious that as if nothing had happened just now.


    Maeve felt that Mrs. Betty Chatterly might have misunderstood something. However, she had just helped her and was trying to assist her to gain a foothold in the industry. If she denied it at this point, Mrs. Betty Chatterly might perceive her to be ungrateful. Therefore, she could only find an opportunity to exin it to her in the future.


    At the same time, on the viewing tform on the second floor, a tall and slender figure stood by the railing with one hand in his pocket and a ss of wine in the other. His narrow eyes stared coldly downstairs,


    Archer, following behind him, was about to break out in a cold sweat


    How did he bump into Ms. Reese here? ''Macve''s name has been a taboo in the Mcdaniel family for the past four years. No one dares to mention it.


    "However, after not seeing her for four years, no one would expect Maeve to be together with the miracle doctor of the Chatterly family. She has even received Mrs. Betty Chatterly''s recognition. Judging from the fact Mr. Mcdaniel was indifferent to the insults to Ms. Reese just now, he probably would not care who she would marry. "Indeed, the world is full of changes, Archer thought. Byron retracted his gaze indifferently and ced the wine ss in his hand on the table. Tell the driver to drive the car to


    III


    the downstairs,


    "Alright, Mr. Mcdaniel, Archer replied, took out his phone, and contacted the driver. But after a few seconds, Byron''s voice suddenly went deep. "Wait a moment."


    Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel?" Archer asked. However, after waiting for a long time, Byron did not give any


    orders.


    After Maeve exchanged contact information with those nobledies downstairs, she went to the changing room upstairs to change her soiled gown. Guests would usually be provided with clothes for change for this kind of party.


    The dress stuck ufortably to her chest. Marve walked into the cubicle and pulled down the zipper on her back as she closed the door.


    At this moment, a well-defined palm grabbed the edge of the door and forcefully opened the door before he entered.


    Maeve was shocked and retreated to the wall. She wanted to call for help but suddenly lost her voice when she saw the man''s familiar cold face. "Byron?"


    Byron''s tall and sturdy figure was extremely oppressive. The cubicle, which could only amodate one person, instantly became even more cramped, making it rather difficult for one to turn around. Maeve''s back was pressed against the wall. For a moment, she could not move at all.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, it doesn''t seem like a gentleman to barge into thedy''s changing room without permission." Maeve pretended to be calm as she looked at Byron. "Please go out, or I call for help."


    Byron lowered his head slightly and looked at her mockingly. "What? Soon, you''ll be the young madam of the Chatterly family, and you speak with confidence now!


    "What do you mean?" Maeve asked.


    Does Jaylen know how ruthless you are?" Byron lifted her chin His voice was bone-chilling. "Or were you two already together four years ago!"


    These words were undoubtedly a tant humiliation. Maeve''s eyes turned red from anger. She red at him angrily. "Stop ndering me here!"


    "nder?" Byron sneered and tightened his grip. "Looks like you''ve been cultivating well for the past four years. No matter what you do, you act like someone owes you a favor. It''s really disgusting


    Maeve''s chin hurt slightly. When she heard him say "disgusting, she clenched her fists uncontrobly. "What right do you have to make such ament on me? Gilbert will wake up one day, Why are you so sure I''m the culprit? Why must you humiliate me like this?" Hatred filled Maeve''s heart. Her tone carried a hint of ferociousness. "I''m disgusting? Alright, let''s see who''s more disgusting"


    After saying that, she stood on her tiptoes and grabbed Byron''s me to pull his head down. Then, she kissed his cold lips urately in a fit of anger.


    Byron''s pupils constricted. He did not expect her to do such a thing suddenly. His body stood there stifly, and he forgot to push her away for a moment


    Maeve bit his lips furiously. It was purely out of anger as she nibbled randomly. She was as if wanting to chew him up and swallow him. It was all out of feelings.


    A trace of rity appeared in Byron''s slightly unfocused brown eyes. Then, he held her shoulders and pushed her forcefully to the wall


    He frowned deeply and wiped the corner of his lips. His gaze other was so cold that there was no slightest trace of warmth.


    "Maeve, are you courting death? Byron asked.


    Maeve leaned against the wall without any fear. She smiled at him arrogantly. "Mr. Mcdaniel, not only did I kiss you just now, but I also bit you. Wouldn''t you be disgusted to death?"


    ''Since you said that I''m disgusting. I would show you how. Let''s be disgusting together; who cares? Maeve thought.


    Byron''s lips revealed a cold smile. His gaze was like a deep sea vertex, getting increasingly gloomier,


    Maeve did not want to be entangled with him anymore. She held her back with the open gown and walked out from his side. However, just as she reached the door, her arm was suddenly grabbed by arge hand. Maeve was caught off guard and was pulled over. Her back hit the cold and hard wall and she felt a faint pain.


    Before she could question him, Byron''s body full of danger suddenly approached her and blocked her in a corner, leaving her no room for movement.


    "You want to leave after disgusting me? His voice was cold. "Can you do so?"


    Maeve was stunned as she looked up shockingly. The next moment, Byron raised her chin forcefully and kissed her hard with suppressed anger.


    0

 Chapter 231

    Has he gone crazy? Maeve widened her eyes in disbelief.


    red.


    When she came back to her senses, she wanted to step on his instep to force him to let go of her, but he saw through her intentions. His long legs squeezed between her legs, pressed and coerced her to be motionless. At the same time, he intensified this vengeful kiss. Maeve was so furious that her face turned She pped his chest hard, but she still could not move him at all. She bit the tip of his tongue with all her might. Soon, the taste of blood spread in their mouths. Byron''s eyes darkened. After letting go of her, he casually wiped the bright red stain on his lips and smiled coldly. "Who''s more disgusting now?" Maeve raised her hand to hit him, but he caught it with one hand. With a tug, he pulled her close, their bodies fitting together perfectly. "You want it again? Let them also see your performance?" His low and cold voice was filled with mockery. Maeve''s chest heaved as she gritted his teeth and scolded him. "Byron, you''re simply shameless!"


    knocked his shoulder away, and left. She wiped her lips with the back of her hand as if some bacteria were on it.


    She pulled her hand back forted, the Chatterly family has given her confidence. Her wings have grown harder now. It''ll be even more interesting if her wings break!"


    Byron sneered slightly. As


    Back at the hotel, Maeve angrily brushed her teeth three times before she finally felt the frustration in her heart ease a little.


    Looking at her slightly swollen lips in the mirror, she felt angry again. Madman, pervert! You still kissed me when you thought I was disgusting? Are you a masochist? After washing up. Maeve walked out of the bathroom gloomily. Seeing her phone ring, she picked it up.


    "Ms. Reese, your apartment has been cleaned and tidied up. You can move in tomorrow. I''ll send the bill to your pher, the cleaningpany''s person in charge said. "Alright, thank you," Maeve said.


    After hanging up, Maeve paid the remaining bill to the cleaningpany. Her mood finally brightened up.


    It was inconvenient to stay in a hotel all the time. Moreover, Lynn hade to look for her every day for no reason. The receptionist had rejected her numerous times, but she would not listen. Maeve did not want to have anything to do with her. "Baby, we''ll be moving tomorrow!" Maeve hugged Theo, who was watching television and said excitedly. "Okay." Theo said.


    "Don''t you want to know where we''re moving to?"


    "As long as I''m with Mommy; I don''t care where I go


    Maeve was in an excellent mood. Today was also another day her son warmed her heart.


    175


    D


    ?


    They were at the Retro Apartment the following morning. When Maeve divorced Byron back then, she only asked for this apartment.


    Now that she thought about it, it was a good idea she asked for it. Otherwise, it would be a great loss to her.


    This ce was very close to Iton Private International Kindergarten. A park and university town were also nearby, and the hospital was not far away. It was an ideal living environment. It was much better than the other houses that the agency had found her. In any case, it was free, and would be a waste not to stay here.


    However, Maeve did not expect it to remain the same after four years. Even the small silver Christmas tree was still there,


    The flower stand and watering machine on the balcony leaned against each other, frozen in time, just like they were back then. Maeve felt an inexplicable sense of loss.


    "Mommy, this balcony is huge, it''s very suitable for nting vegetables. Theo ran to the balcony and pointed at the flower rack. "Loren gave me a bag of man-eating nt seeds. Can I nt them here?" Man-eating nt? Maeve immediately came back to her senses. "Why did Loren give you


    this


    ??


    "For guarding the house. He said it''s a cultivated man-eating flower and remembers its owner''s smell. If a strangeres, ill eat it in one bite. Theo said.


    it


    One bite... Maeve felt a little embarrassed. "Baby, forget about I don''t want to find my head in the mouth of a man-eating nt when I wake up one day."


    The man-eating nts Erancia Research Institute cultivated were often crazy and unreliable.


    Theo pursed his lips. "If only I had a big garden" Maeve could tell what he was implying. Thinking of a garden full of countless big mouths sent a shiver down her spine.


    To make up for his son''s regret, she went to the flower market at noon to buy a few pots of sunflowers. They looked simr.


    Theo rolled his eyes. They''re pretty much simr. If I nt one secretly, Mommy won''t notice, will she?''


    He quietly took out a man-eating nt seed and buried it in the sunflower pot. "Grow up quickly. I''m waiting for you to guard my house, Theo said.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve only applied for a half-day leave for Theo and sent him to kindergarten in the afternoon. As she was cleaning, the doorbell suddenly rang.


    Maeve got up to open the door and was surprised to see the person standing outside. "Darling, didn''t you go to school?"


    I personally watched the little guy enter the school. Why is he back? Maeve wondered. Moreover, he did not even carry his school bag.


    Will remained silent. His delicate little face was pale and sickly, and his crimson lips were tightly parsed. His clothes seemed a bit too thin for the weather.


    had used hisputer to track down the hotel where Maeve stayed. He went over to look for her and followed her all. the


    way. He had a lot of questions to ask her. After hesitating for long time, he knocked on the door.


    Seeing his expression not quite right, Maeve thought he was not feeling well and quickly pulled him into the house.


    "Baby, what''s the matter with you? Are you not feeling well? Tell me, and I''ll get you medicine."


    Will looked up at her calmly with his big and round eyes. ''Has she always been so gentle to the other child? To what extent can she tolerate him? 09.18 Thu, Oct 31


    GB.


    88 21


    "I want to eat McDonald''s Will lowered his eyes and said in a horse voice.


    Maeve was a little surprised. "Didn''t you just eat cereal?"


    "I just want to eat it, Will repeated calmly. "I want it now."


    Theo was rarely so willful, but Maeve did not feel ufortable at all.


    Children have to be mischievous. If they''re too quiet, I''ll get worried, she thought.


    "Okay, I''ll buy it for you, okay?"


    Yeah


    Maeve washed her hands, took her car keys, and left.


    The McDonald''s was a bit far away. It took half an hour to get there ande back. When she got home, Maeve looked at the living room which looked like having experienced a tornado. It was a mess. She took the takeaway bag and walked to Will in the center of the storm. "Darling, was there a typhoon just now?" "No." Will removed the tissue box that had been torn to shreds and looked at Maeve. "I did it.


    You it?" Maeve was stunned.


    Will pursed his lips. Is she going to get angry?"


    However, Maeve unexpectedly looked happy and nonchnt. "Darling, you did well. Look at how well you tore this tissue box. Obviously, you have the talent to be an artist in the future.


    "These pillows really need to be reced now, and the carpet is a bit old too. I was initially a bit reluctant to let go, but you''ve helped tear them all. So now I don''t have to struggle anymore." Will was lost for words. Maeve smiled and handed the takeaway bag over. "Your McDonald''s."


    Will turned his face away coldly. "I don''t feel like eating anymord


    0

 Chapter 232

    "Why?" Maeve opened the bag to tempt him. "It''s still hot; it smells so good!" Will was unaffected and did not speak anymore no matter what she said...


    Maeve thought to herself, ''Could a four-year-old boy also have a period? Or is it because he''s not feeling well that he''s more


    sensitive


    Seeing him unwilling to speak. Maeve did not force him. She put down the McDonald''s and got busy with the chores.


    She cleaned up the living room again, then went to the balcony to put up more flower racks and porcin pots. She wanted to nt the seeds she had just bought.


    However, when she looked up, she saw Will pacing around the living room and a trail of small footprints were behind him. She was wondering why it was so quiet just now. It turned out that he was causing trouble.


    "Baby, slow down. The floor is a bit slippery, don''t trip and fall; Maeve reminded him as she nted the seeds.


    Will feel hesitant, not knowing if he should continue stepping around. He was a little frustrated. Why doesn''t she get angry!"


    Will then moved closer to Maeve and watched her nt the vegetables. Maeve looked at the seemingly behaving little guy with ill intentions in his mind and handed him the radish seedlings she had bought. "Do you want to try?"


    Will took it curiously, his clear bright eyes sparkling. However, when he saw Maeve smiling gently beside him, he immediately retracted his expression. Hence, the small bunch of radish sprouts were all destroyed.


    As Maeve did not want anything to happen to the remaining seedlings, she rushed him to wash his hands. "Go wash your hands. I''ll do it herself.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Will entered the washroom and saw the water gushing out of the tap. Suddenly, he had an idea


    When Maeve had nted all the seedlings and seeds and realized Will had note out of the bathroom, she took off her gloves and went to look for him. What did she see in the end?


    Her good son was standing on a small stool by the sink, his small hands pressed against the tap, sshing water everywhere.


    His clothes were drenched.


    "Theodore!"


    Hearing Maeve''s different tone, Will turned his face around. Is she finally angry?''


    Maeve walked over and picked him up under his probing gaze. Then, she smacked his buttock. Will was stunned. Since young, even his father had never smacked him.


    The servants were always respectful to him and never dared to neglect him just because he was young. His grandparents, needless to say, treated him like the apple of their eyes.


    "If you want to y with water, you can just y with it. How can you wet your clothes?" Maeve was very angry. "What if you catch a cold in this weather? If you''re not well, I''ll feel sorry for you!" Will w


    WHE stunned. When he saw Maeve''s anxious, angry, and helpless expression, tears suddenly welled up in his eyes.


    Have I gone overboard? Even if Mom loves my younger

 Chapter 233

    When Maeve came out of the washroom, she realized her child had disappeared. It was even more ridiculous that ne after, the little guy actually ran back from outside with his school bag.


    Maeve was a little puzzled but more amused in fact. So, he had gone to get his bag. Maeve thought.


    Theo put down his bag and ran over to Maeve excitedly. "Mommy, I''m the ss monitor now! From now on, those br be my subordinates!


    Maeve felt something wrong, but this thought just shed through her mind.


    "Theo, are you the ss monitor or the mountain bandit?" s could not helpughing.


    The little guy swayed his head confidently and stuck out an index finger. "That''s not enough. My goal is to make all the rascals in the kindergarten bow down under the rule of their king in jeans. They''ll charge into battle with me, drinking feasting!" Maeve immediately grabbed the hem of his school uniform. "Children can''t drink. I won''t allow it!"


    "Mommy, you have to be more open-minded, Theo said with a dark expression. "Tm starving and desperately need sor food to replenish the energy I lost on the battlefield today.


    Maeve was stunned. "My son is too dramatic. What should I do? Can I trade the old for the new?''


    She was somewhat puzzled. "Didn''t you just eat muffins? Why are you hungry again so soon? It''s dinner time soon. Finish the remaining hot soup first."


    Theo blinked his big eyes. ''Muffins? What muffins? Before he could ask, Maeve had gone to the kitchen.


    Maeve was dumbfounded when she saw the empty small milk pot in the kitchen. ''Where''s the remaining hot soup? Why there only the pot?


    Thinking suspiciously about Theo''s behavior of running in and out, Maeve narrowed her eyes and asked Theo, "Darling, where have you poured the remaining hot soup in the kitchen?" Theo was lying on the sofa ying games on his phone and did not sense anything unusual. "I don''t know; I''ve just got home," he said childishly-


    "It''s strange. I remembered I saved the gamest night. Why is it gone today? Theo was puzzled.


    Maeve stared at his rxed back view and chuckled. Alright! How dare you y dumb with me?"


    Maeve walked over and smacked his buttock. "You don''t want to drink the hot soup, so you want to take medicine? See if I care about you if you catch a coldter." ""Mommy, why did you beat me?" Theo was stunned.


    ''Although it doesn''t hurt, it''s embarrassing to be spanked at my age, he thought.


    "Why did you still ask after doing all the great things?" Macve snorted. ''Don''t think that you don''t have to drink hot soup by doing so. I''ll make two potster. You must drink them all!"


    Theo whimpered pitifully, looking up with wide eyes. "But I''m not sick! Can I not drink it?" He hated herb taste the most. Maeve''s heart softened for only a moment and said decisively, No. Why did you dump the remaining hot soup" Theo cried out in grievance. Suddenly, he sensed something wrong. ''Muffin, hot soup, and my formatted game console...


    Someone hase to the house, he thought..


    "Mommy, was there any visitor this afternoon?" Theo immediately sat up and asked Maeve.


    Maeve patted his head. "You said you''re not sick. Aren''t you having a fever now? Otherwise, why can''t you remember you were at home in the afternoon?"


    Sure enough, he has to drink the hot soup, Maeve thought to herself.


    Theo''s eyes widened, and his heart raced. I was in kindergarteniall day. How could I be at home? Who''s the person who disguised him and ate my exclusive muffins!


    Wait, Mommy actually didn''t notice it. It means that person and I look so much alike, so much so that even Mommy couldn''t detect it


    Theo clenched his fists as a bold and incredible guess appeared in his mind. ''Could it be that my supposedly deceased younger twin brother is still alive? And not only that, but he''s now with the Great Demon King! But these are just my guesses. I have to find a way to prove it


    Maeve was puzzled, looking at the little guy''s expression shift between excitement and gloom. "Does his periodst for so long? Is my child alright?''


    Theo returned to the children''s room Maeve had modified for him from a guest room. He turned on theputer and soon found Byron''s IP address.


    He then barged into Nightfall Manor''s surveince system and searched through the rooms one after another. Finally, he locked on to the door of the children''s room on the third floor.


    Ive found you." Theo looked at the screen, overjoyed. "You''re indeed handsome like me!"


    However, when he thought about how this guy had caused him to be spanked by his mother and drink the extremely unpleasant hot soup, he was furious. He rubbed his chubby chin and fell into deep thought. "What gift should I give my younger brother, whom I''ve not mer After all, I''ve handed all my gift money to Mommy, so the gift doesn''t need to be too expensive. It''s the thought that counts, isn''t it?'' Theo thought. There were no sses in kindergarten on Friday afternoon. Thep traveled to the Mcdaniel Group by himself. He walked straight to the front desk and said to the receptionist in a childish voice, "Miss, I''m looking for my father. Can I trouble you to bring me to see him?" Byron protected Will very well. The outsiders hardly saw him. The receptionist, noticing how adorable and stylishly dressed Theo was, smiled and asked him, "Who''s your dad? What''s his name?"


    Theo looked up and said, "His name is Byron Mcdaniel


    "Byron Mcdaniel... The receptionist''s expression swiftly changed. Isn''t it the president''s name? Is this kid their little prince?"


    The receptionist gasped and immediately said, "Hello, Mr. William Mcdaniel. I''ll bring you upstairs to look for Mr. Byron Mcdaniel now. Please follow me."


    Thank you, Miss, Theo said.


    The receptionist instantly felt her heart melt from Theo''s cuteness. Suppressing her excitement, she escorted Theo to the top floor via the dedicated elevator. After dropping him off, she could not resist taking out her phone and gossiping about it in the group chat, 2/3Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    [Shocking news! I ran into the little prince in the office today! His features are so refined and he looks like a mixed-race kid. His voice is also so sweet and tender.]


    [Hurry up and upload the photos! Don''t just get excited yourself


    [Warning! The Medaniel Group is not to be trilled with!].


    I don''t dare to take photos. When I looked at the little prince up close just now, I immediately felt that he''s the miniature version of Mr. Mcdaniel, except his eyes! The little prince''s eyes are round and cute! I guess he looks like his mother!] [You mean Miss Anderson? I remember she has single eyelids.]


    [This rumor has been outdated long ago. If Miss Anderson is the little prince''s biological mother, would she remain as Mr. Medamel''s fiancee?I


    The group chat was in full swing. Even the secretaries in the secretary''s office who received Theo secretly joined the group. They even confirmed that the little prince was exce

 Chapter 234

    Not long after, Byron left the conference room and turned to ask Archer about his next schedule. Archer immediately replied, "Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Be, who is in charge of the tropical park construction project, is waiting for you in the reception room. Also, your son is here.


    He is also in the reception room."


    "Will?" Byron raised his eyebrows. It was strange that he woulde there. ''Next time tell him to wait in my


    "Yes, duly noted, Sir." y office.


    In the reception room. Byron walked in and his gazended on a child sitting on the sofa. He was reading a book leisurely. He realized Byron was looking at him, but Theo was calm and did not panic.


    He came at the wrong time when his dad was busiest. So, he could only wait. Archer wanted to take "Will" and leave, but Byron stopped him "Let him stay." After all, he wouldn''t listen to anyone''s persuasion. "Yes, Sir Archer retreated to the side.


    Haley Be, on the other side, stood up and greeted Byron. "Good day, Mr. McDaniel. We''ve carefully polished our proposal for two weeks this time. I believe we won''t disappoint you this time."


    "Mr. Be, there''s no need to be so formal. Have a seat." Byron casually unbuttoned his suit and sat down. The joints on the back of his slender hand were well-defined, making him look sexy.


    Haley sat down and looked troubled when ncing at Theo. "Mr McDaniel, we''re going to talk about serious matters. I''m afraid it''s not proper to have a kid around..."


    "It''s fine. Let''s start, Byron raised his chin and interrupted. Haley had no choice but to ignore Will. He handed the proposal over with both hands and exined, "The theme of this tropical park is parent-child leisure, but it''s also suitable for the elderly. We''ve set up a few reconstruction projects in Area 2 so the elderly can roam easily


    In the end, Haley''s tone was excited. "I can guarantee you that with ourpany''s image, this project will be unprecedented and will satisfy you!"


    *P. Suddenly, a burst ofughter came from the side. It immediately attracted Byron and Haley''s attention.


    "What are youughing at?" Byron raised his eyebrows slightly and asked Theo..


    Theo was there to takeContent is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    in On Will for causing him to be spanked. Of course, he wanted his dad''s meeting to b chaos. He closed his book and said childishly. "There''s a problem with this project. If 1 invest in you, I think I''ll lose everything." Haley frowned. "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    At that moment, Byron nced at him coldly, and Haley felt a chill down his spine. He immediately swallowed the words he wanted to spit


    "I''m not spouting nonsense." Theo tilted his head. "Sir, you need to be honest. How can you use such a project that will fail to work? Are you trying to fool around?" Haley''s face was dark red. "You-"


    He was furious, but he heard Byron ask him, "What do you mean?"


    Haley held his breath. He couldn''t believe Byron would take advice from a child. Meanwhile, Theo swung his calves and said lightly. If I tell you, what''s in it for me?" Byron smirked. He couldn''t believe his kid was learning to negotiate. "So what do you want in return?"


    "Well, I haven''t thought about it yet. I''ll save it for another asion."


    Byron nodded slightly. "Well noted. After all, he sensed something fishy about the proposal but did not know what it was about. Perhaps Will could see something he missed.


    The corner of Haley''s mouth twitched. "Mr. McDaniel. This kid might not even be able toprehend what I said. Are you sure you want to take his advice?" He felt Byron deliberately made it difficult to halt or reject his proposal. ""Mr. Be, you


    project tot to create a parent-child amusement park, Don''t you think children''s opinions are relevant for this


    Haley could sense he was trying to defend the child. Hence, he became curious about what the child had to say.


    Byron turned to look at Theo with a gentle gaze. "Speak, don''t worry."


    Theo cleared his throat and jumped down from the sofa. He walked to the table and pointed at Haley''s proposal. Tve heard about a group of scammers overseas. In 2005, they used such a proposal to lure investors and stole billions of dors from a constructionpany, and the case has yet to be resolved."


    Theo paused briefly before adding. I''m not saying that your business proposal is the same as the one used to scam those poor investors, but I can''t help but notice several points that seem somewhat identical. How can I say so? Because your ideal of reconstructing theyout for the elderly sounds like an exact copy of the one used by those scammers."


    As he spoke. Theo waved his hands helplessly. "I have to say, whoever made this proposal has talent. People will say looks like a good investment, especially considering the humane side of it. It''s easy to fall into this trap.*


    this


    Byron was deep in his thought as he watched "Will" speak frankly and confidently without showing the slightest fear. Recently, he seemed to have acted strange. It was as if there were two people in his body. Sometimes, he was quiet and reserved. But other times, he became lively and mischievous,


    Beside Theo, Haley''s face was already red. "Impossible. Mr. McDaniel, there''s nothing wrong with our proposal. This little brat must have spoken nonsensel"


    "If I remember correctly, although there are no records on the Inte, bigpanies have the authority to ess it, right?" Theo reminded with a smile.


    Archer handed the tablet to Byron "Mr. McDaniel, I''ve found the article."


    Byron took it and read it a few times. His eyes were as cold and terrifying as a blizzard as he stared straight at Haley. "Yourpany does look legit."


    Haley tried to remain calm, but his lips trembled, and he could not speak.


    "Additionally, the park will be built on wends. That looks off. Don''t you think building an elder-friendly amusement park will be challenging with that terrain?" Theo added.


    Feeling provoked, the anger in Haley''s head exploded. He mmed the table and pointed at Theo. "Try saying another fucking nonsense. I dare you! Do you not-


    Haley immediately paused. He realized he had made a grave mistake. Meanwhile, when Archer saw Byron''s cold face, he immediately said, "Mr. Be, please speak to Mr. McDaniel''s sou respectfully. Do I have to remind you that you''re in the McDaniel Group, not yourpany?" His his son Haley''s body suddenly froze. His rationality returned to his mind. Looking at Byron''s bone-chilling face, cold sweat broke out on his forehead. As he spoke, he wanted to p himself, "M-Mr. McDaniel, I didn''t know he was your son. 1,"


    Immediately. Haley knew why Byron seemed protective of that child. He regretted not thinking abour this sooner. Meanwhile, Byron did not care about his apology at all. His lips inled coldly as he issued a death sentence. From now on,


    mypany will no longer cooperate with yours."


    Then, Byron turned at Archer. "Archer, send the guest out."


    Haley''s lips trembled and felt numb. "It''s over.

 Chapter 235

    3Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    235


    If Byron hadn''t noticed this, the corrupt Bet Company would''ve taken advantage and crushed him. Others sensed Byron was angry because of the information he heard from his son. But through Theo''s innocent eyes, he felt his dad was angry for almost being deceived. Theo loved to see his father furious. Seeing his father''s anger gave him a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction


    "Tell me, how did you know the proposal came from an international fraud case in 2005?" Byron asked casually. Although he had some points he didn''t understand, the exnation was sti passable.


    Tve read about it a long time ago. Theo didn''t lie to him. He liked to read all kinds of misceneous books. From astronomy and geography to strange stories, he had read a lot. He even learned to read a business proposal.


    "How do you know so many details if you read about this long ago?" Byron chuckled. "Don''t you only like to readics these days!"


    Those words instantly alerted Theo. He knew his dad asked it on purpose. If Theo hadn''t hacked into the manor''s surveince cameras and seen Will always read fiction, he would probably have fallen for it. The Great Demon King is indeed smart.


    "I prefer to read fiction, yes, but that doesn''t mean I don''t like other reading materials, Will replied without panicking. He also made a request. "Also, I helped you so much just now. Shouldn''t you thank me?" In any case, they looked the same. The Great Demon King knew nothing about this, so he shouldn''t suspected him.


    Byron dispelled his doubts and asked, "Oh, so you''ve found what do you want in return?"


    "I want to make sure, you''re saying I can have anything I want?" Will winked.


    Byron nodded. "Ask away."


    Will handed over his book and smiled. "I want the beautiful dresses in this catalog. I want one for every item.


    Byron''s gaze fell on the catalog, and the smile on his lips froze slightly. "What do you want the dress for?" "Wear it!"


    Byron''s face looked conflicted as he reminded, "Will, you realized you''re a boy, right?"


    "Can''t boys wear dresses too?"


    ""No, you can''t


    Theo fell onto the sofa and rolled around. I don''t care. I want those little dresses. I want to wear them every day from now on. I''ll make a scene if you refuse! Whatever the oue was, the one being embarrassed would be his brother, Will.


    Byron felt embarrassed over Will''s unreasonable behavior. It even supported his guess that he had dual personalities. In his usual self, he would lock himself in his room and refuse to eat or see anyone. So, Byron was caught off guard when "Will" suddenly requested a closet full of dresses,


    Byron frowned. A trace of suspicion shed across his eyes. He felt this change began after Will met Maeve.


    Although he had this guess, Byron did not show it on his face. He said calmly, "Okay, I''ll buy you those dresses." "Are you serious?" Will stopped rolling around. His eyes lit up. "Ilso want Barbie dolls, a cab full of them!" Byron pursed his lips in restraint. "Fine, I''ll buy them all."


    Theo looked satisfied. His eyes revealed a crafty joy. Although the result was obvious, he hoped his twin brother would like


    this gift.


    When the gifts arrived, Will looked angry. He didn''t understand where those dresses and Barbie dolls came from. He refused to let the butler put them into his room. But after knowing this was his father''s order, he immediately guessed it might be Theo''s doing. Dad will never give me these things for no reason. He must have done something!


    ¦°


    Meanwhile, Byron came out of the shower and changed his clothes. He raised his eyebrows when he saw Will standing at th door with an angry look. "What happened?" "Dad, I want you to return those things, Will said in a muilled voice.


    "Huh! Didn''t you insist on buying it today?"


    A faint blush appeared on Will''s face when he heard his father''s question. Theo must''ve done it on purpose. I don''t want those things!


    Unfortunately, Byron did not go along with him. "You have to be responsible for every word you say. Why are you changing your mind all of a sudden?"


    Will hesitated for a moment. "What if that guy isn''t trying to pull pranks on me? What if he''s truly into those things? Perhap it''ll be best to let him get away with it for now! "Okay, Dad." Will nodded.


    Byron nodded slightly and instructed the butler beside him, "Send those things to my son''s room."


    "Will do, Sir."


    "Will." Byron walked over, rubbed his hair gently, and asked in a low voice, "Have you been struggling with something recently? If you do, don''t hesitate to tell me."


    Will had some thoughts but decided not to tell Byron about his twin. He thought it would be best for Byron to find out about it alone Tm fine, Dad"


    Byron bummed softly with aplicated look. "Go to sleep."


    "Alright, good night, Dad." Will returned to his room and closed the door.


    Meanwhile, Byron looked at the closed door and turned to instruct the butler, "Get a psychiatrist toe over."


    "Yes, sir.


    The psychiatrist soon arrived and headed to Byron''s study. "Sir, you''re saying that your son has been experiencing mood swings and has be like another person from time to time?" He asked. Byron''s face froze slightly. "Yes, and it happens more than once. For example, he asked me to buy him dresses and dolls this morning. But just now, he said he wanted to rid those things." The psychiatrist thought briefly. "Has he done such a thing before?"


    "This is the first"


    Has he


    "Has he seen anyone or experienced a certain event worth noting recently?"


    After a long silence, Byron answered. He met his mother, and after that, he fell ill and called her mother even in huis sleep."


    "I see The psychiatrist nodded. ''Sir, it''s very likely that your son has a delusional disorder caused by a chronic Lack of motherly love. It''s his way of coping


    "Is it serious?"


    )


    "As far as I can tell, he might have mild autism. It will affect him in the long run," the psychiatrist exined. "My suggest is to solve this problem from the root and see if it will be effective." Byron narrowed his eyes. "You mean letting Will see his mother?"


    "Yes, as you know, children need maternal and paternal figures. Why don''t you give it a try?"


    The room was silent. Byron tapped his fingers lightly on the table. His face was t, and his eyes indicated he was deep in thoughts. "Do you have other suggestions, or is there no other way?" "Well, that''s all I can think of for now, I must observe your son''s condition before determining whether we have other options.


    "Got it, you may leave." "Yes, Sir."


    After the psychiatrist left, Byron propped his forehead with his arm. His gaze lowered as he signed the documents on the table. Will might only be going through a phase. Byron believed that one day, he''d figure out that his mother''s presence wasn''t necessary. ''But what if her presence necessary?'' Byron closed his eyes. His other arm had stopped signing, and the tip of his pen smudged a ball of ink on the paper.


    It was Valentine''s Day, one year after Byron and Maeve got married. Every year at this time, Maeve would be especially bus because many couples chose Valentine''s Day as their engagement day. Of course, she encountered annoying customers wh ordered dresses for the asion but heard they broke up one night before. She was busy that day and had no time to deal with trivial, unimportant matters.


    When Byron came to pick her up for lunch, Maeve looked at the calendar and remembered the day. She could not help bu feel quite excited. It was unexpected that The Great Deinon King could be so romantic. After all, she hadn''t heard anything from him until that afternoon.


    After the dishes were served, the waiter ced a bouquet of roses in the middle of the table. Maeve immediately smiled. "Sc you haven''t lost your charm? I thought you had forgotten about our annual celebration. They were both hustlers, after all.


    Maeve did not notice Byron''s puzzled look. Meanwhile, the waiter at the side looked awkward and exined. ''Every table has these flowers. Is it okay if I put this here?"


    As Maeve''s smile froze, Byron asked, "What are you dreaming about? You seem at a loss."


    Maeve was disappointed but remained optimistic. It was okay that there were no flowers. Perhaps there would be gifts hidden in a certain dish. But unfortunately, Maeve didn''t see it even after the meal. When she returned to the car, Maeve was extremely disappointed. She did not even know where they would go next.


    They arrived at their next destination at night. Maeve followed behind Byron silently and realized he had stopped in his tracks. He invited her to get into a hot air balloon. As they rose, he heard Byron''s low maic voice beside her, "Marve, look up."


    Maeve''s ears went numb, and she subconsciously did as he said, she saw several fireworks blooming in the night sky, outlining gorgeous rose patterns. She didn''t know how long the Breworks showsted and couldn''t count how many fireworks there were. However, thest to rise into the air was a silver rose.


    "Do you like it?" Byron held the back of her head with his palm and smiled faintly. "This is a rose that unly you you don''t have to envy others."


    7


    Maeve thought of how disappointed she was at the restaurant. He remembers


    "I love it!" Maeve said loudly in his ear. "I love this firework show, and I love you."


    Byron grabbed the back of her neck and slowly leaned towards her. His voice was low and deep. "I love you more.


    Hearing that, the love in Maeve''s heart sparked.

 Chapter 236

    881


    The phone on the table suddenly rang. Byron nced at the caller''s name and pursed his thin lips. "Hello?"


    "Byron, bring Will over for a meal this weekend. It''s been so long since you brought him here." Jason''s firm voice sounded.


    Byron said calmly, "If it''s just for a meal, I''ll bring him there when I have time."


    Jason felt something was wrong and asked, "Why? Are you afraid that I''ll bite him? He''s my grandson! Why do you think I have the heart to harm him?"


    "I''m not even thinking that far, why do you have to emphasize it Byron was frustrated.


    Jason snorted. "Then you have no problem, right? Then, bring him over."


    After hanging up. Byron rubbed his temples and was deep in his thoughts.


    At Dreamscape Studio, Maeve would never think that her clients would cancel her orders. She was told that her clients had found a better offer. This made her anxious and angry. She wanted to find the person or group who had stolen her clients. Two dayster, Betty told Maeve that the McDaniel Group had been sabotaging her business. Thepany listed her clients. and met them in person, offering a better deal. That was why her clients went back on their word at thest minute and avoided her. In Kleymond, the McDaniel Family was sitting firmly at the top of the pyramid. They were highly influential, and no one dared to offend them. With the McDaniel Family''s tant suppression, it would be a difficult task for Dreamscape Studio to thrive. Maeve was furious. After the divorce, they agreed they would at least leave each other with thest bit of dignity. At first, she felt Byron would go against his words. But out of her understanding of him, she did not jump to conclusions. But she had forgotten that four years could change a person.


    *Thank you for telling me this, Betty. I''ll treat you to a meal another day when you''re free. Maeve hung up the phone, picked up her bag, and headed out.


    Half an hourter, she walked into The McDaniel Group''s headquarters and exined her intentions to the receptionist.


    "I''m sorry, Miss. You have to make an appointment to see Mr. McDaniel. You can''t go up without an appointment," the receptionist rejected politely. "Then I''ll have to trouble you to make an appointment for me now. Maeve suppressed her anger.


    The receptionist suddenly raised her brow in surprise and greeted, "Wee, Mr. Bax


    Archer nodded. Then, he was very surprised to see Maeve. "Ms. Reese, are you here to look for Mr. McDaniel?" He felt something was off


    "Yes. Archer, can I trouble you to bring me up?" Maeve asked. "There''s something serious I need to talk with him."


    Archer hesitated for a moment. Logically speaking, he should not have decided on his own. However, when he thought of the banquet where Byron went to the changing room and came out with a bite mark on his lower lip, he guessed something must have happened. Additionally, Maeve was also upstairs at that time. So, it was obvious who did it.


    After weighing the pros and cons, Archer brought Maeve to the top floor. He wanted her to wait while he went to report. However, Maeve walked straight to Byron''s room and pushed the door open. She was about to re up when she saw the scene before her. 1/3


    00.88%


    Byron was sitting behind a marble desk with a sweet and yful young woman beside him. She ced a hand on his shoulder and acted intimately, Seeing Lynn pouting slightly, it was not difficult to guess what the two of them were doing just now. Maeve sneered in her heart. He had caused her studio to be in such a state, yet he was messing around with a skank in his office. Bastard!"


    Seeing Maeve wasing, Byron frowned slightly. He quietly swept Lynn''s hand away and asked, "What are you doing here!"


    "What am I doing?" Maeve scoffed. "After the shameless thing you''ve done, you should''ve seen thising. Why do you have to y stupid and ask why I''m here?" "Seriously, why do you barge into my office and provoke me for no reason? Maeve, haven''t you had enough?"


    "Haven''t I had enough? I should be the one asking that. Byron, I thought you were a gentleman. But I didn''t expect you to be a despicable person!" Maeve was so angry that her face turned dark red. She was frustrated that Byron would y dumb even after she exposed his dirty work


    "Ms. Reese, please calm down," Lynn advised gently. "You can''t solve this problem by barging in and yelling. Don''t you think you''re being impulsive right now?" It was her way of telling Maeve she was uncivilized. She wanted to embarrass her in front of Byron. Maeve''s lips twitched. I''m sorry, but who the hell gave you the right to talk?"


    Lynn looked at Byron pitifully. "Byron, I was just trying to ease the tension. Why does she have to speak that way? I have good intentions."


    Maeve was speechless. ''My goodness, she''s such a slut!''


    "Maeve, you need to watch your words," Byron warned coldly. "Who gave you the guts to point at my face and yell at me?"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Seeing he was defending Lynn, Maeve sneered. "After what you did, you''re lucky I didn''t throw hands at you! We''ve cleared our grudges four years ago. Neither of us owes the other anything. So, what right do you have to destroy the studio that I worked so hard to build? If you''re not satisfied with our closure, say it. Don''t you think it''s embarrassing to use such lousy methods?"


    ''Nobody owes anyone anything?"


    Recalling how stubborn and determined she was when she refused to keep the child, Byron''s face turned stiff. "Do you think


    we''re even? Dream on."


    Lynn''s eyes widened in surprise. Meanwhile, Maeve thought Byron had admitted and was disappointed. She looked at Lynn, standing beside him, and felt ironic.


    Then, Maeve suddenly realized something and looked at Lynn once more. She stood sideways, and the way she lowered her head and smiled was somewhat simr to her. Maeve''s body stiffened. She felt ridiculous thinking of what she did for him back then. This realization hit her like a garbage truck. Her healed scar was torn open again, and in an instant, blood flowed.


    Byron never treated her as someone special. Maeve was just another of Byron''s ythings. This was also the reason why he was so cruel to her at that moment.


    "Byron, knowing you will be my biggest regret,'' Maeve said coldly. She hid the self-mockery in her eyes and turned to leave. Meanwhile, Byron sat with a cold expression, indifferent to her words.


    "Byron, it seems Ms. Reese has a bad temper. I was scared of her Lynn said. "I think a girl should be more refined. How can she yell at people for no reason? Don''t you think the same thing? Momentster. Byron looked up. "Is that so? I don''t feel anything


    988


    Lynn bit her lip. "Aren''t you angry that she yelled at you? And by the way, why are you so fierce when I wanted to help you wipe your clothes just now?"


    Before Maeve came in, Lynn identally sshed coffee on Byron''s shirt. She wanted to help him clean, but he pushed her away and even gave her a cold face for the first time. She had always been pampered and could not tolerate rejection. "You can''t even pour a coffee. Don''t do it next time." Byron did not answer her question. Instead, he said. "This is apany, a ce to wor

 Chapter 237

    Lynn looked like she was about to cry. "I just want to help you. Why do you hate me so much?" "I''m not." Byron softened. "You can leave now. There are many important things I need to do." "Alright, but promise you''ll have dinner with me."


    "I willText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Only then did Lynn leave in satisfaction. Afterward, Byron lowered his gaze and slowly let go of the pen in his right hand. The pen fell on the table with a crisp sound as his eyes darkened. The pen was broken into two halves, and there were some scarlet blood stains on it. It was a shocking sight.


    After a long time. Byron raised his hand and pressed his office phone. "Find out who has been sabotaging Maeve''s studio recently. Give me an update as soon as possible."


    "Will do, Mr. Mcdaniel, Archer replied respectfully.


    Outside the building. Maeve walked to the side of the road. Suddenly, Lynn''s voice came from behind. "Ms. Reese, wait a


    moment.


    Maeve turned around annoyedly. "What is it this time?" ""Let''s talk."


    "We have nothing to talk about."


    "I know you hate me. After all, you''re Byron''s ex-wife. I know you can''t stand me, Lynn said with a smile. "But let me tell you this: The more hostile you are to me, the more Byron cares about me. Looking at it this way. I think you''re quite pitiful." Maeve looked unbothered. "Is that so? Well, I''ll take it that you''re right."


    "You''re still in love with him, aren''t you? Otherwise, you wouldn''t havee to look for him. However, let me be clear that you have no chance. He''s mine now!" Lynn said proudly.


    In the past, Maeve would probably argue with facts and evidence. After all, she would never steal other people''s men and wanted to keep her dignity. But after all the things she went through, she couldn''t be bothered to say a word. But on second thought... "You know what, Lynn? You''re right, he''s yours. Please keep him and his penis locked away from other people."


    Lynn chuckled. "Don''t worry. With me around, he won''t even look at people, let alone you."


    Maeve did not know who was hostile to whom. But at that moment, Lynn suddenly leaned back about to fall. Maeve thought she was trying to scam her. Countless scenes of being framed shed through her mind. So, she hurriedly grabbed her hand and pulled her back. A car happened to pass on the side of the road.


    Realizing how close she was to the car, Lynn''s face turned pale. She leaned against Maeve''s shoulder and looked limp as it about to faint. But Maeve immediately pushed her away. There are surveince cameras here. So, if you try to frame me. you''d better think carefully."


    Lynn shook her head. She grabbed Maeve''s cor and breathed heavily as if frightened. Maeve inadvertently nced at her Adam''s apple under her ror and frowned slightly. Hold on, why is his Adam''s apple looked prominent? Is Lynn


    Why did you use so much strength just now? Mynd is huging from your grip. Lynnined.


    Marve returned to her senses. When she heard this, she was instantly furious. "I shouldn''t have saved you just now. I


    III


    should''ve let you fall and turned into a meat pie on the road for passersby to admire!"


    Lynn was so disgusted by her description that she almost vomited while holding onto the road sign. Meanwhile, Marve stopped a taxi and went in immediately. She could not be bothered with that entitled little princess with a main character syndrome. Maeve was frustrated. At night, she called Bonnie and asked her out to a bar. It was Friday. She still had to apany Theo to the hospital on Saturday. So, she promised herself to have some restraint. In any case, she needed to wake up early.


    However, she was so frustrated. She promised she would only drink two sses, but the drink was so smooth. In the end, she lost track of how much alcohol she had drunk. It was Bonnie who carried her back to her apartment


    Theo ran out in his cow pajamas. When he saw Maeve drunk, he pouted, "Why does my mom look drunk? She''ll have a headache tomorrow."


    "Your mom is upset. Let her drink her stress out for once. She''ll be fine." Bonnie waved her hand. "Do you want me to stay and help you take care of her?"


    "No need. I can take care of her myself." Theo skillfully went to the kitchen to make hangover soup, then went to the bathroom to get two warm towels. He handed one to Bonnie and the other to Maeve to wipe her face, neck, and hands, Maeve hummedfortably and did not even want to open her eyes. Meanwhile, Bonnie held her towel and envious. She might be divorced, but at least she had her cute and considerate Theo.


    After drinking the hangover soup, Bonnie went home. Meanwhile, Maeve forced herself to wake up. When she saw Theo squatting by her side and staring at her, she smiled helplessly. "I''m fine. Go back to your room and sleep"


    Theo didn''t say anything. He puffed up his cheeks and continued to stare at his mother. Maeve immediately raised her hands in surrender. "Alright, I promise you that I won''t drink again"


    Maeve knew her alcohol tolerance was low. It had been a long time since she drank. But that night, she couldn''t help but drink to drown her sorrows. It''s all thanks to that bastard Byron


    Theo smiled when he heard her promise. He stretched out his hand and said. "Then let''s pinky swear!"


    Maeve made a pinky promise to him. Afterward, Theo returned to his room while Maeve fell onto her pillow and slept soundly.


    The clock on the wall ticked towards midnight. The door of the apartment opened, and warm light seeped in from the corridor, outlining a tall figure. His footsteps were unsteady, and the strong smell of alcohol lingered on his body. After he walked in, he first turned on the lights in the living room and walked towards the bathroom. After a while, the sound of water sshing could be heard.


    After leaving the bathroom, Byron sobered up a little. He casually put on a ck bathrobe and walked to the main bedroom. He woulde there every Friday to stay one night. It had be a habit that had been engraved in his bones for so many years. Even though he had drunk a little too much with Ray and his buddies, he did not forget to ask the driver to send him


    there.


    Marve''s yelling suddenly echoed in his mind. Byron pushed his hair to the back of his head in frustration, and his expression became cold. He knew he had to change this unnecessary habit. Just like their marriage had be a thing of the past, he needed to move on. He thought calmly. Then, he pushed open the main bedroom door and walked straight to the bed to lie down. In the silent darkness, Byron''s alcohol-paralyzed nerves gradually rxed. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.


    Suddenly, a soft and warm touch rolled into his arms. Next, a faint and familiar fragrance waited into his nose. It was the same scent that he had smelled on every lingering night four years ago. It tugged at his heartstrings. It was the main reason


    why he could calm down. But it was also his best aphrodisiac. That night, it was thetter.


    Maeve felt..


    she was in a furnace in her sleep. Her body felt as if heating up, and even the air she breathed became hot. Her skin began to be covered in a thinyer of sweat. She wanted to move, but her waist seemed to be held in ce by an iron w, and her limbs could not move. A pair of well-defined and slightly calloused hands cruised around her most sensitive area. It was as if she was familiar with every point that could make her melt and turn weak.


    0

 Chapter 238

    The next morning. Maeve was still hammered. She had to rely on her willpower to go to the hospital. Only then did Maeve barely open her eyes. But suddenly, the broken and blurry memories fromst night surged into her mind like a tide. The sensation of bodies intertwining, the ambiguous panting, the forehead that was pressed tightly against each other, and a cold but handsome face....


    Maeve''s face turnedpletely red. She wanted to bang her lead against the wall. What the hell am I thinking?"


    It was one thing to have a wet dream, but she couldn''t figure out why the man in her dreamst night was Byron. He was the reason she drank so muchst night. So, fantasizing about him in her sleep disgusted her. What kind of lousy dream was that? Gosh, if this continues, I might have to get my head checked.


    "Ouch!" Maeve stood up too quickly and felt difort from the lower part of her body. She grimaced and cried out in pain.


    Her cry


    woke


    up the man who was still asleep beside her. He slowly opened his eyes, and there was a trace of sleepiness in them. But soon, Maeve''s figure, her frowning, and confused expression came into view. Byron suddenly woke up. I was dreamingst night, right?" Maeve realized something was wrong. She thought of something but did not dare to confirm it. At least until her eyes met Byron''s.


    "What the hell?" Maeve shouted in horror. She retreated to the corner of her room and pointed at him with a trembling finger. "Why are you in my room? And why are you on my bed?"


    As it turned out,st night was not a dream. She was having sex with Byron. It was only yesterday that they had a heated argument, but they already sleeping together again in less than twelve hours...


    Byron stared at her face. She looked as if she had been bitten by a zombie and looked terrified of turning into one. "Let me ask you first. Since you live here, why didn''t you change the password?"


    "You''re ming me?" Maeve wrapped herself tightly with her nket and gritted her teeth. "This apartment is mine, and it''s not your goddamn business if I should change the password or not. Why do you care so much?"


    Suddenly, Maeve remembered something. "Don''t tell me you''ve been living in my apartment since I left the country?" Otherwise, he wouldn''t know her password and enter it so freely


    Byron cleared his throat. "Not every day, only on Fridays. At the same time, he didn''t expect Maeve to be willing to stay there. Given her attitude, he thought she''d rather sell the apartment than live in it. ''No wonder the bathroomyout changedst night He didn''t think too much about it because of the alcohol.


    1


    Byron rubbed his temples and said in a hoarse voice, "Maeve,u night was an ident."


    "ident? Gee, Mister, what a nice way of putting it!" Maeve''s face was red. "You''re trespassing on my property and I can stre you!"


    "What a sick bastard. He has a new fianc¨¦e, yet he still can''t control his dick? He didn''t even have the slightest bit of self-


    Byron did not know what Maeve was thinking. But when he heard the word "trespassing", his sharp eyes frowned. "I drankst night. Did you drink too?"


    ''Of course I did. I was drunk and sound asleep. Otherwise, I would have chased you out with a cleaver"


    "Since both of us were drunk and unconscious, how do you know that I was the one who vited you first and not you who took the initiative to mess around?" Byron asked


    Maeve was speechless.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    882


    "What the hell are you saying? Are you using me of shamelessly pestering you and asking you to top mest night?"


    Byron picked up a bathrobe at the side and slowly put it on. "If that was the case, so what? I''m a man. It''s no big deal for me to suffer a little. He made it look as if she had taken advantage of him.


    Maeve kicked him in frustration. "I didn''t. I slept so soundlyst night that even if aet hit the Earth, I wouldn''t wake up. How the hell did I have a moment to wake up and ask you to podal ne? You''re a man, yet you still want to shirk responsibility after doing such a thing. You should be ashamed of yourself!"


    As Maeve kicked him out, she suddenly felt a warm touch under her feet.


    Byron''s fingers pinched her fair feet. His gaze swept across a certain spot as he reminded calmly. "Are you sure you want to keep talking to me in such a manner? You''re the only one in this room showing too much, and you''re using me of touching you?" Maeve followed his gaze and realized she had moved too much just now. Most of the nket wrapped around her chest had fallen, and twin mountains came into view.


    She immediately retracted her foot. Her brain was about to be burned by anger. She grabbed a pillow beside her and threw it at Byron. "Get your perverted ass out of my room!"


    Byron retreated and put down a business card on the table. "If you wantpensation, you can look for me at any time." He raised his eyelids and looked straight at Maeve with his sharp eyes. "On ount that we were husband and wife in the past. I won''t let you suffer.


    Maeve grunted and shouted, "Get lost!"


    Byron turned around and left. A faint hint of red could be seen under his hair, but Maeve did not notice it.


    Soon, the door closed. Maeve was so angry that she punched her pillow several times. If she had known this would happen, she would not have drunk too muchst night.


    Is there something wrong with Byron? Hees to live in the house he had given away. Does he have nowhere to live? That doesn''t make sense. Howe the owner of The McDaniel Group bes homeless?"


    At least Maeve was fine. She would treat it as if she had been bitten by a dog. She took a deep breath andforted herself repeatedly. She took a few more deep breaths before lifting the nket and getting out of bed.


    However, her legs were so weak that she almost fell to her knees, Her waist felt like it was about to break. It was sore and painful. While trying to support herself by holding the bed''s headrest, Maeve cursed at Byron. She walked over and picked up the business card on the table.


    Huh? Is leaving a business card after one night stand a thing among people like him?


    Seeing Byron''s business card made her realize Byron didn''t be homeless. But after reading it, Maeve-noticed that Byron''s name was not written on it. Instead, she only found an address. Maeve sighed, crumpled it up, and threw it into the trash can.


    After washing up, she heard amotion outside the room. She thought about how Theo would usually wake up at this time, and when Byron went out just now, the two of them might very well meet. Thinking of this, Maeve''s heart was pounding as she hurriedly ran out of the room.


    09.20 Thu, Oct 31

 Chapter 239

    G


    881


    In the living room, Theo walked in with a paper bag of breakfast When he saw Maeve, he ran over and said childishly. "Mom, you''re awake. Come and have breakfast quickly!"


    Maeve did not see Byron anywhere and heaved a sigh of relief. Thank goodness he''s not here!"


    "Darling, did you go out just now?" Maeve asked.


    "I did." Theo replied. "You were drunk and didn''t eat muchst night. I figured you might be starving this morning, so I bought you oatmeal."


    Maeve was touched by how considerate Theo w


    She pecked on his cheek and sat down to eat breakfast.


    "By the way, I saw a man walking out from here just now. What happened? Theo tilted his head curiously. It was out of the ordinary that his cheap father would show up at such a time. Maeve choked on her oatmeal. She wiped her mouth with a tissue and asked, "Did he see you?"


    "No, he''s walking quite fast."


    However, that was not the case. Theo was short and had a paper bag to cover his face. So, Byron did not notice him.


    -


    That''s good." Maeve reminded him sternly, "He came to collect protection fees. He likes to kidnap children. If you meet him next time, run immediately. Do you understand? You''re my only son."


    Theo chuckled, thinking Maeve should''vee up with a better reason to fool him. He nodded regardless. "Got it. The next time I see him, I''ll call the police and get them to arrest him!" "That''s even better, Darling. I''m d you know what to do."


    Maeve and Theo were busy with their thoughts as they ate, pretending as if nothing had happened. Maeve stirred the oatmeal inside her bowl. Thinking about what had happenedst night gave her a headache that was worse than a hangover. She also had to go to the hospitalter. Damn it, Byron. You almost broke my hip. Has he run out of sex partners? She tried lo


    move on despite her body still aching and determined not to let such a thing happen again.


    After breakfast, Maeve packed up and prepared to take Theo to the hospital to see Gilbert. But before she left, she received call from her studio. A client wanted to get engaged and wished to talk to her.


    Maeve held the key to the fitting room and was put in a difficult position. Gilbert''s treatment had been set and could not be postponed. However, she couldn''t ignore a client. Especially since her studio was struggling financially.


    "Mom, don''t worry. You can drop me at the hospital before going to the studio. Theo patted the back of Maeve''s hand and said gently. "It''s not a big deal. I can handle it."


    "No, I''m worried about you going alone." Alexis and Jason were cunning. She didn''t want Theo to have a hard time when she was not around.


    "Mom, don''t worry." Theo patted her. "I''m capable of handling things on my own. If they n anything nasty, I guarantee I can outsmart them!"


    Maeve chuckled. That was true. With Theo''s shrewdness, he shouldn''t be easily cornered. Maeve was worried mainly because her head was in a mess.


    Half an hourter, Maeve sent Theo to the hospital. After reminding him to call her if there was anything, she drove to the studio. Theo immediately walked into the hospital, changed his appearance, and walked into the ward with his hands behind his back. Alexis and Jason were already there.


    III


    There was also someone sitting on the sofa. He was reading a book titled "Profound Meanings of Psychology'' in his hand. His dark hair fell gently under his eyebrows, and his face was soft. His lips were red, and his nose was straight. He looked quiet and beautiful. Theo''s eyebrows lit up. Isn''t he supposed to be my brother?


    "Dr. Chatterly, you''re finally here! Alexis stood up with a smile. Dr. Walker said that after thest medical treatment, his senses recovered. This is all thanks to you!"


    Theo nodded coldly. I''m d to hear that. I''ll give your father the same treatment shortly."


    "Okay, okay, okay. Thank you, Doctor, Chatterly! Alexis looked happy.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Will looked over and saw Theo''s face after changing his appearance. He also had his hands behind his back like an elder. For some reason, he sensed something fishy about that ''Doctor. He thought briefly and asked, "Do you have a medical license?" Alexis was stunned. This was the first time Will had taken the initiative to talk to someone. Usually, he ignored everyone except his family.


    When Theo heard this question, he reached out to his bag and took out several documents.


    "Hold on, I have several licenses. It''s troublesome to find it, Theo said, pretending to be troubled.


    When Will saw the pile of documents in his arms, he was puzzled. ''How old is he? Can such a young man obtain so many qualifications?''


    Soon, Theo found his medical permit and waved it before Will Look carefully. This is issued by the Erancia Royal Family


    Theo immediately put it back before Will could take a closer look. He did it on purpose.


    "Alright, I should get back to work. Kids shouldn''t cause trouble, Theo said to Will like an adult and walked in.


    Will found it funny. Aren''t you too young


    The treatmentsted more than ten minutes. The medical team had been recording by the side. When it was over, they immediately came over and asked Theo some questions. Theo didn''t hide anything and told them everything he knew. After answering their questions, Theo saw the quiet and steady Will standing beside Alexis. Theo rolled his eyes and said, "Ma''am, I have some advice.


    "Tell me, Dr. Chatterly."


    "My medical treatment stimtes Mr. McDaniel''s physical senses. However, there''s also a mental therapy that''s equally effective for the patient. Are you willing to give it a try?" Theo asked, pretending to be profound.


    Alexis and Jason looked at each other. "What do you want us to do, Dr, Chatterly?"


    "Well..." Theo looked around at them. "Who among you i


    is the old Mr. McDaniel loves most?"


    Of course, it had to be Will. Although he was born when Gilbert began to fall ill, he had been talking about wanting to have at great-grandson for a long time. Byron had already thought of a name for his future child even before he got married. Will inadvertently saw the sly look in Theo''s eyes and suddenly had a bad feeling. What is he up to?


    "What I need now is for the person Mr. McDaniel values most to say a few words beside him. I need them to do it daily. That way, it can stimte his mental activity, Theo added.


    Alexis turned around and asked Will softly, "Will, are you willing

 Chapter 240

    K


    "That''s all" Will looked puzzled because if that was the case, Gilbert would have woken up ages ago.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Theo affirmed, "This psychiatric treatment requires long-term persistence. Like I said, do it daily,"


    Will nodded and walked to the bedside. He ced his hand on the back of Gilbert''s hand and did as he was told. However, as he spoke, he felt something was wrong. Will felt as if someone was making a fool out of him.


    Theo looked serious on the surface, but he wasughing so hard in hi heart that he was almost out of breath. He was satisfied with being able to pull a prank on his brother without being discovered. He felt no one could ever outsmart him. "Hi, Grandpa, I''m your great-grandson, Will. Please, wake up" Will changed a few words without changing his expression and repeated it several times.


    Meanwhile, Theo pursed his lips. ''He''s quick on the uptake. This is getting boring!


    At that moment, Alexis suddenly raised her voice. "Is it just me, or did anyone see Dad move his fingers?"


    "What?" Jason and several doctors went forward to check. They noticed that Gilbert''s hand began to move slightly.


    Will could feel Gilbert''s hand begin to feel warm, and he felt the warmth flow from Gilbert''s palm to his heart. It was afortable feeling.


    Meanwhile, Alexis and Jason were overjoyed. ''Dr. Chatterly, is he about to wake up?"


    Theo checked Gilbert''s pulse and shook his head. "Not anytime soon, I''m afraid. Mr. McDaniel has been unconscious for too long. We need to be patient."


    "Regardless, this is a good sign. It means that the patient''s senses are gradually recovering. Moreover, this is only the second time you performed your treatment, Dr. Chatterly. This is a monumental achievement," An attending doctor praised. Alexis and Jason looked grateful. Thank you, Dr. Chatterly, We are grateful to have met you. Specifically, they were grateful they didn''t chase him away because of his age. Otherwise, Gilbert''s state would only get worse. Thinking of this, Alexis and Jason heaved a sigh of relief.


    Theo remained calm as he picked up his bag. "I should go back. Il return next week to give Mr. McDaniel another treatment. His attitude was cold, and he was unlike an ordinary child. He was even calmer than an adult.


    "Why are they giving a simr impression?" Alexis seemed to have sensed something as she looked at where Will was standing. "Could it be that geniuses had such a personality when they were young?"


    Before long. Theo had disappeared. Jason chased him and personally wanted to send him home, but he refused. Although Theo was young, he had his code of conduct. Those who treated Macve badly would be on his bad list. He would not even bother to look.


    When Theo passed by another ward, a hand suddenly pulled him in. A child about his height stood before him. Theo might have changed his appearance, but their eyes looked simr. Even with ayer of disguise, their resemnce was still obvious. Theo looked at him. "Why did you pull me over? I''ve already told you the specific steps of his recovery


    "Stop pretending" Will looked at him with his round eyes and added, "You''re my twin brother, right?"


    Theo was surprised but deliberately yed dumb. "What are you talking about? I don''t understand."


    "Stop pretending! Grandpa and Grandma didn''t say it, so how can you be sure that I''m the patient''s great-grandson? This can only mean that you already know who I am.


    Will added calmly, "Also, you''re so bad at changing your skin tone. I can see the color difference between the skin under


    1


    G


    your


    cor and your face. We must''ve shared the same


    skin


    §ä§à§á§Ö


    Damn it, how can he be so smart? Theo''s eyes lit up. He stopped pretending and said honestly, "That''s right, you''re right. To be able to


    guess who I am shows that you''re smart."


    Will said humbly. "Thank you, but as a note, your disguise has many ws."


    "Wait, if you know who I am, why didn''t you expose my identity to them?" Theo asked in confusion.


    A smile appeared on Will''s usually calm face. "In terms of blood rtions, the two of us are closer. Moreover, I''m the elder. brother and have the responsibility to protect my younger brother."


    Theo looked dissatisfied. "Who do you call ''younger brother? I''m the older one. I haven''t even acknowledged you yet!"


    Will was puzzled. "Weren''t you quite satisfied when you used my identity to ask Dad for dresses and dolls?"


    "But


    weren''t you happy eating the special muffins Mom usually made for me?" Theo retorted.


    The brothers fell silent at the same time. They shared the same traits, so there was no need to criticize each other.


    "Look, if you refuse to acknowledge me, that''s fine. But you can''t deny that we share the same blood. Will argued, "And we''ll know who the older brother is when you ask Mom."


    "I won''t ask her this question!" Theo frowned. "She''s crying for you every night. Now that she''s finally in a better state, I can''t bear to make her sad. He felt terrible whenever Maeve cried. Whenever Theo saw this, he wanted to destroy his dad. Will was stunned. His eyes filled with confusion. "Why? She was the one who... didn''t she refuse to have me?"


    "She would never abandon her child!" Theo was angry. "She was told that there was an ident during delivery and one of us didn''t make it. Moreover, bad people were chasing after her. She was afraid I would be snatched away by them, so she didn''t have time to go back to look for you."


    Will had envisioned many reasons why Maeve didn''t want him. He tried not to me her and assumed she had her reason. However, there was a trace of fear in his heart. Fear of rejection when he finally met with Maeve.


    It was only at that moment that the worry in Will''s heart was crushed by Theo''s words. His eyes reddened slightly. "So, Mom didn''t abandon me on purpose. She didn''t know I existed, right?


    Theo''s heart ached when he saw his brother. He reached out and patted his shoulder.


    "She thought you were no longer around. However, she always wanted to return to get her facts right. Did you know that every time she buys something for me, she buys double? She knows that the other one won''t be of use, but she still wants to buy it for you. If she doesn''t love you, why would she do this?"


    Hearing those words, Will''s emotional turbulence slowly calmed down. He asked, "But why did Mom run away from here? And who was the bad guy?"


    Theo grunted. "Of course, it''s your father!"


    *Dad?" Will was puzzled. "Dad wouldn''t do bad things to Mom. He would never! Was there a misunderstanding between them?"


    There''s no misunderstanding!" Theo rified, "Your father is a jerk whose only job is to make our mom sad!"


    Will corrected, "Yet he''s still your father. Your mom is also my mother."


    "I won''t acknowledge him as my father unless Mom agrees. Theo stood firm. "If you stand on his side and help him make things difficult for Mom, I won''t hold back, even if you''re my brother!"

 Chapter 241

    "If Daddy ever bullies Mommy. I''ll be on Mommy''s side. But we don''t know what happened back then, so it wouldn''t be right to rush to judge Daddy like this," Will said sternly. "Besides, we''re their children, and our main goal should be to support our parents rtionship


    and maintain a harmonious family. How can we just..."


    Theo''s head was buzzing, and he couldn''t stand listening to Will anymore. He quickly covered Will''s mouth with his hand. "Stop talking! Please, stop!" he pleaded. He thought, ''He''s like a little preacher! Always going on and on with his lectures!


    Will moved his hand away and said helplessly, "Alright, I''ll stop talking.


    Theo thought momentarily and said, "Will, I think your daddy definitely won''t let you return to our mommy. If he finds out about me, he might even try to take me away, too."


    "Why?" Will asked, frowning slightly.


    "It''s simple, Theo analyzed logically. "If he liked Mommy, why would he have separated from her in the first ce and forced her to leave? And don''t forget, your daddy currently has a fianc¨¦e!"


    Will


    exined. "There''s a reason for that. Daddy doesn''t like Miss Anderson."


    "No matter the reason, he can''t deny that he has a fianc¨¦e, can he?" Theo retorted.


    Will fell silent. He thought, Indeed, from Mommy''s perspective, this is where Daddy is wrong"


    "So, until we figure out what he did to Mommy back then, we need to keep our situation a secret, Theo added.


    Will felt that Byron might have his reasons, but Theo was right. They couldn''t reveal their situation yet. He thought, Daddy had a fianc¨¦e now and wouldn''t let me return to Mommy. And this would only hurt her more.


    "Okay, I know what to do," Will agreed. The two little ones reached a consensus and found each other much more agreeable.


    At Dreamscape Studio, Maeve ced the medicine she had just bought but hadn''t had a chance to take into her bag and then pushed the door open to enter.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ms. Reese, you''re finally back, Maeve''s assistant, Paige Sims, said as she walked over. ncing at the reception area, she lowered her voice and added, "That guest is the daughter of the Maycus Estate and a streamer. She does not seem easy to deal with; please be careful.


    Maeve nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Please bring two cups of coffee overter.


    "Will do," Paige said.


    Maeve walked into the reception area and saw a stylish girl in a red dress sitting on the sofa, taking pictures with her phone andughing. "Alright, I''ll help you evaluate how the royal designer measures up today and see if they''re good enough. There''s no need to s, I''m notcking," she said.


    Thements section was filled with colorful messages, mostly praising her, with only a few discussing Dreamscape Studio.


    -At that moment, Maeve''s figure unintentionally entered the frame, and thements suddenly went silent. The next


    second, thements section exploded with activity.


    Whoa! Who is thisdy? I need to know all her information within a minute!]


    [This figure and this face-what a waste if she doesn''t enter the entertainment industry! She''s as beautiful as a vibrant rose swaying in my heart!].


    18


    [The screen suddenly looks so dirty: I''m in awe!]


    At the same time, the number of viewers in the livestream was skyrocketing, approaching five million. The girl initially thought thementsplimented her, but when she realized they were praising Maeve, she suddenly felt annoyed She turned tosh out, saying, "I can''t believe you made me wait here so long just to- But before she could finish, she caught sight of Maeve''s appearance and immediately swallowed her words. She thought, "Whoa! What a beautifuldy! "Sorry for the dy; there was some traffic, Maeve said with a slight nod as she apologized. She then sat beside her and extended her hand, saying, "Hello, I''m Maeve Reese, the owner of Dreamscape Studio."


    The girl extended her hand to shake Maeve''s and blushed slightly. "H-Hello, I''m Gwynn Olson. I''m twenty-four years old. and I prefer women over men-


    Thements section erupted inughter. [Uh-oh, Gwynnie''s fangirl mode has been activated again!]


    [If it were me, I wouldn''t be able to handle it if a beautifuldy shook my hand!]


    [Gwynnie, snap out of it! How long are you going to hold onto the beautiful girl''s hand? Weren''t you here to cause trouble today?]


    Maeve couldn''t help but smile and said, "Your style is unique. You''ve added a personal touch to the ssic Chanel look. making it stand out. I can tell you must be someone who always keeps things special."


    Gwynn''s eyes lit up. "Exactly! I don''t like being the same as everyone else, but I also don''t want to be too out there:


    Then you could choose a romantic vintage style for your wedding dress. That would highlight your unique features, Marve said as she handed her iPad to Gwynn. Here are some of my previous works; take a look"


    Gwynn picked up the iPad, and after only a few glimpses, she was nearly entranced by the stunning golden wedding dresses that radiated a mythical allure. She had been seeking this distinctiveness-something that set her apart from everyone else.


    *I do like this style, but I don''t want to wear the same thing as everyone else," Gwynn said.


    Maeve smiled and said, "Of course! Our wedding dresses are custom-made, one-on-one, and each piece is unique. Just like every girl is one of a kind in this world."


    Thements section surged again. (I don''t want to be hooked by her either, but what can I do? She said I''m one of a kind!]


    [She is not only beautiful and sweet-sounding but also so articte! I''m tempted to order a wedding dress myself.]


    II just checked the prices on the official website-help! They are crazy thinking about money. A top-tier wedding dress costs six figures?]


    The price triggered a new wave ofments, with most peopleining that a wedding dress was worn only once, so there was no difference between paying six figures and being robbed.


    Caught up in their conversation, Maeve and Gwynn ignored the livestream. Gwynn suddenly recalled her intention about today and hurriedly stopped the conversation.


    She nced at thements and asked Marve, on behalf of the fans, "Isn''t the price for your custom wedding dresses a bit inted? The most renowned luxury brand, Eternal Hope, customizes wedding dresses for about the same price." Dreamscape may not have had the same reputation as Eternal Hope, yet its prices wereparable, which seemed


    excessive.


    This is because our wedding dresses are handcrafted, and the patterns are made with crewelwork, making them highly collectible, Maeve said with a smile. I assure you that, apart from Dreamscape, no otherpany currently uses crewelwork for wedding dresses."


    While some attempted to imitate her, none captured the essence, resembling a poor imitation. It was her advantage and one of her trump cards.


    Gwynn initially thought the patterns on the wedding dress were beautiful, but she was astonished by how stunning they appeared when erged. Her grandmother owned a treasured piece of embroidery featuring butterfly and peony designs, valued at over million dors, and she was never allowed to touch it. Yet, a wedding dress made with crewelwork only costs six figures.


    She pondered. Goodness, what a surprising turn of events!

 Chapter 242

    Maeve observed that Gwynn seemed uncertain, but she kept ncing at her phone''s camera, possibly reacting toments from the livestream audience, which caused her to hesitate. After considering for a moment, Maeve proposed that they visit the sample room, but with the condition that no filming was permitted.


    The fans were quite displeased that Gwynn had left them behind and eagerly awaited their return. Half an hourter, Maeve and Gwynn returned to the reception room, where they immediately signed the contract.


    After Gwynn paid the deposit and saw her fans''ments on the screen, she deliberately said to Maeve, "Ms. Reese, if the finished wedding dress doesn''t meet my expectations, I''ll expose your studio online.


    "Don''t worry, Miss Olson, Maeve said with a smile. "Dreamscape always strives for perfection. In a week, you and your fianc¨¦ are wee toe and see the production process. It''s more meaningful when both partners are involved in something like this.


    Gwynn felt a little moved. Her fianc¨¦ had been so busytely that he barely had any time for her, but because she loved him. she neverined about it, even when she felt hurt. She was pleased that Maeve had given her a perfect excuse to involve him


    "Alright, I will Thank you. Gwynn replied.


    After seeing Gwynn off, Maeve noticed a tall man in a silver-gray double-breasted trench coat walking toward her from the elevator. He wore sunsses, and his naturally upturned lips hinted at a faint, ambiguous smile, giving him a somewhat enigmatic air. Maeve caught a whiff of a medicinal scent emanating from him which seemed to seep deep into his presence. The scent felt oddly familiar like she had encountered it somewhere before.


    "Ms. Reese, long time no see, the man said in a familiar, teasing tone. Thest time we met was four years ago?"


    Maeve''s eyes showed a hint of confusion. "And you are?" she asked


    The man raised an eyebrow. "Tm Neville Mcdaniel. You haven''t forgotten me, have you, Ms. Reeser


    "Neville Mcdaniel? Maeve recalled some information about him but remained puzzled. "It seems we aren''t acquainted, so why would I need to remember you?"


    "You''re still as guarded with me as before. Neville chuckled. "Considering you''ve divorced Byron, it doesn''t seem necessary. does it? After all, I''m here to help you today." "Help me? What do you mean?" she asked.


    "Your studio has been under pressuretely, with designers leaving, and you barely manage basic operations. This is thanks to the Mcdaniel Group, isn''t it?" Neville replied. Maeve grew wary and thought, ''How does he know about all this


    "So what if it''s true? What are you trying to say?" she asked.


    Neville took a few steps closer, positioning himself sideways to Maeve, and smiled as he said, "Since we have amon enemy, why not join forces?"


    "Are you kidding? Why would I want to partner with you?" Maeve asked.


    "Well... what if I told you that at the time of Mr. Mcdaniel''s harm, besides you, there was another suspect present?"


    Maeve was stunned. How do you know this? Who is that person


    09.21 Thu, Oct 31


    D


    88


    ¦°


    Neville chuckled, not bothering to keep the suspense. "She''s a fool, someone, even the Mcdaniel family''s servants can push around. On the day Mr. Mcdaniel was harmed, she was hiding under the bed, fast asleep"Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve immediately thought of that foolish girl. Four years ago, when Alexis had confined her, the girl was starving, and Maeve had secretly brought her chocte to help her get by. She thought, ''But if she was there, then why wasn''t she discovered? And.'' "How do I know if what you''re saying is true?" Maeve looked at Neville thoughtfully.


    She thought. He seems to know everything about the Mcdaniel family.


    Neville shrugged. I''ve shown my sincerity, Ms. Reese. Whether you choose to believe me is no longer my concern. However..." He handed her a business card and said meaningfully, "If you decide to consider partnering with me, I''m always open to it." Maeve held the business card tightly, feeling unsettled. Every time Neville appeared, it gave her a jarring feeling. It was true four years ago, and she still felt that way. She couldn''t shake the impression that he was pretty strange.


    Even though he smelled of medicine and looked like he was gravely ill, giving off an impression of being no threat, there was an instinctive fear he evoked. Moreover, he was skilled at psychological games. The leverage he presented struck Maeve''s soft spot, making it impossible for her to ignore him:


    If that foolish girl had witnessed something, she would have been the most vital witness in clearing Maeve''s name. The problem was that she could no longer ess the Mcdaniel family estate.


    Around four o''clock, Maeve left the studio early, nning to pick up Theo from the sanatorium. Exiting themercial building, she spotted a ck Spyker parked by the roadside, seemingly waiting for someone. The license te was shy, with thest digit being 9, making it easy to identify the owner.


    There was no one else but the man standing at the pinnacle of power in Kleymond. He was thest person Maeve wanted to


    wa see right now. She nodded and intended to walk away, but the car''s rear window slowly rolled down at that moment, revealing an exceptionally handsome face.


    "Maeve, get in the car," he said.


    Maeve pretended not to hear and continued walking.


    "Or do you want to discuss this morning''s matter out here? The man''s low, threatening voice instantly made Maeve stop. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she turned around and walked back. She opened the car door and sat down, mming it shut with a thud. Tm in a hurry for a date and don''t have time to waste on you, so just say what you need to say." Maeve said, crossing her arms with a cold expression


    Byron nced at her defensive posture and scoffed quietly. "No need to lie without a script; Jaylen was abroad."


    Maeve lifted her chin defiantly. "You underestimate me. Just because he''s not here doesn''t mean I don''t have other options for a date," she replied, her tone reminiscent of a yboy.


    "It seems your value has gone up since the divorce, and you have quite a few men aretind you," Byron said, narrowing his


    eyes.


    "Just average. The main thing is that I''ve opened my eyes and won''t keep making the same mistake," Maeve replied.


    "If your eyesight is poor, you might still make the same mistake, which suggests your vision is based on luck," he remarked.


    Maeve''s lips twitched. "Do you think I''mplimenting you?"


    Byron raised an eyebrow slightly. "Isn''t it?"


    3


    "Did you call me here just to argue with me?" Maeve asked


    "Don''t underestimate me. Byron said, picking up the file folder on the table and mocking her. "You can''t even figure out who''s been undermining you, yet you dare to provoke me at thepany?"


    Just as Maeve was about to retort, her phone suddenly rang. She opened her bag, took out the phone, and saw it was a call from Theo. Cautiously ncing at Byron beside her, she covered the receiver and answered, "Sweetie. I''m on my way, wait for me!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, her phone slipped from her hand andnded in Byron''s grasp. "What are you doing!" Maeve eximed, immediately lunging forward to grab it back


    Byron held the phone high with one hand while using the other to press down on her shoulder, stopping her movements. He quickly nced at the contact name: [Sweet

 Chapter 243

    A deep chill shed in Byron''s eyes, and his expression grew even colder. "Does Jaylen know you have so many men around you?


    Maeve red at him fiercely. "What does this have to do with you? Give me my phone back!" She feared that Theo, off the other end, might speak up and inadvertently expose her. Fortunately, he was quick-witted; he immediately hung up the call upon hearing her voice. Maeve heaved a sigh of relief as she struggled to snatch her phone back, but unexpectedly, her bag slipped from herp, and its contents spilled everywhere. The box of birth control pills, bought from the pharmacy, was particrly conspicuous. she reached to pick it up. Byron moved faster, grabbing the box before she could.


    As


    As


    Byron nced at the words on the box. Instantly, the car''s heating seemed to malfunction, and the temperature dropped to freezing.


    A chill crept up Maeve''s neck, instinctively causing her to shrink back. She reached out to snatch the box of pills from his hand, but before she could react, it flew past her andnded squarely in the trash can.


    Byron''s voice, sharp and chilling, followed immediately. "Maeve Reese, get out"


    Maeve was nearly beside herself with rage. She thought, "You throw away my pills and then tell me to leave? Is there no justice in this world?"


    But if she picked the pills up now, it would only make her look inferior, losing face. "Byron Mcdaniel, I wish you all the luck in the world, and may you be surrounded by happiness!"


    After angrily uttering those words, Maeve exited the car and stoned toward the parking lot. Walking halfway, she suddenly remembered that Byron wanted to give her something. However, her anger made her dismiss the thought entirely.


    Byron''s expression darkened; it seemed like it could drip with ess. He tossed the folder containing the investigation materials straight into the trash can.


    In the end, Maeve repurchased the medication. Four years ago, doctor had told her that her body made it very difficult to conceive, giving her only a one percent chance of having twins. Despite the odds, she still felt worried. She didn''t want to be connected to Byron any longer.


    She couldn''t forget how he had mistrusted her four years ago, leaving her trapped in a dark and lonely detention center until hiswyer forced her to divorce him. She also remembered how he had pressured her into having an abortion. Not a single detail slipped from her mind; she knew she would never forget. Once she uncovered the truth behind Gilbert''s harm and proved her innocence, she could finally cut all ties with him.


    In the following days, Maeve didn''t reencounter Byron. While the ordersing into the studio weren''t as plentiful as at the start, they were sufficient for operations to continue smoothly.


    With Gwynn''s wedding dress designed by her, Maeve finalized the design and began the production process. Amidst her busy schedule, she finally found an opportunity she had been waiting for to enter the Mcdaniel family without raising any suspicion. She disguised herself as a maid on Saturday night and quietly slipped into the mansion.


    Meanwhile, in the dining room. Byron had little appetite that evening and barely touched his fork. Beside him, Will only managed to eat a small bowl of cereal, pausing his meal in the heavy, unusual silence surrounding the adults.


    "Why aren''t you eating, Will?" Alexis asked. "You''re at that age where you need to eat more to grow taller. Would you like


    hu, Oct 31


    Grandma to get you another bowl of cereal?"


    Will shook his head slightly. "Thank you, Grandma, but I''m full already. Please enjoy your meal."


    88%.


    Alexis looked at him, feeling an overwhelming sense of fondness. They could only raise such a thoughtful, obedient, and well-mannered child in their family. Other families must be envious of them.


    The silent Jason nced at Alexis. She nodded and approached Will, saying, "Grandma has prepared a gift for you. Would you like toe with me and see it?"


    Will nced at Byron, saw no objection from him, and nodded, "Okay"


    After both had left, Jason said, "You''ve been dragging out your marriage with Lynn for so long. When do you n to give herText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Byron responded with a casual demeanor, "An answer?"


    and


    and you still you and


    "You''re u''re not a kid anymore, and with a child of your own, what do you think will happen when Will grows up: haven''t married?"-Jason said sternly. "People will talk behind your back, iming that Will is the illegitimate child of y some unknown woman." "You''re overthinking it," Byron said as he set down his wine ss, a smug smile curling at the corners of his lips. "Who would dare to talk about my son?"


    There will always be whispers behind closed doors. Lynn''s background is more than suitable for you, and she treats Will as her own without a hint of neglect. There''s a good dateing up early next month; you should finalize the wedding then" Perhaps used to giving orders at thepany, Jason spoke to Byron sternly as if it were just another task on his agenda. Byron furrowed his brow, his voice growing cold. "I believe I''ve made it clear repeatedly not to interfere in my personal affairs."


    "Are you nning to leave Lynn hanging indefinitely?" Jason''s expression darkened. "Even if you don''t care about Lynn, you should consider yourself. Don''t tell me you intend to stay single for life! "You!" "I do have that thought in mind," Byron said. You!" Jason


    mmed the table in frustration. "Do you even know what you''re saying? Byron Mcdaniel, your marriage is not just a personal matter; the interests and honor of the entire family rest on your shoulders! How can I feel secure in handing over the Mcdaniel Group to you like this? Byron scoffed softly. "Unless you can remove me from my current position, you''ll have to deal with it yourself."


    Jason''s face turned ashen. Just then, Byron caught a glimpse of a familiar figure passing by the door, and his gaze faltered. How could she be here?" he thought. "Byron Mcdaniel, do you think I can''t do anything about you just because you have the upper hand at thepany now? Jason warned darkly.


    "Feel free to try," Byron replied, adjusting his cuff with a sharp gaze. "Besides, you asked roe to get engaged to Lynn. I''ve done that, so what else could you possibly be dissatisfied with?" With that, he stood up and strode out of the dining room Jason was furious and frustrated, throwing the ss cup beside an against the wall. He had asked Byron to get engaged to Lynn, but he hadn''t intended for him to remain in a perpetual state of engagement. That ungrateful son!'' he thought. Maeve, dressed in a maid''s uniform, moved carefully along the wall upstairs. She had no idea which room the girl was in, so she had to check each one.


    However, ever since the incident involving Gilbert, the Mcdaniel family''s surveince had significantly increased, and she had to be very careful to avoid being caught on camera. When she reached the second floor, Maeve pushed open the door


    of one of the bedrooms and heard muffled voicesing from inside.


    She peered inside and saw two people sitting on the sofa. To her surprise, one of them was Alexis


    88


    Maeve inwardly cursed herself for her bad luck. Just as she was about to pull back, she froze upon seeing the small figure beside Alexis. Her heart tightened inexplicably, a subtle pain coursing through her. She thought, What''s wrong with me?"

 Chapter 244

    "Will, when your mommy and daddy have their wedding, would you be their ring bearer?" Alexis gently encouraged him. "You look so handsome and make a wonderful ring bearer.


    Hearing this, Maeve suddenly jolted awake, realizing that the boy was the child of Byron and Lynn. A pang of bitterness welled up inside her. The child looked about the same age as Theo, meaning Lynn had be pregnant soon after her divorce from Byron. She thought, "Wow, that''s quite a seamless transition! Maeve quietly stepped back, suppressing the indescribable emotions within her, and continued searching in the other rooms.


    As she walked away, Will''s serious voice came from the sofa. "I have my mommy. I don''t need anyone else to be my mom."


    Alexis chuckled. "You''re still young and don''t understand our adults'' struggles. Having Miss Anderson as your mommy is for your good."


    "Isn''t the premise-of doing something good for me asking what I want first?" Will was confused. "Otherwise, it seems like you''re satisfying your desires as adults." Alexis was momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond. She suddenly felt that having such a clever be entirely a good thing; he was even hard to persuade. child might not


    Over there. Will emerged victorious, while Maeve exited thest bedroom on the third floor and unexpectedly bumped into Byron, nearly shocking her. Fortunately, she remembered that she had changed her appearance, and Maeve quicklyposed herself, bowing her head to greet him calmly and exining that she was there to clean.


    Seeing that Byron hadn''t responded and seemed not to recognize her, she heaved a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to turn and leave, he suddenly said, "Clean my room."


    Maeve felt relieved that she had brought cleaning supplies to avoid arousing suspicion; otherwise, she would have been exposed. Taking a deep breath, she respectfully replied, "Alright


    Byron nodded and walked toward his room. Maeve followed him, and as soon as she stepped in, she noticed that the decor was just as it had been four years ago, stirring a wave of nostalgia within her. To this day, she can vividly recall the scenes of celebrations in that room. However, New Year''s Eve wasn''t over yet, and everything felt like a dream, shattered utterly. Returning here once more, saying her heart remained unaffected would be a lie.


    "What are you standing there for?" Byron casually shrugged off his suit jacket and sat on the sofa, elegantly crossing his long. Jegs. "Get started."


    "Alright Maeve resignedly began cleaning.


    The room wasrge, making the cleaning quitebor-intensive But Maeve had no choice but to endure it. She was already on the third floor, and with the fourth and fifth floors still left to check, she couldn''t afford to give up.


    As Maeve cleaned with her back to the sofa, she didn''t notice that Byron''s gaze was fixed on her, carrying a hint of curiosity.


    "Could you please lift your feet?" Maeve quietly asked Byron as she brought the vacuum cleaner to the sofa.


    Byron reinained still. Maeve frowned and looked up, unexpectedly locking eyes with his dark, piercing guze that seemed capable of seeing right through her.


    She tightened her grip on the vacuum cleaner, and the unease in her heart nudged her to remind him again. "Please- Before she could finish, her wrist was caught, and she fell into a warm, spacious embrace,


    000


    88%=


    Maeve stared 111 shock, her mouth agape as she pressed against his chest, trying to rise but realizing she couldn''t move. "Mr. Mediel, please show some respect!" she said, struggling to keep her anger in check. I''m a servant of the Mcdaniel family. not your lover!" Since you''re a servant of the Medaniel family, which means you''re mine," Byron said casually, his long arm wrapped around her slender waist, holding her in ce. "Show what respect?"


    She cursed inwardly, "Bastard! Can''t be control himself around woman? Not even the family maid is safe! Why isn''t he dead yet?" Maeve was seething with anger, but fearing he might notice, she dared not show it. Instead, she put on a pitiful expression


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, I have dependents to care for, including an eighty-year-old elderly person in my family. Could you please let me go!" she fabricated, sounding quite convincing.


    Byron''s deep eyes narrowed slightly as his fingers toyed with the delicate bow on her uniform, a fragile knot that could be easily pulled apart. Maeve''s pitiful appearance only intensified his desire to disrupt herposure.


    "Since it''s so difficult, why not juste with me?" he asked casually.


    Maeve gritted her teeth and replied, "You have such a prestigious status; how could a mere maid like me possibly be worthy of you? I would feel utterly ashamed!"


    That''s your problem, he replied.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve was speechless; she cursed inwardly, ''Damn it. Maeve felt her head nearly explode with frustration. She mustered all her strength and headbutted him, hoping to make a run for it while he loosened his grip. Unfortunately, she was still a moment too slow. A powerful force gripped her waist, pinning her back against the sofa. The tables had turned: Byron was above her, and she was below. The precarious position filled Maeve with a deep sense of foreboding-


    "Maeve Reese, are you done?" Byron''s voice was low and icy. "Dont think I won''t recognize you just because you''ve made yourself look like this."


    Maeve was shocked, and her eyes widened uncontrobly. She thought, ''Impossible! How does he know it''s me? Is he trying


    to trick me?


    Holding onto a glimmer of hope, Maeve steadied her voice. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you''ve got the wrong person. My name isn''t Maeve Reese; look at my ID badge..."


    "Still pretending?" Byron scoffed, his rough fingertips tracing her cheek, unable to sense any signs of her disguise.


    Maeve felt satisfied; he couldn''t prove anything without peeling off her disguise. However, she underestimated just how far he was willing to go.


    Byron''s gaze traveled over her figure wrapped in the uniform, h long fingers sliding down to rest on the bow at her cor. He spoke in a low, mocking tone, "You can disguise your face, but what about your body?" She thought, "What does he mean?


    Before Marve could grasp the deeper meaning behind his words, he tore the bow at her cor loose; the ties from her corbone to her waist came undone, exposing a patch of beautiful skin.


    Byron''s palin pressed down, not too hard but firmly on her most vulnerable spot. Ele lifted his gaze slightly, looking at her with a mocking expression "What''s wrong? Do you want me to continue?" Maeve''s face turned so red it felt like it could bleed. "You bastard"


    "Tm the bastard Byron said, his expression unchanged as he cally replied, "There are worse bastards out there, just bear


    GG


    §±


    with it." As he finished speaking, Maeve''s skirt was lifted.


    The familiar y


    yet strange sensation slithered over her skin like a serpent determined to consume its prey. Maeve couldn''t hold back any longer. "Byron Mcdaniel, are you even human? You''dy your hands on your maid? Are you that desperate?" At her words, Byron sneered. "Are you my family''s maid?"


    Maeve bit her lip. "You''ve known it was me all along, haven''t you? Is it really that entertaining for you to toy with me?"


    "Disguising yourself as a maid to sneak into my home, what do you want?" Byron asked.


    "L... Maeve stammered, struggling toe up with a reason for a long moment.


    She had discovered that Byron rarely returned to the Mcdaniel family, maybe only two times a month, so she never considered the possibility of running into him. Little did she know she would end up facing this one-in-a-million chance.

 Chapter 245

    "Well?" Byron lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze directly.


    Maeve steeled herself and boldly said, I came to find that somewhat silly girl. I feared you wouldn''t let me in, so I dressed a little. Is that so wrong?"


    Byron sized her up. "You call this a little bit of dressing up?"


    Her face was caked with makeup, and her features were so altered that there was hardly a trace of her original self. She resembled a t painting with no distinct characteristics. Perhaps he should alsopliment her on her skillful artistry. Maeve held her head high and stayed silent.


    "What do you want with her?" Byron asked again.


    Maeve bit her lip and remained silent. He was convinced she was responsible for hurting Gilbert, and if he knew her true intentions for being there, he would likely chase her out on the spot.


    "Not going to say anything?" Byron narrowed his eyes dangerously. "Should I have someone chase you out right now?"


    "Don''t!" Maeve quickly grabbed his arm, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door. "Daddy, can Ie in?" A soft yetposed child''s voice came from outside.


    Maeve was overjoyed as she whispered urgently to Byron, "Your son is here! Hurry up and let me go!"


    Byron nced at her and then casually said, "Come in.


    Maeve froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. She thought, Is he out of his mind? Doesn''t he care about being misunderstood by his son?''


    Will pushed the door open and, seeing Byron leaning against the corner of the sofa awkwardly, asked curiously, "Daddy, are you not feeling well?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Hearing the sweet voice so close, Maeve felt a rush of panic. She kept shooting Byron desperate looks, silently urging him not to do anything reckless. She thought, "If his son sees us, what will that make us? Caught in the act of cheating? He might not care, but I still dol


    Byron ignored her warning gaze and replied to Will in a low voice, I might have a cold. You can say what you need from there; there''s no need toe closer."


    "Okay." Will thought Byron didn''t want to spread germs, so he obediently stayed where he was.


    "Daddy, I want to talk to you about some things between men," Will said,


    "What?" It was amusing that Will addressed himself as a man at ch a young age.


    "I believe that as a man, one must not only shoulder the responsibility of providing for the family but also harbor ambitions and ideals. Pursuing one''s career should be a lifelong goal, and dhe must strive with all their might to achieve it," Will said slowly. While subtly adjusting Mueve''s skirt, Byron replied, "That''s true I''m delighted to see you thinking like this."


    Lying beneath him, unable to move, Maeve rolled her eyes, feeling a wave of bitterness rise in her heart. Both were his sons, yes her child, Theo, along with the one she had yet to give birth to, faced his strong rejection, even to the point of pressuring her to terminate the pregnancy. In contrast, Lynn''s son received all his tenderness and affection


    Strangely, while Maeve felt resentment and even hatred toward Byron, she couldn''t muster any dislike for the child whose voice she could only hear. Perhaps it was because the child''s voice slightly resembled Theo''s that softened her heart.


    While Maeve was lost in thought, Will delivered a lengthy speech arguing that "men should focus on their careers." Byron''s brow twitched as he asked Will, "Alright, what exactly do you want to talk to me about?"


    With a serious expression. Will concluded, ''Daddy, I believe that men who get married before the age of forty are disrespecting their careers. What do you think?


    No wonder there was so much buildup; he was setting a trap for him. Byron nced at the indignant Maeve and replied cryptically. "Tm afraid I can''t agree.


    "Why?" Will frowned, wondering if Byron intended to marry Lym


    "Because... Byron hadn''t finished speaking when his brows suddenly furrowed. Macve bit down on his palm, a mix of frustration and provocation.


    Byron remained unfazed, not even pulling his hand back as he pressed down on her full lower lip, giving it a firm rub. His action carried a hint of teasing.


    Marve felt her ears flush with embarrassment, thinking. This bastard!''


    After punishing Maeve. Byron finally turned his gaze to Will, who was quietly standing. "As for the conditions mentioned, Daddy has already met them." His current status of the Mcdaniel Group served as the best proof.


    Will pouted slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing his fair face. He wondered, "Is Daddy still intended to marry Miss Anderson?


    "Do you have any other questions?" Byron asked again.


    "Nothing more, donor," Will said tly, his round eyes reflecting an air of calm indifference as if he saw through everything. I''m going to meditate now. Goodbye."


    Byron was speechless about Will''s behavior.


    Maeve initially thought Will was the privileged child raised with strict discipline, serious yet slightly old-fashioned. However, when he referred to Byron as a "donor," she had to pinch her thigh hard to keep fromughing. She didn''t want to find it funny, but it struck her as hrious.


    Byron saw her struggling to hold backughter and asked casually, "Is my son adorable?"


    Maeve''s smile faded as she retorted, "He''s your


    your son, so whether he''s adorable or not has nothing to do with me. He''s not my


    Byron''s lips curved slightly, the words "he''s your son" hanging unspoken. He lowered his voice and asked, "Maeve, do you regret it? If it weren''t for your stubbornness back then, we wouldn''t have ended up like this." Maeve''s heart clenched, and her bright eyes sparkled with sarcain. I truly regret it. I regret not running far enough back then so that you would never be able to lind me."


    If it hadn''t been for him, she wouldn''t have had the heart to leave that child behind in the hospital. She wouldn''t have allowed him to be left without a final ce to call home. But at least she had managed to keep Theo safe. Byron''s expression grew increasingly icy. Maeve indeed showed no signs of remorse. "Then why did youe back?" he asked, his voice chulling


    "This has nothing to do with you, does it? Marve raised her chi overstepping your bounds? Or do you want to be one of the me


    defiantly. "As my ex-husband, don''t you think you''re in my life?"


    111


    1. BB.


    Byron tightened his grip around her waist suddenly, his deep eyes reflecting a chilling intensity. "Do you think I''m that easy to please! A selfish, vain, and pretentious woman like you wouldn''t even be worthy of carrying my shoes. Then may I ask what you were just doing? Maeve retorted sarcastically. "Sneaking around with me, a vain and selfish woman, right in front of your son? I didn''t realize you were so discerning


    Byron snorted. After indulging in rich foods, one asionally craves something light to cleanse the pte. Is that so wrong? Besides, aren''t you the one lying beneath me, at any mercy, while sneaking around behind your fiance''s back?" As Byron''sst words hung in the air, a surge of humiliation overwhelmed Maeve. In a fit of anger, she bit down fiercely on the finger he had pressed against her lower lip, wishing

 Chapter 246

    voked by her one too many times-did she think he was that easy to push around? He grasped Maeve''s cheeks, forcing her to release her tight-lipped defiance, and then leaned in to im her lips with a kiss. Maeve heaved a breath. Her lips were bitten, and a trace of moisture glistened at the corners of her eyes. In this position, she was clearly at a disadvantage.


    Standing 6 feet 4 inches, Byron towered over her, making her look delicate. His entire frame almostpletely overshadowed hers, forcing her to tilt her head and endure his fierce, stom-like kiss. Even her attempts to push him away seemed feeble and powerless. The two of them were far too familiar with each other''s bodies. The intimacy they''d shared not long ago had been like a mere appetizer-enough to taste but not to satisfy. And this kiss was undeniably the spark to ignite a ze. Just a touch, and it could set everything aze. Maeve angrily pounded on Byron''s chest and kicked at him, but even as her hands ached from the effort, she couldn''t push him away. Frustrated, she thought, ''Didn''t he look down on me? Then what is he doing now? Men are all the same, indeed!


    "Byron Mcdaniel, do you dare let your fianc¨¦e, Miss Anderson, know how you treat me?" Maeve said through gritted teeth, her voiceced with bitterness. "How can you justify this to her?


    Byron''s heated kiss lingered on the sensitive curve of her ear as he spoke in a low voice, "Isn''t the thrill of an affair what makes it all the more exciting?"


    Maeve was so stunned by his shamelessness that she was momentarily speechless, her face bright red. "Have you no shame? Who said I wanted to have an affair with you!" she retorted.


    "Don''t you have plenty of men already?" Byron sneered coldly. "What''s the matter? It''s fine to fool around with them, but not with me. Afraid I won''t treat you well?"


    Maeve shot back with a mocking smile, "Sorry, I''m a bit picky. Not just any man can catch my eye.


    "Is that so?" Byron said, his expression icy as he stepped back from her, towering over her with a disdainful gaze. "If you leave now, I won''t pursue the matter of your trespassing."


    way


    "What do you mean by that?" Maeve asked, covering her throat as she frowned at him. "You think you can treat me this and then just let me go? Do you think I''m your toy?" She scoffed, she hadn''t even seen that girl yet-there was no way she would walk away like this. "I''m not satisfied with your answer, so you can leave now," Byron said.


    Maeve remained silent; she gritted her teeth, starting to rise but then copsing back onto the sofa. "Ah! My back hurts so much; you must have used too much force and broken my bones"


    Byron watched her with a cold gaze. "If you''re not leaving, are you nning to share a bed with me tonight?" he thought, ''She can''t be that crazy!"


    Maeve immediately sprang to her feet and ran out without looking back. She feared that if she hesitated even for a moment, the ravenous wolf would feast on her, leaving just bones as a reminder.


    After leaving Byron''s room, Maeve didn''t obediently walk away. Instead, she stealthily made her way upstairs. Fortunately, she finally found her on the fifth floor.


    Her room was decorated in a Nordic princess style, adorned with soft pink ents that perfectly suited a girl. Maeve initially thought she was the child of a servant.


    ABG


    ¦°Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve felt mixed entotions as she looked at him, his sunsses nearly covering his face. She hesitated, wanting to ask, "Are you going to sleep with your sunsses on?"


    "Yes," Will replied, not one to lie. He was s nervous but added. "It''s my habit."


    Respecting his habit. Maeve picked up the book he had found earlier and began to read. "The knight had followed the princess for a long time. They were deeply in love, but their different social statuses posed many obstacles. "The prince fell in love with the flower seller, but the king strongly opposed their union.


    "The witch and the dragon fell in love, but the judgment of society and the gossip surrounding them made them cautious even about meeting, fearful of putting each other in danger."


    Maeve came to a realization; she pondered, ''Wait... Why are all the love stories? Are kids nowadays so mature?"

 Chapter 247

    Furthermore, the story centered on one key theme: true love could ovee all obstacles. While this sentiment was nice, it felt like a fragile piece of paper that couldn''t withstand even the slightest strain when faced with reality. Wasn''t that just like my y situation with Byron? she thought.


    After finishing another page. Maeve nced up to see Will''s eyes sparkling like twinkling stars, revealing no hint of sleepiness. She remained silent and felt like she was about to fall asleep from all the reading. Maeve closed the book and, under Will''s confused gaze, began to hum a luby softly.


    When Theo was younger, he would never go to sleep at night. Every time she hummed a luby, he would quickly drift off. The twins were different in many ways yet simr in countless others.


    Will reminded himself not to fall asleep too quickly, fearing Maeve would leave. Although he didn''t understand why she had be like this in the first ce, he wanted to spend a bit more time with her. Just a little while longer.


    In less than five minutes, Will was fast asleep. His slightly pale little face pressed against the pillow, forming soft, chubby curves that radiated innocence and purity.


    Maeve felt her heart soften as she got up to take off his sunsses, wanting him to have a good night''s sleep. Just as her hand reached out, she suddenly remembered that he was the child of Lynn and Byron.


    Reason prevented her from disliking the child, yet her emotions held her back from being too kind to him. Maeve withdrew her hand, ced the book back in its spot, turned off the light, and quietly left his room


    As the sleeping Will reached for something in his palm, he found nothing and murmured in his dreams. "Mommy"


    Back at the apartment, Maeve copsed onto the sofa, lying there, utterly exhausted. Theo took off his shoes and climbed onto the sofa, giving her legs a gentle rub and kneading her shoulders. "Mommy, was the studio busy today?" he asked.


    "Mommy didn''t go to the studio today," Maeve said, feeling drained as she turned over. "And the studio has been facing some issuestely that I haven''t been able to resolve, so it''s not that busy."


    "What kind of issue?" Theo asked, wrinkling his little nose.


    Maeve briefly exined to Theo about the behind-the-scenes attempts to undermine Dreamscape. With a huff, Theo jumped off the sofa, shuffled into his room wearing his bear slippers, and soon emerged with hisptop. He thenid down at the table and started typing away effortlessly.


    Maeve straightened in her seat, asking, "Sweetie, what are you doing?"


    "I''m finding out which scoundrel dares to bully my mommy, such a delicate woman! Theo said sternly.


    Maeve was about to say there was no need to investigate since she already knew who was behind it. Theo eximed, "Mommy, someone stole your studio''s customer information, and then an overseas IP made a call to them." "What?" Maeve leaned in closer. "Overseas?"


    "A customer posted the call information on their social media tform. Look, Mommy, Theo said.


    Maeve focused and saw a post that read: In my lifetime, I got contacted by the secretary of the Mcdaniel Group. I''m crying I


    She pondered. The person who called my client imed to be from the Mcdaniel Group''s secretarial department? But would Byron stoop so low as to have his secretary do something like this?


    11


    "Can you pinpoint the exact address of the person who made the call, sweetie?" Maeve asked.


    "Sure thing!" Theo dered confidently. Momentster, a map popped up on the screen. "That person is located in the capital''s business district of Creynia, at a multinationalpany called Vinedustries." "Is this part of the Mcdaniel Group''s holdings?" Maeve asked.


    "Not at all. The legal representative is named Patchett," The replied.


    Maeve frowned, lost in thought. She had never been to Creynia and didn''t know anyone named Patchett. She pondered. What could this person''s motive be for targeting me under Byron''s name?


    Theo suddenly realized. Does this count as inadvertently helping my stand-in dad? I guess I''ll let it slide since I''m so generous. With that thought, he effortlessly hacked into the Mcdaniel Group''s security system and packaged up the information on Vinedustries, sending it over with an exnation After finishing all this. Theo wore a proud expression. This freebor is just so useful, he thought, satisfied with his cleverness.


    The next day. Byron sat behind his desk at the Mcdaniel Group. The morning light streaming in through therge floor-to-ceiling windows seemed to coat his tall figure in a golden hue, making him appear majestic and aloof.


    The documents Theo had sent over the night before were on theputer screen.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, could this be some sort of trap?" Archer hesitated saying, "That hacker usually causes quite a stir every time they breach our security system. Why would they suddenly be so generous this time?"


    He thought. They even gave us a heads-up. Although we already discovered that the overseaspany was targeting Ms... Reese''s studio, such specific information can only be essed deep within the system. Who exactly is this hacker?"


    Byron remained silent, his deep eyes fixed on the screen. After along pause, he stated, "He knows Maeve." His tone was almost inevitable.


    Archer looked surprised and asked, "How do you know that?"


    "His intentions are quite clear; he aims to protect Maeve, Byron remarked, lightly tapping his fingers on the desk. "Sending me this information is nothing more than a way to use my resources to deal with the person who''s been undermining her under the guise of the Mcdaniel Group.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Byron''s eyes glinted with sharp intelligence. With Jaylen still abroad, he couldn''t intervene in this matter. He pondered, "Who could that hacker working behind Maeve possibly be?


    Maeve had barely settled into her office when she received a call from Neville. "Ms. Reese, have you given it any thought


    "That girl can''t even be considered a witness, her words shouldnt be taken as testimony. Is this your version of sincerity?" Marve retorted.


    Neville chuckled softly. "Ms. Reese is quite unhappy with this oue. Didn''t she mention the bugs to you?"


    Maeve furrowed her brows, question

 Chapter 248

    "Ms. Reese, you''re overthinking it. My only enemy is Byron," Neville replied, his toneced with a hint of sarcasm. "On this point, we should be on par.


    Maeve pondered momentarily before replying. I need to see the antidote first; otherwise, there''s nothing to discuss."


    Neville chuckled as expected and said, "I''m currently parked downstairs at your studio in a silver-gray Bugatti


    As soon as he said that, Maeve felt her defenses strengthen. She feared he had anticipated that she wouldn''t be able to resist the temptation.


    After receiving the antidote. Maeve sent Byron a message: [We need to meet.]


    Ten minutester, a ck Spyker pulled up outside the studio. After Maeve got into the car, it drove away. "What do you need to talk to me about?" Byron asked, his expression indifferent, hinting at a subtle detachment.


    Maeve retalled storming into the Mcdaniel Group and scolding him without a second thoughtst time, feeling a twinge of guilt. After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she said, "Mr. Mcdaniel has been in aa, possibly due to the poisonous magic. Ive obtained the corresponding antidote from someone and wanted to discuss it with you...


    "Someone?" Byron turned to look at her, a hint of sarcasm glimmering in his deep eyes. "Isn''t it Neville who provided you


    with that?"


    "How do you know that?" Maeve eximed, her heart racing. "Are you spying on me?"


    Byron didn''t answer but instead asked, "He gave you the antidote and sent you to me to administer it to my grandpa?"


    Maeve sensed that his tone was off and furrowed her delicate brows slightly. "He told me to give it to your grandpa, but I wanted to let you know first...


    "There''s no need for that," Byron''s voice turned icy. "This is a matter for the Mcdaniel family, and outsiders have no reaso to be concerned. Besides, with you and Neville both having questionable intentions and a checkered past, why should I trust you? What a joke." The words "checkered past struck a painful chord in Maeve''s heart. Although she had long known he didn''t trust her, hearing it directly still brought an uncontainable sting of hurt.


    Maeve''s voice trembled as she replied, "I understand you don''t trust me, and ver expected you to. I''m not foolish; I can see that Neville has ulterior motives. I don''t want you to hand the medicine over to Mr. Mcdaniel, but isn''t it better to at least have some direction?" She thought, Isn''t it simple to conduct a drug test to determine whether the antidote is safe?"


    Byron''s thin lips curled as he asked, "What has Neville given you to make you assist him in harming Grandpa?"


    "What do you mean by that?" Maeve asked.


    "Four years ago, you helped my mother after epting her offer, and now you''re doing the same for Neville." Byron slowly adjusted his cufflinks, his toneced with sarcasm. "Do you think I would believe that someone like you is genuinely concerned for my grandpa''s well-being?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve''s bright eyes narrowed, enveloped by an overwhelming sense of suffocation. "I have never epted your mother''s offer and didn''te to you to help Neville! Why do you insist on having prejudice on me?"


    "Prejudice?" Byron slowly chewed on the word scoffed "Maeve Reese, you''re still so good at twisting the truth."


    Marve wanted to argue further, but he interrupted her coldly, "Get out. I don''t want to see your annoying face right now."


    13


    <


    Maeve lowered her gaze and gave a bleak smile. "Fine, I''ll take this as my meddling. From now on, I won''t interfere in your family''s matters anymore!"


    Maeve got out of the car with a stern expression. As soon as she left, Archer, sitting in the front seat, couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Mcdaniel, haven''t you always believed that Ms. Reese didn''t harm Mr. Gilbert? Why would you intentionally say something to upset her?" He thought. If it hadn''t been for Mr. Mcdaniel taking all the responsibility back then, it would have been uncertain whether Ms. Reese could even get out of detention. So why would he say such things in front of her?"


    Byron''s cold expression gradually softened as he gazed out the window, his eyes bing more profound. "Send a few bodyguards to protect Maeve secretly. If she tries to meet with Neville, stop her immediately, he instructed in a deep voice. "Understood." Archer felt a bit puzzled by Byron''s actions. He thought, "You drove her away, and now you''re sending bodyguards to protect her. Is this some new kind of romance?''


    Maeve felt incredibly frustrated. She had never encountered someone so oblivious and unreasonable,beling her a schemer without even considering her exnations. Everything she did was viewed with suspicion as if she always had ulterior motives.


    What do I even want from him? To get involved with someone as cold as an ice block? To be tangled up in he has a fancee and a child while still having an affair? Ugh! Who would want to get involved in such a mess! Maeve felt a situation where surge of anger mixed with an indescribable sense of grievance.


    She had never done anything like that, so it baffled her how he could pin such usations on her. Alexis had once attempted to bribe her with a card, but she had promptly turned it down. As for Neville, if he ever tempted her, it was hard to believe she would be foolish enough to go straight to Byron and remind him of it.


    Maeve channeled her anger into creativity, locking herself in the studio to craft a wedding dress. The crewelwork embroidery on the hem was taking shape, with only the finer details left toplete.


    She was so absorbed in her work that it wasn''t until Paige knocked on the door to remind her that she realized it was time to leave. Afterward, she drove to the supermarket to pick up some groceries and returned to her apartment. She''d been getting off workte, so Theo took the school bus home daily.


    "Sweetie, can you help Mommy bring in the groceries? Maeve called out as she bent down to change her shoes.


    A flurry of tiny footsteps approached, and Will, dressed in a ck cool-style uniform, rushed over. His pale face had a hint of color as he reached down to pick up the two bags Maeve had left on the floor,


    Maeve paused mid-action, watching in disbelief as Will effortlessly lifted the two heavy bags, seeming to exert no effort. She was nearly exhausted from carrying them. "Sweetie, don''t you think that''s heavy?" Maeve asked, puzzled.


    Will shook his head. "It''s not heavy at all."


    Maeve rubbed her sore arms and smiled. ''Is that so? Maybe it''s because Mommy has been carrying them too long and got tired. It was hard to believe that, as an adult, she could be outmatched in strength by her child.


    Today, Will and Theo switched roles: Will took Theo''s ce to take an exam at kindergarten, while Theo helped Will handle his weekly appointment with the psychologist. The two brother were incredibly supportive of each other, showcasing a bond filled with love and cooperation. As Maeve prepared the ingredients, cleaned them thoroughly, and got ready to cook, she noticed Will tiptoeing beside her, cagerly watching. With a smile, she handed him a small stool, encouraging him to stand on it for a better view.


    "Mommy is going to make croquettes. Do you want to give them a try, sweetie?" Maeve asked.


    8761


    Will''s eyes lit up as he nodded eagerly. "Yeah"


    Maeve couldn''t help but smile, amused by how yful he was in the kitchen. It was curious how she and Byron had decent cooking skills, yet Theo seemed to have inherited none of that talent. Ironically, he still enjoyed the fun of cooking, often using up a fair amount of her ingredients in the process.


    Maeve handed Will the tongs and showed him how to fry the croquettes. Perhaps it was a natural talent: Will seeded on his first try. From then on, he didn''t even need Maeve''s guidance, he managed to fry them perfectly.


    Maeve was taken aback as she touched her nose. "Wow, sweetie, how did your cooking skills improve so dramatically? Have you been secretly pra

 Chapter 249

    £¤87%0


    It was a vast improvement indeed. Will paused momentarily, his little hand holding the tongs, quietly noting that Theo wasn''t very good at cooking. Then he said. "As long as you remember the techniques and timing, it''s easy!" Maeve affectionately ruffled his hair and said, "That''s my son- clever!"


    Will''s cheeks flushed slightly, feeling motivated enough to fry a hundred more croquettes. However, Marve didn''t need that many: she had other dishes to prepare. Concerned about the hot oil sttering and possibly getting him in trouble, she gently ushered him out of the kitchen.


    "Why don''t you go to the balcony and water the vegetables? Mony forgal to turn on the irrigation system today."


    "Okay. Will replied obediently, squatting in front of the flowerpot with a small watering can to water the vegetables.


    There was also a small vegetable garden on Byron''s estate. It grew only onions, cabbages, and radishes, and the quantities. were limited. However, a dedicated gardener cared for it daily, tending to it more than the precious flowers.


    Will had once thought those were rare nt species, only to realizeter they were just ordinary vegetablesmonly found in the kitchen. He wondered why Byron treasured those vegetables so much.


    "Alright, sweetie, it''s time to eat!" Maeve said,


    Lost in thought, Will was suddenly jolted back to reality by Maeve''s voice calling from the dining room. He immediately set down the watering can and rushed to wash his hands, the delicious aromas wafting through the air, urging him to hurry. "Such a feast!" Will eximed as he settled into Theo''s seat. His eyes widened at the sight of the various dishes on the table. and a smile spread across his face. "Mommy, you''ve worked so hard!"


    Marve nced at him, a teasing smile on her lips. "What''s gotten into you today? Did you recruit another little follower at kindergarten and get caught by the teacher again?"


    Will felt slightly embarrassed as he thought, ''So that''s how things are with Theo at kindergarten?"


    "Not at all; I just feel sorry for you, Mommy," Will said seriously. When I grow up, I won''t be afraid of getting sshed with oil anymore." Then he could help Maeve out.


    Maeve found his obedient demeanor endearing as she reached to pinch his soft, smooth cheeks. "Mommy," Will suddenly grabbed her hand, his little face taking on a more serious expression. "What''s wrong?" Maeve asked, noticing the shift in his demeanor.


    "Can I have a few more croquettes today?" Will asked as he reached for the back of her cor, pushing aside her hair to retrieve something.


    It was a miniature listening device. Maeve initially wanted to ask what it was but followed Will''s request. "You can only have two at most, or you''ll get a stomachache, she said.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Okay. I''ll just have two, Will said, setting the listening device aside. He grabbed some paper and a pen to write a note: [This is a listening device, and it''s still active. Mommy, let''s pretend we don''t know about it.]


    A listening device? Maeve was startled. She couldn''t fathom how something like that could be on her. The only people she had seen today were Byron and Neville, leading her to wonder if one of them had nted it.


    When she had seen them, they had maintained a certain distance, and she hadn''t noticed any unusual behavior from either of them. Yet, they were the only ones who seemed likely to have done it. "Mommy, this dish is a bit spicy. Could you please get me some milk? Will asked while writing: I need the toolbox I


    Maeve immediately got up. "Okay. Mommy will get that for you? She quickly returned with the milk and the toolbox, gently" cing them on the table.


    While pretending to eat, Will used a tool knife to dismantle the listening device carefully, making sure not to disrupt its operation so that the eavesdropping wouldn''t notice. He continued writing another line: [Mommy. I still need aputer.] Maeve brought theputer over and watched as he worked. Will''s hands were surprisingly nimble and steady, disying a level ofposure and focus unusual for a child his age. He was familiar with the small, intricateponents, moving through the steps quickly and instinctively knowing what to do next without much thought.


    Before long. Will discovered the transmitter hidden within the listening device and used theputer to track its exact location. He wrote: [Number three Maple Lake, owner: Neville Mcdaniel. Do you know him, Mommy?]


    Seeing the words Will had written, Maeve furrowed her brows and nodded She hadn''t expected Neville to be so cunning. using the opportunity when fetching the remedy to nt a listening device on her. She had never truly believed that Neville wanted to help her, let alone that he would assist Gilbert.


    She always felt that he was scheming something behind the scenes, willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goals. That was why he had pretended to be interested in cooperating with her, trying to gauge her intentions. However, it was clear that he was much more cautious than she had anticipated.


    "Mommy, this person has bad intentions toward you; he''s not a good guy," Will said, his brows furrowed in concern. This listening device is equipped with GPS tracking, which means it can monitor your location in real-time." Maeve''s eyes widened in shock. "Sweetie, we can speak now?"


    "Yeah, I wrote and installed a code in the listening device. The other party will think we''re just chatting," Will said.


    Maeve felt relieved and hugged Will tightly, saying, "My little one is truly amazing! Mommy feels so safe!"


    Will''s face turned bright red, and he bit his lip, embarrassed.


    After dinner, Will returned to his room to contact Theo. "Mommy had a listening device nted on her!" Theo eximed in his tiny voice. "Which jerk did that? I''ll make sure he regrets it!"


    I know that name. He was part of the Mcdaniel family, but not anymore," Will said.


    "Then is he a rtive of the Mcdaniel family?" Theo asked.


    "No, I''m not very sure about the specifics either," Will replied.


    Theo muttered. This is outrageous. Besides that nice grandpa from the Mcdaniel family who treats Mommy well, there isn''t a single good person in that family!"


    Will replied, "Don''t broaden the attack range."


    "Alright, except for you, Theo said with a giggle. "But how did you know how to modify the listening device! Did you learn it specifically?"


    "I used to get bored and would take apart and reassemble all the machines around the house as a game. I learned it while ying Will replied honestly.


    Does that mean your hands-on skills are quite impressive? Have you ever taken apart a pistol?" Theo asked again.


    Tonce secretly took apart Daddy''s Desert Eagle," Will replied.


    Theo couldn''t help but think. Wow, he was quite the little troublemaker back then! Daring to take apart a Desert Eagle, huh? Arent he afraid the Great Demon King would give him a spanking for that?"


    Just as they were chatting, there was a knock at the door. Byron''s deep voice came from outside. "Will, are you asleep?"


    Theo immediately asked Will, "What do we do? Your daddy is here!"


    and


    Will rolled his eyes slightly and replied. "Well, he''s your daddy too. You don''t need to be scared, Daddy looks serious an cold, but he''s nice"


    Theo was skeptical, thinking anyone who bullied Maeve couldn''t be a good person.


    Theo quickly ended the call and dashed to his bed, pulling the covers over himself just before Byron entered the room. A hint of confusion crossed his face as Byron noticed Theo''s chuliby little legs sticking out from under the nket He thought, ''Is Will getting a bit chubby Byron sat on the edge of the bed and lifted the covers over Theo, inspecting him. His garended on the slight bulge of Theo''s little belly beneath his shirt Well, definitely plump and adorable."

 Chapter 250

    ''Are children changing every day? Byron suppressed his lingering doubts and gently poked Theo''s little belly. "Daddy knows you''re still awake, open your eyes" Feeling ticklish, Theo opened his big, round eyes and red at un, clearly unimpressed. "What do you want?" That familiar rebellious tone resurfaced again.


    Byron furrowed his brow, his expression serious. "Have you been sulking at metely?"


    Theo blinked innocently, feigning confusion. "I haven''t! Wheres thating from?"


    "You''ve been meditating longer these past few days, and you haven''t been saying good morning or good night to me," Byron said


    "Well, that''s not something I can control. Theo replied.


    "Do you have any issues with me?" Byron asked.


    "I don''t think so, but if you insist on thinking that way, there''s nothing I can do. Theo replied.


    Byron felt a subtle twitch in his brow at Theo''s reply. He looked at Theo''s expression-innocent yet defiant, as if to say, "You can think whatever you want; I''m not at fault. It nearly made himugh in frustration. He was told that Theo had no issues, yet here they were. Byron sighed softly and asked, "First, tell me why you don''t want me to get married so soon."


    Once that topic came up, Theo was wide awake; his deep eyes sparkled with curiosity as he turned to Byron, eager to know, Who do you want to marry?"


    "What''s the matter? Do you have something to say about who I want to marry?" Byron asked.


    "Yup." Theo sat up, his chubby little face serious. "The woman you want to marry has to get my approval first"


    Byron raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Oh?"


    "If the woman you marry treats me poorly, secretly mistreating me when you''re not around and then pretending I''m the one at fault when you''re there, you''ll side with her since she''s your partner!" Theo dered earnestly, "They say that with a stepmotheres a stepfather; how can I not be cautious?"


    He could guess why Will didn''t want Byron to marry so soon. Honestly, he didn''t want him to marry another woman, either. While feeling excluded was one thing, he thought, "But... Who told Mommy to like him!''


    Byron hadn''t anticipated Theo thinking so much about this; he must have been worried for quite a while. His expression softened a bit as he gently rubbed Theo''s little head. "Don''t worry, Daddy would never marry someone who would bully you."


    Theo looked at him and asked, "Why did you and Mommy break up in the first ce?"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Byron''s lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn''t evade the question. "Your mommy didn''t want you," he said inly.


    Theo thought, Liar! Trying to trick a kid, share on you!!


    Theo asked again, "Did Mommy say that to you herself? That she didn''t want me?


    "Yes," Byron replied, his expression dark and distant. There was a time when he didn''t want a child for reasons he couldn''t reveal. But when Maeve''s pregnancy became a reality, the joy and anticipation of bing a father far outweighed his previous concerns. It was Marve herself who shattered all of that


    Theo''s little face puffed up in frustration. "You''re lying! he hutted, shooting Byron an indignant re before turning his


    GG


    back on him, burrowing into the covers, and refusing to speak another word.


    Byron understood that Theo couldn''t ept this truth, so he didn''t force the far better than letting him hear it from someone else in the future.


    matter.


    He believed that telling him now was


    Because he was still upset with Byron, Theo swapped ces with Will the following day. After breakfast, Maeve remembered the antidote and handed it to Theo, asking if he could identify specificponents and effects. Theo confidently parted his chest, then ran into his room. In less than half an hour, he had analyzed the antidote entirely.


    "It''s medicine to counteract poisonous magic, Theo said, "The egredients and effects are fine."


    Maeve was surprised. She thought, ''Neville didn''t tamper with the antidote after all?


    "Can this be given to someone affected by the poisonous magic Maeve ked.


    "Are you thinking of giving it to Mr. Mcdaniel, Mommy?" Theo asked, blinking innocently


    "Do you know?" Maeve asked.


    Theo nodded, exining that he had known from the start but hadn''t mentioned it to avoid worrying Maeve. He added that the ingredients for the antidote to the poisonous magic were hard to find, so he had asked Jaylen to help gather them from abroad. He expected to have everything collected within half a month at thetest.


    Maeve felt warmth as she smiled and asked, "So can this antidote be given to Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    "Well. Theo hesitated as he nced at the remains of the antidote on the table, unsure of how to respond.


    Maeve fell silent as well, realizing she had rushed into this. Without thoroughly examining the antidote''s ingredients, she couldn''t risk giving it to Gilbert. The only option left was to ask Neville for another one if he had any left.


    Neville had another antidote, and when Maeve directly mentioned that she intended to have it tested, he couldn''t help but chuckle. "Ms. Reese, your temperament suits my taste indeed."


    "Thank you," Maeve said tly. "So when will you give it to me?"


    "Let''s do it tomorrow, I''m a bit... tied up today. Neville sat on the burgundy armchair, holding his phone. Behind his sunsses, his eyes glimmered with a cold, enigmatic light as he focused on the darkest corner of the living room.


    An old, rusted iron cage stood in that shadowy corner, its chains nking rhythmically, producing a harsh, dull sound that echoed with despair.


    "Shh, be quiet," Neville said gently, "Someone will be here to keep youpany soon, so just be patient."


    The only response to him was a sudden,plete silence.


    Alexis was arranging flowers in the conservatory at the Mcdaniel family''s home when the butler Damian approached her with a package. "Mrs. Mcdaniel, this is for you," he said, handing her the parcel.


    "Who sent it?" she asked.


    Im not sure, there''s no name on it, Damian replied.


    Alexis frowned and set down her scissors, waiting for Damian to unwrap the package before taking the contents. Inside was a stack of secretly taken photographs. Her expression instantly changed as she looked at the images and angrily knocked the nearby vase to the floor


    The shards scattered across the floor with a loud crash.


    23


    GG.


    D


    Jason entered, reprimanding firmly. "What''s the matter with you how? Why are you throwing a tantrum for no reason?"


    00


    "Take a look at this!" Alexis threw the photos before him a coldugh escaping her lips. I wondered why Byron has been so unwilling to marry Lynn, this woman has been scheming behind the scenes!"


    After looking at the photos, Jason''s expression darkened. "She just won''t let go, even after four years, she''s still trying to entangle Byron. She''s truly asking for trouble"


    "Girls from humble backgrounds are just like this, always dreaming big butcking the means, thinking they can rely on men to change their fate, Alexis said coldly. "If we let her seed this time, who knows how chaotic the Mcdaniel family will be in the future."


    In the past, she had wavered, thinking that it didn''t matter who Byron was with as long as he was happy. However, everything Maeve had done since then had filled her with disgust There fact that Maeve dared to plot against Gilbert made it impossible for her to tolerate the idea of her stepping foot into the Medaniel family again.


    Jason pondered momentarily and said. "There''s a business banquet tomorrow. It would help if you apanied me. We will announce at the banquet that Lynn and Byron are soon to be married."


    "Well. Alexis hesitated. "Will Byron agree to this?"


    "Once the words are spoken, they can''t be taken back. Byron will have to agree even


    if he doesn''t want to," Jason said.

 Chapter 251

    Jason spoke firmly, rifying that there was no room for negotiation.


    After careful consideration, Alexis said, "I don''t think someone like Maeve would give up so easily. She might shamelessly continue bothering Byron. I''ll talk to her tomorrow and give her warning


    "Alright, I''ll leave her to you to handle, Jason replied.


    The next day, at Dreamscape Studio, Maeve received a call from Alexis. In a condescending tone, Alexis ordered her to meet at the corner cafe and told her to hurry up and not waste time. Maeve didn''t respond and hung up the phone.


    In the past, because of Byron, Maeve had considered Alexis''s opinions-not out of fear, but simply because she was Byron''s mother. But now she couldn''t care less.


    Maeve had scheduled a meeting with Gwynn and her fianc¨¦ today to review the progress of her wedding dress. With that on her agenda, she had no time to think about anything else. They were initially supposed to meet at 10 am, but to her surprise, the couple didn''t show up until nearly 12:30 p.m.


    Gwynn looked upset, walking briskly ahead with her bag over her shoulder. Behind her was a well-dressed man who spoke gently in a suit with a refined appearance. However, his eyes showed apparent impatience.


    "You know I''ve been swampedtely. Everything I''m doing is so you can keep living without any worries and so you your head high in front of your parents and rtives. Stop being unreasonable. I''m here with you now, aren''t the man said. Gwynn stopped in her tracks, her eyes reddening as she asked him. "So, you''re saying this is all my fault? My family is handling the venue, the catering, and everything else. I even picked out the wedding rings on my own. All I asked was for with that? you toe with me to check the dress-what''s wrong w


    hold


    "ver said you were wrong. Can you stop overthinking and ming me for everything?" the man frowned. "Why have you been fighting me over small matterstely?"


    Gwynn


    nearly gasped for breath. She thought, ''Choosing a wedding dress is a small matter?"


    "Hurry up and take a look. I still have to get back to the office and work. I''m not like you, a wealthy girl who can rely on others for everything," the man joked. "If your family background were a bit lower, I wouldn''t have to work so hard and would have more time to spend with you."


    Gwynn had heard thesements so often that she didn''t find anything wrong with them; she even started to question whether she was being too demanding. Meanwhile, Maeve shook her head as she watched from the side, thinking, I guess she has poor judgment.'' "Please follow me," Maeve said, gesturing for them toe along as she led them to the workspace.


    The wedding dress was still a work, but the general outline had taken shape. The embossed-embroidery on the hem was vivid and captivating, drawing everyone''s attention. Gwynn loved it and wished she could wear it right away. "How much is this wedding dress?" he asked.


    Maeve provided a rough estimate of the price.


    The man in the suit immediately frowned. "It''s that expensive!"


    "Sir, our wedding dresses are all handcrafted, and the embellishments are genuine. They''ll hold their value even in ten years." Maeve smiled.


    B


    Gwynn tugged at the dress''s hem and asked, "Are these edges embroidered with gold thread?"


    "That''s right, Maeve replied.


    "You outdid yourselves." Gwyn eximed, her face full of admition. "It''s so beautiful that I wish we could have the wedding tomorrow and I could wear this dress!" It was everything a girl could dream of in a wedding gown. 98%


    The man in the suit sneered. "What''s the point of beauty if you inly wear it once? Spending tens of thousands of dors on something you can''t wear daily seems like a waste."


    At his words. Maeve couldn''t help but twitch her lips.


    Gwynn expressed her frustration, saying, "It''s precisely because it only happens once in a lifetime that we must choose carefully. This wedding dress is even more beautiful than my aunt''s tens-of-millions-level one."


    "Your aunt married an oil magnate, so it''s not the same," he patiently advised her. "Gwynnie, as long as we''re happy, it doesn''t matter whether we have these material things, right?"


    "Our happiness has nothing to do with whether you buy me this wedding dress or not," she replied.


    The p


    problem is that spending tens of thousands of dors on a wedding dress is not worth it. You only wear it for one day- do you need to be so extravagant?" he retorted. Maeve thought, ''Here we go again; they''re about to start arguing


    Sure enough, in the next moment, Gwynn snapped, Jaxen Horne, what do you mean by that? How is buying a wedding dress considered extravagant? If you don''t want to buy it for me say so! It''s not like I don''t have the money-I can buy it for myself?" "Stop getting angry at every little thing: I''m just trying to talk to you," Jaxen said, impatience creeping back into his eyes. "We could spend that money on our everyday life after the wedding, on something more practical-wouldn''t that be better?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He honestly didn''t understand these wealthy girls. He pondered, "How can they think a tens-of-thousands-dor wedding dress is reasonable? Why not just rob it?"


    Gwynn was almostughing from frustration. "When I spent over 2 million dors on a wedding ring, you said nothing about saving money. Now that it''s your turn to pay, you want me to cut back?"


    "Gwynnie, don''t be so unreasonable." Jaxen sighed, looking exasperated by her stubbornness. I''ve already put all my savings into giving you a grand wedding because I don''t want you to have any regrets.


    "You know my family is nowhere near as well-off as yours, and we still have debts to pay. What I can offer you is already everything I have, yet you say things like this to hurt me. I just


    Gwynn hesitated as she looked at Jaxen''s hurt expression. Her heart ached, and she felt torn, unsure what to do.


    Maeve could no longer hold back and said, "If a wedding will drn your savings, how will you live afterward? Are you nning to rely solely on Miss Olson''s support?"


    She thought, ''In that case, he is getting a great deal in this marriage. He won''t have to spend a dime and will get her like a walking ATM.


    Gwynn''s shoulders trembled as she sank deeper into confusion, she and Jaxen had met in college, where he was the top student and the campus heartthrob. At that time, she had struggled with her self-esteem due to weight gain from poor eating habits and didn''t feel attractive at all.


    At first, Jaxen pursued her, and she still remembered the exhration she felt during that tinte. Gwynn loved him deeply and was willing to endure for him, but she wondered if she could endure this for a lifetime.


    08-22 Fri, Nov


    "Why are you trying to stir up trouble in other people''s rtionships?" Jaxen red at Maeve with dismay, then softened his tone as he turned to Gwynn. "Gwynnie, don''t listen to her nonsense. There''s no way I would be so weak as to rely on you for support."


    Gwynn forced herself to perk up, not wanting to publicly argue with Jaxen over these trivial matters.


    At that moment, someone knocked loudly on the workspace''s door. "Jaxen Horne! Are you in there? Youe out here right now! I need to ask you what this is all about. I''m pregnant with your child, and you''re going to marry someone else!" The sound of a furious woman shouting echoed through the room.

 Chapter 252

    Maeve stood there, stunned. She thought, What on earth is this now?


    Jaxen''s face showed apparent guilt as he quickly grabbed Gwynn, seeing her about to step out. "Gwynnie, ignore that mad woman. I don''t even know her!"


    "If you don''t know her, why are you stopping me from going out" Gwynn snapped, angrily shaking off his hand. "Td like to hear how she ended up pregnant with your child! She stormed out and opened the door, only to freeze in shock when she saw a woman with a noticeably pregnant belly standing there, her intended usations suddenly stuck in her throat.


    The pregnant woman nced at Gwynn and let out a mockingugh. "So, you''re the clueless wealthy girl Jaxen is marrying? I heard your family is so wealthy that marrying you would save him twenty years of hard work. No wonder he''s so hurried to kick me aside and marry you!" "And who are you to him?" Gwynn asked, her face as pale as a sheet,


    Tm carrying his child-what do you think I am to him? The pregnant woman sneered as she spotted Jaxen trying to avoid her in the background. "Miss Olson, how long have you been dating him?"


    Gwynn''s eyes were vacant as she answered instinctively. "Six years"


    "Tve been with him for almost three years, the pregnant woman replied.


    "That''s impossible!" Gwynn stepped back, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    "Why is it impossible?" the pregnant woman mocked. Last year, on your birthday, when he told you he had to workte at the office, he was with me. And earlier this year, we were on vacation together when he said he was going abroad for business. Oh, and those pearl earrings he gave you? He bought them for me, but I didn''t like them, so he gave them to you instead."


    She nced at Gwynn''s ears and added, "You''re still wearing them."


    "You''re still wearing them. The words hit Gwynn like a heavy blow to the head. Shame, humiliation, and anger surged within her, nearly making her faint


    Maeve quickly caught her and said, "Miss Olson, stay calm."


    Gwynn struggled to steady herself. The thought of how heartbroken her parents would be upon learning about this made it hard to ept Jaxen''s betrayal. She looked at the pregnant woman, whose face was full of mockery, and said slowly and clearly, "Thank you for telling me all this."


    The pregnant woman was taken aback for a moment but nodded slightly. While she had intended to vent her frustrations. she also wanted Gwynn to know the truth. That was the greatest revenge against Jaxen.


    Gwynn turned to look at Jaxen, who looked pale and averted her gaze. Gwynn let out a sorrowfulugh "My dad was right. Love doesn''t care about social status, but it won''t end well if our values and beliefs don''t align.


    "Jaxen Horne, we''re breaking off the engagement. Don''te looking for me again? With that, Gwynn decisively turned and walked out.


    "Wait, Gwynnie!" Jaxen was startled by her words about the engagement and hurried to follow her, but the pregnant woman grabbed his arm tightly, "Don''t go! You still owe me an exnation!"


    Let go of me! You crazy woman Jaxen said.


    To prevent the two from getting into a violent altercation, Maeve thoughtfully had someone separate them and escort them out of the studio. What happened next as they sought to confront each other was no longer her concern. After all, that


    pregnant woman''s belly was fake.


    * 97%


    "Ms. Reese, it''s no wonder that the elders say the best way to test man''s sincerity is either outside the delivery room or at a bridal shop," Paige leaned in, eager to gossip. "Men like him are the worst-climbing the socialdder while still sneaking around behind your back. He deserves to be called off!"


    Maeve nodded, then asked, "So a mismatch in social status will never lead to a good oue?"Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Of course! When people from different social backgroundse together, many issues exist, like money, status, and differing values. It only gets saddler as time goes on!" Paige replied. There are exceptions, but they are rare. Maeve parsed her lips, realizing that she and Byron were likely a prime example of the former. Even if two parallel lines crossed paths by chance, they would ultimately go their separate ways, growing further apart.


    With Gwynn''s wedding ns falling through, Maeve was uncertain whether to continue working on the wedding dress she had ordered. Just before finishing work, she received a message from Gwynn. [Ms. Reese, thank you so much for today. After discussing it with my parents, I''ve called off the engagement with the Horne family. However, I will keep the wedding dress; I''m buying it myself this time.


    Maeve: A wedding dress doesn''t have to hold meaning only on the wedding day; as long as you like it, that''s the most significant. It should lead you toward a better future, not keep you stuck in the past.] After sending the m

 Chapter 253

    "Byron and Lynn are getting married," Alexis''s voice, filled with a wave of twisted anger, came from behind Maeve. "Ms. Reese, no matter how skilled you are. Byron won''t marry you. If you''re willing to spend your life as his hidden mistress, I mustmend your courage, you''ve discarded any sense of pride" The mention of the wedding made Maeve''s heart feel as if it had been gripped tightly. She turned around with a faint smile


    with §± and looked at Alexis. "Are you telling me this, Mrs. Mcdaniel, hoping I''ll bring a gift? Don''t worry, I''ll show up generous present to celebrate Mr. Mcdaniel''s-happy second chapter.


    Alexis''s expression darkened immediately, her anger boiling over as she ordered the driver, "Let''s go!"


    "Yes, sure, the driver replied.


    Maeve''s smile gradually faded, and the corners of her eyes drooped slightly as she silently walked toward the parking lot. She had already known that Byron was going to marry Lynn. Nothing was surprising about it, and it didn''t matter to her anymore.


    As long as she could get the antidote to Gilbert, she would no longer have ties to the Mcdaniel family once he woke up. After driving to the sanatorium, Maeve headed straight upstairs


    Meanwhile, at a business banquet, Jason and Alexis publicly announced the wedding dates of Byron and Lynn in front of numerous guests and media. The wedding was set for the tenth of next month.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    The news caused major social media tforms to crash for half an hour, and this announcement was one of the top five trending topics.


    The Mcdaniel Group dominated a significant portion of the domestic industry, with subsidiaries scattered around the globe. As the group''s current president, Byron was not only wealthy and young. Still, he had also stolen the spotlight a few years back with airport photos that showcased his striking looks andmanding presence, overshadowing even the hottest male celebrities.


    His personal life had always been a focal point for gossip, and now that news of his impending marriage had surfaced, not only was the onlinemunity buzzing, but thepany''s stock prices also began to fluctuate in response to the excitement


    Theo was nearly beside himself with anger. With his little voice full of frustration, he called Will and shouted, "He''s about to marry someone else, and you''re still hanging around him? Just kick him to the curb ande live with us! I''m not trying to scare you, but it''s a well- known fact: where there''s a stepmother, there''s a stepfather!"


    Will held the phone a bit farther away from his ear. "Hold on, don''t panic. The media loves to spread rumors; they could be mistaken. I''ll ask Daddy when he gets home."


    As soon as he finished speaking. Will spotted Byron walking through the entrance. He quickly ran over and said, "Daddy, everyone online is discussing you marrying Miss Anderson."


    Byron''s expression was unreadable as he asked calmly, "What''s the matter?"


    Will stood frozen, saying, "But I don''t want you to marry her


    "This is an adult matter; kids shouldn''t get involved," Byron said.


    A moment of sadness shed in Will''s eyes, but he ultimately said nothing and turned to run upstairs. Byron pressed his fingers to his aching brow, a faint glint of coldness passing through his deep eyes.


    After overhearing their conversation, Theo felt frustrated and threw his phone aside. He then headed out to find Maeve. Meanwhile, the news segment about the wedding was ying on the television.  B


    Maeve sat cross-legged on the carpet, snacking on an orange while watching television.


    Theo cautiously edged over and asked, "Mommy, how are you feeling right now?"


    "It''s okay." Maeve said, popping a piece of orange into her mouth as she watched the news. "Wealthy people know how to make a ssh when they get married, right?" Her tone was calm, as if she werementing on someone else''s life, detached from her emotions. Theo thought momentarily and suggested, "Mommy, if you can''t stand that wealthy guy, how about asking Loren for some new weapons to blow up his wedding venue?"


    Maeve nearly choked on the orange. "Where does Loren get all these strange things


    "Mommy, don''t you remember? He is the in-charge of Weapons Factory 011"


    "Stop hanging out with him; he''s too dangerous," Maeve said.


    Theo tugged at her sleeve and asked, "Mommy, you still haven''t said whether we should blow up his wedding venue?"


    He thought, "As long as Mommy wants it, I''ll start immediately! And I can make sure there are no traces left!


    Maeve slowly munched on her orange and replied, "Let''s not, okay? There are so many wealthy people, we can''t possibly blow them all up."


    Theo felt a surge of anxiety. He thought, "Why does Mommy seem so calm? Is it because she''s too sad to show any emotion? "Mommy, just let me know anytime if you want to blow something up," Theo said sternly.


    Maeve gently patted his head, saying, "Alright, that''s someone else''s business; it has nothing to do with us, so let''s not worry about it. Little did she know, this situation would be more relevant to her than she expected,


    The next day, Alexis and Lynn came to the studio to order a wedding dress, explicitly requesting Maeve to handle it. They were there to unt their engagement and assert dominance.


    "I''m sorry,


    but the wedding dresses at Dreamscape are handmade, and the production time is quite lengthy. We only take one order every two months, and other clients have already booked my slots," Maeve calmly declined. "I''m afraid I won''t be able to serve you this time. Perhaps you coulde back for your next wedding?"


    Alexis and Lynn''s faces turned pale. Alexis thought, Next wedding? What does she mean by that!"


    "You might be the first to chase away customers like us. What, do you think we''re not worthy of your service?" Alexis retorted aggressively.


    With a gentle smile, Maeve replied. "If you don''t believe me, Mrs. Mcdaniel, you can check our appointment list. It has a record of events. It''s not that I''m refusing service; it''s just that I''m genuinely unable to amodate you."


    Lynn nced at the list by Paige and whispered to Alexis, Alexis, it seems like she''s telling the truth."


    Alexis lifted her chin and said, "Then what about the gowns? I want to order a few custom-made dresses for Lynn on the wedding day."


    "Ms. Reese''s gown orders for this month are also fully booked, Mrs. Mcdaniel. Would you like to consider having another designer take care of it?" Paige exined


    Alexis was immediately furious. "Both the wedding dress and gown are fully booked. What exactly is your studio doing? Are you deliberately going against us?"


    "Alexis," Lynn said with a chuckle, ''you''ll have plenty to talk about with those wealthydies over a chat next time."


    1


    Maeve noticed the underlying threat in her words and narrowed her bright eyes slightly, formting a n. "If Miss Anderson and Mrs. Mcdaniel insist on having me design for them, considering Mr. Mcdaniel''s ount, I suppose I should extend a courtesy to both of you" Alexis snorted. "At least you know how to be sensible. Then, Lynn''s wedding dress will be your responsibility, and you must ensure it meets her satisfaction"


    Lynn realized that Alexis was making things difficult for Maeve, so she cleverly started listing many requirements.


    Maeve smiled and nodded, then stood up. "Miss Anderson, let''s make your measurements now."


    Lynn paused and nced at Alexis, "Alexis...


    "Go ahead. Alexis nodded at her. "With me here, she won''t dare to bully you."


    Lynn bit her lip and reluctantly followed Maeve into the fitting room. Maeve took a measuring tape and told the visibly nervous Lynn. "Take off your jacket, stretch your arms out, and stand up straight. Also, pull down your cor for your neck circumference measurement."


    0


    8,97%

 Chapter 254

    "Byron and Lynn are getting married," Alexis''s voice, filled with a wave of twisted anger, came from behind Maeve. "Ms. Reese, no matter how skilled you are. Byron won''t marry you. If you''re willing to spend your life as his hidden mistress, I mustmend your courage, you''ve discarded any sense of pride" The mention of the wedding made Maeve''s heart feel as if it had been gripped tightly. She turned around with a faint smile


    with §± and looked at Alexis. "Are you telling me this, Mrs. Mcdaniel, hoping I''ll bring a gift? Don''t worry, I''ll show up generous present to celebrate Mr. Mcdaniel''s-happy second chapter.


    Alexis''s expression darkened immediately, her anger boiling over as she ordered the driver, "Let''s go!"


    "Yes, sure, the driver replied.


    Maeve''s smile gradually faded, and the corners of her eyes drooped slightly as she silently walked toward the parking lot. She had already known that Byron was going to marry Lynn. Nothing was surprising about it, and it didn''t matter to her anymore.


    As long as she could get the antidote to Gilbert, she would no longer have ties to the Mcdaniel family once he woke up. After driving to the sanatorium, Maeve headed straight upstairs


    Meanwhile, at a business banquet, Jason and Alexis publicly announced the wedding dates of Byron and Lynn in front of numerous guests and media. The wedding was set for the tenth of next month.


    The news caused major social media tforms to crash for half an hour, and this announcement was one of the top five trending topics.


    The Mcdaniel Group dominated a significant portion of the domestic industry, with subsidiaries scattered around the globe. As the group''s current president, Byron was not only wealthy and young. Still, he had also stolen the spotlight a few years back with airport photos that showcased his striking looks andmanding presence, overshadowing even the hottest male celebrities.


    His personal life had always been a focal point for gossip, and now that news of his impending marriage had surfaced, not only was the onlinemunity buzzing, but thepany''s stock prices also began to fluctuate in response to the excitement


    Theo was nearly beside himself with anger. With his little voice full of frustration, he called Will and shouted, "He''s about to marry someone else, and you''re still hanging around him? Just kick him to the curb ande live with us! I''m not trying to scare you, but it''s a well- known fact: where there''s a stepmother, there''s a stepfather!"


    Will held the phone a bit farther away from his ear. "Hold on, don''t panic. The media loves to spread rumors; they could be mistaken. I''ll ask Daddy when he gets home."


    As soon as he finished speaking. Will spotted Byron walking through the entrance. He quickly ran over and said, "Daddy, everyone online is discussing you marrying Miss Anderson."


    Byron''s expression was unreadable as he asked calmly, "What''s the matter?"


    Will stood frozen, saying, "But I don''t want you to marry her


    "This is an adult matter; kids shouldn''t get involved," Byron said.


    A moment of sadness shed in Will''s eyes, but he ultimately said nothing and turned to run upstairs. Byron pressed his fingers to his aching brow, a faint glint of coldness passing through his deep eyes.


    After overhearing their conversation, Theo felt frustrated and threw his phone aside. He then headed out to find Maeve. Meanwhile, the news segment about the wedding was ying on the television.  B


    Maeve sat cross-legged on the carpet, snacking on an orange while watching television.


    Theo cautiously edged over and asked, "Mommy, how are you feeling right now?"


    "It''s okay." Maeve said, popping a piece of orange into her mouth as she watched the news. "Wealthy people know how to make a ssh when they get married, right?" Her tone was calm, as if she werementing on someone else''s life, detached from her emotions. Theo thought momentarily and suggested, "Mommy, if you can''t stand that wealthy guy, how about asking Loren for some new weapons to blow up his wedding venue?"


    Maeve nearly choked on the orange. "Where does Loren get all these strange things


    "Mommy, don''t you remember? He is the in-charge of Weapons Factory 011"


    "Stop hanging out with him; he''s too dangerous," Maeve said.


    Theo tugged at her sleeve and asked, "Mommy, you still haven''t said whether we should blow up his wedding venue?"


    He thought, "As long as Mommy wants it, I''ll start immediately! And I can make sure there are no traces left!


    Maeve slowly munched on her orange and replied, "Let''s not, okay? There are so many wealthy people, we can''t possibly blow them all up."


    Theo felt a surge of anxiety. He thought, "Why does Mommy seem so calm? Is it because she''s too sad to show any emotion? "Mommy, just let me know anytime if you want to blow something up," Theo said sternly.


    Maeve gently patted his head, saying, "Alright, that''s someone else''s business; it has nothing to do with us, so let''s not worry about it. Little did she know, this situation would be more relevant to her than she expected,


    The next day, Alexis and Lynn came to the studio to order a wedding dress, explicitly requesting Maeve to handle it. They were there to unt their engagement and assert dominance.


    "I''m sorry,


    but the wedding dresses at Dreamscape are handmade, and the production time is quite lengthy. We only take one order every two months, and other clients have already booked my slots," Maeve calmly declined. "I''m afraid I won''t be able to serve you this time. Perhaps you coulde back for your next wedding?"


    Alexis and Lynn''s faces turned pale. Alexis thought, Next wedding? What does she mean by that!"


    "You might be the first to chase away customers like us. What, do you think we''re not worthy of your service?" Alexis retorted aggressively.


    With a gentle smile, Maeve replied. "If you don''t believe me, Mrs. Mcdaniel, you can check our appointment list. It has a record of events. It''s not that I''m refusing service; it''s just that I''m genuinely unable to amodate you."


    Lynn nced at the list by Paige and whispered to Alexis, Alexis, it seems like she''s telling the truth."


    Alexis lifted her chin and said, "Then what about the gowns? I want to order a few custom-made dresses for Lynn on the wedding day."


    "Ms. Reese''s gown orders for this month are also fully booked, Mrs. Mcdaniel. Would you like to consider having another designer take care of it?" Paige exined


    Alexis was immediately furious. "Both the wedding dress and gown are fully booked. What exactly is your studio doing? Are you deliberately going against us?"


    "Alexis," Lynn said with a chuckle, ''you''ll have plenty to talk about with those wealthydies over a chat next time."


    1


    Maeve noticed the underlying threat in her words and narrowed her bright eyes slightly, formting a n. "If Miss Anderson and Mrs. Mcdaniel insist on having me design for them, considering Mr. Mcdaniel''s ount, I suppose I should extend a courtesy to both of you" Alexis snorted. "At least you know how to be sensible. Then, Lynn''s wedding dress will be your responsibility, and you must ensure it meets her satisfaction"


    Lynn realized that Alexis was making things difficult for Maeve, so she cleverly started listing many requirements.


    Maeve smiled and nodded, then stood up. "Miss Anderson, let''s make your measurements now."


    Lynn paused and nced at Alexis, "Alexis...


    "Go ahead. Alexis nodded at her. "With me here, she won''t dare to bully you."


    Lynn bit her lip and reluctantly followed Maeve into the fitting room. Maeve took a measuring tape and told the visibly nervous Lynn. "Take off your jacket, stretch your arms out, and stand up straight. Also, pull down your cor for your neck circumference measurement."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    0


    8,97%

 Chapter 255

    "Maeve Reese was once your wife. Did you have any part in her actions behind this?"


    "No matter what, you cannot escape responsibility. I believe you should step down and undergo an investigation to provide everyone with an exnation."


    A few senior executives spoke out, trying to remove Byron''s position. However, many others chose to remain silent and not voice their opinions.


    Byron curved his thin lips into a slight smile, though his eyes showed no hint of warmth. "An exnation? Do I need to provide you with one?" He sat there, exuding an overwhelming aura that filled the room with an invisible pressure, making it difficult for anyone to breathe.


    The executive who had just spoken pressed on despite the pressure. "Mr. Mcdaniel, this is for the sake of thepany. We can''t let your scandal affect the interests of the entire organization.


    "And I''ve heard you don''t hold Mrs. McDaniel''s shares. Based on the current distribution of shares, apart from Mr. Gilbert, thergest stake belongs to Mrs. Mcdaniel


    Byron narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression unreadable.


    Someone asked, "Is that so? Then who took Mrs. Mcdaniel''s shares


    At that moment, the door to the meeting room was pushed open Neville walked in, removing his sunsses to nce around the table at everyone present. He shed an elegant smile at Byron, sitting at the head of the table. "Sorry about this, brother, but Grandma entrusted her shares to me before she passed."


    The executives exchanged bewildered nces, unable toprehend how Neville, who had been ousted from thepany by Byron a few years ago, was now involved.


    Byron spoke calmly. "Where are the written documents?"


    "Don''t rush, brother; I brought them with me," Neville replied, signaling thewyer behind him to read the documents aloud for everyone to hear.


    When thewyer reached the line stating, "Granting 27% of the Mcdaniel Group to the grandson, Neville Mcdaniel, with only Gilbert Mcdaniel having the right to reim it," Neville interrupted him


    "Brother, thanks to your ex-wife, Grandpa was on the verge of recovery, but she probably feared he would wake up and testify against her, so she drugged him, putting him in critical condition," Neville said with a somewhat sinister smile. "What a shame." Only Gilbert could reim those hidden shares. Unfortunately, he was now on the verge of death.


    One executive immediately interjected, "Mr. Mcdaniel, Neville''s shares are above yours, and we all witnessed his capabilities back then. I believe he would be fully capable of stepping in as president during your suspensionContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "I agree, Mr. Mcdaniel, We need to prioritize the bigger picture.


    "You and Neville are both family. It wouldn''t matter who holds this position"


    On the surface, these executives advised Byron to weigh the pros and cons, but it was no different from pressuring him to step down. Archer was fumming; he thought, These fools do nothing regrly but are the first to run for their bonuses. They don''t consider who allows them to live sofortably. Would Neville be able to handle it if he took over?


    "Are you done?" Byron casually crossed his legs, observing the executives below making the most noise as if watching clowns perform.


    H


    "Brother, you''ve managed the group well these past few years. Don''t worry: I''ll take good care of it when the timees, Neville said, his smile widening.


    Byron curled the corners of his lips slightly, his tone somewhat casual. "Mypany is indeed doing well, but I''m afraid you won''t have the privilege of enjoying it." Neville frowned slightly, thinking. Is he unwilling to admit defeat even with death looming over him?"


    "Archer, turn on the projector, Byronmanded in a low voice.


    "Yes. Mr. Mcdaniel," Archer replied promptly, following the order.


    The others turned their attention toward the projector, curious about its purpose. To their surprise, a figure they recognized. all too well appeared on the screen. "Gilbert!" The entire conference room erupted in excitement.


    Neville shot up, fixating intently on the projection. He thought, How is this possible? How can he still be alive! His men witnessed Gilbert being wheeled into the operating room, and his heartbeat had been so weak that he should have passed away within two hours. "Hello, everyone. It''s been a while, and I wonder if you all remember me, Gilbert said. His face was pale and weak from waking up, but his eyes sparkled with sharpness. "Given that the doctors are watching and won''t let me exert myself, I''ll keep this brief. The hidden shares held by Neville are the most significant legacy I entrusted to my beloved grandson before my wife passed.


    "And who is Neville Modaniel? He is the one who, many years ago, got swapped with my biological grandson, bing an illegitimate beneficiary who took over what rightfully belonged to Byron."


    The revtion sent shockwaves through the executive boardroom, nearly causing the high-ranking officials to lose theirposure. If Neville wasn''t the biological heir of the Mcdaniel family, then his shares were illegitimate and unjustified.


    Neville''s expression had turned entirely cold, his hair falling over his eyes, yet it couldn''t conceal the malice that shone through.


    Gilbert continued, "TII have mywyere over shortly. These hidden shares rightfully belong to my biological grandson, Byron Mcdaniel, not to an outsider."


    Some executives were unwilling to back down, stating. "Mr. Gilbert, even so, if Mr. Mcdaniel and his ex-wife conspired to harm you, he may no longer be qualified to hold the position of president."


    Gilbert scoffed. "What, you think you know better than I do about who has been trying to harm me?"


    The executives exchanged puzzled nces, "Are you implying that..."


    Gilbert didn''t answer him but turned to Neville, "Do you have anything to say?"


    "Grandpa," Neville tugged at the corners of his mouth, his smile somewhat twisted, I''m thrilled to see you awake." With Gilbert''s recovery, the days ahead would be less tedious.


    "Don''t be too quick to celebrate," Byron casually interrupted Neville while toying with a pen. "The police will arrive shortly. and you can take your time to be happy after you go in."


    Neville suddenly turned his head, giving him a menacing look. What did you mean by that?"


    "On New Year''s Eve, you tampered with Grandpa''s New Year gift four years ago. Do I need to remind you?" Byron''s deep eyes narrowed slightly. "To neatly pin the me on Maeve Reese, you even went so far as to prepare the Red de poisonous magic from Ustren, faking the knife wounds on Grandpa''s body. You went to great lengths."


    G.


    That type of poisonous magic was scarce. Upon contact with human skin, it would create a wound resembling a knife cut at the nearest spot before dying, ultimately merging with the blood. It left no trace behind.


    Neville''s handsome face shifted slightly, and he ultimately broke into a smile. "I underestimated you, considering you even know about such a poison.


    "This time, you were lucky to discover the Red de poisonous magic; otherwise, Maeve Reese would have had to bear this me for a lifetime. The entire scheme was wless, Maeve fell into his trap and had no choice but to ept her fate. "Oh?" Byron''s voice was icy, "Did you think that everything happening today was just a coincidence?"


    Neville paused momentarily, then suddenly grasped the critical point, "Maeve Reese!"


    "What''s up? Did someone call for me? Standing behind Gilbert, a slender figure appeared on the screen, smiling as sh

 Chapter 256

    256


    In an instant, Maeve looked away.


    "It seems I underestimated you, Neville remarked, his tone cryphic. "Byron sent you to prison back then, but not only do


    not hate him, you''re even going out of your way to help him. Truly eye-opening


    Byron furrowed his brows slightly at the sight of Maeve in the projection, a whirl of emotions churning beneath his calm exterior.


    Marve smiled faintly, her voice calm but cutting. "You framed me for murder and had me locked away for four years. Now, you want to use me to kill Gilbert? Did you think I wouldn''t strike back?" Maeve was no fool.


    The doctor reminded Gilbert that it was time for him to rest, and the projection faded to ck


    At the same time, the police arrived.


    "I''ve prepared a gift for you, Byron," Neville said calmly, his face still adorned with that ever-graceful smile. "I hope you''ll


    like it."


    "Oh, is that so?" Byron''s voice was low, with a faint hint of sarcasm. In exchange, Vinedustries will go bankrupt within three days"


    Neville''s smile faltered, his eyes turning icy.


    Silence fell over the room. Those higher-ups who had been the most vocal earlier now shrank back in fear, terrified that Byron might turn his attention to them.


    Unfortunately, the ominous shadow that hung over them descended.


    "Those who spoke earlier," Byron''s cold gaze swept across the room as he said in a deep voice, "Either submit your resignation tomorrow, or I''ll take care of it myself. Make your decision wisely. Meeting adjourned


    With that, Byron headed for the door, not caring how ugly the expressions of the higher-ups behind him were.


    Someoneined. "We were all promoted by Mr. Mcdaniel back then. How could he fire us just like that? I''m going to look for Mr. Mcdaniel. Who''s with me?"


    "I''d advise you all to stop. An executive from the neutral faction scoffed. He said, "All of you seem to have forgotten that Mr. McDaniel has be more lenient in recent years. Don''t you remember how he ruthlessly restructured thepany and forced Neville out back then? "Fools. To think anyone would offend Mr. McDaniel sopletely over an imposter."


    The faces of the executives who were being subtly criticized turned pale. The executives'' hearts were filled with fear and uncertainty.


    Byron was able to get to his current position not only because of the Mcdaniel family''s background but also because of his decisiveness and ruthlessness.


    Those who thought they could provoke him and walk away unpunished were simply deluding themselves.


    Meanwhile, in the sanatorium, in the ward.


    Ever since Gilbert had said those words, both Alexis and Jason had remained silent, unable to believe that Neville was mastermind behind it all.


    the


    "Dad, could it really have been Neville?" Alexis could not help but defend him. "He''s always been so considerate and respectful to you. When he left the Mcdaniel family and moved to the sanatorium, he never once showed any resentment... Jason, noticing a shift in Gilbert''s expression, immediately interrupted, "Stop it. The facts are clear. What''s the point of defending Neville?"


    Gilbert''s expression turned even colder. "Are you suspecting that joined forces with Byron to frame your precious adopted


    son?"


    "No, no, that''s not what I meant," Alexis quickly denied, shaking her head. Tm just wondering if there might be more to this, something we''re missing?"


    Alexis could not bring herself to believe that the child she had personally raised and nurtured would turn into someone capable of harming even their elders.


    epting this truth would mean acknowledging that everything she had taught, her entire way of raising Neville, had failed. It felt like a rejection of who she was as a person


    How could she possibly ept that this was the truth?


    "Alexis Mcdaniel." Ever since Alexis married into our family, Gilbert called her full name for the first time. "You should be d that Byron isn''t here now."


    Otherwise, their mother-son rtionship would probably end.


    Ale


    well-maintained face, still youthful and not showing her age, turned pale. She was speechless.


    "Also, did you even consider Maeve''s feelings when you said that? Your foster son is thoughtful and considerate, but Maeve is capable of such things?" Gilbert sharply retorted. Alexis could not muster a response.


    Gilbert continued, "Maeve is married into our family, which means she can be considered your daughter. However, you stood by and watched her be wronged and bullied, and even added to her trouble. Is this how you should act as parents! And you, Jason, the real culprit behind my plight is still out there living freely, while you sent the most innocent person to the detention center! Are you very proud of yourself?"


    The couple usually held a high status in public,manding respect and authority,


    At this moment, they were harshly criticized by Gilbert, but they were too intimidated to defend themselves. They were also worried that Gilbert''s wrath might take a toll on his health. Standing to the side, Maeve felt her eyes welling up as she listened to Gilbert defend her. A wave of emotion surged within her, and she suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to cry. For four years, no one knew just how much pain and injustice she had been silently enduring.


    However, she could not allow herself to think about it.


    The thought alone would cause her unbearable pain. She had never spoken of it to anyone, nor did she show it, but that did not mean she had forgotten.


    Gilbert was tired from scolding. When he saw Maeve''s red eyes, he felt a pang of heartache and waved at her. "Come here. Maeve."


    Maeve walked over and greeted him.


    Gilbert patted Maeve''s hand gently and sighed deeply. "The Mcdaniel family has treated you unfairly, Maeve. It''s my fault 08-22 Fri, Nov 1


    for not teaching my somrand daughter-inw well, so they couldn''t tell right from wrong, causing you to suffer such a grea injustice." When she was confined in that dark detention center and bullied, Maeve definitely felt resentment.


    But now that Maeve heard these words, the resentment in her heart gradually dissipated.


    Though she could ept suffering injustice, her biggest fear was that she might never see the day when the truth would finally be uncovered.


    Gilbert was already a little tired, but he still forced himself to stay awake and said to Jason, "From today onward, you will hand over the power in your hands to Byron. Don''t interfere in the corporation''s matters for the time being"


    Jason''s expression changed drastically. "Dad, this is not appropriate! Byron is young and impetuous. There are many decisions that he won''t be able to make without me by his side."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Do you truly believe that you are the reason for thepany''s sess?" Gilbert confronted Jason with a harsh reality check "As Byron''s father, you have failed to fulfill your obligations, yer you''re eager to meddle in everything I must admit that Byron has shown boldness and thoughtfulness with the recent energy project. If you disagree with me, you should offer some persuasive arguments instead of relying on your status as his father."


    Jason blushed deeply at being chastised in front of others.


    Alexis, unable to defend herself, did note to his aid either.


    However, this was not the end. Gilbert even wanted them to apologize to Maeve.


    Maeve''s eyes widened slightly. She could not believe that Gilbert would go to this extent to protect her.


    After all, to the Mcdaniel family, she was the outsider.


    After being scolded just now, Alexis''s mind was much clearer. She hesitated for a moment before apologizing to Marve solemnly.

 Chapter 257

    Maeve pursed her lips and made a sound of acknowledgment.


    She did not say that she would forgive them because she could not forgive them.


    Jason''s serious face was devoid of any expression, his gaze condescending.


    It seemed that apologizing to someone of a lower status like Maye was an utter humiliation for him.


    Gilbert was seething with anger,


    In the living room. Theo held the stethoscope given to him by the attending doctor, pressing it against the door to eavesdrop on the conversation inside the ward.


    He could only vaguely hear Gilbert cursing.


    Gilbert was scolding Alexis and Jason.


    "That is a very good scolding!'' Theo thought


    His fondness for Gilbert skyrocketed. Theo was willing to be friends with anyone who was good to his mother.


    After the yelling inside had mostly subsided, Theo adjusted his round-framed sses, which he wore to appear profound and sophisticated, and knocked on the door.


    "It''s time for the patient to rest. There''s still one more acupuncture session," he said.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    The soft, childlike voice instantly warmed Gilbert''s heart.


    He recalled seeing Theo in the operating room, who was no more than five years old, dressed in a miniature white coat and always wearing a serious expression. Gilbert felt an indescribable affection and fondness for him. Gilbert could not help but ask Maeve, "I have no intention of rushing you, Maeve. It''s just that you and Byron have been married for almost five years, but have yet to have kids..."


    Gilbert had an eager look on his face. He was greatly anticipating having great-grandkids.


    Being someone from that generation, the concept of divorce waspletely foreign to him.


    Therefore, when the executives questioned him at that time and mentioned the words "ex-wife," Gilbert did not even register it


    Maeve could not help but look toward the door of the ward. She thought to herself, "Your great-grandson is outside now, He''lle inter to give you treatment...


    However, she could not say that aloud.


    After thinking about it, Maeve decided to tell Gilbert the truth. I''m sorry, but four years ago, Byron and I have already..."


    "It''s not toote to discuss this after you have recovered. Besides Dr. Chatterly is impatiently waiting." Alexis interrupted, not allowing Maeve toplete her sentence. Maeve looked at Alexis in confusion. She felt that Alexis did it on purpose.


    Gilbert decided to drop the conversation and let Theo in.


    To avoid exposing her rtionship with Theo, Maeve did not linger in the room with Theo


    However, since Maeve knew, Jaylen well, it was not unusual for her to know his junior, so there was no need to act distant


    from Theo.


    "Dr. Chatterly, you have really helped us out this time," Maeve said, patting Theo on the head and giving him a wink before walking out with Alexis and the others.


    Theo was glowing with pride. "What should I do? I''m just too outstanding Mommy has praised me again. I will have to show off to Willter he thought After leaving the ward, Jason said that he had something to do a left.


    and


    Maeve and Alexis waited in the living room, the silence growing with each passing moment.


    "Do you know why I interrupted you just now?" Alexis was the first to speak. She was no longer as aggressive as before and was much gentler.


    Maeve was stunned and shook her head.


    "Dr. Chatterly mentioned earlier that Gilbert''s lucidity is only temporary. The poisonous magic in his body hasn''t been fully cleared, and his health is still fragile. He can''t take any more shocks." "So?" Maeve asked.


    "So if he finds out that you and Byron had already divorced four years ago, he would definitely be furious and It''d affect his health, Alexis said.


    Maeve had suspected that this might be the reason, and her expression was calm. "The fact that Byron and I are divorced is something Gilbert will find out eventually. You can hide it for now, but not forever," Maeve said. Alexis had aplicated expression on her face. That''s why I need your help.


    Before today, Alexis had never thought that there would be a day when she would turn to Maeve for help.


    Maeve quietly gazed at Alexis. "I have no desire to help you lie to Gilbert. If I had the choice, I wouldn''t want any more involvement with the Mcdaniel family."


    It was true that members of the Mcdaniel family had been misled by Neville, but that did not erase the hurt they caused hep


    And Byron...


    Maeve had waited for him in that detention center for over 10 days, yet she never even got to see him. In the end, all she received was divorce papers.


    And the news of his uing engagement.


    Maeve did not care if others believed her or not.


    But even Byron believed she was guilty. That was when she truly understood what it meant to feet utterly hopeless.


    Now, all she wanted was to live peacefully with Theo, with no further ties to the Medaniel family.


    Alexis was surprised to hear Maeve''s words. She had always thought that Maeve was woman who sought wealth and power. cager to climb the socialdder. Maeve could have easily taken advantage of Gilbert''s affection for her and secured a way back into the Mcdaniel family.


    But Maeve did not do that.


    ''Could it be that I''ve misunderstood Maeve in the past? Alexis thought.


    08 23 Fri, Nov 1


    9K 97%


    "Ms. Reese, I know your resent us. I won''t force you to forgive us Alexis''s tone was much more sincere. "But can you help us for Byron''s sake?"


    When Mave heard Alexis mention Byron, a hint of mockery surfaced in her eyes. "Byron and I divorced long ago, and there was never any love between us," she said coldly.


    "Are you just saying that out of spite?" Alexis frowned, thinking Maeve was lying to her. "If you and Byron never had any feelings for each other, why did he take responsibility for you back then? He also defended you in front of his father and, despite thepany''s opposition, bailed you out from the detention center."


    Had it not been for Byron''s actions, after seeing those photos, Alexis would not have feared that Byron had once again fallen under Marve''s spell.


    Maeve''s eyes gradually widened as she asked in shock, "What did you say?"


    "Back when Gilbert had his ident, you were the prime suspect. After multiple investigations, the police were convinced of your guilt. If Jason had taken you to court, you would definitely go to prison," Alexis said, rubbing her temples in frustration, "But Byron insisted on protecting you, so he made a deal with his father. He promised to divorce you and get engaged to Lynn


    After divorcing her, Byron would get engaged to Lynn.


    Maeve''s mind went nk the moment she heard those words. Her lips parted, but no sound came out as she stared at Alexis in a daze.


    Maeve sat rigidly in her seat, but it felt as though the world was spinning. Her vision blurred.


    For the past four years, the words Byron said when he told her to sign the divorce papers had haunted her like an inescapable nightmare,


    In the dead of night, whenever Marve recalled his cold tone back then, a chill would run through her entire body. Byron''s words had erased everything they once had, shattering thest remnants of her hope.


    Did Maeve hate Byron?


    It would be a lie to say that she did not.


    But now Alexis was saying that Byron never doubted Maeve, and had even been quietly protecting her without her. knowledge.


    Maeve had once questioned why the McDaniel family had let her off so easily.


    However, back then, she had been too consumed with grief over Byron''s coldness to realize it.

 Chapter 258

    Have I misunderstood Byron all along? Maeve thought.


    Stunned into silence, it was as though a thick fog had rolled into her chest, clouding her thoughts and draining her


    emotions


    Alexis continued, "I''m not telling you this to pressure you into agreeing to help us put on an act, I just think that you''re very lucky. Byron takes after his grandfather, not his father.


    "After you left, not only did Byron call off his engagement party with Lynn, but he''s also been searching for you ever since. Despite all his father''s threats and coercion, Byron refused to marry Lynn, and even now, she''s only his fianc¨¦e.


    At this point, Alexis suddenly understood why she disliked Maeve so much.


    Maeve had also married into the Mcdaniel family, but Maeve was much luckier than her.


    as on par with his grandfather''s, a true master of strategy. However, Byron Maeve had wed a man whose business savvy wascked the emotional detachment and indifference that characterized his father; unlike his father, he valued his wife deeply. Maeve struggled to pull her thoughts back. At the thought of Byron''s uing wedding to Lynn, Maeve gradually rposed herself.


    Even if what Alexis said was true, it was impossible for her and Byron to get back together.


    Hence, there was no point in saying anything more.


    Besides, Maeve had not forgotten how Byron had pressured her into the operating room and forced her to have an abortion.


    However, she could not deny that hearing that Byron had always been on her side and trusted her unconditionally brought her an immense happiness she had never felt before.


    However, that was all


    It was no longer possible between them


    Maeve stood up to get some fresh air in the hallway and felt a slight pain at the corner of her mouth. She must have bitten down too hard and broken the skin, so she headed to the restroom1. Suddenly, her phone started ringing from inside her bag


    After drying her hands, Maeve took out her phone and saw i I was an iing call from Byron.


    Her lips tightened slightly, and she felt a mix of nostalgia and hestation, making her reluctant to press the answer button. Maeve took a deep breath, ready to press the answer button when a sudden gust of cold wind swept past her.


    Before she could turn around, a sharp pain pierced her neck, and darkness engulfed her. She copsed to the ground.


    Her phone dropped with a thud, the sound of Byron''s deep voice echoing. "Maeve? Are you there?"


    There was no response for a long


    time.


    After an unknown period..


    G


    Maeve awoke to a dull ache in her neck and a heavy fog in her head, the chilling cold seeping into her bones.


    §±


    She wiggled her stiff fingers and slowly propped herself up from the ground, only to find the floor coated with ayer of ice that sent chills through her body.


    Maeve surveyed her surroundings and was shocked to discover she was inside a cold storage room.


    There were just a few empty shelves, trash littered across the floor, and an unconscious figure lying nearby...


    A person? Maeve thought


    Maeve''s groggy mind suddenly cleared. She got up and rushed to the figure on the ground. She turned the person over and was shocked to find it was Lynn,Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Hey, are you okay? Wake up!" Maeve called out, pushing her gently but receiving no response. Lynn''s face was pale, and her body temperature was rmingly low,


    Maeve felt cold even in her warm clothes, so she could not imagine how cold Lynn must be feeling in just a thin velvet dress. With great effort, Maeve positioned Lynn against the wall before she removed her own coat. Maeve immediately shuddered from the icy air. Maeve sat alongside Lynn, wrapping them both in her coat and pulling the zipper up.


    Luckily, this helped, as Lynn''s body temperature began to rise, and she slowly opened her eyes. "Where are we?" Lynn asked.


    In a cold storage room," Maeve answered curtly, then asked. "Did you see what the person who brought you here looked like"


    "No," Lynn said, her voice trembling. "I was at the hospital for a checkup and woke up here." Lynn''s voice was trembling. She closed her eyes and tried to endure the cold.


    Maeve frowned slightly. If she guessed correctly. Neville should be the person who brought her and Lynn here.


    Neville was the prime suspect.


    But he has already been taken away by the police. How did he do it? Maeve wondered.


    There was no time to dwell on it. Maeve felt the temperature in the cold storage room drop even more, the cold more intense than before.


    Gripping the edge of her coat, she said to Lynn, "Get a bit closer. If we huddle together, we can slow the loss of body heat. We need to hold out until someonees to rescue us." Her teeth chattered, her words slightly slurred yet still coherent


    sa


    Lynn was trembling violently. She was barely hearing what Maeve had said. All she sensed was a warm presence close to her body, and a wave of warmth emanating from it.


    As Lynn opened her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of Maeve''s slightly quivering, frosted eyshes and her lips tightly pressed in response to the cold


    n was stunned by Maeve''s remarkable beauty. She instinctively wanted to move away, but the coat was too small to allow any motion, leading her to identally brush against Macve''s waist. Lynn was


    "Don''t move." Because of how cold it was, Maeve''s voice sounded a little tired.


    Lynn''s cheeks burned bright red, and her limbs felt stiff while she attempted to avoid contact with Maeve, but it was hopeless.


    "I-I''m a little ufortable like this. Why can''t we sit separately Lynn asked.


    "Suit yourself. If you want to freeze to death at the side, you can always crawl out from under my coat," Maeve said.


    Lynn stopped talking. She was in the cold storage room, but her body felt like it was on fire. It was so hot that she felt tense and ufortable.


    Maeve could not sense Lynn''s abnormality, but she could feel the heat on Lynn''s body.


    She opened her eyes and looked at Lynn in confusion. "Don''t tell me you have a fever?" "N-no."


    "Then why is your temperature suddenly so high?" Maeve asked


    "L. Lynn stuttered for a long time before saying. I''m naturally hot, but it wasn''t obvious just now."


    Normally, Maeve would not believe a word of this.


    However, the cold environment was affecting her brain''s ability to think clearly, so Maeve did not dwell on it much


    Besides, as Lynn''s body temperature rose, Maeve unconsciously moved a little closer to Lynn, trying to absorb some of that


    warmth.


    Lynn frozepletely, not daring to move, but she could not help but keep sneaking nces at Maeve out of the corner of her eyes.


    "There''s a venttion window there." Maeve pointed to a small window high up on the wall and said to Lynn, "This might not be a cold storage room or there wouldn''t be a window." Moreover, the temperature here fluctuated. It was clear that someone was controlling it.


    Lynn nced at the window skeptically. "It''s too high up. Even with the shelves, we won''t be able to climb out," she said.


    Furthermore, the windows were sealed.


    "How would we know if we don''t try?" Maeve unzipped her jacket and said, "I''d rather fight for a slim chance than sit here waiting to die. Whether you want to help or not is up to you After speaking. Maeve clenched her teeth, enduring the bone-deep chill. She moved around for a bit to get her blood flowing.


    After that, Maeve dragged the shelf closer to the window and climbed onto it. She grabbed a broken three-legged stool from the floor and began smashing at the window.


    The shelf creaked and wobbled dangerously under the pressure, but after a tense moment, it finally stabilized.


    Maeve nced down, surprised to see Lynn standing beneath her, silently watching.


    "Maybe this spoiled princess isn''t so unbearable after all, Maeve thought. When she isn''t talking, she is somewhat tolerable."

 Chapter 259

    Maeve struck the window five times in a row. Her arms were neatly frozen stiff and they hurt so much that she could hardly raise them. However, all she managed to do was crack the window slightly. She bent forward, kneeling on the shelf, her teeth clenched, her jaw aching with pain.


    It was incredibly cold.


    How can it be so cold? Maeve thought.


    She could not hold on for much longer.


    "Maeve, get down now!" Lynn noticed something was wrong and shouted urgently, "If you don''te down, you''ll freeze to death!"


    Maeve did not want to move. In fact, she even felt a reckless desire to just let herself freeze to death right there.


    But then, out of nowhere, the image of Theo''s adorable face popped into her mind, along with his mischievous little expressions.


    If I died. Theo would cry his heart out, Maeve thought.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    At that thought, Maeve gritted her teeth and climbed down from the shelf, but she had no strength left to stand. She copsed to the ground, barely clinging to life.


    Lynn''s eyes turned red as images shed through her mind.


    "Let''s bring him home. He looks so pitiful.


    "I like him! I want to marry him when I grow up!


    Tm sorry, I will be leaving first. You need to carry on living for both of us."


    The sweet voice of a child echoed in Lynn''s mind, triggering a sharp headache and a sharp pain in her eyes.


    Just as Lynn felt herself on the verge of breaking down, Maeve''s soft groan brought her back to her senses.


    Lynn rushed to help Maeve up, quickly wrapping Maeve in the coat and holding her tight.


    "Don''t die. You can''t die. I won''t let anything happen to you," Lynn muttered to herself. She seemed like she was talking to Maeve but also seemed like she was looking at someone else through Marve. "I''m not dead yet," Maeve said with difficulty. "But if you continue to strangle me like this, I''ll make sure you die first"


    ''Damn it. Is she afraid that I won''t die quickly enough? I can barely breathe, Maeve thought


    Lynn would not


    Maeve was sosen her grip, but Maeve shoved her away. While checking the area thathurt from Lynn''s tight hug. to find a cell phone.


    "Why didn''t you say that you have your phone with you?" Maeve red at Lynn.


    Lynn was a little out of it. "I-1 forgot..."


    Maeve was speechless.


    ''She''s not a spoiled princess. She''s just an innocent, naive girl, Maeve thought.


    I-I''m a little ufortable like this. Why can''t we sit separately Lynn asked.


    "Suit yourself. If you want to freeze to death at the side, you can always crawl out from under my coat," Maeve said.


    Lynn stopped talking. She was in the cold storage room, but her body felt like it was on fire. It was so hot that she felt tense. and ufortable.


    Maeve could not sense Lynn''s abnormality, but she could feel the heat on Lynn''s body.


    She opened her eyes and looked at Lynn in confusion. "Don''t tell me you have a fever?" "N-no."


    "Then why is your temperature suddenly so high? Maeve asked.


    "L... Lynn stuttered for a long time before saying. Tm naturally hot, but it wasn''t obvious just now."


    Normally, Maeve would not believe a word of this.


    However, the cold environment was affecting her brain''s ability to think clearly, so Maeve did not dwell on it much.


    Besides, as Lynn''s body temperature rose, Maeve unconsciously moved a little closer to Lynn, trying to absorb some of that


    warmth.


    Lynn frozepletely, not daring to move, but she could not help but keep sneaking nces at Maeve out of the corner of her eyes.


    "There''s a venttion window there." Maeve pointed to a small window high up on the wall and said to Lynn, "This might not be a cold storage room or there wouldn''t be a window" Moreover, the temperature here fluctuated. It was clear that someone was controlling it.


    Lynn nced at the window skeptically. "It''s too high up. Even with the shelves, we won''t be able to climb out," she said.


    Furthermore, the windows were sealed.


    "How would we know if we don''t try?" Maeve unzipped her jacket and said, "T''d rather fight for a slim chance than sit here waiting to die. Whether you want to help or not is up to you." After speaking, Maeve clenched her teeth, enduring the bone-deep chill. She moved around for a bit to get her blood. Ilowing.


    After that, Maeve dragged the shelf closer to the window and climbed onto it. She grabbed a broken three-legged stool from the floor and began smashing at the window.


    The shelf creaked and wobbled dangerously under the pressure, but after a tense moment, it finally stabilized.


    Maeve nced down, surprised to see Lynn standing beneath her, silently watching.


    "Maybe this spoiled princess isn''t so unbearable after all, Maeve thought. When she isn''t talking, she is somewhat tolerable."


    #

 Chapter 260

    "What have you been up to? Why did you just answer the phone said Maeve. "Maeve?" Byron''s throat tightened slightly when he heard Maeve''s voice,


    Byron rarely called her Marve.


    There were only a few times that gave her the most unforgettable memories.


    Or he leaned close to her neck and affectionately called her by her nickname when he kissed her in a daze.


    Or he was teasing her to see her blushing and angry expression.


    Or when they were entwined on the bed, he kissed her sensitive car and called out to her. It was like an uncontroble murmur when they were in extreme love.


    However, Maeve seemed to have heard something else in Byron''s deep voice at that moment.


    Her eyes quickly turned red, and her voice was choked as she said, "It''s a room with a refrigeration system that looks like a freezer. It''s dark outside and I can''t see. I don''t know where it is. "Okay, I see. Byron calmlyforted her, ''Don''t be afraid. I''ll find you as soon as possible."


    Tm afraid I can''t wait until then. It''s so cold in here. I want to sleep so badly


    Byron could tell Maeve was weak. She forced herself to speak, indicating her state was almost reaching her limit.


    "Don''t sleep, and don''t close your eyes. Talk to me, okay?"


    Maeve''s nose was red from the cold, and she was delirious.


    ous than you. You''re simply an asshole. Someone like you should be single for


    "Byron, I''ve never met anyone more outrageous the rest of your life," said Maeve.


    "Okay, no one wants me," Byron replied patiently as he traced the address of her phone call.


    "I have another question for you."


    "Go ahead."Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    "How much of what you truth"


    said to me in the car that day was true? Maeve said weakly, closing her eyes. "I want to hear the


    Byron had gotten into his car on his way to Maeve''s ce.


    Upon hearing her question, Byron answered almost without hesitation, "It''s all fake. You were wired at that time. I deliberately said those words to Neville."


    Maeve immediately felt even more aggrieved. Her nose tip twitched as she choked. "Then, can''t you remind me in another way? You can write it on paper, but why can''t you be as good as a child? I hate you when you talk to me like that and belittle me to nothing "Why are you always bullying me? You know I didn''t harm Gilben. Why are you so fierce every time you see me? It''s as if I''ve done something wrong!


    The cold made Maeve feel weak, and her cries were thin and weak, yet filled with indescribable grievances and bitterness.


    Byron felt as if his heart had been scratched heavily by a cat and bled profusely.


    An uncontroble sense of self-me washed over him.


    He lowered his eyes slightly. The light shone through the car window. His handsome face was indistinguishable.


    "Maeve, don''t cry," said Byron in a hoarse voice, word by word. can''t hug you now


    All the words were too weak.


    He wanted to hug her andfort her, but he couldn''t


    Byron, the leader of the Mcdaniel Group, who controlled half of the business world and had always been decisive, had never felt so powerless, Maeve closed her eyes tightly. The tears at the corners of her eyes had frozen, adding anotheryer of moisture.


    However, she didn''t want Byron to hug her.


    She wanted Byron to love her.


    The temperature in the room kept dropping, and Maeve''s phone screen wentpletely ck.


    Lynn heard their entire conversation aside, feeling sour, a bit better, and a trace of jealousy.


    Lynn felt a weight on her shoulder the next second, and Maeve fainted,


    "Maeve, Maeve?" called Lynn.


    Lynn


    couldn''t wake Maeve up no matter how hard she tried. Maeve body temperature was also so low that it was almost nonexistent.


    Lynn panicked and quickly wrapped Maeve tightly in her coat, but it was useless.


    She didn''t want Macve to die. Not at all.


    Lynn gritted her teeth and pulled the ne off her neck. The ne was a ball-shaped design that could be opened in the middle. There was a pill hidden inside it.


    After taking the pill, Lynn''s originally petite body began to grow. Her bones creaked and made a numbing sound as if her bones that were curled together were gradually opening. The noise stopped, and a tall, slender young boy with exquisite features that were even more beautiful than a girl stood


    there.


    His fox-like eyes drooped slightly, and his face was sickly red like a rose.


    beautiful that he didn''t seem like a mortal.


    He was so b


    He carried Maeve on his back and tied her tightly to him with the coat. He crawled along the shelf to the window and punched the crack.


    Perhaps it was because Maeve had smashed open that crack, causing the window to be less sturdy. He punched it three times with his fist, and the ss shattered with a crack.


    He did not reach out to block it. He stepped on the window frame and held Maeve behind him with one hand as he jumped down the window,


    .


    Hended first as a cushion for Maeve.


    Lynn unbuttoned her coat and knelt before Maeve to rub her palins and neck so that Macve''s blood could flow again and prevent her from dying from hypothermia.


    Maeve was notpletely unconscious. She could sense it when 1ynn brought her out of the window until now.


    She moved her pale lips and said hoarsely. "Thank... thank you..


    "You helped me, too." Lynn held Maeve''s hand with aplicated gaze.


    Maeve was so cold that she could not think. She closed her eyes and did not notice Lynn''s voice like a boy''s


    Lynn knew it wasn''t going to work. She stuffed Maeve into her coat and wanted to take her to the nearby hospital.


    A beam of headlights came from afar at that moment. Then came the sound of the engine turning off, followed by a rush of quick footsteps.


    Byron arrived before Lynn with his men in the blink of an eye. His narrow eyes were fixed on Maeve in Lynn''s arms. His eyes were as cold as ice.


    "How is she asked Byron.


    "Her body temperature is hypothermic. She fainted," Lynn replied as she pursed her lips.


    Byron frowned and stretched out his arms to take Maeve over. brought a doctor over. Go to the car behind and check. Leave her to me.


    Unexpectedly, Lynn dodged.


    Byron''s arm froze in mid-air.


    As if sensing something. Byron looked at Lynn again with a meaningful gaze, "Leon, she is my wife."


    "Byron, I know," Leon said lightly. He suppressed the unreasonable reluctance in his heart and returned Maeve to Byron.


    The moment his arms were empty, Leon felt his heart empty, too. He suddenly felt upset


    Byron strode into his car with Maeve in his arms. In a deep voice, he told the chauffeur, Turn the air-conditioning to the highest temperature and raise the partition." "Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel." The chauffeur quickly did as he was told.


    Byron quickly changed out of Maeve''s wet clothes, dried the water droplets on her skin with a towel, and put the dry new clothes on her.


    Byron, always criticized by Maeve for being in heat, only had a solemn and cautious look in his dark eyes when he changed her clothes.


    It was as if he was treating a precious treasure.


    0

 Chapter 261

    After changing Maeve''s clothes, Byron lowered the car window so the doctor waiting outside could examine her.


    Byron was shocked after the doctor examined Maeve.


    Maeve''s heartbeat was so weak that it was about to disappear.


    Fortunately, the emergency equipment was in the medical van following Byron. Otherwise, Marve would have died before she reached the sanatorium.


    Maeve was sent to the emergency room after the car arrived at the sanatorium.


    Perhaps because of the difference in physique between men and women, Leon''s condition was not serious. Other than being in aa, his life was not in danger. However, Maeve.....


    "Let me in. I can help. Theo stood before Byron, carrying the small first aid kit with a serious look.


    Will frowned and anxiously said, "Dad, he''s Dr. Leo Chatterly who cured great-grandfather. Please believe him."


    Byron lowered his gaze on Theo, the little guy who only reached his knees. Theo wore round-framed sses and looked like a silly goose. Byron suddenly thought of something and slowly frowned. You''re Jaylen''s friend?" asked Byron.


    "It''s me." Theo puffed out his chest. "Maeve and I are close. How can I wait here when something happens to her?" Relying on the fact Theo had disguised himself, he dared to make demands of Byron, his cheap daddy, without any reservations.


    If Byron disagree, Theo was not to be trifled with!


    Unexpectedly, Byron only sized Theo up a few times before getting the nurse to bring Theo into the emergency room.


    Will pursed his lips tightly, and his round eyes revealed a desire to enter.


    However, he understood the severity of the matter. Even if he wanted to go in and see how Maeve, his mommy, was doing, he would not go in at that time to cause trouble.


    Byron inadvertently caught a glimpse of Will''s worried expression, and a trace of doubt shed across his eyes.


    "Will, are you worried about her?" asked Byron.


    "Yes," Will nodded and replied hesitantly. "She saved my life, and I shall return her kindness, right, Dad


    Byron''s gaze was tinged with a hint ofplexity as he raised his hand and gently pressed Will''s head. "Yes, you''re right."


    "Will has a good impression of Maeve. I don''t know whether it is a good or a bad thing, thought Byron.


    After over two hours, Maeve finally was out of the emergency room and was transferred to the VIP ward,


    "How is she?" Byron asked in a deep voice.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    The doctor replied, "Mr. Mcdaniel, thanks to Dr. Leo Chatterly, fs. Reese''s life is no longer in danger. She only needs to rest and be observed. Also, she might have a fever in the middle of the night, which is troublesome." 08-23 Fri, Nov 1


    "What do we need to pay attention to?"


    The doctor gave Byron detailed instructions. Then he left the wind with the nurse.


    Byron rolled up half of his sleeves and was about to go to the washroom to get water to wash Maeve''s face. However, when he turned around. Theo and Will had snatched his job.


    Theo asked the nurse for two heat packs. After charging them, he climbed onto the bed and stuffed them near Maeve''s hand and abdomen,


    Will wing out the towel and carefully wiped the cold sweat of Maeve''s forehead and neck to prevent her from catching cold.


    Theo and Will divided the work and worked together. They had covered everything the doctor had instructed them to do just then, leaving no room for Byron to show off.


    Byron even vaguely felt he was a little redundant.


    Byron also thought. Isn''t this little one too skilled at looking after Maeve? It''s like he used to do this kind of thing often. Also... I had an unfounded illusion that they looked like two brothers when they stood together. Byron''s gazended on Theo, and he said calmly. "Kid, how old are you this year?"


    "Eighty-eight," Theo said smoothly.


    Byron raised his eyebrows slightly. "What is your real age?"


    "That''s a secret you can''t know," Theo said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Unfortunately, he didn''t have a beard.


    Byron could not help but take a few more nces at Theo.


    The guy''s tone and demeanor... were simr to Will''s during Will''s rebellious phase. He is even more rebellious, thought Byron


    Then what''s your name?" Byron was a little interested


    "This is a paid content. If you want to know, you have to pay extra. Theo waved his hand.


    The little guy''s mouth is even more tight-lipped than some adults. He has an impable manner of speaking and a lively mischievous spirit. It vaguely resembles... Maeve, thought Byron. Thinking of that, Byron narrowed his ey


    eyes.


    Will quietly nudged Theo with his elbow, indicating Theo to restrain himself and not arouse Byron''s suspicion.


    Theo gave him a smug look. I''m not afraid. With my face now, it would be strange if he could recognize me."


    Will''s shoulders slumped helplessly. He thought, Theo is too naughty. There is nothing I can do?


    The worst situation that the doctor had expected still happened.


    Maeve had a high fever in thetter half of the night. She could not sleep well, muttering some inaudible words in a daze.


    The nurse brought over the boiled antipyretic soup that was instructed by Theo. Byron sat on the edge of the bed with Maeve leaning against him to feed Macve.


    However, Maeve could not drink it. She vomited the medicine in her mouth and kept muttering something


    Will and Theo were anxious aside. They wished they could snatch the soup bowl and feed Maeve themselves.


    "You''re having a fever. Don''t move around. Drink the medicine Byron held down Maeve''s hand and patiently coaxed her.


    "No... no..." Maeve frowned ufortably. "I don''t want you..."


    Byron''s eyes suddenly darkened. "Who do you want if you don''t want me?" Byron asked in a low voice.


    "The heartless woman has just escaped death and turns her back on me now?'' thought Byron...


    Maeve''s dry red lips moved a few times, and she said in a low and muffled voice, "Theo, I want Theo to feed me, not Byron


    She seemed to be awake, but not quite.


    Maeve even felt wronged as she spoke. She pushed Byron and refused him.


    Theo, who had been called out, was immediately enchanted. He ran over to Marve and said, "Mom... Maeve, I''m here. I will feed you medicine, okay?" "Yes, yes." Maeve finally stopped moving.


    Theo held the bowl and fed medicine to Maeve. He had a happy expression just he was doted.


    After all, his father and his brother were both there, and he had Maeve''s favor. How could he not be smug!


    Byron was speechless.


    Will was at a loss for his words.


    The silence and jealousy..


    We''re all men. Why can you do it but I can''t?'' thought Byron.


    Especially for Byron, who was named and rejected by Maeve. His handsome face was filled with uncertainty.


    He sized up Theo''s short, chubby little body and frowned.


    It was impossible to hide the look in one''s eyes when one wanted to throw someone out


    Taking advantage of the fact he was


    Theo''s older brother, Will directly asked Theo if he could try.


    Theo was generous and passed the medicine to Will.


    Perhaps because Will gave Maeve a familiar feeling, she did not resist and drank all the medicine.


    Only Byron was isted by Maeve and her sons, Will and Theo. He did not fit in.

 Chapter 262

    262


    Maeve''s fever subsided after she drank the medicine, and her flushed checks gradually returned to normal. She was in a deep sleep.


    Theo found afortable position at her feet and leaned over softly.


    Will asked curiously, "Don''t you feel ufortable sleeping like this?"


    "No" Theo pulled a corner of the nket over himself and smiled, saying, "Maeve likes to use me to warm her feet in the winter. She said my body is warm andfortable."


    I''m Mommy''s exclusive foot-warming treasure. There is no other thought Theo.


    Will was a little envious. He had never warmed Maeve''s feet, let alone slept with her.


    Theo could see Will''s desire and pulled him up. This bed is big. It''s fine for us to sleep together. Stay close to the other side and let''s warm Maeve up together."


    "Okay!" Will''s pale face blushed cutely. He quickly took off his shoes and socks and got into bed. He carefully leaned against Maeve''s leg


    Maeve felt a ball of softness clinging to her in her sleep. She pulled it into her arms and hugged it like a doll.


    Being caught off guard by Maeve''s hug. Will''s ear tips turned red. His small body froze, and he did not dare to move. His breathing subconsciously lightened. Byron stared at Will''s useless appearance and pressed between his eyebrows.


    Will will probably be delighted if he knows Maeve is his biological mother. Then, what about Maeve? That may not be the case thought Byron.


    "You guys sleep here. Don''t wake her up or run around. Do you hear me?" Byron reminded them in a deep voice.


    "Okay," Will and Theo said in unison.


    That strange illusion came again.


    Byron frowned slightly. He suppressed the doubts in his heart, turned, and left the ward.


    Archer, who had been waiting outside, stepped forward. "Mr. Mcdaniel, Neville has boarded the ship that left the country


    "Okay," said Byron. A cold light shed across his ck eyes. "You can make your move now."


    "Yes."


    The next morning.


    Maeve had yet to wake up. However, she was in much better condition than yesterday.


    Byron got someone to bring the prepared breakfast for Will and Theo to the ward.


    "Aren''t you going to eat?" Theo asked suspiciously when he realized breakfast was for two.


    "Dad doesn''t have the habit of having breakfast," Will exined to Theo


    "Oh, no wonder he has gastric problems," said Theo,


    Upon hearing that, Byron and Will looked at Theo simultaneously.


    Byron looked thoughtful. "How did you know I had gastric problems?"


    "Maeve told him? thought Byron.


    Theo realized he had let it slip. Just as he was about to find a way to make up for it, the ward door was opened.


    Alexis came to visit when she found out something had happened to Maeve. She was a little surprised to see Theo was still there. "Dr. Leo Chatterly, why aren''t you home yet? Aren''t you afraid your mommy will be worried?" Byron raised his eyebrows. "You have a mommy?"


    Theo''s face darkened. "What are you talking about? I can''t exist without a mommy. Did 1 jump out of a rock""


    "It''s not that," Byron said slowly. "Look at how you treated Maeve better than your own motherst night. Those who don''t know better would think she''s your mother."


    Byron''s words set off the rm bells in the hearts of Will and Theo.


    Will poked Theo''s arm under the table, hinting at him to answer properly.


    Theo thought quickly and got an answer. "Maeve and my mommy are good friends. Maeve is also my godmother. Of course, I have to treat her well"


    Byron was unsure if he believed Theo''s wards, so he did not ask further.


    It was as if he had just asked casually on a whim.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    However, Will and Theo did not think so.


    Without their cunning minds, they could easily lose a battle of wits and courage against Byron, the Great Demon King.


    So Theo''s "mommy came to pick him up and take him home at noon.


    Theo was resentful. If it weren''t for his cheap daddy being scheming, he wouldn''t have left his mommy at that time.


    Will still had to go for a checkup today and was forcibly sent back to the manor by Byron.


    The ward fell silent.


    Maeve woke up in a daze. She opened her eyes and saw Byron sitting on the sofa before her, handling his official business.


    The spring afternoon sun was bright, but it was not blinding. When it shone on his body, it was as if it was ted with ayer of gold as thin as a cicada''s wings.


    Maeve was stunned momentarily until the faint pain in her temples made her return to her senses. She pursed her dry lips.


    She reached for the ss of water on the side table, but her body, which had just woken up, was weak. Her fingers identally knocked over the ss.


    Crack! The ss fell onto the wool carpet with a dull sound.


    Catching the movement, Byron turned his head and saw Maeve''s guilty expression. He pushed hisptop away, got up, and walked to the bed to clean up the debris on the carpet. "I''m sorry," Maeve bit her lip. Her sickly voice was weak and hoarse. "I wasn''t careful."


    B


    Byron stopped cleaning and looked straight into her eyes. "Marve, you don''t have to be so careful. Also, I''m right beside you. Just tell me what you want next time." Maeve clenched her fingers and did not answer.


    Byron poured a ss of water and handed it to her. "What else do you want?" he asked deeply.


    Maeve shook her head. "No, thank you."


    Her attitude carried a hint of aloofness and politeness, which waspletely opposite to the righteous way she choked up and scolded him on the phonest night. Byron''s eyes instantly darkened.


    He didn''t like her getting along with him with that attitude.


    "Marve, do you have anything to say to me?"


    Maeve paused for a moment and looked up at him. "I''m sorry. I got a little carried awayst night, but normal people couldn''t control themselves under those circumstances. I hope I didn''t offend you."


    "Are to keep talking to me with that tone?"


    u sure you!


    "What tone?" Maeve was confused.


    Byron let out a low sneer. "It''s the tone you are ready to draw a line with me and not interact with me anymore. were coquettish and quarreling with me before you died. Now that you''re alive, you pretend nothing happened?" "Who was acting coquettish?'' thought Maeve.


    Why You


    Maeve pursed her lips. "Just take it I''m delirious and don''t know what I''m talking about. Anyway, thank you for saving mest night. I''ll remember your kindness and repay you if there is a chance.


    Byron was so angry that he almostughed.


    It is fine you didn''t want me but a brat when I fed you the medicinest night. Now that you are awake, you wanted to draw a clear line with me?'' thought Byron.


    A trace of coldness shed past Byron''s eyes. He ced his hands on the edge of the bed and suddenly approached her.


    Maeve''s pupils constricted, and she subconsciously dodged to avoid him. "What are you doing?"


    "There''s not a word out of your mouth that I''d like to hear right now." Byron''s voice was low and mocking. "Instead of letting your mouth continue to say things I don''t like to hear, why don''t you let it do something else?" What do you mean?


    Maeve felt a warm touch on her lips before she could react.

 Chapter 263

    Byron pinched her chin with his cold fingers and kissed her red lips, narrowing his eyes. He forced open her teeth and


    kissed her.


    His kiss was never simple.


    It was as if he was tasting a ripe fruit on a branch. He sucked and ground it slowly, taking the honey in Maeve''s mouth without hesitation. It was like teasing and punishing.


    Maeve''s earlobes were red, and her shoulders were trembling. Her body leaned back and forth until she was about to sink into the bed. Her breathing was filled with the refreshing and pleasant fragrance of cedar on his body, and her mind was in a


    mess.


    She couldn''t win against Byron, the experienced man, let alone such a straightforward teasing with a strange meaning,


    Just resisting him had exhausted all her strength.


    In that aspect, she had never been a match for Byron.


    After the kiss, Byron pulled away slightly. He leaned against Maeve''s forehead and admired her bright red lips and sparkling eyes. His thin lips curled up slightly.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "It''s still more pleasing to the


    eye."


    Maeve pushed him away angrily. "Byron, what''s the point of doing this?"


    He has a fianc¨¦e and is about to get married, yet he still treats me like this. What does he take her for?'' thought Maeve.


    Byron retracted his smile and said mockingly, "Didn''t you say you will repay me? There''s no need to wait. I gave you a chance."


    Maeve''s face turned red.


    That''s not what I meant!"


    She had said those words to draw a line between them, not to let him do such a thing!


    Then what do you mean?" Byron stared at her without blinking, his eyes dark. "Maeve, if you have any opinions about me, just say it likest night. How will I know what you''re angry about if you don''t tell me?" I''m not being angry!"


    "Are you still being stubborn?"


    Maeve pursed her red lips in anger and did not say a word.


    If it were anyone else,


    there, but it was Maeve.


    Byron


    would have turned around and left long ago. He would not have wasted a second of his time


    Maeve seems to be born to restrain me,'' thought Byron.


    Byron lowered his eyes slightly and stared at her pretending to be expressionless. He said in a low voice, "What I said to you


    in the carst time was for a reason. I had no choice. It''s my fault for not considering your feelings in advance."


    Maeve''s eyshes trembled slightly as she looked up in surprise-


    ''He is apologizing to me? thought Maeve.


    §±


    Maeve suddenly remembered they quarreled when they had just gotten married. Byron, the proud prodigy who never knew what an apology was, had lowered his head to her for the first time. Byron had never been stingy with apologizing to her as long as lie was wrong. Unlike some men who shied away from responsibility even though they were wrong or refused to admit their mistakes. Back then, it was what attracted her the most.


    Maeve''s heart was still beating uncontrobly even now.


    Maeve''s nose tip was slightly sore, and her eyes were red.


    Byron noticed her abnormality. His Adam''s apple bobbed as he raised his hand to press down on the corners of her red eyes. "Also, you seem to have made a mistake."


    Maeve looked at him with red eyes as if she was puzzled.


    "When have I ever bullied you except in bed?" Byron asked in a low voice.


    Maeve blushed instantly. She red at him. "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    The little bit of gratitude that had finally arisen in her heart was immediately dispersed by his words.


    ''Had he not bullied me enough off the bed?'' thought Maeve.


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "Don''t you have a lot of men? Why? Didn''t they say anything simr to you?"


    "Why is she still as shy as ever after four years? Do her so-called men'' really exist? thought Byron.


    Maeve could tell that he was testing her. She gritted her teeth and said, "Do you think everyone is as shameless as you are? You have a fianc¨¦e, yet you''re still fooling around outside. You''re unrestrained Byron did notment. "Are we the same?"


    Maeve was just about to say she was not the same as him but suddenly remembered Byron had mistaken Jaylen for her fianc¨¦. Maeve had even said she had many men in a fit of pique. The silent wind suddenly became noisy.


    Upon seeing Maeve did not deny it, Byron''s gaze was mocking. In that case, we''re a perfect match."


    ...Who''s a perfect match with you!" Maeve could not help but roll her eyes.


    I''m not as shameless as he is, thought Maeve


    Knock knock.


    Someone suddenly knocked on the ward door.


    Archer stood outside and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, Miss Anderson''s attending doctor wants to see you."


    "Okay," Byron replied casually. He looked at Maeve and said, ''I''ll get the doctor to bring you for a checkup. I''lle back and have dinner with youter."


    Maeve chuckled. "There''s no need for that. You should apany your fianc¨¦e"


    It made her feel as ufortable as a third party.


    Byron stared at her for a few seconds and left the ward without saying anything, Fri, Nov


    Leon had yet to wake up in the next ward.


    Byron walked in. "How is he?"


    96


    §±


    The attending doctor immediately replied, "Mr. Mcdaniel, Mr. Anderson is fine. He''s just exhausted and has a mental stress response, so he''s unconscious" "Stress response?"


    "Yes. Mr. Anderson''s illness originated from his psychological trauma, so he was confused about his gender and identity. He couldn''t tell who he was said the attending doctor. "Lynn can be said to be his protection and motivation to survive. It can''t be corrected unless he voluntarily recognizes who he is. Otherwise..."


    Byron looked at the doctor with a deep gaze.


    The attending doctor sighed. "Otherwise, he might have a mental breakdown and lose his life."


    Psychopaths were very fragile. They might be fine under normal circumstances, but even the smallest thing could overwhelm them in a particr situation


    him to return to his identity. Anderson? Byron asked in a deep voice.


    "So, how do we get Leon


    "Well... You once said his psychological trauma was caused by witnessing his sister''s tragic death. Usually, it''s not easy for someone who has suffered such a blow to survive," the attending doctor said tactfully.


    "If he took the initiative to change back to Leon, what does that mean?


    "I think the biggest possibility is that something more important than Lynn''s power has appeared and stimted his true will. The situation is rtively rare. Some patients might not encounter it in their entire lives." Byron''s eyes were deep as his gaze slowlynded on Leon''s pale face.


    The variable was Maeve


    On the coast of the border.


    A ship emitting ck smoke was docked on the shore. Neville, wearing a dark red windbreaker, got off. He was in a rare state of disarray.


    "Boss, Byron is too much!" His subordinate, who had been tortured, said indignantly. "Not only did he attack us at sea, but he even joined forces with the patrol team to search us. Fortunately, you were prepared. Otherwise, we would have been thrown into jail!" Neville pulled on his windbreaker with a gloomy expression. "It''s not over yet. He wouldn''t have prepared just these two tricks. I''m afraid he even sent someone here to wait for me to fall into his trap.

 Chapter 264

    "Boss, what should we do?" Neville''s subordinate was shocked.


    "It''s more fun that way, Neville sneered. "If my opponent is too useless, how boring would that be? What''s more, I have a surprise for Byron, my good big brother. I have lived long enough for the surprise to corne, haven''t I?" After saying that sinisterly, Neville pulled his windbreaker, stepped onto the pier, and walked into the distance.


    Maeve received a call from Theo after dinner.


    Theo had aroused Byron''s suspicion of him, so he refrained froming today. Theo had been unhappy in kindergarten for almost a day. He called Maeve after he returned home.


    Maeve didn''t know about Byron, Will, and Theopeting for favor. When she heard Theo muttering about Byron, she thought Byron was bullying him.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Soon, it was time for Theo to sleep. Maeve ced her phone by her pillow and sang a luby to coax Theo to sleep.


    When Byron came in, he heard her gentle and delicate singing. It was as if every syble hit his heart urately, leaving an echo.


    The ceiling light in the ward was not turned on. There was only a wall light beside the bed.


    Maeve was lying on her side with her head on her arm. She closed her eyes and hummed a song. The warm orange light shone on her body. It was unbelievably warm.


    Byron''s heart skipped a beat, and his fingertips started to heat up


    It was as if something sealed underground was about to break out of the ground.


    Her singing became softer and softer not long after.


    Maeve gradually fell asleep, but the phone beside her pillow was on the line.


    Byron walked to the bed and tucked Maeve in. He inadvertently saw the caller ID on Maeve''s phone screen, and his expression darkened.


    ''Sweet Theo. It is that boy again, thought Byron.


    Byron picked up the phone and looked at the nearly two-and-a-half-hour talk time. A trace of coldness appeared in his eyes. "Macve talked with the boy on the phone for so long and sang him a luby. She is good to him. Huh, thought Byron "Mommy" A sleepy voice suddenly came from the phone. He seemed to have given a kiss from afar. "Good night, Mommy. I''m going to sleep."


    Byron''s pupils shrank slightly. He tightened his grip on the phone, and the veins on the back of his hand bulged


    is it that child? What did he just call Maeve? Mommy?'' thought Byron


    Byron''s expression rxedter, and he pressed between his eyebrows.


    That child had said Maeve was his godmother. Perhaps that is what he calls her in private. Moreover, he looks about the


    age


    as Will. He can''t be Maeve''s child. Back then, Maeve only gave birth to Will Even if she and Jaylen had another child, the child would not be at this age, thought Byron SITIC


    08-24 Fri, Nov 1


    Byron stood by the bed and looked at Maeve''s sleeping face with deep eyes. Suspicion shed across his eyes,


    ''Is he really not?'' thought Byron again,


    The next morning.


    Maeve didn''t know their phone callst night almost exposed Theo''s identity, She only felt Byron''s gaze was a little odd.


    "Why do you keep looking at me like that?" Maeve swallowed the oatmeal and touched her cheek in confusion. "Is there something on my face?"


    Byron''s probing gazended on her face. After a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Is Jaylen''s friend close to you?"


    Why does he suddenly mention Theo? thought Maeve.


    Maeve''s heart tightened. "Yes, he is. His mother and I are good friends. He calls me godmother."


    "Is that so?" Byron took a sip of coffee casually. "Why did I hear him call you mommyst night?"


    Maeve''s scalp instantly went numb. She thought, "When did that happen? Why don''t I know? So, what does he suspect that makes him keep an eye on me all morning?


    "The people of Erancia are not particr about this. Sometimes, he calls me sister. Sometimes, Mommy Maeve swallowed with difficulty. I got such a cute son for nothing. I took advantage of him."


    Upon hearing herst sentence, Byron''s eyes turned slightly cold.


    "Oh! Is someone


    else''s son that good?"


    ''She could cruelly abandon her own son? thought Byron.


    Maeve thought Byron was still testing her, so she nodded affirmatively. "Kids. Aren''t they better off in someone else''s family?"


    Boom.


    Byron''s coffee cup fell heavily on the table.


    Byron stood up with a dark expression. "I still have something on. Eat by yourself."


    Realizing his expression was a little gloomy, Maeve could not help but frown and thought, ''How do I offend him by saying other people''s children are good? Could it be I don''t praise his child, and he feels unbnced? No way! Maeve, clueless, attributed Byron''s sudden anger to his undigested morning temper.


    Lynn came e over not long after breakfast.


    Maeve had mixed feelings about Lynn.


    At first, Maeve didn''t like Lynn because of her princess tendencies. She even despised Lynn for not having intelligence.


    However, Lynn''s act of not leaving Maeve alone in the freezer, even though she could walk away on her own, changed Maeve''s opinion of Lynn.


    After all, Lynn looked delicate and weak. However, she could actually carry Maeve and jump out of the window under such circumstances, Lynn''s courage was extraordinary.


    1.


    "How are you? Are you alright?" asked Maeve, seeing she was pale "What did the doctor say?"


    I''m fine. The doctor told me to rest more," Lynn still looked innocent and ignorant, but her cheeks were slightly red. Tm here to return this to you."


    Maeve was stunned when she saw the coat Lynn handed over.


    It was the down jacket she was wearing on the day she was kidnapped.


    "Thank you. I forgot." Maeve took the coat. Her eyes were as bright as the crescent moon. "We both would have been dead if it weren''t for this coat. I must keep it well." Maeve wanted to buy ten more in case, based on the coat''s quality.


    Maeve originally thought Lynn would retort arrogantly without emotional intelligence like before.


    Unexpectedly, Lynn was odd today. Her face was red, and she looked shy. She even felt uneasy when facing Maeve....


    The feeling of a young girl yearning for love?'' thought Maeve.


    Maeve shook her head and threw the ridiculous thought out of her mind.


    "I... I can keep it for you," Lynn whispered. "Can you give it to me?"


    Maeve thought Lynn wanted to keep it as a souvenir, so she did not overthink it and handed it to her. "Sure, keep it well When

 Chapter 265

    Maeve denied it too soon. Lynn knew she did not mean it. After hesitating, Lynn said, "I have something to tell you. Actually, Byron and I are not really..." Knock knock


    A sudden knock on the door interrupted Lynn. The nurse stood at the door and said, "Ms. Reese, it''s time for you to take your medicine. You still have a physical examination to doter


    "Alright, I got it," said Maeve, looking at Lynn in confusion. "What were you going to say just now?"


    Lynn shook her head. "It''s nothing. Go ahead."


    Maeve always thought Lynn had mixed feelings in her eyes, but she couldn''t tell what they were.


    Maeve guessed it might be rted to Byron, but there was no need to dig any deeper.


    "Anyway, they are going to get married. They already have a cute child. I wouldn''t want my future husband to be involved with another woman if I were Lynn. Everything shoulde to an end here, thought Maeve. The corners of Maeve''s lips curved with bitterness, and her eyes gloomed.


    In the afternoon, Theo swaggered over to check Gilbert''s pulse.


    Unfortunately, Byron was also there.


    Theo checked Gilbert''s pulse, who had fallen asleep not long ago. Theo kept feeling Byron was sizing him up.


    "Sir, why do you keep staring at me?" Theo looked up warily. "I know I''m adorable, but you''re bothering me. Can''t you control yourself?"


    Byron felt likeughing for no reason every time Theo opened his mouth.


    Where does this smelly brate from?'' thought Byron,Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Kid, what do your parents do?" asked Byron.


    "Why are you asking this? Do you want to check on me?"


    Byron narrowed his eyes. "I''m just a little curious. It''s fine if Jaylen exploits childbor, but why are your parents so generous? Are you their biological child?" "Alright, he keeps digging a hole for me in a few sentences!'' thought Theo


    Theo''s little face puffed up. "You have to thank Macve for this. If she hadn''t begged my mommy repeatedly, my mommy would have been worried about meing here." Byron chuckled and pretended to ask casually, "Does your mother know you''re also called Maeve Mommy in private?" Whoa, he is tricking me again, thought Theo again. Theo''s big eyes rolled, and his expression was innocent. "Not only does my mommy know, but she also agrees with me calling her that."


    ''Children don''t usually lie. However, this strange little thing before me is eloquent. Few of his words are believable, thought Byron


    Byron smiled slowly at Then''s tiny frame, which he could only each by standing on a low stool to check Gilbert''s pulse.


    He walked behind Theo, picked up the handkerchief on the table Theo couldn''t reach with effort, and handed it to him. Theo nced at him. "Don''t fawn on me."


    "What?"


    "Most of the guys who fawn on me have the intention of pursuing Maeve


    The smile on Byron''s lips faded slightly. "Were there many men who pursued Maeve in the past?"


    Theo puffed out her chest with a matter-of-fact expression and said, "Isn''t Maeve beautiful enough for you to realize it?"


    "Jaylen is one of them?"


    "Of course, Jaylen is different," Theo said deliberately. "He''s so talented, young, and handsome. Isn''t he a perfect match for Maeve? I may even be their ring bearer one day." Byron suddenly felt a wave of depression, and his eyes became even colder.


    Theo knew when to stop. He happily put the needle bag back into the small medicine box, hiding his achievements and reputation.


    "Well, I identally pissed off my cheap dad again, thought Theo.


    On the other side, in Maeve''s ward.


    Will came with a thermos containing the love soup he had personally prepared for Maeve all afternoon.


    Not to mention how frightened the butler and chef in the manor were, but Maeve was extremely touched to see his love


    soup


    "You are so sweet!" Maeve hugged Will and rubbed against his soft face. "How was your day in Kindergarten today? Are you tired?"


    Will couldn''t help but blush even though he had gradually gotten used to being intimate with Maeve.


    He wanted to answer Maeve in Theo''s tone but thought about it and asked, "Why must I go to kindergarten? Can''t I not go?"


    "Why not?" Maeve gently stroked his soft short hair. "I know you''re clever. Other kids take many years to get from one to ten, but you only need a short time to reach the finish line. But the scenery you experience along the way is equally important. Skip those grids and you won''t be able to see the precious scenery.


    It was also why she insisted Theo start from kindergarten.


    ''No child, no matter how clever, can have no childhood, thought Maeve.


    Will seemed to understand, and a trace of confusion appeared in his clear round eyes. "Isn''t it to learn to be a qualified heir and bring glory to the family?"


    Will''s grandfather often reminded him he was the future sessor of the Mcdaniel family. He had to be outstanding, strong, and ruthless to the extent that he could sacrifice his family to rece his father as the pir of the Mcdaniel family in the future


    However, he didn''t want to rece his father. He didn''t want to be a cruel man like his father.


    Maeve found it funny and thought, ''No wonder the Iton Private International Kindergarten is an aristocratic school. Its educational guidelines are tailor-made for the wealthy


    She shook her head. "You''re still young. Your priority is to have a happy childhood, not to be trapped in the shackles imposed by adults and decide what kind of person you want to be ording to their wishes. You have to be yourself."


    So what if my child doesn''t know anything? That is enough as long as he is healthy, happy, and grew up safely. In any case, there is no throne to inherit in my family. Why do I have to put so much pressure on my child for nothing?'' thought Marve Will''s nose tip was slightly red. He took a step forward and plunged into Maeve''s arms. His small hands grabbed her clothes and rubbed against her affectionately.


    It was like a tired bird throwing itself into the forest,


    In the past, no one had ever told him he could be himself. He also had the right to choose.


    "So it was true the mothers are the best in the world as it is written in the books. Well, Dad''s fine, too, thought Will


    Will added thest sentence in his heart.


    Maeve hugged his little body and identally saw a crescent-shaped birthmark on the back of his neck. Maeve was stunned for a few seconds.


    Is there a birthmark on my child? Why didn''t I notice it when I washed him? Is it because the birthmark used to be too small for me to see, but now it''s bigger and more obvious? thought Maeve.


    Maeve looked at Will''s little face filled with longing. She suppressed the doubts in her heart and gently hugged him tightly.


    She was probably overthinking.


    "Mommy..."


    Then, a familiar explosive voice came from the ward door,


    Maeve turned around in shock, but no one was at the door.


    She couldn''t help but feel puzzled.


    Did 1 hear wrongly just now? Will is in my arms. Why is the voiceing from the door? thought Maeve.


    Outside the door, Theo leaned against the wall and patted his chest in relief.


    ''Oh, my god, Will is my good brother. He didn''t even tell me when he came to see Mommy. I have almost been discovered!

 Chapter 266

    Maeve could finally be discharged after staying in the hospital for two days.


    Alexis came again. She still wanted to ask for Maeve''s help regarding the previous matter.


    However, Alexis''s attitude remained unchanged.


    Gilbert would find out sooner orter Maeve and Byron had divorced. If she had lied to him now, no one would have known what the consequences would be if her lie had been exposed. Moreover, Lynn and Byron already had a child.


    If Gilbert ever got mad at Byron for divorcing Maeve, he would calm down and ept Lynn for the sake of that child.


    Maeve rejected Alexis again. She packed her things and left the anatorium.


    It was Friday today, and Theo finished school at noon. Maeve took a taxi there and picked him up.


    The taxi drove downtown. Maeve put down her phone and casually looked out the window.


    A car drove past, and an unconscious childy in the backseat.


    It was Theo!


    Maeve''s heart tightened. She hurriedly told the driver, "Sir, please follow the ck car in front. My son seems to have been kidnapped by them!"


    Recently, there had been frequent news reports of idents involving kindergarten children. However, Maeve didn''t expect the excellent security measures in Iton Private International Kindergarten would also be taken advantage of! The driver must have watched too many chase movies. When he heard that, he immediately said, "Don''t worry. I have been driving for more than 30 years. There has never been anyone I can''t catch up to. Sit tight!"


    Then he stepped on the elerator and sped off.


    He hadpletely forgotten it was downtown.


    Maeve grabbed the seat, and her heart was racing. Her eyes were fixed on the ck car before her, her teeth biting her lower lip blue


    The ck car drove forward, and the road became more and more deste.


    The ck car stopped in front of a building after another half an hour.


    The taxi was parked a short distance away to avoid detection.


    Maeve asked the driver to call the police. Then she followed the car.


    "It''s hard to get the kid out of the well-guarded manor. You guys must hurry."


    "Boss, Mr. Mcdaniel is noting after us, is he?"


    "What are you afraid of? Doesn''t one in the Mcdaniel family want us to throw the kid away? A lot is going on in the wealthy family. Let''s not overthink it." Maeve was crouching behind the reeds. Her eyes widened when she heard that.


    ''Did someone in the McDaniel family kidnap Theo? How is it possible? How do they know Canzi''s identity? thought Maeve.


    Those men carried the "Theo" out of the car and walked toward the building before she could figure it out


    Maeve looked over anxiously. She wanted to follow but was afrail of alerting the enemies. She could only endure it.


    Not long after, those men came out of the building and walked toward the car.


    "How long can the medicine given to that kidst?" The scar-faced leader asked.


    "Boss, six hours at most is enough for them to get him out of the province." "Alright, let''s retreat."


    The ck car drove away, leaving only a trail of exhaust.


    Maeve ran to the building and looked up.


    Sunshine Welfare Institute.


    "They want to sell Theo, and this is a transit station! Damn bastards! thought Maeve, her eyes turning cold.


    Fortunately, the driver called the police. Not long after, the police arrived and sealed off the entire Sunshine Welfare Institute. There were more than ten unconscious children inside besides Theo


    Moreover, a few of them were dressed in expensive clothes. It was obvious their family backgrounds were not ordinary.


    The dean and all the teachers were handcuffed to the police cars. The other children were rescued, and the police contacted their parents. Maeve''s eyes instantly turned red when she saw the unconscious Theo" on the ground in the courtyard.


    She walked over and picked him up, pressing her face tightly against his as if she could barely suppress the fear she had almost lost him.


    Will smelt a familiar fragrance in a daze. "Mom," he muttered softly and fell asleep again.


    Maeve''s heart clenched. She choked up and said, "It''s all my fault for not protecting you well. I''m sorry, I''m sorry."


    "I should have gone to the kindergarten earlier to pick him up so that wouldn''t have happened. It''s all my fault, thought Maeve


    The nature of this kidnapping case was malicious and involved the business chain behind Sunshine Welfare Institut, which had the police take it seriously. Maeve was brought back to the police station as the first witness.


    The parents of the kidnapped children also rushed over and thanked Maeve gratefully, knowing she was the one who found


    1. it.


    Maeve held Will, sleeping, and answered them absent-mindedly


    Maeve came out of the police station with a thick stack of business cards in her hands.


    They were all from the parents of those children.


    Maeve casually put them in her bag. She hailed a taxi and went to the hospital to check on Will


    It was very likely that those pen had given Will sleeping pills, which were harmful to children.


    It was indeed the case after checking.


    Fortunately, Will didn''t take sleeping pills for long. The doctor could induce Will to vomit them to reduce the damage to his body.


    Will''s face was pale from vomiting. His body was limp as he leaned against Marve, almost killing Maeve


    Theo has rarely fallen sick. He is full of vitality and energy no matter when. It is the first time he is so weak that he can''t even sit properly, thought Maeve.


    "Mom..." Will''s eyelids drooped, and his pale face looked sickly. feel sick."


    "I will rub it for you." Maeve gently rubbed his tummy and brought him out of the hospital. She bought the mashed potatoes from a roadside diner and fed Will


    Will would not want to eat when he was not feeling well. It was useless no matter who tried to persuade him.


    However, he obediently opened his mouth after Maeve coaxed him a few times.


    He regained some of his energy after eating half the mashed potatoes.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong with me?" Will''s voice was hoarse as he leaned on Maeve''s shoulder and asked.


    Maeve touched the back of his head, and a hint of coldness appeared in her eyes. "You were fed sleeping pills and taken away. They wanted to send you to another province. Fortunately, you''re fine. Otherwise..." She didn''t know what she would do.


    Will frowned slightly. He had secretly run out of the dog hole in the garden and was caught, but those people seemed to know he would definitelye out from it and were waiting there.


    The timing is too coincidental. It is as if... there is a mole, though Will.


    Maeve''s mood was even heavier than his.


    Someone in the McDaniel family has discovered Theo''s existence and nned to sell him. I''m afraid we can''t stay in Kleymond any longer thought Maeve.


    Back at the apartment, Maeve put down Will and gave him the fizzy slippers.


    However, the bear slippers usually ced in the shoe cab were not there.


    Maeve was puzzled momentarily before taking out another pair of cat slippers for Will


    Then, she realized Will was not wearing his kindergarten uniform. Justead, he was wearing a fashionable brand outfit.


    "Darling, didn''t you wear your uniform to school this morning Maeve asked in confusion


    Will slowly tilted his head as if he had forgotten something.


    At that moment, a burst of footsteps came from the living room.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mommy, where have you been? I''m so hungry. In almost done waiting for you!" A small figure rushed over like a cannonball. His soft and cute face was lively and yful. It was well known Theo was a foodie, but Theo was quite disciplined


    G.

 Chapter 267

    ¦°


    267


    Theo ran to the entrance and was about to throw himself into Mueve''s arms. However, he stopped abruptly when he saw Will beside Marve.


    A line of words in bold capitals, "It is over. Help floated over Theo''s head.


    Maeve widened her eyes in amazement as she looked at that child and then at this child, nk arid dazed.


    ''How... how could there be two Theos? thought Maeve.


    Will did not expect things to turn out that way. His heart was racing. He looked at Maeve nervously with pursed lips.


    is Mommy frightened? Could she not ept having a baby like me? If I could bring my savings and grow up without spending a single cent of Mommy''s, would Moruny ept me thought Will


    Maeve remained silent. Will and Theo were feeling uneasy.


    Theo kept winking at Will, asking him to at least say something


    Will was so nervous that he could not receive Theo''s gaze. He grew more and more lost in the long silence of Maeve.


    Then Will was suddenly pulled into Maeve''s arms.


    Maeve felt utterly different from before as if she were holding on to a treasure that had been lost, with a hint of strength but fear of hurting Will.


    You... you


    are..." Maeve''s voice choked slightly. She could not even finish her sentence.


    Will could feel Maeve''s trembling in her arms.


    That trembling feeling spread from Marve''s body to Will''s heart, making him feel a little at a loss and inexplicably warm "Mom, I''m your other child." Will''s nose tip twitched slightly, and he introduced himself to her in a low and formal voice. "My name is William Mcdaniel, and my nickname is Will. This is the fourth year you have brought me into the world." Will''sst sentence made Maeve''s eyes tear up uncontrobly.


    ''He is my child. He is really my child, whom I thought had died a long time ago and parted in a hurry before I could take another look at him thought Maeve.


    Maeve hugged Will and sobbed. She used to have endless words to say to the ultrasound photo at night, but now she was hugging him and could not even say a word.


    It turned out one could not hold back one''s tears when overjoyed.


    Will was at a loss and wanted to wipe Maeve''s tears, but he realized the handkerchief was not with him, so he hurriedly reced it with his sleeve.


    He looked clumsy and disliked the little prince he used to be.


    "Mom, don''t cry." Will tried to hold back the tears in his eyes andforted Maeve. He looked at Theo in a panic, wanting him to help persuade Maeve.


    However, it was fine if Will didn''t look, but once he did, he was doomed.


    Theo was crying even more miserably than Maeve. He sobbed non-stop.


    Will could not hold it imranymore. He buried his face in Maeve''s neck and hugged her as he whimpered softly.


    Originally, only Maeve cried.


    Now, the three of them cried together. It was a triple cry of the parent-children gro


    Especially when Theo cried, his voice would automatically turn into a few tunes, sounding like he was crying andughing simultaneously. He was even more emotional than singing a y. Maeve''s emotions were interrupted by Theo. Her tears finally stopped, but her eyes were extremely red.


    She grabbed Theo''s face and asked him, not knowing whether tough or cry. "If your cry, cry, Why are you adding drama to yourself?"


    Theo sniffed. "Mommy, I''m afraid your eyes are swollen from crying and you won''t look pretty. I''m just cheering you up."


    Will looked up and corrected Theo seriously. "Mommy always is beautiful."


    "Wow, you''ve even learned how to tter now!" said Theo.


    Tm only telling the truth," said Will.


    Maeve could not help butugh. She hugged them in each of her arms, feeling an unreal sense of satisfaction


    It was as if as long as she let go, everything in front of her would disappear.


    The mother and son were connected. Will and Theo could feel Maeve''s fear.


    Theo tactfully pecked on Maeve''s cheek. ''Mommy, I love you!"


    As he spoke, he threw Will a look: What are you waiting for?


    Will clenched his fists and mustered his courage to kiss Maeve on the cheek. "Mom Mom, I love you, too!"


    His little face flushed. He was the one who took the initiative to kiss Maeve but was as shy as a girl who had been robbed.


    Maeve burst outughing and kissed each of their foreheads. "I love you, too."


    "By the way, Mommy, I have an important question!" Theo raised his small hand with a rather serious expression. Maeve looked at him curiously. "What do you want to ask?"


    "Who''s older between me and Will?"


    Theo''s words changed the aura between Will and him. They looked at each other with sparks flying in their eyes. -


    No matter how good their rtionship was, they still had topete when it was the issue of brotherhood.


    It couldn''t be helped. Everyone wanted to be the big brother.


    Theo was confident. "It must be me! I''m clever, considerate, obedient, and omnipotent in housework. I also have a heart that loves and protects my younger brother!"


    "You''re suspected of false advertising. Your culinary skills are zero. You can''t be considered omnipotent" Will refused to back down from Theo''s boast. "The big brother should let someone more stable be the one. Only then can we promote the harmony of family rtionships and sustainable development..


    Maeve felt a little surreal


    08.07 Sat, Nov 2


    Those who knew it knew who they were running for to be the big brother.


    Those who didn''t know better would think they were running for president.


    Each of them was more eloquent and reasonable.


    Will and Theo exchanged blows for a few rounds without a winner. They looked at Marve and said, "Mommy, what do you think?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Marve


    aeve was silent and thought, I''m just going to watch the show


    "Well, Theo. I know you want to be the big brother. This is good. Let''s keep it that way," Maeve said tactfully. "Well, Will was indeed born a few minutes before you. Look..."


    Theo seemed to have been struck by a bolt from the blue. The words "Impossible" were written all over his cute little face.


    ''How could I be the younger brother? I don''t want to be the younger brother! How embarrassing it would be for the boys in kindergarten to find out! thought Theo,


    The corners of Theo''s mouth quirked up demurely. "I''ll be good to you, little brother," he said earnestly to Theo.


    Theo pouted gloomily. "If I had run faster back then, you would have to call me big brother."


    Theo had staked his life''s worth of dignity for borning a few minutester! Maere''s smile deepened as she looked at Theo''s small, frustrated expression She suddenly felt something was wrong as she smiled.


    "Darling, did you know Will long ago? Why didn''t I hear you mention it before?"


    Theo and Will looked at each other and thought, ''Oh, no, Mommy found out so quickly!''


    "Mommy, it''s a long story. Listen to my excuses... Theo looked at Maeve and blinked innocently.


    Maeve snorted. "I want to hear how you want to defend."


    I can tell they have known each other for a long time by the way they are so close. They''ve been keeping it from me!" thought Maeve.


    As the big brother, Will stood up decisively. "Mom, Theo and I decided not to tell you after discussing it. We wanted to wait until you and Dad got back together before we had a chance to tell you."

 Chapter 268

    268


    "You just said your name is William Mcdaniel. Could it be said Maeve, her heart skipping a beat. "You''ve always been with Byron?" Yes, Mom Will nodded.


    Maeve was shocked. A ridiculous and contradictory feeling surged in her heart. "How is it possible? Why would he


    Keep Will by his side and raise him? Byron hates my child so much that he wants to strangle him to death thought Maeve.


    Will saw her disbelief and said hesitantly, "Mom, Theo told me you couldn''t take me away because of Dad when we were born. Why is that?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "I could not understand what Dad had done to make Mommy so afraid that she had no choice but to escape in a panic. It is not a good question to ask Dad because as long as I mention these things, Dad''s attitude is always cold, thought Will.


    Maeve pursed her lips. She did not want the two little guys to know because Byron, their father, did not want them to he born.


    Theo is okay. He''s never seen Byron and has no feelings for him. However, Will... thought Maeve.


    "I know," Theo tilted his head and said unhappily, "Isn''t it because he doesn''t want us?"


    Maeve was shocked. "Darling, how did you know?"


    She seemed to have told Theo she had lived separately from his father and had not mentioned that "Well, Mommy, Children are very excited at night. They will run around if they can''t sleep."


    He ran around and would sometimes "identally hear the conversation between Maeve and Jaylen. Although it had only happened once, Theo had such a good memory that it was hard for him not to remember. Maeve was impressed by Theo. She didn''t realize when Theo had eavesdropped on her.


    Will frowned. "Mom, Theo, I think there might be some misunderstanding there."


    "What misunderstanding?" Theo looked at him


    "I didn''t breathe when I was born. Grandma said my condition was so severe that I wouldn''t live to be two years old even if 1 were saved." Will''s eyshes drooped. "But Dad never gave up on me. He found me the best doctors. No matter how busy he was, I could see Dad as long as I woke up."


    Maeve had never known about those things. Now that she heard that, her heart ached so much that it swelled, and her eyes turned red again.


    She seemed to have returned to the time when she was giving birth and learned from the doctor that Will had died prematurely.


    However, Maeve was a little confused when she heard Byron had been thinking of ways to treat Will''s illness and spending time with Will every day.


    Is he the same person as Byron that I know? Byron I knew had once said he would not let me give birth even if I had a child. Back then, he even tied me to the operating table and forced me to have an abortion. He even thought the child born by me, a lowly person, was a bastard... Byron''s heart is cold. I can not believe he treats Will sincerely. Perhaps there is another reason, thought Maeve.


    Maeve''s heart tightened, and her shoulders trembled slightly.


    "Mommy, don''t be afraid." said Theo, grabbing Maeve''s sleeve with his chubby little hand. Tll beat him for you if he dares to bully you again! I''m here. No problem!" Theo always had a magic that could instantly pull one out of one''s negative emotions.


    Will didn''t want to fall behind. "I won''t let Daddy bully Mom."


    The gloominess in Maeve''s eyes dissipated, and her heart warmed. She rubbed their little heads and said, "Okay"


    Maeve suddenly thought of the question and asked seriously, "lly the way, Will, how did you get kidnapped today? Do you know who is most likely to kidnap you?"


    Will was about to answer when the apartment doorbell suddenly rang.


    Maeve stood up and looked in front of the peephole. Her eyes widened.


    ''Byron? What is he doing here?'' thought Maeve.


    "Mommy, who is it?" Theo stood on his tiptoes and asked Maeve


    Maeve turned her head numbly, "Your father."


    Theo was surprised.


    Will thought and said, "I''ve been out too long today. Dad might have found out I was missing, so he came over. But how did Dad know I was here?"


    Maeve was also a little puzzled. The case at the welfare institute involved many people and was rted to the descendants of a few political figures. The police kept it confidential. Besides, it had not been long since Will was kidnapped and rescued. Logically speaking, Byron should not have about that.


    However, Maeve was unsure when she thought of the power of the Medaniel family.


    She had taken Will away as his mother in the police station.


    Maeve suddenly felt a chill on her back. She hurriedly told Theo; "Good boy, quickly go in and hide!"


    "No. I want to stay and protect you!" Theo looked unhappy.


    ''Great Demon King is already at the door. How can I run away at thest minute? thought Theo


    "I am afraid he will take you away. Be good and go quickly," said Maeve.


    "Alright." Theo instantly understood what Maeve meant. He turned around and reminded Will then, I''ll leave the heavy responsibility of protecting Mommy to you!"


    "Don''t worry," Will nodded solemnly. He didn''t say his father wouldn''t bully Maeve.


    Maeve mentally prepared herself before opening the door after Theo returned to his room.


    "I heard Will has been with you today?" Byron asked directly. "Where is he?"


    "Yes, he''s inside." Maeve''s heart was in her throat.


    Byron walked past her and entered the house with a dark expression. He slowly frowned when he saw Will sitting in the


    living room with a pale face,


    "What happened? Tell me," said Byron.


    Will looked at Maeve and logically summarized everything that had happened the day, omitting the process of his reuniting with Marve


    What Will said was almost the same as what Byron had found out. It was only the context of what he said was clearer.


    The mastermind didn''t want Will''s life. Instead, he threw Will into a remote welfare institute in another province.


    The same thing happened again.


    Byron''s eyes shed with a sharp cold light. He temporarily suppressed his violent anger and asked Will in a low voice, "Do you still dare to sneak out alone again?" "I''m sorry, Dad. I''ve worried you." Will pursed his lips. "I won''t do it again."


    Maeve frowned. "What does it have to do with him? As his father, you just found out he is missing. Would it be useful for you to scold him if something happens?" Just thinking about it made Maeve angry.


    How does he raise a child? He didn''t even know his child had been kidnapped!


    Byron''s expression darkened. T''m teaching my child a lesson. It has nothing to do with you."


    Maeve would shut up if she didn''t know Will was her child. However, she knew now and had just experienced the pain and anger of almost losing Will.


    Especially when she knew the Mcdaniel family people were the ones who kidnapped Will, Her anger was directly transferred to Byron.


    "I was the one who saved your son. Do you think it has anything to do with me?" Maeve was furious. "If you can''t even raise a child well, just give him to me!"


    "Can you raise a child well?" said Byron, standing up with a sneer in his cold eyes. "If you want a child, take him. If you don''t, throw him away. What do yo

 Chapter 269

    0


    "Can you raise a child well?" said Byron, standing up with a sneer in his cold eyes. "If you want a child, take him. If you don''t, throw him away. What do you think a child is?" said


    "It''s better than you can''t even keep an eye on your child!" said Macve.


    Upon seeing Maeve and Byron arguing, Will jumped off the sofa and grabbed their hands, he whispered, "I shouldn''t have run around. Dad, don''t be angry. Impulsiveness is the devil. Anger is suicidle. Only by taking a step back can you show your masculinity. Mom... Maeve, don''t lower yourself to Dad''s level. It''s not good for a girl to be angry."


    Byron was speechless...


    He is really my good son. To me, his father, being angry is likemitting suicide. Taking a step back is best. To his mother, being angry is not good for her health. Don''t lower her to my level. This is even when he does not know Maeve is his mother, thought Byron. Whether Byron was angry now or not, Maeve wasn''t when she heard that


    Byron''s eyes darkened. His gaze shifted to Will, who was pretending to be obedient. Till deal with you when we get back."


    Maeve was displeased when she heard that. She grabbed Will and shielded him behind her. "What are you doing? Will just suffered a shock today, and you want to teach him a lesson? Did you pick him up from the streets?"


    "Maeve Reese, do you have to make me angry?" Byron''s aura was cold.


    Maeve''s words, no doubt, touched him on the wrong foot.


    Other people could say that, but not Maeve.


    "I was just saying" Maeve looked away. "Will is already suffering. It''s fine if you don''t feel sorry for him. You don''t have r fierce on him


    Byron pursed his thin lips slightly.


    ''Am I fierce? It seemed like I didn''t even say anything harsh just now, thought Byron.


    When Maeve saw he wasn''t speaking, Maeve took the opportunity to make an offer. "Will is so freaked out today that he won''t leave me. Why don''t you let him stay at my ce for the night?" "No." Byron''s tone was decisive. "There''s no need for that."


    Maeve immediately felt a little disappointed..


    She had just recognized Will and did not want to be separated from Will


    However, she could not let Byron know she already knew Will''s identity. Otherwise, she did not know what would happen.


    Will shook Byron''s hand and said softly, "Daddy, I want to stay here for one night, toa. Just one night, okay?"


    Byron''s expression did not change as he said, "Do you want to be with her that much?".


    "Yes, yes!" Will nodded. "Please, Daddy"


    Maeve looked at Byron nervously and thought, I will snatch Will if he disagrees. In any case. Will is my son. It can not be considered as kidnapping a child


    "You can stay here for a night, Byron said calmly. "But I stay here, too."


    Maeve immediately stundered. "Why are you staying? I don''t have a ce for you to sleep!"


    Theo is still there. What if he finds out? thought Maeve.


    Byron nced at her. "Ms. Reese, do you think I can rest assured that my son will be alone in an unfamiliar environment and give you a chance to criticize me for being unqualified as a father?" Maeve was speechless.


    Are those words I just used him of digging a hole for myself? Shouldn''t a normal person be reflecting on their wrongdoings? Why does he associate it with this level?'' thought Maeve. She didn''t understand.


    However, she endured it to get close to Will.


    It was just Theo was wronged. Maeve secretly delivered dinner to him.


    In the end, she saw the te of snacks on the table was empty. Theo was on the carpet beside it, burping leisurely.


    Maeve held her forehead and thought. Next time, I must resist his cute attacks and strictly control the number of his snacks. Look at him, the fatty


    In the living room.


    Will moved closer to Byron, who was handling the important news on his phone. He lowered his voice and said, "Dad. I have a question for you." "Yes?"


    "What do you think of Maeve?"


    Byron''s typing fingers paused slightly as he nced sideways at Will. "Why are you asking this?"


    Will said slowly, "Maeve is beautiful and gentle, and her cooking is especially delicious. She''s more suitable to be a marriage candidate than Miss Anderson."


    Byron took the hint in Will''s words and asked, "You want her to be your mother?"


    "I''m just making a suggestion. Whether you want to seize the rare opportunity depends on you. "Will said seriously. "Dad, you said no matter what you do, you must get ahead of the game You have a better chance of winning if you stay ahead of others. I guess it''s the same with marriage, right?" ''Good boy. He even learns to draw inferences from my words, thought Byron.


    Af


    faint smile appeared in Byron''s eyes. He raised his hand and pressed Will''s head. "You miss something that if it''s worth it."


    ''Maeve is nice to Will because she thinks he is someone else''s child. If she knows Will is her son, she might not be able to maintain the status quo, thought Byron.


    Will didn''t quite understand what Byron meant. He opened her mouth to say something.


    Then, a long and rippling "pffi" came from the master bedroom


    Even Byron and Will in the living room heard it and turned around in unison.


    she


    Maeve stood at the master bedroom door with her hand on the doorknob. Her face was filled with embarrassment, and sl even had the urge to go in and pick up Theo and spank him.  GO


    "How could there be a child-yho farted like that? The sound is so lingering! Help! Byron and Will wouldn''t think I farted, would they? thought Marve. Evidently, yes.


    ¦°


    "Ms. Reese, your gastrointestinal tract doesn''t seem good, Byron aid ambiguously. "In this case, I suggest you seek medical attention promptly." Maeve''s head exploded and her face turned red.


    "It wasn''t me! I didn''t fart!" said Maeve.


    "Then who''s it?"


    Maeve opened her mouth. When she thought of Theo in the room, she was so embarrassed and angry that she couldn''t say anything under Byron''s teasing gaze. She could only take the me for Theo!!


    Is the benefit of having Theo? I love him. I love him so much I don''t want to live anymore, thought Maeve


    Will could feel Maeve was on the verge of tears even from a distance away. He said without hesitation, "I am the one who farted. It was a little loud. Dad, bear with it." Maeve was speechless and thought, ''Although I''m touched, you don''t need to do that."


    Byron thought, ''Stupid son


    After showering, Maeve carried a nket from the closet to the living room and told Byron, There aren''t many nkets at home. Make do with them."


    "The lowest temperature at night is 35¡ãF, Byron said calmly. "Even if you n to silence me, you don''t have to be in such a hurry.


    Maeve was stunned for two seconds before she realized what he meant by "silence."


    Her face turned red again, and she angrily threw the nket at him. "I already said that I didn''t fart, How long are you going to remember it?"


    It would be better if the temperature is 35¡ãF. Let him freeze to death!'' thought Maeve.


    Maeve angrily took out her phone to check the weather. It was almost 32¡ãF.


    It was rtively cold inte spring.


    There was no heater in the living room, so it was indeed easy to catch a cold and fall sick.


    OMMENT


    "Can you raise a child well?" said Byron, standing up with a sneer in his cold eyes. "If you want a child, take him. If you don''t, throw him away. What do you think a child is?" said


    "It''s better than you can''t even keep an eye on your child!" said Mheve.


    Maeve,


    don''t


    Upon seeing Maeve and Byron arguing, Will jumped off the sofa and grabbed their hands. he whispered, "I shouldn''t have run around. Dad, don''t be angry. Impulsiveness is the devil. Anger is suicide. Only by taking a step back can you show your masculinity. Mom... lower yourself to Dad''s level. Its not good for a girl to be angry." Byron was speechless.


    He is really my good son. To me, his father, being angry is likemitting suicide. Taking a step back is best. To his mother, being angry is not good for her health. Don''t lower her to my level. This is even when he does not know Marve is his mother, thought Byron. Whether Byron was angry now or not, Maeve wasn''t when she heard that. Byron''s eyes darkened. His gaze shifted to Will, who was pretending to be obedient. Till deal with you when we get back." Maeve was displeased when she heard that. She grabbed Will and shielded him behind her. "What are you doing? Will just suffered a shock today, and you want to teach him a lesson? Did you pick him up from the streets?" "Maeve Reese, do


    Maeve''s words, no doubt, teuto make me angry?" Byron''s aura was cold.


    touched him on the wrong foot.


    but not Maeve.


    Other people could say that, ooked away. "Will is already suffering. It''s fine if you don''t feel sorry for him. You don''t have to be fierce on him


    "...I was just saying," Maeve Reve 100


    Byron pursed his I his thin lips slightly


    ''Am I fierce? It


    rce? It seemed like I


    was


    I didn''t even say anything harsh just now,'' thought Byron.


    decisive. "There''s no need for that."


    When Maeve saw he wasn''t speaking, Maeve took the opportunity to make an offer. "Will is so freaked out today that he won''t leave me. Why don''t you let him stay at my ce for the night?" "No." Byron''s n''s tone Maeve i immediately felt a


    little


    disappointed...


    She had just recognized Will and did not want to be separated from Will


    However, she could not let Byron know she already knew Will''s identity. Otherwise, she did not know what would happen.


    Will shook Byron''s hand and said softly, "Daddy, I want to stay here for one night, 400. Just one night, okay?"


    Byron''s expression did not change as he said, "Do you want to be with her that much?".


    yes!" Will nodded. "Please,


    Maeve looked at Byron nervously and thought, I will snatch Will if he disagrees. In any case, Will is my son. It can not be considered as kidnapping a child....Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "You can stay here for a night, Byron said calmly. "But I stay here, too."


    living room with a pale face


    "What happened? Tell me," said Byron.


    Will looked at Maeve and logically summarized everything that had happened the day, omitting the process of his reuniting with Maeve.


    What Will said was almost the same as what Byron had found out. It was only the context of what he said was clearer.


    The mastermind didn''t want Will''s life. Instead, he threw Will into a remote welfare institute in another province.


    The same thing happened again..


    Byron''s eyes shed with a sharp cold light. He temporarily suppressed his violent anger and asked Will in a low voice, "Do you still dare to sneak out alone again?" I''m sorry, Dad. I''ve worried you." Will pursed his lips. "I won''t do it again


    Maeve frowned. "What does it have to do with him? As his father, you just found out he is missing. Would it be useful for you to scold him if something happens?" Just thinking about it made Maeve angry.


    "How does he raise a child? He didn''t even know his child had been kidnapped!


    Byron''s expression darkened. "I''m teaching my child a lesson. It has nothing to do with you."


    Maeve would shut up if she didn''t know Will was her child. However, she knew now and had just experienced the pain and anger of almost losing Will. Especially when she knew the Mcdaniel family people were the ones who kidnapped Will, Her anger was directly transferred to Byron


    "I was the one who saved your son. Do you think it has anything to do with me? Maeve was furious. "If you can''t even raise''a child well, just give him to me!"

 Chapter 270

    Byron was tall and had long legs, so the sofa could notpletely amodate him.


    Maeveughed in her heart. You''re asking for it. I told you not to stay here. Are you so afraid that I will hurt Will?


    The entire


    building belonged to him and he had plenty of ces to live.


    That''s all I have. Mr. Mcdaniel, if you can''t get used to it, you can go back to your ce and pick up Will tomorrow. I guarantee that he''ll be fine," Maeve said deliberately. Byron looked up slightly and replied to her unhurriedly. Tim afraid I''m going to let you down. I''ve lived here longer than you. How can I not be used to it?" Then wish


    you


    But if he foundProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    But


    a good night." Maeve put on a fake smile and ended this sarcastic argument. She turned around and returned to the master bedroom, thinking that after Byron fell asleep, she would go to the kids'' room. out, it wo it would be over.


    Unexpectedly, the door behind her suddenly opened again and Byron walked in.


    Maeve was slightly stunned. "What are you doing?


    Byron looked at herzily. "Get my clothes and take a shower."


    Why in my bedroom?" Maeve did not understand. She watched him walk to the front of the wardrobe and open the drawer below to take out his clothes.


    The wardrobe in the master bedroom was built in the wall, able to hold a lot of things. When Maeve returned she did not bring much luggage. Half of the wardrobe was not filled, so she naturally would not open the drawer below. Shamelessly, this man had given this apartment to her but still treated it as his home.


    Maeve gritted her teeth. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you gave me this apartment four years ago, right? Shouldn''t you pay me rent because you''ve been staying here after that?"


    "Rent" Byron took his clothes and walked to her with a casual expression. "Thepany hasn''t been doing well recently. I''m afraid it won''t be easy for you to earn money unless I''m allowed to pay with my body." Maeve was frozen on the spot.


    This man was never ashamed and had no bottom line.


    Previously, the Mcdaniel Group''s senior management had undergone a huge change. Most of the power had been transferred to him. After that, the Mcdaniel Group sessfully advanced theunch of the new energy project and reached another level. The value of thepany was no longer the same as before. News


    of these things was on the Inte every day. As people who didn''t pay attention to business, she still heard about it. But now, in order not to give her rent, he even said such nonsense about hispany not managing well.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, do you think it''s appropriate for a person with billions of dors to pretend to be poor just to avoid such a little bit of money?" Maeve gritted her teeth. "At most, I''ll give you a 10% discount on ount that we were once married." Byron looked at her with dark eyes. "Ms. Reese, you might have some misunderstanding about me. I''ve always been a thrifty person. I won''t spend a single cent that I shouldn''t spend."


    Are you thrifty? That''s ridiculous! Maeve was about tough. "How could a man who spends money like water to buy a bunch of smart machines just to do housework have the check to say that he''s thrifty?"


    Even the cufflinks on his suit were specially customized. Every time he changed a suit, the cufflinks that were


    re worth ¨¤ millions


    270


    would also be changed. He never used them a second time. And his was what a thrifty man would be like!


    She almost didn''t recognize that word of virtue.


    04 0 978


    raised his eyebrows slightly and his eyes were filled with miles. "Ms. Reese, why do you still remember what happened four years ago so clearly?"


    Byron raise


    "My memory has always been very good. I can even remember the shape of a weed I saw by the roadside" Maeve pretended to be impatient. "Hurry up and pay the rent. Why are you always taking advantage of me?"


    Byron was calm. "I just said that I will only ept one method of repayment. Think about it carefully. If you''ve decided, you''re wee toe to me anytime to get your payment. At this point, his thin eyelids lifted, and his gaze was flirtatious.


    Maeve''s body immediately trembled, and her curly eyshes fluttered. After staring at him for a long time, she actually had the illusion that she would be devoured by his deep eyes.


    She felt that the payment he was talking about did not mean what she expected. Maeve''s cheeks were shockingly hot. She bit her lip in frustration.


    Four


    years ago, she had suffered a loss because of this. Why did she seem to repeat her mistakes now?


    And he was about to get married. How could he have the cheek to say such words to her to seduce her?


    At the thought of Lynn, I


    Maeve suddenly felt a strong sense of fatigue. "Byron, have you forgotten that you''re about to marry Miss Anderson? Maeve looked up at him. "Since you''re about to get married, can you please stop this and leave me alone? This is unfair to her, also disrespectful to me."


    They had divorced a long time ago and the cruel truth was right there. But sometimes, his attitude gave her the illusion that they had never divorced.


    Byron frowned slightly. Looking at her serious expression, he exined in a low voice, "She and I are not what you There won''t be a wedding."


    Maeve was stunned for a moment before she felt likeughing. Are you kidding me? You can''t fool around me:


    think


    "It has nothing to do with me." Maeve turned her head away indifferently. "It''s your business who you marry, but I don''t like you pestering me when you already have a fianc¨¦e. I don''t want to be a part of your rtionship. She felt bitter when finishing thest sentence. Byron''s eyes darkened. "Maeve, you don''t believe me?" Maeve did not answer, but the answer was obvious.


    Byron did not say anything else. He turned around and walked out of her bedroom.


    Maeve bit her lower lip. Her tense shoulders suddenly rxed, and the shadowpletely enveloped her


    After taking a shower and waiting for the lights in the living room to go out, Maeve quietly slipped into the kids'' room


    The two little ones were already asleep. Their heads were leaning against each other, and their small hands were still holding lightly. The two sleeping faces were so quiet and cute.


    Theo''s posture was wilder, and his body was sprawling on the bed. His chubby legs were resting on his brother''s stomach, and his small mouth would smack from time to time. Perhaps he had a good dream of eating snacks, he was almost nibbling on his brother''s car. Will was much more reserved like a soldier, not affected by his naughty brother at all, and slept very soundly.


    NOV


    Looking at them like this, Maeve felt both soft and magical.


    If she was right, the Theo she had spent time with before should be Will. The amazing thing about twins was that they were the closest and most simr existences in this world, yet they were different in every way. That was why she ignored the weir

 Chapter 271

    Chapter271


    Life was fair to her. All she had lost now all returned.


    Maeve gently hugged the two little ones and nted a gentle goodnight kiss on their foreheads. "Sweet dreams."


    Theo was indeed in sweet dreams, but it was hard to say for Will


    Maeve didn''t have any good dreams either. She had been dreaming of being chased by a lion all night. When she was caught up, she was still wrapped in the lion''s arms. Every time she moved, the lion bared its fangs. After waking up. Maeve looked around reflexively and let out a nervous sigh of relief. What''s wrong with me? How could there be a lion at home? Especially a lion that liked to hug people and rub against them. Maeve rubbed her messy long hair, lifted the nket, got out of bed, and went out to wash up.


    In the bathroom, Byron had already woken up. At this moment, he was washing his face in front of the sink. When he heard the sound, he raised his head and looked at the mirror. Coincidentally, he met Maeve''s gaze. There were faint shadows under her eyes. It seemed that she hadn''t slept well.


    "Ms. Reese, were you a thiefst night?" Byron wiped the water on his face with a towel. His voice was hoarse and low in the morning, somehow sexy and seductive.


    Maeve pressed theers of her eyes. "Thanks for your concern. Mr. Modaniel. I just had a nightmare of being hugged by a Tion


    Byron paused almost imperceptibly. Then, he put the towel back on the shelf and inadvertently saw the baby face cream- and the baby toothpaste and toothbrush. He paused for a long time.


    Maeve noticed this and looked in his direction. Her heart almost stopped beating. ''I forgot to put back Theo''s things!"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, would you not even let go of kids things?" Maeve decided to take the initiative. "Why are you staring things like that?


    Byron picked up the baby toothbrush and asked her with a faint smile, "You have such a hobby?"


    "That''s Leo''s thing. Hees to stay with me sometimes,"


    "Who''s Leo?" Byron was confused.


    She raised her head, "Mr. Mcdaniel, don''t tell me you still don''t know the name of the little miracle doctor who treated your grandfather?"


    ''So that child''s name is Leo. Byron raised his eyebrows slightly, "Doesn''t he have a mommy? Why is he staying with you?" Maeve deliberately frowned. "Why do you have so many questions? He stays with me, so what? Is it illegal" "You seem to care a lot about other people''s children," Byron''s tone was so deep that no emotions could be detected.


    "If that''s the case, aren''t I also very concerned about your child? Maeve''s eyes shifted. I didn''t ask you before. Is Will your and Miss Andreson''s child


    Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. "Speaking of this, I also have a question to ask you."


    "What


    you never knew that Will is my son, why were you not surprised at all when I came here to look for him yesterday?"


    "Since youContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    GD


    Byron suspected that she had already known about his rtionship with Will.


    Maeve''s bright eyes shrunk, and her mind went nk. Yesterday, she was so to see that Will was still alive that she actually forgot to hide this.


    She couldn''t help but smile awkwardly. "Don''t you think this question is a little unnecessary? Since I''ve already brought Will home, how could I not ask about his parents"


    "Then why didn''t you inform me immediately and bring him back to your house? Byron still doubted it.


    "Will was drugged with sleeping pills at that time and was not very conscious. He only told me who he was after I brought him home, and then you came, okay?" Maeve said half-truthfully, "How can you me me for this?" ill


    The information sent by his subordinates did not mention that Will had been drugged. But it could also exin why Will looked so weak yesterday. However, Byron''s doubts did not dissipate.


    He did not ask that question for an answer. Instead, he just wanted to test her first reaction. Language from mouth could lie, but not bodynguage wouldn''t.


    She was obviously nervous and afraid just now. No matter how well she exined it, it could not erase his doubt. She must be hiding something from him, something she definitely did not dare to let him know.


    Maeve was terrified by his dark gaze. She felt that those sharp eyes could see through her heart. No secret could be hidden from him. She even felt too powerless to surrender.


    She hit the tip of her tongue hard and suppressed this urge. Before she could figure out why he had changed his mind about raising Will, she had to be patient


    "Well, you haven''t answered my question. Is Will your and Miss Anderson''s child?" Maeve changed the topic abruptly, afraid that he would discover something if he asked further. Byron put the baby toothbrush back in its ce and said calmly. "No. Will''s mother is...


    "A heartless woman. Byron nced at her coldly and walked out of the bathroom.


    Maeve was speechless. Am 1 heartless? I''m far inferiorpared to you.


    Maeve was infuriated. But she could not refute him in person. She could only stab him in her heart secretly


    After washing up and going out, Maeve saw Byron and Theo standing in the living room, staring at each other.


    Her heart, which had finally recovered, almost stopped beating again.


    "Will, why do you seem to have gained weight?" Byron looked down at the little guy and frowned slightly. Also, don''t you dislike such childish pajamas?"


    Theo was in a daze when he woke up in the morning. So he forgot that the Great Demon King had stayed overst night. That was why they even bumped into each other now.


    Fortunately, Will didn''te out. But it would be hard to say soter.


    Theo nced at his pajamas and said unhappily, "How is it childish? It''s so special. You really don''t have a good taste."


    The man who had refused numerous invitations to fashion magazines was speechless. He also felt that his son''s voice was so simr to and even the same as the little guy called Leo. Maybe that boy had an bad influence. "Children should wear cute pajamas to match their age." Maeve walked over to smooth things over. "Don''t listen to


    your your dad. Go change your clothes, wash up, and eat breakfast."


    Theo made a face at Byron-and ran back to his room on his short legs.


    Maeve carefully looked at Byron, her heart pounding. He didn''t find anything, did he?


    F


    Byron had basically gotten used to Will being rebellious from time to time. Despite his doubts, his concern for his son''s condition prevailed.


    Will had a tendency to have autism in the past. Even the psychiatrist said that it was not strange for him to show signs of split personality under such circumstances.


    Maeve saw that there was no change in his expression and secretly heaved a sigh of relief. But in the next second, she suddenly thought of a question that she had neglected. When she gave birth, Byron took

 Chapter 272

    Maeve pondered for a long time, but she could not figure out what went wrong. She could not see anything unusual from Byron''s unfathomable expression so there was no way to prove Her guess. "What''s the breakfast?" Byron caught her gaze and turned his heal.


    Maeve hummed and replied casually, "Spaghetti and donut. It''ll be ready to eat after it''s heated up. By the way, find some vegetables for me. It''s healthy...


    As she spoke, Maeve''s voice became softer and softer under Byron''s smiling gaze. In the end, she shut her mouth in frustration. "What am I doing? Why do I just start ordering him to work so naturally? We''re divorced. Maeve, remember it'' "Forget it, I''ll go myself" Just as she pursed her lips and was about to move, she heard Byron''s low and maic voice. "I''ll go. Just vegetables. Can you distinguish spring onion and leek?"


    Maeve''s eyes wavered as she watched him walk away. Her heart was suddenly hit by something. Then, waves of emotions filled her, almost engulfing her. Forcibly suppressing it. Maeve turned and walked into the kitchen.


    When breakfast was almost ready, Will woke up. He even called Byron into the bathroom with the excuse that he could not reach the towel on the shelf.


    At the same time, Theo took this opportunity to disguise himself and run out of the apartment. Then he knocked on the door and entered like he had juste. The entire process was so smooth and wless, extremely natural


    Will washed up and came over. Instead of going to the dining table, she gave Maeve a hug.


    Tm not dreaming. The little guy''s voice was soft as he whispered into Maeve''s ear, "Good morning, Mommy."


    Maeve''s heart felt so warm and was about to melt away. In fact, she still could not believe that all of this was real. At this moment, her heart finally calmed down. "Good morning, my good boy." Maeve kissed his soft cheek and carried him to the seat next to Theo. She also kissed Theo''s check with her back facing Byron.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Did you give him the morning kiss that you usually give me? Did you really give it to him?" Theo blinked his eyes and yed naughty. "You can''t get my morning kiss tomorrow!"


    Maeve tapped his forehead. "Drama queens are not allowed to eat breakfast."


    Theo was obedient for a second. "People say that we can''t starve our children."


    Byron walked over with a dark face. He raised his eyebrows and asked Theo, "Why are you here so early in the morning? To freeload?"


    "My mommy paid for it, alright? I cane here every day to eat and sleep with her, Theo said in a cute voice. "I heard that someone is not even willing to pay rent. How can he have the check to eat here? That''s a shame."


    He had heard from his mommy that Great Demon King could not even afford the rent! It could be seen that his wealth was not even as realistic as the flesh on his chubby stomach.


    Byron pulled out a chair and sat down. He nced at Maeve and said slowly to Theo. "I''m willing to pay it, but she is not willing to ept it."


    Maeve''s face heated up and the secretly gritted her teeth.


    They didn''t mean the same thing when they said rent. Nobody wanted that kind of nasty payment.


    When Will saw Byron starting to eat breakfast, a hint of surprise appeared in his round eyes. "Daddy, don''t you not have the habit of eating breakfast?"


    His dad stipted that he had to get up before eight every morning for breakfast, but he always just had a cup of coffee himself. He had also persuaded his father to have breakfast, but his father wouldn''t listen and acted on his own. Byron''s wrist paused slightly. He slowly swallowed spaghetti before answering him, "Don''t talk when eating"


    Will was speechless.


    Maeve did not understand what they were talking about. But she frowned when she heard Will''s words.


    She wanted to ask Byron if he had already corrected himself and started cating breakfast to protect his stomach. Why would Will say he wasn''t in the habit of eating breakfast?


    Maeve swallowed the words that were about toe out of her mouth. And she was in no position to ask him such a private question.


    She lowered her eyes and said to Theo, "Your mommy is still busy these days. If you don''t dare to stay at home alone,e here. I''ll send you to kindergarten."


    "Thank you!" Theo nodded cooperatively.


    Maeve looked at Will again and asked with a smile. "Will, do you go to kindergarten? Which is it?"


    Will''s eyshes fluttered, and he slowed down chewing the food


    Byron nced at his son but did not say anything.


    After a long moment, Will said, "Isa Langton."


    Byron was slightly surprised that he actually relented. He and the psychiatrist had spent more than half a year, but they had not been able to make Will change his mind and return to kindergarten. Now Maeve actually made himpromise with just one sentence.


    "Then you and Leo are in the same kindergarten!" Maeve''s bright eyes curved. "You can go togetherter."


    Looking at the gentle and bright smile in her mother''s eyes, thest bit of rejection Will had for kindergarten disappeared and was reced with anticipation.


    I''ve been suspended for a while. I need Dad to help me with the re-enrollment procedures. After that, I can go to school with Leo. After saying that, Will looked at Byron with anticipation. "Dad, you said that as long as I return to school, you can meet one condition for me."


    Byron nodded slightly. "Yes, go ahead."


    The manor is too far from the kindergarten. It takes too much time to go back and forth every day, so it''s not convenient," Will said seriously, "So I want to live here. Is that okay?"


    "Give a new one." Byron''s expression did not change. "Anything but staying in someone else''s house."


    Maeve''s excitement was immediately suppressed. But Byron''s rejection did make sense. How could parents allow their son to live in a "stranger''s" house?


    "Dad, you''ve misunderstood, Will blinked. "I remember that the building belongs to Dad. We can live here together. I make it convenient for me to go to kindergarten, right?"


    Byron looked at him calmly and nodded. "Do you have to stay here?"


    Will heard the change in his tone and nodded. "I think the apartment opposite is very good, Dad, what do you think?"


    He had even decided on the ce to live. It was obvious that this was not a spontaneous suggestion.


    There was a hint of a smile in Byron''s eyes. After a while, he said reluctantly, "Til consider it"


    Theo rolled his big eyes and sighed. "It''s okay. Even if your father doesn''t agree, you can stay here. We wee you'' just throw away a father who doesn''t consider his child''s feelings. In the future, I''ll be your father." You can


    The more the little guy spoke, the more excited he became. Atst, he revealed the rude "ambition" that he had hidden in his heart.


    SEND

 Chapter 273

    Maeve quickly covered Theo''s little mouth andughed awkwardly to make up for it. Just kid''s talk. You know. No offense Don''t take it seriously."


    Byron''s expression did not change. He nced at Theo''s small body and said with a faint smile, "It''s not toote to say this when you''re as tall as my legs. "Shorty!"


    Theo''s eyes widened in a huff. What did you say?"


    "So what if I''m short! Were you so tall whening out of your mother''s body?" Theo''s soft and cute face flushed with


    "One day, I''ll grow taller than you and beat you to the ground!"


    anger.


    "Just you?" Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. "It''s impossible even if I give you another 30 years."


    Theo was so angry that his cheeks puffed up as heined to Maeve, "Look at him. He mocked me for being short. I''m quitting the breakfast!" Maeve touched his little head gently. "You''re not short at all. You just haven''t been at that age. And I just like short kids like you. So cute!"


    Will leaned his head over.


    "What about me?"


    "You''re cute too!" Maeve rubbed his head.


    Theo threw a smug look at Byron. "You''re tall, but Mommy said she likes short people like me!


    They just looked at each other across the dining table with hostility. Just like that, this feud was formed.


    After breakfast, Maeve reluctantly separated from Will and sent Theo to kindergarten.


    Dreamscape had been silent for a few days due to the news on the Inte. Maeve had been kidnapped and hospitalize previously, so she had missed the best time to deal with it. The studio''s public image had probably already been determined just like that Maeve walked into the studio and found that the atmosphere inside was a little strange.


    She called her assistant, Paige, into the office. She wanted to know what had happened in the past few days when she was not here.


    "Ms. Reese, can I ask you a question?" Paige asked carefully.


    "Just say it."


    "Are you Mr. Mcdaniel''s wife?" Paige asked tentatively and slowly


    Maeve was stunned and denied, "No, we''re already divorced."


    "But the Mcdaniel Group''s legal department sent a warning letter to theizens who ndered Mr. Mcdaniel, also to the people who ndered you." Paige looked excited. "Moreover, the Mcdaniel Group also posted a statement on social media to rify this matter. Mr. Mcdaniel is defending you!"


    Maeve could not help but sweat. "Calm down. When did this happen


    "On the night that the fake news of you murdering Gilbert Mcdaniel was exposed online, you should have checked the news, right?" Paige answered.


    Maeve indeed hadn''t. She asked Paige to go out first. Then she started to watch the news online.


    Thest time the Mcdaniel Group''s ount was updated was five years ago. The homepage was so simple, exueling the same cold and distant aura as their boss,


    The top post was the rification statement. It summarized the truth of the incident in a few words, as well as the police''s evidence that she was not the real murderer of Gilbert Mcdaniel It warned that if people were still making groundless usations and maliciously defaming Mr. Mcdaniel and Ms. Reese, the legal department of Mcdaniel Group would pursue their responsibility.


    In Kleymond, the legal department of the Mcdaniel Group was crowned as the No-Loss Legend.


    Those gossipyizens all deleted theirments and apologized.


    They all knew that the blogger who defamed Maeve as a murderer had been in prison.


    As for the otherizens who had maintained their rationality from the beginning to the end, they all came to cheer up justice.


    Serves you right! Some people just think the Inte is awless ce. Now karma ising.]


    [That person was quite stubborn back then. He said that even if Maeve would kneel down and beg him, he would still reveal the truth. Why he is the one kneeling down now?]


    [Am I the only one who smells something fishy? Why is that post so protective of the boss'' ex-wife? Don''t tell me this is Mr. Mcdaniel''s order.]


    [So I''m not alone! I also think this is very unusual. So Mr. Mcdaniel is really protective of his ex-wife!]


    [Although the ex-wife is also a wife, Mr. Mcdaniel is getting married next month, right? The woman is from the royal family of Erancia. Guys, stop.]


    [Perhaps the Mcdaniel Group just sued the people who ndered Maeve together. o it has nothing to do with Mr. Mcdaniel at all. Some people are just fantasizing. Could it be Maeve''s alternate ount?]


    Most of thements were discussing whether there was still a rtionship between Byron and Maeve.


    One of them even made it to the top. [I admit that Maeve is an outstanding woman, but her background is far inferior to Mr. Mcdaniel''s fianc¨¦e. This is a gap that she can''t close even if she uses her entire life. They are destined to be unsuitable. You should take a break.] Maeve rolled her eyes. "Why making this stupidparison?"


    However, soon, Maeve did not have time for such trivial matters.


    Several distinguished guests came to the studio one after another. They were all people that Maeve had seen at the police station yesterday.


    The higher one''s status was,


    the more one valued favors.


    Maeve had saved their children and their families. Naturally, they paid a visit in person to express their gratitude.


    A few richdies had booked all the gowns for the next six months. They had even taken a fancy to the new children''s clothing and made orders of dozens of sets. It didn''t look like they were here for a customized service. Instead, the orders were so big like retailers Marve was very calm all the time. The smile on her lips was just polite and decent, not servile at all.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She knew that this was just the beginning. When thesedies put on the custom-made gowns by Dreaniscape, the battle to


    make aeback truly be. She had to see every step clearly to ensure that she walked steadily.


    Little did she know that thosedies who were used to ttering her had a good impression of her. Even their expectations for the gown had soared.


    Before she got off work, a well-dressed mother came with her daughter. Unlike the guests who had purelye to repay her kindness, they were here purely for a customized wedding dress.


    Maeve could tell at a nce that this was a domineering mother, who hardly gave her daughter any chance to interrupt when talking and allowed no change in her decisions.


    Her daughter looked reluctant, who had been frowning and pulling a long face ever since she entered as if she was being forced.


    "If you don''t listen to me now, don''t think that I can help you solve your problems in the future." Her mother''s expression was stern, and her tone was admonishing. "You should know how important marriage is to families like us. You''re not young anymore. Recognize the reality and priorities of your life."

 Chapter 274

    Her daughter retorted, "Are you going to ruin my happiness for the sake of thepany? Have you ever considered how I feel


    Maeve ced the coffee in front of them and remained silent.


    After being questioned by her daughter, this mother grew more infuriated. "Are you going to watch ourpany be annexed by the opponent? That''s your father''s life''s work. How could be so selfish?" The daughter fell silent.


    The mother looked pained. "We cherished you like a princess. We raised you and educated you. We''ll give you anything you want. Is this how you repay us?


    Your boyfriend doesn''t even have a proper job. What can he give you? Don''t talk to me about love. Love can''t feed you." Maeve blinked. As a mother, she could understand this mothers worries about her child''s future. However, this young girl might not be able to ept it in this way.


    Unexpectedly, the daughterpromised atst.


    "I know." Sheughed self-deprecatingly. "You''ve spent efforts on bringing me up. Now, it''s my turn, right? Isn''t it just marrying an old man? Alright, I''ll do it


    Her mother''s expression softened. "That''s my good daughter."


    Seeing that they were done talking, Maeve naturally asked, "What styles do you want?


    As the mother wanted to answer, her daughter suddenly said, "I listen to you in all the other things. But at least I should choose my own wedding dress, right?" The mother hesitated for a moment and let her be


    "I like simple ones. It''s more convenient to move around. The wedding will be a tough day for me. I want to rx," her daughter requested.


    Maeve''s eyes narrowed slightly. She could vaguely hear another meaning in her words.


    She quickly came back to her senses and opened one of the pages with a smile. "Take a look. What about this?"


    "Yes, but the hemline can be shorter. This girlsmiled.


    Maevepletely understood what she meant and sighed in her mind. But this girl''s mother was drinking coffee.pletely unaware of what her daughter was thinking about. "Alright, I''ll send the design to you tomorrow night at thetest Maeve nodded.


    After they left, Maeve received a call from Gwynn.


    Gwynn would call her from time to time probably because Maeve was the only one who knew how her rtionship had failed and there was something that could only be shared with her.


    Maeve heard that Gwynn''s ex-boyfriend had always wanted to get back with her, but she was sick of his pestering


    "He wants to help me buy a wedding dress now, but unfortunately, I don''t need it anymore," Gwynn said. "It''s not like / can''t afford a wedding dress, but only people who don''t love me at all will think that I care so much about a gown." 08:09


    Maeve could hear the relief in her tone and smiled. "I wish you


    the best


    "You too," Gwynn said softly. "Thank you."


    After work, Maeve drove to pick up Theo and went home.


    The door of the apartment opposite was open. Maeve looked inside. The living room which was empty in the morning had been filled with household hems.


    She was a little surprised by Byron''s efficiency. He just said that he would think about it in the morning. But now everything seemed to have been arranged. The interior decoration was ready-made and justcked some furniture, which, however, would take a lot of time.


    Maeve''s bright eyes met Byron''s gaze when he came out of the bedroom.


    "Come in and have a seat?" Byron raised his eyebrows slightly, just finished it."


    Maeve quietly hid Theo behind the door and looked around inside. "Will isn''t here?"


    Byron said, "He took his medicine at noon. He''s still half asleep


    Maeve felt anxious, but she had to pretend to be calm. "What''s wrong with him?"


    "It''s an old problem" Byron looked at her. "Since he was born."


    Maeve thought of the critical situation when Will was born. Her heart felt freezing cold and trembled as if it had been soaked in ice.


    In front of Byron, she could not continue asking further. So she changed the topic. "Did you buy groceries?"


    Byron''s gaze inadvertently swept across the refrigerator. His dark eyes flickered. "No, I forgot"


    "Then bring Will over for dinnerter. What does he like to cat?" Maeve invited them.


    Byron reported a few of Will''s favorite dishes.


    The moment Maeve heard the dishes, she knew that Will was different from Theo who was never picky about food.


    Theo felt his mommy''s gaze on him and blinked innocently. Do you hear my stomach growling just now? Night fell.


    After dinner, the two little ones swapped identities without anyone knowing.


    Theo swaggered into the apartment opposite. He had his chubby hands behind his back, looking like a leader to supervise


    the work.


    Byron sat on the sofa with his long legs crossed elegantly. His eyes were half-closed as he was dealing with the business on hisptop. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Theo walking over, but he didn''t care. Unexpectedly, in the next second. Theo patted him on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Young man, I heard that you''ve been very arrogant recently


    Byron rolled his eyes in confusion. "Speak properly" He looked at the little guy warningly.


    If Theo was afraid, he wouldn''t be Theo. He humphed and leaned closer to Byron. His small eyes nced at Byron''sptop. "What are you doing?"


    -


    "Business." Byron didn''teven look at this boy


    "So you''re making money?" Theo asked.


    "Yeah. Byron still focused on the screen.


    "How much money do you have? The little boy was kind of curious


    Byron stopped typing and rubbed his head. "What are you trying to say?"


    Theo''s big eyes darted around, then he gave him a big smile and stretched out his round hand. "I want pocket money."


    Byron raised his eyebrows. This was the first time his son had asked him for pocket money. He moved theptop away and took out his wallet from the drawer. He asked casually, "How many do you want?" Theo thought he was referring to cash. However, when he saw Byron open the wallet and the countless bank cards inside, his big eyes were almost blinded by the dazzling lights.


    Wow! You''re so rich! Then why don''t pay Mommy''s rent?''


    Byron looked at Theo''s chubby face getting closer and closer, almost going into his wallet. He chuckled and ced his hand on Theo''s forehead. "What? Do you want all of them? He had never realized that his son was such a money-grubber before.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Im not that greedy." Theo looked at his wallet enviously and licked his lips. Then I''ll just take a random one?"


    Byron handed over his wallet. "Yes, whichever card you draw will be yours."


    Theo immediately rolled up his sleeves and stared at the card in his wallet. It was time to use his lucky hand.

 Chapter 275

    Without hesitation. Then took the most beautiful card in the wallet, witich was still gilt, and held it tightly in his arms with. his chubby hands


    "It''s mine!" The little guy was excited that he had earned his first bucket of gold at such a young age and was about to bring his mommy to the peak of life!Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure you want this one?"


    "Yeah!" Theo suddenly looked at him warily, "Are you going back on your word?"


    "No." Byron nced at the card and chuckled. "You''re not very lucky"


    With his tiny lips. Theo said. "There''s no money in here?"


    "Not much. Just tens of thousands of dors, Byron said nonchntly.


    The money in this card was his first profit when he started his business at university. So the amount was not that high. To remind him of his past experiences, he kept this card until now However, he did not expect the little guy to be so unlucky to choose this one.


    Theo''s cheeks bulged "Stop it


    Back then when his Mommy had a hard life in Erancia, she tightened her belt every second. But this man acted like tens of thousands of dors was just a little bit of money.


    Byron looked at Theo''s unconvinced expression and his lips curled up slightly. Thinking of how he was almost kidnapped that smile slowly disappeared. Although the kidnappers had been caught, simr things might happen again. Those tools that were marupted were nothing to be afraid of What he needed to be wary of was the mastermind behind the scenes "Will


    Theo realized that Byron was calling him and responded. "Ah


    "In the future, if Grandpa and Grandma look for you, tell Daddy first. Byron''s voice was slightly deep. "Don''t meet them alone, and keep yourself within the sight of the bodyguards, understand?"


    Hearing the seriousness in his words, Theo seemed to understand. I got it." But he felt curious. So weird. Will has to be with bodyguards to meet her grandparents?"


    The phone on Byron''s table suddenly vibrated


    He casually picked it up and nced at it casually. A group of photos instantly rushed into his eyes.


    Maeve and Alex stood in front of the gynecology and obstetrics department and left together. There was a message. [The CEO of the Mcdaniel Group is fooled by a woman.]


    Coldness surged in Byron''s eyes. He tapped the screen a few times with his fingertips and cklisted the number


    At the same time, in Number three Maple Lake, a woman sitting on the sofa mmed her phone to the ground when she saw her number get cklisted.


    "That''s why Maeve cheated on you! You deserve it. She cursed fiercely.


    The man standing in the shadows said coldly, "The boss didn''t let you out to do these boring things. If that''s all you''ve got, I think the iron cage suits you better."


    The woman raised her head, There was no longer any arrogance on her tortured face. All that was left was haggardness


    If Maeve was here, it would be difficult for her to recognize this woman as Karen.


    Hearing the iron cage, Karen trembled. "1, I know, I will do as he says, as long as you don''t lock me up again....


    That boss was a lunatic and she did not dare to disobey him at all


    "Then show me what you''ve got. Don''t let the boss down. That mean warned her coldly.


    97


    Karen nodded slowly. Her nails dug into her palms with the mes of hatred and pain roaring in her heart. If not for Byron''s coldness toward her, she would not have be like this.


    On Saturday, early in the morning. Maeve received a package from Jaylen. There was also a bouquet of bright man-eating nts.


    It looked so fresh like it had only been picked for hours. The green flowers showed their bloody mouths as if they could bite people''s heads off in an instant. Maeve handed the package to Theo and revealed a hopeless expression towards this bunch of man-eating nts. "Why did he give me this thing? I didn''t offend him recently, did I? And can this vase hold it?"


    She looked at the trash can and found it quite suitable.


    Seeing Maeve''s frustrated expression, Theo, who was drinking milk, silently moved his small body. He could not let his mommy know that when his senior asked him what flowers girls liked he said a man-eating nt.


    He just didn''t know that Jaylen was so stupid and really sent his Mommy such a surprising specialty.


    Fortunately, the things in the bag were rtively normal. They were the herbs needed to treat Gilbert''s illness, as well as some rare herbs,


    After breakfast, Macve took Theo to the sanatorium


    Byron and Will arrived earlier and were talking to Gilbert in the ward. The atmosphere was very harmonious until Gilbert asked why Maeve didn''te.


    "I don''t want to hide this from you. I divorced Maeve four years ago," Byron said lightly.


    He could lie to his grandfather, but he still chose to be honest.


    Unexpectedly, Gilbert was not as emotional as he had expected. In fact, he seemed to have predicted it.


    "I could tell it. Maeve always looks weird when she mentions your Gilbert looked tired. "Your father has never liked her. I expected this day toe. It''s a pity that such a good girl can''t be a match with you." Byron remained silent.


    Gilbert asked again, "Who''s Will''s mother?"


    Will looked at Byron and pursed his lips with anticipation in his eyes.


    Byron''s expression did not change. His voice was calm. "This is not important. I''ll tell you in the future."


    Maeve walked over and happened to hear this. She stood outside the door for a few seconds before walking in with Theo "Gilbert, I''m here to see you


    Byron''s dark eyes lit up slightly when he heard her voice.


    Will wanted to go over to her mother, but he was afraid of exposing themselves, so he had no choice but to hold back that


    urge.


    apter 273


    "Maeve" Gilbert immediately smiled. I feel much better when I see you."


    Maeve smiled. "That means you''re getting better soon. I was still thinking of having another chess with you one day."


    "Alright, I will be waiting for you at any time!" The old manughed.


    Theo walked to the bedside with his hands behind his back. "The patient needs acupuncture. Morn. Maeve, you can wait outside. "Okay, thank you for your hard work. Maeve walked out with them.


    After they all left. Theo opened the kit and was about to start the acupuncture.


    Lying on the bed, Gilbert suddenly asked him, "My little miracle doctor, what''s your rtionship with Maeve


    "Maeve is my mommy''s friend. She''s also my godmother, Theo replied in a cute voice.


    "Is that so?" Gilbert was deep in thought. "But why do I feel that you look a little simr to Maeve?"

 Chapter 276

    0.97%E


    Theo was shocked and his heart almost stopped beating. He had already painted his skin dark like coal and disguised his facial features. So how did Gilbert tell that he looked like his Momy?


    "Do I look like her?" Theo cleared his throat, not feeling guilty at all. "People often say that I look like her. It would be great if it was true. My mommy always thinks that I''m not good-looking enough and is afraid that I can''t find a girl to marry when I grow up." Upon hearing this, Gilbert immediatelyforted him. "You''re will young now. You''ll definitely be very handsome in the future. You don''t have to worry about that."


    "Thanks for your best wishes. I''ll work hard to be a handsome man." Theo said in all seriousness.


    Gilbert could not stopughing. Then he found something and was shocked again. "Why do I feel that you also look a little like Byron?" Somehow he even felt that this was because he was too old.


    Theo was speechless, What? Can you just stop looking at me? How can you see that?"


    Fortunately. Gilbert was tired and fell asleep after a while.


    Theo secretly heaved a sigh of relief. He took out the tools and began to perform acupuncture on him.


    In the lounge outside, Maeve realized that Will''splexion was much better than before. Probably the medicinal soup had taken effect recently.


    She wanted to hug her son, but she was afraid of arousing Byron''s suspicion, so she endured it very hard.


    "Maeve." Byron, who was sitting on the sofa, suddenly said, "Why are you staring at my son?"


    Hearing the word ''my son, Maeve''s eyshes fluttered.


    It was still deeply imprinted in her mind how much he had rejected her children back then and how ruthless he had to get rid of them at all costs. Even after they reunited, he had no intention of telling her that Will was her son. If she h identally discovered it, she would probably be kept in the dark forever.


    Are you taking revenge on me for secretly giving birth to the child? So you are using this to make me suffer, right?'' Maeve forced herself to calm down. She looked at Will''s little face and her gaze softened. "Nothing. I just looked at him and thought of the past. Byron looked up and said coldly, "Like you used to be a mother too?"


    The sarcasm in his words made Maeve''s heart stuffy. She even had an intuition that he was mocking her for being an ipetent mother.


    With his love for Will, Maeve guessed that he might be ming her for abandoning him four years ago. But Byron should be the one to reflect on his mistakes back then.


    "It''s been so many years. Mr. Mcdaniel, you still remember it. My pleasure," Maeve retorted casually. "Unlike me, I''ve long forgotten such a trivial matter."


    Byron sneered. "Trivial matter? You heartless woman!"


    The atmosphere in the living room became a little stagnant. Some things were like thorns in the flesh.


    The reason why Maeve and Byron were able to coexist peacefully was that no one took the initiative to mention these things. But it didn''t mean that the problems'' were gone.


    Will looked at his father, then turned to look at his mother. "Dad, if you want to live a long life, you have to keep a good temper first."


    Byron''s eyebrows moved slightly. "What are you trying to say?"


    "You''re so fierce. You scared Maeve." Will was reminding him to be polite.


    Maeve was amused andughed. "Will, you''re a real gentleman really couldn''t tell that you''re only four years old


    Are you mocking me? Byron looked at her sideways, "It doesn''t matter. She has a strong heart. She even dared to jump out of the window in the middle of the night to elope with someone. She''s not so easily frightened."


    When Maeve heard that, she recalled that she had been ced under house arrest at Nightfall Manor and Jaylen drove a helicopter to bring her away.


    "Will, don''t learn from your father. Men who badmouth girls are usually not very likable. They might be single forever and


    die alone."


    After saying that, Maeve met Byron''s cold gaze and raised her chin fearlessly.


    The air was filled with the air of hostility.


    "Pif." Will could not help butugh out loud.


    Maeve and Byron looked at him almost at the same time.


    What are youughing at?" Byron asked.


    "Dad, you seem to be jealous," Will answered honestly.


    Byron''s jawline tightened slightly. He rubbed his head and scolded in a low voice. "Nonsense."


    Maeve was also stunned for a moment. She recalled Byron''s words just now. The more she thought about it, the more certain she was. That was indeed what a jealous man would say. After all, that was four years ago. If he hadn''t mention it she might not have remembered it


    L


    He even used the word "elope. However, in her opinion, she was running for her life.


    Sensing Maeve''s gaze, Byron frowned and looked at her. His handsome face revealed an invisible coldness. "Don''t tter yourself."


    If Maeve had not identally seen the tips of his ears that were slightly blushed under his ck hair, she would have thought that she was really ttering herself.


    Will even mouthed at her. It''s true"


    Byron noticed it and gave him a warning look.


    Maeve could not tell what she was feeling.


    Now that Byron was jealous that she had left with Jaylen, it meant that he still cared about her to an extent. He was even willing to keep Will and take good care of him, so he must have changed his mind at that time.


    Did you change your mind because of me? Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. She deliberately retorted, "I know I''m just overthinking. You and Miss Anderson are about to hold a wedding. How can you be jealous of me and another man?"


    "So what? Am I the only one who''s about to hold the wedding?" Byron narrowed his eyes. "Aren''t you and that guy fellow getting married soon?"


    Even Maeve could smell the jealousy in his reply. Iler heart suddenly started racing. She stared at the man''s slightly tense and cold face and felt amused somehow, Tm getting married? Really? I don''t even know it."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Have you forgotten that you epted the title of Mrs. Chatterly Byron''s expression was indifferent. "How would I know something that even you don''t know?"


    Four years ago, she was already willing to leave with Jaylen, so it was not strange for her to be willing to marry him now.


    Maeve was about to say something when the door of the ward was suddenly pushed open.


    "It is done. Later, feed the medicine to him. After a week of treatment, the poisonous magic in his body will be cleaned up." Theo walked over with his hands in his pockets,

 Chapter 277

    -


    Will kept winking at him. You came out at the wrong time!"


    Theo blinked innocently. What do you mean? Why do you all look so weird?"


    "Thank you" Maeve held back the exnation that was about toe out of her mouth. She reached out and rubbed Theo''s head. Good job, little miracle doctor."


    Theo held his face shyly. "Even if youpliment me like this won''t go with you tonight"


    "Where do you want to go?" Maeve asked.


    "Arcade games!"


    Maeve''s mouth twitched. ''Give money to the w machine again? Don''t you know you lose 99 out of 100 every time?


    "Dad, can I go together?" Will turned to ask Byron.


    "Not for the time being. It''s not safe outside," Byron rejected him tly.


    Theo remembered what Byron had said and immediately changed his mind. "I suddenly don''t want to go there now. let''s go home. What about ying games together? I''m an expert. A headshot king!"


    Will


    "Headshot? Will suddenly recalled some unpleasant memories, but not to dampen Theo''s mood, he still nodded. ''Alright, so regard it as training"


    Theo''s expression changed after hearing that "Okay, 2 dors for one round and 5 dors for two."


    Will narrowed his eyes. ''What? How dare you earn your brother''s money! And even such an unfair price. I''m not a fool


    Byron, who had been listening to their conversation, could not help but look at Theo''s face. He felt that Will seemed to trear this little fatty differently. At least, he had never seen his son so patient with any other peers. Byron narrowed his eyes. "Boy, what''s wrong with your neck?"


    "Huh?" Theo subconsciously touched his neck, but his hand was wet. Perhaps he had sweated during the acupuncture, the foundation on his neck had melted a little.


    Maeve also noticed this and quickly pulled Theo in front of her, blocking Byron''s probing gaze.


    and


    "Let me see it." Maeve pretended to Theo''s cor and said nonchntly, "It''s stained with the dust on the wall. Did you drill a hole?"


    "No idea. Theo stood there obediently, letting Maeve fiddle with it.


    No one knew if Byron believed it or not, but his gaze never left Theo.


    At this moment, Maeve''s phone rang.


    "Ms. Reese, there is a guest looking for you. He ims to be your younger brother," Paige said over the phone.


    Maeve frowned. "Now? I''ll be thereter."


    Maeve had not seen or contacted her parents since they made a scene in the Mcdaniel family four years ago. As for Horace, they had never been close since they were young, and it was the same when they had grown up. She didn''t even know how he found her studio.


    Half an hourter, at Dreamspace Studio, Maeve strode into the reception room and saw Horace sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, ying games with his phone.


    He had dyed his hair dark green and wore sunsses, dressed in a ck river jacket and ripped jeans. He seemed to be trying so hard to look fashionable, but the result was kind of hrious. There was also a pile of cigarette burts and chewing gum that he had crushed on the floor. Maeve frowned again and again. It had only been a few years. How did he be like this?


    "Horace, why are you looking for me?" She walked over and asked bluntly, "Make it quick. I''m very busy"


    Horace flipped his phone between his fingers and smiled sarcastically, "Oh, you''ve really made a big money now. So arrogant. You don''t even take your brother seriously."


    "Is that what you''re here for? Maeve was impatient and disappointed.


    "I don''t have money now. Lend me some. Horace put down his legs and said in a self-righteous tone, "This studio must have made a lot of money, right? It''s already on the news, and all the customers are so rich. I don''t want much. Just 100 thousand dors. Maeve''s bright eyes were filled with disappointment. She must have been a fool to think that Horace would be here to ask how she had been doing for the past four years. It turned out that he was here just for money.


    "I''m your sister, not your mother. I''m not obligated to give you money, Maeve said coldly. "Besides, you have never treated me as your sister. You don''t have to talk about blood stuff. I don''t buy it"


    Horace blew out a smoke ring. "I advise you to think carefully. I have bros in the underworld. It''s not a problem to ruin your


    business."


    He had done some preparations in advance. Just a wedding dress here was worth at least 20 thousand dors. So 100 thousand dors wouldn''t be a problem for her.


    Maeve sneered. "If I don''t give it to you, are you going to destroy my studio?"


    "You can give it a try. Horace shrugged casually. "My good sister, don''t be selfish. You don''t have a man or children now. What''s the use of keeping money? Why don''t you give it to me to start a business? I''ll return it to you when I earn money." "Alright, write an IOU first." Maeve was cold.


    "We''re siblings. Do we need that thing? Wouldn''t you find it embarrassing?" Horace was refusing


    "Why didn''t you remember that we were siblings before?" Maeve stood up. "If you can''t show your sincerity, just go. Anyway, we don''t have much feelings to begin with. And this little bit of kinship was going to be worn down by you."


    Horace kicked the table heavily. "You sold a wedding dress for fucking 20 thousand dors and can''t even bear to give 100 thousand to your brother? What''s wrong with you? Are you still my sister?"


    Maeve''s face turnedpletely cold. "Are you done? Get lost. Don''t let Horace rolled up his sleeves and looked like he was about to hit ber.


    me see you again.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Ms. Reese, is there anything we can help you with?" Two burly bodyguards appeared at the door of the reception room and


    stared at Horace.


    When Horace saw their terrific size, he immediately cowered. But he still fiercely said to Maeve, "Just wait." Then, he slunk OUL


    rds came from.


    Marve did not take Horace''s harsh words to heart. Instead, she was curious about where these two bodyguards


    "Mr. Mcdaniel sent us to protect you," the bodyguard on the left exined.


    Maeve was stunned. She did not tell him who she was here to see How did he guess that she would need protection?


    Since she was already here, she left that question behind and started to work.


    However, Horace was serious. When Maeve went to work on Monday, she almost had a heart attack when she saw the studio''s door sshed with red paint and nasty graffiti on it. The surveince footage showed that i was indeed Horace who brought his men over to do it at night.


    Maeve did not tolerate him at all and directly called the police to deal with it.


    However, Horace was only fined and detained for two days without any substantial punishment.


    After he was released, he led his men and smashed arge crack in the ss door of the studio.


    When Paige came in the morning, she was almost cut by the ss shards.


    However, even if Maeve called the police, they would not be locked up for long because there weren''t any casualties or heavy property damage.

 Chapter 278

    However, continuing this would definitely affect the studio''s reputation.


    The bodyguards reported this matter to Byron in detail.


    After listening to the whole story, Byron took off the silver-framed sses on his nose. His pitch-ck eyes were as sharp as des and suffused with a cold luster. "What''s her attitude?"


    "Ms. Reese was very angry. But she just called the police on the first day. Then she did nothing"


    Byron narrowed his dark eyes. "Is that so? Protect her safety. She knows what to do for the rest."


    No matter how evil Horace was, he was still her younger brother. Perhaps she wanted to end it herself.


    At night, Horace was determined to get money from Maeve and came again.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    After all, it was just a few days of detention, nothing to be afraid of. How could it be worse than not having money?


    This was the second time that he had been released. He thought that Maeve would have topromise after another two days at most. Then 100 thousand dors would not be enough and it should double at least.


    With this thought in mind, Horace led his men into Dreamspace Studio''s building with iron rods hidden in their jackets. They were nning to do something big this time.


    The elevator rose and suddenly stopped before vibrating violently. It took nearly ten minutes for it to return to normal.


    They cursed as they walked out and headed straight for the studio. They broke the ss door with the rods and rushed in like bandits, smashing everything they saw, Unexpectedly, an ear-piercing rm suddenly sounded above their heads..


    They hurriedly stopped and looked around nervously.


    "What''s going on? Where did the rme from? It didn''t even happen yesterday!"


    "Fuck, hurry up and leave!"


    At that moment, the sound of a bullet being loaded came from the door. "Nobody moves! Put your hands up! Robbing the jewelry store in the middle of the night. You must be tired of living!"


    Jewelry store? Horace and his aplice''s faces instantly turned pale. "What jewelry shop? Is this not Maeve''s studio?" The chaotic scene appearedpletely on Theo''sptop. Maeve sat beside him, eating the fruits and enjoying this farce.


    When she saw these gangsters being handcuffed and taken away Maeve was strangely calm. She didn''t even know what kind of emotion was appropriate.


    "Mommy, isn''t this too easy for them?" Canning looked up and asked.


    Tm afraid they won''t be able toe out in less than three to five years," Maeve said as she hugged the little boy. "It''s a sad thing that Will''s store has been damaged."


    Will''s face turned slightly red. Then, he said seriously, "Mommy, money is just a worldly possession. We can still earn more even if we lose it for the time being. Mommy''s safety is the most important. I still have a lot of money left. This is not a big deal. "He felt that it was worth it to sacrifice a store for his mother''s peace of mind.


    Maeve was extremely touched and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you!"


    She picked up a Then she took another one and fed it to Theo.


    nd strawberry and fed it to V


    Theo looked at her, covered his little heart, and asked her pitifully, "Strawberry for me alone?"


    "Ah. Will just ate one... Maeve felt weird.


    I knew it!" The little guy immediately became a drama queen. That means you don''t love me more. At least two for me!"


    Maeveughed out loud and stuffed two strawberries into Theo mouth. "Yes, all for you!"


    Theo covered her mouth happily, looking like she was afraid that the strawberries would be snatched away by Theo.


    Will looked helpless. When he first saw Theo like this, he was worried that his brother was jealous that Mommy''s attention was averted. But it turned out that his brother was just purely dramatic,


    Theo suddenly remembered that there was still something she had not given Maeve. Then he immediately took out Byron''s card and gave it to her as if he was presenting a treasure to the queen. "Mommy, here you go!" Maeve looked surprised. "Where did you get this?


    "I spent a lot of effort to earn this money from Great Demon King!" Theo wiped his mouth and said without any guilt.


    Will''s round eyes lit up. "How did you do that?" When his father returned from his business trip, he would also earn his father''s money to support his mother.


    Theo acted like a mysterious annoyingwyer. "This involves trade secrets. If you want to know, you have to first..." Will skillfully took out a note and ced it in his hand. "Is it enough?


    "Not bad. Then I''ll condescend and teach you something." Theo''s raised his chin.


    The two little ones gathered together and muttered to each other for a long time.


    Maeve found it so funny that Will was so skilled at giving money to other people. How much money did he lose to 1 to have such a spontaneous reaction?


    She looked down at the card in her hand and smiled helplessly. Since it was from Byron, she would keep it.


    This card looked old with words on the back. Maeve suddenly had a strange feeling in her heart. She seemed to have seen this card somewhere before.


    She vaguely remembered that it was herst year in high school. The white orchids on both sides of the gale were blooming,


    and then she...


    "What happened then? The more Maeve thought about it, the more confused she became. There had never been white orchids in the school. So how did this memorye about?


    Not


    long after, the verdict of Horace and his aplices was announced.


    They were sentenced to five years in prison and had topensate the jewelry shop for all the losses. The total amount was more than 600 thousand dors. Horace probably never predicted that Maeve would move the studio elsewhere during the few days he was in detention in order to get rid of himpletely.


    The original ce was now a jewelry store on the surface. But there were only a few disy cabs as a disguise.


    If it was daytime, Horace would have found it and stopped. Unfortunately, people like them always loved lurking in the


    dark.


    After Horace went in, Scott and Valda''s endless calls almost explocled Maeve''s phone. The total number of calls made in the past four years was not as many as today.


    Since Maeve did not pick up, they checked the official website of Dreamspace and found her new studio''s address.


    The moment she saw her parents, Maeve was in disbelief as her heart had been knocked heavily. In just four years, they seemed to have aged by more than ten years. Their temples were white with weathered wrinkles. She was almost at a loss. "Dad, Mom, how did you....


    "Maeve, I''m begging you. Can you let your brother off? Your father and I only have one son. Do you want to see us die?" Valda''s leg went weak, about to kneel on the ground.


    0

 Chapter 279

    GIFT Chapter


    279


    Maeve froze there. Her hands hung in the air. She looked stunned. "Do you think that I couldn''t stand Horace and deliberately let him in?"


    Did they think that everything Horace had done was fake?


    "Maeve, now that your brother has suffered, you should be satisfied. Scott looked dispirited. "Five years in prison. Don''t tell me you want to ruin your brother''s life? Tbeg you. Let Horace out. Valda suddenly coughed violently as he spoke. She covered her mouth and coughed very badly.


    Threads of blood dripped from her fingers to the ground. The red color was shocking


    Maeve''s eyes widened in shock. When she saw Valda faint to the side, her mind suddenly went nk.


    Half an hourter, in a private hospital nearby, after Valda came out of the emergency room, he was pushed into the ward.


    Maeve sat by the bed, her face as pale as paper. She had yet to recover from the doctor''s words.


    The middle stage of lung cancer. She needed a long time of recuperation before surgery could be performed. Otherwise, she might not live past next year... Why was this happening?


    She had always thought that her parents would live a morefortable life without her at home.


    "Before I went to look for you, your mother kept telling me not to tell you about this. She was afraid that you would be worried and sad for her." Scott stood at the side and sighed. "Her health has not been good for the past two years. She even had to work hard because of your brother. Her condition has worsened."


    Maeve bit her lower lip. "Then why didn''t you tell me?"


    She still used the same number she used before.


    "I lost my job four years ago and even took on a debt. The financial situation of our family became worse. Your mother and have endured hardships, and we can survive. But you and Horace are still young. You shouldn''t suffer with us." Scott exined in a few words the reason why he had been indifferent to Macve for the past few years.


    She was silent for a moment. "How much more do you owe now?


    "Your mother and I have already returned a portion. We only have 200 thousand dors left." Scott rubbed his hands. 200 thousand dors in debt, plus the cost of Valda''s treatments, would cost at least 400 thousand dors.


    With the current situation of the family, they could not fork out this money at all


    Maeve closed her eyes. "I''ll pay for the medical fees and surgery


    "Then the debt..."


    It''s not my obligation. Maeve''s eyes were calm. She did not take all their debts on herself just because Scott pretended to be pitiful.


    She was generous enough to pay for the medical fees and surgery.


    Maeve stood up and took out a bank card from his bag. "There''s 100 thousand dors here. I think it should be enough to pay for the hospital."


    Seeing that she was about to leave, Scott hurriedly stopped her. Maeve, what about your brother? When do you n to let


    her out?"


    Maeve paused and looked at him. "I didn''t open the prison. I have no right to send him in or out. If you had taught him better back then, he wouldn''t have ended up like this."


    With that, she turned around and left.


    Scott''s expression changed instantly. He cursed softly, "How unfifial. She''s really ruthless! If I had known earlier..."


    At this point, Scott thought of something and looked around. Even if no one passed by, he did not dare to continue.


    After leaving the hospital, Maeve walked on the road in a daze.


    Was she being too cruel?


    It was just 400 thousand dors. She could manage to take out so much money. Moreover, as long as she took the money out, she could solve her parents current predicament and make their lives morefortable. However, she could not forget how they had treated her in the past.


    Logically, she chose to understand, but emotionally, she could not forgive them.


    She didn''t want to be forced to do anything just because they were her family but she wanted their love.


    Ma?veughed at herself. No wonder people said that people spent their lives chasing after what they could not get


    Suddenly, there was a sharp, ear-piercing sound of a horn ahead


    Maeve looked up in a daze. She saw a car rushing over.


    Goosebumps rose all over her body as she hurriedly dodged to the side.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    She didn''t know how the driver of that car drove, but she was about to drive the car onto the roadside.


    Mame''s right leg was identally brushed by the car and she fell to the ground uncontrobly.


    The car didn''t even stop as it drove off into the distance.


    Maeve felt like scolding someone. Drinking in a car without driving. Driving without drinking in a car. These people had no manners at all! Byron saw this. He immediately asked the driver to stop the car. Then, he pushed open the car door and walked towards the roadside. Maeve gritted her teeth and covered her knee. Before she could recover from the pain, she suddenly fell into a warm embrace. She smelt cold cedarwood scent.


    She raised her head in shock and saw Byron''s handsome face.


    With a dark expression, he carried her into the car and gently ced her on the seat.


    "Where are you hurt?" When he said this, his expression was tense and angry. His narrow eyes were dark, cold, and malicious. Marve was still in pain. Her thin eyebrows were tightly knitted. "My right knee was rubbed. It hurts a little."


    Byron pursed his thin lips tightly and rolled up her trouser leg above her knee.


    Her entire knee was bruised. Blood was visible to the naked eye under the skin, looking shocking.


    "Can''t you be more careful? Don''t you know how to hide when a cares?" Byron frowned and said in a more serious tone


    Maeve was already in a bad mood. Her eyes turned red after being scolded by him.


    "How would I know that the car would suddenly go crazy and drive onto the roadside? I didn''t get bumped into on purpose. I was just thinking about something and didn''t pay attention," "What are you thinking?"


    "My parents..." Maeve suddenly stopped and swallowed the words that she was about to say.


    Byron looked at her deeply. "What happened to your parents?"


    Maeve turned around. "Nothing-


    Byron did not continue to ask. He took ice from the freezer and wrapped it in a towel before gently pressing it on her injured knee.


    Maeve sucked in a breath of cold air. She clenched her fists and resisted the urge to move.


    "You went to see your parents just now?" Byron suddenly asked.


    How did you know?" Maeve subconsciously blurted out. When she came back to her senses, she shut her mouth.


    Byron lowered his eyes to look at her wound. His voice was a little hoarse. "Although your methods of dealing with Horace are immature, you dealt with it cleanly. Why didn''t you be hesitant when ites to your parents?" He knew very well what the Reese family had done in the past few years.


    Maeve your parents'' love, right?"


    attle indignant. "How can that be the same? Besides, you alw


    "No." Byron''s tone was extremely calm. "I don''t care about these things."


    "But I care, Maeve clenched her fists. She could not help but feel the pain. "If you grew up in the Mcdaniel family, your parents


    would definitely treat you well. But my parents never loved me."


    0

 Chapter 280

    Her parents never loved her.


    Because she was not a son, because she could not support the whole family, and also because... they did not love her.


    Perhaps it was because she understood this too well that she had listened to them so much in the past.


    She hoped that she would be able to obtain their love.


    Byron raised his head and stared at Maeve for a while. Suddenly, he raised his arms and pressed his warm fingers on theer of her red eyes, rubbing them gently.


    "In the past, parents thought that an overly luxurious environment could not temper the child''s personality and ability. It would even turn him into a useless adult when he grew up." Maeve blinked in confusion. She did not understand why his topic had changed so quickly.


    Byron''s eyes suddenly narrowed. "So they threw the child to a remote ce and let outsiders rece the child."


    Hearing this, Maeve also narrowed her eyes. "Why? How can there be such cruel parents?"


    Byron chuckled imperceptibly but he sounded cold. "Are they ruthless? Perhaps this is called tempering."


    What the hell?


    Maeve almost couldn''t help but swear. She knew that in nature, eagles would throw their cubs down from high ces to train their flying ability.


    They either broke their wings or learned how to fly.


    But she had never seen any people doing this.


    Leaving the child outside to fend for himself and finding an imposter to rece his position? When the two children grew up, those guys let them fight. Only the winner could survive Was this a joke?


    "Are you serious? Does Gilbert know about this?" Maeve was so frustrated that she even forgot about the pain. Her face was filled with indignation. "You''re just going to tolerate it? If it were me, I wouldn''t be able to tolerate it. I''ll definitely ask them for an exnation!" The coldness in Byron''s eyes instantly dissipated. He looked at her and chuckled. This time, he sounded in a better mood. "It''s fake," he said casually. "Maeve, you''re so gullible. No wonder you''re being controlled by your parents,"


    Maeve was shocked and speechless.


    "You''re lying to me?!" Maeve was in disbelief. After that, she felt a little sad. Tm really angry here, and you''re lying to me?"


    She thought that it was something that he had experienced when he was young. Coupled with what Neville had done, she was angrier.


    But he lied to her!


    The smile on Byron''s lips was meaningful. "Why? Do you feel sorry for me?"


    Maeve gritted her teeth. "Who cares about you? I''m just surprised that there are such cold-blooded parents in this world!"


    It made sense. Even if Byron''s parents wanted to do that, Gilbert would not sit back and do nothing.


    Unexpectedly, Byron did not agree with her words. Instead, he looked into her eyes and said in a deep voice, "There are many cold-blooded people in this world. The so-called blood rtions are nothing. If you don''t know what to do, don''t do anything" He would do it for her.


    Before the anger in Maeve''s heart could dissipate, it was reced by an indescribable emotion.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Byron was really despicable sometimes.


    He could always see through her thoughts easily and hold her anxious heart firmly.


    She could not resist the gentleness behind every word he said even though she knew that he would also be so gentle to Lynn.


    "I know. I was just being stubborn for a moment. Maeve lowered her eyes and smiled. "In the past, I always yearned for a


    but loving father and a gentle but tolerant mother. It has almost be my obsession.


    Byron removed the ice towel from her knees and said casually, "Although I can''t satisfy your second wish, I can reluctantly fulfill your first wish."


    Maeve did not react and looked at him suspiciously. "How?"


    The next second, Byron opened his arms to her with a serious expression. "I can be your strict but loving father. Come, let''s hug


    Maeve was shocked and speechless.


    Then she said, "Byron, are you crazy?"


    An angry and shameful curse erupted in the car. "You still don''t forget to take advantage of me at a time like this. Shameless!" How obsessed were men with being someone else''s father?


    Hug?


    In his dreams!


    In the Game Hall, Theo swaggered over to the w machine and pulled his hoodie over his head, looking cool and arrogant.


    too!


    In fact, he was afraid that he would be embarrassed if others saw him y too badly.


    Logically speaking, even the most unlucky person would be able to catch a toy from the w machine as long as one paid. enough money. However, this never happened to Theo.


    He never got anything


    For example, at this moment, dozens of game coins were thrown in, but he did not even catch anything.


    Theo leaned against the w machine, looking in despair.


    "How could this be?''


    Theo didn''t notice. A man ina smoky gray trench coat had been watching him from behind.


    5.97%


    He was wearing a ck beanie and a scarf. His entire body was wrapped tightly, and his hands were in his pockets as if he was afraid of the cold. He stared at Theo


    For some reason, he was attracted by the child and watched Theo grab the doll for half an hour.


    The man watched as Theo scratched his ears and cheeks, stomped his feet, and clenched his fists. He also always muttered something, looking very lively. How vivid


    The man''s eyes dimmed slightly. It seemed that he could choose to dieter today.


    He had to wait until this child left.


    Theo felt that there was only one coin left in his pocket and immediately let out a cry.


    His mother had said that he was only allowed to waste 10 dors Any more would be deducted from his piggy bank.


    He couldn''t afford that.


    Theo put in thest coin and closed his eyes to grab toys blindly


    He thought that since he couldn''t get up anyway, he wouldn''t waste his energy staring at it.


    Something fell out of the w machine''s exit.


    Theo opened his eyes and was so excited that he almost jumped up!


    He got one! For real!


    He quickly took out the toy and hugged it happily.


    However, the moment he turned around, he met the man''s gaze


    Just now, he realized that this man had been staring at him, but he was too busy grabbing the toys to pay attention. Now that he saw that the man was still staring at him, Theo''s cheeks puffed up. "Sir, why do you keep looking at me?" The man in the trench coat seemed to be stunned for a moment He stared at Theo''s face for a long time before saying slowly, as if he had just learned to speak, "Watching you grab the toys"


    Theo felt that this person was a little strange.


    It was as if he was sick. The vitality in his body was gradually withering like a tree that was about to wither.


    There was no sign of life in those warm eyes.


    Theo suddenly frowned and raised his head to look into the man''s eyes.


    His eyes... felt so familiar!

 Chapter 281

    Secret brSecret br


    The man in the trench coat looked into the clear and bright eyes An inexplicable sense of familiarity arose spontaneously. It tugged at his heart and he took a few steps forward uncontrobly. "You..." Theo saw his outstretched hand and immediately ducked back. Unexpectedly, his hand suddenly turned and went straight behind Theo.


    Theo felt a gust of


    He did everything wind blow past his face. Then, the man in the trench coat walked past him and pressed a man in a cap against the game console in front of him.


    quickly and smoothly.


    "Give me your phone." The man in the trench coat lowered his eyes. His tone did not fluctuate, but he sounded dignified.


    "Are you f***ing crazy?" The man in the cap cursed.


    The man in the trench coat twisted the arm of the man in the cap without changing his expression and repeated calmly, "Give me your phone."


    The man in the cap screamed in pain. Realizing that he couldn''t resist, he trembled and admitted defeat. "It''s in my pocket. It''s in my right pocket!" jogged I over. "What are you doing?"


    Theo


    "He secretly took photos of you." The man in the trench coat handed Theo the phone. "It''s filled with photos of you."


    Theo took the phone and looked at it. What the hell? The phone was filled with his photos.


    And it startedst week!


    What a perve


    ou want to


    to do?


    Theo was instantly enraged. He pped the man in the cap on the back. "Let me ask you what do you The man in the cap stammered, not daring to say anything. The man in the trench coat said calmly, "Send him to the police station. There''s no need to talk nonsense with him,"


    How


    "Don''t, don''t, dude, I just secretly took a few photos to earn some money. I don''t mean anything else!" The man in the cap''s expression changed when he heard the police station and begged for mercy. dare you lie lie at this this time?" "Theo could tell that he was lying and his childish voice was especially serious. "Are you trying to kidnap me with a gang?" The time he came to the gaming hall was not fixed, but this person would secretly take photos of him every time. This meant that this was a premeditated ambush


    Theo


    directly said to the man in the trench coat, "Sir, let''s send him to the police station!" man in the trench coat nodded.


    No The I


    Not long after the man in the cap arrived at the police station, he couldn''t hold it in anymore and confessed.


    He had secretly taken pictures of him to exchange for money on a website.


    That website gathered arge number of rich people with special hobbies. They liked children.


    A set of high-quality photos could even be sold for several thousand dors.


    A higher price would be paid if they sent a child those guys.


    They had originally nned to attack Theo today. They had even contacted the buyer and nned an escape route. They nned to do something big.


    If it wasn''t for the man in the trench coat, they might have already seeded.


    ording to the man in the cap''s confession, the police had found his aplices. They were all caught.


    Even the "members" on the website were caught off guard.


    Maeve received a call from the police station and rushed over. Her heart was pounding in panic, afraid that Theo would be afraid since he was alone there. However,


    when she arrived at the police station, she saw Theo surrounded by a few police officers. He was holding arge pile of snacks in his arms and had a sweet smile on his face. He didn''t look afraid at all.


    Okay, he was as expected as her child.


    "Mommy!" When Theo saw Maeveing over, his eyes immediately lit up. He ran over and hugged her. "Why are you only here now? I was so scared just now!


    Maeve was speechless. She thought, ''If you let go of the snacks in your arms first, your words would still be a little convincing.


    "I have heard the details. Dear child, are you injured anywhere? Maeve bent down to examine Theo and asked him with a frown.


    Theo realized that her bent knee was a little strange and immediately frowned. "Mommy, I''m fine. But what happened to your knee? Did you hurt it?


    "I just identally bumped into it. It''s nothing." Maeve said evasively.


    Before she came, she had applied coldpresses and medicine. She was no longer in so much pain now, but it was not convenient for her to walk. "Really? You can''t lie to a child!


    Tm really fine." Maeve looked helpless. "Aren''t me fine? You, on the other hand, aren''t you hurt?"


    Theo shook his head and turned to the man in the trench coat who protected him. "Mommy, this gentleman helped me. He''s really good at fighting!"


    Maeve immediately stood up and thanked the man. "Sir, thank you so much for saving my son. How should I thank you?" The man in the trench coat lowered his eyes and said weakly, "No need "That won''t do." Before Maeve could finish her sentence, she suddenly heard a gurgling sounding from the man''s stomach.


    He still looked listless, as if he could not feel that he was hungry


    Maeve swallowed the words that she was about to say and suggested to him, "Sir, my house is nearby, and it''s almost time for


    -


    T


    89%E


    dinner. If you don''t mind, why don''t you have dinner with us?"


    "Sir, let''s eat together. My mommy''s cooking is delicious. Even the chefs of five-star hotels can''tpare to her," Theo sair a cute voice.


    in a


    The man in the trench coat was not moved at all. He just wanted to find a ce to spend thest few hours in peace.


    Moreover, he had long lost the ability to eat. He would vomit whatever he ate.


    The man in the trench coat looked at Maeve''s face and stopped talking.


    I to have seen her somewhere before.


    He seemed to


    He just couldn''t remember where exactly.


    "If it''s not too much trouble. The man in the trench coat swallowed his rejection and said humbly.


    On the surface, he looked cold and distant, but deep down, he was very gentlemanly and polite. After he came to


    Maeve''s ce, he didn''t sit there and do nothing. He silently helped on the side.


    Theo seemed to be certain that something was wrong with Maeve''s knee. Other than the cooking step, he was unwilling to let her do anything else.


    Dinner was ready and served. Maeve and Theo were afraid that the man in the trench coat would be restrained, so they enthusiastically picked up food for him.


    There was nothing wrong with his mannerisms when he ate. He was even more elegant than the royal nobles Maeve had seen. He had a carefree and unrestrained aura. lowever, his coat and scarf were very old and even had balls. He looked like he was in a bad situation and was a little unkempt.


    He looked strange.


    After a few bites, the man''s expression suddenly changed and he spat out the food into the trash can.


    "Sir, are you alright?" Maeve quickly poured him a ss of warm water. "Are you not used to these dishes? Or you don''t like some of them?"


    Theo noticed something and asked in confusion, "Sir, are you... anorexic?"


    "A little." The man in the trench coat sat back down with a pale face and said apologetically to Maeve, "Your food is delicious. It''s my own problem. I hope it didn''t affect your appetite."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

 Chapter 282

    "How could that be?" Maeve shook her head repeatedly. "I should have asked you first."


    Theo jumped off the chair and ran into the kitchen. After a while, he came out with a cup of fruit and vegetable milkshake. He tiptoed and ced it in front of the man in the trench coat. "Sir, drink this. You will feel better"


    His mother had made this for him and Will in the morning. He couldn''t bear to finish it and wanted to save it for tonight.


    But now, he had to give it to this man.


    "Thank y


    you, the man in the trench coat said softly. Even though he had just vomited, he did not seem to be forced and finished the milkshake.


    Unexpectedly, he did not vomit after a few minutes.


    When Theo was one year old, his stomach was rtively weak and he couldn''t eat many things. Maeve had to try many times to figure out the form for this milkshake. Unexpectedly, it was also useful to the man in the trench coat.


    The burning pain in his stomach was soothed. It had been a long time since the man in the trench coat felt the satisfaction of eating. He hesitated and said, "Can you give me more?" Such a simple request was naturally nothingpared to the help he offered Theo.


    Maeve smiled a smiled and I got t up to go to the kitchen.


    Sir. I still don''t


    SII,


    the table


    t know your name." Theo ced his hands on


    e and said in a


    the table and


    "..." The


    childish voice. "You can call me Theo."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The man in the trench coat hesitated. "My name is probably Tom Hum."


    Why ''probably? Don''t you remember your name?"


    "Yes, I can''t remember very clearly"


    Theo opened his mouth in shock. "Sir, have you lost your memory?"


    The man in the trench coat was silent.


    Theo looked at him sympathetically. He had amnesia and anorexia. He was so pitiful.


    At this! moment, Maeve came


    over with tworge cups of fruit and vegetable milkshakes


    "Mr. Hum, this is yours." She had overheard their conversation in the kitchen and smiled as she ced the milkshake in front of them. "Kid, this is yours."


    Thank you, Mommy. Theo lifted his head cheerfully.


    The next second, the little guy froze on the spot.


    When he was in the gaming hall, he felt that Tom''s eyes were familiar.


    At that time, he couldn''t figure out why.


    Mon, Nov


    When he looked at Tom and Maeve at the same time, he found the reason.


    "Mommy, the color of your eyes and Tom''s are simr, Theo said thoughtfully as he held the milkshake.


    Maeve subconsciously looked at Tom, who happened to be looking at her too.


    The color of Tom''s eyes was honey brown with a hint of gray. His eyes were like sses wrapped in dust at the bottom of the


    And Maeve''s were clear and bright, like the sky that had been wished by water after a rain. When she smiled, she looked sweet


    Their eyes did seem alike but their eyes were not exactly the same.


    Tom looked at her in a daze. "The eyes do look alike."


    But he didn''t think her eyes looked like his.


    However, he could not exin whose eyes her eyes were like.


    Maeve didn''t feel anything simr, but when she heard them say that, she didn''t refute.


    "Mr. Hum, do you remember anyone in your family? Maeve asked after sitting down.


    Tom was silent for a moment. "I can''t remember.


    Do you have a job now?"


    "No." No.


    Theo put down his special baby bowl and thought of something. He asked Tom, "Sir, what do you eat?"


    "Once in a while, I''ll be someone''s bodyguard and barely make ends meet."


    How pitiful!


    HOW


    Theo pitied him even more.


    Maeve thought for a moment. "Mr. Hum, I have a studio. I wonder if you''re willing to be my bodyguard?"


    Tom recalled his n for today and was about to reject her.


    Maeve continued, "I don''t mean anything else by saying this. It''s just that my studio was harassed and destroyed some time ago, causing me a lot of trouble. That''s why I thought of hiring a bodyguard. If you''re unwilling..." "Yes," Tom agreed. "I can try." some reason, he was always soft-hearted towards this girl.


    Especially when he heard that she was being harassed, his desire to protect her exceeded his desire to die.


    Tom lowered his eyes. It was better to


    wait a few more days.


    Maeve did not know what he was thinking. Her bright eyes curved. "That''s great. Thanks a lot."


    "No problem"


    "Where are you staying now?"


    I slept under the overpass


    Maeve immediately revealed an annoyed expression and felt sorry. If she had known earlier, she would not have asked


    She quickly added. "Then, then I''ll arrange a ce for you to stay. It''s also closer to the studio, so it''s more convenient for you to work, okay?"


    "Sure." Tom was indifferent to this.


    He could sleep everywhere. He didn''t care if it was under the overpass or in a room.


    When Tom went to the washroom. Theo pulled Maeve over and whispered, "Mommy. Tom seems to want tomit suicide. He doesn''t care much about anything. He can''t tell whether the weather is cold or warm and he''s always distracted when he speaks. He might have a tendency to be depressed." The temperature today was quite high, but his body was wrapped tightly as if he was very cold.


    Maeve also noticed it. "Maybe it has something to do with his amnesia? Maybe when he finds what he wants to doter, he will get better."


    That was why she suggested that he work in Dreamscape. She had to stop him frommitting suicide first.


    Seeing that his mommy knew what to do, Theo felt much more at ease. "He is quite a nice person. I''ll discuss with Jaylen how to treat his anorexiater."


    However, amnesia was incurable. It depended on one''s luck.


    Maeve smiled and patted his little head. "Alright, we should return this favor."


    Okay


    After a while, Tom came out of the washroom. His scarf still covered most of his face, making it impossible to see his expression.


    Maeve gave him the keys to the apartment she had bought near the studio to rest in and walked him to the door.


    As soon as she opened the door, the door of the apartment opposite also opened.


    Byron, who was wearing dark home clothes, walked out. His gazended on Tom, who was beside Maeve, and his expression darkened imperceptibly. "Who is he?"


    Maeve thought of what he said in the afternoon and said angrily. "You don''t have to know that. Anyway, it has nothing to do with you."


    Byron narrowed his eyes and snorted ambiguously.


    "I''ll get going first." Tom was not interested in the others. After speaking to Maeve, he walked towards the elevator.


    Marve turned around and was about to return to her room when her arm suddenly tightened and she was pulled into a broad embrace from behind.


    She struggled. "Byron, are you done?"


    Byron rested his chin on the top of her head and said in a deep voice, "Not at all. Is your knee better?"


    "Yes, yes!" Maeve lowered her voice unconsciously when she remembered that Theo was still inside. "It''s just a scratch, not a fracture. I''m not that fragile."


    "Go in and let me take a look," Byron said firmly. He wrapped his palm around her wrist and was about to take her in.

 Chapter 283

    Maeve instinctively grabbed the door frame. "Wait! No! Don''t go into my house!"


    She was worried that Byron would see Theo without a disguise.


    "What?" Her reaction aroused a trace of suspicion in Byron. "Is there something in there that can''t be seen?"


    living room is in a mess right now, I left a bunch of my undergarments untied. Of course, I have to avoid arousing suspicion!" Maeve blurted out in a hurry. Hearing this, Byron lowered his long and narrow eyes and looked at her with a probing gaze. "What did you do with Tom inside just now?


    Only then did Maeve realize that her words could easily cause misunderstandings, especially since Tom Hum had just left her house


    "It''s Leo''s personal clothes, not mine!" Maeve broke out in a cold sweat. "What are you thinking about?"


    The kid''s here too?"


    "Of course! His mommy returned to Erancia a while ago and entrusted him to me to take care of," Maeve said calmly.


    Byron''s


    s expression softened. "Go to my ce."


    Maeve did not have a choice. To prevent him from entering her apartment, she could only follow him to the other side. After entering, she looked around. "Is Will not here?"


    He''s taking a shower, Byron answered casually. He walked to the sofa and sat down. "Come here."


    Maeve pursed her lips and walked over reluctantly.


    She wanted to sit f


    sit further away from


    him, but as soon as she approached, he held her wrist and forced her to sit in front of him.


    He didn''t give her any chance to say no.


    Maeve squirmed ufortably a a few times, but he grabbed her waist and warned, "Don''t move."


    Her cheeks puffed up slightly as she thought. This domineering tyrant!


    In order to make the wound on her knee feel better, Maeve specially changed into a loose knitted dress.


    At this moment, the hem of her skirt was rolled up above her knees, revealing two straight and slender calves. Her skin was soft and delicate.


    It made the bruise on her knee look especially terrifying.


    Byron''s eyes were dark. "Is this what you meant by healed?"


    Maeve scratched her cheek in embarrassment. She had said it to brush him off. She didn''t expect that he would inspect it He was even more concerned than her father. "Give me the medicine, Byron said in a deep voice.


    I can apply it myself. Maeve shook her head. "It''s not like my hand is injured."


    14


    14


    "The doctor asked you to rub the clotted blood away with the ointment. Who asked you to apply it?"


    Recalling the pain when the doctor massaged her knee in the afternoon, Maeve silently took out the ointment from her pocket and handed it to Byron.


    If she did it herself, she would definitely cut corners since she was afraid of the pain


    Byron closed his eyes. He rubbed the hot ointment on his palm and covered her knees. His movements were just right.


    His technique was a little rusty, but the steps were no different from what the doctor had done.


    However, that meant t the pain Ma


    Maeve felt was no different from when the doctor did it.


    In the beginning. Maeve could still tolerate it, but towards the end, she could not help but gasp softly.


    Byron asked, "Does it hurt a lot?"


    Maeve was in so much pain that she could not speak. The corners of her eyes were red as she nodded.


    Byron slowed down and looked up at her. "Then should we do something else to divert your attention?"Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Do what?" Maeve was confused.


    Byron chuckled softly. He used his free hand to wrap around the back of her neck and pressed the back of her head close to him. His voice gradually became hoarse. This." He lowered his head and pressed his warm lips on hers. Maeve''s


    e''s eyes widened slightly, and her heart thumped like a drum. Fine electric currents attacked her entire body.


    She reacted and tried to push him away, but he gently pinched the soft flesh at the back of her neck and twisted it with his fingertips.


    That was Maeve''s sensitive spot. It instantly removed the strength she had to struggle.


    Probably because of the ointment, her knee started to heat up, and even her body temperature started to rise.


    She didn''t know if it was out of anger or embarrassment


    "Has he ever been like this with you?" Byron asked Maeve in a hourse voice as he moved half an inch away. Maeve''s eyes


    who


    "The man w


    "No!


    were filled with tears. She panted unsteadily and did not react for a moment. "Who?"


    was


    is at your


    your door."


    Byron''s thin lips curled up. He lowered his head and kissed her lips again. His voice was a little muffled. "Very good." Maeve thought, ''Are you done yet?"


    She gripped Byron''s sleeve tightly and secretly wanted to bite his tongue to teach him a lesson.


    However, she had done this too many times. Byron did not give her a chance to seed this time.


    Instead, he bit the tip of her tongue threateningly and sucked it


    Maeve''s ears suddenly turned red. She whimpered and buried her face in his neck, refusing to raise her head again


    214


    Byron smiled and asked, "What are you doing?"


    He felt that she was like a cat.


    Maeve did not want to talk to him. She did not want him to find out that she was shy. She closed her eyes to calm the panic and helplessness in her heart. She thought, I shouldn''t be like this with him. What the hell am I doing?" Thinking of this, Maeve slowly calmed down.


    "Dad, Mom... Maeve, what are you doing?" A puzzled little voice came from behind the sofa.


    Maeve and Byron turned their heads at the same time and saw Will resting his two small hands on the back of the sofa and blinking his round eyes at them./ Maeve was shocked at first, then she subconsciously covered her knees with a pillow. "Will, when did youe out?"


    "Just now" Will would not tell her that he had seen everything because he knew that Maeve would be shy.


    But


    But


    at even if he didn''t say it. Maeve wasn''t any better.


    She thought, I must be crazy toe over with Byron!


    "You should go to bed. You still have to report to the kindergarten tomorrow morning," Byron said in time to avoid Maeve''s


    embarrassment.


    During this period of time, Will''s body had been recuperating well. It was time for him to return to school.


    Will could tell that Byron was trying to send him away, but he still obediently said, "Okay. Good night, Daddy, Good night, Maeve."


    Will nced at Maeve reluctantly before walking back to his roam


    Maeve suddenly became excited at the thought that she could send the two children to kindergarten tomorrow,


    Byron''s


    s gaze was


    If you''re busy. I''ll send Will to kindergarten on my way to send Theo off."


    Are you busy to thought. "You like Will very much?"


    Maeve thought, "Of course I do!" I


    She said conservatively, "It''s alright. He is quite cute."


    Byron raised his eyebrows nomittally and put on the ointment. He stood up and said, "I''m going to wash my hands. You stay here for a while." Maeve was about to nod when she suddenly realized that there was something wrong with his words.


    She thought, I am not a child. Why can''t I stay by myself?


    She pouted indignantly. When she tidied her skirt, she realized that there was some ointment on it. She turned around to look for a tissue box. where is the tissue box?" Maeve looked around but did not see it, so she went to the drawer under the table to see if there was any. "Strange,


    A warm apricot-colored diamond-studded brocade box that was ced in the drawer appeared before her eyes.

 Chapter 284

    Maeve was stunned as she thought, This design is a little like....


    She hesitated for a moment before picking up the box and opening it.


    A pair of Mobius ring-shaped diamond rings stood quietly in the box while glowing. It stung Maeve''s eyes.


    Last time, Byron told her that there was no wedding, and that the rtionship between him and Lynn was not what she thought.


    Although she said that she didn''t believe him, she still had some expectations.


    She felt that perhaps he had some difficulties that he could not tell her, just like before,


    She decided to try to trust him again before a conclusion was made. She would give him and herself onest chance.


    Maeve clenched her fingers tightly. Her palm was hurting from the edge of the brocade box, but she did not notice it. She stared at the wedding rings inside in a daze.


    She thought. He has even prepared wedding rings. How is he going to exin this? How silly of me to believe him." Macve''s eyes welled up with an uncontroble sourness, apanied by an uncontroble stabbing pain. "Snap." She closed the box before she lost control of her emotions and put it back in its original position.


    However, the residual pain in her palm did not disappear.


    For a moment, Maeve could not tell if it was her hand or her heart that was hurting.


    en, she felt that it was perhaps both.


    She got up numbly. She wanted to leave this ce, but she turned around and went to Will''s room.


    Will was used to meditating for a while before going to bed, but he was a little tired that day. He sat on the small yoga mat and fell asleep.


    Maeve walked up to him. When she saw the book in front of him; her unfocused eyes became much gentler.


    She thought, "No wonder the little guy always knows so much. It turns out that he reads a lot. Does he need a meditation drum? I will buy one for him next time.


    With that thought in mind, Maeve gently picked up Will and wanted to put him back on the bed.


    Will woke up immediately. When he saw that it was Macve, he rxed and hugged her neck affectionately. "Mom...


    He thought, "It''s the smell of mother


    Maeve''s heart ached. She lowered her head and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, baby,"


    After the kidnapping incident, Will couldn''t sleep well at night. He would wake up at the slightest noise.


    Theo attributed it to his insecurity and fear of being separated from Maeve again


    Maeve apanied him for a while. After covering him with the nket, she was about to go out


    Byron leaned against the door and watched.


    Maeve''s heart skipped beat, She tried her best to remain calm as she walked out and closed the door before saying, "Im going back." "Maeve, you seem to care too much about Will," Byron suddenly said from behind her, "He is other people''s child, after all."


    Maeve stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. "What are you trying to say?"


    Byron''s gaze was deep. "Why didn''t I know that you like children so much? Or should I say that Will is an exception?" Hearing his probing, Maeve lowered her eyes and felt a little tired.


    She was so tired that she didn''t want to think at all. She didn''t even want to hide it anymore.


    She said softly, "That''s right. I do like Will, and I like Leo, I ever liked you four years ago. But what does this prove?"


    After saying this, the stone that had been pressing on her heart for a long time seemed to have been removed.


    Byron''s ck pupils suddenly constricted. He did not expect to bear such an answer. His tall body tensed and stiffened. "What did you just say?"


    He thought, "She liked me before?


    Maeve was immersed in her own emotions and did not notice anything amiss with him.


    She was just a little tired,


    She said, "Byron, you don''t have to test me like this all the time. I haven''t forgotten that I was pregnant with your child four years ago. But don''t forget that you cut off our rtionship with your own hands, including the rtionship with the child. Maeve''s pale lips moved slightly. "So... It''s best if we don''t meet again in the future. Otherwise, I''ll remember those unhappy pasts every time I see you. I''ll eve think that I''m a despicable person who interferes in other people''s rtionships. Even if it''s on ount of the fact that I once liked you, can you save thest bit of dignity for each other and not make me feel so ufortable again?"


    After saying this, Maeve felt as if all the strength in her body had been sucked out, and her heart was empty.


    She did not look at Byron''s current expression. It was obvious that he thought she was crazy.


    Maeve thought, I am indeed crazy. When I fell in love with him in the past, I had already gone crazy Maeve pursed her lips and left with heavy steps.


    It was not until the door closed that Byron slowly recovered from the turmoil caused by Maeve''s words.


    His pitch-ck eyes seemed like a sea that had suddenly had a hurricane, raisingyers of tempestuous waves. Ewerthe light that fell from above was annihted.


    He thought, "What did Maeve say just now? So she liked me four years ago? Does that mean she doesn''t like me now? What did she mean by I cut off my rtionship with her and the child?


    Byron raised his hand and pressed it against his brow bone, forcefully suppressing the, surging emotions in his chest. He closed his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought


    He thought, ''If my guess is correct, Maeve seemed to be ming: Also, she sounded disappointed and as if she was about to give up. What happened?" Mon, Nov


    The next day, Maeve brought Tom to the studio to report.


    Although he was a bodyguard, Maeve still arranged a separate position for him to do some basic work that did not require professional ability.


    She was afraid that he would think too much andmit suicide when idling.


    Tom was probably a little afraid of the new environment. After he joined thepany, he sat quietly at his post. He would do whatever was assigned to him, and if not, he would be in a daze. He was pretty much being a pushover. Except for one thing, the coffee he made was delicious.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Moreover, he only made it for Marve. No one else had such treatment.


    When it was almost noon. Maeve finished her coffee to refresh herself. Paige knocked on the door and came in to tell her that Lynn had arrived. Maeve was in a daze for a while before she came back to her senses under Paige''s urging. She asked her to invite Lynn to the changing room. Coincidentally, the wedding dress was almost finished. Lynn came at the right time.


    Maeve rubbed her temples and walked out.


    When she saw Lynn, Maeve realized that she seemed a little different.


    In the past, she always dressed up in a dress, wore white gloves, and carried an exquisite small bag. She was fashionable and lively, like a little princess. Today, she was wearing a dark blue riding suit, looking very heroic and valiant. Her every move was also very neat.


    s soon as she saw her, Lynn immediately smiled. "Maeve."


    "Miss Anderson" Maeve nodded at her. "You came at the right time. Your dress is almost done. You can try if there''s anything that needs to be changed." y it on now and see


    Lynn was stunned for a moment and said hesitantly, "Why don''t we try it after lunch? Are you going to get off work soon? Can I treat you to a meal?" She didn''t really want those dresses anymore.

 Chapter 285

    Maeve was stunned as she thought, This design is a little like....


    She hesitated for a moment before picking up the box and opening it.


    A pair of Mobius ring-shaped diamond rings stood quietly in the box while glowing. It stung Maeve''s eyes.


    Last time, Byron told her that there was no wedding, and that the rtionship between him and Lynn was not what she thought.


    Although she said that she didn''t believe him, she still had some expectations.


    She felt that perhaps he had some difficulties that he could not tell her, just like before,


    She decided to try to trust him again before a conclusion was made. She would give him and herself onest chance.


    Maeve clenched her fingers tightly. Her palm was hurting from the edge of the brocade box, but she did not notice it. She stared at the wedding rings inside in a daze.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She thought. He has even prepared wedding rings. How is he going to exin this? How silly of me to believe him." Macve''s eyes welled up with an uncontroble sourness, apanied by an uncontroble stabbing pain. "Snap." She closed the box before she lost control of her emotions and put it back in its original position.


    However, the residual pain in her palm did not disappear.


    For a moment, Maeve could not tell if it was her hand or her heart that was hurting.


    en, she felt that it was perhaps both.


    She got up numbly. She wanted to leave this ce, but she turned around and went to Will''s room.


    Will was used to meditating for a while before going to bed, but he was a little tired that day. He sat on the small yoga mat and fell asleep.


    Maeve walked up to him. When she saw the book in front of him; her unfocused eyes became much gentler.


    She thought, "No wonder the little guy always knows so much. It turns out that he reads a lot. Does he need a meditation drum? I will buy one for him next time.


    With that thought in mind, Maeve gently picked up Will and wanted to put him back on the bed.


    Will woke up immediately. When he saw that it was Macve, he rxed and hugged her neck affectionately. "Mom...


    He thought, "It''s the smell of mother


    Maeve''s heart ached. She lowered her head and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, baby,"


    After the kidnapping incident, Will couldn''t sleep well at night. He would wake up at the slightest noise.


    Theo attributed it to his insecurity and fear of being separated from Maeve again


    Maeve apanied him for a while. After covering him with the nket, she was about to go out


    Byron leaned against the door and watched.


    Maeve''s heart skipped beat, She tried her best to remain calm as she walked out and closed the door before saying, "Im going back." "Maeve, you seem to care too much about Will," Byron suddenly said from behind her, "He is other people''s child, after all."


    Maeve stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. "What are you trying to say?"


    Byron''s gaze was deep. "Why didn''t I know that you like children so much? Or should I say that Will is an exception?" Hearing his probing, Maeve lowered her eyes and felt a little tired.


    She was so tired that she didn''t want to think at all. She didn''t even want to hide it anymore.


    She said softly, "That''s right. I do like Will, and I like Leo, I ever liked you four years ago. But what does this prove?"


    After saying this, the stone that had been pressing on her heart for a long time seemed to have been removed.


    Byron''s ck pupils suddenly constricted. He did not expect to bear such an answer. His tall body tensed and stiffened. "What did you just say?"


    He thought, "She liked me before?


    Maeve was immersed in her own emotions and did not notice anything amiss with him.


    She was just a little tired,


    She said, "Byron, you don''t have to test me like this all the time. I haven''t forgotten that I was pregnant with your child four years ago. But don''t forget that you cut off our rtionship with your own hands, including the rtionship with the child. Maeve''s pale lips moved slightly. "So... It''s best if we don''t meet again in the future. Otherwise, I''ll remember those unhappy pasts every time I see you. I''ll eve think that I''m a despicable person who interferes in other people''s rtionships. Even if it''s on ount of the fact that I once liked you, can you save thest bit of dignity for each other and not make me feel so ufortable again?"


    After saying this, Maeve felt as if all the strength in her body had been sucked out, and her heart was empty.


    She did not look at Byron''s current expression. It was obvious that he thought she was crazy.


    Maeve thought, I am indeed crazy. When I fell in love with him in the past, I had already gone crazy Maeve pursed her lips and left with heavy steps.


    It was not until the door closed that Byron slowly recovered from the turmoil caused by Maeve''s words.


    His pitch-ck eyes seemed like a sea that had suddenly had a hurricane, raisingyers of tempestuous waves. Ewerthe light that fell from above was annihted.


    He thought, "What did Maeve say just now? So she liked me four years ago? Does that mean she doesn''t like me now? What did she mean by I cut off my rtionship with her and the child?


    Byron raised his hand and pressed it against his brow bone, forcefully suppressing the, surging emotions in his chest. He closed his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought


    He thought, ''If my guess is correct, Maeve seemed to be ming: Also, she sounded disappointed and as if she was about to give up. What happened?" Mon, Nov


    The next day, Maeve brought Tom to the studio to report.


    Although he was a bodyguard, Maeve still arranged a separate position for him to do some basic work that did not require professional ability.


    She was afraid that he would think too much andmit suicide when idling.


    Tom was probably a little afraid of the new environment. After he joined thepany, he sat quietly at his post. He would do whatever was assigned to him, and if not, he would be in a daze. He was pretty much being a pushover. Except for one thing, the coffee he made was delicious.


    Moreover, he only made it for Marve. No one else had such treatment.


    When it was almost noon. Maeve finished her coffee to refresh herself. Paige knocked on the door and came in to tell her that Lynn had arrived. Maeve was in a daze for a while before she came back to her senses under Paige''s urging. She asked her to invite Lynn to the changing room. Coincidentally, the wedding dress was almost finished. Lynn came at the right time.


    Maeve rubbed her temples and walked out.


    When she saw Lynn, Maeve realized that she seemed a little different.


    In the past, she always dressed up in a dress, wore white gloves, and carried an exquisite small bag. She was fashionable and lively, like a little princess. Today, she was wearing a dark blue riding suit, looking very heroic and valiant. Her every move was also very neat.


    s soon as she saw her, Lynn immediately smiled. "Maeve."


    "Miss Anderson" Maeve nodded at her. "You came at the right time. Your dress is almost done. You can try if there''s anything that needs to be changed." y it on now and see


    Lynn was stunned for a moment and said hesitantly, "Why don''t we try it after lunch? Are you going to get off work soon? Can I treat you to a meal?" She didn''t really want those dresses anymore.

 Chapter 286

    After lunch, Maeve still had to go back to the studio to catch up on sleep and say goodbye to Lynn at the intersection.


    "Go back to the hospital early. Remember to tell the doctor where you''re feeling unwell. Don''t force yourself, Maeve reminded her. She reached out to pat her head and turned to walk across the road. Lynn covered the top of her head, her eyes filled with shyness.


    She thought, ''She touched me. Does she like me, too?


    Lynn returned to the hospital ward in a rather happy mood. When she saw the person sitting inside, her smile immediately copsed. "Didn''t I tell you not toe?"


    A man and a woman stood up from the sofa. They looked much older, but there were no wrinkles on their well-maintained faces. Their clothes were bright and beautiful, and they looked very graceful and noble. They had the demeanor of a noble.


    You''re getting married. How can we not send someone over?" Duke Hosen was the first to speak. "Your parents passed. As the guardians who raised you, what if others look down on you if we don''te and support you?"


    Beside him, Duchess Krisisa rebuked, "Look at you. If you want to get married, so be it. Why didn''t you inform your family? We still have to hear about this from the news. You''re our daughter, the noble princess of the royal family. How can you marry off so easily?" Lynn was a little annoyed by the nagging. "There won''t be any wedding. You came for nothing. That was why I didn''t let youContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "What?" Duke Hosen frowned. "Could it be that the kid who married you wants to go back on his word?"


    rissa was thinking too much. She said, "Is it something to do with his ex-wife you mentioned before? Did she get in the


    way?"


    No, it has nothing to do with Maeve!" Lynn violently denied.


    However, seeing her like this, Hosen was even more suspicious that Lynn had been bullied by Maeve.


    He said, "Don''t be afraid. Lynn, just tell me what that woman did to you. I''ll back you up


    Lynn was almost helpless, "Hosen, she really didn''t. Maeve is very good. She... she''s the most beautiful person I''ve ever seen. She''s also very gentle to me. How could she bully me?"


    Horson and Chrysa looked at each other as if they had seen a ghost.


    Previously, Lynn hadined to them that her fiance''s ex-wife was a hindrance. They wondered why she suddenly changed.


    "What the hell was that all about?" rissa asked her.


    "It''s nothing. You''ll know when the timees," Lynn said vaguely, "By the way, did His Majesty agree to your sudden visit to Setigal?"


    At the mention of this, Hudson and rissa''s expressions were a little solemn. "His Majesty sent us here to do something very important." "What''s so urgent?"


    "Prince Hosea has gone missing. He''s suspected to have wandered into Setigal recently


    "What? Hosea?"


    Maeve returned to the studio. As expected, Tom did not go to eat. He had just gone to the rooftop to take a nap


    She ced the cake she had packed from the restaurant on his table and said to him, "You still have to eat. There''s no obstacle in life that you can''t ovee."


    "Thank you" Tom lowered his eyes listlessly.


    "Don''t mention it. Maeve waved her hand. Seeing that he did not have much of an appetite, for some reason, she could not bear it. "My son knows some medical skills. Perhaps he can cure your anorexia. Don''t give up."


    It wasn''t easy to find a free bodyguard. If he starved to death, Maeve felt that she wouldn''t be able to find a second one.


    Tom''s mind was extremely clear. He knew that his problem was not anorexia.


    However, he did not exin. He nodded and agreed to Maeve''s words. I will. Don''t worry."


    At the very least, he could not die in her territory and add to her bad luck.


    As he thought about it, he looked at the bag on the table and slowly brought it in front of him.


    As the wedding time approached, Maeve''s mood became more and more depressed day by day.


    It was just that she could not sense it herself. The two children who were connected to her heart could see it clearly.


    Because of this. Theo had often asked Will to pack his bags ande over to live with them. He didn''t want Byron to be his daddy since he was so flirtatious.


    Will defended Byron, ''Dad won''t really marry Miss Anderson. As far as I know, there isn''t even a wedding venue, and Dad didn''t prepare basic configurations like a wedding dress and ring. Why would he be so perfunctory if he really wants to get married?" After hearing this, Theo shook his shoulder vigorously. "Everyone on the Inte is celebrating his wedding! How can he cancel the wedding at this point? What can you prove with these excuses Stop nagging!"


    Will''s head was buzzing from his shaking. "Stop shaking! If Dad really marries Miss Anderson, you can kidnap me and use me to threaten Dad not to get married!"


    Theo stroked his chin with a deep expression "That''s a good idea. As expected of you!"


    Maeve, who came inter and heard the conversation between the two kids, felt speechless.


    She thought, "Where did they get these ideas from?"


    She picked up each of the two in each hand and used her forehead to push their heads. "Don''t do anything rash. If your father finds out and captures the two of you, you won''t be able to see Mommy in the future." The two cubs hurriedly shook their heads.


    "But Mommy, aren''t we going to do anything?" Theo was angry. If Will has a stepmother, what if he gets bullied in the future?"


    Maeve gently grabbed his chubby little face. "How could that be Byron will not tolerate such a situationTM


    She knew that his concern for Will was not fake. Moreover, with Lynn''s personality, he probably wouldn''t make things difficult for Will


    However, when she thought about how Will had to acknowledge someone else as his mother, Maeve had mixed feelings


    She really wanted to take Theo and Will and leave this ce. She wanted to run to a ce where Byron would never find. them, but she couldn''t.


    Will grew up with Byron, and he had deep feelings for him. She couldn''t be so selfish.


    However, she could not leave Will behind and leave with Theo.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with struggle and confusion.


    Sensing that she was in a bad mood, Will gently wrapped his arms around her neck. "Mom, don''t worry. I will always be with


    you


    Theo pounced on her like a tiger. "Me too! Wherever Mommy is I''ll be there. Daddy is nothing. I don''t care!"


    Maeve was amused by the two of them. The gloominess in her heart dissipated a little.


    She thought, "What is there for me to be conflicted about? Byron is just a man who has once forced me to have a miscarriage. I do not care for him. Since he doesn''t like me, I won''t like him. It''s no big deal." Maeve''s eyes dimmed. She did not let the two children discover that.


    Soon, it was the day before the wedding. Everyone at Dreamscape Studio was exceptionally busy. They didn''t get off work until 6 PM.


    After leaving the office building, a group of media reporters who had been waiting downstairs came over and surrounded Maeve like a swarm of bees.

 Chapter 287

    asked. "Ms. Reese, what do you think of the revtions on the Inte?"


    Another asked, "Have you always known that Mr. Mcdaniel''s fianc¨¦e, Lynn Anderson, is a man? Or is there something between the two of you that makes you act so intimately? Do you know why Lynn is cross-dressed as a woman? Does he have a transvestite fetish or does he have any special thoughts about Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    Someone else asked, "Ms. Reese, as Mr. Mcdaniel''s ex-wife, you should know some inside information about Mr. Mcdaniel''s sexual orientation, right? Please answer us..."


    An overwhelming barrage of questions came at Maeve. The crowd surrounded her tightly, making it almost impossible for her to move. It was indescribably suffocating.


    At this moment, a figure who walked with a gust of wind forcefully pushed aside the reporters on both sides and came behind Macve to support her swaying body,


    "If anyone dares to take half a step closer, you will get hit. As Tom escorted Maeve out of the crowd, he nced at the reporters coldly.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The others were stared at by his honey-brown eyes that emitted a biting cold ck aura. For a moment, were nailed to the ground, and they did not dare to advance impudently. was as if their feet


    They felt that if they got any closer, their necks would be bitten off by this hibernating ferocious beast in the form of a


    human.


    Tom did not let anyone else touch Maeve again and escorted her to the car parked by the roadside


    After the car door closed, the world was finally quiet.


    Maeve rubbed her stinging ears. Her mind was in a mess. Before she could figure out what the reporters meant she thanked Tom first. "Mr. Hum, thank you so much for just now. Otherwise, I definitely wouldn''t have been able to get away myself If she was alone out there, she was worried that she might be eaten alive by those reporters.


    Tom started the car and drove off. His face, which was covered by a scarf, was expressionless, but his eyes were calm.


    He said, "It''s fine. It''s my job to protect you.


    Maeve was stunned. She thought, ''When I hired Tom, did I say that I wanted him to protect me?"


    Only then did she notice that the phone in her bag had been vitating,


    She took it out and saw that the screen was filled with news


    Maeve suddenly had a very bad feeling. She clicked on it and almost lost her mind.


    The news title read: [the Mcdaniel Group President''s fianc¨¦e is a man disguised as a woman! He had lunch with his ex-wife in an intimate manner. It''s suspected that the two of them are having an affair!)


    One of the apanying photos was of Lynn feeling unwell during lunchst time and Maeve warming her hands.


    The camera angle was a little ambiguous as if there was something between them.


    The second picture was Lynn''s medical report. On it, it surprisingly indicated that he was a man


    Maeve was speechless.


    88%%


    She thought, ''What the hell is this? Is it fake? How could Lynn be a man? Her feminine characteristics were so clear... Wait


    Maeve suddenly tightened her grip on her phone. She had noticed something wrong with Lynn previously, but she did not probe further. Now, she kept thinking about it.


    The prominent Adam''s apple on Lynn''s neck and her overly t chest showed her true gender.


    Maeve felt a sense of absurdity.


    She thought, ''How is this possible? If Lynn is really a man, why would Byron marry her?


    Back at the apartment, Maeve ran out of the elevator and went straight to Byron''s apartment.


    The door opened from the inside, and Byron, who was wearing a suit jacket, walked out.


    When he saw Maeve running towards him, his gaze froze and his expression gradually becameplicated.


    He thought, ''She had been avoiding me recently


    sof


    ""What''s with the news!


    s? How can Miss Anderson be a man? Did the people online make a mistake?" Maeve asked a series questions.


    "It''s true." Byron retracted his thoughts and replied in a deep voice, "He''s a man. His real name is Leon Anderson Lynn is his twin sister.


    er sister..."


    Maeve was dumbfounded. "Then why did he disguise himself as a woman and even as his younger


    "It''s a long story. I''ll exin it to you in the future." Byron frowned. "The hospital just sent news that Leon is missing"


    that he had always known the truth. However, for some reason, he had helped Leon hide


    His reaction made Maeve certain th


    IL


    Her mind was in a mess. She subconsciously followed Byron. "Ill go with you to find him."


    Byron nced at her and agreed silently.


    Half an hourter, at the sanatorium.


    The sunny sky was suddenly filled with dark clouds.


    Maeve looked up at the sky and was about to retract her gaze when she saw the ck shadow at the edge of the top floor. She grabbed Byron''s arm. Top floor!"


    After saying this, she rushed to the elevator without any time to exin.


    Byron frowned slightly and followed inrge strides,


    It was very windy on the top floor. The light was dim and gloomy, giving people a feeling of oppression from the inside out


    There was a person sitting by the fence. He was wearing a white hospital gown, making his face look as pale as paper. His body was swaying in the wind, as if he would fall out in the next second. "Lynn, don''t do anything rash!" The familiar voice brought Leon back to his senses.


    He turned around slowly and saw Maeve running towards him anxiously. She was afraid that it would agitate him, so she stopped a few feet away.


    Byron and a group of doctors and nurses followed.


    "I''m not Lynn." Leon looked at Maeve nkly. "Lynn died a long time ago. She died trying to save me when she was II years old. She died right in front of me.


    "Tell me, why wasn''t I the one who died back then? Why was it a despicable and cowardly person like me who survived? Lynn must be very regretful that she had saved me back then.


    His pupils dted to the extreme, as if a dying person had seen a terrifying scene. At the same time, he was uneasy and filled with self-disgust.


    Maeve saw that his hand holding the fence was trembling, and blood was dripping from his palm.


    For a moment, she seemed to understand his pain and struggle.


    The one who said those words is the one who is truly weak" Maeve suddenly said.


    Byron turned his head to look at her, his dark eyes thoughtful.


    Maeve said calmly. "You two are twins. You are supposed to be the ones who know each other the most. Your sister risked her life to let you live. Is it so that you can specte and suspect that she''s a petty person? Do you think your sister''s sacrifice is nothing but a chance for you to be so obnoxious?"


    Leon''s expression instantly became even more fragile than before. "No, L..."


    ""Let me ask you


    do you


    love your sister?" Maeve raised her voice


    "Of course!" Leon didn''t hesitate. "I wish I could trade my life for hers! We are the only family in this world""


    Then what are you doing now?" Maeve asked sharply, "Are you going to jump down from here and trample on your sister''s good intentions? Are you letting her down by doing that?"


    Leon opened his mouth but was speechless.


    Maeve softened her voice. "Touch your heart and ask yourself, ifyour sister is still around, does she want you to suffer so much with this world, or does she want you to live a good life so that she did not die in vain?"

 Chapter 288

    Byron,


    Who had been silent all this while, suddenly said, "Before Lynn died, she asked me to take good care of you. She wants you to live well."


    In an instant, Leon''s pale face was covered in tears, and tears rolled down from the corners of his eyes.


    For a moment, he seemed to see his dead sister standing in front of him.


    She reached out her bloody hand to him, her young voice filled with nostalgia. "Leon, you have to live a good life with my share."


    Those were memories that he had long forgotten.


    Now, it had recovered again.


    Leon closed his eyes. His Adam''s apple kept moving as he tried to swallow back the bitterness in his throat.


    Seeing that he seemed to have calmed down, Maeve and Byron looked at each other and asked him tentatively, "It''s too dangerous where you''re sitting now. Shall we help you down?" Leon turned his head and looked at her outstretched hand


    Thest time he held her hand, he realized that it was a pair of warm and soft hands.


    He couldn''t help but give her his hand.


    Unexpectedly, Leon slipped and fell out of the fence.


    Maeve and Byron''s hearts skipped a beat. They quickly went forward and grabbed his raised arm.


    "Hold on tight." Byron''s eyes were as deep as water. His slender arms tightened into lines that were filled with power. Then, he pulled Leon up in one go.


    The doctors and nurses who followed behind hurriedly rushed forward.


    Leon had fainted, but his hand was still holding Macve''s hand tightly. Maeve had no choice but to follow hirn back to the ward.


    Upon seeing this scene, Byron''s eyebrows twitched slightly.


    Not long after, Hudson and rrisa received the news and rushed over. When they found out that Leon had almost off the building, they were surprisingly angry. fallen


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, the news on the Inte is obviously targeting you, but it''s our child who''s injured. Shouldn''t you give us an exnation for this?" Hudson asked aggressively.


    Byron''s voice was indifferent. "ording to your words, do I have to be responsible for the words of others?"


    Hudson asked, "Shouldn''t you? All these years, Leon has always thought of himself as Lynn because Lynn always said that she wanted to marry you when she grew up! You know that he can''t withstand any stimtion!" Byron


    raised his eyelids. His dark eyes were calm. "You seem to have made a mistake. My care for Leon is based on our past rtionship, but it doesn''t mean that I have to pay for the rest of his life.


    "Tomorrow is the anniversary of Lynn''s death, I''ll treat this engagement as a favor from the past. From now on, we don''t owe each other anything. Your Excellency, you don''t have to use this to threaten me. This isn''t Erancia, and I won''t fall for it  T.


    Horson''s expression instantly turned ugly. In his position, no one had ever dared to speak to him like this.


    He thought, ''This man is just a businessman. How dare he talk tone like that?


    rissa stopped Hudson, who was on the edge of anger. "Alright our purpose here was to wake Leon up. Why did you take this whole thing seriously?"


    She thought, ''He actually treated Byron as his son-inw and even reprimanded him!


    After being reminded by his wife, Horson calmed down.


    He was angry because Leon was almost hurt. He didn''t really wat Byron to fulfill the engagement.


    However, it was one thing to understand, but he still did not have a good expression. At this moment, Maeve came out of the ward.


    When she saw Hudson and rissa, she walked over and asked Byron softly, "What happened?"


    "It''s fine, Let''s go," Byron said calmly. He slid his palm down and grabbed her wrist, bringing her out of this ce.


    "Wait a minute, Mr. Mcdaniel Horson thought of something and asked him with a straight face, "With your ability, you


    this to for could have stopped everything before the situation developed. You didn''t do that. Did you deliberately use Leon to recognize the truth?"


    He thought, "From what Byron had just said, it seemed like he only nned to tolerate it until the anniversary of Lynn''s death tomorrow. And after that? It is obvious that he will not let Leon immerse himself in his own world anymore"


    Byron stopped in his tracks and casually turned his head. Instead of answering, he asked, "It''s not a good thing for a person to indulge in an illusory world for too long. What do you think, Your Grace


    Hudson sneered but didn''t answer. Chrisa was more open-minded than him, so she was not dissatisfied.


    Suddenly, she saw Maeve''s side profile beside Byron and could not help but be stunned.


    She wanted to take a closer look, but Maeve had already entered the elevator.


    "Fortunately, he''s not the son-inw of the royal family. Otherwise, with his arrogant temper, I wouldn''t be able to suppress him even if I relied on the Princess. I don''t know how much anger I''ll suffer after he joins the royal family!" Horsonined to rissa unhappily.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Unexpectedly, rissa did not listen. Instead, she asked him, "Did you see the girl he took away?"


    "I don''t care. What''s wrong with her?"


    Chrisa said hesitantly, "She looks a little... like Lynn."


    "There are many people who look like Lynn in this world" Hudson did not care. "Princess Flora and Prince Loren are not rted by blood. Don''t they look a little alike?"


    "That''s true." Chrisa''s brows rxed and she didn''t dwell on this matter anymore.


    After getting into the car, Maeve asked Byron in confusion, "Was that couple Leon''s rtive? They look a little familiar."


    "Yes, they are the Duke of Erancia''s royal family and his wife, Hudson Nn and rissa Nn. They are Leon''s uncle and aunt." Byron fastened his seatbelt and asked calmly, "You''ve never seen them in Erancia''s pce?"


    Maeve shook her head. "I spend most of my time learning from the chief designer. I had a lot of things to do. So I had seen all the members before."


    T-


    881


    The ones she had seen the most were the Queen, Loren, and a few other members of the royal family who often entered the pce.


    Byron asked, "Is that so?"


    "Oh, right." Maeve hesitated for a moment. "What''s going on with your engagement with Leon?"


    Byron looked at her with a faint smile. "Didn''t you hear everything behind the door?"


    Maeve''s ears turned slightly hot. She could not help but defend herself, "I didn''t do it on purpose. I just happened to hear it when I went out!"


    Although she said she heard a little, she had actually heard everything, including tomorrow''s wedding which was actually meant for thest wish of Lynn, who had already passed.


    "Then what else do you want to know? Byron rested his elbows on the steering wheel and asked casually.


    Maeve bit her lip. "Why didn''t you tell me anything before?"


    "Would you believe it?" Byron stared into her eyes. "If you didn''t see it with your own eyes, would you believe that Leon is a man?"


    Maeve was silent.


    When she first saw the news online, she thought that someone had spread the rumors,


    This was because "Lynn Anderson" was a delicate girl no matter how she looked at her. Therefore, she might not believe it


    "Even so, can''t you tell me clearly first?" Maeve lowered her eyes No matter how ridiculous this matter is, as long as you tell me nicely, I might ept it. It''s better than making me feel like a clown who has interfered in other people''s rtionships."

 Chapter 289

    Maeve unconsciously choked up at the end of her sentence. When she realized this, she immediately shut her mouth to hide her emotions


    Byron''s Adam''s apple bobbed slightly. His deep ck eyes stared at her without blinking. "I wascking in consideration for this matter. However, do you care about my engagement with Lynn?"


    "If I had a fianc¨¦ and kept pestering you to do intimate things with you, would you feelfortable?" Maeve asked.


    Byron frowned. Just thinking about the possibility of another man being engaged to Maeve made him feel unhappy. Suddenly, his brows rxed and a smile appeared on his thin lips. "Maeve, do you think I like Lynn?" "Don''t you?"


    "She was only eleven when she passed. Do you take me for a beast?"


    Maeve was stunned for a few seconds. She thought, ''Eleven years old? The sketch that he has ced in the study is obviously for a girl who is around 10 years old because she still wears a high school uniform. The age doesn''t match his words. Could it be that the girl in the painting is not Lynn? But that face clearly looks like Leon after he cross-dressed as Lynn...


    Maeve frowned and pondered. She was immersed in her own thoughts and did not notice Byron leaning over.


    When she noticed that, her vision waspletely upied by his handsome face, her breath was filled with the refreshing pinewood fragrance on his body.


    It was faint and pleasant.


    Maeve could not help but shrink back. Her back was tightly pressed against the seat, and she was a little nervous when she met his deep gaze.


    She asked, "What are you doing?"


    Answer my question." Byron ced his arms beside her and said in a deep voice, "Have you been avoiding me because of


    this?"


    Only then did Maeve remember that she was in a bad moodst time and confessed her feelings to him in a hinting way.


    She wasn''t avoiding him. She just wanted to give herself more time to figure it out. However, before she could figure it out. this incident happened. It made her look like a fool.


    Maeve was ashamed and resentful, but she pretended to be calm as she replied. "I was not avoiding you on purpose. I was just too busy."


    "Liar. Byron exposed her coldly. "Dreamscape is only busy today. Do you think I don''t know?"


    "You''re spying on me?"


    "Is it hard to get your itinerary?"


    Maeve turned her head away guiltily. The next second, he grabbed her chin and turned it back forcefully.


    She frowned and red at him unhappily. As soon as she saw the darkness in his eyes, her heart began to beat like a drum She had the feeling that she wanted to escape. "You said you liked me the other day. Let me ask you" Byron''s voice was low and slightly hoarse. "What do you mean you liked me


    DO


    Maeve''s eyshes trembled slightly. She wished she could travel back to that night and tie up herself before she could say those words to Byron.


    She hadn''t thought much about it at the time. Or rather, she was mentally prepared to never contact him again. It could be considered as putting an end to this rtionship. Now, it had be something that Byron could use against her


    Seeing that she was silent, Byron tightened his grip on her chin. Do you like another man now? Is it Jaylen Chatterly? Or is it the man who appeared at your house that day?" A dangerous aura seeped out of his dark eyes, making Maeve involuntarily shiver.


    However, his words gave Maeve an inexplicable feeling.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    "You don''t care about me. Why do you care if I have a change of heart and like someone else? Maeve''s heart ached.


    She thought. If he cared about me, he would not have disregarded my life back then and aborted my child. He would not call me and my child "lowly.


    Perhaps


    I am just an interesting toy in his eyes. He does not want to throw me away for the time being, so he is fine spending time with me. But I do not need this kind of y


    "Byron. I''m not a toy. If you think I''m fun and want to tease me, you don''t have to. Maeve calmed down and said, "Of course, if you just need a suitable sex partner, there''s no need to have designs on me. I''m not as interesting as you think." Byron froze when he saw the grievance in her beautiful eyes.


    The dense and gloomy coldness around him gradually dissipated, but his brows were still furrowed. "Maeve, where''s your brain?"


    Maeve was confused.


    Thest time, I gave up on thepany''s billion-dor projectand rushed to the ce where Neville Mcdaniel kidnapped


    Do you


    think I did that because I just want to use you as a bed partner to amuse myself?" Byron''s aura sank. "Why didn''t you. I know that I was so blinded by lust?"


    He lifted her chin and forced her to look straight at him. "Or do you think I''ll take a fancy to any woman and sleep with anyone?" he asked, enunciating each word clearly.


    Maeve did not answer, but the meaning in her eyes was obvious "Isn''t it?"


    Seeing the look in her eyes, Byron suddenly smiled.


    However, that smile was tainted with a thick chill that made ones entire body turn cold.


    "Maeve, you''re very impressive." After saying this, Byron retracted his hand and sat up straight with a dark expression. He drove the car away,


    Maeve looked at his cold and angry side profile in confusion.


    She thought, "Wasn''t he just treating me as a partner in bed? Otherwise, he would not have done such a thing back then. Then why is he still angry? I should be the one who is angry, right?" Half an hourter, the car stopped at Nightfall Manor.


    "Get out of the car," Byron said coldly.


    "I don''t want to." Maeve clenched her fists. "Why did you bring me here? I want to go back to my own home. Leo is still


    waiting for me to go back."


    "Don''t make me repeat myself."


    Maeve pretended not to hear him and remained silent.


    ems that m


    my


    The tip of Byron''s tongue swept across his cheek. He chuckled ambiguously, but there was no warmth. It seems temper has been too good recently."


    As soon as he finished speaking, he got out of the car and walked straight to Maeve. He opened the car door and unbuckled


    her seatbelt.


    The next second, he carried Maeve on his shoulder and walked into the vi.


    Maeve was pissed.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t carry her, but he was deliberately carrying her in this torturous position to make her stomach churn and achieve his goal of punishing her.


    She yelled, "Byron, you are shameless. I already said that I wanted to go back. Did you not hear me?"


    Byron carried her without changing his expression as he walked steadily.


    The servants waiting on both sides of the


    e vi lowered their heads. No one dared to look up and gossip.


    When he reached the master bedroom, Byron walked straight to the bed and threw Maeve in the middle of the bed.


    Without a word, he took off his suit jacket, then his tie and shirt


    Maeve''s stomach was still a little ufortable. When she looked up and saw his actions, she immediately understood what he wanted to do. She turned around and wanted to escape. A well-defined hand grabbed her ankle and forcefully dragged her back.


    C

 Chapter 290

    BB%


    Immediately after, Byron pounced on Maeve. He grabbed her slender wrists with one hand and pressed them above her head. His gazended on her face, dark and deep


    "What are you doing? Let go of me. Maeve panicked when she was stared at She twisted and struggled ufortably, wanting to escape from his shackles.


    "Don''t you think I only use you as a bedmate? I''ll show you what it means to be a bedrnate." Byron''s handsome face was cold. His long fingers directly lifted the sweater jacket on her body and reached in. The temperature of his skin was slightly cold, and Maeve could not help but tremble slightly. The fear and panic in her eyes became stronger and stronger.


    Hearing her cry. Byron''s movements froze. He frowned in frustration. "Why are you crying?"


    Maeve cried very hard. Her shoulders twitched. "The Byron I like wouldn''t do this to me


    The short sentence instantly pulled Byron back from the brink of losing his rationality. He slowly took his hand out of her clothes.


    "I thought you didn''t like me anymore?" He stared at her face, which was flushed from crying, and his voice sounded a little ufortable.


    Maeve sniffed. "How did you know?"


    The anger that gathered in Byron''s chest seemed to have been scratched by something and dissipated like mist.


    Then, an unfamiliar heat surged out of his heart, and it even swelled a little.


    Although he had made her cry, his mood had surprisingly improved.


    "Don''t cry." Byron frowned as he tidied her clothes. His calloused fingers gently rubbed the corner of her eyes. "I won''t touch you''


    Maeve covered her eyes with her hand and retorted, "You''re already treating me as your bedmate. Do you believe your own words?"


    Byron clicked his tongue and hugged her slender waist. His voice was low and deep. Tm your bed partner. I''ll be on call in the future. Is that enough?" Maeve stopped crying and looked at him in a daze with her mouth open..


    She thought, ''Did Byron actually say that? Did I hear wrongly?"


    "Really?" she asked, unable to stop herself.


    "Yes, this is a gentleman''s promise," Byron said calmly, "I will be at your service at any time


    As long as she didn''t cry, he was willing to do that.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Maeve was amused by his tone. The nervousness and fear in her heart also subsided


    She was suddenly convinced that he did not really see her as a toy or a bed partner. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have sacrificed so much to make her happy.


    Even though he was very unfamiliar with doing it, she could fee it.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that she was forced to have a miscarriage four years ago, Maeve would probably have gone soft


    Byron lowered his head and saw her staring at him in a daze. She looked like she thought she was hiding it very well, but her thoughts were all exposed on her face. He raised his eyebrows slightly. "You don''t believe me? Do you need me to prove it to you?"


    Maeve looked at the cold chest in front of her and shook her head hurriedly. "No need, no need!"


    "Do you still think I''m just using you as a bed partner?"


    Maeve bit her lower lip, wondering if she should ask him why he forced her to have an abortion four years ago. Then, the phone in her jacket suddenly rang.


    She could only suppress this thought for the time being and take out her phone to answer the call.


    "What happened. Leo? I''m at someone else''s house. I''ll be back soon." Afraid that Leo would slip up, Maeve spoke first. Theo paused for two seconds. Realizing that there was someone beside her, he swallowed his words. Instead, he asked, "Maeve, do you know what... Did Will''s fathere to the kindergarten to pick him up today? Maeve answered, "I don''t think so. You guys haven''t finished school yet, right?"


    "But the teacher just told me that Will was taken away by his family thirty minutes ago." Theo frowned. "It''s so strange


    Maeve immediately turned around and asked Byron, "Leo said that Will was picked up by his family just now. Was it someone you sent?" Byron frowned slightly. "No. What did the teacher say?"


    Maeve ryed Theo''s words. "The teacher said that Gilbert misses Will and asked someone to take him to the sanatorium."


    If Will was picked up by Gilbert Mcdaniel, Maeve felt that there shouldn''t be any problem.


    Unexpectedly, when he heard this, Byron''s expression darkened. He got up to get his phone and made a call.


    It was unknown what the other party said, but his expression was even colder than before.


    Secing this, the uneasiness in Maeve''s heart intensified. "What happened? Isn''t Will with Gilbert?"


    "Yes, Grandpa didn''t send anyone to pick up Will, Byron''s voice was cold. "There''s a high chance that someone took him


    away


    Maeve''s pupils constricted and she suddenly sat up from the bed. Then let''s go find him quickly. If anything happens..." If Will was drugged and sent to another ce likest time, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    "He will be fine." Byron''s expression was calm. There was no panic at all. Tll send you back first"


    "I want to go with you


    u to find Will. I''m afraid..."


    TII handle this matter. You can go back first. Byron''s tone was unquestionable.


    Maeve''s anxious heart suddenly turned cold.


    She thought, ''He doesn''t seem worried at all that something would happen to Will. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be so calm and still be in the mood to send me away first. Something like this happened once already. Does be.. really care about Will?''


    No matter how unwilling and resistant Maeve was, she was still forcibly sent back to the apartment by Byron. There was nothing to do but wait anxiously.


    The phone on the table kept vibrating. Bonnie Hancock had sent her many messages. The screen was filled with exmation marks.


    Maeve was not in the mood to read these. Just as she was about to turn it off, one of the news links Bonnie sent caught his attention. [Revealing the shocking secret of Kleymond''s wealthiest family, the Mcdaniel family! The current leader, Byron Mcdaniel, was maliciously abandoned by his parents. Now, he has abandoned his own son. Is it the destruction of human nature or the loss of morals?


    The malice that seeped out of each word of this news title was enough to send chills down Maeve''s spine.


    Maeve quickly read on. The more she read, the more shocked she became.


    She thought. ''Is this informant crazy? How dare he make up this rumor?


    When she took a closer look, she realized that the informant was actually Karen Booth.


    Everyone knew that the Booth and Mcdaniel families had a deep rtionship. Moreover, Karen had once served as Byron''s secretary.


    The words that came out of her mouth would make others think that they had some credibility.


    This was also the reason why the news spread so quickly and the poprity rose steadily.


    First, the incident of Leon disguising as a woman in the morning had caused an uproar. Now, I was revealed that the Mcdaniel family had a "precedent" of abandoning their child.


    It was all in order to destroy the Mcdaniel family''s reputation before shaking the Mcdaniel family''s foundation.


    up with such a cunning and meticulous n on his own.


    Maeve believed that Karen would never be able toe up


    She knew that there must be someone behind her.


    Moreover, the police had already gone to the Mcdaniel family to collect evidence. In order to destroy the Mcdaniel family Karen and the person behind her would definitely not let go of Will

 Chapter 291

    Thinking of this possibility. Maeve almost cked out. She barely held onto the table and stood up.


    She couldn''t just wait. She wanted to think of something.


    The target of the mastermind was the Mcdaniel family. If the police could not obtain evidence of the Mcdaniel family abandoning Will, they might panic. In a moving ck van, Will''s hands were tied behind her back, and there were hurly men sitting around him.


    "Gentlemen," Will''s cool little face was calm, and his tone could even be considered polite as he asked, "May I ask where you are taking me now?" The scar-faced man sitting in front waved his fist at him. "Little brat, don''t ask so many questions. Stay here obediently."


    Will asked. "OK. Just can I have a Will of milk? It''s time for my dinner."


    ""You''re our hostage now. How dare you make demands of


    The scar-faced man''s mouth twitched. He turned around fiercely, "You''re our us? Do you have a death wish?"


    Will asked, "Are you gonna kill me?"


    "Of course!"


    Will tilted his head. Then before you kill me, can you give me a Will of milk? My mother said that children have to eat on time to grow taller."


    He didn''t want Theo to grow taller than him.


    Everyone in the car was speechless.


    They wondered if Will was mentally challenged.


    "If you say another word, I''ll throw you out!" The scar-faced man threatened in a rough voice.


    "Sir, it''s easy to hurt your health if you get angry," Will said seriously, "From your age, you should have children and elders in your family. Your motive for kidnapping me is nothing more than money. You want to make life easier. I can understand it." The scar-faced man turned around. "As a hostage, you understand the kidnappers?"


    The othersughed


    Will answered, "Yes. Strictly speaking, we''re in a mutually beneficial partnership. You want money, but I just want to return to my family safely. In that case, why don''t we try to get along?"


    The scar-faced man looked at the bottles with a nk expression


    He thought, "This child looks to be only four or five years old Why is he so smart?"


    He was almost convinced by Will.


    da


    The scar-faced man finally let go. "Hey, untie this kid and give him a piece of bread and a Will of milk."


    In any case, he was just a child. There was no threat even if they untied him.


    "Alright, boss" Will look the food from the burly man beside him and thanked him politely. "Thank you, Sir"


    When the scar-faced man saw that he was eating without any burden, he suddenly smiled. "Kid, you''re very bold. Aren''t you afraid that we''ll poison the food and make you unable to go home forever?" "You won''t do such a bad deal" A harmless smile appeared on Will''s face, "If I die, you won''t be able to exchange me for more ransom from my father, will you?"


    He knew that Byron would kill them if he died.


    The sear-faced man threw his head back andughed a few times "Interesting, this is really interesting"


    He thought, ''No wonder the customer was willing to spend a lot of money to get is to kidnap this child. He is so smart that it makes me afraid of letting him grow up.'' After eating the bread and milk and filling his stomach, Will consciously asked the burly man beside him to tie his hands.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    He was so cooperative that he didn''t look like a hostage,


    "Sir, where are you taking me? Will asked.


    "You don''t need to know that. The scar-faced man sneered. It wouldn''t be a good ce anyway.


    Will''s curly eyshes drooped slowly and thought, Is that so?


    He really wanted to know who had been so unscrupulous in wanting him to disappear since he could remember. This was already the umpteenth time.


    No matter where he was,


    even in a heavily guarded manor, that person could kidnap him.


    If he wanted to get close to the answer, he could only use himself as bait.


    Will narrowed his eyes, and the expression on his face ovepped with Byron''s for a moment. It was as sharp and cold as a knife.


    At this moment, the burly man in the driver''s seat suddenly realized something and stammered, "Boss, there seems to be something wrong with the car in front..."


    The person in the car looked up them


    and saw a truck that had lost control rushing over. In the blink of an eye, it was in front of


    Half an hourter, Maeve arrived at the Mcdaniel family in Maple Hill.


    The main entrance was sealed off by the police and could not be approached.


    "Maeve." A familiar mocking voice came from behind Maeve


    She turned around and was stunned for a few seconds when she saw Karen walking over.


    It was not that she was surprised to see her here, but because Karen looked really scary now.


    She was as thin as a bag of bones, and her face bone was especially protruding. A fewyers of powder could not hide the dark bruises under her eyes, making her look haggard and mean


    Karen immediately met Maeve''s surprised gaze


    family''s show too?"


    Her smile was a little sinister. "Maeve, are you here to watch the Mcdaniel


    124 MON, NOV


    "Don''tpare me to you. Maeve frowned in disgust. "You were the one who leaked the news online, right? Are you crazy?


    She thought. The Mcdaniel family was very good to Karen before. The Booth family still remains a powerful name in Kleymond solely because of the help from the Mcdaniel family. However, she spreads rumors online to smear the Mcdaniel family. She even portrays herself as a pitiful person who has been let down by Byron.


    Karen asked, "Don''t make it sound like I''m the only one who hates Byron and the Mcdaniel family. Don''t you? Back then, Byron forced you to abort your child. Do you really not hate him at all?"


    Hearing this, disbelief shed across Maeve''s eyes. "How did you know about this?"


    Karen realized that she had let it slip. She sneered and covered it up. "I used to be Byron''s secretary. Is it difficult for me to know these things? Speaking of which, at least I still dare to go against the Mcdaniel family in person. What about you? I''m afraid you don''t even have the guts to seek justice from Byron!"


    Maeve pursed her red lips and barely suppressed her surging emotions. "You kidnapped Byron''s son? Where did you take him?"


    "How dare you ask such an idiotic question?" Karen''s face became a little ferocious. "Of course, I''m sending him to the ce where he belongs-"


    Before she could finish speaking, her neck was suddenly grabbed by Maeve.


    No matter how Karen struggled, Maeve''s slender hand did not move at all.


    "Maeve, how dare you!" Karen''s face was red and her eyes were about to pop out. The police are inside. Don''t you dare touch me!"


    Maeve''s eyes were cold as she asked word by word, "Where is her


    uld it be


    Karen''s face was contorted. When she heard this, her eyes lit up. You''re so concerned about that little bastard. that you gave birth to him? If that''s the case, you can strangle me to death and your little bastard will die with me. I won''t lose out!" Maeve tightened her grip on her neck and even lified her a few inches off the ground.


    Just as Karen was about to suffocate,

 Chapter 292

    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"


    "Ms. Booth, pleasee in with us, the police got out of the carand said to Karen.


    Karen stood up and walked past Maeve with a sneer. "At this time, the news should be reporting about your son''s death. How pitiful. Because of Byron, your son is gone." Maeve clenched her fists.


    She kept telling herself that nothing would happen to Will. Trembling, she took out her phone and saw a real-time news message pop up. [There was a malignant ident on the Cold Water Highway where a truck crashed into a van. All the people in the van were seriously injured. A child about four or five years old died on the spot-


    There was a loud bang in Maeve''s head. Her ears were buzzing non-stop, and the smell of burning rust even surged up from her throat


    She thought, ''Impossible. It can''t be Will!"


    In living room the Mcdaniel family, the police and Karen walked in.


    Byron, Jason Mcdaniel, and Alexis Mcdaniel who had been notified in advance were present


    Karen immediately saw the peerless Byron sitting on a long sofa trace of infatuation and resentment shed across her eyes.


    She thought, If he had been willing to marry me back then, we would not have ended up like this."


    Karen''s eyes flickered as she quietly adjusted the heart-shaped brooch on her clothes. It was actually a hidden camera.


    It was


    connected to theputer of Neville''s subordinate to ensure that every scene would be seen by the tens of millions ofizens in a live stream.


    After the police exined the purpose of their visit, they asked directly, "We''ve investigated and found that your son was picked up from kindergarten by his grandfather today and has returned since. Mr. Mcdaniel denied this, and the few of you didn''t seem to have called the police after the incident. Is it like what Ms. Karen reported that you have maliciously abandoned him?"


    It had been more than 20 years since the Mcdaniel family abandoned their son. There was no way to verify it.


    Therefore, the only thing the police had to investigate was the disappearance of Will.


    If it was confirmed that Will was indeed missing, even if Karen could not produce evidence that Jason and Alexis had abandoned Byron, it could still push the Mcdaniel family''s evil deeds to the forefront.


    "No." Jason frowned. "The kidnapping has to be reported after the child has gone missing for 24 hours. We''ve already sent people to search for him."


    Byron''s thin lips twitched slightly, and his expression was cold.


    "This is wrong, Mr. Mcdaniel, the police officer corrected. "You can call the police immediately if a minor is missing." "Is that so?" Mr. Mcdaniel''s expression was calm. "Even so, what does it have to do with abandonment?"


    Karen smiled. "Jason, you don''t seem nervous at all. It''s as if you are not worried that something will happen to your only grandson. Could it be that because your grandson is autistic, you think he has embarrassed the Mcdaniel family, so."


    Alexis looked at Karen with 4 strange gaze. She thought, ''How did the gentle and demure girl in the past be so detestable?"


    At this moment, a police officer walked over. "Boss, we just received news that there was a car ident on the Cold Water Highway. There was a child in the van that was hit. He''s suspected to be Will Mcdaniel."


    The police officer handed the phone to Byron and asked him to check if it was true.


    "Will!" Seeing the photos taken by the police, Alexis covered her mouth and her eyes instantly turned red.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Byron''s face was as dark as water. A few secondster, his brows slowly rxed. "This is not my son."


    "Of course, Mr. Mcdaniel won''t admit it. Seeing that the time was right, Karen took out a stack of documents from her pocket. "Officer, this is the financial transaction between Mr. Mcdaniel''s secretary and those kidnappers. You can investigate as much as you want. Will is harihed by his family. I wonder what role Mr. Mcdaniel ys in this."


    Byron looked up and his cold gaze shot straight at Karen''s face. A chill ran down Karen''s spine.


    The police took the information and immediately sent someone to investigate.


    The live-stream was also in an uproar because of this.


    A member of the audiencemented: [This is fucked up! Byron even abandoned his own child. How cold-blooded and vicious must he be to do such a thing?]


    Another personmented: [I''m suddenly very disappointed in Mcdaniel Group. If they don''t even have a basic standard for morals, how can we consumers dare to buy their products without worry!]


    Someone else said: [That child is really unlucky to be born into the Mcdaniel family! What a beast. They must be severely punished]


    A person asked: [Am 1 the only one who suspects that the car ident has something to do with the Mcdaniel family? How could it be so coincidental? After being kidnapped, the car ident happened. It must have been done by the Mcdaniel family to eliminate the evidence!]


    Another person said: (I didn''t expect a hundred-year-old wealthy family like the Mcdaniel family to be so messed up. I only represent myself, but I firmly despise family.l


    Aizenmented: [The child is so pitiful. If he had a chance, he surely wouldn''t be born into such a family.]


    Another person wrote: [Fuck, fuck! Who is this adorable child?]


    Someone elsemented: [No way!!


    Thements suddenly changed, and the screen was filled with curses.


    It was for no other reason than the small figure that appeared at the door of the living room.


    He was wearing a navy-style kindergarten uniform, white socks, and leather shoes. He wore a striped academy cap at an angle on his head, and his small backpack was slung neatly behind his back. He did not look like he had just finished school. Instead, he looked like he had just returned from filming a set of model portraits. His face was cute and handsome.


    He was holding a rainbow lollipop that was bigger than his face. He would suck on it from time to time, almost adorable.


    any guests at home? Theo tilted his head and asked in confusion.


    I''m back... Why are there so many


    Karen''s expression changed drastically, and his eyes widened in disbelief.


    She thought, ''How... how did he...


    Alexis almost cried on the spot. She pounced over and hugged Theo. "Will, my good grandson, where did you go? I thought something had happened to you!"


    Theo felt a little ufortable and wanted to break free, but seeing how Alexis was crying so miserably, he endured it and did not move.


    "Will,e here. Byron waved at him with a dark expression.


    Theo walked over with a lollipop in her mouth. "Why are you looking for me!"


    "Where did you go just now?" Byron''s brows were deeply furrowed. His gaze checked his entire body inch by inch. After confirming that he was not injured, his expression cased.


    "I went to the arcade to y for a while. Did something happen Theo asked knowingly and handed the lollipop over. "Look, I caught this from the w machine!"


    He couldn''t catch the dolls in the w machine, but if they were food, he would catch anything he wanted.


    Byron took the lollipop from his hand and said coldly, "Why didn''t you inform me before you went out? The candy is confiscated."


    L


    Theo was pissed.


    "What are you doing?" Theo red at him angrily. "Why are you stealing from a child? Haven''t you had lollipops before?" Byron said, "No, that''s why I can''t bear to see you eat." Theo felt speechless.

 Chapter 293

    The police officers at the live scene and theizens viewing the live broadcast were amused by the interaction between the father and son duo. Was that the meaning of an eye for an eye?]


    [Give it to him! Why don''t you give it to him? We strongly condemn your bullying behavior!]


    Baby, you''re invited to my ce. I''ll buy you a lot of delicious candies!]Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    (Oh my, the little boy is such a beautiful child! I hope I can have a beautiful child next year!]


    Did you guys forget something?


    [What''s the matter? All I can see are the handsome man and cute boy now. Yum!]


    Theizens were quite obsessed with looks nowadays.


    When Byron appeared on the screen with Theo, everyone lost their mind over their ridiculously handsome looks. They could not think straight anymore. The moment Theo appeared, Karen lost her footings.


    "It''s impossible... How could he be here?" Karen''s face was as pale as ghost as she mumbled.


    Neville''s n was so thorough and meticulous He had hired the most capable retired mercenaries. There should not be any mistake!


    How did the little bastard return?


    The time was rewinded to half an hour ago.


    Cold Water Highway.


    The moment the truck charged over, the burly man sitting next to the driver quickly grabbed the steering wheel and turned the vehicle on the right sharply!


    The van narrowly brushed past the truck. Its rearview mirror was broken.


    "Thump!"


    "Bang!"


    The truck hit the guardrail by the roadside. It created a loud bang that could wake the world.


    The kidnappers in the van braced their heads and screamed in the chaos. Blood seemed to have drained from the face, and their expression was as pale as ghosts. In fact, Will was the calmest among them. He was sitting in the middle seat with an expressionless face.


    As soon as the vehicle stopped, the burly man sitting in the front passenger seat opened the door and pulled the kidnappers out of the vehicle one by one.


    Are you trying to rebel? Fuck!?" The scar-faced man was filled with anger. He knew something was wrong with the burly man and signaled hisckey to hold him down


    "Behave yourselves!" The burly man punched the scar-faced man in his face and beat theckeys. While they were allying on the ground, he tied them up with ropes. 1/4


    Mol, NOV


    Next, the burly man opened the car door and said respectfully. Please get off the car, Mr. Mcdaniel, Our men will be here MOOLL


    Will stood by the car door. No hint of fear was detected in his big dark eyes. He was unbelievably calm.


    "Tie them up. Load them in the truck and bring them back."


    "Yes"


    The scar-faced man spat out a mouthful of blood and smiled sinisterly. "Alright, kid. I didn''t expect you to trick us."


    If not for the car ident, the kid would probably follow them to meet the mastermind!


    "Thank you for letting me win." Will walked toward he guy. He raised his chin slightly and said calmly. "It seems that the


    person


    who hired you didn''t even intend to spare your lives. The purpose of that truck was to silence you. Speaking of which, I should be considered as your savior for saving your lives, right?" The scar-faced man''s expression changed. Then, he sneered and asked, "Do you expect us to repay your kindness?"


    "Your lives belong to me now." Will''s tone was calm. "If you want to stay alive, you must do as I say.


    The kid...


    The innocent and harmless behavior disyed by him in the van was meant to trick them.


    The scar-faced man''s heart skipped a beat. "What do you want us to do?"


    Do you understand


    "It''s very simple. Go to the police and confess the crime and reveal the mastermind," Will said slowly, "for the sake of good karma. Il let you get off the hook at my discretion.


    The scar-faced man stared at Will for a long time before he finally agreed while gritting his teeth, "Alright."


    He had no choice but to admit that he had lost the battle and he had been tricked!


    Not long after, the burly man came back and said to Will, The truck driver has fainted, Mr. Mcdaniel Our ride has also arrived."


    Will pulled out a phone hidden in his cor. After reading the message, he said indifferently. "There is no hurry. Let get one more thing done."


    "Sure, I''m at your service." "Sure,


    ''Distribute pictures of the car ident scene here to the media. Let them report it."


    Will looked at the dozens of ck luxury cars on the road. His soft hair waved while being caressed by the wind.


    It was not over yet.


    At the same time, in the living room of the Mcdaniel residence.


    Karen was visibly flustered. Her forehead was covered in cold sweat as she kept saying that it was impossible.


    "You seem to be very surprised that Will came back." A hint of mockery and coldness shed across Byron''s eyes. "Will isn''t the only one who had returned."


    Karen was flustered by his gaze. "Wh... What do you mean?"


    Byron''s thin lips curled up. He looked past her at the living room door. They''re here."


    "Who''sing? Karen wondered.


    Karen and others turned to look at the entrance.


    Archer and the bodyguards walked in with a few burly men with swollen faces.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, we''ve bought them all here"


    The police looked at the men in confusion. "Mr. Mcdaniel, who are them?"


    B8%


    Byron gave Archer a look. Archer immediately exined, "They are the kidnappers who kidnapped Mr. Will. They collided with a truck while escaping. Fortunately, they managed to dodge in time and did not cause a disaster."


    "The bodyguards who were hired by Mr. Mcdaniel took the opportunity to save Mr. Will. We had to use a little force to subdue them.


    The few burly men whose bones seemed to have shattered were speechless from the exnation


    Damn it! It was definitely more than a little force!


    "That could not be true!" Karen caught the loophole in Archer''s words. "He said that he was going to the arcade to y games. Why did you say he was being kidnapped?"


    "Can''t I go to the arcade to relieve the shock of being kidnapped? Theo retorted matter-of-factly.


    Anyhow, Will knew that he was here and would not expose him. He was not afraid of saying that.


    Archer also felt something was amiss. Will was still with them just now, but he disappeared quickly after getting out of the


    He had arrived at the scene before them.


    Karen was exasperated. "You''re lying! Are you trying to cover up your father''s crime...


    "Ms. Booth, when you paid us the money and asked us for help, you mentioned the reward would be doubled after the job was done and that you would help us leave the country," the scar-faced man suddenly said, "what is your n in this situation?" "Stop talking nonsense!" Karen was so angry that her face was redin furious. "The person who hired you is Neville. What does it have to do with me?"


    After the name of Neville being mentioned, Mr. Mcdaniel and Alexis''s expressions changed simultaneously.


    They wondered how all that had to do with Neville


    The police officers looked serious. "Ms. Booth, please give a clear exnation. What do you know?"


    Karen finally had her sense back. She looked at her brooch in fear. Her face was covered in cold sweat


    Crap...


    "Mr. Officer." At Byron''s signal, Archer took out a document bag and ced it on the table. This is the diagnosis of Ms. Booth''s mental state. She has been behaving abusively since she was young. When she was still in school, she bullied her ssmates frequently. She forced them to disfigure their faces and drop out of school. She even killed a person."

 Chapter 294

    "However, these matters were all covered up by the Booth family with money. Those innocent students still haven''t gotten any closure. Now, she colluded with Neville to smear McDaniels reputation online, ndering the Mcdaniel family for abandoning their bloodline, and then deliberately killed Mr. Will by orchestrating the truck ident."


    "The vicious things done by her were innumerable.


    The evidence shared by Archer was clear and organized.


    There was no chance for Karen to defend herself.


    After theizens in the live stream realized that they had been misled by Karen, they were very especially furious.


    [What''s wrong with this woman?]


    [If she wasn''t sick, she wouldn''t have dared to spread rumors that the Mcdaniel family abandoned and murdered a child! I must be out of my mind to believe her!]


    [She''s a lunatic who bullies her ssmates since she was young. When she goes crazy, she acts unreasonably. She can''t be trusted at all. She''s ying tricks on us like we''re her puppets!]


    I finally understand. This woman ns to frame the Mcdaniel family and ruin their reputation.]


    [Where is Neville? Don''t he ever fucking think that he can go missing in action now. He''s a bastard. How could he ki child?]


    only were theizens angry, but the police officers were furious too!


    It turned out that the whole incident was directed and executed by Karen. She swayed public opinion online and used police''s credibility to persecute the Mcdaniel family and destroy their reputation! With concrete evidence, the police could immediately take Karen in their custody for interrogation.


    Karen''s legs were trembling. She pushed away the approaching police officer forcefully and identally fell next to Byron


    She could not care less. She grabbed his pants and begged for mercy. "Byron, save me! For my father''s sake, save me! I didn''t do it on purpose. It''s all Neville''s idea. He forced me to do so!" "He locked me in an iron cage and forced me to help him destroy you and the Mcdaniel family. Only then would he let me go. I... I had no choice!"


    There was no warmth in Byron''s dark eyes


    He looked at Karen and said coldly, "Let go."


    Karen''s back stiffened, and she subconsciously let go.


    Byron did not look at Karen anymore, as if she would contaminate his eyes if he gave her another look. He held Theo, who was secretly licking a lollipop in his hand and walked out. Karen''s eyes were lifeless as she tried to support herself by leaning against the floor. Her mind went nk.


    She was finished.


    In the past, she had tried her best to hide her dirtyundry. Now everyone knew about what she had done. Her reputation was ruined.


    It was worse than deatht


    If she had known


    If she had known earlier, she would rather be locked in an iron cage than to go against Byron!


    Unfortunately, it was toote.


    Karen was taken away by the police. Peace and silence were restored in the living room of the Medaniel residence.


    However, the matter had be a trendy topic on the interne


    Thanks to the live broadcast from Karen''s brooch camera, the Mcdaniel family did not need to spend extra efforts rifying the matter. Everything has been revealed to the public.


    7


    Theizens, who had been tricked by the lunatic, felt hurt and angry.


    Initially, they thought that they were just watching a juicy gossip. They did not expect that they were turned into idiot audiences.


    They were really unhappy about that.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Theizens did not hold back their anger. They investigated Karen''s family background and joined forces to boycott all businesses owned by the Booth Group.


    It was thest straw. The Mcdaniel family did not need to do anything as otherpanies started to attack the Booth Group in order to please them.


    In less than half a day, the business of the Booth Group plummeted.


    Outside the Mcdaniel residence.


    Maeve stood still and stared at the door in a daze as if she hadst her soul.


    After an unknown period of time, a soft little hand grabbed the hem of her shirt and shook it gently.


    "Mom."


    Maeve''s dark eyes gradually lit up after hearing the soft voice. She looked down.


    It was a very magical moment.


    Ever since she reunited with Will, Maeve had always been able to differentiate him from Theo with just a nce.


    It was no exception now.


    Maeve was in disbelief at first. Then, she hugged Will ecstatically. Her heart, which had been hollowed out, gradually warmed up.


    "Will... Will..." she muttered as she could not stop herself from sobbing.


    While Will was initially very happy, he suddenly became flustered after seeing his mother''s reaction. He hurriedly patted Maeve''s back tofort her. "Mom, please don''t cry. I''m back. Mom, don''t please cry."


    He suddenly realized that his mother might have seen the fake news online.


    Will bit his lip in frustration. If he had known that it would make his mother cry, he would rather not release the news event


    if he would not find out who the mastermind was.


    No one was more important than his mother..


    "Mom, I''m sorry." Will hugged Maeve tightly. Tve made you worry. It''s all my fault. Please don''t cry. I feel terrible when you cry."


    Hearing his son''sforting voice, Maeve felt an indescribable feeling in her heart.


    When she saw the news, she thought that the world had copsed and ended.


    Now that she was hugging Will, everything finally felt real.


    "Mommy, please don''t cry. I felt bad making you cry? Maeve kissed him on the head, "Did those people hurt you?"


    Will shook his head. "No. Dad sent someone to protect me. I wasn''t hurt in any way


    "Byron? Maeve''s eyes were filled with surprise with Will''s reply.


    "How were you kidnapped?"


    Will hesitated for a moment. "Mom, don''t be angry. I went along the kidnappers'' n on purpose."


    "What?"


    Will told Maeve about all the kidnapping incidents that he had experienced since he was young. They included but were not limited to times when he had bodyguards protecting him. Even with high levels of protection, someone would still find the chances.


    He suspected that someone from the Mcdaniel family was attacking him.


    His father thought the same too.


    However,pared to luring the mastermind step by step gradually, Will wanted to capture the mastermind with one strike. So, he did not hesitate to take the risk.


    Even though Will acted daringly because he had protection from his bodyguards, Maeve still felt angry and ufortable, However, Will had just escaped danger. She could not bear to punish him. So, she could only let go of her tears.


    Will hurriedly wiped her tears. "Mom, Mom, I promise I won''t do this again. Please don''t cry! I swear to God! If I do this again, I''ll get severe punishment like having my yoga mats and books thrown away!"


    If he had known that it would make Maeve so sad, he would have used other methods.


    Will''s heart ached. He felt like crying for some reason.


    He did not know,


    He did not know he was that important too.


    At the Mcdaniel residence.


    After leaving the living room, Byron instructed the servants to send Theo upstairs to rest. He went straight to Jason''s study.


    The father and son pair looked at each other in silence. The atmosphere became more and more solemn


    "Will was kidnapped by you." Byron''s tone was unusually cold. "Neville is just a pawn. The real mastermind who nned all this was you."


    MON, NOV

 Chapter 295

    295


    "Are you bewitched by her? How dare you question me?" Jason was furious. He tapped his fingers on the table and questioned Byron. "Will is my biological grandson. Why do I harm him?"


    "For Neville." Byron''s voice was extremely cold. "You''ve put in a lot of efforts to pave the way for your beloved illegitimate. son. Am I right?"


    Jason''s face turned cold. "What nonsense are you talking about? How can Neville be my illegitimate son?"


    Byron''s thin lips curled up coldly as he threw the document bag in his hand in front of Jason.


    After reading the document, Jason''s expression changed drastically. Heid his elbows on the table, and his body movement became visibly tense..


    Silence filled the study.


    After a long while, Jason let out a breath. "The paternity test was done a few years ago. You only reveal it now. You''re very patient.


    "You''re ttering me." Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. T''m not as good as you who endured humiliation all these years in order to help your illegitimate son take over the heir position sessfully."


    Jason''s expression did not change at all, even when he was being mocked by Byron. "I can give my position to whoever I want Who are you to interfere with? Since the beginning of times, the inheritance of wealthy families has only gone to the winner. It''s nothing to do with blood ties"


    It did not matter whether they were father or son.


    Or brothers.


    Blood ties were not as important as benefits.


    Jason raised his head and looked at Byron with a sharp gaze. "You won this time. Next time, you might not be that lucky."


    "Is that so?" Byron lowered his eyes and sneered. He said ambiguously, "Will there be a next time?"


    "What do you mean?" Jason sat up straight. He heard the other meaning in Byron''s words and immediately questioned him, "What did you do to Neville?"


    "Do you


    still have time to worry about Neville?"


    With that, Byron slowly turned around.


    Alexis, who was standing at the door with her mouth covered with her hand, entered Jason''s line of sight.


    Upon seeing her, Jason''s calmness quickly dissipated. He stood up immediately. "Alexis, li


    to me..."


    "Jason Mcdaniel, you''re a fucking bastard!" Alexis rushed forward and pped Jason in his face. She broke down and cried, "You had me raised your illegitimate son for more than 20 years! While my biological son was suffering somewhere, your bastard illegitimate son enjoyed the best care by my side! How dare you! How dare you!"


    And because of that illegitimate child, she treated her biological son coldly again and again. She even scolded him fiercely


    Every time Neville put up a disappointed and sad expression, she could not help but me Byron!


    07-24


    -


    She was giving all of hers to her husband''s illegitimate son!


    The woman who had been betrayed by her husband exploded with unprecedented strength. Jason could not pull her away. His face and neck stated to bleed from her scratches, and a few buttons on his coat had been tugged away. He was in a very terrible state.


    "Enough! Are you done?" Jason grimaced in pain, but he did not dare to retaliate. He was extremely aggrieved.


    "It''s not enough!" Alexis'' eyes were bloodshot. She gritted her teeth as if she wanted to chew him alive. "Hear me clearly, Jason! I''m not done with you!"


    Because of his illegitimate son, she and her biological son had been estranged since the beginning. They had yet to reconcile.


    What had she done in the past?


    Byron walked out of the study at some point.


    The Mcdaniel family had family rules that prevented Jason from harming his wife. He was not worried that Jason would dare to do anything to Alexis Unless he wanted to be kicked out of the house by his grandfather.


    Suddenly, Byron stopped and threw a sharp nce at the corner of the wall "Come out."


    A small furry head stuck out from the wall and blinked his big puppy eyes. "It''s me!"


    Byron''s expression softened. "Why aren''t you asleep yet?"


    Theo shook his head and nced at the door of the study. Themotion in the room was so loud that it could not be heard clearly.


    He had eavesdropped on the conversation with Alexis.


    Only


    then did he realize that Byron had not had an easy life all these years.


    The things that Will had experienced now were everything that he had experienced in the past.


    All of this was because of Jason''s selfish motives.


    It was...


    It was very saddening.


    Theo walked toward Byron. He stretched out his chubby hand and tugged Byron''s clothes.


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "What''s wrong?"


    Theo decided to treat Byron better in the future. He raised his chest and said generously, "III give you my lollipop" Looking at his determined yet reluctant expression, Byron smiled from his heart. "Do you still have lollipops?" "Of course!" Theo patted his little school bag carefreely. "It''s full of candies!"


    Byron squinted his eyes slightly and took the small bag from Theo''s back. He said lightly, "Til confiscate all of them."


    Theo was shocked.


    T


    Byron had tricked him on purposel


    He would not treat that bad guy well anymore!


    Theo turned his little body around angrily.


    10 points was deducted!'' He gave Byron a big cross in his heart.


    "Byron."


    At the same moment, Alexis walked out of the study with teary eyes. She looked at Byron hesitantly. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"


    Byron nodded lightly and said to Theo, "If you still don''t want to sleep, go to the living room and wait for me.


    "Okay," Theo agreed reluctantly and ran down the stairs.


    Alexis and Byron walked to the vacant balcony. Alexis rernaited alent for a long time before saying, "In the past...I''ve let you down


    Alexis held back his tears and looked at Byron with guilt and regret. She hated herself.


    Her husband was in the wrong, but so was she


    If she had treated Byron with the slightest gentleness and patience when he had returned to the Mcdaniel family, she would not have been so regretful now


    Or rather, she would have regretted it a long time ago,


    However, she was especially clear-headed about that now.


    Byron crossed his arms. His sculpted face was calm and emotionless. His expression did not change with Alexis'' apology. Alexis did not show any dissatisfaction. Instead, she felt even more guilty.


    "ver knew that your father had done so much behind my back. He treated you like that because of his illegitimate child He even abandoned Will Alexis wiped her eyes. "In the past, I treated you badly because of his illegitimate child... I''ve never cared for your feelings" "Byron, I''m sorry that I didn''t act like a responsible mother in the past. Can... can you give me another chance to make it up to you?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Byron squinted his eyes slightly. "There''s no need. Just treat me the same. You don''t need to feel burdened and guilty."


    swas unaware of Jason''s actions. She was in fact one of the victims.


    Alexis was


    Therefore, Byron


    would never vent his anger on her, let alone resent her.


    But that was all

 Chapter 296

    The phone in Byron''s pocket suddenly vibrated.


    Byron lowered his sight and nced at the caller ID. He nodded coldly at Alexis. "Will needs to undergo a physical examination. I''ll take him there now."


    As soon as he finished speaking, he disappeared from the staircase


    Alexis finally could not hold it any longer. She covered her mouth and cried. However, no matter how much she regretted it, the rift between her son and her would not be solved that easily There were all her fault.


    At Retro Apartment.


    In order to calm Will down, Maeve made many delicious dishes including a six-inch strawberry mousse cake.


    Will did not like sweets, and he did not quite understand why Thico always had a lollipop every day. He could not stop eating-


    Now he finally understood.


    It was hard not to eat more when he was with his mother.


    "Mommy, let''s eat." Will brought the first slice of cake to Maeve''s mouth. His eyes were round and sparkling.


    Maeve opened her mouth and bit the red strawberry on the cake "Oh, it''s so sweet. Try it quickly,"


    Will turned around and took a bite. Her eyes slowly curved into crescents. "Delicious."


    His table manners were pr opposites from the wild kid Theo


    His movement was refined and delicate. He chewed slowly. It was obvious that he had been taught proper etiquette since he was young. Maeve''s heart ached a little. How did the little guy survive his childhood?


    It was not easy to be the heir of a wealthy family.


    It was the same when Byron returned to the Mcdaniel family. He had fought his way to be in that position.


    Will was his son. How could it be easy for him?


    "You must have suffered a lot in the past, right?" Maeve caressed Will''s head and said softly


    Will''s heart warmed up. He shook her head. I did not suffer at all. Theo and you had the hard lives."


    He had heard from Theo that their mother had suffered a lot overseas in order to raise him. His heart ached


    Will''s words. "How can it not be tough! The Modaniel family''s rules are so strict. You must be very Maeve did not believe in Will''s tired, right?"


    and put


    down the cake in his hand. He looked at Maeve seriously and said, "Mom, I''m a little Will thought for a moment tired, but my life was not tough. When we get something, we have to lose something to offset it. That''s fair, right?"


    He was given afortable and prosperous life. In exchange, he had to sacrifice his freedom.


    He was very luckypared to other kids.


    He did not have much toin about.


    Maeve could notfort him, so she hugged him tightly.


    "I''ll make up for whatever you miss in the future!


    Will''s face was flushed red. He was shy and could not resist getting close to his mother. "Okay"


    Maeve stroked his hair gently. "The mastermind who kidnapped you has been arrested. I can test assured now."


    Neville was hiding overseas. The arrest procedure would be a little moreplicated. However, he would be captured sooner orter.


    Moreover, Maeve did not think Byron would let him off easily.


    Will hesitated for a moment. "Mom, the real mastermind is someone else."


    "What? Who is the real mastermind?"


    Will told Maeve everything he knew, including the fact that Neville was Mr. Mcdaniel''s illegitimate child.


    Maeve could not calm down from the shock after hearing the revtions by Will. She was grpping her fist so tightly that it created deep nail marks on her alm.


    She could not understand why Jason wanted to get rid of his biological son and grandson just for an illegitimate chud.


    She could not believe that the dangerous situation his son had encountered in the past was all because of his grandfather''s selfishness.


    He could pave the way for his illegitimate son if that was what he wanted.


    What right did he have to harm her precious son?


    Was he even human?


    Maeve''s chest heaved up and down. She could not suppress the anger in her heart. She was so angry that she could not breathe.


    Suddenly, she remembered what Byron had told her some time ago.


    "In the past, some parents thought that an overlyfortable environment couldn''t nurture a child''s temperament and ability. It would even turn him into an extravagant rich beir."


    "So they relocate the child to a remote ce and let outsiders take his ce."


    Maeve''s eyes suddenly turned teary


    Thest time she was interrupted by him, she thought he was joking.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She did not expect it was the truth.


    He had long known about Jason''s selfishness, so he did not have any expectations about them since the beginning.


    No wonder he said blood rtions were sometimes more fragile than sses.


    "Mom, what''s wrong? Will looked at Maeve worriedly,


    Maeve came back to her senses and forced a smile. "I''m fine. I just remembered that your brother is still in the Mcdaniel residence. I wonder if everything has been resolved over there. Il call your father. Will nodded and watched her walk away.


    Maeve knew that Theo had gone to the Mcdaniel residence. She even knew that Byron confiscated all his lollipop. She had seen all that on the live broadcast.


    No wonder he called her in the afternoon and told her there was no need to pick him up. He was waiting for her here.


    Maeve called Byron. It only took two seconds for the call to connect.


    "Maeve?" Byron''s deep voice could be heard from the other side.


    Maeve pursed her lips ufortably. "Is This Will okay? Is there anything wrong?


    "He''s fine. We just came out of a physical examination session."


    "Physical examination? How''s the finding?"


    Byron nced at the dejected little boy beside him and replied in a low voice, "Everything is normal. It''s just that he has cavity. The doctor instructed him to reduce his candy absorption in the future." Theo''s face immediately turned gloomy.


    Byron wasining to his mother. What a bad guy!


    "He has cavities? Maeve''s eyes were filled with surprise. "I watched him brush his teeth thoroughly after eating the candy"


    Byron sneered. "Why don''t you ask him how many lollipops he ate today?"


    "Just one!" Theo immediately defended himself.


    Byron nced at him from his side eyes. His expression darkened slightly. "Tell the truth."


    "Three..."


    Maeve, who heard the father and son''s conversation, was speechless.


    She held her forehead. Theo must have eaten the "protection fee offered by his ssmates in kindergarten again.


    The candy bottle at home was in her room. He could not ess it at all


    "Are you guysing back now?" Maeve asked again.


    "We just reached. Please open the door."


    As soon as he finished saying that, the doorbell of the apartment rang.


    Maeve hung up the phone and quickly informed Will, "Please go back to your room, Will Your dad is here""


    Will jumped off the chair and ran toward the children''s room.


    Maeve went over to open the door. She saw that the father and son were standing very close to each other, but they seemed to be quarreling. For some reasons, she found the scene funny "Have you had dinner?"

 Chapter 297

    ing about it, he had confiscated such a huge lollipop from Theo, and of course Theo would be angry with him.


    "Having too much candy and getting cavities, not reflecting on it at all, and now you''re angry with me?" Byron said in a deep voice. "After the meal, you''re writing a hundred-word review as punishment" Theo pulled a face at him. "Nice try, but I can''t read and write!"


    "You''re actually proud of not being able to read and write? Want me to toss out your sacred books?" Byron grabbed his chubby checks, pretending to be menacing


    Maeve, remembering how Will had once sworn with his yoga mat and sacred books, quickly intervened "What are you doing? Threatening a kid? He''s already had a big shock today. Scaring him again isn''t going to help." Theo, hearing what Maeve said, quickly hid behind Marve


    Byron''s expression softened slightly. He had nearly forgotten about the matter after being interrupted by Theo


    The meal on the table was still warm, and Theo nearly jumped with excitement when he saw the strawberry cake in the


    center.


    Maeve had saved half of it just for him, though she pulled a long face again at the thought of his cavities.


    "The doctor said you need to cut back on sugar. No sweets for a month," she said.


    Theo was thunderstruck. His little hair tufts seemed to wilt like nt.


    He looked up at Maeve with pitiful puppy-dog.eyes. "Dear Marve, you''re the most beautiful and lovely person in the world." Maeve''s expression remained impassive.


    "You''re the most gentle and generousdy in the universe," he continued to say..


    She struggled to maintain herposure.


    "You''re my one and only, the love of my life, my everything Theo threw himself at her, hugging her legs. "Please don''t be so cruel to me!"


    Byron couldn''t sit still, and neither could Maeve.


    Byron lifted Theo into the seat beside him and warned, "Enough of that nonsense. Enjoy your meal."


    "Where did he even learn to say such things? How dare he tease my girl, Byron thought unhappily


    Theo sulkily twisted in his seat, looking like a little deted eggnt.


    Maeve knew he was just acting, but she couldn''t help softening. She cut a small slice of cake and ced it on his te. "Alright, just one piece. But you have to brush your teeth for three minutes afterward. Deal Theo instantly brightened up, like a balloon inting in seconds.


    He raised his little arms in victory. "Yes, Ma''am!"


    What a cute brat! Maeve thought


    Maeve pursed her lips and smiled, turning her head only to meet Byron''s thoughtful gaze.


    "Someone was just here he suddenly asked.


    Maeve followed his gaze to where Will had just been, only to remember she had forgotten to collect his cutlery


    "It was Leo. He''s gone to bed now," she said.


    "Yeah?" Byron looked at the cutlery, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "His dining habits are a bit like Wills. He doesn''t like carrots either.


    Besides, it seemed that he also liked to ce his fork neatly across the bottom of the bowl after eating


    Theo, who was sitting next to them, stuffing corn and carrot kernels into his mouth, suddenly paused. Luckily, Byron wasn''t paying attention to him, or he would have been exposed in minutes. Maeve was also sweating nervously. "Most kids don''t like peppers or carrots. What''s the big deal?"


    Byron shook his head slightly. "No big deal."


    "Then eat more," Maeve said, trying to distract him by cing more food in his bowl.


    He, like Will, was also a picky-eater, while Theo, on the other hand, was not..


    Byron lifted his gaze and smiled at Maeve''s attentive demeanor Weren''t you still mad at me this afternoon for not letting youe with me to find Will? Now you''re not angry anymore!! Her level of concern for Will surprised him.


    He just didn''t know how long it wouldst.


    Maeve was stunned.


    ''He noticed that? she thought in surprised.


    She hesitated for a moment. "You didn''t seem worried about Will''s safety at all at the time."


    Otherwise, shouldn''t he have gone to find him right away, instead of sending her off first?


    "I knew he was doing it on purpose," Byron said lightly. "Besides, I have people watching him. If anything had happened, they would have protected him immediately."


    "But what if something had really happened? Aren''t you afraid something might happen to Will?" Maeve said


    "He''s not a child anymore. He knows what he''s doing. If he can''t handle something like this, how can he be my heir in the future?" Byron nced at Theo, who was busy trying to finish his rice, his dark eyes softening slightly. Maeve furrowed her brows, unable to understand his reasoning Will is only four and a half. Don''t you think this is too much pressure for him?"


    This is invaluable experience, Byron replied. "No one in the heir program will teach him this. He needs to learn to stand on his own sooner rather thanter."


    Maeve couldn''t agree with him. She preferred her two children to be happy and healthy.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "What''s the point of being an heir if he is not happy? It''s better not to be one at all!'' she thought.


    Theo listened to their conversation and silently sympathized with Will.


    After all, being an heir was truly difficult.


    At this moment, he was relicged that he wasn''t the eldest. The weight on his older brother''s shoulders was too heavy for him


    to bear.


    By the end of the argument, Maeve was so angry that she said. This is child abuse! How can you treat your son like this? He''s only a few years old and already has to endure so much. Doesn''t he deserve a happy childhood?" "You''re spoiling him," Byron said calmly. "Will is exceptionally gifted. Now is the right time to start nurturing his talents"


    Maeve couldn''t stand to hear this, and her temper red. "I don rare! I won''t allow it!"


    Byron''s gaze deepened as he looked at her. "Are you speaking as Will''s mother now?"


    Maeve froze, her head clearing slightly.


    She suddenly realized she didn''t seem to be in a suitable position to use Byron of how he was raising his child.


    Theo, always quick to chime in, piped up, "Pretty Maeve, if you be my mommy, I''ll do whatever you want. I''ll even give up my daddy!"


    Byron''s lips twitched slightly. "Say that again?"


    ''Could it be that Will has always been too well-behaved, which is why I struggled to ept his rebellious streak? he couldn''t help but think while resisting the urge to give Theo a lesson.


    Maeve felt the tension in the room shift thanks to Theo. Relieved, she smiled and responded, "What a deal! I''ve got such a cute son for free. I''m lucky


    Byron nced at her sideways, thoughts clearly stirring behind his eyes.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang.


    "Who could it be at this hour?" Maeve got up to answer the door but her bright eyes dimmed slightly when she saw Archer standing there.


    Every time she saw Archer, she was reminded of the dark, grim conversation they''d had right before she was pushed onto the operating table.


    Even though she knew Archer was simply doing a job for Byron she couldn''t help but feel some lingering resentment, making her attitude noticeably cold.


    "Archer, what''s going on?" she asked.


    Archer sensed Maeve''s chill but wasn''t sure how he had offended her. Politely, he said, "Ms. Reese, I''m here to deliver something to Mr. McDaniel, It''s a sh drive we just seized from Karen, and it has your name engraved on it. To be cautious, I thought it best to deliver it to Mr. McDaniel first."

 Chapter 298

    A sh drive with her name engraved on it? Maeve thought.


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat, and a sinking feeling crept in.


    "I won''t be going in. Please pass this to Mr. McDaniel, Archer said respectfully, handing over the sh drive, which was attached to a ne, cushioned by a handkerchief. Maeve hesitated for a moment before epting it. "Uh-huh


    When she returned. Byron casually asked, "Was that Archer who stopped by?"


    Maeve nodded, cing the sh drive in front of him. "He asked me to give this to you. He said it was recovered from Karen and that it might have something to do with me." Byron lowered his gaze to inspect the sh drive, When he noticed the name "Maeve engraved in red, his handsome face hardened slightly.


    "Is there aputer around?" he asked.


    "Yes, in the living room." Maeve replied.


    Byron was about to get up when he caught sight of Theo, quietly peeking in their direction. His eyebrows lifted slightly. "Had enough? Go back to bed on your own."


    "Only pigs sleep right after eating." Theo, frustrated at being caught, puffed his cheeks and jumped off the chair. "I''m going to y with Leo for a bit before bed"


    I definitely isn''t sleeping with the candy thief tonight! he thought


    The door to the children''s room clicked shut behind him.


    In the living room, Maeve watched with growing apprehensions Byron plugged the sh drive into theputer. "Do you think it''s going to be... private photos of me that Karen stole?" she asked uneasily. Her eyes darted around the apartment, wondering if someone might have secretly installed a hidden camera without her noticing.


    It had happened before, and she couldn''t help but worry


    Byron was about to open the only folder on the drive when he paused at her words.


    He patted the spot beside him, gesturing for her to sit down. "I close my eyes. You can check it first. If it''s something like that, just delete it."


    Maeve bit her lip, then nodded, sitting beside him.


    On the screen, the folder opened to reveal a single video.


    Maeve''s heart raced. She nced at Byron, who was now leaning back on the couch with his eyes closed, keeping his distance from theputer. Gathering her courage, she clicked on the video. The screen was ck at first. After a couple of seconds, a cacophony of voices filled the air-muffled, hurried conversations. and the sounds of someone suddenly waking and struggling to get up. "Who are you? What are you doing to me? Where''s Archer? It was Maeve''s voice.


    Mon, Nov


    "Ms. Reese, please don''t move. We''re going to do surgery for you right away," a doctor said.


    "Surgery? What kind of surgery?" Maeve asked.


    "An abortion, of course, someone replied.


    The screen lit up sharply, and the image of Maeve being held down on the surgical bed merged with the Maeve sitting on the couch in the present. Her eyes were just as terrified as they were in the video. The darkest memories she''d buried deep in her mind were nowying out right before her eyes.


    The stinging smell of antiseptic filled the air, choking her. Expressionless doctors and nurses surrounded her, and


    Archer smiled as he said, "You underestimate Dr. Foster''s skills. Mr. McDaniel didn''t expose you before because he wanted to give you the chance to remove this unwanted child yourself, but you really disappointed him. Mr. McDaniel asked me to pass along a message: he will never allow someone as lowly as you to give birth to his bloodline. It would be the greatest shame for the entire McDaniel family."


    Hearing this, Byron''s eyes flew open, his dark, narrow gaze filled with seething hostility as he stared at theputer screen. as though he wanted to burn a hole through it.


    The video had only yed for about ten seconds, but it had already sent shockwaves through the living room.


    Both the abortion and Archer''s cruel words, as well as Maeve''s frightened, ghostly pale face on screen, caused quite a shock. She struggled desperately, but the nurse held her down firmly, her pitiful whimpers numbing to the ears. Then, in a final act of desperation, Maeve leaped from the window.


    Byron''s heart nearly stopped, paralyzed by her movement. His back tensed, and he swallowed hard, the knot in his throat moving sluggishly.


    That was until the sudden crash of a ss of water falling nearbyC0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Byron snapped out of it and turned his head.


    Maeve''s face had drained of all color. She was gripping the corner of the table, trying to stand, but she had knocked over the ss of water in the process. Her hand slipped, and she copsed to the floor along with it. Byron immediately moved to help her up.


    "Don''t touch me!" Maeve shrieked, recoiling violently from his hand. Her voice was hoarse and raw, as though she were facing a wild, rampaging beast.


    Byron''s outstretched hand froze in mid-air. He watched her trembling, broken body, and it felt as though a giant hand had clenched tightly around his heart.


    All those unexinable doubts from the past suddenly had an answer.


    He took a deep breath, his voice low and steady. "Maeve, listen to me."


    Maeve''s ears were filled with the voices from the video, and the image of the doctor walking toward her with an anesthetic -needle shed before her eyes. The same sense of powerlessness she had felt then washed over her body again.


    She thought she had forgotten, but it turned out she remembered everything.


    Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her hard. Maeve stumbled to her feet and rushed to the restroom,


    "Bang!" The door mmed shut behind her.


    Byron sprinted after her, but he was a step toote.


    With a deep frown, he knocked on the door. "Maeve, open the door. Let''s talk."


    Maeve slumped to the floor next to the vanity, retching, her body trembling with chills. Her stomach twisted painfully, as if knotted together.


    It hurt so much.


    She wanted to vomit everything out-the bile and the terrible memories,


    Her eyes reddened, and she heaved so violently that she could barely stay upright.


    Exhausted, she sank to the cold tiles, her back against the wall, her gaze unfocused and empty as she stared at the ceiling.


    The knocks on the door grew sharper.


    Through the door, Byron''s voice lowered. "Maeve, please open the door. Don''t lock yourself in. I can exin this. It''s not what you think. Maeve?"


    The silence that followed herck of response seemed to dampen the movement outside.


    Maeve buried her face in her knees, trying to ease the dizzying difort in her head.


    Just then, she heard the sound of a key sliding into the lock.


    The handle turned a few times, and the door opened.


    Maeve lifted her head weakly. Before she could make sense of what was happening, she was enveloped in a wide, warm embrace.


    "Let go! Let go of me!" Maeve struggled, pounding her fists desperately against him, her eyes red with frustration. With her violent reaction, she tore two buttons off his shirt, her nails leaving bloody streaks on his chest. Byron''s arms tightened around her, unyielding. He let her w and tear at him, never letting her go.


    "Maeve, I''m sorry for everything you''ve had to endure," he said, his voice low and husky,ced with a raw undertone.


    What he said wasn''t chicanery.


    And it also wasn''t uselessforting or hypocritical words.


    Instead, she could sense that he was truly sorry for everything that had happened to her.


    ''Could someone like him even feel sorry for anyone? she thought.

 Chapter 299

    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered, and the wetness and bitterness that had surged up in an instant fully formed into tears.


    Years of suppressed anger and resentment exploded in that moment


    She opened her mouth and bit down hard on his shoulder, as if to vent her fury, but also as if she were holding back, trying to stifle the emotions he had stirred in her.


    Her bite was so deep that a bit of blood seeped through Byron''s shirt, staining the white fabric.


    He didn''t even flinch. Instead, he held her close, his hand gently stroking her trembling back.


    "Maeve, I''ve never looked at you the way those people in the video imed, and I''ve never regretted marrying you. Byron''s voice was clear, more serious than ever before. Look at me-do you really think I sent those people to do that?" Maeve slowly let go, her eyes flickering as she stared into his earnest gaze, searching for the truth.


    But she couldn''t find it.


    Because all she could see in those dark eyes was her own reflection


    "You seem to forget, Maeve''s bloodstained lips moved as she said. "Archer is your personal assistant. Who else could direct him but you? How do you expect me to trust you?"


    "Archer was out of the office on vacation the day that video was made. I''ll need to investigate before I give you an answer Byron said, raising his hand to gently wipe the blood from her lips. "Do you remember the name of the clinic?" Marve told him the clinic''s name, a detail she had memorized years ago.


    Byron''s brow furrowed. "The Booth family''s private clinic?"


    He had been there a few times in the past while staying with the Booth family.


    The numbness in Marve''s eyes softened slightly. Thinking of what Karen had said earlier that afternoon, she asked, "Did you ever tell Karen about my pregnancy?


    "I had no further contact with her after she was fired," Byron said.


    "When was she fired?" Maeve asked


    Byron didn''t bother to recall such trivial matters, so he just gave her a rough time frame.


    Maeve calcted the dates. It was before she got pregnant!


    There was no way Karen could have learned about her pregnancy from Byron.


    And considering that the private clinic was owned by the Booth family, the answer was bing clearer.


    The only question left was Archer.


    A sudden thought struck Maeve. With her heart racing, she looked at Byron and asked, "Did you send someone to pick me up the day I was released from detention?" Byron looked slightly ufortable. "No."


    He had skipped an important meeting that day and drove to the detention center himself.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    07-25 Mon, Nov 4


    But he left after not seeing her for a long time.


    "Archer picked me up that day," Maeve said calmly. "In the car, passed out from the drugs and woke up in the clinic. If you didn''t order him around, could he have colluded with Karen long ago Byron''s cold expression softened all of a sudden.


    He lowered his head and lifted Maeve''s chin for a hard, unexpected kiss.


    Caught off guard by the sudden intimacy, Maeve''s mind went nk for a moment. She could feel the heavy smacking and sucking of her lips, the ambiguous sounds making her ears burn


    She pushed him away furiously. "What are you doing? Why are you kissing me all of a sudden?"


    His sudden actions hadpletely tangled up the emotions brewing in her heart.


    Byron let out a low chuckle. "How could I hold back after you said something like that?"


    "What did I say?" Maeve was confused.


    "You''re already sure I didn''t do it, even before seeing any evidence. Yet you say you don''t believe me?" He rubbed his hand over the side of her face, a soft stile on his handsome features. "Maeve, you''re so cute when you talk like this" Maeve froze, a flush quickly spreading from her eyes to her cheeks and ears. She lost some of her fire, even as she red at him.


    -I''m not saying I believe you didn''t do it," she stammered. There''s just too much doubt, and I need to reassess everything!" She shot him a colorful warning. "Don''t get too cocky-you''re only cleared of suspicion for now!" Byron''s dark eyes gleamed with amusement. "So, are you going to punish me before we settle this?" It was true he hadn''t done anything to hurt her directly.


    But not being there for her when she was in that terrible situation-he felt that was his responsibility. Maeve frowned, a show of irritation. "Don''t act like I''ve forgiven you just yet."


    It wasn''t as if she trusted himpletely.


    It was just that...


    Maeve nced at the bloody teeth marks on Byron''s shoulder, and for some reason, her heart felt lighter.


    The man who had offered his body as an outlet for her anger-she couldn''t bring herself to believe he would ever be cruel enough to truly hurt her.


    Byron could see the softness she was hiding beneath her fierceness. He raised an eyebrow slightly as he leaned over and lifted her into a crouched position, carrying her out of the bathroom. Yes, lifted.


    Maeve, now sitting fully in his arms, was utterly bewildered. In this the same technique she always used on Theo? she thought.


    The difference was that Theo was a child, and it was cute when she carried him like that.


    But she was an adult


    Byron set Maeve down on the couch, closed herptop, and were to fetch the medical kit. He returned, kneeling beside her


    0/25 Mon, Nov 4


    to apply medicine to the back of her hand.


    887%!


    "I don''t need that," Maeve protested. "It''s just a scratch. You should be treating your shoulder instead. She tried to pull her hand back, but he held her wrist firmly.


    "Don''t move. What if it leaves a sear?" Byron frowned, refusing to let her go.


    Maeve, her stomach and throat still unsettled, stopped resisting


    She watched as Byron carefully applied the ointment, and a sharp sting of emotion hit her, tightening her chest.


    "Byron," she whispered.


    "Hmm?" He didn''t look up.


    Maeve struggled to organize her thoughts, the words sticking in her throat.


    Maybe he hadn''t been the one who forced her to have the abortion four years ago, but she clearly remembered how much he''d opposed the idea of her getting pregnant back then. Even if he loved Will now, Maeve couldn''t forget the pain from the past.


    Some wounds can''t be healed with just a few words.


    Byron finished applying the ointment to her hand, putting the ointment away. He looked up at her. "What were you going to


    say


    "You''re still bleeding from your shoulder," she pointed out, ncing at the spot. "You should apply the ointment to it too." Byron smirked, handing her the ointment.


    "What for?" Maeve asked.


    "You bit me, and shouldn''t you take responsibility?"


    "Seriously?" Maeve thought. It''s just a small wound. He really knew how to push his luck."


    Maeve wrinkled her nose, tossing the ointment back at him. "Do it yourself. I told you, I''m still angry now."


    Once she treated him well, he would take advantage of her.


    Byron was about to reply when his phone vibrated.


    He casually picked it up. "Yes?"


    "Mr. McDaniel, as per your instructions, we''ve been monitoring any public opinion about Ms. Reese online. Just now, her parents publicly used her of not supporting them financially and framed her biological brother for being imprisoned. Should we handle it immediately?" the head of the McDaniel Group''s public rtions department asked.


    #

 Chapter 300

    With a frown, Byron looked at Maeve beside him and spoke in a lowered voice, "Consolidate the specifics and send them to me. Stay put for now."


    "Yes,


    I''ll organize it and send it to you right away," the head of the McDaniel Group''s public rtions department replied.


    Byron hung up the phone and turned to Maeve, who looked puzzled. "I still have something to take care of. Remember to take your stomach pills before bed and don''t stay upte. Maeve nodded slowly. "Got it. By the way, let Will and Leo sleep through the night-don''t go waking them up."


    Byron gave a slight nod, picked up his jacket from the couch, and stood to leave.


    The next morning, Maeve woke up to a barrage of frantic messages from Bonnie.


    Having a


    a best friend who loved to surf the inte for gossip meant Maeve wouldn''t be out of touch with the world, even if she didn''t go online very often This time, though, it was her own name making the rounds.


    Maeve''s drowsiness quickly faded as she scrolled through her phone, growing angrier by the second.


    Where on earth did they get off using me of not supporting them? And even iming Horace''s imprisonment was my fauly? What about the tens of thousands I''d already given them? Did that mean nothing?'' Maeve thought angrily.


    Fuming, Maeve got out of bed, washed up, made breakfast for the two little ones, and left it on the table before grabbing her bag and heading out.


    At the hospital, Valda was awake, sitting up in bed, waiting for Scott to peel an orange for her.


    Maeve opened the door and stormed in. "I''ve already paid for your surgery and medical bills. What the hell are you going to do to leave me alone?"


    Scott and Valda exchanged looks. Scott nervously rubbed his hands and stood up. "Maeve, your mom and I didn''t have a choice. The money you gave usst time is gone, and we couldn''t reach you. We were in a tight spot, so we had to ask for help from some friends online."


    "I gave you 120 thousand dors, and you spent it all?" Maeve''s voice rose in disbelief. "The surgery hasn''t even been scheduled yet. Where did the money go?"


    Valda exined, "Your father''s creditors came knocking, and we had to use the money to pay off his debts. We also bought some things for your brother. He''s been through a lot in prison. Don''t you, as his sister, feel sorry for him?"


    Maeve''s eyes grew cold. "Did he ever feel sorry for me when he brought those thugs to smash up my studio?" Valda fell silent.


    Maeve took a deep breath. "So what about the surgery? Are you not nning to have surgery now?"


    Scott smiled awkwardly. "The doctor said we need to pay today Since you''re here, why don''t you go ahead and cover the fee? We''ll pay you back when we can."


    "Last time, I clearly rejected your request and refused to help you pay off your debt. You did it to yourself, but you expect me to bear the consequences? Maeve couldn''t believe it.


    It seemed they were experts at taking action first and reporting afterward.


    U/-26 Mon .


    "How can you say that? We''re family" Valda noticed Maeve''s anger and quickly added, "I worked hard to give birth to your and raise you. Now all I want is for you to give us a little financial help in return, and you won''t take it? Do you really want to force your own mother to the brink of despair?"


    Marve closed her eyes, suddenly filled with self-loathing for sharing their blood and feeling morally inferior to them.


    But based on what? Based on this damned blood rtionship? she thought. She preferred not to!


    "That money I gave you thest time was all the savings I had. You don''t take your lives seriously enough to spend it wisely, and now you''re asking me for money again. Have you ever wondered where I got all this money?" Maeve said.


    Scott chimed in. "Aren''t you and the president of the McDaniel Group pretty close these days? He has so much property that even what slips through his fingels would be enough for us to livefortably for the rest of our lives. Why don''t you go ask him for help?" Maeve snapped back. "How did you know I was close to him? Who told you?"


    "I just... saw it mentioned online," Scott replied, his eyes glinting


    That''s not true. People on the Inte should believe that Byron and I divorced and broke off contact, Maeve thought.


    Maeve studied Scott''s evasive expression, suspicion growing in her eyes.


    They were old, and


    old, and they wouldn''t normally think to use online opinion to pressure her.


    Someone must be behind this


    LOOP like you have a good strategist backing you, Maeve said with a sneer. "In that case, don''t expect to take money from me. Wouldn''t it be better to go to him for help?"


    "Looks like


    With that, she stormed out of the hospital room.


    Valda shot an irritated nce at at Scott. "Why didn''t you think to pull her back? We still need money from her."


    "We can''t let her realize someone is pulling the strings behind all of this, Scott replied darkly. "Karen''s final payment hasn''t even been called in yet, so we can''t afford to let things fall apart right now. Don''t worry. That stubborn girl is thin-skinned. I won''t be long before the inte''s bacsh forces her toe back and beg us to help her rify things." this day and age, a few harsh words could kill a person.


    When Maeve returned to them, they would want more than just money.


    It shouldn''t be difficult


    t for the president of THE McDaniel Group to get Horace out of prison, anyway,


    Valda hesitated. "But she looked very determined just now...


    Then she must be concerned about what the McDaniel family would think as well, right? tf her reputation is tarnished, how could she still be with Byron in the future?"


    Valda finally felt relieved after hearing what he said.


    Neither of them realized that Maeve was leaning against the wall next to the entrance of the hospital room and hadn''t gone


    far.


    Her head was bowed, with her hair falling around her cheeks, obscuring the expression on her face.


    Her slender fingers, hanging at her sides, were clenched in a death grip.


    300


    So it was Karen behind this again.


    ??


    It was unthinkable that Karen would still have the heart to deal with her after being imprisoned. depths of Maeve''s eyes were ice-cold as she stepped toward the elevator.


    The


    After leaving the hospital building, she took a taxi to the detention center.


    Before the verdict was handed down. Karen was locked up here,


    In the meeting room, Karen stared at Maeve with dark circles under her eyes, her face haggard and somber. "I thought the


    like it?" first person to visit me here would be Byron. Looks like you received the gift I prepared in advance. Did you


    Maeve lockedText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    eyes with her for a few seconds and suddenly smiled. "I was quite angry when I came here, but now that I see you, I''m not angry anymore."


    Karen''s eyes twitched at the corners. "Are you feeling smug now! Don''t think I''ve already lost. Even if I''m in here, there are ways to make you ufortable. Don''t believe me? Just try it."


    "Do you really think that by holding my parents, you can control me through them?" Maeve said.


    "Then what are you doing here now?" Karen sneered. "See! Without Byron, you''ve never managed to win a fight against me. Four years ago it was the same, and it still is. So what are you feeling smug about?"


    "Yeah, I still envy you, Maeve replied earnestly. "After all, not everyone gets the chance to stay in the jail, and I''ll never have that blessing for the rest of my life."


    Karen''s face nearly twisted in rage as she red at Maeve.


    "Also, there''s no inte in there, so you probably don''t know that Booth Group dered bankruptcy this morning. Your house was seized by the bank, and your mother was taken to the hospital because she couldn''t handle the news and fainted on the spot," Maeve said this with a harmless smile. "Don''t be too grateful that I ryed something so important to you. Just consider it my reward for all that you have done for me."

 Chapter 301

    Karen shot to her feet, violently gripping the window bars as she cursed angrily. "Nonsense! How could my family go bankrupt?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    If my family went bankrupt, how would I survive once I got out of here?'' she thought.


    The reason Karen was so fearless, even locked up in a detention center, was because she had absolute confidence that her pampered life would continue once she was released.


    Compared to being caged by Neville, being put in jail was nothing big deal.


    But she could never have imagined that the Booth Group would actually go out of business.


    Maeve sat silently, her gaze unwavering as she watched Karen break down and shout. There wasn''t the slightest flicker of emotion in her eyes.


    "What? Is this too much for you to handle? I thought you''d appreciate this gift from me," she said, her tone cool.


    After all, she had yed no small role in the Booth Group''s downfall.


    Karen red at her with bloodshot eyes, seething, "You bitch! Maeve, you''re aplete bitch!"


    Maeve''s expression remained amused. "It seems you''ve run out of civil words," she said, standing slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "This will be thest time we see each other. So, I''ll wish you luck in your future endeavors."


    Thatst remark pushed Karen over the edge. She pounded the window, her desire to tear Maeve apart burning through her veins. "You bastard! You won''t get away with this!"


    At the word "bastard", Maeve hesitated, frowning as she looked back. ''What did Karen mean by that?'' she thought.


    Maeve wanted to ask, but the police were already restraining Karen.


    Shrugging off the thought, Maeve didn''t give it a second consideration and walked out.


    It seemed that her parents wouldn''t be able to get the final payment from Karen.


    Meanwhile, in the McDaniel Group''s top-floor office, after Archer watched the video, cold sweat trickled down his forehead.


    He hurried to defend himself. "Mr. McDaniel, on the day Ms. Reese left the detention center, I was at home sick. I didn''t go anywhere! Though I don''t have any witnesses, the surveince at my house can prove I didn''t leave. It might be difficult to retrieve after four years, but please give me some time to prove my innocence!"


    Archer''s entire body trembled like a frightened dog.


    ''No wonder I always feel I''ve offended Ms. Reese-that''s why!'' he thought.


    He was just an employee. How could he have dared to falsify an order to force the president''s wife into an abortion?


    He wouldn''t dare, not in a million years!


    Byron pulled off the cap of his fountain pen and looked at him with dark eyes. "You will handle this personally. I''m giving you two days. I want to know everything Karen ever did to Maeve."


    "Yes, Mr. McDaniel. I''ll do my best," Archer responded with a straight face. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."


    Archer had joined the McDaniel Group right after graduation, working alongside Byron.


    III


    07:53


    3


    But this was the first time he felt the sting of hot tears.


    With any other suspicious boss, he would have lost his job a long time ago.


    **


    Maeve made it back to the apartment just in time for lunch.


    Will and Theo were in the kitchen, debating what to cook. As soon as they saw her, they ran over.


    "Mommy! Where have you been?" Theo wiggled into Maeve''s arms, his little body squirming in excitement. "You left without me!"


    Maeve hugged Theo, his softness melting away her stress. She smiled, her heart lightened. "I was running some errands, and I bought you some snacks."


    Will, standing in a reserved way, wrinkled his nose at the faint smell of disinfectant clinging to Maeve. "Mom, were you at the hospital? Are you feeling okay?" "No, no! I''m fine. I just went to visit someone," Maeve quickly reassured them, not wanting them to worry.


    Theo, clinging to her leg, piped up in his sweet little voice, "Will and I are making lunch today! You go rest, Mommy. We''ll call you when it''s ready!" ""No..." Maeve started to protest.


    We''ll just make some pasta," Will insisted. "Don''t worry about us getting sttered with oil. Go rest now."


    Unable to refuse them, Maeve kissed each of their cheeks and retreated to her room.


    But they only wanted to send her away.


    Theo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Mommy seems down. Do you think those two are giving her trouble again?"


    Will frowned in confusion. "Who are you talking about?"


    "Mommy''s parents!" Theo eximed, tugging on his brother''s arm as heunched into a rant about all the bad things Scott and Valda had done to Maeve.


    Most of it he''d heard from Bonnie, and some from Jaylen.


    But it was enough for Theo to hold a grudge against them just because they treated Maeve badly.


    When he finished, the grudge-holding Will also silently added Maeve''s parents to the list.


    Just then, Theo, who was about to look up the recipe with his iPad, let out a small gasp. "What''s wrong?" Will asked.


    Theo handed the iPad to Will with an exasperated look. "Look at this!"


    Will took a step back and, after ncing at the news on the screen, his usually cold,posed face faltered for a moment. His round eyes widened, and a cold gleam seemed to sh through them. ''People who upset Mom must be punished, he thought.


    "I''m not letting them get away with this." Will''s voice was cold as he finished the sentence. Then, he turned to Theo. "You still have the surveince footage of Horacemitting the crime, right?"


    ue, Na


    3


    Theo understood immediately. "I''ll edit itter, but I can''t just post it online. That would only take care of Horace, not the couple."


    At this point, Theo didn''t even want to call them "Mommy''s parents". They didn''t deserve the title.


    Will grunted in agreement. "I''ll talk to Dad first. The McDaniel Group''s public rtions department will know how to handle it."


    Since it was rted to Maeve, Theo had no time to argue with their "Cheap Dad" over trivialities. They had to take action quickly.


    "I want to go to the hospital," Theo added.


    Will frowned. "Did you find something?"


    "Not sure yet. The footage is a bit distorted," Theo said.


    "We''ll go togetherter," Will said.


    With that, the two boys finalized their n. After lunch, they slipped out of the house, wearing their duck-billed hats while Maeve took a nap.


    Will waited outside the hospital room, hisptop slung over his shoulder, while Theo put his social skills to use. Pretending to be a lost child, he ran around near Valda''s hospital room, causing a stir. Without Scott around, Valda grew irritated quickly. Unable to stand themotion, she got out of bed and chased Theo


    away.


    "Where did that little troublemakere from? No discipline at all!" Valda muttered, mming the door behind her.


    Theo flicked the duck-bill on his hat, a sly glint in his big eyes.


    He returned to the stairwell and said to Will, who was waiting there, "Okay, let''s do it now."


    Will nodded and got to work on hisputer.


    Meanwhile, Theo pulled a bucket of chips from his backpack and started munching on them. He even shoved one into Will''s mouth while he was typing away.


    Will hesitated but eventually bit into the chip his brother offered, temporarily ignoring their dad''s warning about junk food.


    "Did you find it?" Theo asked in his soft, childlike voice.


    "Yeah, take a look. Here''s her medical record, and right below it is her husband''s." Will turned theputer toward Theo.


    Scott had just had a full checkupst week, and his medical records were still in the hospital archive. Theo''s expression darkened as he scanned the records. "Will, did you notice anything strange?"

 Chapter 302

    Will nodded hesitantly. "They both have type O blood. But I remember you telling me that Mom has Rh-negative blood, just like Dad." There was no way two people with type O blood could give birth to a child with Rh-negative blood.


    And that meant...


    "Pfft!" Theo, shocked, couldn''t stop himself from spraying Will with a faceful of chip crumbs. "They''re not Mommy''s real parents?"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Will, ustomed to Theo''s antics, calmly wiped his face. "Why don''t you go back in there and pull out a strand of her hair? Just make sure to get the follicle." "What if she tries to beat me up?" Theo asked.


    "Just tell her your dad''s the dean here," Will replied.


    "But my dad isn''t," Theo said.


    "Well, now he is. Have faith in yourself!" Will said.


    Theo was speechless.


    Theo looked at Will with an "I don''t believe you" expression, handed back the chips, patted the crumbs off his shirt, and stood up.


    With his head held high, he marched toward Valda''s hospital room. "Just wait, boys, this king will bring you her head on a tter!" ''What a drama queen!'' Will thought speechlessly.


    A few minutester, as Will packed hisputer into his small backpack, he suddenly heard a scream from the ward.


    Then, Theo came out of the door, running for the elevator with a fistful of something in his hand.


    "What happened? What''s all themotion?" Will asked, incredulous.


    "I don''t know! I ran off as soon as I pulled her hair!" Theo said.


    "Where''s the hair?" Will asked.


    Theo quickly pressed the button of the elevator to the first floor. As the elevator doors began to close, Theo opened his tightly clenched hand. "Here it is!" Will stared down at the clump of hair-dozens of strands, to say the least-and fell into stunned silence.


    It was hard not to suspect a personal vendetta.


    As his brother, all Will could think was: Well done.


    After getting Valda''s hair, the two boys snuck back home and found a strand from Maeve''sb, this time careful to find one with a follicle.


    They couldn''t bear to pull out Maeve''s hair.


    Normally, paternity test results would take three days, but Will contacted an appraisal institute under the McDaniel Group


    <


    07:54


    and managed to expedite the results in half a day.


    After the day''s exhausting adventures, Theo copsed on the couch, refusing to move.


    Will saw him fall asleep and went to his room to get a nket, covering him up so he wouldn''t catch a cold.


    Then, he took his cell phone and stepped out onto the patio to call his dad and exin what had happened.


    Byron had just returned from a meeting and sat down to listen to his son on the phone.


    After a few moments of contemtion, he spoke, "Send me the video and the medical history form. I''ll take care of it."


    "Don''t you need to wait for the appraisal results before doing anything?" Will asked.


    "Maeve is the only one who most needs to know the results," Byron replied.


    Will suddenly realized something, and without saying more, he put down the phone and used hisputer to send the surveince video to his dad.


    Meanwhile, Valday on the hospital bed, nursing her stinging scalp, mentally cursing the little brat who had yanked her hair repeatedly.


    She took out her phone and noticed that the topic "Ungrateful Woman Maeve" was trending at the top of social media. Nearly all thements were scathing towards Maeve, and Valda felt a sense of satisfaction.


    "That ungrateful Maeve-she wouldn''t listen to anyone, and she even turned against her only brother. She deserved to be scolded! Really, what''s the point of raising her... Valda thought.


    "Bang!"


    The hospital door was suddenly flung open from the outside. Valda thought it was that brating back to cause trouble again and was just about to yell when her eyes were blinded by camera shes!


    A swarm of reporters, armed with cameras and microphones, crowded into the room, aiming their equipment at her. "Ms. Reese, do you have anyment on the response from the public rtions department of the McDaniel Group?" "Are you aware that child abduction is a felony?"


    "If Maeve is really your stolen child, how could you demand unconditional support from her?"


    "Maeve''s bill included the cost of your surgery, which totaled nearly 200 thousand dors. You''re clearly not sick, yet you conspired with the doctor to falsify the medical records. Is there a motive for trying to defraud her?"


    "And what about your son? He was involved in a jewelry store robbery and was jailed-why are you ming Maeve for it? Are you trying to clear your son''s name?"


    "Ms. Reese, do


    feel you


    any


    shame?"


    The barrage of questions from the reporters hit Valda so hard that she nearly doubled over and fainted.


    No one else was supposed to know the secret she and her husband had hidden for more than twenty years!


    The doctor had taken their money, and he shouldn''t betray them either.


    Valda''s ears pricked up, her throat tasted of rust, and her lips trembled as she struggled to argue. But just then, someone knocked on the ward door. "Police on the case. Is Valda Reese here?"


    Valda''s throat constricted, and she finally copsed straight down


    Outside the door, Scott, who had returned with takeout, heard themotion inside and turned to run.


    The police officer behind him pulled out his ID. "You''re Valda''s husband, right? Come with us to the station for questioning."


    Scott''s vision blurred, and he wished he could faint like his wife to avoid facing all of this.


    The hospital was in chaos.


    Meanwhile, public opinion online had quieted down after the McDaniel Group released a statement half an hour ago.


    What had started as a simple social event had suddenly escted into a criminal case, leaving theizens who were just watching the drama confused. People started leavingments


    [So Maeve isn''t the couple''s biological child because she was stolen from her real parents after a fortune teller said she could help the couple have a son?]


    [Not only that, but Maeve had just graduated and started working, sending her sry to them every month. I wouldn''t be able to do that, yet they still weren''t satisfied with her and pretended to be sick to cheat her? [Their son isn''t a good person either. He brought a gang of punks to Maeve''s studio to vandalize it, and once, he got into the wrong ce and smashed up a jewelry store. That should be why he was put in jail. I think.] [This family really shows the diversity of viins.]


    Are you kidding me? I just criticized Maeve a little under the marketing ount on Twitter, and the McDaniel Group''s public rtions department sent me awyer''s letter? I was misled, okay?]


    [Oh my, I''m truly obsessed with the love between Byron and Maeve!]


    [Why is the statement from the McDaniel Group when Dreamscape also has an official ount? Just feel that!]


    However, the people who received thewyer''s letters and the curiousizens were not feeling the same at this time. After all, no one in this world shared the same happiness and sorrow.


    The secretary managing the McDaniel Group''s official Twitter ount saw thements and worried they weren''t very nice, so he went to ask Archer if it was necessary to delete them. Byron didn''t like people discussing his personal affairs, and everyone in the Group knew this.


    Archer had just returned from outside and immediately shook his head after hearing the secretary''s words. "There''s no need to address it specifically. Mr. Mcdaniel will feel happy to see that" ''So Mr. Mcdaniel and Maeve really are in love!'' The secretary thought.

 Chapter 303

    Archer was about to walk into the CEO''s office when a soft, pleasant voice suddenly called from behind her, "Ms. Bax, is Mr. Mcdaniel in?"


    Archer nearly jumped at the unexpected voice. She turned around to see a woman walking towards her, wearing a light blue mermaid pencil skirt that hugged her figure perfectly. Her makeup was understated but elegant, and her graceful demeanor immediately suggested


    a life of privilege.


    ''Why is she here? Such a beauty!'' Archer thought, surprised. "Miss Malvis? Your trip''s over?"


    Serena nodded slightly. "It wasn''t that exciting. I missed this ce a bit, so I came back. Is Mr. Mcdaniel busy?"


    "Follow me," Archer said, leading Serena to the CEO''s office.


    As soon as Serena saw Byron standing by the window, exuding calm and grace, a bright smile lit up her face. "Mr. Mcdaniel, long time no see."


    Byron turned to look at Serena, a hint of surprise crossing his features. "Miss Malvis?"


    "My trip ended early, so I n to stay in Kleymond for a while. It''ll also give me a chance to help Will with some counseling," Serena said with a yful wink. "You''re not going to tell me I''m not wee, are you?"


    "Of course not." Byron walked over to the sofa and sat down, instructing Archer to bring in some coffee. Smiling lightly, he said, "If you need anything, feel free to reach out to Archer."


    Serena rested her hand on her knee and teased, "Can''t I contact you directly?"


    Byron smiled but said nothing.


    "How''s Will beentely?" Serena switched topics smoothly. "Before I left, he seemed pretty stable. I was worried that once I was gone, his condition would worsen. But you know how it is-if I hadn''t left, my dad would have dragged me back to marry someone I don''t even know." "He''s doing fine. You''ve done a lot."


    "That''s a relief. I''ve missed him, though. Would it be alright if I joined you when you go backter?" Serena asked with a smile.


    Byron nced at his watch, frowning slightly. "Not today. I''ve got other ns."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Serena yfully quipped, "What ns? Rushing home to be with your girlfriend?" She was joking, of course.


    Byron''s fianc¨¦e, Lynn Anderson had been revealed as a man in disguise. Serena had seen it all over the news. To her surprise, Byron didn''t deny it. Instead, his lips curved into a soft smile. "Something like that."


    Serena''s smile faltered for a second, then she sighed dramatically. "I see. Your girlfriend must be quite clingy. I guess I came at a bad time. I''ll visit Will another day."


    "Have you sorted out your living arrangements?" Byron asked.


    "Not yet." Serena shook her head. "Why, are you nning toe help me settle in?"


    "I''ll have Archer take you home in a bit."


    Serena was taken aback. She''d only been here ten minutes. "You usually workte. It''s not the weekend. Are you rushing home for your girlfriend or just tired of me talking too much?" she teased again, shing him a wink.


    <


    Serena was beautiful and charismatic, the kind of woman whose every move felt natural and alluring to both men and women. But Byron''s expression didn''t change. "The ck Swan closes at seven."


    "The ck Swan? What''s that?"


    "A cake shop."


    At precisely 6:30, Byron clocked out of work. He had the driver make a detour to The ck Swan to pick up a pre-ordered cake before heading back to the apartment.


    By now, Maeve was awake. Seeing the DNA test result the two little ones had brought her, her head was spinning. She was sure she had just taken a nap, not traveled through time.


    As a child, Maeve had always wondered if she was her parents'' biological daughter, given how cold and unfair they were. But bad parents weren''t exactly umon. Still, she had never truly doubted it-until now. It turned out she wasn''t their biological child after all. Worse, she''d been stolen from her real parents because of some fortune teller''s prophecy.


    Maeve could ept being unwanted and unloved by her parents because she wasn''t their real daughter, but she couldn''t wrap her head around the fact that she had been stolen from her real parents.


    ''I should have had a whole, perfect cake. Instead, someone had snatched it away, smashed it to pieces, and then med me for not deserving it in the first ce,'' sheined inwardly.


    "Mommy, don''t be sad! I''m here to give you double the love!" Theo kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the couch, trying to squeeze the sadness out of Maeve''s heart with a hug.


    Will, who was a step slower, snuggled up to Maeve''s side, silently offering his support.


    Maeve shook off her bitterness, looking at their sweet faces, her heart softening with warmth. Instead of dwelling on her pain, the joy of being loved and protected by her two sons filled her heart. "I''m fine. But when did you two find out about all this?" Will exined how they had investigated everything. "Dad knew too. He''s the one who found out what that couple did."


    ''It was Byron?'' Maeve thought and was stunned for a moment. ''This was something that had happened over twenty years ?go. It shouldn''t be discovered in such a short time. How has he figured it out so quickly?''


    Just then, the apartment door beeped as it unlocked. Soon after, a tall, slender man in a sleek, ck single-breasted trench coat walked in, carrying a cake box.


    Theo panicked, burying his face in Maeve''sp, wondering, ''Why does he have the door code?''


    Will, who had identally let the password slip to their dad, silently positioned himself before Theo, saying a quick sorry in his mind.


    Byron


    walked into the living room, his gaze softening as he saw the three of them sitting together. "I''m home."


    Maeve nearly jumped, clutching Theo tighter. "You... you''re home early today?"


    "There wasn''t much going on at the office, so I left early," Byron replied casually, setting the cake box on the table. "I brought cake."


    Will instinctively said, "Thanks, Dad. But I''m not a big fan of cake."


    Byron nced at him. "It''s not for you."


    Will muttered, "Alright..."


    Maeve, still in shock, pointed at herself. "Is that cake for me?"


    <


    Byron nodded slightly. He then noticed Theo squirming in herp and frowned, swatting at Theo''s butt. "Hey, kid. Stop snuggling into her. Get down." Deep inside, heined, "Taking advantage of your young age to mess around with my babe?''


    Theo shot back, "I''m not moving! I''m sticking to her like glue today. No way I''m leaving!"


    "I''m counting to three," Byron said with a hint of a threat.


    "Count to a hundred, I''m not budging!"


    Maeve, sensing things might escte, quickly intervened. If Byron saw Theo''s face, things would get messy.


    "Don''t threaten a kid like that. He''s just feeling unwell today and wants to stay close to me," she said, turning to Byron. "You''re a dad now. Can''t you show a little more love for Leo?"

 Chapter 304

    Byron and Theo didn''t quite get along; every time they met, it turned into a yful argument, each trying to one-up the other. In contrast, Byron was much gentler and more patient with Will, which left Maeve feeling a bit caught in the middle. She couldn''t help but wonder if Byron simply didn''t like Theo. As Maeve pondered this, Byron reached up and yfully tugged at Theo''s messy hair, his voiceced withughter. "Don''t you think he looks hrious when he gets mad?"


    Will was usually so quiet and well-behaved that even when Byron tried to tease him, he maintained a serious demeanor. Clearly, Byron found it much more amusing to mess with chubby Theo than to pick on


    will.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve thought to herself, ''So he''s just teasing Theo the whole time? Impressive. She smirked, then stood up, holding Theo in her arms. "I''m going to take him to bed. Can you start cooking?"


    Byron rolled up his sleeves and casually asked, "I''ll cook. What do we have now?"


    "There''s still some beef and fish in the fridge from yesterday. Oh, and half a tray of prawns. Can


    you cook those?"


    "Are you kidding me?" Byron chuckled as he walked toward the kitchen.


    Will quietly whispered to Maeve, "Dad''s prawns and roast beef are especially delicious, but the fish... well, it''s hit or miss. A few times, it either burned or..."


    Before he could finish, Byron''s deep voice came from the kitchen. "William. Come help me out!"


    "Okay."


    Maeve couldn''t help but chuckle as she watched Will trudge over with his head hanging low. She looked down at the drowsy Theo, her smile growing softer. Her heart, which had felt empty slowly began to fill. It even made her suddenly want toy all her cards on the table with Byron, but she held back.


    Byron might ept Will, but that didn''t mean he would wee a child with whom he had no emotional connection. Maeve knew he didn''t really like kids-Will was the only exception.


    As Will had said, Byron''s prawns and roast beef were indeed exceptional, with a restaurant-quality taste, but the fish...


    Theo turned to Will and said, "Maybe you should say a few words for this fish. It died a tragic death; it would have been better off drowning in the sea." Although he was addressing Will, everyone could tell he was throwing shade at Byron.


    Will wanted to remind Theo that reciting prayers was just his hobby, not a profession. But after considering it, he thought it was better to just eat.


    Byron paused mid-air with his fork, then turned and snatched the rib eye steak from Theo''s te.


    "That''s mine!" Theo pouted, his chubby little cheeks puffing up like an angry pufferfish. "Give it back!"


    "Try and grab it back." Byron challenged, looking down at him. "Short stuff."


    Theo was exasperated.


    Maeve quickly held Theo down before he could leap up, softlyforting him, "Sweetheart, let it go. You''re above all this. He might not even be as mature as you. Just let it slide."


    Theo beamed at his mom''s words, puffing out his chest. "Alright, I''m full of generosity to let it go. I won''t sweat the small


    stuff!"


    Byron finished off Theo''s rib eye steak, chuckling at thement. "You''re probably just stuffed full of snacks, like a little


    III


    pig."


    3


    5


    0


    Yet surprisingly, the soothed Theo didn''t seem upset at all. He grinned and shot back, "I''m nice and cuddly; unlike you, no one wants to hug you!"


    Byron was slightly taken aback as he nced at Maeve, who was indulgently watching Theo, and let out a low, ambiguous huff. "Well, that''s not entirely true."


    After dinner, Byron headed back to his apartment to handle some work, leaving Will behind.


    "Will, is your dading backter?" Theo asked, moving closer to Will.


    "He''s your dad too." Will sighed helplessly as he replied, "He should be. Didn''t you notice how he was keeping an eye on Mom''s mood during dinner? She hasn''t been feeling great, so hell want to be around her."


    Theo immediately frowned. "But I''m Mommy''s happy little buddy! I can make herugh too! She doesn''t need him!"


    "But you can''t stop him froming."


    "Who says so?" Theo''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "I could pretend to be scared of the dark and make Mommy stay with me!" Upon saying this, he noticed Will looking hesitant, so he added, "Don''t you want to sleep with Mommy? It''s so cozy in her arms." Will''s heart fluttered at that. Although teaming up with his brother to push their dad away didn''t feel right, he also really wanted to snuggle up with their mother. ''Sorry, Dad,'' he thought


    The two little guys reached an unspoken agreement and high-fived.


    "Will, log in! I''ll take you on a gaming spree!" Theo dered, waving his hand dramatically.


    When Will saw the familiar game icon on Theo''s phone, he quickly remembered thest unpleasant incident. "I''m not ying that game anymore."


    "What? Why not?" Theo looked confused. "It''s so much fun."


    Will frowned. "I met someone in that game who totally ked on me. We had agreed to meet up for a real-life showdown, but when the time came, he chickened out." "Sincerely? What a loser!"


    "He''s actually pretty good at the game; he just has lousy character," Willmented. "And he''s great at sneaky moves; he alwaysnds headshots."


    Theo couldn''t sit still. "Tell me who he is! I''m going to get revenge! What kind of loser picks on my brother? I''ll make him quit!"


    Feeling warm inside, Will told him the ID. "That punk. Come and take me on."


    When Theo heard that ID, his heart raced. He cautiously asked, Will, what''s your ID?"


    "HarmonySeeker."


    Silence. There was a long, awkward silence.


    Theo shuffled away, moving toward the back of the couch, nervously saying, "Uh, maybe we should just drop it? It''s just a game."


    Will noticed Theo''s nervous expression and immediately guessed why Theo had changed his mind. He stood up and looked at Theo, hiding behind the couch. "So you were the one who set me up in the game and bailed on our meet-up?" His tone


    §à


    3


    grew serious, making Theo run.


    "I didn''t mean to ditch you! Don''t be mad!" Before Theo could run away, Will grabbed the back of his shirt.


    "Who taught you to break promises and be a little bully in games?" Will asked, a stern look on his face. "Come here and reflect on your actions."

 Chapter 305

    Maeve stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her as she caught sight of Will yfully tugging at Theo like he was carrying a baby chick. A smile spread across her face.


    Spending time with Theo seemed to have brought out a livelier side in Will. Watching them y eased the anxiety Maeve had been feeling. She grabbed her iPad and headed back to her room, determined to finish some work before calling it a night. Next week, Dreamscape''s summer collection in coboration with Eternal Hope was set to showcase, and there were still a few details to finalize. This was the first public appearance for Dreamscape since the scandal, and Maeve wanted everything to be perfect. She didn''t want people to remember her merely as the ex-wife of the Mcdaniel Group''s CEO or as the long-lost daughter of the Reese family; she wanted to be known as the designer and founder of Dreamscape. She couldn''t afford to lose this time. After working tirelessly until around midnight, Maeve leaned back against her pillow, trying to relieve the tension in her neck and shoulders. Just as she began to drift off, she felt a warm hand resting on her shoulder.


    Her eyes fluttered open to see Byron, the striking man with sharp features, illuminated by the soft glow of the bedsidemp. "Are you done?" she asked.


    "Hmm," Byron replied, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He asked Maeve in a low voice, "Why aren''t you asleep sote? Did you forget you''re still taking medication?"


    "Um, I was a bit restless, so I finished up some work."


    Byron''s expression softened slightly as he increased the pressure of his fingers, massaging her shoulders and neck. "Why can''t you sleep?"


    Maeve closed her eyes, savoring the relief of his touch. "I''ve just had so much going on today. It all feels surreal."


    "Like what?"


    "Isn''t technology from over twenty years ago still a bit primitive?"


    "Yeah, I guessText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    so."


    "Then... is it almost impossible to find my biological parents?"


    Byron''s gaze turned contemtive as he observed the mix of hope and anxiety on her face. The words that were on the tip of his tongue took a turn. "Well... it just takes time."


    Maeve''s eyes brightened. She had almost forgotten Byron could trace the incident when her family had been persuaded by a fortune teller to steal a child away more than two decades ago. Could this lead me to my birth parents? But they probably don''t have any expectations of their daughter after all this time. Otherwise, they should havee looking for me by now, she wondered.


    "Forget it." Maeve sighed, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I have already outgrown the age of needing my parents. Rather than the awkwardness of not knowing how to interact after finding them, it''s more suitable for us to be well apart." ''Perhaps they have had more childrenter and are living a happy, simple life as a family. My appearance may not necessarily be a good thing for them, she thought.


    Byron''s expression turned serious as he gently brushed her hair back. "You seem to have thought this through. How am I supposed tofort you?"


    Maeve giggled softly. "You? Comfort me? I thought you just liked teasing me."


    III


    "Who said that?" he replied, his voice low and teasing.


    Maeve turned her head in confusion, and suddenly the light dimmed as Byron leaned closer. The warm scent of cedarwood enveloped her, and his presence sent a rush of emotions through her. Byron leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. "Does that feel real now?" he asked quietly.


    Maeve was taken aback, her ears turning red and quickly spreading to her cheeks, causing ayer of heat to fog her vision. She blinked to relieve the tension in her heart. "Uh... yeah, it feels... real."


    "Can you sleep now?"


    "I... I can."


    "I''m going to hold you while you sleep. Is that okay?"


    "Sure," Maeve mumbled, feeling a bit dazed as she instinctively agreed. It took a moment for her to realize what she had just said. By the time she reacted, it was already toote.


    Byron smirked, a satisfied grin ying on his lips. "Scoot over and make some room for me."


    "This man is tricking me again!'' thought Maeve.


    On the day of the summer collectionunch, Maeve realized she had forgotten something at home. She quickly jumped in her car to head back to the apartment, ensuring she had everything before setting off again. But she felt a twinge of nerves; her heart raced inexplicably. She had designed formal wear for a royal g before, and she hadn''t felt this anxious then.


    She rubbed her temples as she nced in the rearview mirror. Suddenly, something on the roadside caught her attention, and she squinted, feeling a sharp pain in her eyes, forcing her to blink.


    Bang! The car jolted violently.


    Instinctively, Maeve mmed on the brakes and got out to inspect the damage. In front of her was a champagne-colored Bentley, and its rear end collided with the front of hers, and the headlights shattered.


    "How do you even drive? Can you take responsibility if something happens to my boss?" The driver lowered the car window and red at Maeve.


    "Hank, don''t talk to ady like that," a calm, deep voice interjected from the backseat. As the window rolled down, Maeve was met with the sight of a handsome man.


    The man was blond and had warm eyes. He wore gold-rimmed sses, and his gaze carried an air of sophistication, a reflection of wisdom gained through experience. He wore a silver-gray suit, ented by gold cufflinks that matched the trim on his shirt cor. The front of the outfit was subtly embroidered with the pattern of the snowe flower, understated yet still exuding elegance. "Miss, I hope my driver didn''t frighten you," the blond-haired man said gently.


    Maeve quickly shook her head. "I''m really sorry! I got distracted and didn''t hit the brakes in time. I''m sorry to trouble you, and I''ll cover the damages..."


    "There''s no need for that. My assistant has already contacted the insurancepany."


    "But I insist! It''s my


    fault..."


    The man chuckled lightly. "Everyone makes mistakes. Really, it''s no problem at all. You don''t need to feel any burden. I can afford the repair bill."


    w


    Of course, someone driving a rare collector''s car would have the means to cover repairs, but Maeve couldn''t just ept that. She fished a business card out of her bag and handed it to him. "Sir, here''s my contact information. Please reach out to me when your car is repaired. I''ll handle all the expenses."


    The blond-haired man took the card, looking surprised. "You''re a designer from Dreamscape Studio?"


    "That''s right."


    "What a coincidence." The man chuckled. "I''m heading to the Eternal Hopeunch event. I heard it''s a coboration with Dreamscape Studio, and I''m really looking forward to it."


    Maeve was surprised and somewhat pleased by the affirmation, her eyes curved into a smile. "I promise you won''t be disappointed."


    "Boss, our car is here," the assistant reminded,


    The blond-haired man nodded, then turned to Maeve. "If you don''t mind, would you like to share a ride with me? I can have my team handle this, and the event should be starting soon." Maeve hesitated, looking unsure. "Will it be a bother?"


    "Not at all," he reassured her warmly. "I''d be delighted to attend

 Chapter 306

    It seemed people from Erancia were naturally inclined towards gentlemanly manners, and their words always made others feelfortable. Maeve thanked him and then followed them into another car. After switching vehicles, the blonde man specifically asked the female assistant, who had been sitting in the passenger seat, to sit in the back.


    Maeve could tell he was trying to ease her difort and awkwardness, and she felt grateful.


    Just then, the blonde man pulled out a notepad and pen. With a gentle smile, he asked, "Could I get your autograph?"


    "Me?" Maeve pointed at herself, hardly believing it.


    "You could be a little more confident." The blonde man chuckled. "I mentioned earlier that I admire your work. You could say I''m a fan. I didn''t tell you earlier because I didn''t want to be too forward." Maeve had assumed he was just being polite. But to her surprise, he genuinely liked her designs. And he was her fan.


    This was the first time she''d encountered such an older fan. She felt kind of amazing.


    She took the notepad and pen he handed her. She signed it and asked, "May I ask your name?"


    The blonde man replied, "Warren Richard."


    Maeve paused. The name seemed familiar, but she couldn''t recall where she''d heard it.


    "You''re probably my very first fan. Thank you for appreciating my work." Maeve handed the card back to Warren, curious. "May I ask, why do you like my designs? You''re.my first male fan Warren smiled. "Good designs transcend gender, don''t they? But if I had to give a reason, it''s probably because I was supposed to have a daughter."


    Maeve was confused. "Supposed to?"


    "She passed away in an ident, so she''s not with me." Warren''s smile carried a trace of nostalgia. "If she were, she would''ve loved the clothes I picked for her."


    "I''m sorry for bringing up something so painful," Maeve said, feeling sorry.


    Warren said, "It''s alright. When I do these things for her, I feel like a father."


    Maeve suddenly felt a bit envious. "You are a great dad."


    "Don''t let my son hear that. He always says I''m biased," Warren quipped with a humorous tone.


    Maeve couldn''t help butugh.


    When they arrived at the Pearl Tower, Maeve said goodbye to Warren and hurried into the venue.


    The exhibition had already started, and all the lights in the hall were focused on the U-shaped runway.


    The theme of this summer collection was "Mermaid."


    The designs by Eternal Hope featured a pearlescent white color palette, exuding simplicity and elegance, a sensuality paired with innocence.


    As for Dreamscape''s designs...


    <


    Warren had just taken his seat when he overheard an exmation from the VIP section behind him. "Isn''t Dreamscape primarily known for wedding dresses? Howe they''re doing fashion now?"


    "Didn''t you read the program? Dreamscape''s Maeve used to be a designer for the Erancia royal family. Every five years, Gradelle University holds a selection, and out of hundreds of top designers worldwide, only five are chosen to work for the royal family. Maeve''s just like Eternal Hope''s founder, a genius in her own right."


    "That doesn''t mean much. What if her designs went downhill after she left the royal family? It''d be embarrassing if her new work didn''t live up to her old standards."


    "Eternal Hope must be doing some charity work, right? Out of all thepanies, why would they choose to coborate with an unknown studio? Doesn''t that bring their reputation down?"


    The mixed opinions in the VIP section could be heard clearly, and Warren''s fingers fidgeted with the ring on his hand. His expression turned cold.


    As the stage lights shifted from a soft white to a cool white, Dreamscape''s first model stepped onto the runway.


    The room fell silent.


    Eternal Hope interpreted "Mermaid" as pure and delicate beauty blossoming in the depths of the ocean, like a rare and exquisite pearl.


    Dreamscape, however, was entirely different. It exuded a cool, mysterious allure, like a siren whose song lured sailors into the depths of the sea. It had a wild, untamed sensuality and an aggressively captivating beauty.


    The fabric mimicked the ethereal lightness of shark silk, its oceanic blue fading into hints of soft purple, shimmering under the lights.


    The hem of the dress was asymmetrical, undting like waves as the model walked, making her seem like she was standing at the heart of a cresting wave.


    As the model turned, the hem of her dress identally brushed against a female VIP sitting near the runway. Instinctively, the woman grabbed for it, but the fabric slipped through her fingers like water. "My goodness!"


    "What is this material? It feels so luxurious, light yet substantial. I''ve never seen anything like it before."


    "The catalog says Dreamscape had it custom-made specifically for this show. You probably won''t find it on the market."


    "So, when will it be avable for purchase? I''ve been a VIP with Eternal Hope for five years. Pre-ordering three outfits isn''t too much to ask."


    "Dream on! I''ve been a VIP for ten years and still can''t get special treatment."


    "Anyone got Maeve''s contact info?"


    The discussions continued.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Warren turned to his assistant and said, "Get in touch with the person in charge of Eternal Hope. I want this entire collection from Dreamscape."


    The assistant nodded. "Okay."


    After the presentation, Maeve and the designer from Eternal Hope stepped forward to give their thanks.


    Next, the votes from the attending VIPs would determine which collection would be released first. In the end, out of the 265 VIPS present, nearly 70% of the votes went to Dreamscape.


    Eternal Hope''s designer looked regretful. He looked at Maeve, who was smiling sweetly beside him and felt bitter.


    He felt unlucky to exhibit at the same event as Maeve.


    He couldn''t even beat her four years ago when she was a neer, let alone now. He admitted defeat.


    -5


    After the voting results were announced, Eternal Hope''s higher-ups were supposed to present flowers to the designers. But for some reason, Alex stepped up instead.


    He sent flowers to his designer and stopped in front of Maeve in less than three seconds. His gaze was as gentle as ever.


    "Congrattions on winning this battle," he said softly.


    Maeve smiled up at him. "I should be thanking you for believing in me from the very beginning."


    Noticing a piece of confetti caught in her hair, Alex chuckled. "Hold still. You''ve got something in your hair."


    Maeve was about to say she could take care of it herself, but seeing him already reaching out, she swallowed her words.


    Just then, her gaze shifted beyond Alex''s shoulder, locking eyes with Byron standing at the edge of the stage, his expression icy and severe. The chill in his stare made her shiver. Maeve instinctively pulled back and hurriedly said to Alex, "Alex, someone''s here to pick me up. I won''t be attending the celebration partyter, but you all have fun!"


    Alex watched her leave, words caught on the tip of his tongue. Her long hair, tied back, flew behind her in a graceful arc as she darted away.


    For a moment, an emptiness settled in his chest.


    Maeve ran over to Byron. The floor was slick, and she couldn''t stop in time, so she crashed into him, still holding her flowers.


    Byron discreetly caught her in his arms, though his voice was somewhat cool. "Why the rush? Aren''t you worried your friend from the stage might get jealous?"

 Chapter 307

    Maeve became silent.


    She quickly steadied herself by holding onto his arm. Looking at his expressionless face, she couldn''t help but say, "I don''t know if the people on stage were jealous, but I know you are." Byron let out a low hum, nced at the bouquet in her arms, and lifted a hand, saying, "It seems you don''t need this."


    Maeve turned her head and saw the light purple roses in his hand, her eyes instantly lighting up.


    She asked, "Is this for me?"


    "It''s for someone who isn''t already holding flowers," Byron said calmly.


    Maeve looked at the flowers in her hands and quickly shoved them into his arms. "Now I''m not."


    A faint hint of a smile shed in Byron''s eyes as he handed the bouquet to her.


    Maeve held it lovingly until she suddenly heard someone calling her.


    "Ms. Reese." Warren approached from behind, smiling warmly as he congratted her. "Congrattions, the exhibit was wless. Your design was truly eye-catching." Maeve gave a modest smile. "Thank you for thepliment."


    Warren then looked toward Byron standing beside her, curiously asking, "Is this your boyfriend? You two look well-matched."


    Byron lowered his eyes slightly, waiting to hear how Maeve would respond.


    After hesitating for a few seconds, Maeve shook her head, denying it. "No, he''s my... neighbor."


    In an instant, Byron''s handsome face darkened.


    Warren smiled and had his assistant hand over his business card, saying to her, "We''ll probably meet again in the future. I won''t disturb you two any longer." ''Meet again?'' Maeve felt a bit puzzled but still smiled and bid him farewell.


    As they left the venue, Byron strode towards the elevator with long, quick steps, forcing Maeve to jog just to keep up with


    him.


    Inside the elevator, she looked at his cold, expressionless face and tugged at the hem of his suit jacket, feeling a bit guilty. She asked, "Byron, are you mad?"


    After several long seconds, Byron responded without even ncing at her, "No."


    Maeve moved a bit closer to him. "I said you''re my neighbor. Isn''t that better than calling you my ex-husband? Otherwise, it would be really awkward."


    "Yeah." Byron crossed his arms, his tone oddly indifferent. "We''re just neighbors who cuddle at night, Ms. Reese. You don''t need to exin anything to me."


    Maeve was shocked by his words, her ears heating up, but she tried to maintain herposure. "That''s true. Your cuddling service isn''t bad. I''m nning to renew it for tonight." 1/3


    3C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    03 93%#


    "Fine." Byron finally looked at her, his long eyes holding a hint of meaning. "How do you n to pay for my services?"


    Maeve''s scalp tingled at his words. She hadn''t forgotten his "alternative rent payment method."


    She instinctively took a small step back. "I was just joking. I didn''t really mean to renew."


    Byron asked, "So, when do you n to settle the payment forst night''s cuddle service?"


    Maeve replied, "Weren''t you the one insisting on sleeping with me? I didn''t ask for it, and now you''re changing me?"


    Byron let out a coldugh. "That service is only free for my girlfriend. Since you''re not, I have to charge you."


    Maeve pouted in frustration, thinking he was being unreasonable.


    "Also." Byron''s eyes dropped to her hand gripping his jacket. "You should let go, lest my girlfriend sees and gets the wrong idea."


    "You have a girlfriend?" Maeve asked curiously.


    He replied, "I''m about to have one."


    Maeve couldn''t help but chuckle. "Byron, are you trying to pursue me now?"


    First, he brought her flowers, then hinted that he only slept with his girlfriend. It all sounded far from innocent


    Though Maeve didn''t believe Byron would do something like this. Or rather, he wouldn''t do something like this to her. Maybe even Maeve herself hadn''t realized that, from the beginning, shecked confidence in this rtionship. After all, he had never said he liked her since they met.


    Sometimes she even felt that what drew them together was more about physical attraction than anything else. Maeve found herself lost in thought. ''What would he be like when he truly likes someone?''


    The elevator seemed to shut them off from the world, so quiet it was almost unnerving.


    "Maeve." Byron''s clear and deep voice cut through the silence, making it all the more distinct.


    Maeve instinctively looked up, her gaze meeting with Byron''s intense eyes, causing her heart to skip a beat.


    She saw her reflection in his eyes, just like many times before when she''d turned her head and caught him looking at her. Suddenly, she seemed to understand something but wasn''t quite sure. Her heart raced, and her palms tingled. Maeve stammered, "W-what is it?"


    Byron stared at her unblinkingly, his voice deepening. "I only sleep with my girlfriend. Got it?"


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered slightly. At that moment, it felt like fireworks exploded inside her chest, leaving her in a mix of shock and joy. She waspletely at a loss.


    When she heard his words, her first reaction wasn''t happiness. It was to wonder if she had misheard him.


    But looking at Byron''s serious expression, her unease gradually melted away.


    Even as they exited the elevator, Maeve still felt a bit dazed, only managing to walk in the right direction because Byron was holding her hand.


    Once in the car, Byron noticed her fumbling with the seatbelt, unable to find the right spot, and let out a soft chuckle. He leaned over to fasten it for her,


    As he straightened up, he nted a quick kiss on her lips.


    Maeve snapped back to reality. "Why did you suddenly kiss me?


    Byron sat casually and calmly replied, "If you dare space out before me, you should be prepared to get kissed."


    Maeve''s cheeks flushed red as she red at him, or at least tried to.


    She said, "You want to pursue me, but I haven''t agreed yet!"


    Byron replied, "Take your time. No rush."


    "What?"


    "In your options, there''s only agreeing or being forced to agree.


    His confused Maeve. "What do you mean by ''forced to agree"?"


    Byron pulled the car out of the parking garage, giving her a meaningful sidelong nce. "You probably don''t want to know the exact methods."


    Maeve went speechless. She wondered if he was going to lock her up and do something to her.


    Just as the thought crossed her mind, she remembered the time he brought her to Nightfall Manor, when she nearly ended up choosing the "forced to agree" option and a shiver ran through her. Byron seemed normal, but underneath it all, there was a streak of madness that even she was afraid of. She preferred not to know it.


    It was better for her not to know.


    "This doesn''t look like the way back to the apartment. Where are you taking me?" Maeve suddenly grew tense.

 Chapter 308

    Byron let out a soft snicker as if amused by Maeve''s needless worries. "Grandpa''s being discharged today. He wants me to bring you to the Mcdaniel family dinner." "Me?" Maeve hesitated. "A family dinner? Won''t I feel a bit out of ce?"


    Besides, Alexis and Jason had never really taken to her. She didn''t particrly enjoy trying to win over people who were cold to her. Especially after learning that Will''s numerous kidnappings were directly caused by Jason, a burning anger had been festering inside her.


    It was easier to avoid them altogether. If she saw him, she might not be able to hold back her anger.


    "Will''s going to be there too," Byron added.


    Maeve replied, "Then I guess I''ll go."


    Whether or not she was part of the family didn''t matter much, but the Mcdaniel family''s five-star chef made dishes that were worth the visit.


    Unfortunately, it meant poor little Theo would have to fend for himself again tonight.


    At the Mcdaniel family mansion, in the dining room.


    Will, who had been sitting patiently, immediately jumped up from his seat when he saw Maeve and Byron enter. He rushed over to pull out a chair for Maeve. Byron, who was just about to do the same, paused mid-action.


    Maeve smiled and patted Will''s head. "Thank you, Will."


    Will returned the gesture with a sweet smile. Instead of returning to his previous seat, Will took the chair right next to Maeve''s.


    Byron was a bit annoyed that his seat was taken. If this brown-noser knew this was his mother, he''d probably cling to Maeve all day.


    Will sat there


    He looked adorably innocent,pletely unaware of his father''s thoughts.


    A short whileter, Gilbert, Jason, and Alexis finally arrived.


    Looking closely, there was a distinct handprint on Jason''s face, along with several red scratches on his neek, making him look rather ridiculous.


    Maeve felt secretly pleased but also worried. She asked Byron, "Your grandpa''s health hasn''t fully recovered. Wouldn''t hitting someone like that strain him?" Byron replied curtly, "No. My mom did that."


    Maeve''s eyes widened in shock. She looked at Alexis, her opinion of Alexis immediately shifting.


    Maeve had seen far too many wives suffering in silence, putting up with their husbands'' affairs, or even being forced to clean


    after them. But Alexis, with her bold and fearless attitude, was someone Maeve now respected deeply.


    up


    Jason wasn''t just an ordinary man. He was someone with power, status, and authority.


    Looking at Alexis now, Maeve''s previous disdain for her haughty behavior lessened significantly.


    At that moment, Alexis also nced Maeve''s way. Unexpectedly Alexis offered Maeve a gentle, warm smile. The past judgment and harshness seemed to have faded from her expression. Maeve returned the smile, offering a polite nod.


    Once all the servants had left the dining room, Gilbert, sitting at the head of the table, finally spoke. "Jason, from today on, you are no longer involved in any of thepany''s affairs. All the shares you hold will be transferred to Will." Jason''s face immediately darkened. "Dad, isn''t this going too far?


    "You don''t have to ept it, but if that''s the case, get out of the Mcdaniel family and show your ambitions after I''m buried." Gilbert''s face was stern. "I know I''m already dead to you."


    Jason''s demeanor immediately softened. "Dad, that''s not what I think. Please don''t curse yourself like that. I agree to your terms."


    Only then did Gilbert''s tone ease. "Also, I won''t leave a single penny of our family''s fortune to Neville."


    "Neville is still your grandson." Jason frowned. "When Byron takes over the Mcdaniel Group, Neville will have nothing left."


    "That''s because he''s ipetent and greedy," Gilbert said coldly. "The descendants of the Mcdaniel family can be unambitious, waste their lives on trivial pursuits, or even be talentless, but they must never be morally corrupt."


    He added, "When you brought a bastard child into this family, you didn''t consult your wife or me. So now, my decisions don''t require your approval either."


    Even in his current state of recovery, Gilbert''s authority as the head of the family was undeniable, his presence stillmanding respect.


    Maeve nced at Byron sitting next to her.


    Though Byron hadn''t grown up under his grandfather''s influence, Byron was undoubtedly the one in the Mcdaniel family who most resembled Gilbert. In fact, his natural air of authority and control surpassed even that of his grandfather. Realizing that the decision was final, and perhaps not wanting to provoke Gilbert any further, Jason remained silent.


    Observing her husband''s sudden copse in spirit, Alexis couldn''t help but smirk inwardly.


    A lifetime of scheming against others, even his own family, and this is what Jason hade to in the end.


    Alexis would not let Jason off. The rest of his life would be far from pleasant with her still around.


    "Byron." Gilbert''s tone softened as he addressed his grandson. "You''ll hold Will''s shares for him until hees of age. Consider it a small gift from his great-grandfather."


    Neen percent of the group''s shares was far from a "small" gift.


    Byron didn''t immediately agree, instead turning to Will. "What do you think, Will?"


    Will set down his ss of water and thanked his great-grandfather politely. "Thank you. I''ll make sure to treasure it."


    Gilbert beamed with pride at Will''s response,ughing heartily. He then turned his attention to Maeve. "Maeve, what do you think of our little Will?"


    "He''s adorable." Maeve''s expression softened. "Anyone would love him."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Blushing from his mother''s praise, Will lowered his head, his lips pursed in shy embarrassment. Unlike Theo, whose shyness. was more outward and obvious, Will''s bashfulness was more subtle. He blushed quietly. The next moment, Gilbert suggested, "Since Will likes you, and you like him, why don''t we make it official? Let Will call you ''Mom'' from now on. Plus, you''d get yourself a billionaire husband to boot. How does that sound?" Maeve was stunned. "What?"


    She could tell that Gilbert was trying to rekindle the rtionship between her and Byron, but the whole "buy one, get one free" approach had caught her off guard.


    Even Alexis agreed. "I think it''s a wonderful idea. Will is still young, and he needs a mother''s care."


    Will looked up at Maeve with hopeful eyes, a little worried that his "mom" might feel pressured.


    Maeve did feel a bit uneasy. Not because of the suggestion itself, but because she was already Will''s biological mother. If they ever found out the truthter, exining that would be a real challenge.


    As Maeve was torn, unsure how to respond, Byron suddenly interjected, "There''s no need for that."


    Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to look at him.


    Gilbert teased, "No need? If you didn''t have feelings for Maeve, why would you have brought her home tonight?"


    Gilbert knew his grandson well. Byron''s actions always spoke louder than his words.

 Chapter 309

    Maeve''s ears burned with embarrassment under Gilbert''s teasing. Her eyes darted around, unsure where to look.


    Byron calmly stated, "You''ve misunderstood. What I meant is that she''s already Will''s biological mother, so there''s no need toplicate things further."


    Those few words caused an immediate uproar. In an instant, all five pairs of eyes snapped toward Byron, filled with shock and disbelief. Even Maeve herself. She eximed inwardly, ''He just said it? Just like that? No warning at all?''


    Maeve had sensed for a while that when it came to Will, Byron''s attitude toward her was a bit off as if he was holding something against her. But she couldn''t pinpoint it.


    So, when Byron kept silent, Maeve yed along as though she didn''t know. But she never expected he would suddenly announce it publicly.


    "Byron, you''re not joking with me, right?" Gilbert''s voice trembled with surprise and delight, his gaze bouncing between Maeve and Will. "I always thought Will resembled Maeve quite a bit, but ver thought much of it."


    After all, his own grandson had sworn to him that Will''s mother was nowhere to be found.


    Alexis''s eyes brightened with happiness, but doubt quickly followed. "If that''s true, why keep it hidden all this time? And Maeve, how could you nevere back to see Will all these years?"


    Gilbert shared her confusion.


    As Maeve, hesitated, unsure of how to exin, Byron spoke up on her behalf. "That was my fault."


    Gilbert frowned deeply. "How so?"


    "Four years ago, Karen used my name and had her men force Maeve to undergo an abortion." Byron''s voice dropped to a low, serious tone. "The day Maeve gave birth, I found her at the hospital, but she feared I''d harm her again and had no choice but to run." At that, both Gilbert''s and Alexis''s faces turned grim. It was that troublesome Karen again.


    Byron continued, "When Will was born, he experienced respiratory failure, and even the doctors mistakenly believed he had passed away. Maeve never knew the child had survived."


    Maeve''s wide eyes fixed on Byron''s sharp profile, her heart churning with a storm of emotions.


    It seemed her reaction to the video that day allowed him to piece together why she had chosen to run back then. But she hadn''t expected him to take all the me himself.


    upon


    By doing so, it shielded her from any resentment Gilbert and Alexis might have felt toward her for seemingly neglecting Will over the past four years.


    Gilbert''s expression darkened. "I warned you that Karen was no good. I told you to keep your distance, but you didn''t listen."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    He added, "That woman is downright evil. Using Byron''s name to force Maeve into an abortion? Even if I were a vegetable lying in bed, I''d still know exactly what she was scheming!" Alexis, filled with shame, lowered her head.


    She had been the one most deceived by Karen, the least qualified to make excuses. And had Karen seeded back then, there would be no Will today.


    V


    .


    That thought sent cold sweat trickling down Alexis''s back. "Gilbert, you''re right. I was too trusting, foolishly thinking she was a good person. Thank god Maeve is safe. And thank god Will is still with us..." Maeve was taken aback by the sincere relief in Alexis''s words. It seemed Alexis had truly changed.


    Gilbert''s anger boiled over as he pointed at Jason, scolding him fiercely, "And you! I know you secretly met Karen several times, pushing her to sabotage Byron''s rtionship with Maeve. Aren''t you ashamed?" Jason, who had been silent throughout, felt unjustly attacked. "Dad, I had no idea about any of this..."


    Gilbert huffed, thinking that if Jason had known, a scolding would have been the least of his worries. "That''s because you''re a fool! You couldn''t even see through her malicious schemes. If I give Mcdaniel Group to you, it''ll be ruined!" Jason felt dejected. He had never felt so humiliated in his life.


    Even after the outburst, Gilbert''s frustration lingered, and he looked at Maeve with a deep sense of guilt. "Maeve, you''ve suffered. Our family owes you a great deal."


    Maeve shook her head gently. "It''s nothing. Just finding Will again is more than enough for me."


    Gilbert was relieved and heartbroken by her response. "Byron should spend the rest of his life making up for it. Don''t go easy on him."


    The sudden shift in conversation left Maeve flustered and embarrassed again, unsure how to respond.


    Byron smiled faintly as he gazed at her flushed face, his tone full of calm assurance. "I''m more than happy to."


    Will''s eyes sparkled as he silently praised his great-grandfather. Grandpa Gilbert, you''re amazing!"


    But the pleasant atmosphere was short-lived when Jason spoke up again. "Dad, there''s something you''re forgetting. Before Mom passed, she left a will. She insisted that the spouses of our Mcdaniel family''s descendants muste from clean, respectable backgrounds." The words cast a chilling silence over the room.


    Byron''s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing coldly at Jason.


    Undeterred, Jason pressed on. "Maeve was taken by the Reese family. Her true origins are still unclear. Suggesting she remarry Byron now seems rather premature."


    His insinuation was a thinly veiled jab at Maeve''s potentially dubious background.


    Maeve clenched her hands tightly in herp, struggling to stayposed.


    Byron''s voice sliced through the tension like ice. "You''d better watch your words. If you can''t take responsibility for every word you speak, I''ll make sure your precious illegitimate son pays the price."


    Jason was nervous, knowing full well that Byron was capable of following through on the threat, However, he had already achieved his goal.


    Gilbert adored histe wife, preserving every one of her belongings with meticulous care. There was no way he''d go against herst wishes.


    Even Alexis understood this. She frowned with frustration as she shot Jason a look of disdain. "You should shut up. No one wants to hear you speak."


    Jason did not reply.


    Meanwhile, Will gently grasped Maeve''s hand, his wide eyes full of worry and concern. "Mommy," he whispered, offering


    herfort.


    Maeve shook her head, signaling that she was okay.


    3


    She did not know her biological parents and thus couldn''t refute what Jason had said. But what troubled her more than the uncertainty of her parentage was the mention of Laurel''s will. Recalling histe wife, Gilbert seemed visibly downcast, his mood sinking further.


    Sensing the shift, Byron spoke up once more. "Grandpa, we aren''t getting remarried immediately. It''s too soon to talk about these things."


    Maeve noticed the tired look on Gilbert''s face and felt a pang of worry. "Mr. Gilbert, you''re still recovering. It''s not good for you to get worked up like this."

 Chapter 310

    Maeve knew that Gilbert had always doted on her, which was why she didn''t want to see him in a difficult position.


    As Byron had said, they weren''t getting remarried anytime soon. They had a long way to go, and no one could predict what the future would bring.


    Gilbert nodded wearily. "I''m going to rest for a bit. You all keep eating." With that, he left the dining room, supported by Damian.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Alexis mmed her fork onto the table, giving Jason a cold re "You,e with me," she said before heading out of the room, her entire posture radiating anger. If it weren''t for Will being present, she might have alreadyunched into a tirade. Jason, clearly embarrassed, still followed her out. Alexis''s temper had grown uncontroble since theirst confrontation. He didn''t dare provoke her easily anymore.


    Byron remained entirelyposed despite his parents'' imminent argument, calmly helping Maeve and Will with their food.


    Maeve, however, had lost her appetite. After a few bites, she set down her fork and excused herself to the restroom.


    The sound of running water filled the room as Maeve washed her hands, lost in thought.


    When she snapped back to reality, she looked up to see Byron leaning against the wall, seemingly waiting for her. Startled, she stared at him for a few seconds. ""What''s wrong?" His gaze was intense.


    Byron''s eyes held a curious glint, making no effort to hide it. "You don''t seem surprised that Will is your biological son." Her reaction earlier had been shock, but not the kind he was expecting. Instead of being stunned by the fact that Will was her son, she was more surprised that he had revealed it in front of everyone.


    Maeve was shocked at his perceptiveness.


    She admitted frankly, "Yes. I''ve known for a long time."


    Byron''s expression darkened. "You never mentioned it and acted as if you didn''t know."


    She acted like Will''s big sister and never showed any guilt in front of Byron.


    "You''ve never been clear about your intentions," Maeve said, staring back at him through the mirror. "Just like four years ago when I didn''t understand why you were so determined to make me abort the baby."


    "Maeve, are you joking?" Byron''s brows furrowed in confusion. "Why would I ever force you to abort our child?"


    Somehow, he sensed that her words were tied to the borate deception Karen had orchestrated.


    Maeve gripped the sink, her mind swirling as she tried to find the right words.


    Byron stood there, his intense gaze fixed on her, waiting for her answer.


    After a long silence, Maeve''s tense body gradually rxed, and she let out a slow breath.


    She said, "Maybe you''ve forgotten, but I once asked what you would do if we had a child. Without hesitation, you told me you''d strangle it with your own hands."


    As Maeve repeated those words, the chill she had felt back then crept over her body once again, causing her to tremble


    uncontrobly.


    0


    "Later, when Karen had me tied down on that operating table, they told me it was your order to take my child." Maeve let out a bitterugh. "Byron, do you know why ver doubted them for a second? Because of you."


    His attitude, every word he had spoken, had clearly shown his rejection and distaste for his child.


    Byron''s pupils contracted, and his throat tightened. "Maeve."


    Maeve cut him off. "ver understood why you hated your flesh and blood but could ept an adopted child. When I first found out I was pregnant, I considered telling you, hoping you might share the joy I felt about this child. But you didn''t. You imprisoned me in your estate and forced me to get rid of the baby."


    "Maeve." Byron''s voice was low and tense. "You''ve misunderstood. I didn''t lock you up because I wanted you to abort the child. I did it because I thought you wanted to."


    "What?" Maeve stared at him in disbelief.


    Byron''s gaze never wavered. "The day you were hospitalized after being injured by the falling chandelier at the restaurant, Archer found out that you had visited a clinic for an abortion. I thought you wanted to get rid of my child after the divorce. To prevent that, I confined you to the estate. But then you went on a hunger strike and even tried to jump from the balcony. What was I supposed to think?"


    Maeve was stunned, her mouth slightly open, her ears buzzing.


    She said, "I thought you were trying to get rid of my child, and that''s why I didn''t eat anything, fearing you would poison the food. I tried to escape because I didn''t want to wake up one day and find that the baby was gone! And you even said back then that I could leave only if I left the child behind."


    "Ridiculous." Byron''s expression grew colder. "What I meant was you could leave if you gave birth first."


    The two stood there, staring at each other, feeling the absurdity and helplessness in every word exchanged.


    Maeve still couldn''t believe it. "You never wanted me to abort the child?"


    Byron''s chest heaved as he struggled to contain the storm of emotions inside him. "Maeve, I admit that before I knew you were pregnant, I was against the idea of having a child. That was because I didn''t want him to carry my blood, the blood of that despicable Jason."


    His deep voice was tinged with a subtle but unmistakable disgust, the coldness around him as tangible as a freezing wind cutting through the room.


    Maeve shivered, staring at his cold expression, her heart sinking as though soaked in acid.


    If she hadn''t known what kind of man Jason was, she might not have understood why Byron felt this way. But she did know and she had seen it for herself.


    Byron despised Jason as much as he loathed he was Jason''s son.


    "After I found out you were pregnant, those thoughts vanished from my mind." The Coldness around Byron began to dissipate as he looked deeply into Maeve''s eyes. "If I had any thought at all back then, it was only about how to protect you both." Maeve felt her eyes sting, her fingers loosening and then tightening again. But it wasn''t enough to stop her tears streaming down her face.


    As soon as Byron saw her crying, his expression shifted immediately. He quickly pulled her into his arms.


    "Maeve." His hand gently cupped the back of her neck as he whispered, "It was my fault. I should have exined everything


    to you sooner. I shouldn''t have let you carry all these thoughts a


    Maeve''s face was wet with tears as she leaned into his houlder,


    She muttered, "It was your fault. If you had just exined yours

 Chapter 311

    Byron tightened his arms around Maeve, his heart feeling like it was bound tightly by countless threads, constricting further with each of her sobs.


    "I''m sorry," he said, his voice hoarse. "I shouldn''t have said those things that frightened you."


    If it hadn''t been for this misunderstanding, they wouldn''t have missed out on four whole years. Four years were not short. Fortunately, it was not toote.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    After venting for a while, Maeve felt much better. She just needed an outlet for her feelings.


    Even though it had taken four years, she had never forgotten that painful past. Now that the misunderstanding was cleared up, it felt like a heavy stone had been lifted from her heart. Maeve nced at Byron''s expensive suit, wrinkled and stained with her tears and snot. She said defiantly, "Even if I ruin your suit, I won''t pay for it."


    Byron looked down at the damp spot on his shoulder and chuckled softly. "It''s its honor."


    Maeve smiled.


    After washing her face, Maeve and Byron returned to the dining room.


    Will immediately sensed something was off between his parents. It was as if the barrier that had been between them had suddenly disappeared, closing the gap between their shoulders. His eyes brightened as he noticed Maeve''s slightly reddened eyes. His expression turned serious. "Dad, did you just make Mom cry?"


    Byron nced at Maeve, not denying it.


    Will frowned. "As a man, how could you bully the most precious woman in the family? A real man should be graceful and intelligent. That''s what you taught me, Dad."


    "I have already apologized to Mom," Byron replied, his cool demeanor softening a bit. "Recognizing one''s mistakes is important, right?"


    Will reluctantly nodded and then turned to Maeve, who was trying to stifle herughter. "Mom, did you forgive Dad? It''s okay if you haven''t. I''m on your side."


    Byron''s jaw tightened. That little brat was really good at charming his mother.


    Even if Maeve still felt a bit upset, Will''s support made the storm in her heart dissipate.


    "Thank you, Will. You''re such a good boy," Maeve said, leaning down to kiss his little cheek. "Seeing you makes me happy."


    Will still wasn''t used to such intimate interactions, but he learned to mimic her and returned the kiss.


    The warm harmony between mother and son left Byron feeling a pang of bitterness as he watched from the side.


    "Are you going to keep eating here, or should we go home and wait for me to cook?" he asked.


    Maeve and Will both turned toward him and said in unison, "Let''s go home."


    They hadn''t forgotten that Theo was still waiting for them at home. They wondered if he had eaten his dinner yet. Byron felt happy when he said "home." 07:51 Wed, Nov 6


    Not even a bit afraid, Theo-replied, "You''re basically an adult close to a hundred years old. How can you bully a little kid like me?"


    Byron was stunned. "Who taught you that math? Is there a rounding system like that?"


    "I taught myself. Isn''t it impressive?"


    "Yes! Since you''re almost thirty this year, I won''t cook for you. You''re on your own."


    This time, Theo was left speechless. "You''re so stingy."


    Byron chuckled lightly. "What''s surprising about a near-hundred-year-old man being weak and petty?"


    Before their yful argument escted, Maeve quickly picked up Theo and turned to Byron. "Go cook for us. We''re hungry!"


    Byron didn''t know that Theo was actually his biological son. If he had, he would have punished Theo.


    Thinking of that, Maeve suddenly shivered. She hadpletely forgotten to tell him about Byron''s identity.


    Now that the misunderstandings were cleared, her initial concerns had faded away. The only thing she worried about was Jason. She feared that what Will had gone through might also befall Theo.


    "What are you thinking about?" A low, maic voice pulled Maeve out of her thoughts.


    She looked up to meet Byron''s eyes and instinctively averted her gaze.


    "Nothing." Maeve shook her head. "I was just thinking about wanting some spaghetti bolognese. Can you make that?"


    Byron raised an eyebrow. "Never made it before, but I can give it a try."


    He picked up the ingredients and headed to the kitchen, taking Will

 Chapter 312

    "What are you thinking about?" A low, maic voice pulled Maeve out of her thoughts.


    She looked up to meet Byron''s eyes and instinctively averted her gaze.


    "Nothing." Maeve shook her head. "I was just thinking about wanting some spaghetti bolognese. Can you make that?"


    Byron raised an eyebrow. "Never made it before, but I can give it a try."


    He picked up the ingredients and headed to the kitchen, taking Will along with him. In the Mcdaniel family, no one was a freeloader.


    The sight of the two, one big and one small, walking toward the kitchen gave Maeve a warm feeling.


    Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when Theo softly said from her arms, "Mommy, Jaylen called. There''s probably something important."


    In the past six months, Jaylen had been increasingly busy treating patients, rarely reaching out unless something urgent


    came up.


    Theo couldn''t shake the feeling that Jaylen was deliberately keeping his distance. The reason was unknown.


    "Looks like the busy person has finally shown up," Maeve said, carrying Theo toward the room. "You should ask him how long he ns to rest after this."


    The patient Jaylen was currently treating seemed quite difficult. Maeve had rarely seen Jaylen spend so much time on a single case.


    Usually, he would wrap things up within half a month. This time was definitely unusual.


    Theo nodded, connecting the call with Jaylen and switching to speaker mode. "Jaylen, are you done? Are you nning to take a break soon?"


    "Theo, it''s me." A much older voice came from the other end.


    Theo squealed with excitement, "Mr. Walker, why is it you? Where''s Jaylen?"


    Rudolf''s voice sounded solemn. "Jaylen hasn''t woken up yet. He''ll probably need to rest for a long time."


    Theo said, "What does that mean? Is Jaylen not going out to treat patients anymore? He said he wanted to treat nine hundred ny-nine patients to break the international record.


    "Help people?" Rudolf sounded both angry and helpless. "He can''t even take care of himself. If I hadn''t identally discovered that the prescription he wrote for himself was problematic, I wouldn''t have known how long he was going to hide this from me!"


    Maeve sensed something was off and quickly asked, "Mr. Walker, what happened to Jaylen


    It seemed Jaylen was sick.


    But even if it were aplicated case, Rudolf would have been able to treat it. His tone shouldn''t be so tense.


    Rudolf exhaled slowly. "Do you know why Jaylen studied medicine?"


    Maeve replied, "Jaylen told me he wanted to save someone important to him, someone he had to save." Rudolf said, "That person is himself."


    <


    the


    Maeve''s eyes widened in shock. "So he..."


    Rudolf said, "He has been frail since birth. Only through herbal medicine has he been able to grow up. But it''s only a temporary solution, like borrowed time. Eventually, he has to pay it back." 95%1


    He continued, "Years ago, I was deceived into thinking his health was fine. I had no idea he was running out of time and had been hiding from me under the pretense of treating others.


    "If I hadn''t sent someone to force him back, he probably would rather die out there than let us know."


    Rudolf didn''t realize Jaylen was this stubborn.


    Maeve felt a chill run down her spine, worry filling her eyes. "Mr. Walker, is there really nothing you can do about Jaylen''s condition?"


    Theo stamped his little feet anxiously. "I can help too. We can find a way!"


    Rudolf sighed heavily. "His illness has always been a race against time. Gaining a day is a victory, but now he''s reaching his limit."


    Maeve and Theo couldn''t say anything for a long while, finding it hard to ept the reality.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Maeve had never heard Jaylen talk about this matter before.


    He always appeared gloomy but was genuinely warm-hearted, hiding his kindness beneath a sharp tongue.


    Moreover, Maeve owed him immeasurably. Because of his careful treatment, she was able to carry her children to term due to her several near-miscarriages.


    To her, Jaylen was not only a benefactor but also a close friend.


    Theo, who had a great rtionship with Jaylen, was on the verge of tears.


    "Mr. Walker, how much time does Jaylen have left?" Maeve asked, her voice hoarse.


    "Up to a year, but at least six months," Rudolf said wearily. "Maeve, you should know his temperament. Even if I manage to bring him back, he will do everything he can to escape and find a deserted ce to wait for death." Maeve immediately said, "We can''t let him do that."


    "Exactly. Which is why I want to ask you for a favor."


    "Just tell me. As long as it''s within my power, I will do my best."


    Rudolf nodded appreciatively. "ed you to persuade Jaylen toe back home. With you and Theo watching over him, I think he won''t act recklessly. Meanwhile, I''ll look for other ways to extend his life."


    Without hesitation, Maeve promised, "Don''t worry. I will persuade him."


    After hanging up, Maeve and Theo felt heavy-hearted.


    At that moment, Theo suddenly said, "Mommy, it seems that Will is also congenitally deficient."


    Maeve was filled with anxiety. "Will is going to be like Jaylen?"


    "Jaylen''s condition is more severe. It''s a case of someone who should have perished but survived by sheer luck. There''s no other way to extend his life," Theo exined. "Will is also congenitally deficient, but with proper care, he shouldn''t have too many problems. He just needs to be monitored carefully."


    07:51/ Wed, Nov 6


    At least until Will turned ten, they could not afford to be careless.


    Maeve took note of every word he said, thinking of Jaylen, and her worries lingered.


    She didn''t want Jaylen to die, but she felt powerless to change the situation.


    All she could do was follow Rudolf''s instructions and try to persuade him to return home and recuperate.


    3


    After washing up that evening, Maeve received a message from Rudolf, informing her that Jaylen had awakened. She immediately called him.


    When the call connected, Jaylen''s cold voice came through. "Mr. Walker must have tattled on me, right?"


    Hearing his voice, which sounded just like usual, Maeve cautiously said, "He is just worried about you. Thest time I saw Mrs. Chatterly, she mentioned she missed you and asked when you would being back." "Why would I go back?" Jaylen replied casually. "The Chatterly family wouldn''t care."


    %

 Chapter 313

    Maeve asked, "What?"


    "Do you remember that year you first arrived in Erancia? I asked for a wish for my birthday," Jaylen said, shifting the conversation. "I want to cash it in now."


    Maeve didn''t think too much and nodded immediately. "Just tell me what it is. If I can do it, I will!"


    Jaylen''s voice softened. "You can definitely do it, Maeve. Consider this myst wish before I leave this world. Be my fiancee. I don''t ask for much else. Just that during my remaining time, you are mine."


    Maeve''s eyes widened in shock, struggling to believe what she had heard. "Jaylen, you-"


    "I have liked you for a long time. I don''t know when it started, maybe I didn''t even realize it myself, but I have kept you in my heart." He interrupted her. "Over the past two years, I''ve traveled all around the world, but the ce I want to return to the most is where you are. "I admit this is selfish, but if I don''t do this, I''ll probably spend the rest of my time regretting it. I don''t want to have regrets."


    Holding her phone, Maeve felt a whirlwind of emotions, unsure of how to respond.


    She thought of Byron, feeling as if she were in a tug-of-war within her heart, unable to find peace.


    Jaylen saved her and her children. Even if she spent a lifetime, she couldn''t


    repay that debt.


    His request wasn''t too unreasonable. He only wanted her to be his fiancee, not to marry him right away.


    She should have agreed immediately, but the words stuck in her throat. Her mind had the answer, yet her heart was blocking her from replying.


    "Jaylen, I need some time to think about it," Maeve said, her voice a bit hoarse. "Can you wait a few days?"


    Not rejecting him immediately was enough to make Jaylen feel relieved.


    Jaylen said, "I''ll be back in the country the day after tomorrow. We can meet then."


    Maeve replied, "Okay. Make sure to rest well, and don''t go against Mr. Walker. He''s only looking out for you."


    Jaylen chuckled. "Got it. Now that you''ve said it, how could I not listen?"


    Maeve hung up the phone, her emotions in turmoil.


    After a moment, she jumped out of bed and ran out of her room, heading straight to the apartment across the way. Byron handled work there. Just as Maeve arrived, Archer had dropped off some investigation documents from four years ago. "Byron!"


    Hearing her voice, Byron looked up from his paperwork, only to be enveloped in her embrace the next second.


    Maeve nestled beside him, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck. She was like a cat seekingfort and sinking into his embrace.


    Byron was momentarily taken aback but then smiled, wrapping his arms around her.


    He asked, "Why are you suddenly so proactive? Did you do something wrong?"


    It was nearly impossible for Maeve to throw herself at him like this. He certainly weed the gesture.


    With her cheek pressed against his neck, Maeve gently shook her head. "Why did you assume that? I won''t hug you next time."


    Byron said, "Well, I''ll take the initiative next time."


    He casually set aside the documents on the ss table, his hand lightly grazing Maeve''s lower back.


    Startled, she fell softly against him.


    "Speak normally! Don''t start getting handsy!" she said, a hint of embarrassment causing her to bite her lip.


    Byron raised an eyebrow with a yful smirk. "Maeve, I''m a normal man."


    She was in his arms. She couldn''t expect him to keep it strictly tonic.


    Maeve felt like she had brought trouble to herself. But with her current low sense of security, being close to Byron was the only thing that made her feel better. Noticing her unease, Byron lowered his gaze, asking softly, "What''s wrong?"


    "I..." Maeve initially thought about discussing Jaylen''s situation with him but then reconsidered. It wouldn''t be right to share someone else''s illness.


    She also couldn''t bring herself to voice the things Jaylen had said.


    After a long internal struggle, her face scrunched up in confusion.


    Byron reached out to gently stroke her cheek. "Stop frowning. You look like an olddy. What''s bothering you so much?"


    "You look like an old man," Maeve retorted, frowning even more, but still unable to voice her thoughts. She had a strong feeling that if she told Byron what Jaylen had said, the consequences would be unbearable. Byron studied her for a few seconds, his brow slightly furrowed. Her distress indicated it wasn''t a trivial matter.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "If you don''t want to talk about it, that''s fine," he said, giving her soft neck a gentle squeeze. "Archer just dropped off the investigation materials. Let''s look at that instead."


    Maeve looked puzzled. "What investigation?"


    Byron didn''t answer, handing her the documents.


    She took the papers from him and opened them, surprised to find detailed information about the coercion she faced from Karen four years ago regarding a forced abortion.


    Thest page contained a personal information sheet, noting that one of the men involved was a bodyguard for Karen, skilled at voice imitation and disguise.


    After Archer approached him, the man quickly confessed that it had been Karen who had ordered him to impersonate Archer and say those things to Maeve. His testimony was recorded.


    Even though Maeve had already believed Byron wasn''t behind this, listening to the confession still sent a chill down her spine.


    Karen''s schemes were well-nned.


    If Maeve hadn''t returned to the country and reunited with Byron, this misunderstanding might have lingered between them 07:52 Wed, Nov 6


    forever.


    9


    As time passed, it could have be a thorn in their rtionship, impossible to remove. A change of decision could affect


    their lives forever.


    Maeve''s unease intensified, making her crave something to fill the emptiness in her racing heart.


    She lifted her head and kissed Byron''s cool lips without thinking, almost colliding with his lower lip a few times.


    Byron was shocked, his palm cradling the back of her head as he gently nibbled at her lips. He gradually deepened the kiss as Maeve''s breathing became erratic.


    As if affected by her urgency, the kiss transformed from gentle to increasingly fervent.


    Maeve found herself suddenlyid back on the sofa. Her swollen lips barely got a moment''s reprieve before being sealed tightly once more, making her let out a soft whimper. Her mind became hazy, her tongue tingling, feeling as if she were running out of air.


    Suddenly, a chill ran down her spine. A hand traveled up her back, deliberately loosening her bra.


    Maeve heard the faint sound of the sp being undone, and her ears turned red. She twisted her waist, trying to evade his wandering hand.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Byron''s voice was low and deep, sexy enough to send shivers down her spine, leaving her powerless against him:


    In just a moment of distraction, Maeve realized her defenses hadpletely crumbled.

 Chapter 314

    Maeve''s cheeks were burning. Her blood felt like moltenva flowing through her veins, heating her to a flushed crimson.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    She tried to turn away in difort, but Byron''s hand firmly held her waist. His body pressed down on hers. Her back sank into the soft sofa, and she could not retreat.


    His heated kisses rained down on her neck and shoulders, moving slowly along her corbone, each one carrying a possessive intent.


    Maeve frowned, her delicate fingers gripping his sleeve so hard that the fabric creased. Her voice came out muffled. "That''s enough... I still need to go back in a bit..." Byron exhaled lowly in her ear, chuckling lightly at her words. "You got me worked up like this, and you still n to leave tonight? No way."


    Maeve found herself lifted off the couch and carried towards the master bedroom. Byron''s leg hooked the door shut behind them as he strode to the bed, cing her down gently. The kisses came again, this time with an intensity that mirrored the storm outside.


    "Don''t take what Jason said to heart." Byron''s voice was husky as he murmured into her ear, kissing her soft and sensitive earlobe. "He only said that to get under my skin."


    He assumed Maeve''s unease came from what Jason had said, and his tone carried a hint of reassurance.


    Maeve remained silent, biting down lightly on the firm curve of his throat in response.


    Byron tensed slightly. He gazed at her intensely. His lips found the tender spot on her neck, teasing it gently but unmistakably.


    Maeve shivered, trying to wriggle out from beneath him as she asked hesitantly, "What if I ended up with someone else? What would


    you


    do?" His


    s narrowed. "I don''t know. Why don''t you try it?"


    Though his words sounded casual, the dangerous edge in his tone made her heart race with unease. Her eyes darted away.


    Byron held her chin, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss. "If you still have time to think about that while in my arms, then I must have been too gentle with you." Maeve whimpered helplessly, and before she could


    kiss.


    ead for mercy, her remaining words were stopped by the heat of his


    *****


    The next morning, after breakfast, Byron drove the two little ones to their preschool and then took Maeve to her studio.


    Before she got out of the car, Byron


    ked, "How about lunch together? I can have Archer pick you up."


    Since it wasn''t far, Maeve nodded. "Sure. I''ll walk over myself. No need to trouble Archer."


    Byron gave a small nod and handed her his ess pass, allowing her to take his private elevator when she arrived.


    "See you at noon." Maeve waved at him as she got out of the car


    Once Byron drove off, the smile on her face slowly faded, reced by a bittersweet expression.


    Whether it was Laurel''sst wishes or Jaylen''s limited time, everything weighed heavily on her heart. She felt powerless, as though nothing could be changed, no matter how much she wished it could. Taking a deep breath, Maeve turned and walked towards the building. But just as she reached the entrance, she paused, quickly turned back, and hailed a cab.


    In the whirlwind of the past few days, she had almost forgotten


    Scott and Valda were still in the detention center, and the trial was set for next month.


    Before that, there were many questions she needed to ask them,


    After much consideration, Maeve decided to face Valda.


    In just a few days, Valda seemed to have aged significantly. Dressed in the drab gray uniform of the detention center, she looked worn out.


    Yet, the moment she saw Maeve, her lifeless eyes lit up with hope. Gripping the bars tightly, she called out desperately, "Maeve, my dear daughter. I raised you all these years. You called me ''Mom'' for so long, you wouldn''t leave me to rot here, right?" She looked at Maeve as if grasping at herst lifeline, pleading with all her heart


    Maeve, however, had long since cut off any emotional ties to them the moment she discovered she had been stolen from her real parents. Yet hearing Valda''s words still made her chuckle.


    your cold "Mom?" Maeve echoed, her voiceced with irony. "You only acknowledged as your daughter when you needed money or found me useful. I used to wonder why, feeling both hurt and angry. Was it because I was a girl that I deserved treatment, your beatings?" Maeve let out a shortugh. "I could have grown up with my real parents. You took that away from me, and for what? To use me as a tool to exploit? You deserve this."


    Valda flushed with anger, her face reddening. "If we hadn''t taken you, you''d be dead by now! Your real parents wouldn''t have been able to protect you!"


    Maeve pressed her lips together. "How do I know you''re not just making excuses to cover your own guilt?"


    "Why would I lie to you? Your real parents weren''t even from Kleymond. I knew the moment I saw them. They were from somewhere else and had crossed the wrong people. I saw your mother get dragged into a car and taken away!" Eager to reduce her sentence, Valda spilled everything she remembered from that day.


    Maeve''s heart sank as she listened.


    Her birth parents were involved with the criminal underworld.


    She pondered what could have happened to them after they were taken away.


    "Do you remember what they looked like?" Maeve asked, her voice barely above a whisper


    Twenty years had passed, and it was unlikely Valda could recall anything with certainty. She fumbled for an answer, "Your mother... she looked a bit like you, long hair, seemed delicate and fragile. Your father.., tall, built, with a scar on his face. Not someone to mess with." These vague descriptions provided no concrete details, making nearly impossible to track them down. And besides, they might not even still be alive.


    Maeve bit her lip, her mind racing. Even if her birth parents weren''t "good" people, she still wanted to meet them.


    "By the way, there was something left in your nket back then, Valda suddenly mentioned.


    Maeve immediately pressed her for more. "What was it?"


    Valda, sensing an opportunity, smiled slyly. "What''s in it for me if I tell you?"


    Maeve narrowed her eyes, the suspicion evident in her voice. "And how do I know you''re not lying?" Valda seemed confident. "You can believe me or not, but I''m the only one who knows where it is." "Fine," Maeve responded, her patience wearing thin. "At least tell me what it is first."


    Valda said, "It was a pacifier... decorated with diamonds and sapphires."


    Maeve blinked in disbelief. "A... pacifier?"


    Valda nodded. "Yes, a pacifier."


    Maeve became silent.


    Her mind shed back to her childhoo


    Her mind shed back to her childhood, to a memory she had nearly forgotten. She remembered seeing a "fancy pacifier" once, studded with sparkling jewels, tucked away in Valda and Scott''s drawer.


    She had stared at it for a bit too long, only to be pped across the face by Scott, who used her of trying to steal it.


    After that, Maeve never dared to go near their room again, for fear of being hit. And now, she realized that the pacifier had been left by her real parents.


    Maeve took a deep breath, steadying herself. "What do you want in exchange for telling me where it is? As long as it''s not too unreasonable, I''ll consider it."


    Valda''s jaw clenched, and she thought for a long moment before finally lowering her voice. "Get me a goodwyer. Help me cut down my sentence, and once I''m out, give me 100 thousand dors to livefortably. That''s fair, isn''t it?"


    1

 Chapter 315

    Even in the most difficult times, Valda couldn''t bear to sell the jewels on the pacifier. She intended to save it for Horace, to use it for his future wedding.. But if she didn''t use it to negotiate with Maeve, she might not live to see that day.


    A trace of mockery shed in Maeve''s eyes. She would never let a child thief enjoy her old age in peace.


    Looking at Valda''s confident expression, she chuckled.


    Valda said, "Is it thatplicated? I''d rather just ask the police for help, wouldn''t that be much easier?"


    Maeve stood up, casting a final nce at Valda. "Youmitted a crime and still expect leniency? Ridiculous."


    This was why she chose to meet Valda instead of Scott. If it were Scott, that slippery old fox, she might not have been able to get him to reveal anything.


    After leaving the meeting room, Maeve went to the police for help.


    A few hourster, the police finally found the luxury pacifier in the Reese family''s residence.


    It was hidden in the ceiling, so well concealed that it would''ve been impossible to find without a thorough search.


    Since it was evidence, Maeve would have to wait for a while before it could be returned to her.


    She stood, examining the pacifier through the transparent evidence bag, feeling aplex mix of emotions.


    This pacifier just screamed "nouveau riche."


    Maeve wondered if her parents had overestimated an infant''s strength. She thought, ''How could a baby possibly hold something this heavy in the mouth? Were they trying to train my strength?'' In any case, there was some parental love there but not much.


    Maybe it was because Maeve felt closer to finding her biological parents, she left the detention center with a spring in her


    step.


    Noticing it was almost noon, she hailed a cab and went straight to the Mcdaniel Group.


    Using Byron''s pass, she made her way to the top floor without a hitch.


    Byron happened to being out of a meeting. Seeing her, he swiftly left behind the group of executives who were still engaged in heated debate and walked over to her, naturally taking her right hand. "Have you been waiting long?" His voice, deep and maic, had lost the harsh sharpness it carried during meetings, reced with a hint of barely detectable warmth.


    The executives behind him were stunned that Byron was holding a woman''s handProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    They wondered if he was in a rtionship, and they also found Maeve looked familiar,


    Maeve shook her head. "No, I just got here. What should we eatter?"


    "How about trying out the food from ourpany cafeteria?" Byron suggested with a smile.


    For some reason, Maeve suddenly felt like the high and mighty multinationalpany had transformed into a down-to-earth small business.


    She replied, "Sure, I''m not picky. I''m easier to please than you are."


    Byron smiled. "Then I should thank you for taking some pressure off me, Miss Reese."


    ??? 3 94%u


    Previously, when the two of them argued, they would purposely use formal addresses like "Miss Reese" and "Mr. Mcdaniel" to distance themselves from each other.


    But now, when Byron said "Miss Reese," there seemed to be an undertone of something more ambiguous.


    They entered the elevator together, heading down to the 15th-floor staff cafeteria.


    When Maeve arrived, she realized this ce could hardly be called a cafeteria.


    From the luxurious decor to the spotless, pristine environment, and the uniformed waitstaff moving around, everything exuded the elegance and ss of a five-star restaurant. Maeve had seen the chef Byron mentioned in a gourmet magazine before. He had won the Oceanus Master Chef Championship for seven consecutive years.


    She never expected him to be recruited to work at the Mcdaniel Group''s cafeteria.


    After choosing a seat by the window, Maeve picked up her knife and fork, ready to start eating.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you having lunch here today too?" A light, graceful voice came from behind.


    Maeve turned her head and saw a woman approaching, dressed in a coral-colored suit with an elegant and refined appearance. She smiled and waved at Byron. "What a coincidence. I was craving Mr. Buck''s cooking, so I came by for a bite. Mind if I join you?" Dante Buck was the champion chef they were just talking about.


    Her tone was so casual and familiar, carrying an intimate vibe as if she shared a close rtionship with Byron.


    Maeve swallowed the shrimp in her mouth, her gaze shifting between Byron and the woman.


    Byron sat there unmoved, giving a slight nod as a greeting, then said coolly, "It''s not convenient. My girlfriend might mind." ''Girlfriend? Serena finally noticed Maeve sitting across from Byron and discreetly gave her a few nces.


    Then she smiled. "Oh, so you''re Mr. Mcdaniel''s girlfriend. I''ve heard him mention you before and have been wanting to meet you. Hello, I''m Serena Malvis, Mr. Mcdaniel''s son''s therapist."


    Maeve pushed down her doubts and replied, "I''m Maeve Reese. Nice to meet you. Since you know each other, feel free to join us."


    Serena looked at Byron, smiled, and said, "Well, thank you then.


    Maeve moved to sit beside Byron, giving her seat to Serena.


    Though initially displeased by the intrusion into their alone time, Byron''s mood improved instantly. He ced a te of peeled shrimp in front of Maeve.


    He said, "Eat up."


    "Thanks." Maeve''s dimples appeared as she smiled. After taking a couple of bites, she turned to Serena and asked the question that had been on her mind. "Miss Malvis, since you''re Will''s therapist, could I ask about his condition?" "That''s part of the patient''s privacy, so it''s not something I can share." Serena politely declined.


    Maeve felt a bit disappointed. "I see. Sorry."


    Byron put down the napkin he was using and calmly exined. Will has mild autism. There was a period when his emotional instability was severe. Miss Malvis specializes in child psychology, and before she went abroad, she was helping Will with therapy." Hearing this, Maeve felt sorry for Will.


    In addition to his physical weaknesses, he also had psychological issues. She couldn''t imagine how Will had suffered in the


    past.


    Coming back to herself, Maeve looked gratefully at Serena. "Thank you, Miss Malvis, for all the help you''ve given Will."


    Serena replied, "There''s no need to thank me, Miss Reese. Will and I are good friends, and every moment I''ve spent with him has been very fulfilling."


    Maeve couldn''t help but feel a little envious. Serena had spent much more time with Will than she had.


    In all those days Maeve hadn''t been by Will''s side, Serena was there for him.


    "Will is a bit shy, so for you to be his friend shows that you''re someone with a lot of care for children," Maeve said with sincere admiration.


    Her genuinepliment, devoid of any hostility, made Serena''s smile falter slightly.


    Serena said, "It''s nothing. Will is the one who''s easy to get along with. He''s always cooperative during our sessions. Honestly, I feel like I''ve received more care from him than I''ve given."


    Maeve nodded in agreement. "He''s just too easy to care for, which sometimes makes me worry more. I''m afraid he''s hiding any grievances inside. Hearing you say this puts my mind at ease." Serena thought, ''Is this woman pretending to be clueless, or is she genuinely naive?''

 Chapter 316

    "Mr. Mcdaniel, sorry to disturb your meal. I have something important to report to you." Archer walked over with a solemn expression. "It''s about Kuskait''s pharmaceuticalpany."


    Byron nodded slightly and turned to Maeve. He said, "Eat first. Il go deal with it."


    Maeve replied, "Okay."


    Maeve watched as Byron and Archer walked to a quiet ce to talk. She rested her chin on her hand and pondered, ''Is he always so busy every day?"


    Just as Maeve was pondering this, Serena said, "Mr. Mcdaniel is so busy every day and has very little free time. He most likely doesn''t have much time to apany you. Does it bother you?"


    Maeve gave the question some thought. When she first got married to Byron, he was so busy that she rarely saw him. As time went on, Byron gradually began to return home more frequently. Maeve couldn''t recall when the shift started. Maeve was not someone who cravedpany. Besides, both of them had their jobs to keep them busy. They didn''t have time to be clingy with each other every day.


    "No," Maeve replied with a smile. "He''s busy and so am I. It feels fine."


    "Mr. Mcdaniel is so lucky to have such an understanding girlfriend like you. Previously, I thought that he would marry his first love. Oops! I''m sorry. I spoke without thinking. Please don''t take it to heart." Serena pretended to look vexed at her slip of tongue. Maeve was not offended, but she was curious. She asked, "His first love? I don''t think I''ve heard him mention her before."


    "Well, Mr. Mcdaniel was also once a young man madly in love." Serena elegantly took a sip of coffee and said with a smile, "Mr. Mcdaniel met his first love when he was in university. The girl was a high school student. I even saw the sketch of her that Mr. Mcdaniel drew at his house. I suppose although school romances usually don''t end well, they''re always unforgettable."


    Byron had drawn a sketch of the girl.


    Maeve immediately thought of the sketch in Byron''s study. The girl in it looked very simr to Lynn.


    She thought, ''I see. So the girl in the sketch was Byron''s first love


    Maeve also had an ex-boyfriend, so she did not mind Byron having a first love other than her.


    However, she was puzzled. Byron had clearly told her in the past that he had never been in a rtionship.


    Maeve wondered if Byron had lied to her.


    Serena saw Maeve''s expression turn slightly ugly. Her smile deepened. She feigned ignorance and said, "Did I say too much? Don''t mind me. I just returned to the country and don''t have many friends. I hit it off quite well with you while chatting with you and subconsciously said more than I should have."


    Serena was Will''s friend. Therefore, Maeve had a good impression of her and did not notice that she was actually sowing discord.


    Maeve said earnestly, "Not at all. Serena, I have to thank you for chatting with me. Otherwise, I would be bored eating alone." Serena was speechless. She thought to herself, ''Is this woman actually stupid?''


    Serena''s smile faded when she realized her words failed to affect Maeve. Serena finished her coffee and stood up.


    She excused herself, saying, "ed to go home first to prepare some stuff. I have to go to Mr. Mcdaniel''s house tonight to counsel Will, so I''ll be heading off first."


    Maeve nodded and waved at her. She said, "Goodbye, Serena. Thank you for your hard work."


    When Serena turned around, the smile on her facepletely disappeared.


    Maeve was unaware that she had unintentionally angered Serena. She looked at the te of shrimp that Byron had just served her and pushed it back to his side of the table angrily.


    She thought to herself, ''Byron, you big liar.


    He clearly had a first love, but he lied to her and said that he had never been in a rtionship.


    "What''s wrong?" Byron returned to the dining table and saw Maeve moving the te of shrimp back to his side. He raised his eyebrows and said, "You''re so nice to me today. You even thought of sharing your food with me." Maeve paused when she heard the way Byron interpreted her action. She silently pulled the te back.


    She thought, ''Why should I share my food with him?''


    Byron casually unbuttoned a button on his suit jacket. Every single one of his moves looked elegant. After sitting down, he asked her, "Were you and Serena talking about me just now?"


    Maeve suddenly looked up.


    She thought, ''Is he omniscient?''


    Her thoughts were written all over her face. It was difficult for Byron to ignore. He asked, "What did you talk about?"


    Maeve replied, "Nothing. We just talked about a man''s first love."


    Byron pressed her to borate, "And?"


    Maeve looked at him. She asked, "Did you have one too?"


    Byron paused and said truthfully, "Not really."


    Maeve thought, ''Who is he trying to fool?''


    Byron had personally sketched his first love and even ced the sketch on his table in his study to view whenever he wanted.


    Maeve thought, ''How can he deny having a first love? Is he not telling me because he is afraid that I will be jealous? Maeve felt jealous. She was so angry that she took away thergest piece of smoked baby back ribs from Byron''s te. "Take them all." Byron gave her the rest of the row of ribs. He was secretly smiling.


    Maeve reached out to protect her te and said expressionlessly "No. I don''t eat food handed to me out of pity." Byron was confused by Maeve''s sudden change in mood.


    In the afternoon, Maeve returned to the studio still angry at Byron.


    Out of habit, she nced at Tom''s seat and realized that he was not there.


    07:52 Wed, Nov 6ww.


    After asking Paige, she found out that Tom had left the studio early in the afternoon and had note back since.


    "By the way, Ms. Reese, a guest is waiting for you in the reception room. He''s been here for a while," Paige said.


    Maeve went over to see who their guest was. It was Leon Anderson.


    "Mr. Anderson, why are you here?" She asked in surprise. "Are you feeling better?"


    Leon was wearing a white casual outfit. His short hair was clean and neat. His exquisite facial features were prettier than a woman''s, but he did not look feminine. He looked like a schrly gentleman. Leon seemed different from thest time Maeve met him.


    He looked healthier and more cheerful now.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Leon smiled and answered, "Much better. The doctor said that I coulde out for a walk today. I ended uping over to your ce. Sorry for making you and Byron worriedst time." Maeve poured him a cup of coffee and said, "It was nothing. I''m quite happy to see you get back on your feet."


    Leon looked at her without blinking. He said, "My old clothes don''t fit anymore, so I wanted to ask you to help me make a few sets of men''s clothes."


    He had sent all the women''s clothes back to Erancia.


    From now on, Leon would live well on behalf of Lynn.


    Of course, Maeve agreed. "Let me take your measurements first. You seem to have suddenly grown more than four inches


    do it?" taller? How did you


    Maeve had been wanting to ask Leon about his height. However, she refrained from doing sost time because the timing was not right.


    She had always wanted to grow about an inch taller.


    Her desire became even stronger whenever she stood beside Byron, who was over 6 feet 3 inches tall.


    Leon scratched the back of his head and said shyly, "I used to take bone-shrinking pills, so I looked shorter than I should be. After taking the antidote, I returned to my original height."


    Maeve was a little disappointed. She knew it. A person couldn''t have suddenly grown more than four inches overnight. Leon wasn''t a bamboo shoot.


    Maeve sighed internally. She patted Leon''s shoulder and signaled for him to follow her to the changing room to take his


    measurements.


    Leon touched the spot where Maeve patted him, his handsome face turning slightly red.

 Chapter 317

    After taking Leon''s measurements, Maeve recorded his personal preferences as reference for when she was brainstorming designs. As they were chatting, Paige knocked on the door and entered.


    Paige reported, "Ms. Reese, Tom hasn''t returned to the studio. No one picked up my call. What should we do?"


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. She wondered, ''Could he have attempted tomit suicide again?''


    Tom currently stayed very close to the studio. Maeve reached his ce after a five-minute walk.


    Maeve did not hesitate. She took out the spare key and opened the door. She called out, "Tom? Are you home? Tom... Oh dear!"


    When she saw Tom lying on the living room floor with his face down, Maeve''s face turned pale. She took a few steps forward and flipped him over. She said, "Tom? Wake up!"


    Just as she was about to call an ambnce, Tom grunted in difort and opened his eyes.


    He said, "Maeve?"


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief. She asked, "Are you alright? How did you end up fainting at home?"


    Right then, she saw the lower half of Tom''s face that was not covered by his scarf.


    She was taken aback.


    The upper half of Tom''s face was as handsome as that of an ancient Greek god. His facial features were well-defined. However, the lower half of his face was theplete opposite.


    The side of his face was covered in dark brown burn scars that snaked all the way to his chin and neck. The burn scars looked like a ball of knotted thread. There were also densely packed blood scabs that had coagted on his face. It was so terrifying that it made Maeve''s skin crawl.


    The scars ruined Tom''s supposedly good-looking face. It was like a crack on high-quality porcin.


    Tom met Maeve''s gaze and realized that she had seen his true appearance. His expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly pulled the scarf over his face.


    His wrist was trembling slightly.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to look." Maeve came back to h when she sensed that Tom was shaking.


    senses and apologized to Tom. She med herself even more


    Tom had always been covering his face with a scarf. Maeve thought he was afraid of the cold. She would never have guessed that Tom was using the scarf to hide the burn scars on his face.


    Maeve reckoned Tom must have rolled in fire before to have resulted in such arge area of scarring. The mere sight of it was painful.


    When Tom saw how guilty Maeve looked, he said calmly, "You don''t have to apologize. I''m sorry I scared you."


    Even Tom felt disgusted by his appearance. He was not surprised that other people were as well.


    3


    Maeve quickly shook her head. She said, "No, I don''t think the scars on your face are scary. To be honest, I was once poisoned and disfigured. I didn''t want to see anyone for a long time. Even when I looked in the mirror, I felt that I was ugly and despised myself." Sheughed self-deprecatingly and continued, "Butter on, I felt dissatisfied. Why should I admit defeat to a mere scar? Look at me now. I''ve already ovee my self-induced anxiety over my appearance."


    As she spoke, Maeve stood up and extended her hand to Tom. She said, "I believe you can do the same sooner ort Moreover, the wound on your face can still be treated."


    Tom looked at Maeve''s serious and gentle face. His heart skipped a beat as he took her hand.


    He had long given up hope of being cured.


    However, now, he felt ashamed to give up on himself after seeing how resilient Maeve was. Tom felt slightly motivated.


    He asked, "Can you please take me to the hospital? My stomach seems to be hurting a little."


    Maeve hurriedly said, "Why didn''t you say so earlier? Let''s go now."


    She thought Tom was fine since he looked nonchnt.


    It turned out that he had fainted from stomach pain. That was no small matter.


    When they arrived at the hospital, Tom went through various checkups. Finally, the doctor confirmed that Tom had chronic gastroenteritis, and it was caused by his irregr eating habits for an extended period of time.


    While Tom was in the gastroenterology department, Maeve secretly went to the dermatology department and asked the doctor to prescribe some medicine for serious burns.


    Perhaps to Tom, she might be overstepping boundaries. However, he was now her subordinate, so she felt the need to look out for him.


    Besides, Tom had helped Theo a lot.


    When Maeve went to the dermatology department, Tom came out of the consultation room with the doctor''s prescription and bumped into Hudson and rissa Nn.


    Tom lowered his gaze and walked forward without looking at them.


    "Prince Hosea!" Hudson eximed and grabbed Tom''s arm. Hudson sounded overjoyed even though he suppressed his voice. He said, "Is it really you? Why are you here? Her Majesty has been looking everywhere for you. Your sister is also very worried about you." "You are mistaken." Tom''s voice was hoarse as he retracted his hand calmly. "Please move aside."


    "It can''t be! I know you well." Hudson was very excited. "We came to Setigal to look for you. Our hard work has paid off."


    rissa chimed in and said, "Your Highness, Her Majesty is busy and worried sick about you. You should not act so willfully." Tom stood in his spot indifferently, but it was clear that he was tired of this.


    Maeve returned to this floor with the burn medicine. Seeing the group, she walked over to Tom''s side and asked, "Do you know each other?"


    Tom looked at her. He answered, "I don''t know them. They''ve been pestering me. It''s very annoying."


    .


    Hudson and rissa Nn were shocked. They thought, ''Does His Highness find us annoying?''


    E?? 94%#C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Maeve vaguely remembered that these two people were Leon''s family members. If she recalled correctly, they were the Duke and Duchess of Erancia.


    They were probably not acquainted with Tom, her poor bodyguard who used to live under the overpass near her house.


    Maeve said, "Then, let''s go." She took the prescription from Tom and walked toward the elevator.


    Tom followed her silently.


    Anxious, Hudson wanted to grab Tom''s arm. However, rissa stopped him.


    rissa said, "Can''t you see that there''s something wrong with His Highness? It''s as if he doesn''t know us."


    Hudson looked at Tom in shock. He mumbled, "This is strange. Did His Highness lose his memory?"


    rissa''s expression was solemn. She said, "It seems about right. Otherwise, he would have recognized us. This is troublesome. We have to inform Her Majesty as soon as possible and let her decide the next course of action." The queen''s beloved son had lost his memory and was stranded in a foreign country. If other forces discovered this, they might take advantage of it and stir up trouble.


    After entering the elevator, Maeve recalled Hudson''s anxious expression. She was a little doubtful.


    She probed, "Tom, they seem to really be your acquaintances. They might know who you were in the past. Why don''t you talk to them? You might be able to remember some things from your past."


    She thought that Tom would agree, but he unexpectedly rejected her suggestion.


    "That won''t be necessary. It doesn''t matter to me whether or not I can remember my past. I''m good with how things are now," Tom said calmly. "Besides, looking at the bigger picture, it''s better if I am not around." Maeve did not understand what he meant by the bigger picture. Tom appeared even more mysterious to her now.


    She thought to herself, ''Is he really just a bodyguard?''


    Maeve dismissed the idea as soon as it surfaced in her mind.


    No matter who Tom used to be, now, he was just a bodyguard she hired.

 Chapter 318

    "This is for you." Maeve handed the bag in her hand to Tom.


    Confused, Tom asked, "What is this?"


    Maeve exined, "These are some medicines that help with burn scar removal. The instructions on how and when to use them are written on the packages. I consulted a doctor. Since your scars are old, the treatment will take longer. However, there''s still a good chance of removing them, so you don''t have to worry too much."


    Of course, she said this tofort Tom.


    Maeve decided to ask Theoter to see if he could remove the burn scars on Tom''s facepletely.


    Tom''s fingertips trembled. He looked at Maeve with mixed feelings.


    He asked, "Why are you being so nice to me?"


    Not only did she not despise him for his ugly appearance, but she had also beenforting and encouraging him.


    They were not even that close to each other.


    Maeve had helped him a lot. She had found him a house and a job. On top of that, she cared for him sincerely. He seemed to have gotten too much from her. Everything Maeve had showered him with were things he could no longer have since his disfigurement. Maeve smiled and answered, "The answer is very simple. Of course, it''s because I''m kind-hearted."


    Tomughed and said, "Don''t be so good to everyone though. Otherwise, you''ll be handing your weakness to others. They might use this against you."


    From Tom''s point of view, Maeve trusted others too easily. He felt somewhat worried for her.


    "Will you use my kindness against me?" Maeve asked.


    "I won''t," Tom said. He then repeated himself, as though he was making a promise to her. "I will never do so to you."


    The next day, to Maeve''s surprise, Hudson and rissa actually came knocking on her door.


    Unlike yesterday, they did not rush over excitedly to talk to Tom when they saw him. Instead, they observed him from afar withplicated expressions.


    Maeve invited them to the reception room and asked why they hade to the studio.


    Hudson said, "Ms. Reese, you are Her Majesty''s student and not a stranger, so we will be frank with you. The young man you hired is Prince Hosea. He is the youngest son of the Queen of Erancia."


    Maeve had sort of expected that there was more to Tom''s identity than met the eye. Nevertheless, she was still taken aback when she found out the truth.


    It was rumored that Prince Hosea, who was favored by Erancia''s citizens, was both talented and virtuous. He was also the next heir to the throne.


    Originally, the heir should be Princess Wren, Hosea''s sister and the eldest princess. However, rumor had it that she was injured in a plot many years ago. Ever since then, she had been recuperating quietly and rarely appeared in front of the public. Wren was the mother of Loren and Fiora.


    Five years ago, Hosea was unfortunately disfigured in a major ident. His organs were also severely damaged, so he lost the right to inherit the throne.


    After that, he went on a trip away from Erancia. Therefore, Maeve had never met him before.


    Maeve was shocked to find out that Hosea somehow ended up in Setigal after losing his memory.


    "Are you here to escort him back to Erancia?" Maeve pondered for a moment and said, "I''m afraid I can''t make the de for him. You have to ask him."


    Troubled, Hudson said, "We tried to talk to His Highness, but he seemed to have lost his memory and ignored us. Perhaps he will listen to you. Can you convince him to go to the hospital with us? We need to help him recover his memory before we can decide on the next step."


    Maeve hesitated. She spected, "Is there a possibility that Tom did not lose his memory at all? He might just be unwilling to face you or his past."


    After learning that Tom was Prince Hosea, Maeve seemed to better understand why he was in his current state.


    After the ident, Hosea once appeared in front of the public with a veil on his face due to burns. Unfortunately, a shameless reporter took advantage of the chaos and pulled off Hosea''s veil, causing photos of his disfigurement to appear on the headlines of all newspapers.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    After that, Hosea was never seen in public again.


    Hudson and rissa looked surprised. Hudson said, "Are you saying that His Highness is avoiding us?"


    Maeve said, "Well, I don''t know him that well to figure out what he''s thinking. However, if returning to Erancia is painful for him, are you still going to force him to go back and face his trauma?"


    Hudson and rissa hade with the intention of convincing Maeve to help them. However, they had second thoughts about their n now.


    They were well aware that Hosea was, of course, unhappy in Erancia. Because of that, he traveled around the world and seldom returned to the country. The Queen of Erancia sent many bodyguards to protect him.


    To everyone''s horror, Hosea suddenly disappeared on his journey.


    Hudson and rissa initially thought that Hosea had fallen victim to the scheme of some opposing faction. However, from the looks of it now, Hosea might have purposely gone missing to avoid being followed by them and the bodyguards.


    After listening to Maeve''s spection, Hudson and rissa did not approach Tom. Instead, they returned to the hotel and reported this to the Queen of Erancia.


    Over the phone, the Queen of Erancia said calmly, "With Maeve watching over him, there''s nothing to worry about. Let Hosea do as he pleases. Send more men to protect him so that he will not be in idents again."


    Hudson and rissa looked at each other in astonishment.


    They thought, ''Her Majesty really trusts Maeve. She is not worried that Maeve would take the opportunity to harm His Highness.''


    Hudson replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. We will do as you instruct. We will not let His Highness be harmed again."


    Maeve was unaware of the phone conversation between Hudson and the Queen of Erancia.


    Even after learning about Tom''s identity, she did not change her attitude toward him. She treated him just like before.


    With a bodyguard in the studio, Maeve''s work progressed well.


    For instance, recently, arichdy, who had brought her daughter to the studio to customize thetter''s wedding dress, found trouble with the studio because her daughter had run away with her first love at the wedding.


    The richdy med Maeve for designing a lightweight wedding dress and convertible heels for her daughter. Her daughter ended up removing the heels and running away in ts. The runaway bride was as swift as a deer and no one could catch up with her.


    The groom, who was in his fifties, and the bride''s parents were appalled by the turn of events. They fell out on the spo the richdy''s business plummeted.


    Maeve was quite satisfied with how things turned out in the end. However, she did not show her feelings and merely asked Tom to throw the richdy out of their studio.


    She would not work with such a customer, who gave up her daughter for fame and wealth, again.


    Dreamscape offered three types of wedding dress customization services.


    A-tier ns were more high end. B-tier ns were more affordable. Top-tier ns were luxurious ns for the rich.


    Therefore, the studio weed all kinds of customers every day. There was another instance where a couple, who was getting married the next day, fought in the studio because of their wedding dress.


    Thankfully, Tom was around to stop the couple from brawling in the studio. Maeve and her subordinates could not have handled the chaos on their own.


    In the evening, Byron came to pick Maeve up from work.


    Maeve got into the front passenger seat. Before she could fasten her seatbelt, Byron put his arm around her waist and kissed her passionately.


    He ended the kiss by giving her a hickey on her neck.


    Maevey in Byron''s embrace. Her face was burning hot, her ears red and her eyes watery. She red at him, but her re looked more like puppy eyes.


    nd

 Chapter 319

    Maeve tried to keep a straight face. She said, "I don''t think I''ve agreed to be your girlfriend, yet you''re taking advantage of me right off the bat. Where''s your sense of chivalry?"


    Moreover, they were right in front of the studio. Maeve was concerned that someone she knew might spot them.


    Byron chuckled and pinched her delicate earlobe. He teased, "Compared to taking advantage of you, chivalry is worthless to me."


    Maeve''s cheeks instantly puffed up. She was about to retort when she heard someone knocking on the car window.


    When she turned around and saw Tom''s face wrapped in a scarf, her heart almost stopped.


    She thought, ''Were we seen?''


    "Tom, can I help you?" Maeve asked guiltily as she lowered the car window.


    Tom handed her bag over. He said, "You left this."


    Maeve scolded herself internally for being so careless. She said, I forgot. Thank you!"


    Tom shook his head slightly. He looked past her, and his gaze met Byron''s in the driver''s seat. There was a hint of scrutiny.


    "Don''t stay out toote. Take care of yourself," Tom reminded Maeve in a low voice before turning to leave.


    For some reason, Maeve felt like she was being warned by her parents for getting too close with a boy.


    "Is he the new bodyguard you mentioned?" Byron retracted his pensive gaze and frowned slightly. "The way he looked at me


    odd." just now was very


    Maeve asked, "How so?"


    Byron said, "He looked at me as though I was the bad boy who wanted to elope with his precious daughter."


    Maeve was speechless.


    She thought, ''What kind of description was that?''


    Maeve chuckled. She asked, "How can Tom be my father at his age? At most, he''ll be like an uncle."


    Actually, Maeve also felt that there were times when Tom did look at her like a father.


    Usually, for trivial things like making coffee and picking up delivery packages, Tom would have done them in advance before Maeve even had the chance to do them. Maeve thought, "This bodyguard I hired is a real bargain deal.


    Ring.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    When she heard her phone ring, Maeve took it out and nced at it.


    Jaylen sent her a message. [I''ll probably reach Kleymond at 10 am. tomorrow morning. Don''t forget to pick me up.]


    When she saw this message, the problem that Maeve had been deliberately ignoring for the past two days surfaced in her mind again.


    Her mood instantly slumped.


    She had to repay Jaylen''s kindness, but she did not want to hurt Byron.


    There was no perfect solution to her dilemma.


    "What''s wrong?" Byron asked when he sensed that Maeve''s mood had shifted.


    Maeve smiled and shook her head. She brushed it aside, saying, "It''s nothing. Let''s go back quickly. Will and Leo are most likely hungry."


    She thought, "Tomorrow can worry about itself


    She was clearly running away from her problem, but that was all she could do at this point.


    At 9:30 the next morning, Maeve drove to the airport to pick up Jaylen.


    On her way there, she received a call from Jaylen''s assistant. Jaylen had fainted as soon as he got off the ne and was now being sent to First Hospital by an ambnce.


    Maeve''s heart sank as she turned around and drove to the hospital.


    When she arrived, the treatment had ended. Jaylen had been sent to the ward and was still unconscious


    While in deep sleep, Jaylen appeared less lonely and cold than usual. He looked no different from before.


    However, Maeve noticed that he had slimmed down so much that he could barely hold up his clothes. The clothes looked gigantic on him. Maeve could vaguely see the protruding ribs on his chest. Maeve covered her mouth as her eyes began to tear up.


    She thought, ''No wonder he kept himself busy outside. With his current appearance, Rudolf would have immediately noticed that something was wrong with him if they met.


    If Rudolf had not discovered Jaylen''s abnormality, Jaylen might have died alone overseas.


    Maeve realized perhaps, from the beginning, Jaylen had never intended for her to fulfill his wish.


    He needed to find a reason to convince himself to persevere.


    She was the reason.


    Maeve felt burdened and conflicted.


    "Why are you crying?" Jaylen''s weak voice sounded. "I''m not dead yet."


    Maeve raised her head in surprise and saw that Jaylen had opened his eyes. His eyes were filled with weariness of the world that she was familiar with. It was as if he would fearlessly give up on living the next second. "How are you feeling?" Maeve saw that he was breathing slowly andboriously. She felt a lump in her throat. She said, "If I had known that your condition was so bad, I wouldn''t have persuaded you to return to the country." Jaylen fell unconscious as soon as he got off the ne. Maeve figured he might have been holding on while he was on the ne.


    Jaylen smiled faintly and said, "There''s no difference where I die The hospital can''t cure me. I want to go back to my residence."


    Maeve wanted to persuade him to stay, but when she heard him say the hospital couldn''t cure him, the words got stuck in her throat and she couldn''t utter them.


    .


    A miracle doctor, who could save dying patients, could not save himself.


    Maeve thought, ''How ironic is that?''


    ¨¤0.94%¡ã


    Jaylen did not return to the Chatterly family residence. His family didn''t even know he had returned to the country.


    He didn''t want anyone else to know about this, either. He couldn''t be bothered to deal with those sympathetic orpassionate greetings.


    Jaylen did not say it out loud, but Maeve could tell that he no longer had the desire to live.


    He was clearly very worn out after fighting the same illness that had been torturing him since birth for so long.


    Maeve was extremely anxious, but she did not dare to show it for fear of burdening him.


    Maeve stayed at Jaylen''s residence until the sun set before preparing to leave.


    With a serious face, she reminded Jaylen, "You have to take your medicine on time and recuperate well. Don''t overthink things. Rudolf and Theo are both figuring out a way to cure you. There will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I''lle and see you tomorrow." Jaylen leaned against the chaise lounge. He was covered with a snow-white cashmere nket.


    He noddedzily and said, "Come on. Why are you as long-winded as Daryl? I''m an adult. I can take care of myself. Daryl, send her home."


    Daryl was Jaylen''s assistant.


    "Yes, Mr. Chatterly," Daryl responded and saw Maeve out of the residence.


    At the door, Maeve was worried about Jaylen''s condition. She told Daryl to go back to tend to Jaylen. She could drive home herself.


    Before leaving, Maeve reminded Daryl, "You must keep an eye on Jaylen and make sure he takes the medicine on time. Rudolf said that those medicines are what''s keeping him alive. Don''t miss a dose."


    Daryl revealed a bitter look. He reported, "Ms. Reese, Mr. Chatterly might promise you that he will take care of himself, but he doesn''t take his medicine at all. He just throws it out."


    Maeve''s heart tightened. She asked, "Is he deliberately asking for death?"


    "If Mr. Chatterly wanted to live, he wouldn''t have gone abroad when his lifespan was almost up. He wanted to avoid being discovered by Rudolf who would help him extend his life," Daryl said sadly. "Mr. Chatterly said that he has been struggling with this dying body for a long time. Instead of living in such a sorry state, he might as well die."


    Maeve had a lump in her throat. She was at a loss for words.


    Jaylen had always been an oddball.


    Even his view of life and death was unconventional.


    However, Maeve wanted him to live. Rudolf, Theo, and all his friends would do their best to let him live.


    Maeve clenched her fists tightly and made a sudden decision.


    She turned and marched back into the house,

 Chapter 320

    Maeve returned to the living room and saw Jaylen leaning against the chaise lounge, seemingly asleep. His eyes were tightly shut, and his face was sickly pale.


    When she saw that the tray on the table was empty, she heaved a sigh of relief. However, she choked when she saw some residue of the medicine in the potted nt beside Jaylen. Just as Daryl had said, Jaylen had thrown the medicine away.


    "Why are you back?" Jaylen heard themotion and slowly opened his eyes. He looked at Maeve in surprise. "Did youe back to check if I''ve taken the medicine? Don''t worry. I''ve taken it." Maeve thought to herself, ''As if.


    Maeve was very upset, but she did not expose him. She walked over and squatted by the side of the chaise lounge. She said, "After I gave birth, I suffered from depression. I was barely holding on for the sake of Theo. At that time, you were the one who kept encouraging me to ovee my depression and survive."


    She thought to herself, ''Now, it is my turn to help you. I owe you this, so I should pay you back!''


    Maeve looked Jaylen straight in the eyes and said seriously, "I promise to fulfill your wish. Now, please live for my sake."


    Jaylen''s eyes, which were devoid of hope, suddenly lit up.


    He asked, "Are you really willing to be my fianc¨¦e?"


    Maeve clenched her fists and forcefully suppressed the panic in her heart. She nodded and said, "I''m willing."


    Jaylen stared at her for a long time. He initially wanted to hug her, but in the end, he only patted her head.


    He knew very well that her promise had nothing to do with her romantic feelings for him. She was just pitying him because he did not have much time left.


    Jaylen thought, ''So what? At the very least, she would be mine for a short time during thest part of my life. That is enough.


    "For you, I will try my best to live," Jaylen murmured, as if he was making a promise.


    With his assurance, the burden in Maeve''s heart eased a little.


    After watching Jaylen take the medicine, Maeve left and drove back to her apartment.


    Byron had brought the kids back in the afternoon. When Maeve reached home, Will and Theo were sitting on the carpet in the living room doing handicraft homework.


    Will was better at handicraft. He used white sticine to make a cruise ship. The details were so exquisite that the ship wasparable to a figurine. When ced on the table, it looked impressive.


    Theo was a different story. In terms of handicraft, no one could im to be worse than him.


    He was working with Will to build the cruise ship. Will had built the entire cruise ship, but Theo had yet toe up with a g.


    "What are you kneading?" Will looked at the colorful paste in front of Theo and was very puzzled. Will said, "I don''t think the g is that color."


    "This isn''t a g. Theo''s face was solemn. He lowered his childish voice and said, "This is a representation of my hopes dreams."


    and


    3


    Will was speechless.


    He couldn''t tell what Theo''s hopes and dreams were from this piece of multi-colored sticine.


    Will saw Maeve walking over. His eyes were filled with joy. He called out, "Mom, you''re back."


    "Mommy! Come and help me." Theo seemed to have seen his savior as he jumped on his legs and called out to Maeve coquettishly.


    Maeve''s tense mood rxed when she saw two identical cute faces looking at her at the same time. She smiled and walked over to sit down with them.


    Maeve said, "I came homete today. Have you guys had dinner"


    Theoined, "Yes. Byron came to cook for us again, but it was not as sumptuous as yesterday. You can tell that he''s patronizing us just because we''re children!" Theo and Byron were naturally at odds with each other. Theo would take every opportunity to mock Byron. Theo and Byron were just like cats in a cat''s den who didn''t like each other and would hit each other with their tails whenever they met.


    Will sided with Byron. He said, "That''s because we wouldn''t be able to finish all the food if he made too much. It would be a


    waste."


    Theo immediately asked Will, "Is Byron your younger brother or am I your younger brother? Why are you always speaking up for him? I know. He has already won you over. I have to make room for him to be your younger brother sooner orter!" Will decisively suggested to Maeve, "Mom, Theo should have less screen time from now on. He seems to have a screw loose.


    Maeve tried her best to hold back herughter.


    After joining them in their back and forth bickering for a while, she finally helped Theo make a small g.


    The crooked g was stuck onto the cruise ship. It was quiteical.


    Theo was quite proud of himself. He said, "Will, you have to thank me. Thanks to my agility, your cruise ship now has a g, which enables it to go to sea."


    Will corrected him. He said, "That''s not how you use the term agility. Besides, cruise ships made of sticine can''t go out to


    sea."


    Will wondered, ''How did Theo get full marks in his exam?''


    Maeve took a photo of their cruise ship and posted it on social media.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The next second, she received a message from Byron. [Are you back? Come to my ce.]


    Maeve frowned and hesitated for a long time before walking over to Byron''s apartment with heavy footsteps.


    Maeve didn''t want to hide from Byron that she agreed to be Jaylen''s fianc¨¦e, but she didn''t know how to tell him.


    If she were in Byron''s shoes, she wouldn''t be able to ept it and would feel ufortable.


    Therefore, Maeve did not expect him to understand her.


    However, Jaylen would at mostst half a year. If Byron could not ept it, perhaps they could end their rtionship for the time being.


    Maeve suppressed the bitterness and sadness in her heart. She pushed open the door and walked into Byron''s study.


    He was on the phone with someone. When he heard her enter, he turned around and gestured for her to sit down and wait for a while.


    Maeve nodded. For some reason, she subconsciously looked at the top right corner of his desk.


    There was indeed a photo frame there.


    Maeve hesitantly moved closer to the table and saw the photo in the frame from the side.


    It was not a photo, but a sketch of his first love.


    It was exactly the same as the one Byron had ced in the manor''s study.


    He must have brought it along with him when he moved here.


    However, what Maeve found unbelievable wasn''t that he had the sketch of his first love.


    Instead, what surprised Maeve was that, from her angle, the girl in the sketch resembled her. The shape of their eyes were especially simr. It was as though Byron had made a sketch of Maeve. Maeve''s mind was in a mess. She clenched her fists tightly as she looked at Byron''s tall figure standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.


    Some things that she had neglected came rushing back into her mind again.


    Maeve thought, ''Lynn resembles the girl in the sketch. I also resemble the girl. Has Byron''s preferences never changed, or are Lynn and I both substitutes for his first love?''


    Maeve wondered if Byron saw her as herself or if he saw her as his first love whenever he looked at her.


    Maeve''s face gradually turned pale. Her heart was in turmoil. She felt so ufortable that she did not want to stay here for a moment longer. She turned around and walked out. Before she even left the room, Byron grabbed her arm.


    "What''s wrong?" Byron came over after the call ended. He grabbed her wrist and rubbed it habitually. He asked, "Did I make you wait too long?"

 Chapter 321

    Maeve pursed her lips tightly. Herzhroat felt extremely dry, and her heart felt suffocated as if something pressed on it.


    She had wanted to have a good talk with him about Jaylen, but now it seemed that there was no need. Now that he could treasure his first love secretly in his heart, there was nothing wrong with her pretending to be another man''s fianc¨¦e Maeve turned around and looked straight at Byron''s handsome face. I''m here to talk to you about something. I''ll make it quick and go."


    "Did I do something wrong again? Why do you look so mad? Byron raised his eyebrows slightly: "What is it?"


    Tm going to be another man''s fianc¨¦e. It will be about half a year. We''ll talk about our matters after that. I don''t care if you ept it or not. That''s what I mean anyway! With that, she shook off his hand and strode out.


    Just as she reached the door, a strong palm suddenly grabbed her shoulder and forced her to turn around. At the same time. he pressed her against the door.


    Maeve frowned in pain. When she looked up, she inadvertently bumped into Byron''s dark and cold eyes. In an instant, goosebumps covered all over her body.


    "Say that again?" Byron lowered his eyes and stared at her, like an overwhelming thunderstorm.


    Maeve looked back stubbornly. "You heard everything, didn''t you?"


    The coldness in Byron''s eyes shattered, and his tone was even colder than before. "Whose fianc¨¦e?"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Jaylen. Maeve looked away, not daring to meet his gaze.


    Byron did not seem surprised by her answer at all. "Then what am I to you? Your sex partner?"


    "Then what am I to you?" Maeve nced at his desk from the corner of her eye and could not help but feel frustrated. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you haven''t even got me yet, right?"


    Byron gave a low and coldugh. Then, he raised his head and kissed her soft red lips heavily. "I didn''t get you, already mine long ago. Marve, I didn''t share my woman with other men. Don''t make me angry" Maeve''s lips hurt. She frowned and red at him. "I''m not discussing it with you. I''m informing..."


    Before she could finish her words, her lips were sealed by Byron again.


    but you were


    Unlike the gentleness and affection from before, this kiss was filled with domineering anger, as if he wanted to tear Maeve apart and swallow her whole.


    Maeve felt ufortable at the thought of that sketch. She was not as touched as usual and violently resisted him, only to be invaded even more deeply.


    Byron knew her too well. He knew her every sensitive point. In this aspect, she was not his match at all.


    After the long kiss, Maeve''s red lips were slightly swollen. Her legs were so weak that she could barely stand. It was only when she leaned against the door that she did not embarrass herself.


    The most sensitive part of her body was grasped by him with one hand. Even if she made the slightest movement, the buzz came again. It was precisely because she couldn''t see anything that her senses could tell his every move more clearly. How could you do this? Marve leaned on his shoulder with her blushed face. Her slender fingers tugged at his sleeve tightly. Take your hand, out!"


    981


    Byron lowered his head and pressed his hot lips against her ear is hoarse voice was exceptionally seductive. "Maeve, your tongue is a liar, but your body is a traitor."


    He slowly pulled his hand out andamhurriedly adjusted her skirt "Look, you''ve got it wet. His fingertips were sparkling with luster.


    Seeing this scene, Marve was almost mad. "Shut up


    "But I''m very satisfied with it. At least I know that what you said just now was against your heart." Byron''s expression softened as he slowly wiped his fingers with his tie


    Maeve''s shoulders were trembling and her mind was nk. She did not even care to look at his hand. At this moment, she was enveloped with shyness and embarrassinent. "Byron, you bastard! Is this the only way you can bully me?"


    "You''re wrong" Byron gently pecked the tip of her ear and said in a low voice, "Men often bully women in many ways. But to you, this one is enough"


    Maeve gritted her teeth. "Are you crazy?"


    He closed his eyes but gave a warning tone. "If you dare to be with another man, I don''t mind showing you how crazy I can be


    Maeve was almost hopeless before this unreasonable man and took a deep breath. "Byron, if you really want to have a future with me, wait for half a year. If you can''t, it only means that we are not the right one for each other. I''m already jaylen''s fiancee. This won''t change."


    At least it wouldn''t change for the next six months.


    Just like how she could not even ept that he had his first love in his heart, it was normal for him to not ept that she had be another man''s fianc¨¦e and cut ties with her.


    Before she came here, she had already been prepared. No matter what the result was, she would ept it. She had chosen this path herself, so she should be responsible for her choice.


    Byron''s expression did not change at all. "Why half a year? Did he threaten you?"


    There was no way to exin why she suddenly chose to be Jaylen''s fianc¨¦e.


    1. I can''t tell you the reason. Maeve remembered that Jaylen had said that he did not want others to know about his illness She frowned awkwardly. "He did not threaten me. I did it willingly." Byron''s gaze instantly turned cold. "Are you telling me now that you''re willing to be his fianc¨¦e and that I have to wait for you for half a year? Don''t you need a gap between two men? Are you so sure that I will definitely wait for you?"


    "No." Maeve''s heart was bitter, and her eyes teared up somehow I didn''t expect you to wait for me. I''m just telling you the truth. The decision is on you!


    Byron''s jawline tightened slightly, and he remained silent for a long time.


    Maeve had never felt so tormented before. Every second was like a rusty knife cutting into her heart and rubbing against it repeatedly.


    After a long time, Byron stood up and let go of Maeve''s wrist.


    Her heart suddenly feli hollow as she stared at him nkly.


    "You''re the first person who treats me as backup. Byron''s dark eyes were cold and unfathomable. "What makes you think that I''m willing to be your backup? Hiniri?" Thu, Nov

 Chapter 322

    She had no intention of treating him as a backup and there were no feelings between her and Jaylen.


    Anyway, Byron had once treated her as someone''s substitute. The crisis in their rtionship never came from outside.


    Following Maeve''s silence, a hint of mockery appeared in Byron''s eyes. "Maeve, if you want to be his fianc¨¦e, leave now. I won''t stop you. So we''re done here


    The bitterness in her heart reached its peak in an instant, and Marve almost couldn''t control it from gushing out of her


    eyes.


    She bit her lower lip hard and tried so hard to expel the painful emptiness in her body as she turned around and twisted the doorknob. She forced herself not to look back as she trudged out of the study. When her figure disappeared from his sight, the air dropped to the freezing point. His dark eyes were malicious and cold. ''Good So good..


    When she returned to her apartment and closed the door, the calmness that Maeve had put on was instantly shattered. She leaned against the door dejectedly and sat on the cold floor, her heart throbbing in pain. God seemed to like to joke with her. Every time she thought she could be happy, her hope was shatteredpletely.


    Ever since she was young, she had never liked someone so much. Byron was the first. She liked staying with him. Every time she turned around, he was always behind her. However, it ended so quickly in less than half a year. "Mom, are you okay?" Will came out to drink water. When he saw Maeve sitting on the floor in a daze, he ran o her up. "What happened? Are you feeling unwell?" over to help


    Maeve forced a smile, but it was even uglier than crying. "Mommy is fine. I have a cramp in my leg, so I sit there for a break."


    "Then hurry up and sit on the sofa. I''ll rub it for you." Will''s words were filled with concern.


    "There''s no need. Mommy is much better now. Thank you, my sweetie." She patted his little head


    Will''s face was slightly blushed. When he looked down and saw the blood on Maeve''s palm, his expression changed drastically. "Mom, why is your hand bleeding?"


    Her palms were covered in blood. She had probably exerted too much strength to control her emotions.


    Will pulled her to the living room and sat down. Then he brought the first aid kit over to wash and apply medicine for her scars. The little guy felt worse than her. He frowned tightly, afraid that it would hurt her, and blew on it softly. Maeve''s broken heart flowed with a trace of warmth.


    At this moment, a small head popped out from the armrest of the sofa. "Mommy, your hand is bleeding. Who did this Theo was wearing cow pajamas, crawled over the armrest, and stuck to Maeve with an indignant expression. "It''s a mistake. It''s fine. It doesn''t hurt at all, Maeve exined.


    At the thought that her mother had just returned from her father''s ce, a guess arose in Will''s heart. ''Did Mom and Dad have a fight?"


    Theo was more careless. He just pouted and blew on Maeve''s palm.


    Will pushed him away. "You''re disturbing me."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Theo retorted. "Let me do it. I''m a doctor!"


    Will turned his back to his brother in rejection. "It''s almost done Tomorrow is your


    Theo nodded reluctantly. "All right." As a mature brother, he should be magnanimou


    "Good boys, I want to tell you something." Maeve hesitated for a long time and decided to talk to the two little ones. She didn''t want to hide this from them.


    The two cool little faces looked up at her cutely. "Mommy, just say it


    Marve took a deep breath. "Your father and I might live separately in the future. And for some reason, I''m someone else''s Giancee now."


    Will had already guessed that her parents had quarreled, but he didn''t expect the rest.


    "Mom, don''t you like Dad anymore?" Will was puzzled. "Or are you forced?" He could tell how genuine the affections in their parents eyes were when they were together. Will was more inclined to believe that her mother had some difficulties. Theo thought of something and asked in a cute voice, "Mommy, is he my senior?"


    Maeve nodded. "He only has half a year left. He hopes that Mommy can be his fianc¨¦e during hisst moments. I''m sorry. Mommy has agreed."


    Theo shook his head. "Mommy, you don''t have to apologize to us. This is your life. No matter what choice you make, we will support you unconditionally."


    Will agreed, but he was a little puzzled. "Who''s your senior?"


    Theo leaned over and whispered something in his ear.


    Will knew that her mother and brother used to suffer, but when he heard that her mother had depression because she missed him too much, he still felt guilty. He could understand why his mother had agreed to that man. The favor meant a lot, and she had to repay it. But it was not fair for his dad.


    Will stayed in Maeve''s arms for a while. Suddenly, he raised his head and asked, "Mom, do you still love Dad?"


    Maeve was silent for a few seconds. "I love him. I''ve always loved him."


    Will breathed a sigh of relief. That''s all ed. As long as Mommy''s heart is still with Dad, Dad still has a chance!"


    Maeve was originally worried that the two little ones would not be able to ept this, especially Will, who wished his to be together forever.


    parents


    On the surface, Theo seemed to be at odds with Byron, but he knew that this was the way they had fun together. So he had expectations for his father. "Mommy, I don''t mind that you love him, but you must love me the most!" Theo wriggled his little butt into Maeye''s arms. "He doesn''t smell good like me."


    Maeve was silent. It seemed that the little guy was more enthusiastic aboutpeting with his father for love.


    Not to be overshadowed, Will hugged Maeve''s arm. "Me too. I''m not greedy. I can be behind Theo." In terms of status in her mother''s heart, even his biological father had to take a step back.


    Maeve felt both amused and touched as she hugged the two chubby children. "Okay, Mommy loves my boys the most. No one canpare to you.


    The two little ones smiled brilliantly.


    "By the way, Will, Mom wants to ask you something" Maeve blinked, "Have you seen the photo frame in your dad''s study?"


    Thu, Nov

 Chapter 323

    Maeve was stunned. "Why do you think that''s me?"


    "It is you, Mom," Will said firmly. "But younger than now."


    Maeve felt kind of bitter and upset. Even his son got it wrong. So she must be so simr to Byron''s first love. But she hadn''t realized it before.


    "That person isn''t Mom. She''s your father''s first love!


    Will opened his mouth slightly with an expression of disbelief.


    Theo pped the sofa angrily. "He still has a photo of his first love? Bad man!"


    "Is it really not you, Mom?" After thinking about it, Will still felt that the person in the painting gave him a very simr feeling to her mother. "Mom, did you see Dad when you were in school?"


    Maeve patted his little head, her eyes filled with pity. "No, if I had seen him before, Mom probably wouldn''t have forgotten."


    Byron''s face and unique temperament were one and only in this world. It was impossible for her to forget such an indelible. man if she had seen him before.


    However, when it came to school days, her deepest impression was herst year of high school.


    It seemed that after returning from a visit to a university, Horace stole money from the family. Scott and Valda thought that Maeve was the one who took it and found 40 dors in her pocket, so they beat her up and let her kneel in front of the house as punishment. That day, she was drenched in the rain. She had a fever in the middle of the night and almost fainted. When she called the ambnce, she was even scolded by Valda. It seemed that ever since she fell sick, her memory had be vague.


    However, one thing was for sure. She had never seen Byron before and his first love could not be her.


    Because her high school uniform waspletely different from that girl''s.


    Until Maeve went to take a shower, Will had yet to wake up from doubt.


    Theo nudged his arm lightly. "You have to be sober this time. Mommy just said that you can''t tell anyone about this, including dad. If you dare to betray us, I''ll draw graffiti on your Ece in the middle of the night."


    Will got sick of it. It was rare that he did not refute his brother. know. I won''t tell Dad about this. A gentleman never goes back on his word."


    As a child, Will was really annoyed by the stupid adult''s affairs. What''s wrong with you, Dad? Now that you have Mommy, why don''t you forget your first love? Now Mommy leaves you.


    He couldn''t take it anymore and jumped off the sofa.


    Theo called out, "Where are you going?"


    "Meditate." Will ran away without looking back.


    It was quiet in the dead of night, in the master bedroom of the apartment opposite, Byron took the sleeping pills prescribed by Dr. Foster. After lying down, he finally felt a little sleepy. Suddenly, he heard the rhythmic sounds of a meditation drum. Byron opened his eyes slightly and frowned tiredly. After a long while, the sound was still there, so he could only get up and walk out of the bedroom.


    981


    In the living room, the little boy was sitting there with a drum in front of him. His little hand was holding a mallet as he knocked on it, which was the source of his father''s headache.


    Byron''s eyebrows twitched. He walked over and asked him, "Will, why aren''t you sleeping? It''s sote."


    Will closed his eyes expressionlessly, "Daddy, I can''t figure it out


    "Figure out what?" Byron sighed.


    "No matter what we do, we should be focused. Only then will we have a chance to walk the path of sess," Will said calmly. "So people should also be loyal. Being fickle is bad for everything. Don''t you think so?"


    Byron massaged his aching temples. He was not interested in this little guy''s lecture at night. "You can think about this tomorrow. It''s already toote. Children won''t grow tall if they sleep toote."


    "I can''t sleep." Will still closed his eyes.


    "What happened?" Byron was helpless.


    Will said, "When I think of the portrait of a woman, not Mom, in your study, my heart hurts so much that I can''t fall asleep."


    Byron rolled his eyes. ''So you''ve been knocking the drum for so long just for this?"


    He picked up the back of Will''s cor with one hand and carried him back to the room.


    Will was still sitting cross-legged with his little drum in his arms, His expression did not change at all.


    "Go to sleep. Kids shouldn''t worry about adults." Byron patted his head and warned him.


    Will was still motionless. "I''ll grow up


    sooner orter."


    Aftering out of Will''s room, Byron stopped in his tracks and turned around to enter the study.


    He picked up the photo frame on the table and looked at the somewhat gray sketch. His thin eyelids covered the dark thoughts in his eyes. "Loyal? What did Will want to tell me just now?''


    The next day, Byron arranged a chauffeur for Will. During this period of time, he went to kindergarten together with Theo saving a lot of time for Maeve.


    This also meant that even if she wanted to avoid him, Maeve would inevitably bump into him when she sent Theo downstairs.


    After Byron took Will into the car, he turned around and walked towards his car, not even giving a nce at Maeve.


    Even though she knew this would happen, Maeve still felt a sense of loss. She forced herself to pull herself together and walked to the side of the road. Due to the traffic policy adjustment, she couldn''t drive to the studio today. At this moment, the familiar ck Spyker slowly stopped in front of her.


    The driver lowered the window, "Ms. Reese. Please get in. I''ll give you a ride."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Maeve looked at the tightly shut window of the backseat and her heart skipped a beat..


    This was Byron''s car. The driver would not dare to do this without his permission.


    Thank you." Maeve thanked him softly and got into the car from the other side.


    Byron crossed his arms and closed his eyes as if he did not intend tomunicate with her.


    Thu, Nov


    Due to yesterday''s unpleasant conversation, Maeve remained silent the entire time as she just quietly looked out of the


    window.


    The two distant people in the backseat as if there was a minefield in the middle.


    Even the driver suspected that they had quarreled.


    Coincidentally, there was a turn before. The driver had an idea and turned the steering wheel violently.


    The sudden tilt of the car caused Maeve, who was sitting by the window, to be thrown onto Byron. It took quite a few seconds for the car to stabilize.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, Ms. Reese. I''m so sorry, the road is a little slippery from the rain this morning," the driver exined.


    "Be careful," Byron instructed calmly.


    "Alright, alright. The driver nodded.


    Byron looked down at Maeve, who was still leaning against his chest. He asked in an indifferent tone, "Are you paralyzed?"


    0

 Chapter 324

    "Wait, wait a moment, I''ming Maeve''s checks flushed red as she hurriedly tried to untangle her hair from the button of his shirt. But the more frantic she became, the less her fingers seemed to cooperate, and her scalp was pulled painfully. Byron furrowed his brow slightly and gently brushed her hands side. With his eyes lowered, he carefully untangled the strand of hair that was caught. Maeve dared not move, fearing she might disrupt his focus or hurt herself.


    After a few minutes of silence, she finally couldn''t resist asking, "Are you still not done?"


    "Why are you rushing me?" Byron replied coldly, "Did I ask it to get tangled?"


    Maeve fell silent immediately. She thought, I guess it''s my fault after all!


    The driver nced at the rearview mirror, unable to suppress his confusion. He thought, ''Am I seeing this wrong? seems Mr. Mcdaniel is just ying with Ms. Reese''s hair!


    Byron''s low voice finally broke the silence as the car approached the studio building, "All done."


    Maeve heaved a heavy sigh of relief; it was finally over. If it had taken any longer, her neck would have been sore. She quickly straightened up and whispered her thanks to Byron.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Byron ignored her, his gaze fixed ahead as if he had reverted to treating her like she was invisible. Maeve bit her lip, feeling frustrated, and opened the door to exit. She had intended to say goodbye to him, but just as she steadied herself, the sleek Spyker elerated away, leaving her behind.


    Maeve stood there, her nose tingling once again. All she could do was repeatedly remind herself that there was no turning back and that she had to ept her choices.


    Once inside the office, Paige handed Maeve the day''s schedule. Ms. Reese, you have five appointments today. I''ve arranged two for the morning to avoid scheduling conflicts.


    Maeve nced through the schedule quickly and replied, "I got it. Thank you."


    "There''s one more thing. It seems our original fabric supplier has someints," Paige said, looking troubled. "We''ve already paid the deposit, but they keep dying the shipment of the fabric."


    "What''s the reason?" Maeve asked, furrowing her brows. "Is it because of the new fabric we used at the exhibition?" After the exhibition, that aquamarineting fabric suddenly became a sensation on major tforms overnight. People were even offering high prices to purchase it, but no channels were avable. The fabric supplier might be considering something about this.


    Paige nodded. "Exactly. It seems the fabric supplier isn''t fullymitted to us and has been looking for other partners. Plus, they seem interested in the new aquamarineting, so..."


    Most of the studio''s progress would halt if the fabric issue weren''t resolved. Maeve pressed her forehead, saying. "Please get in touch with the person in charge over there and see if he has time tonight. I want to invite him to dinner."


    "Got it," Paige replied. After she left, Maeve found several reliable fabric suppliers and summarized their information. Dreamscape wasn''t in the fast fashion design business; if they wanted tost, they couldn''t afford to be careless about fabric quality. The current supplier offered the best quality among allpanies. Unless necessary, Maeve preferred not to change suppliers.


    The phone suddenly chimed twice. Maeve picked it up casually and saw a message from Jaylen


    Jaylen: [I listened to you and took the medication on time.]


    §± §¡ picture followed, and an empty medicine bowl took center stage while a corner captured his breakfast, which looked more substantial than the previous day''s meal.


    So much had transpired from yesterday to today, and this was likely the only thing that offered Marvefort


    Maeve: [I have to meet with a business partner tonight, so I can''t join you for dinner. Make sure to take your medicine on time, and I''ll check in with Daryl another day.] Jaylen: [Do you think I''m a child? Just go ahead and handle your business; I have things to take care of, too.]


    Maeve was curious and replied: [What is it?]


    Jaylen: [In a few days, grandpa''s 80th birthday, and I''m thinking about what gift to prepare for him. What do you think?]


    It stumped Maeve; she had never been particrly good at choosing gifts.


    Jaylen: If you''re free tomorrow, why don''t youe with me to pick out a gift?)


    Maeve sighed and replied: (Alright, but don''t have too high expectations from me.]


    Jaylen replied: [As long as you show off your identity as my fiancee, even if you give him a handful of weeds, Grandpa would still love it


    Maeve replied with a smiley emoji, not knowing what to say.


    As his fianc¨¦e, she felt obligated to apany him to Charles''s birthday celebration. However, given the


    nection


    between the Chatterly and Medaniel families, it was inevitable that members of the Mcdaniel family would also attend. Just thinking about that scenario made Maeve feel overwhelmed. In the evening, Maeve waited an hour at a Western restaurant on the seventeenth floor of the Pearl Tower downtown before the supplier''s representative finally arrived.


    "Ms. Reese, I''m sorry for beingte. The traffic was terrible on the way here. I hope I didn''t keep you waiting too long," the manager, Mr. Bet, said as he approached, feigning concern "Not at all," Maeve replied with a faint smile. "Kleymond tends to get quite congested at this time, so I arrived half an hour carly."


    Haley smiled, saying, "It''s good for young people to exercise patience. Especially someone as sessful as you, Ms. Reese; more patience is essential for fostering fruitful coborations." Maeve didn''t respond but instead handed over the menu. "Mr. Bet, you''ve been stuck in traffic all evening; you must be hungry. Why don''t we start by ordering some dishes?" "Since it''s Ms. Reese is treating, but I won''t hold back," Haley said after cing the order. "Let''s get a few bottles of wine. You drink, right?"


    "I''m allergic to alcohol, Marve replied, shaking her head. I''m afraid that might disappoint you, Mr. Bet.


    Haley frowned deliberately. "It''s just a few drinks, what could go wrong? Ms. Reese, you wouldn''t be looking down on me and intentionally trying to slight me, would you?" Maeve''s smile faded as she responded, "Of course not. It''s just a few drinks. Please hold on for a moment." With that, she pulled out her phone and made a call.


    Haley immediatelyughed; he said, "Ms. Reese, that''s a bit inconsiderate, isn''t it? Are you calling someone in to drink on your behalf?"


    "No," Maeve replied calmly. "I''m calling an ambnce to wait outside the restaurant, just in case something happens when I


    AON


    07:13 Thu, Nov Chapter 321


    drink."


    Haley''s expression stiffened, and he quickly waved his hand. "If you can''t drink, then that''s fine. There''s no need to call an ambnce to have a meal. That''s ruining the mood!"


    a


    Maeve couldn''t help but scoff inwardly, thinking. What a character.


    After the dishes were served, Haley had a few drinks, and his speech became slurred. "Ms. Reese, I''m not trying to criticize, but


    you still need to work on the social aspect. For example, you got that new type of fabric but didn''t let us know about it. Coborating for mutual benefit is the way to go; doesn''t that seen unfair?" Maeve''s lips curled slightly. "Mr. Bet, I''m paying for the supplies, and I don''t recall the contract stating that we need to share all resources, do you?"

 Chapter 325

    0


    hapter 325 097%E


    "Ms. Reese, don''t forget that we only signed a three-month short-term contract, which will be up next month." Haley chuckled. "At this point, switching suppliers mightplicate things for your studio, don''t you think?" Maeve narrowed her eyes. "Are you threatening me, Mr. Be


    Haley remained unflustered. Tm just trying to teach you, Ms. Reese, that there''s value in sharing the wealth. Don''t fixate on these small gains and losses. As a young person, taking a little hit now and then is okay. Ourpany will remember your goodwill and future coborations will be more pleasant, won''t they?"


    This whole set of workce maniption tactics made Maeve both amused and enraged. Haley''s lofty ideals were enough to give her indigestion. They wanted the new fabric but didn''t want to spend a dime, and he still dared to talk about sharing the profits. She scoffed at the notion.


    "It seems that Mr. Bet forgot your sincerity at home today, so we have nothing more to discuss," Maeve said, rising with her bag in hand. Her delicate face was cold as ice. There are plenty of suppliers; Dreamscape doesn''t have to rely on you You overestimate your importance."


    After speaking, she turned to leave, but the furious Haley yanked her arm back. Maeve grimaced in pain and eximed. "Let go! Are you out of your mind!"


    Haley, clearly intoxicated, red at her with a twisted expression and spat out, "Ourpany is doing you a favor by considering your fabric. Don''t get too full of yourself! Just because I call you Ms. Reese doesn''t mean you''re anything special. You''re just a dirty whore who''s probably slept with countless men-ah!"


    Before Haley could finish his insult, a sudden, powerful kick struck him in the abdomen, sending him flying and crashing into the dining table with a loud thud. The table''s edge shook, causing a nearby bottle of wine to tumble and hit him squarely on the forehead. He instantly copsed to the ground, twitching uncontrobly.


    Maeve was startled, turning to see Byron''s handsome face, cold as ice. Her heart raced as if it might leap from her throat. The restaurant manager hurried over, ncing at the scene with concern. "Mr. Mcdaniel what had just happened?"


    Throw him out. I don''t want to see him in this restaurant again Byron instructed coldly.


    "Yes, sure, I''ll call someone over right away. I sincerely apologize for the disturbance to your dining experience. We will do everything we can topensate you," the manager said, wiping the sweat from his forehead and pulling out a walkie-talkie to call for assistance. It wasn''t long before the restaurant''s security arrived to drag the limp Haley, whoy on the ground like a dead fish, out of the dining area. Maeve turned her gaze back to Byron and asked. "What are you doing here?"


    Byron''s deep eyes were frosty as he said, "What is Jaylen Chatterly doing? How can someone like this bully you?"


    The heavy sarcasm in his words left Maeve momentarily speechless; she didn''t quite understand how this rted to Jaylen Unable to hold back, she exined, "He''s the head of a supplier for my studio. We were discussing business, and who knew he would suddenly lose it...


    "Enough." Byron sneered; he said, "Thave no interest in your affairs."


    Maeve''s gaze instantly dimmed. Byron didn''t look back at her and took a step away, ready to leave.


    A long, rumbling sound echoed unexpectedly, followed by two more simr noises.


    Maeve felt like she could die from embarrassment, her face flushing as she covered her stomach, silently cursing it. Why is it making noise now of all times? Does it want me to humiliate myself in front of him? If it hadn''t been for Haley making her lose her appetite, she wouldn''t have left the entire food table untouched.


    Byron paused mid-turn, then shot her a cold nce as he said, "Keep up," With that, he strode away.


    She thought, ''Where to? Maeve was confused but hesitated for a couple of seconds before deciding to follow him.


    Ray and the others paused when they saw Byron enter the private room. Just as they were about to speak, they noticed the woman trailing behind him and fell silent. Ray whistled, saying, Byron, you''re not ying fair! We agreed you wouldn''t bring a plus one to this gathering, and here you are, bringing your wife instead.


    "Is this Byron''s wife? She''s stunning, and her elegance matches him perfectly. They make a great couple."


    "Hello, Mrs. Mcdaniel! It''s nice to meet you for the first time. I didn''t bring a gift, so please don''t hold it against me."


    "Don''t scare her! Be careful, or Byron will make you regret it."


    Marve stood there, flustered, as their friendly yet curious gazes scrutinized her. Hearing them casually call her "Mrs. Mcdaniel" only added to her difort.


    "Only you all have the guts to speak up. Don''t call her that carelessly," Byron warned, then turned to Ray. "Bring Maeve the


    menu."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Ray picked up a menu and handed it to Maeve with a yful smile. "So, Mac, when did you return?


    "Didn''t Bonnie mention it to you?" Maeve replied, recalling that Bonnie and Ray seemed to have developed a connection before she went abroad.


    Ray''s smile faltered for a moment before he quickly changed the subject. "No wonder! I was wondering why Byron''s been in such a good moodtely. Turns out he''s been dreaming about his ideal partner for years-ah!" Ray let out a pained yelp. nearly springing off the sofa. When Ray looked up, he realized that Byron had silently moved beside him, his handsome face clouded with an ominous expression. "If you don''t speak, no one will mistake you for a mute, Byron remarked coldly.


    Ray forced a smile and took a sip from his ss to mask the pain in his foot that twisted his features. Once he fell silent, Byron finally looked at Maeve, his tone calm and dismissive. "Go order from the waiter yourself and sit over there. Don''t disturb us."


    Maeve was speechless; she thought, If he dislikes me so much, why bring me here in the first ce?'' But since she was already there, she figured she might as well enjoy the meal. Feeling frustrated, she took the menu and walked to the waiter to order a few of her favorite dishes.


    A decorative room divider separated the dining area from the entertainment zone. As Maeve sat down to eat, she could hear the sounds of card games happening on the other side, where the stakes seemed rtively high. Although she couldn''t see what was going on, she could tell from their conversation that Byron was consistently winning while the others were losing to the point of frustration.


    Ray, clearly the biggest victim in the game, tossed his cards aside in frustration. He turned towards the room divider where Maeve was sitting and said, "Mae, are you done eating?"


    I''m done. What''s up?" Maeve asked, her attention shifting away from her phone with a look of curiosity.


    "You''re sitting there all by yourself; it must be boring. Why note over and join us for a game?" Ray said.


    Maeve felt a bit tempted; she was curious about how Byron always managed to win. However, she doubted he would want her to join. After hesitating, she declined, saying, "No, I''m not very good at this."


    H''s easy! Just have Byron teach you!" Ray urged, nudging Byron''s arm. "You can''t just y alone; leaving her sitting on the sidelines after bringing her along is not right!"


    Ray thought, ''If I can''t win against Byron, then surely I can win against Maeve. I have topensate for my losses by


    Thu, Nov

 Chapter 326

    Byron nced at him, quickly seeing through his thoughts. Leaningzily against the sofa, he remarked, "Even if you try a few more times, you still won''t win."


    Ray turned his head and shouted, "Hey, Mae! Did you hear that? Come over here!"


    Maeve walked over to the room divider and looked around. She hitially thought about sitting beside Byron, but remembering his dismissive tone earlier, she figured he would want her beside him. After considering her options, she chose to sit in the empty spot next to Ray, cing herself directly across from Byron.


    Seeing this scene, Ray raised an eyebrow in surprise, thinking, ''What''s going on here? Did they fight? Before he could figure it out, he suddenly felt a sharp, icy gaze directed at him.


    He felt a chill run down his spine as he looked at Byron, thinking, ''Come on, it''s your wife who chose that seat. Why are you ring at me?


    Byron coolly shifted his gaze away, an air of icy indifference surrounding him.


    "Hey, Mae, have you ever yed cards before?" Ray turned to ask Maeve.


    Maeve shook her head and replied, "I''ve never yed before; I don''t understand it."


    "I see. Then it might be a bit unfair for us to y cards with you Ray said, thinking for a moment. "How about we do something else instead so you can feel included?"


    "What should we y?" Maeve asked.


    Ray grabbed two new decks of cards, picked out the ones he wanted, and shuffled them. "So, I''ve got a deck here with only cards numbered one to seven, plus two wildcards. When I deal with the cards, whoever gets the big wildcard can make the small wildcard choose between truth or dare. Sound good?"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Someone nearby immediately scoffed at him, saying, "Seriously! How outdated are you? Who still ys that?"


    ''Seriously? You expect a bunch of grown men to y truth or dare?"


    Ray raised his hand and said, "Hey, who cares about your feelings, you bunch of single guys? The main thing is whether Mae has fun, right? How about a little manners here?" The others, seeing the logic in his words, fell silent.


    "Are we keeping the same stakes?" someone asked.


    "If you guys get the big wildcard and I get the small one, I''ll even let you make me kiss a pir!" Ray dered boldly.


    The others immediately rubbed their hands together, nning to make him kiss every pir in the restaurant. Seeing their enthusiasm, Maeve suddenly felt like she had fallen into a den of wolves. Her luck with cards was usually pretty good, she hoped she wouldn''t have to kiss a pir.


    As the first round began, Maeve picked up her card and nearly turned pale upon seeing the image of the small wildcard. She thought, "How could this happen? Has my luck just abandoned me?"


    At that moment, Ray shouted, "Who got the big wildcard in the first round? Who else? Where''s the small one?"


    Maeve raised her hand and said, "It''s me...


    Byron furrowed his brow slightly, and the card in his hand bent with a crease.


    "It looks like Mae is not very lucky." Ray said smugly. "Truth or dare?"


    F


    . Chapter 326


    During college, Maeve had heen busy with part-time jobs and had only heard girls chatting about this game during breaks, never having yed it herself. She could only guess its nature from the name. After thinking momentarily, she said, "Tll go with the truth." Ray cunningly asked two questions, "When did you have your first kiss, and who was it with!"


    "Woo-hoo!" The others immediately began to tease and cheer.


    Maeve felt her ears burning and instinctively nced at Byron across from her. She pointed at him and stammered, "W- With him, on a rainy night."


    The first time they met, he had taken her first kiss. Just moments before, she had saved him, only for him to repay her by taking advantage of her immediately. Even after all this time, Maeve still remembered it clearly. Byron also remembered it, and the coldness in his expression eased slightly.


    "Woo-hoo!!"


    "Kissing in the rain? That''s romantic, Byron!"


    "No wonder you managed to win over such a beautiful wife-teach us single guys your tricks!" Their hooting grew louder like they were about to blow the roof off the private room.


    Maeve''s face flushed, and her gaze darted around the room, not daring to look at Byron to see his reaction. He was probably embarrassed, too. After all, they had just "broken up yesterday.


    The second round began, and after just drawing the small wildcard in the first round, Maeve thought there was no way she could be that unlucky twice in a row. However, her heart sank when she saw the familiar card in her hand. She thought, Why is it me again?" While Ray was disappointed he didn''t get the big wildcard, he said, "Come on, show your cards! Don''t keep the big and small wildcards hidden."


    Maeve and Byron had the matching wildcards when they revealed their cards simultaneously. Seeing the small wildcard in her hand, Byron raised an eyebrow, thinking, ''Is her luck that bad?"


    "Mae, hurry up! Truth or dare!" Ray urged eagerly, clearly enjoying the drama.


    With a nk expression, Maeve responded, "Truth."


    Byron toyed with the wildcard in his hand for a moment before asking in a deep voice, "Do you like me or Jaylen Chatterly?


    Maeve was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained herposure. With a clever twist, she replied, "Compared to Jaylen, Will likes you more."


    Since his question didn''t specify a subject, she could refer to anyone. A hint of annoyance flickered in Byron''s eyes as soon as she said that. He thought, Is she avoiding my question because she feels guilty?"


    In the third and fourth rounds, Maeve was fortunate not to draw the small wildcard, and in the fifth round, she even managed to get the big wildcard.


    up now.


    Seeing the small wildcard in Byron''s hand, Maeve seized the opportunity and immediately asked the question she had held onto for so long. "Who was your first love!" After waiting all night, she finally got the chance to ask. She felt like she would burst if she didn''t bring it To her surprise, Byron looked straight at her and replied, "Not my first love, just the first person I had feelings for."


    The answer stung even more than mentioning a first love. "Say the name," Marve said tly. "Don''t act like you can''t handle it She thought, First person you had feelings for? That''s a first love. 0097%0


    Byron thought brielly and replied, "I don''t know her name."


    Maeve furrowed her brows, doubting that he was telling the truth. She thought, ''How can you remember the first person you had feelings for but not their name? Is that even possible?''


    She wanted to ask more, but since she could only ask one question each time, she had to hold off for now. When she drew the big wildcard again in the seventh round. Maeveunched another question at Byron. "How did you meet your first love?" "In college, I fainted in front of her due to low blood sugar, and ended up using up all her pocket money for the day," he replied.


    Seeing how effortlessly he recalled the details of that moment, Maeve felt sour, as if she had eaten a lemon. She reassured herself, Tm fine, I''m fine. So what if it was his first love? Everyone has one, right? But mine was him! What a jerk!"


    Maeve wanted to draw the big wildcard again to pry more information from Byron, but since the seventh round started, her luck seemed to have vanishedpletely. Her card luck was so terrible that she began questioning her existence. "Are you not rigging this?" Maeve turned to Ray and asked. She thought, Why is it me again and again and again with the small wildcard?''


    Ray innocently shrugged his shoulders and replied. "With so many eyes watching, would I dare?" Though deep down, he really would dare, chuckling to himself.

 Chapter 327

    Chapter327<


    Maeve sighed, feeling reluctant to answer Byron''s increasingly sharp questions. Instead, she opted for a different approach. I choose a dare."


    The person holding the big wildcard wore a look that seemed to say they had been waiting for her to say that. "You have to kiss Byron for two minutes right here!"


    The people nearby instantly became more excited than if they had drawn the big wildcard themselves, repeatedly shouting and cheering enthusiastically,


    She thought. "Kiss him for two minutes in front of all these people Maeve''s cheeks flushed bright red, and she could hardly believe what she had just heard. "Why not just kiss the pir instead?" Byron narrowed his eyes, looking at her with a dangerous expression. Kay, relishing the drarna, chimed in, "Mae, do you. prefer kissing the pir? We''re talking about that one right at the restaurant entrance! "Not really, it''s just that this is a bit. Just as Maeve felt awkward, Byron suddenly stood up and casually said. Tm going outside for a smoke. He then stepped out of the private room.


    As Maeve sighed with relief, she also felt a twinge of disappointment. She was too shy to do something so bold in public, but after being turned down by him, an inexplicable sense of loss washed over her. "Mac, did you and Byron fight?" Ray pushed the fruit tter before Maeve and leaned in, lowering his voice. Just tell me secretly, like you would tell your best friend. Don''t act like a stranger with me." Feeling frustrated, Maeve replied, "You noticed, huh? It''s not that we fought; we broke up."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Ray thought, ''Broke up? That serious?


    "Byron made you angry? He shouldn''t have," Ray said, raising his eyebrows. "He waited over four years for you. There was a time when he got drunk and kept shouting your name." With a teasing grin, he added, "I told him that, but he didn''t believe me. So, I got smart and recorded his drunken ramblings, but he got so embarrassed that he deleted the recording"


    Maeve opened her mouth in disbelief, ''No way!" Byron was always very restrained when drinking and would never let himself get drunk. The idea that he would shout her name while intoxicated sounded more like a tall tale.


    Four years ago, they were almost at a breaking point. Byron probably thought she had abandoned Will, so he had been cold towards her after reuniting. She thought, "How could he...


    "Really, why would I lie to you?" Ray said, noticing her skepticism. He pulled out his phone, found the recording, and held it to her. "I have a backup in the cloud. He deleted it, but I recovered it." Heughed as he continued, "If you don''t believe me, just listen for yourself!" Maeve hesitantly pressed the y button. A crackling sound filled the air, apanied by the clinking of bottles. Then, a voice, hoarse and tinged with the haze of alcohol, came through, struggling to contain some indescribable emotion, reaching Maeve''s ears. "Maeve... the heartless woman who abandoned her husband and child. The voice continued, "Maeve.. Maeve..."


    Thest repetition of "Maeve" sounded tender and affectionate, like a lover''s whisper. It struck Maeve''s heart like a heavy blow, breaking through a wave of tingling sensations that spread to her fingertips.


    It turned out that she hadn''t been in unrequited love after all these four years. While she was unaware, her feelings had once received a response. Maeve felt her eyes warm, and a sweetness seeped into her heart, filling every cell in her body. She event felt a bit overwhelmed.


    She thought Byron''s feelings for her stemmed entirely from her resemnce to his first love. But in that moment, that


    notion began to waver.


    "How about that? I wasn''t lying to you, was 1" Ray asked with a cheerful smile.


    Maeve shook her head. "And could you send me that recording?"


    * 97%


    "Of course, I can send it to you, Ray said. Noticing her slightly red eyes, he thought momentarily and added thoughtfully. "Maeve, I''ve known Byron for over ten years, and I''ve never seen him so infatuated with any woman. He''s never been in a rtionship before, so he doesn''t have much experience. If there are any issues between you two, I hope you can take the time tomunicate properly"


    He concluded. Just don''t do anything you both might regret. Not like him and Ronnie, once a chance was missed, it often became impossible to reim.


    Maeve nodded with mixed feelings. Thank you, I''ll remember that."


    However, the issues between her and Byron couldn''t simply be resolved throughmunication. As Maeve stepped out of the private room, she saw Byron leaning against the railing at the end of the corridor, his long fingers holding a half-burned cigarette. The thin smoke blurred his profile, making it difficult to discern his thoughts.


    Maeve hesitated for a few seconds before walking up to him. "Didn''t you quit smoking a long time ago


    Byron lifted his eyelids and casually nced at her. I''m not smoking: I''m just holding it."


    "Why light it if you''re not going to smoke?" Maeve asked, confused. She thought, What''s the point of lighting it then?"


    guessed you woulde out, Byron replied softly, then tossed the cigarette butt into a nearby trash bin and slowly walked toward her.


    His tall, slender figure exuded intense pressure, causing Maeve to take a step back instinctively. Byron gently lifted her chin,pelling her to meet his gaze. "During the game earlier, why did you keep fixating on my first love?"


    "Can''t I just be curious?" Maeve replied, her bright eyes sparkling


    "Being someone else''s fianc¨¦e and still being curious about my matters-do you, Ms. Reese, find that amusing?"


    Hearing this, Maeve shot back defiantly, "Mr. Mcdaniel, you seemed to ask me quite a few personal questions earlier, too. Do you find that interesting?"


    Byron chuckled. "I advise you, Ms. Reese, that I have no sense of morality and could easily steal someone else''s fianc¨¦e. If you''re not afraid of waking up one day to find yourself trapped by me, then feel free to keep trying to entice me."


    She thought, Who is trying to entice him?" Maeve red at him annoyed. "You were the one who brought me here and. agreed to let me y that game. So isn''t it you who''s trying to entice me?"


    Byron chuckled, leaning closer to her face, his deep-set eyes locking onto hers. "If I were trying to entice you, what would you do about it?"


    As he spoke, he lowered his head and kissed Maeve, one hand gripping her neck firmly. When she tried to pull away, he pressed her back with strength-His strong arms locked around her slender waist, leaving no room for retreat. The shadows reflected on the wall showed their upper bodies closely intertwined, resembling lovers nestled against each other.


    Maeve knew that this was a one-sided takeover. His kiss left her bips tingling and her lungs slowly running out of air. After struggling for a long while, she decided to go for it. Since they were already kissing, iming it was wrong would only make her seem pretentious. When Byron finally loosened his grip on her, she stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and nted a kiss on his beautifully shaped Adam''s apple: With a teasing and bold smile, she said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, this is what you call enticing. Thu, Nov Chapter 328

 Chapter 328

    ¦°


    Byron''s eyes darkened momentarily as the softness in his arms withdrew, leaving his hands empty. Maeve took a few steps back, looking at him with a bright smile. "Mr. Mcdaniel, you lit that cigarette but didn''t smoke it; was it just to wait for me?" He knew she didn''t like the smell of cigarettes and guessed that the woulde out, so he had deliberately waited here, like a hunter lying in wait. The dare had been to kiss for two minutes, but it hadsted far longer than that. Her lips were still


    tir


    sore from the intensity of it all.


    "Full of yourself." Byron scoffed lightly, though the coldness in his deep eyes had lessened from the initial chill. "Only my woman is worth the wait. What do you think you are?"


    Maeve sensed a particr implication in his words, and her heart began to race. Byron merely shot her a sideways nce before walking past her toward the elevator.


    Maeve rubbed her cheeks, secretly annoyed with herself for being so weak, but she still followed him. Byron parked the car in front of her at the restaurant entrance and looked at her through the window, "Get in," he said casually. Maeve opened the door to the passenger seat and was about to sit down when Byron said, "Sit in the back."


    "What?" Maeve asked.


    "My passenger seat is reserved for my girlfriend only, so it would be better for you to have a little self-awareness, Ms. Reese Byron said.


    Maeve was speechless, frustrated by his remark, but couldn''t find a way to counter it. Resigned, she mmed the car door and sat in the back seat. She thought, "What''s this about? Just because I''m not his girlfriend now, he thinks he can mess with my feelings?''


    As Maeve fastened her seatbelt, she shot him a covert re. If it weren''t for that recording, no one would have guessed that he had feelings for her beneath his icy exterior. She would have in away long ago. He must have been just as infuriating when he was in love with his first love.


    With a thought in mind, Maeve unfastened her seatbelt and leaned closer to Byron''s seat, adopting a teasing tone. "It''s sote already, and you''re sending me home. Won''t your girlfriend get jealous?"


    Byron''s arm resting on the steering wheel paused as he replied calmly, "She won''t mind. My girlfriend is very understanding; she doesn''t mind when we hang out together."


    Maeve nearly choked on his words. She thought, What the hell, three people hanging out together? I didn''t realize you were such a yer!''


    "Well, your girlfriend sounds open-minded, Maeve said, grinding her teeth slightly. "Why not just call her out and have her join us?"


    Byronughed and reached back to grip Maeve''s neck, gently pulling her closer to him. He tilted his head and slowly leaned in, his deep eyes fixed on hers. "Maeve Reese, should I take that as an invitation for us to have an air Maeve looked at him innocently and asked, "Does it sound like I''m suggesting that?


    Then you''re deliberately teasing me," Byron said, pressing his fingertip against the corner of her lips. "So, have you thought it through? Are you ready to break off the engagement with Jaylen Chatterly?"


    Maeve''s yful demeanor faded, and she suddenly fell silent. She had almost forgotten about that whole situation.


    Seeing her fall silent, the warmth in Byron''s eyes faded, and he withdrew his hand. His voice turned cold as he said, "If you''re not nning to end things with him, don''te here to provoke me Thu, Nov


    Chapter 328 97%


    "Maeve Reese, you won''t be able to handle the consequences," he said, and with that, he drove the car out of the parking lot.


    As Maeve looked at his cold,plex profile, frustration washed over her. After hearing that recording, she had been eager to ask him one question about whather she was the one he saw back then or if it was someone else. But now it seemed that even if she got an answer, it would change nothing about their current situation and wouldn''t help or alter anything.


    After insomnia, Maeve woke up feeling groggy. She put on makeup to hide her tiredness, not wanting the little ones to: notice. Today, only Theo sat quietly at the dining table; Will was howhere to be found.


    Maeve walked over and kissed Theo. Good morning, sweetie. Where''s Will?"


    "Mommy, Will was taken home by that stinky dadst night. The said with a hint of sadness. "It seems like he''s going to stay there for a while and won''te over here during this time


    She thought, Byron took Will back to the manor? Does that mean it won''t be easy for me to see him in the future?


    Maeve''s already fragile mood plummeted further. With Will''s custody in Byron''s hands, she worried about what she would do if he decided not to let her see him anymore. Thankfully, she hadn''t mentioned Theo''s situation to him; otherwise, she might be unable to keep him, either. She instinctively hugged Theo''s chubby frame with that thought, seekingfort and security.


    Theo blinked his big eyes and hugged her, suggesting. "Mommy, should we sneak Will out and elope together"


    "That''s not cloping: it''s escaping, Maeve said, gently flicking his forehead. "Unless necessary, Mommy suggests we avoid such risky actions. Otherwise, she might book a flight only to be caught by Byron immediately.


    Theo looked very disappointed. "Alright then, it seems like Loren''s new toy won''t be useful after all."


    "What did he send you this time?" Maeve asked.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    "Ten mini infrared cannonballs!" Theo replied.


    Maeve was shocked, she had already told Loren not to give such dangerous weapons to the kids.


    After breakfast, Maeve took Theo to kindergarten. Afterward, she met Jaylen to help him pick out a gift for his grandfather, His current physical condition had deteriorated to the point where he could barely walk and could only get around in a wheelchair


    At the antique art store, Daryl pushed Jaylen in his wheelchair while Maeve walked beside them, helping him choose suitable gifts for his grandpa''s birthday. They ultimately decided on a high-quality easel and a fine paintbrush. Since Charles loved painting, these two items would be perfect gifts.


    After settling the bill, Jaylen waved at Maeve. "Maeve, could you lower your head a bit?"


    "What?" Maeve asked, a bit confused, but she lowered her head anyway.


    Jaylen turned his head away, seemingly cing something in her hair. After a moment, be-withdrew his hand and looked at Maeve, a warm smile spreading across his pale face. "You look beautiful," he said.


    Maeve nced at the mirror in the store and noticed a crimson rose hairpin tucked into her hair, Remembering the price of the hairpin, she feltpelled to remove it and return it to Jaylen.


    Maeve said, "No, I can''t ept this. It''s too precious, and I don''t usually wear essories. It would be a waste to give it to


    me....


    Jaylen gently stopped her from removing the hairpin and said earnestly. "Think of it as a token of appreciation for apanying me today to pick out gifts. It''s already purchased, so I''d like to see you wear it at Grandpa''s birthday banquet, Chapter 328


    okay?"


    Maeve hesitated for a while before taking a step back. "Then you should choose something as a return gift for me epting this hairpin," she suggested. Otherwise, she felt uneasy about just taking his gift without reciprocating. Jaylen smiled. "Okay,"


    As Serena spotted the scene, she snapped a photo and sent it to Byron, captioning it: [Mr. Chatterly is so good to his girlfriend, taking her out shopping on a weekday. It''s enviable.]


    0

 Chapter 329

    Byron was in a meeting when his phone, tucked away in the drawer, lit up. He nced at it briefly, but the moment he saw the screen, his mood shifted-instantly cold.


    The head of the Project nning Department was talking about the project''s progress when he noticed the change in Byron''s demeanor. His voice started to shake, and he stumbled over his words, even messing up an important figure. Byron''s eyes snapped up, cold and sharp. "Mr. Landon, why don''t you just hand ourpany over to thepetition? Why waste hundreds of millions?"


    "S-Sorry, Mr. Mcdaniel. I got that wrong" Nichs Landon stammered, visibly sweating as he tried to fix his mistake.


    When the meeting finally wrapped up, Byron stood and walked out without a word. The rest of the team stayed seated, letting out deep breaths like they had just survived a near-death experience.


    "Man. I forgot how intimidating he can be. Thank God it wasn''t my turn to report," one of them said.


    "He''s been in a bad mood thest couple of days. Just be careful


    "Isn''t being in love supposed to make him softer? I don''t even want to go near him unless he''s in a good mood."


    "Maybe he''s having a fight with his girlfriend. Happens to everyone, right?"


    They all sighed, quietly hoping their boss and his girlfriend would work things out soon, so they wouldn''t have to keep walking on eggshells.


    Back in his office, Byron sat down and clicked on the message he had just received on his phone.


    Back in his office, Byron sat down, pulled out his phone, and opened the messages. Two texts from Serena, and above them, a photo.


    In it, Maeve was in an antique shop, leaning toward a guy in a wheelchair, smiling as he gently tucked a hairpin into her hair. His expression was soft, full of warmth like they were a couple deeply in love.


    Byron''s handsome face was dark as storm clouds, a deep frown etched across his brow. The corners of his mouth turned down in a scowl, enough to send shivers down anyone''s spine.


    In a sudden fit of frustration, he crushed the edge of his phone screen. A shard of ss dug into his fingertip, blood seeping out and pooling on the marble desk.


    When Archer walked in to deliver some documents and saw the blood, he quickly said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ll grab a first aid kit for your wound."


    "No need," Byron said, barely looking up as if the pain didn''t register, His voice was ice-cold as he asked, "Did you follow up on what I asked this morning?"


    I just got off the phone with the person in charge of the subsidarypany. They''ll bring the contract over this afternoon."


    ""Tell him toe now.


    -"Got it


    Meanwhile, after leaving the antique shop, Maeve had booked a lunch table with Jaylen Just as she was about to head out. her phone rang. It was Paige, letting her know that a well-known fabric supplier wanted to work with Dreamscape and was already there. Perfect timing-this supplier was at the top of Maeve''s list. She couldn''t pass this up.


    0/14 Thu, Nov


    She hesitated for a moment and then told Jaylen apologetically have to rush back to the studio. Something''se up. and I can''t make lunch."


    "It''s just a meal; I can eat it alone, Jaylen replied with a smile, trying to keep it light. "Just go before I change my mind."


    Maeve shed him a grateful smile and hurried to the curb to catch a cab, Once she was gone. Jaylen''s smile faded. He sighed and turned to Daryl "Push me back to the car."


    "Sir, are you skipping lunch?" Daryl asked, surprised.


    "Yeah, not feeling it," Jaylen said with a shrug.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Fifteen minutester, Maeve rushed into the studio. Even though the supplier was well-known and respected in the industry, the person in charge was surprisingly humble and polite, putting her at case right away.


    In under half an hour, they had everything locked down for the coboration. Thewyer quickly drafted the contract, and both sides double-checked it before signing on the spot.


    This time, it was a long-term deal, and the other party was ready to work with Dreamscape for a lower price than their rivals, which was a solid sign of good faith. Maeve felt a little like she was getting a steal. Since they were so reliable, she knew she couldn''t be stingy. "Mr Sargent, are you interested in the new shark silk?" Maeve asked


    Pablo Sargent''s eyes brightened. "So, the production process is all yours, Ms. Reese?"


    Yep, it''s all mine. There''s no one else involved," she said with a faint smile. "If you''re interested, I can give yourpany the rights to produce the new shark silk."


    Once the new shark silk hit the market, Pablo and the higher-ups in hispany saw the endless potential in this unique


    Pablo jumped material. Even without Archer''s push, they were nning to reach out to Maeve. So, when she brought it up, at the chance.


    T''d like to use 40% of the dividends to buy out your exclusive rights to the new shark silk. What do you think, Ms. Reese?"


    TH


    Forty percent sounded great, but as a buyout, it felt a bit tough. Maeve took a sip of her coffee and replied, "How about 45 (? And I need to make sure the new shark silk isn''t sold to Indigo Enterprise." She had picked up on Indigo Enterprise''s sneaky tactics from Haley Bet. Since they tried to pressure her, she wasn'' going to cut them any ck.


    Pablo thought for a second, then reached out his hand to Maeve Alright, here''s our great partnership."


    "Cheers to that," she said, shaking his hand.


    Once the supplier issue was sorted, things in the studio started to settle back into their usual rhythm.


    If the previous supplier was the best in the mid-range market, this new one was at the top tier. The quality was in a league of its own!


    Maeve was feeling pretty great about everything. She had a burst of energy while sewing the wedding dress.


    Later that evening, she went to pick up Theo from kindergarten, She hoped to catch a glimpse of Will, but she was surprised to see him getting into the car instead.


    "Will? You swapped with Theo again?" she asked, raising an eyebrow


    "Yeah, Mom." Will took off his lensless round sses and shed a smile. "The psychologist ising tonight, and I didn''t want to deal with that, so I switched" 07:14 Thu, Nov 7


    "Are you feeling okay? Maese gently touched his head. "Is there anything Mommy can do for you?"


    24 & 97%]


    Will didn''t mind that his hair was a mess; instead, he leaned into her palm with affection. Tm happy now that I have you


    and Theo around."


    It had been a while since he''d felt emotionally unstable. Lately, he could find calm just by knocking on the meditation drum,


    Marve''s heart swelled at his words. She leaned down and kissed his check. "As long as you''re happy! If you''re ever feeling down, just tell me. You don''t have to be tough all the time; we''re here for you" Will blushed and nodded, looking a bit shy.


    "But seriously, why skip out on counseling? Isn''t Dr. Malvis your good buddy?" she asked, curious.


    Will, always polite, did not want to trash talk, so he replied, "Dr. Malvis is super enthusiastic, but I''m just not used to that."

 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330 8.97%


    Will added, "Dr. Malvis became my psychologist after I got kidnapped. I actually met her while I was trying to get away, and she''s the one who got me home."


    There were just some things he couldn''t talk to his dad about. However, Maeve, always able to read her son, felt that Will wasn''t all thatfortable with Serena. It seemed like there was more he wasn''t saying. Maeve had a pretty good impression of Serena before, and knowing she''d saved Will just made it better. But the way talked about her now made Maeve wonder if something had happened to bother him. At Nightfall Manor, Theo, who had lost a bet with Will, was stuck switching ces with him. With a long sigh. into the room, hands tucked behind his back.


    he strolled


    His mom was making roasted beef for dinner, but now he wouldn''t get to eat it. Instead, he had to help Will deal with his "annoying" dad..


    "Why the big sigh, Will" came a voice.


    Serena had just walked in, catching Theo mid-sigh. She smiled and handed him a small, beautifully wrapped gift. "I got this for you while I was traveling. See if you like it."


    Theo tilted his head and asked, "Who are you?"


    Serena chuckled, a little thrown off. It had only been six months, and he had already forgotten her.


    Tm your friend and psychologist. You used to call me pretty," she said, squatting down to meet his eyes. "Remember?"


    Theo blinked, ''Oh, so she is Will''s psychologist. He dropped his bag and said, "You''re here for the session, right? Let''s just get it done.


    Serena''s heart sank a little. It seemed like all her hard work with him had been forgotten, and now she had to start from scratch Luckily, she knew winning him over wouldn''t be too difficult.


    Serena sat down and asked Theo a few questions, starting with, Still having trouble sleeping? Losing your appetite?*


    Theo shook his head. "Nope. I can eat two big bowls of cereal, then get to bed at nine and sleep straight through till morning


    If Maeve didn''t drag him out of bed, he''d probably stay there all day, like azy little bear.


    Serena nodded and shifted her approach. "What about your emotions? Do you still feel like you can''t control them, or that nothing really interests you anymore?"


    "Yeah, Theo admitted.


    "When does that get worse?" she asked.


    Theo frowned. "When I have to go to school on Monday, Just thinking about school makes me wanna blow up the."


    Serena chuckled awkwardly. "You''ve definitely picked up a sense of humor! But don''t stress about school. You''re Mr. McDaniel''s only son-one day everything he owns will be yours You don''t have to worry." Theo''s eyes lit up. "So, I can do whatever I want?"


    "Exactly," Serena said with a smile. "Your dad''s got your back, and you''re basically the little prince of the Mcdaniel family. No one''s gonna mess with you."


    Theo thought about it and realized it was just like the kids in kindergarten who used their parents'' power to get away with things.


    ""Even if I don''t listen to Dad? Theo asked, rubbing his chin.


    "Of course," Serena replied. "You''ve got your own thoughts. Why listen to him? Just because he''s a big deal in business doesn''t mean he knows how to raise kids. That''s why families need a woman''s touch. Do you still miss your mom?" "Yeah, kinda." Theo said, thinking about how it had only been an hour since he hadst seen her.


    "Remember what I told you, Will?" Serena said softly, "Your problem is that you''re still stuck in the past. Your mom''s moved. on with her life. She probably doesn''t even remember you anymore."


    As Serena spoke, a look of concern crossed her face. "I''ve got to be honest with you. Mr. Mcdaniel is really worried about you. His wife ran away, and you''re always acting like you miss your mom in front of him. It kinda leaves him feeling disappointed, like he expects you to be more grown-up and decisive"


    Theo blinked, clearly confused. "But I''m just four and a half! I''m still a little kid. Isn''t it normal to miss my mom?"


    "Sure, but you''re Mr. Mcdaniel''s son. He wants you to step up and act the way he thinks you should," Serena said, throwing her hands up a little. "He can be pretty strict. Definitely not as easy to chat with as I am."


    Theo propped his chubby little face up with both hands and said confidently, "My mommy won''t forget me I''m super cute, handsome, and charming. I''m not the kind of kid who gets easily forgotten!" Serena was a little dumbfounded again. "Wow, when did he be so full of himself?"


    "That''s hard to if she really loved you, why hasn''t shee back all these years? The only one who truly loves you i Mcdaniel. Are you really going to keep being stubborn over a mom you''ve never even met?"


    Theo''s lips pursed as he stared at Serena with those big, innocent eyes. "Are you saying my mommy left me?


    "She''s just trying to find her own happiness. You should think about your happiness too, right?" Serena tried to exin.


    The room went quiet for a moment, and then, out of nowhere, a loud cry rang out.


    Serena was taken aback by the sudden outburst. ''W-what''s happening? Why is he crying? He usually doesn''t cry! she thought, feeling a wave of concern wash over her.


    Theo pouted and started crying as he sprinted toward the door. Serena wanted to stop him, but all she could do was watch him bolt out.


    Meanwhile, Byron finished up his work and stepped out of the study to see how the counseling session was going. He was shocked to find Theo looking utterly miserable, his eyes brimming with tears. Byron''s expression turned serious. He rushed over and picked up his chubby little guy. "Will, what happened? Who upset you?"


    Theo''s small body shook with sobs, his nose all red and looking super sad. Byron frowned-deeply, a chill filling the air around him as if it might freeze everything in sight.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Yet, he gently patted Theo''s back, careful not to hurt him. "Hey, don''t cry. If you need to talk about it, Daddy''s here for you."


    Just then, Byron saw Serena hurry out after them, and his gaze hardened. "What went down during your session? Why''s he crying like this?"


    Serena''s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly exined. "Mr. Modaniel, I was just trying to talk to Will. Then, out of nowhere, he lost it and ran off. I really have no idea what I did to make him so upset.


    Mr

 Chapter 331

    If Byron thought about it. Will did seem a little different today way more energetic than usual. But that didn''t ease his suspicion on Serena. Seeing Theo crying so hard her face turned red made his heart clench. "Will, breathe slow. Don''t choke yourself, he soothed gently, wiping away the tears.


    Slowly, Theo''s sobs calmed down, and snuggled in Byron''s arms she whimpered, "She said Mom doesn''t want me anymore. And that you''re disappointed in me because I miss her."


    Serena''s face went pale as soon as Theo said it. Byron''s sharp eyes locked onto her. "Miss Malvis, you know how much Will misses his mom. Why would you say something like that and even try to mess things up between us?" "No, Mr. Mcdaniel, Will misunderstood me," Serena stammered, her hands sweating. "I only told him that his mom went off to find her own happiness and that he should be happy for her. didn''t expect him to take it the wrong way.


    "And as for you being disappointed, well, it''s because you once told me you didn''t like Will thinking about the woman who left him. I guess I misunderstood what you meant."


    Her excuse wasn''t perfect, but I was enough to sound reasonable.


    Byron''s expression didn''t soften, though. Still, out of respect for the fact that Serena had helped Will before, he decided not to push the matter further. "Miss Malvis, you can leave for now. No need toe back for the time being. I think going forward, we''ll need to record these sessions to avoid misunderstandings like this."


    Serena felt her heart sink. She knew Byron hadn''t fired her outright because of her past help with Will, but his distrust was clear. Getting close to Will again would be an uphill battle.


    "Understood," she said, keeping herposure as best she could Looking at Will in Byron''s arms, she added, "Will, I''m really sorry my words upset you. I don''t expect you to forgive me, but I just want you to feel better."Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Theo twisted around in Byron''s arms, sticking his butt out at Serena like he was done with her for good. He wasn''t about to let her mess with Will anymore. Serena, sensing the tension, just said her goodbyes to Byron and headed out.


    ''Don''t pay any attention to her nonsense," Byron said gently, brushing his hand through Theo''s hair. "You know how much your Mommy loves you. You can''t just take what other people say as the truth; you''ve got to think for yourself." Theo sniffled and pouted, "But I''m only four and a half! I don''t want to deal with all that. I just want Mommy!"


    Byron recognized that tone-his son was being rebellious. He sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and empathy. "Alright, I''ll take you to see her tomorrow. How does that sound?"


    "I want Mommy now!" Theo cried, his little eyes watery. "It feels awful if I don''t see her! What if she runs away with someone else? You made her mad, and she kicked you out! Why should I stay here with you? It''s cold and miserable!" Byron''s heart sank at Theo''s words. ''What does he mean by making Maeve mad and getting kicked out? Wasn''t it Maeve who upset me?''


    "Alright, enough with the tears. What do you want?" Byron rubbed his temples, feeling a headacheing on. If Theo wasn''t his kid, he might have lost his patience by now.


    "I wanna see Mommy right now! If I don''t see her, I''ll just die! Theo threw a little tantrum, iling around in Byron''s arms.


    "Can this kid really not handle being away from his mom for even a day? Byron thought, shaking his head at the dramatic disy


    With a mix of frustration and helplessness, he carried Theo downstairs. "Butler, get the car ready," he ordered.


    Hearing that, Theo''s face lit up, and a cheeky grin appeared on his face. The painful pinch and little act were totally worth it if it meant he could get some roasted beef.


    Half an hourter, they arrived at the Retro Apartment. Byron rang the doorbell twice, and Maeve opened the door, her expression shifting from confusion to surprise when she saw them standing there. "You guys-" Byron''s face was all stone as he mudged Theo forward. "This kid been crying for you. I can''t get him to calm down. You handle it."


    Theo, who was leaning against his leg, didn''t think much of it at first, but after hearing what he said, she suddenly felt ashamed. Her small body stood there coyly, and the tips of her cars turned red.


    Maeve was shocked. It wasn''t because Theo, who never cried, was crying, but more about what had gone down at Byron''s ce


    "Hey, buddy, what''s wrong? Did someone hurt you?" she asked, squatting down to meet his gaze, her heart aching for him. "Don''t worry: just tell me, and Mommy will take care of it!


    She shot a re at Byron, and he couldn''t help butugh a little "You really think I hurt him?"


    "Even if you didn''t, you''re still responsible for him getting picked on in your own house!" Maeve fired back, leaving Byron a bit speechless.


    "Mommy. I''m hungry. I want food," Theo blurted out. Too shy to admit he was just putting on a show, he quickly changed the topic.


    Maeve didn''t push it. She led him inside, saying. "I made a ton of your favorite roasted beef tonight. Good thing you''re back, or we''d have leftovers for days."


    Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Byron slipping through the door too. She couldn''t help but ask, "Why are youing in?"


    He had clearly said he wanted to cut ties with her.


    Byron shot her an indifferent nce. "You said you can''t finish it so I figured I''d help lighten the load."


    Theo wanted to shout that he could handle it all by himself, but since Byron had done a good job tonight-especially sending that weird woman away-he kept quiet and let it go. When Will heard the sound, she quickly ducked into the room, avoiding the dining area altogether.


    Byron raised an eyebrow at the bowl and fork neatly ced on the table.


    Theo''s eating habits were starting to mirror Will''s more and more. He was bing picky, refusing bitter gourds and green peppers, even wanting to pick out the chopped carrots.


    Thinking about it made Byron nce at Theo, who was already at the table, munching away with a small poon. His eyebrows twitched. If it weren''t for the fact that Theo still looked like his usual self, Byron might have thought his son''s soul. had been swapped with someone else''s.


    "That can''t be right. Byron narrowed his eyes and shot Theo a cold stare. "Will, what did you just call Maeve?"


    "Mommy, Theo replied without missing a beat.


    "You used to call her ''mom, didn''t you?" Byron tapped his fingers on the table, his tone sharp.


    Maeve immediately caught on, and her heart skipped a beat. Byron was meticulous-he had even pick up on something as simple as how Theo addressed her.

 Chapter 332

    Theo looked at Byron and shrugged, "I can call her whatever I want Why does it matter?"


    ''Indeed not. Byron thought, something still felt off to him.


    Sensing things might get risky, Maeve quickly changed the subject. "What happened earlier? Why did Will cry ande running back to me?"


    "The psychologist said something out of line, Byron said, stabbing his fork into his food with a frown. "He got scared your didn''t want him anymore."


    ''He cried over that? Maeve thought as she nced at Theo, who was happily eating. She couldn''t shake the feeling he might''ve yed up the tears just to get back home for dinner.


    Theo noticed her looking and shed an innocent grin. Maeve chuckled, feeling like she had cracked the case.


    At least no real harm had been done, and she sighed with relief. It was always tough not having both her kids around.


    After dinner. Theo rubbed his full belly and started heading toward the room. Byron watched him and asked, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    To my room. Theo said casually.


    "Your room is across mine."


    Tm sleeping with Mom tonight, so you''re on your own. Theo quickly scurried off before Byron could stop him, shutting the door behind him with a little extra speed.


    Maeve smirked. "You took him without saying anything and scared him. No wonder he doesn''t want to go back with you."


    Byron''s lips twitched, forcing a smile. "You really think I''ll just let him stay here and one day call some other guy ''dad? Maeve, I''m not that naive."


    Maeve sighed. "As I''ve told you, my rtionship with Jaylen will be done in six months, tops. So, that scenario won''t happen."


    Byron raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"


    Maeve stayed quiet. If she could tell him the truth, she wouldn''t have kept it from him this long.


    The issue was Jaylen didn''t want anyone to know about his condition, and that made it tough to exin things to Byron


    "You can''t say anything?" Byron''s eyes had a mocking edge. Thinking about those intimate photos, his expression grew colder. "Maybe I''ve been too easy on youtely, made you think I''d let anything slide. But you''ve crossed the line too many times. Don''t forget, I don''t tolerate any shits," Maeve felt her heart drop at his sharp tone, like he waspletely done with her. This time, it wasn''t just another argument -it felt like the end.


    Her throat tightened, and bitterness rose, but she forced it back down. Watching him walk away, she couldn''t find the words to stop him. Even if she did, she couldn''t give him the answer he wanted.


    Covering her eyes, she blinked back tears, her nose starting to redden. After a while, she took a deep breath and headed to bed Tomorrow was another workday, and she couldn''t show up with swollen eyes.


    Time flew by, and soon it was the day of Charles''s birthday party The Chatterly family held serious influence in Kleymond.


    10:96%


    and their event drew quite the crowd-big names from all over the industry.


    The party was on the second floor of their mansion, with stylish decor and guests dressed to impress, sipping wine and chatting. It was exactly what anyone would expect from an upper-ss gathering.


    ¦°


    Since the McDaniel family did a lot of business with the Chatterly family, Byron was naturally on the guest list. And as soon as he walked in, all eyes were on him.


    Wherever Byron McDaniel went, he turned heads. It wasn''t just because he was the CEO of the McDaniel Group, but also because this rich, good-looking guy was still single.


    Sure, he had a son, but that didn''t stop families from thinking he was a great catch for their daughters. Being a stepmom was a small price to pay for that kind of life.


    Plenty of people were hoping for a chance, but their excitement took a nosedive when they saw the stunning woman by Byron''s side


    "Wait, does Mr. McDaniel have a girlfriend?"


    Looks like it. This is the first time he''s brought someone to


    o an event.


    "Wow, she''s gorgeous. And so ssy. He''s definitely got high standards."


    The room buzzed with whispers. Some were disappointed, thinking they had missed their shot, while others admired how perfect the couple looked together.


    Serena, walking beside Byron, smiled confidently, chin slightly raised, enjoying all the envious looks thrown her way.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    But then a hush fell over the crowd as Maeve and Jaylen came downstairs.


    Jaylen, though noticeably thinner, didn''t use a wheelchair tonight. He wore a green vest under a sleek silver-gray suit, hiding his frailty. A mask covered his face, so most people focused on Maeve instead.


    Her skin practically glowed, and her features were stunning. Every smile, every tiny gesture looked effortlessly beautiful. Even the few strands of hair framing her face made her seem more charming. She resembled a fully bloomed rose-soft, yet captivating in a way that left asting impression Next to her, Serena suddenly seemed like a side dishpared to Maeve''s star presence. Hearing people murmur about theparison, Serena''s smile faltered.


    Maeve spotted Byron and Serena too. When she saw them standing next to each other, her heart sank. For a moment, froze, her expression dimming. Byron had brought Serena to this formal event, just like Jaylen had brought her.


    she


    Maeve didn''t want to admit it, but she had clearly overestimated her ce in Byron''s life. She wasn''t irreceable. If he wanted, there would always be someone else


    She had expected this day toe, but when it finally did, the sting was sharper than she imagined.


    "Maeve, are you okay?" Jaylen asked sofily, noticing the shift in her mood. "If you''re tired, we can head upstairs and rest."


    Maeve shook her head lightly. "No, I''m okay."


    Jaylen followed her gaze and his expression darkened slightly, but he said nothing. He kept his tone neutral as he suggested, "How about we grab a seat?"


    "Sure," she murmured, letting him lead her to a table as they waited for the party to start.


    Serena, watching them, turned to Byron with a feigned concern Mr. McDaniel, do you think your girlfriend misunderstood our rtionship? Should I clear things up with herter? I wouldn''t want her to feel awkward." 2/3 07:14 Thu, Nov 7

 Chapter 333

    As the party got underway, Charles finally made his appearance, thanking everyone foring.


    The younger Chatterly family members began handing over their birthday gifts, one after another, and eventually, it was Jaylen''s turn as the youngest.


    Charles shot a nce at Maeve standing next to him and grinned. "Well, well, Jaylen. Looks like you''ve brought me the best gift this year-Maeve! And you managed to keep it under wraps


    Betty was all smiles too. She had always liked Maeve and couldn''t wait to wee her as a daughter-inw.


    Maeve, however, cast her eyes down, looking a bit shy, though inside she felt torn.


    Sensing the awkwardness, Jaylen stepped in quickly. "You''re reading too much into it. Maeve''s just here to celebrate with us."


    The disappointment on Charles and Betty''s faces was obvious. You need to focus mare, Jaylen, Charles sighed. "You''re thest one left to settle down! I don''t expect miracles, but can''t you at least get married before thirty-five?"


    Jaylen, unfazed, took thement in stride but didn''t promise anything. He never made promises he couldn''t keep Maeve was slightly taken aback by his quick response just now, but she felt it wasn''t the right time to ask him, so she let it go. Around the room, the guests couldn''t hear the conversation. They only saw Jaylen and Maeve together, looking like a couple greeting the elders. Byron, noticing the scene, took a sip of his wine, his gaze cold as he looked away.


    Halfway through the party, Jaylen grew exhausted but did his best to hide it from his family. Maeve noticed, though, and used the excuse of her not feeling well to take him upstain.


    As soon as they got to the room, Jaylen copsed onto the bed,pletely drained. Maeve grabbed a towel, wrung it out, and began wiping his face. "You really shouldn''t have pushed yourself today. You''re in no shape for all that walking"


    Jaylen probably wouldn''t recover from the exhaustion of today no matter how much rest he got. He leaned back against the pillows with a small smule. I''m not pushing myself. Just having you meet my parents at least once-it''s something I''ve wanted for a long time. Marve stayed quiet for a moment before asking "Why didn''t you agree to what your grandpa said earlier?"


    She had thought he might take the chance to make their rtionship official. But Jaylen just looked at her, the sadness in his eyes softening into something more gentle. "You''re only agreeing to be my hanc¨¦e because you know I don''t have much time left. I can''t repay your kindness by forcing you into something you didn''t ask for."


    He could''ve easily told everyone she was his fianc¨¦e right then and there, but he knew it would put unnecessary pressure on her. Thest thing he wanted was to make things harder for her


    "If there''s a chance in the future, I hope you''ll choose to meet my family willingly, on your own terms," he added. "Only if you want to."


    Maeve bit her lip, then forced a casual smile. "Well, we''ll have to wait for you to get better first, right?"


    Jaylen smiled back his eyes gentle, almost like ss reflecting the soft light. But beneath that tenderness, there was a hint of sadness he couldn''t fully hide.


    Soon after, he fell asleep, his exhaustion taking over. Maeve watched him with mixed emotions. If she had known from the start how little time he had, she would''ve done everything to save him.


    For someone often praised as a miracle doctor, it was painful to realize she couldn''t do more for her closest friend, other than pretending to be his fiancee 07:14 Thu, Nov 7


    She sighed, thinking of Charles and Betty''s smiling faces, blissfully unaware of the truth. Now, her only hope was that Rudolf might find a way to help him. 96%


    Out of nowhere, Maeve felt a piersing gaze on her back. She turned around and spotted a figure leaning against the door frame, and her heart raced. "What are you doing here?"


    "Is this the guy you chose? He doesn''t even have the guts to admit you''re his fianc¨¦e, he sneered, his voice low and mocking


    Maeve quickly looked away. "That really isn''t your business"


    Wasn''t he downstairs with Serena? Why is he up here?'' she thought.


    Byron''s eyes dropped to her lips, When he noticed the clear bite marks, his cold expression sharpened. He crushed the cigarette between his fingers and sauntered over to her.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I was going to give you onest chance," he said, his deep voice beavy with menace.


    Before Maeve could figure out his intentions, her body sensed danger and tensed up. In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of her, looking down at her.


    Maeve felt trapped in his gaze, like prey caught in a spider web. Her limbs felt stiff. "What are you-


    "Maeve." Byron''s lips curled into a chilling smile. "You don''t seem to remember how I get when I''m sick."


    A shiver ran down her spine at his smile. Panic kicked in, and without thinking, she shot up to run


    But before she could escape, he grabbed her waist and pushed her back onto the bed, barely inches away from the sleeping Jaylen


    Flustered, Maeve wanted to confront him, but thest thing she needed was to wake Jaylen and make things worse.


    In that awkward moment, Byron grabbed Maeve''s wrists and pushed her back against the bed. He kissed her hard, like he was trying to wipe away any trace of another guy from her lips.


    He didn''t hold back-kissing her inside and out, leaving no inch untouched. Maeve''s eyes went wide, her body trembling as heat flooded her face. She was mortified, feeling like she might burst from embarrassment.


    This was insane. They were in Jaylen''s room, with Jaylen just a few inches away, sleeping on the bed. Yet here was Byron, having the audacity to do this.


    Even though Maeve and Jaylen were not in a real rtionship, Maeve had always been the good girl, so Byron''s behavior felt way out of line


    Not only was he out of control, but he was trying to drag her into it, too, And to make it worse, the door was wide open. If anyone from the Chatterly family walked by and caught them like this, she would never show her face around here again, Fury bubbled up inside Maeve, and she wanted to bite him just to get him to let go. But what she didn''t realize was that a little blood might only fuel the beast within him


    Byron''s eyes darkened as the metallic scent of blood filled the air. He gripped her waist tighter and deepened the kiss


    He was a total wild card, and since pretending to be normal wasn''t working for him, he figured he might as well embrace it. Chapter 334


    Maeve''s heart raced. If she kept resisting, he might really lose it and go too far.


    She knew Byron was crazy, but she didn''t think he would push it like this. If Jaylen woke up now, she''d die of embarrassment.


    So, she gave in a little and touched him with the tip of her tongue, brushing it softly between his lips and teeth. As soon as he noticed she was taking the lead, Byron''s grip on her waist cased up.


    Maeve leaned in more, deepening the kiss. Her hands, pinned beneath his, started to curl up and rest against the back of his hand, gently massaging it.


    Just like that, the pressure on her wrists lightened. It felt like the rage of a wild beast had suddenly calmed, its roughness turning soft, as if the ferocity from before was just a mirage. thin sh


    Only Maeve knew how close she hade to danger; she could feel a thin sheen of sweat on her back.


    Byron''s expression softened, and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her away from the bed, Maeve pulled back slightly, catching her breath. She whispered, "Let''s get out of here." "Why? Scared of what he''ll think?" Byron smirked. "Even if he sees us, what can he really do?"


    Jaylen didn''t even dare to im Maeve as his fianc¨¦e. Even if it came out to public, Byron would still go for it. He didn''t care about the Chatterly family.


    Maeve felt the frustration bubbling up. "Seriously? You want everyone to see me like this?"


    If anyone found out they were doing this in someone else''s room, people would think they were total perverts.


    "What? You''re scared of getting caught kissing me? But you seem so fine about kissing him?" Byron teased.


    "What are you even saying? When did I kiss him? Maeve shot back, bewildered.


    However, before Byron could respond, Jaylen erupted in a fit of coughs from the bed.


    Maeve spun around and saw Jaylen lying there with his eyes shut He didn''t look awake at all. Another cough, and a bit of blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth, staining the pillow a shocking red.


    Byron''s brow furrowed. "What''s going on with him?"


    "Daryl said it''s normal for him to cough up blood clots. He''ll be okay after he takes his meds," Maeve exined, her panic ring for a second before she pulled it together. She gently lifted Jaylen''s head, trying to help him avoid choking on the blood pooling in his throat. Then, she spotted his medicine bottle and pulled out a brownish-ck pill. Byron studied the fancy old lettering on the bottle, looking thoughtful.


    After Jaylen swallowed the pill, his coughing slowed down, and he drifted back to sleep.


    Maeve grabbed a towel to clean the blood off Jaylen''s face, but before she could start, Byron''s hand shot over. "Let me handle it," he said. "What are you doing?" she asked, puzzled,


    "You really expect me to just sit here while my ex-girlfriend touches another guy?" he said, a little annoyed.


    Maeve sighed. Sure.


    she got that they were exes, but really, she was just trying to clear him up. No need to be such a brat 07:15 Thu, Nov


    pter 334


    about it.


    Even though she wanted to roll her eyes, she still handed him the towel.


    K 96%


    However, Byron''s method was more like he was scrubbing a dirty floor than caring for someone. If Jaylen weren''t in such at deep sleep, he would probably wake up ready to throw punches Byron.


    Maeve opened her mouth to say something, but when she saw that Jaylen''s face was clean and free of blood, she held back. Honestly, she couldn''t expect Byron to be friendly with his love rival. That would be a bit much, even for her.


    Later that evening, the car ride felt super awkward. Maeve''s scalp tingled with tension. Byron was driving, eyes glued to the road, looking like he was carved from stone.


    In the backseat, Jaylen leaned against the window, coughing asionally, his mask hiding whatever emotions he had going


    The air seemed to have frozen, making Maeve Reese feel suffocated. Thinking about it now, Maeve must be crazy to suggest they all go together like this a few hours ago.


    "Hey, there are snacks in the glovepartment. If you''re hungry, help yourself, Byron suddenly said.


    Maeve blinked, surprised. "Huh? What?"


    "You didn''t eat much at dinner, right?" He didn''t even look at her, just kept his focus on the road.


    She opened thepartment and found it filled with little bags of snacks-her favorites. They were low-cal and pretty healthy too.


    So, he actually prepared some snacks for her in the car. Initially, Maeve felt a twinge of jealousy that he was going to the birthday party with Serena tonight, but now, that jealousy was starting to fade.


    She opened a bag of cheesecake bites and popped one into her mouth, the sweet vor exploding in her mouth-totally satisfying.


    "Hey, gimme one," Byron said, still looking ahead. Just as Maeve was about to hand one over, Jaylen started coughing again, this time more violently. Her arm stiffened as she remembered her so-called fianc¨¦ was right there.


    Instead of handing it to Byron, she stuffed the cheesecake bite into her mouth, hoping to eliminate the evidence of her linle moment with Byron


    "Are you okay?" Maeve asked, ncing at Jaylen, her guilt creeping in. "You''re not going to cough up blood again, are you?" "No, just my throat acting up, Jaylen replied with a smile. I''m a little hungry too. Mind sharing some of those snacks?" Just as Maeve was about to hand over a few goodies, Byron shot in coldly, "Do you think this is a buffet?"


    Jaylen raised an eyebrow, his expression darkening. "Are you really that stingy, Mr. McDaniel? You can''t spare a few snack packs?"


    "Depends on who''s asking," Byron shot back.


    "You really seem to care about my fianc


    "Yeah, food tastes better when it belongs to someone else."


    Jaylen sneered "Doesn''t seem very gentlemanly to be longing for someone else''s fianc¨¦e."


    "Those who aim for greatness don''t sweat the small stuff," Byron answered.


    When


    hen the t


    blow up.


    two guys, who usually avoided each other, faced off, the air felt thick with tension, like something was about to


    Maeve froze in her seat, not wanting to move, afraid the fallout would catch her in the crossfire. Luckily, their silent battle didn''t spill over onto her.


    Once they reached Jaylen''s ce. Maeve helped him inside the vi. Just as she stepped into the living room. Jaylen suddenly asked. "He hurt you pretty badly four years ago. Do you still like him?" Maeve stood there, stunned and unsure how to answer. But Jaylen seemed to know what was up. He lingered on her in hair for a moment before saying in a hoarse voice, "Go home. Good night." Maeve opened her mouth to respond, but it felt pointless. She couldn''t give him what he wanted. She hadn''t worn the crimson rose hairpin tonight, and Jaylen probably got the message lo

 Chapter 334

    Maeve''s heart raced. If she kept resisting, he might really lose it and go too far.


    She knew Byron was crazy, but she didn''t think he would push it like this. If Jaylen woke up now, she''d die of embarrassment.


    So, she gave in a little and touched him with the tip of her tongue, brushing it softly between his lips and teeth. As soon as he noticed she was taking the lead, Byron''s grip on her waist cased up. Maeve leaned in more, deepening the kiss. Her hands, pinned beneath his, started to curl up and rest against the back of his hand, gently massaging it.


    Just like that, the pressure on her wrists lightened. It felt like the rage of a wild beast had suddenly calmed, its roughness turning soft, as if the ferocity from before was just a mirage. thin sh


    Only Maeve knew how close she hade to danger; she could feel a thin sheen of sweat on her back.


    Byron''s expression softened, and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her away from the bed, Maeve pulled back slightly, catching her breath. She whispered, "Let''s get out of here." "Why? Scared of what he''ll think?" Byron smirked. "Even if he sees us, what can he really do?"


    Jaylen didn''t even dare to im Maeve as his fianc¨¦e. Even if it came out to public, Byron would still go for it. He didn''t care about the Chatterly family.


    Maeve felt the frustration bubbling up. "Seriously? You want everyone to see me like this?"


    If anyone found out they were doing this in someone else''s room, people would think they were total perverts.


    "What? You''re scared of getting caught kissing me? But you seem so fine about kissing him?" Byron teased.


    "What are you even saying? When did I kiss him? Maeve shot back, bewildered.


    However, before Byron could respond, Jaylen erupted in a fit of coughs from the bed.


    Maeve spun around and saw Jaylen lying there with his eyes shut He didn''t look awake at all. Another cough, and a bit of blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth, staining the pillow a shocking red. Byron''s brow furrowed. "What''s going on with him?"


    "Daryl said it''s normal for him to cough up blood clots. He''ll be okay after he takes his meds," Maeve exined, her panic ring for a second before she pulled it together. She gently lifted Jaylen''s head, trying to help him avoid choking on the blood pooling in his throat. Then, she spotted his medicine bottle and pulled out a brownish-ck pill. Byron studied the fancy old lettering on the bottle, looking thoughtful.


    After Jaylen swallowed the pill, his coughing slowed down, and he drifted back to sleep.


    Maeve grabbed a towel to clean the blood off Jaylen''s face, but before she could start, Byron''s hand shot over. "Let me handle it," he said.


    "What are you doing?" she asked, puzzled,


    "You really expect me to just sit here while my ex-girlfriend touches another guy?" he said, a little annoyed.


    Maeve sighed. Sure.


    she got that they were exes, but really, she was just trying to clear him up. No need to be such a brat 07:15 Thu, Nov


    pter 334


    about it.


    Even though she wanted to roll her eyes, she still handed him the towel.


    K 96%


    However, Byron''s method was more like he was scrubbing a dirty floor than caring for someone. If Jaylen weren''t in such at deep sleep, he would probably wake up ready to throw punches Byron.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Maeve opened her mouth to say something, but when she saw that Jaylen''s face was clean and free of blood, she held back. Honestly, she couldn''t expect Byron to be friendly with his love rival. That would be a bit much, even for her.


    Later that evening, the car ride felt super awkward. Maeve''s scalp tingled with tension. Byron was driving, eyes glued to the road, looking like he was carved from stone.


    In the backseat, Jaylen leaned against the window, coughing asionally, his mask hiding whatever emotions he had going


    The air seemed to have frozen, making Maeve Reese feel suffocated. Thinking about it now, Maeve must be crazy to suggest they all go together like this a few hours ago.


    "Hey, there are snacks in the glovepartment. If you''re hungry, help yourself, Byron suddenly said.


    Maeve blinked, surprised. "Huh? What?"


    "You didn''t eat much at dinner, right?" He didn''t even look at her, just kept his focus on the road.


    She opened thepartment and found it filled with little bags of snacks-her favorites. They were low-cal and pretty healthy too.


    So, he actually prepared some snacks for her in the car. Initially, Maeve felt a twinge of jealousy that he was going to the birthday party with Serena tonight, but now, that jealousy was starting to fade.


    She opened a bag of cheesecake bites and popped one into her mouth, the sweet vor exploding in her mouth-totally satisfying.


    "Hey, gimme one," Byron said, still looking ahead. Just as Maeve was about to hand one over, Jaylen started coughing again, this time more violently. Her arm stiffened as she remembered her so-called fianc¨¦ was right there.


    Instead of handing it to Byron, she stuffed the cheesecake bite into her mouth, hoping to eliminate the evidence of her linle moment with Byron


    "Are you okay?" Maeve asked, ncing at Jaylen, her guilt creeping in. "You''re not going to cough up blood again, are you?" "No, just my throat acting up, Jaylen replied with a smile. I''m a little hungry too. Mind sharing some of those snacks?" Just as Maeve was about to hand over a few goodies, Byron shot in coldly, "Do you think this is a buffet?"


    Jaylen raised an eyebrow, his expression darkening. "Are you really that stingy, Mr. McDaniel? You can''t spare a few snack packs?"


    "Depends on who''s asking," Byron shot back.


    "You really seem to care about my fianc


    "Yeah, food tastes better when it belongs to someone else."


    Jaylen sneered "Doesn''t seem very gentlemanly to be longing for someone else''s fianc¨¦e."


    "Those who aim for greatness don''t sweat the small stuff," Byron answered.


    When


    hen the t


    blow up.


    two guys, who usually avoided each other, faced off, the air felt thick with tension, like something was about to


    Maeve froze in her seat, not wanting to move, afraid the fallout would catch her in the crossfire. Luckily, their silent battle didn''t spill over onto her.


    Once they reached Jaylen''s ce. Maeve helped him inside the vi. Just as she stepped into the living room. Jaylen suddenly asked. "He hurt you pretty badly four years ago. Do you still like him?" Maeve stood there, stunned and unsure how to answer. But Jaylen seemed to know what was up. He lingered on her in hair for a moment before saying in a hoarse voice, "Go home. Good night." Maeve opened her mouth to respond, but it felt pointless. She couldn''t give him what he wanted. She hadn''t worn the crimson rose hairpin tonight, and Jaylen probably got the message loud and clear.

 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335 96%


    Back in the car, Maeve thought Byron would say something, but he just gave her a quick nce before focusing back on the road.


    She couldn''t quite figure out what that look meant, and the silence between them felt awkward.


    When they got to the apartment, Byron pulled her into the room across the hall. Once inside, he grabbed her arm and lifted her onto the cab near the door. They were now eye level. Maeve tried to get down, but his solid frame blocked her, making it impossible to move.


    "What are you doing?" she asked, frowning.


    "Don''t you have something to tell me?" Byron''s voice was deep.


    Maeve pressed her lips together. What are you talking about?"


    "You think I didn''t notice what happened today? His gaze never left her. "I''ve been waiting for you toe clean the whole drive back


    It was clear she had no intention of saying anything.


    Maeve''s heart skipped. She had suspected he might know, but hearing him confront her was different. Now he had her cornered, waiting for an answer. She looked down, staying quiet On one hand, she promised Jaylen she wouldn''t say anything. Breaking that wasn''t an option.


    On the other hand, she worried Byron would me her for suggesting they separate so easily. Still, thinking about Byron with Serena at the party earlier left her feeling bitter.


    As her silence dragged on, Byron''s expression grew colder, inching toward indifference.


    "You''re really not going to tell me?" His voice was sharp. "Maeve I''ve given you so many chances, and you still don''t take


    them"


    He had left the door open for her to step closer, but she chose to stay right where she was, refusing to move even a single


    step.


    At first, Byron figured Maeve stayed with Jaylen because he only had six months to live. That was why she kept talking about the deadline.


    But now, things looked different. Maybe Jaylen held more space in her heart than he ever did.


    A bitter smile tugged at Byron''s lips. He slowly released her wrist and turned away.


    This apartment was probably wouldn''t be needed anymore. His expression darkened, and his eyes felt like the frozen sea- cold and endless.


    Then, suddenly, he heard a soft thud behind him. Before he could fully process it, something soft and warm crashed into his back. Maeve''s arms wrapped around his waist tightly, holding him there. Byron froze. Maeve pressed her cheek against his back, her voice shaky but determined. "I made a promise to him, I can''t go back on that. But... I''ll make it up to you in other ways. Okay?"


    Without waiting for his reaction, she moved in front of him, grabbed his hands, and pressed them against her chest.


    Her face flushed bright red, but she pushed through the embarrassment, meeting his stunned gaze. "You''re not leaving Chapter 335


    tonight!" she dered.


    Last time, she just stood there, watching him walk away, powerless to do anything. She wasn''t about to let that happen again.


    Maeve couldn''t keep lying to herself. She wanted Jaylen to be okay, but that didn''t mean she had to push away the man she truly loved.


    It all clicked in her mind. She realized she was just as crazy as Byron. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be unbuttoning his shirt right now as he lifted her onto the cab and kissed her again. That one move ignited something fierce inside Byron, burning away whatever self-control he had left.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "Help me with this," he rasped, guiding her hand to his belt, his gaze smoldering with inte

 Chapter 336

    Byron tugged the nket down, revealing Maeve with her eyes squeezed shut like she was fast asleep. But the way her eyelids twitched gave her away.


    He pulled her close, his rough voice whispering by her car. "Great, if you''re asleep, I can keep going. I''m not done yet."


    Maeve stayed still for a second, but when she realized he wasn''t joking, she shot her eyes open and shoved his shoulder in frustration. "You don''t even let me sleep! Are you even human?"


    Byron caught her wrist easily, twisting it behind her back as he pulled her onto hisp. She was stuck, unable to move as his lips brushed along the soft curve of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.


    Completely overpowered, Maeve felt her body go limp in his arms. Her energy drained,pletely at his mercy. Compared to him, she felt small, trapped in his strength.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    He could hold both her wrists with one hand, no problem. Her back was pressed firmly against his chest, her heartbeat picking up.


    Feeling a growing difort, Maeve furrowed her brows and squirmed a little in his arms. "If you''re going to torture me, just get it over with. Why keep me hanging like this?"


    "Answer me first." His voice was hoarse as he pressed her knee down, keeping her still. "Why did you hide it from me?"


    Maeve huffed. "I wasn''t trying to hide it. I promised Jaylen I wouldn''t tell anyone."


    Byron narrowed his eyes. "You''re really good to him, huh?"


    "You already figured that out."


    "Yeah, and I hate it. Too bad," he finally said.


    She could tell he was just pushing her buttons to make her shut up, but she was too exhausted to argue. Her flushed face sank into the pillow as she mumbled a few insults, but they quickly faded as her strength gave out. Soon enough, she couldn''t find the words to fight anymore.


    The lights in the master bedroom stayed on all night, and by noon the next day, Maeve could barely move. Her legs were sore, her back ached, and she felt like she''d been run over.


    Rubbing her sore waist, she silently cursed Byron, pushing through the difort as she got up to wash. She was brushing her teeth when Byron strolled in and casually ced the clothes she needed on the shelf.


    "You grabbed my clothes all the way there?" Maeve asked, spitting out the toothpaste. "Are Will and... Leo even awake yet?"


    She regretted asking Theo for that fake name; she could''ve slipped up with the wrong name at any moment and ended up


    in a mess.


    Byron leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "It''s already noon. Do you really think they''re still sleeping like you?" Maeve shot him a dirty look in the mirror. "Gee, wonder whose fault that is."


    If it wasn''t Saturday, there''s no way she would''ve let him push things as far as he hadst night.


    "Yeah, yeah, my bad." Byron grinned. "Finish up, change, ande eat."


    Maeve rolled her eyes but nodded. As she rinsed, her gaze fell on an ointment sitting on the sink. It looked oddly familiar, and before she could ask, Byron spoke again. "I already put some on for you. You don''t need it anymore. Chapter 336


    It wasn''t like she was seriously hurt-just sore. The ointment was just to ease the swelling.


    Her face went beet-red when she finally understood. "I don''t need you to exin! Get out!"


    Seeing her flustered, Byron chuckled and walked out, clicking his tongue as he went.


    Maeve grabbed the ointment and quickly stashed it behind the mirror, her face still burning. After washing up, she changed, folded her clothes from the night before, and set them aside to take care of after lunch.


    Even though the two of them had crossed all sorts of lines, Maeve still couldn''t bring herself to hang her undergarments up at Byron''s ce.


    As she stepped out of the master bedroom, she heard the sounds of Byron and the boys chatting in the dining room.


    "Kid, howe I''ve never seen your dad before?" Byron asked.


    "I don''t have a dad," Theo replied, licking corn kernels off his lips like what he said was the most normal thing in the world. Byron''s face went nk. The little guy''s carefree attitude tugged at something in his chest, making him feel a bit uneasy. Will, sensing that things might get awkward if Byron found out Theo''s secret, chimed in, "I can share half of my dad with you. How does that sound?"


    "No way!" Theo shot back, lifting his chin defiantly. "I want him to call me Daddy."


    Just like that, Byron''s brief moment of sympathy disappeared. He ruffled Theo''s hair, saying, "It''s not even dark yet and you''re talking nonsense. You sure you''re not sleep-talking?" Theo made a mocking face, but when he spotted Maeve, he instantly turned cute.


    "Mom... uh, Godmother! I missed you so much after not seeing you for a night!" he dered, jumping into her arms and showering her with kisses, rubbing his face against her neck. He was nothing like the rebellious kid Byron knew; Theo was totally acting like a mama''s boy.


    Byron clicked his tongue, thinking this little dude was really working the charm with his woman. Maeve couldn''t help b

 Chapter 337

    Will thought for a second and said, "Maybe this is that father-son bond thing?"


    Maeve''s heart started racing. She stopped eating and quietly crept over to the bathroom, holding Will close. She pressed her ear against the door, trying to hear


    What was going on inside. Besides some sshing water, it was pretty quiet.


    Inside, Theo was standing on a little stool, looking up expectantly at Byron, ready to be cleaned up. Byron wrung out the towel, ncing down as he gently wiped the corn juice off Theo''s face and cor, rubbing at the tan skin a few times without any hesitation. No color wasing off. The towel was spotless. Byron frowned slightly, wondering if he was just being paranoid.


    Meanwhile, Theo was feeling pretty pleased with himself. After thest time, he had changed the powder to waterproof spray tan. No matter how much Byron scrubbed, it wouldn''te off. This was what people meant by staying one step ahead


    After lunch, Maeve took Theo and Will back to the other side. About half an hourter, she suddenly remembered her clothes were still there and decided to head back.


    As soon as she stepped into the master bathroom, she saw Byron standing at the sink, surrounded by bubbles, washing something.


    She squinted to get a better look and realized it was her clothes. Maeve''s face heated up. "W-What are you doing? Byron turned to her, foam on his fingers, holding up a little pink thing withce. The sight nearly made her head spin. She jumped to snatch it back, but he just brushed her aside with his elbow.


    "Easy there. It''s all foam. Don''t get it on yourself," he said, looking a bit annoyed as he continued rinsing it off.


    Maeve felt her cheeks burn. She grabbed his arm and jumped up. "I can handle it! Let me wash my own stuff!"


    No one knew better than Maeve how much Byron hated doing housework. If it could be done with a gadget, he would never dirty his hands.


    Yet, here he was, washing her undergarments. Her heart was pounding, faster than it had evenst night on thezy swing. Byron wasn''t letting her get in the way either. He shot her a serious look and blocked her attempts. ''You''ve got your perioding in two days. Why are you touching cold water? Go on, find something else to do.''


    If there had been a heart-rate bar over Maeve''s head, it would be spiking right now, ready to burst.


    She had been washing her own clothes since elementary school. Never had anyone else done it for her-especially not her undergarments.


    She felt so hot, her face burning as her eyes darted around, avoiding Byron''s hands. "You don''t have to... Next time, just leave it for me, I can use warm water-" she mumbled awkwardly.


    "Next time, you can just leave it there next time. I can wash it with hot water..." She tried to find some nourishment.


    Byron stopped scrubbing and gave her a teasing grin. "It''s just a few clothes. Don''t tell me you''re embarrassed, my Maeve?"


    to her. She felt her heart skip a beat. With a flustered wave of her arm, she turned and bolted like she was being chased by a ghost.


    That phrase ''my Maeve''-always


    got


    Back in her own apartment, she copsed onto the couch, face buried in her hands. Her heart wouldn''t stop racing. She was done-she would be under his spell for the rest of her life. 1/2


    19


    And just as she was catching her breath, the doorbell rang. Maeve jolted up, still flushed and nervous. Thest thing she wanted to do was open that door right now.


    8%


    Theo had juste out of the bathroom when the doorbell rang. He ran over and swung it open. "Mr. Hum, you''re here!" Theo chirped.


    "Yeah, sorry to bother you," Tom said with a nod.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve overheard the conversation and let out a small sigh of relief. So, it was just Tom. She had almost forgotten she had asked him to swing by that afternoon. She had something that might help with the burns on his face. Tom stepped inside, following Theo. When he spotted Maeve lounging on the couch, his usually stern face softened.


    "Good afternoon. I''m not interrupting anything, am I?" he asked.


    "No, not at all! I asked you toe over," Maeve said, getting up to greet him.


    Tom gave her a closer look. "Your face is really flushed. Are you feeling alright?"


    Maeve felt a bit flustered. "Oh, no. I just got a little overheated. You know, from moving around."


    As they chatted, Theo''s focus drifted. His little hands were creeping toward the te of snacks on the table, but Maeve didn''t miss a thing.


    "You''ve already maxed out your sugar quota this week. One more now means two less next week," she said, barely ncing in his direction.


    Theo quickly pulled his hand back, looking annoyed. In his head, he cursed his dad for taking him to that dentist appointment. If it wasn''t for those cavities, Maeve wouldn''t have cracked down on his sugar intake. Three sweets a week was brutal. Sulkily, Theo led Tom to his room. Inside, Will was reading. Tom was surprised to see the identical faces but said nothing. Will, curious to see Theo in action, set down his book and moved closer.


    Theo grabbed his tools, disinfecting a golden needle before getting to work. He first pricked the pustules on Tom''s face, then carefully removed the blood clots from the burns. Afterward, he applied crushed herbs to reduce inmmation. Despite his chubby little hands and how cute they looked, Theo''s technique was steady and precise.


    Some seasoned doctors with years of practice might not be as steady as Theo was.


    Will watched closely, picking up on everything after just one go, and handed Theo each tool exactly when he needed it. The two of them moved in sync, wordlessly, like they''d done this routine a hundred times. Tom kept his eyes open, observing how Theo treated him, and was genuinely shocked.


    There was no doubt-these two boys were Maeve''s. Their intelligence was clearly inherited from her. He figured their father must''ve been the guy he had seen leaving the apartment across the hall not too long ago.


    A sudden feeling of unease hit Tom. It was like something important had slipped away-the woman he''d quietly admired all this time seemed further out of reach. He couldn''t shake that sense of loss and strange sadness. The boys, oblivious to Tom''s thoughts, continued working. Tom''s burns were severe, and the improper treatment he''d received before had only made things worse, with more areas ogzing pus. Healing would take time. Theo had school, so he couldn''t be around to treat Tom every day. Instead, he instructed Tom toe by regrly to pick up medicinal powder Theo had carefully ground for him. Tom would need to apply it himself. As for acupuncture and

 Chapter 338

    8% Chapter


    338


    Theo had made it clear from the start-Tom''s burns wouldn''t heal just by cleaning up the surface gunk. The real problem was the toxins hiding in his skin''s blood vessels, which were holding back his recovery.


    So, no matter how much it hurt during the detox, he had to push through. Only by toughing it out and flushing out those toxins could he really heal.


    Tom kept Theo''s advice in mind. Even when his wounds itched like crazy, he didn''t give in to the urge to scratch. He had already made it through so many rough nights; there was no way he was going to give up now. The person who poisoned him was still out there, and he couldn''t afford to fall apart before he found them.


    Meanwhile, while Tom was at home recovering, Maeve gave him a break from work. Honestly, it felt a bit strange not having him around to run things at the studio.


    Then, around noon, she got a call from the police. They had some information about the pacifier that might be tied to her parents.


    Her heart raced on the way there-she was excited but also a little nervous. When she finally arrived at the station, though, the officer''s words made her blood run cold.


    "Ms. Reese," he said seriously, "we''ve discovered that the gemstone in this pacifier was part of a major international jewelry heist years ago. That case is still open, and the stolen jewelry has never been found."


    He continued, "These items have never turned up anywhere. Interpol thinks they''re still with the original thieves. We need to know-what do you know about your biological parents?"


    Maeve''s face turned pale, and she felt her stomach drop. ''Is he implying that her parents were involved in the robbery? Were they the thieves, or connected to the crime in some way?''


    That pacifier she thought was a sweet token of love... turned out to be stolen goods.


    "Ms. Reese, are you alright?" The police officer noticed her expression and softened his voice a bit. "We can''t prove your biological parents are the robbers just yet, but they definitely seem to have a connection to this case. And just to rify, you''re not a suspect. We''re just following up on some leads."


    Maeve clenched her fists, trying to hold back the confusion swirling in her head. She met the officer''s gaze and said, "I''ve never met my biological parents, so I can''t believe they''d be involved in something like that."


    "Plus, the Reese couple who took me might know a thing or two about it," she added, hoping for a lifeline.


    The officer nodded. "We''ll check into that. Thanks for being so cooperative."


    Maeve forced a smile and stood up to leave. It had started raining outside. In Kleymond, the rainy season always brought that damp chill, and the wind hit her face like ice.


    Standing in the downpour, she couldn''t shake off the officer''s words. The pacifier was linked to an international crime and was technically stolen, so there was no chance it would ever be returned to her.


    But because she was taken by the Reese family couple at birth, even if her biological parents were involved, she wouldn''t get into any trouble. Still, a heavy feeling settled in her chest as she watched the leaves swirl in the puddles at her feet. She just couldn''t believe her biological parents were criminals. Or maybe she just didn''t want to.


    Her mind was racing, and she didn''t wait for the rain to ease up before dashing to the parking lot. Of course, things didn''t get any better-her tire was t.


    0


    0008% *


    Now she had to find someone to fix it, but with the raining down hard, she was stuck waiting for at least an hour.


    Maeve put her phone away and slumped against the steering wheel, trying to catch her breath, but it wasn''t really working. So, she hopped out of the car and dashed to the side of the road to get out of the rain. Just then, a car pulled up in front of her. She looked down and recognized Warren sitting in the back


    ""Mr. Richard?"


    "Hey, Ms. Reese, what are you doing out here? You''re all wet," Warren said, looking genuinely concerned.


    Maeve squeezed some water out of her sweater and gave him a sheepish smile. "Yeah, my car''s tire is messed up, and the maintenance guys won''t show up until the rain stops, so-


    11


    "I get it," Warren replied, nodding thoughtfully. "Do you want to ride with me?"


    "No, that''s okay. I don''t want to ruin your seats," Maeve said, shaking her head quickly.


    "It''s fine if the seats get wet. I''m more worried about you catching a cold in those wet clothes. The flu is going around, so don''t be shy about epting help," he insisted.


    Maeve didn''t want to get sick. After a moment of thinking it over, she thanked him and climbed into the car. She grabbed a handkerchief from her bag and put it on the seat to keep it from getting too soaked. Warren signaled to his assistant to bring her a towel. "Here you go, this one''s clean."


    "Thanks," Maeve said, taking the towel. But as soon as she did, she sneezed twice in a row.


    Warren frowned a little. "Is your ce far from here?"


    "Kind of. It''s about a forty-minute drive," Maeve sniffed, feeling a bit off.


    "Mypany has a clothing store nearby. If you''re cool with it, you could swing by and change there," he offered.


    Maeve raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You run a clothingpany, Mr. Richard?"


    Warren smiled, the fine lines around his eyes adding to his charm. "Yeah, it''s small, nothing too well-known. It''s called Trazir."Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "You''re being humble. Trazir is famous worldwide. I doubt there''s a designer out there who hasn''t heard of it," Maeve said, without overstating it.


    Trazir was a prestigious, century-old brand that once catered exclusively to royalty. These days, its exclusivity had eased up a bit, but it was still far from essible to just anyone. She just hadn''t expected Warren to be the guy behind it


    The car soon pulled up in front of Trazir''s Kleymond branch. Warren gave a few quiet instructions to the staff, and before she knew it, they were surrounding Maeve, guiding her to the fitting room with a warm wee.


    She picked out a white knit top, an apricot-colored cashmere skirt, and a smoky-blue coat. As she went to pay, the shop assistant smiled and said, "No need to worry about the bill-Mr. Richard has taken care of it for you." Maeve hesitated, feeling a bit awkward about the whole thing, but she was soaked and needed dry clothes. After changing, she went to find Warren.


    "Great taste. That outfit suits you perfectly," Warren said with a warm smile. His eyes were soft, like he was seeing someone else in Maeve. "You remind me a lot of my daughter. If she were still with me, she''d probably look as beautiful as you now."


    do


    Maeve wasn''t sure what to say. After a brief pause, she asked, "Did you start the clothingpany because of her?"


    She remembered he had mentioned before how he collected clothes for his daughter, even though she wasn''t there to wear


    them.


    *


    Warren nodded. "Yeah. Thinking about her makes me happy. Even though she''s not here, I know one day, she''lle back to me."


    FT

 Chapter 339

    Warren could not wait for his daughter toe back home. Maeve wondered whether her biological parents would have also looked forward to her return if they were still alive.


    She figured they did note to find her because they were afraid of implicating her.


    Maeve shook her head secretly and tried to get rid of such thoughts.


    She couldn''t expect too much from them. If the truth was theplete opposite of her expectations, she would only be more disappointed.


    "Your thoughts will definitely be answered," Maeve said sincerely to Warren.


    Maeve suspected Warren''s daughter would not willingly continue staying away from home if she knew how much he missed her.


    Warren''s smile deepened. "I think so too. By the way, I''ve wanted to work with you since thest exhibition, but I''ve only recently had free time."


    "You want to coborate with me?" Maeve was puzzled. "Trazir is quite famous. You don''t seem to require cooperation with anyone."


    "You''re different," Warren said gently. "Dreamscape has shown me the unlimited possibilities of fashion design. In time, it might even surpass Trazir."


    Maeve was a little flustered by his praise. "You tter me. How do you suggest we cooperate?"


    Warren asked his assistant to bring the proposal that he had prepared beforehand. "You don''t have to rush to give me an answer. Go through this proposal and think about it carefully before making a decision. However, on behalf of Trazir, I''m looking forward to working with you."


    Maeve took the proposal and felt her heart brimming with gratitude.


    This proposal was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation for her and Dreamscape.


    Eternal Hope worked with Dreamscape because Alex was her friend.


    However, Warren didn''t know her well. As a businessman, his first priority was always profit.


    Obviously, Dreamscape was valuable enough for Trazir to extend such a kind gesture.


    This realization gave Maeve a sense of satisfaction.


    It was a pity that fortune did note without misfortune.


    As expected, Maeve caught a cold when she returned to the apartment.


    Her children, once again, were all over the ce.


    The younger one was in the kitchen making ginger tea to ward off Marve''s fever and cold. The older one was wringing a hot towel to wipe Maeve''s sweat and making chicken soup for her. Byron wanted to do something to show his presence, but he realized that the two boys had already done everything.


    There was no room for him to make a move.


    Even Maeve felt that he was crowding her personal space. She bit the straw and waved her hand. "Don''t just stand here. I feel


    0


    F)).


    dizzy looking at you."


    1,8%. O


    Will noticed his mum felt dizzy and nervously blurted out, "Dad, please leave and go to work. Thepany needs you. We don''t need you here for the time being."


    Byron was at a loss. ''So the three of us aren''t family? Are you really kicking me out?"


    Byron frowned and thought of throwing Theo and his son out of the room.


    At that moment, his gaze fell on the vase on the table.


    "Why did you put golden magnolias in your bedroom?" he asked.


    Maeve resisted her drowsiness and looked up at the dew-dampened golden magnolias in the vase. In confusion, she asked, "What''s wrong with them? I just got them today."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She was in a good mood after Warren''s offer to work with her, so she bought them from a florist on her way bac home.


    Byron nced at her indifferently. "The golden magnolias are toxic and can''t be put in the bedroom. Don''t you feel dizzy now?"


    "I thought it was because of the cold..." Maeve massaged her temples. No wonder she had a headache and felt a little nauseous just now.


    She had never caught a cold like this before.


    Byron took the bouquet of golden magnolias out of the vase. For a moment, he felt something. The bottoms of the stems seemed to have rubbed against something in the vase, and he felt a soft item obstructing the way. He frowned slightly and looked into the vase, but it was too dark to see what was inside.


    "What''s wrong?" Maeve saw him observing the interior of the vase and asked in confusion.


    As soon as she finished speaking, an image suddenly shed through her mind.


    Four years ago, she seemed to have hidden something in this vase and had never taken it out.


    She tried to recall what it was but she felt quite dizzy and could not remember.


    Maeve''s head was dizzy and he could not remember what it was she left in the vase.


    "Nothing." Byron retracted his gaze. He was probably overthinking.


    Maeve''s eyelids drooped. "Then help me out and take the flowers outside. I want to sleep for a while. Dinner..."


    "I can do it. How will you repay me?" Byron teased.


    "What do you want?" Maeve retorted.


    "We''ll talk tonight," Byron stated.


    Maeve did not realize his words carried a deeper meaning. She could not resist her sleepiness and slowly fell asleep with her cheek against the pillow.


    Will got out of bed quietly, tucked Maeve in, and took his father''s hand as they walked out of the bedroom.


    "Dad, have you and Mom made up?" he asked seriously.


    Byron''s eyes darkened slightly. "Not yet."


    0


    The two agreed not to mention their engagement for the time being.


    0


    An expression of disapproval appeared on Will''s face. "Daddy, Mommy is such an extraordinary, beautiful, and kind woman. She''s well-known in themunity. If you don''t cherish her, she might get taken by someone else?" ''Mummy was already once engaged to someone else, so it may be a threat to his position. Plus, Tom oftenes to the house. Why doesn''t he just put in the effort!'' Will pondered.


    Hearing this, Byron raised his eyebrows. "You know this yet you beat me to it and took care of your Mom."


    Will recalled how he quickly tried to gain his mother''s favor, and probably forgot that he had a father.


    Will felt guilty for a second. "I''m sorry, Dad. Mom likes it when I warm her feet. We can talk about you winning Mom''s favor next time."


    Byron was beaming with pride as he realized just how good his son was.


    Late at night.


    Byron quietly pushed open the master bedroom door open, walked to the bed, and looked down. Will was leaning against Maeve''s feet like a leg warmer, snoring softly. After a while, Byron carried Will back to the his room next door


    Theo was sleeping soundly on the bed. The nket didn''t cover his little butt, making her look like she adorable.


    Byron pulled up the nket for him. He initially wanted to move Theo''s sleeping posture so that he would not sleep ufortablly.


    "Byron, I still want to have chicken nuggets..." Theo slurped his saliva in his sleep as he muttered those words.


    Byron heard Theo call him, "Byron" and he was speechless.


    Byron pulled back his arm, turned it and smacked Theo''s little butt.


    Theo arched his body and turned his body over to sleep on the other cheek. He hadn''t realized how close he hade to falling off his bed.


    Byron ced Will beside Theo, covered them with the nket, and stepped out.


    In the master bedroom, Maeve had woken up. She leaned over to reach the vase on the table.


    "Are you awake now?" Byron walked over with heavy steps. "What do you want to do with the vase?"


    When she saw Byron, Maeve immediately retracted her hand for some inexplicable reason. She couldn''t let him catch her red handed. "Nothing. I was too drowsy and the te


    excuse to brush it off.


    there were still flowers in the vase." She scratched her cheek and found a random


    But Byron had already picked up the vase and turned it upside down.


    Q

 Chapter 340

    Maeve instantly felt guilty. She felt an inexplicable sense of nervousness.


    However, nothing but a few drops of water and a few leaves came out of the vase.


    Byron raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Maeve teasingly. "I thought you were hiding something in the vase."


    Maeve had mixed feelings about his usation and retorted, "Who would hide something in a vase?"


    As expected, she was overthinking, which is why she had dreams about this vase.


    "That''s not what your expression just said." Byron teased.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Byron put down the vase and walked to the edge of the bed to sit down. He raised his hand and touched Maeve''s forehead. "You''re not burning up anymore


    Maeve felt the warmth of his palm. She did not know whether it was because she was sick and more fragile than usual or for some other reason, but she suddenly wanted to tell Byron that Theo was actually his son. "Byron, I..." Before she could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by a kiss.


    Byron wrapped one hand around her neck and held the back of her head. His other hand was on the side of her face. He kissed her slowly and passionately.


    Maeve was afraid of infecting him, so she whimpered and tried to push him away.


    "I have a cold!" She reminded him.


    "I''m not afraid." Byron chuckled softly. His voice was extremely charming. "Sweating a little is good for your recovery, right?? Maeve''s heart fluttered. She felt like her body was burning from head to toe, and her skin flushed red. Byron seemed to like kissing her eyelids every time. He ced soft, long kisses on them until her eyshes fluttered wildly, and she clenched her mmy fingers.


    Only then did he move down, kiss her soft, slender neck, and leave a bright red mark on it.


    When Byron saw the mark, the frustration in his chest subsided slightly. He asked Maeve in a hoarse voice, "What did you want to say just now?"


    Maeve''s mind was still buzzing from Byron''s kisses. It took her a long time to recover and recall what she wanted to say. "That''s right. I want to talk to you about Leo," she said hesitantly


    Byron hummed softly. "What about him?"


    Maeve finally made up her mind and grabbed his shirt. "His father is..."


    Byron''s phone suddenly rang, interrupting Maeve again.


    Byron dismissed the call. "Ignore it. Continue."


    The courage Maeve had worked so hard to muster was gone


    instantly.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ''Maybe today wasn''t the right time?'' She reckoned.


    "It''s nothing. You can pick up the phone first," Maeve sighed gloomily.


    0


    @


    .


    3.8%


    Byron brushed his fingers through her long hair. "Wait for me."


    He took the phone from the table and answered it bluntly, "If this isn''t important, report to me tomorrow."


    After a few seconds, the person on the other end said something Byron slowly frowned and didn''t have a pleasant expression on his face.


    After he hung up, Maeve asked, "What happened?"


    "There''s been an ident at our overseas pharmaceuticalpany. I have to fly out of the country tomorrow morning at eight."


    Maeve looked at the time and was about to remind Byron to rest and avoid being sleepy tomorrow. However, he suddenly pressed his body against hers. Before Maeve could react, Byron pushed her nightgown to her waist, and her legs felt slightly cold.


    She was a little confused. "What are you doing?"


    "This business trip will take at least three days. We don''t have much time. Let''s do this quickly," Byron calmly said as he bit the belt on her nightgown. Maeva was quickly aroused. She felt her mind go nk, and her hands were too weak to push him away.


    "It''s almost three o''clock. What can we do with so little time? You might as well sleep!" She managed to say.


    Hearing this, Byron narrowed his eyes menacingly. "Four hours is enough time."


    Maeve wanted to say something else, but Byron''s overwhelmingly seductive kiss drowned out her words.


    It seemed like he wanted to make up for what he could not do during his time away in the next few days. Naturally, Maeve did not get up to see him off the next day. She did not wake


    up until past


    eleven o''clock.


    She recalledst night''s frenzy and the damp bedsheets and instantly blushed. They were so wet that they couldn''t sleep in them.


    She thought it was not possible to have sex in that short amount of time.


    Byron preferred to have sex, indulge in her body, and catch up on sleep on the ne. He was really talented.


    ''Is my body that attractive? Does he like me or my body more?'' Maeve thought.


    Maeve felt a little dejected. She lifted the nket and realized that the bedsheets had been changed-no wonder she did not feel ufortable sleeping. Byron probably changed them and did not wake her up.


    The gloominess in her heart eased a little. She looked around the room and suddenly felt a lot more lonely.


    Over the past few days, Byron had kept her well-fed. She made her own breakfast, but she felt it tasted a bit nd.


    She usually enjoyed spicy food but made non-spicy and nutritious meals because her kids needed to have a healthy diet.


    Byron couldn''t do this and made food ording to Maeve''s preferences.


    Maeve didn''t realize she would look like a hypocrite if she ate spicy food while the children ate simple food like n. It wasn''t fair to them.


    She suddenly realized how vulnerable she was and felt an overwhelming heartache.


    ''Byron has just left, and I am already missing him. What should I do?'' She contemted.


    The children could feel their mother''s low spirits and knew why she was downcast, so they quickly thought of a way to distract her.


    "Mommy, we''re having an Arts and Theatrical festival on the third of next month. Our ss will act out a y. Guess what role Will and I will y!" Theo held Maeve''s arm and shook it to get her attention. Maeve was immediately interested. "What role will you y?"


    An obvious blush appeared on Will''s cute face. "Theo, you''ll spoil the surprise if you tell her now. Let''s wait untilter..


    "Don''t be embarrassed just because you don''t have a good role!" Theo looked smug. "Mommy, I''m ying a prince!"


    Maeve noticed Will''s face was getting redder and became even more curious. "What about you, Will?"


    "Pfft-he''s ying a witch!" Theo said smugly.


    As soon as Theo spoke, Will''s face turned red as a tomato.


    "The roles we got must have been wrong. How can a boy y the role of a witch?" Will blushed and made sure to express his dissatisfaction with his role.


    Maeve thought the opposite, ''A witch? How nice! My son will look so adorable ying a witch.


    "Have you decided on your costumes? Can I make them for you?" Maeve asked.


    The boys felt their mother had a bad taste in fashion. While Theo gloated about his role, Will... had a choice to make.


    Without hesitation, he chose to make their mother happy instead of refusing her offer.


    "Mom, I''ll y a witch if you mak

 Chapter 341

    ''It won''t be my first time wearing a dress. As long as I can make my mother happy, I''ll wear anything. Will thought.


    Theo looked deep in thought, and he finally had an idea.


    That day, after school, Maeve went to the principal and exined that she wanted to be in charge of making costumes for all the children in her sons'' ss. Dreamscape was quite famous in Kleymond. In addition, she was Eranci''s royal family''s former designer, so the principal had no reason to reject her proposal. She was also willing to make the costumes for free, but the principal would have still dly agreed even if she charged a fee.


    Most of the children at Iton Private International Kindergarten came from prestigious families.


    The Arts and Theatrical festival was not only for children but also a great opportunity for parents to mingle and get to know each other.


    This was precisely why some parents did all


    Of course, Maeve was not the only young


    they could to enroll their children at Iton Private International Kindergarten.


    gner amongst the parents.


    However, the principal felt Maeve had better credentials and talent than the others. Hence, he rejected the other parents'' requests to design the children''s costumes.


    Maeve walked to the principal''s office, she told her sons to wait for her before she went.


    At that moment, an arrogant voice suddenly came from behind. "Hey, you, stop right there."


    Maeve continued to walk ahead and didn''t stop.


    The other person quickly walked over and blocked her way. "Didn''t you hear me calling you?"Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Is there anyone here called ''hey you?"" Maeve coldly stared at the woman in front of her. The woman was dressed elegantly and had a limited-edition crocodile leather bag in her hand. She looked like she came from a wealthy family. However, Maeve thought her arrogant attitude made her unpleasant.


    "I heard you got the gig to design Prerie ss'' costumes for the uing y." The woman''s eyes were filled with disdain. "I don''t even know where a person like you gets your confidence from. You''re just an orphan. How did you even get topete with me for this job?" The word "orphan" made Maeve''s heart flutter.


    "Who do you think you are?" Maeve''s voice turned cruel. "If you want to be in charge of designing the costumes, go ask the principal. If he agrees to let you do it, I''ll forget about it.


    "But since you''re barking insults at me, it''s clear that the principal doesn''t care about you at all, right?"


    The woman''s face turned pale. "Are you calling me a dog?! If you hadn''t asked, I would have been responsible for the costume designs!"


    This woman was also a designer and quite famous in the country. Otherwise, she would not have set her sights on designing the costumes for this y.


    Giving her brand exposure via the Iton Private International Kindergarten''s y would be a great opportunity. Her husband would also get the chance to make more beneficial connections.


    0


    07:58 Fri, Nov 8).


    That is why she was so angry when she learned the principal had agreed to give Maeve the job.


    "You''re so confident. Take the job from me if you have the power to do so." Maeve looked at her coldly. "If you don''t, shut your trap. Otherwise, I''m afraid I won''t be able to control myself and shut you up." The woman was so shocked by the coldness in Maeve''s eyes that she forgot to retort.


    By the time she came back to her senses, Maeve was already far away.


    The woman tried to think of a quick way to get back at Maeve. She took out her phone, wrote a blog post, and posted it


    online.


    Maeve did not know what the woman had done and drove home with her sons.


    In the car, Maeve mentioned what had just happened, and Theo immediately identified the woman.


    She was the stepmother of a very quiet girl in their ss. One day, she hade to pick her stepdaughter up, and Theo identally bumped into her. To get back at him, this woman pinched his arm hard. Theo had forgotten all about that. Now that he thought about it, he hated her even more.


    Will consoled Maeve with wise words, "Mom, she''s so angry because she realizes she''s inferior to you. It''s okay; she''ll be even angrier on the day of the y."


    Maeve could not help butugh when she heard her eldest son''s words.


    She didn''t expect her sons to be so intelligent and wise at such a young age. They spoke so relentlessly.


    At night, not long after dinner, Byron called them on video. This was his third call of the day.


    Maeve ced the phone on a stand and chatted with Byron about some trivial matters that had happened today while reading the proposal Warren had given her.


    Byron was also busy. The documents beside him were piled up as high as a mountain, which wasn''t an exaggeration. Outside the floor-to-ceiling window behind him was the bustling scene of Kuskait.


    "What are you looking at?" A low and charming voice came from the video.


    Maeve looked up and flipped the proposal open for him to see. "Do you know Mr. Richard from Trazir? He gave me this coboration proposal."


    Byron thought for a few seconds. "The man who greeted you at the exhibitionst time?"


    Byron always had a fantastic memory.


    Maeve nodded. "He''s very nice. The first time we met, I identally rear-ended his car. He didn''t me me and even took me to the venue. Yesterday, my tire had a problem, and he was the one who brought me back home."


    Byron tilted his head and slowly frowned.


    "That man doesn''t give off a good vibe. Stay away from him," Byron warned.


    "Huh? Why?" Maeve did not understand. "What vibe does he give off?"


    Byron looked up at her. "You''re too careless around unfamiliar men. You''re very trusting. You wouldn''t even know when someone is about to betray you."


    Maeve immediately puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction. "I''m not that trusting, okay? He''s a famous creative director. If he had ill intentions towards me, he wouldn''t have offered me a partnership, right? What would be the point?"


    .


    "Just stay away from him," Byron said sternly.


    <3


    Maeve brought the phone up to her face and pretended to poke Byron''s handsome and emotionless face on the screen. "Byron, do you want me to stay away from him because you''re jealous?"


    Ever since Will had enlightened her, she realized that Byron was the director of an oil refinery nt.


    ''He is jealous of his own son sometimes, so what more, another powerful man like Warren?'' Maeve thought.


    Byron seemed to chuckle. "Maeve, who are youughing at? Do you think I get jealous that easily?"


    Maeve didn''t believe him, but her eyes showed a hint of understanding.


    "Why are you jealous of so

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    At the thought of this, Maeve could not help but shiver. She quickly changed the topic and said, ¡°Then help me check for any problems with this proposal. If there are, I won¡¯t work with Warren.¡±


    Sensing her guilt, Byron snorted and did not pursue the matter. He asked her to open the proposal and show it to him.


    This proposal was not problematic. Moreover, Dreamscape would definitely benefit from the coboration and not suffer aloss.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    It didn¡¯t seem like a coboration but more like goodwill.


    Byron narrowed his eyes. In the business world, free things were often the most expensive.


    However, he looked at Maeve¡¯s joyful expression and did not tell her his suspicions. He didn¡¯t want to ruin her greatmoment.


    He would prevent anything horrible from happening as long as it meant he watched her enjoy blissful moments.


    Maeve held up the proposal and was happy momentarily before remembering to tell Byron, ¡°By the way, there¡¯s an Arts and Theatrical festival on the third of next month. Will and Leo are acting in a y. Are you free that day, or will I be going alone?¡±


    ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t have much work to do that day,¡± Byron replied without hesitation.


    Archer came in to deliver documents and happened to hear the conversation. He couldn¡¯t believe his ears.


    He thought, ¡®Boss, open your eyes and look at your itinerary! You¡¯re fully booked for the third of next month. We already changed the original schedule. I¡¯m afraid there will be too much trouble if we reschedule. All it took was one word and you¡¯re clearing out your schedule!¡®


    Archer thought about how Byron made his job so difficult that he could lose his hair. He couldn¡¯t help but grit his teeth.


    Maeve wanted to shower, so she hung up the video call.


    The gentle glimmer in Byron¡¯s eyes had notpletely faded, and his voice was less cold than usual.


    He instructed Archer, ¡°Help me clear tomorrow afternoon and the third of next month.¡±


    Eventually, he added, ¡°I¡¯ll double your bonus this month.¡±


    Archer¡¯s resentful gaze immediately changed. He raised his head and puffed out his chest. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Mcdaniel! I¡¯ll arrange it for you now!¡±


    ¡®What is hardship? If I had money, I could lose all my hair, and I wouldn¡¯t care!¡® Archer thought.


    Archer pondered and realized it didn¡¯t matter how heartless a man was. As long as he fell in love, he would be very humane. Byron would always be gentle if Ms. Reese didn¡¯t quarrel with him.


    *****


    Two dayster, Maeve realized that someone had ndered her online.


    A well¨Cknown designer in the fashion industry, Faye, with a million¨Cdor fan base, insulted Maeve.


    One look at the profile picture, and Maeve recognized her as the woman who had confronted her at Iton Private International Kindergarten the other day.


    Faye made a post filled with self¨Cpity. She described how an outstanding and famous designer like herself was suppressed by a new designer who got in through the back door, forcing her to give up a very important desigopportunity.


    She also mentioned that this new designercked respect for veterans in the industry. This rookie designer had a bit of fame. overseas and did not take Faye seriously and spouted nonsense.


    This post became a hot topic. Thements almost exceeded 50,000, and there were more than 200,000 likes and shares.


    Theizens in thements were dissatisfied. They hated unambitious, unworthy losers who only knew how to use their power to snatch other people¡¯s resources.


    [Even a famous designer like Faye was bullied. Wouldn¡¯t it be even sadder if it was an ordinary person?] One fanmented.


    Faye¡¯s fans asked her to be straightforward and expose the name of the ¡°talentless wench.¡± They wanted to see who had the nerve to be so shameless.


    Faye first pretended tofort her fans in thements section to calm them down. She did not mention Maeve¡¯s name but vaguely mentioned that the job was rted to Iton Private International Kindergarten¡¯s y.


    Oneizenmented, [My child is studying at Iton Private International Kindergarten. Only Prerie ss has a y. In the past, the parents were in charge of their children¡¯s costumes; there wasn¡¯t one designated designer.]


    Another chimed in, [Faye said she was meant to take that position, but the rookie designer snatched it from her. That¡¯s too much.]


    Another citizen added, [Perhaps the principal thinks that the rookie designer is more talented? It¡¯s best we wait and see.)


    One of Faye¡¯s fans retorted, [The person above is Faye¡¯s hater, right? Are you saying that Faye is a liar? What a joke. You are actually speaking up for the thief.]


    Another fanmented, [Some people probably think the new designer is innocent because she got in through the back door.]


    An angry fan said, [Iton Private International Kindergarten¡¯s principal has poor taste in fashion. He¡¯s lost a valuable


    with. Don¡¯t embarrass the designer and chosen a talentless wench. I want to see what costumes this lousy designeres up school!]


    Public opinion was not one¨Csided, and there were manyreasonableizens.


    Unfortunately, Faye¡¯s fans took over the topments and drowned out the voices of reason.


    No one liked to be scolded like this, but Faye didn¡¯t expose the rookie designer. If Maeve stood up for herself, she would be at a disadvantage.


    Maeve put down her phone with a cold expression. She did not want to look at the vulgarments anymore and continued to make the costumes for the y.


    Instead of arguing with those clowns online, she might as well spend her time improving her skills. At least she could get something out of it.


    There were a total of twenty¨Cone costumes for the y. Of course, Maeve couldn¡¯t do all of them by herself.


    She only designed two unique costumes for her sons.


    She usedmon temtes to make costumes for the other children, which saved a lot of time.


    After work, Maeve went to Jaylen¡¯s residence as usual.


    He rarely coughed up blood these days, and this was probably because he had been taking his medicine on time. However, he was still sickly and was not in high spirits.


    They had not received a response from Rudolf in a long time. Even Theo said there was little hope of a reply unless a miracle happened.


    This also meant that Jaylen¡¯s life was destined to deteriorate rapidly in the next six months.


    Maeve urged him to go for a walk around the vi. She thought about his condition and couldn¡¯t help but sigh deeply.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see Theo¡¯s performance too.¡± Jaylen coughed twice and said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that he¡¯ll nag at me. I didn¡¯t even dare to see him after I returned home.¡±


    When Theo spoke, one would think he was Jaylen¡¯s ¡°elder brother.¡±


    Maeve thought about how Byron would also be present for the y. She couldn¡¯t imagine the scene when Byron meets Jaylen¡­


    However, she still braced herself and said, ¡°The principal gave me many invitations. I¡¯ll bring some to you tomorrow. Theo will be very happy if you watch his performance.¡±


    ¡°What about your other child?¡± Jaylen asked softly. ¡°Do you get along well with him?¡±


    Maeve had already told Jaylen that Will was still alive, but she hadn¡¯t brought him over yet.


    ¡°He is doing well. He¡¯s very adorable.¡± Maeve¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°He¡¯ll also participate in the y. You¡¯ll see him then.¡±


    She really hoped Jaylen would meet Will. If he hadn¡¯t taken care of her back then, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to give birth to both her sons safely.


    Jaylen nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to it.¡±


    In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the Iton Private International Kindergarten Arta and Theatrical festival.


    Maeve could not contact Byron, so she thought he would not be able to attend the y.


    When she woke up, she saw him standing in the room, changing his clothes. His back was facing her, and his broad and smooth back was exposed in front of her.

 Chapter 343

    His skin was glistening, and his sexy abs were sculpted down to his waistline and dipping into his suit pants.


    The crisscrossing scars on his back did not ruin the beautiful view but gave him a sexy, ragged aura that was tempting her to explore.


    Maeve covered her flustered face. In the end, her ears turned red as well.


    Yikes, it is too early in the morning to be this excited.'' She pondered. Byron sensed her gaze, turned around, and looked directly into her eyes.


    "I haven''t seen you for a few days. Do you not recognize me?" He teased.


    "N-no? Why do you ask?" She stuttered.


    "Why are you blushing?" Byron asked.


    As soon as he said that, Maeve shyly hid under the nket. "You''re changing your clothes in front of me. What''s wrong with me blushing to show my admiration?"


    Byron smiled knowingly. "Does that mean you''re satisfied with what you see?"


    Every time he teased her, she blushed, and her heart beat faster. This time, Maeve was unyielding. She straightened her neck and admitted, "It''s alright. I can tell that you didn''t neglect your workouts during your business trip. Keep it up."


    Byron was surprised. "The innocent, timid woman who is always kind and sweet and never indecent knows how to tease me Byron raised his eyebrows in surprise. He stopped buttoning his shirt and walked towards her with his shirt open. He leaned over and looked at her with a sinister smile in his eyes.


    "Then, do you want to touch?" he asked seriously.


    ''Touch... Touch what?'' Maeve was confused.


    Maeve''s brain short-circuited for two seconds. When she came back to her senses, her hands were already touching Byron''s well-defined abs.


    His skin was soft, but his abs were rock-solid. She loved how they felt and didn''t want to stop feeling them.


    Maeve could not help but squeeze them a few times.


    Byron hissed and grabbed her hand. He said in a hoarse voice, "That''s enough."


    "What?" Maeve had a dissatisfied expression as she looked at him. "You wanted me to touch them but can''t handle it? You''re such a killjoy."


    Byronughed softly, and his chest trembled under her fingers. She was turned on.


    "I''m afraid that if you keep touching me, something will happen to you," he said.


    Maeve wondered why something would happen to her when she was the one touching him.


    Just as this thought came across her mind, Maeve recalled their crazed frenzy the night before he left the country. Her face was flushed, and she hurriedly got out of bed, "The Arts and Theatrical festival is about to begin. I''ll go wash up now!" Maeve quickly exined.


    F D.


    Byron grabbed her arme You forgot something."


    She stuttered, "Wh-what?"


    "This." Byron took out an exquisite gift box with golden edges and ced it in Maeve''s hand. "This is your gift."


    Maeve was a little surprised. "You''re such a busy man, yet you still found time to get me a gift?"


    Byron remarked, "I bought it at a store on my way here."


    Maeve thought to herself, ''Do you think I''m stupid? Which random store would use such beautiful packaging with gold trimmings?


    She did not expose his lie. When she opened the gift box, she saw a Tanzanite ne and bracelet. They were simple but elegant and rare, beautiful pieces.


    Maeve had received jewelry from many other men in Erancia. However, she was not enthusiastic about such gifts and rarely wore them. She was never as happy as she was at this moment. "Help me put it on," Maeve said to Byron as she grabbed her long hair and brushed it aside.


    Byron lowered his eyes and put the ne on her, then the bracelet.


    The Tanzanite cast a faint halo on her glowing skin.


    "Perfect. It''s as gorgeous as I assumed." A hint of satisfaction appeared in Byron''s eyes.


    Maeve smiled until her eyes narrowed. She looked in the mirror, beaming with joy. "Of course, I look good," she said.


    "I mean the ne looks good." She quickly corrected herself.


    Byron remained silent.


    When they arrived at Iton Private International Kindergarten, the Arts and Theatrical festival had just begun.


    Prerie ss was the second performance of the day. Theo and Will were preparing backstage.


    They had only seen the costumes Maeve had made for them right before the show.


    Will had long been mentally preparing for the day and kept an open mind about wearing a dress. Theo, on the other hand, was extremely delighted.


    He remembered the famous quote, saying, "If I don''t enter hell, who will?" He has to step out of hisfort zone to learn and grow.


    The y had yet to begin, but Theo was reciting his lines. He was so focused until his head couldn''t tel.


    Fortunately, Maeve and Byron arrived just in time.


    Only then did Maeve realize that Theo changed his appearance slightly for school. It was even more impossible to tell that Will was his twin with those round-framed sses,


    Maeve quietly asked some people around her about the sses. She found out that her sons would take turns wearing sses every day to prevent the audience from knowing they were twins. Maeve''s heart ached when she heard this. She reckoned this would not have happened if she hadn''t tried to hide them.


    Maeve nned to confront Byron after the Arts and Theatrical festival ended. She didn''t care about the because she would bear them all.


    consequences


    .


    "Kid, when did you be short-sighted?" Byron spotted Theo extrarge sses. Byron raised his hand to fix them on Theo''s face properly. He teased, "Which prince wears sses?" Theo pushed Byron''s hand away and sighed in frustration. "I''m the prince who pioneered history. Is that not okay?"


    "Why do you look so pale? What did you do with your face?" Byron asked.


    "I''m wearing makeup. Is that a problem?" Theo retorted.


    "Not at all, but you look so cute like this." Byron sweetly stated.


    Theo was speechless.


    Will noticed his father and brother were about to argue again, so he quickly came over to prevent the fight and pulled Theo away.


    "Dad, we''re going to change. See youter," Will said.


    Byron nodded slightly and watched them enter the changing room.


    Byron and Maeve left the backstage area and walked toward their seats. A momentter, he received a call and excused himself.


    Not long after Maeve sat down, Jaylen arrived.


    He was not in a wheelchair today and didn''t look too bad. He was holding a bouquet of white roses in his hand.


    "Is this for Theo? He''s backstage," Maeve reminded him.


    Jaylen handed over the flowers to her. "No, they''re for you."


    Maeve was stunned for a moment. After hesitating for a few seconds, she epted them openly.


    "Thank you." she thanked him.


    Jaylen sat down and asked her, "How''s Theo? Is he nervous about his first performance?"


    Maeve thought of Theo''s confident expression and shook her head with a smile. "Theo? Nervous? He won''t be nervous. I think he''s feeling a little too arrogant."


    "That''s Theo''s personality." Jaylen thought of something, and his expression became gentle. "I still remember when he was just born. He was so small. I always panicked when I hugged him. I didn''t expect him to be so big in the blink of an eye.


    "I still remember that when he first learned how to speak. He called me ''Dad. Unfortunately, it was only that one time. After that, he never called me that again."


    At that time, Jaylen thought it was unfortunate that he wasn''t Theo''s dad.


    Maeveughed. "You still remember that."


    Theo was small but smart. Once, he mistook Jaylen for his father. Jaylen did not respond, and Theo immediately realized he was not his father. He did not call him "Dad" after that.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Jaylen seemed to be a little nostalgic. "If possible, I want to hear Theo call me ''Dad'' again. But with his stubborn personality, he probably won''t be willing to do it."


    Maeve did not make a sound, nor did she notice that Byron had returned from his call and was watching them from not far behind.

 Chapter 344

    to handle.


    Maeve turned her head, sensing someone watching her, and there stood Byron, his eyes swirling with unreadable emotions, his expression hovering between a smile and something she couldn''t tell. Her heart skipped a beat, and the bouquet she held suddenly felt too hot When did hee back? He couldn''t have heard what they were talking about from that far, right?'' as Maeve''s mind raced with wild thoughts, Byron casually strode over and took a seat beside her. Jaylen noticed Byron''s arrival but didn''t seem surprised. He had figured it out a while ago-Byron wasn''t going to let Maeve go easily.


    Jaylen


    The two men had nothing to say to each other, both treating the other as if they didn''t exist. The air around them chilled, and Maeve, sitting between them, felt the cold creep over her skin, goosebumps forming on her arms. nced at her, concerned. "Are you cold? Want my jacket?" Before he could finish, a dark double-breasted coat was already draped over her shoulders. Byron withdrew his hand without a word, his face emotionless. Jaylen''s hand, which had been halfway to taking off his own jacket, froze. He chuckled, his voice still friendly. "No need for your concern, Mr. Mcdaniel. I''ll take care of my fianc¨¦e."


    Byron''s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. "Maybe you should take care of yourself first, miracle doctor. With that frail look of yours, you''ll be needing an ambnce without your jacket." Jaylen''s expression cooled.


    Maeve quickly tugged at Byron''s sleeve, whispering, "Let it go." After all, Jaylen was a patient.


    Seeing Maeve protect Jaylen only made Byron''s face harder, his dark gaze locking onto her for a few seconds. Then he leaned back in his seat, crossed his arms, and said nothing more Maeve felt a bad premonition under his intense gaze, her heart pounding with nerves. At that moment, the lights in the audience dimmed, and a spotlight hit the stage-the show was about to begin.


    Maeve forced herself to calm down, turning her attention to the stage in eager anticipation. Suddenly, a cool hand gently guided her chin to the left.


    Maeve''s eyes widene widened in surprise, and before she could react, she felt a soft, cool touch against her lips. In the darkened theater, where nothing could be seen clearly, every other sense became sharper. Even though Maeve knew no one e would s see them, the the idea of kissing i in a a ce surrounded by people carried a heady thrill. She could faintly hear the wet sound of Byron''s tongue teasing hers. The intimacy of the moment made Ma made Maeve''s burny with embarrassment, her mind swirling. She couldn''t hear the faint murmurs of the crowd anymore; all that existed was Byron''s scent and the sound of his shallow breathing, making her ears burn with heat. For a moment, it e''s face it felt like the whole room disappeared, leaving just the two of them. "Ahem." Jaylen seemed to have a sore throat and coughed softly from the side, breaking the spell. Maeve snapped back to reality, quickly pushing Byron away and sitting upright, praying no one had noticed anything strange.


    Byron made a small tsk, wiped his lips with his thumb, and turned his attention back to the stage as if nothing had happened. "And now, please wee the students for their performance of Sleeping Beauty!" The announcer''s voice filled the theater. The curtain rose, and the little actors immediately captured the audience''s attention.


    Though the stage was small and the set, while lovely, was a bit stiff, the children''s enthusiasm brought the story to life. They


    38 Sat, Nov 9 Chapter 344


    98% +5


    wore charming, old-world-costumes; the boys looked like little gentlemen, and the girls fluttered about like tiny fairies, perfectly essorized without being over the top. With a grand ball as the backdrop, it was like stepping into a fairytale. "I''ve never seen my boy look this handsome before!"


    "Whoever designed these costumes really nailed it! This looks so much better than thest show."


    "No wonder Faye Nole wasn''t picked for this. Makes sense now."


    "I almost went to the principal toin when she didn''t get the role. d I didn''t embarrass myself now." "After the show, I''ve got to find out who did these costumes. I want something like this for my kid." Low murmurs rippled through the crowd. In Maeve,pletely unaware of


    of the


    the middle row, Faye''s face turned green, and the camera she''d brought to catch Maeve in an unttering light was now discarded at her feet. growing animosity towards sher, fanned her flushed face and turned her attention back to the stage just as Will, her little star, appeared. "How dare you throw a party and not invite me! You think you can ignore the greatest witch in the world? I''ll curse this little princess! On her sixteenth birthday, she''ll be so enchanted by her reflection that she''ll die of her own beauty! Muahahaha!" Maeve alm in his costume-a deep purple dress, devil horns, and a magic wand in hand. His cackling, evilughter filled the theater. ''Is that really the same kid who has been too shy to rehearse at home?" she wondered. "Oh no! I forgot to take a picture!" Maeve gasped, flustered by Will''s acting.


    almost didn didn''t recognize her son in


    "No need to take pictures. I had Archer bring a filming crew to record from the back," Byron said calmly. Maeve was


    was stunned. ''Poor Archer really did get all the jobs,'' she thought. "He''s ying the the prince. Should be the


    When


    When does Theoe on?" Byron askeet scene," Maeve replied.


    be the next


    Right as she spoke, the little prince finally made his entrance after the princess and the kingdom fell into an enchanted sleep. Dressed in a blue and gold knight''s outfit, the little prince rode a prop horse to the foot of the castle. His deep red cape billowed behind him, one hand gripping the reins while the other raised a sword high. His dashing appearance caused a stir among the audience. However, when his little face, darkened by makeup, turned toward the crowd, it added a slightlyical touch. Maeve clutched her chest and, her heart swelling with pride, whispered, "My baby looks amazing!"


    Byron side-eyed her, wondering, ''How did Jaylen''s son suddenly be her baby?''


    The prince fought his sway through countless trials and finally reached the tower.


    The wicked


    The cked switch-Will-reappeared, and the two of them had an epic duel, swinging swords and casting spells before Will finally fell in defeat.


    The prince sheathed his sword and approached the bed where the princessy in an enchanted sleep.


    "Oh my!Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I''ve never seen such a beautiful girl! Allow me to sing to you and awaken you from your sleep!"


    Maeve raised an eyebrow, thinking, ''Isn''t the prince supposed to kiss the princess? Must''ve been changed for the kids'' version. Well, at least I''d get to hear Theo sing his voice should be adorable!'' Theo opened his mouth, and his voice, amplified by the microphone, filled the room with the most off-key, painfully high-


    pitched notes. "From a distantnd, there lies a beautiful princess, enchanting and-"


    Maeve''s smile froze, her horror growing as she hastily covered her ears.

 Chapter 345

    @ 98%


    ''Help! How on earth can my boy sing so badly? How does he manage to miss every single note? It''s ridiculous. Even the princess would want to end it all after hearing this!'' Macve thought,pletely dumbfounded.


    Will, who was lying t on the floor pretending to be killed, could barely contain hisughter, his mouth twitching uncontrobly. He thought to himself, "Theo clearly has no clue how bad he sounds. But his confidence is through the roof. It''s painful to listen being so close to him.


    The y finally came to an end with Theo, the prince, confidently belting out his off-key rendition, making everyone chuckle. At Iton Private International Kindergarten, it was a tradition to record the performances and share the videos on the school''s social media page. This time was no exception. However, no one expected Theo''s "unique" singing performance to take the video viral.


    The audience couldn''t stopmenting on Will''s role as the mischievous witch, mistaking him for a girl. Onement even read. [He would''ve been perfect as the princess!]


    Meanwhile, Theo''s innocent, baby-faced appearance fooled everyone, but once he started singing, people quickly realized this adorable little boy was anything but a musical prodigy. Most of the feedback was lighthearted and teasing.


    "It''s time for your medication."


    In a cozy vi, a woman walked up behind a man in a wheelchair, holding a tray with his medication. When she heard the strange, screeching voiceing from his iPad, she nearly dropped the tray. "What are you listening to?" Her voice trembled. The man remained silent, his head lowered.


    The woman walked around to face the man, only to realize he had fallen asleep. Ever since he''d developed insomnia, was rare for him to sleep during the day.


    Curious, she nced at the screen. The boy singing in the video was admittedly cute, but his voice was lethal. Yet, somehow, the man had dozed off to this bizarre tune. ''How could this be? Do I have a bad taste so that I can''t tell that this kid''s voice somehow calming? Or... abandoned heartlessly by his lover, he finally starts to lose it.'' the woman wondered.


    *****


    After the y, Jaylen left early as he had to take his medication, so Maeve decided to walk around the school with Theo and Will. She didn''t go with Byron because their rtionship was still a bitplicated. If anyone asked about them, it would be hard to exin. Byron did once joke about being her "secret lover," and now it seemed truer than ever.


    After a leisurely stroll, they returned to the car. Byron was on the phone, holding a document, his brows furrowed in concentration. He exuded an air of authority that made people think twice about disturbing him. But as soon as he Maeve approach, his intense expression softened.


    Unable to resist, Maeve pulled out her camera and snapped a quick photo of him.


    Byron hung up and beckoned her over. "Come here."


    saw


    "You''re not seriously going toin about one picture, are you?" Maeve asked skeptically, moving closer, only to be pulled into his arms, his hand firmly around her waist.


    The kids in the back seat immediately chimed in with a yful Oohhh!"


    "Let go!" Maeve''s cheeks flushed as she tried to push him away.


    "Weren''t you taking a picture?" Byron''s arms remained around her, refusing to let go. "Go ahead."


    3


    Maeve shot him a look, surprised. After realizing he wasn''t joking, an incredulous feeling surged within her. When they first got married,


    although it bron would never let her take a picture with him. Later, she learned he didn''t like being photographed, and


    although it had been a small disappointment, she epted it. Yet, here he was now, willing to pose for a photo.


    Maeve felt that something about Byron seemed differenttely. She couldn''t quite ce it, but when she looked into his eyes, she felt like nothing had changed at all. Suppressing the flutter in her chest, she quickly snapped a few more photos. Afterward, she waved at the kids. "Come on. Let''s take a family picture together."


    Byron nced at Theo for a moment but didn''t say anything.


    With the family photo done, the kids soon fell asleep, nestled on either side of Maeve. They had been running around all day and were understandably exhausted.


    As Maeve stroked their heads, Byron asked out of the blue, "What''s the deal with this kid''s dad?"


    "Huh?" Maeve looked up, surprised to see him staring at Theo. Realizing it was time to be honest, she didn''t beat around the bush. "He''s someone important in his field."


    Byron seemed to ponder that. "So why does Theo say he doesn''t have a dad? Are his parents divorced?"


    "Yeah." Maeve''s voice lowered. "They divorced before he was born. He''s been with his mom ever since and never met his dad."


    "What caused the divorce?"


    "There wasn''t much love left between them. Plus, there were some misunderstandings that never got cleared up."


    Byron fell silent, his expression hard to read. Maeve, preupied with how to tell him the full truthter, didn''t notice the subtle shift in his mood.


    Back at the apartment, Byron carried the kids inside, cing them gently in their beds. After tucking them in, he joined Maeve at the doorway.


    "Is something bothering you?" Byron asked, his gaze fixed on her. "You seem like you''ve got something to say." He had sensed it in the car-the hesitation, the unease. It was clear she was wrestling with something important, something that likely involved him.


    Maeve nodded, her eyes wavering. "Yes, actually, there''s something I need to talk to you about. It''s about-"


    "Mommy!" The door to the kids'' room flew open as Will ran out barefoot, his usually calm face filled with panic.


    Maeve noticed his bare feet and was about to pick him up when Byron beat her to it, scooping Will into his arms. "Why aren''t you wearing shoes?"


    Will didn''t have time to worry about that and cried, "Theo''s burning up! He''s really hot!" He had woken up from the heat, thinking it was because the air conditioning was set too high, only to realize that the heat wasing from Theo.


    Maeve''s face drained of color, and she rushed into the room.


    Theoy there, his face flushed with fever, his hair damp with sweat, and the pillow soaked beneath him.


    Maeve gently called his name, but he didn''t wake up, his brows knitted in difort. Her heart clenched painfully, wishing she could take his ce in that momentText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "The car''s downstairs, and I''ve already called the hospital. We''ll take him for a checkup right now," Byron said, phone in hand, his voice steady. "Get him into some dry clothes first, so he doesn''t catch a chill on the way down. We may need to stay overnight, so pack a bag with his essentials."


    ) W


    Hearing his calm voice, Macye felt her panic slowly subside. "Okay." She nodded, eyes red with emotion.


    41.98%¡ã


    Theo had been sick many times before, so Maeve had learned to be prepared. She kept an emergency bag packed with clothes and supplies to

 Chapter 346

    Half an hourter, at First Hospital.


    In the VIP room, Theoy in a hospital bed, his cheeks flushed with fever. Only his right hand peeked out from under the covers, connected to an IV drip. Will stood by, asionally wiping Theo''s sweat, concern etched on his face.


    "Mr. McDaniel, Mrs. McDaniel. Your son has a high fever due to a cold. As long as it breaks by tomorrow and doesn''te back, there shouldn''t be any major issues," the doctor said respectfully to Byron and Maeve. "We''re seeing a lot of children getting sick this time of year, so it''s important to keep them warm and encourage some light exercise."


    Byron paused for a moment, choosing not to correct the doctor''s misidentification.


    "Thank you, doctor," Maeve replied gratefully. "I''ll make sure to keep that in mind."


    "Not at all," the doctor said before he and the nurse stepped out. Maeve turned to look at Theo, who was still sound asleep, her brows furrowed in worry.


    "The doctor said it''s not serious. You don''t need to worry so much," Byron said gently. "Aren''t you going to inform his mother?"


    "I''ll wait until he''s feeling better. I don''t want to worry her," Maeve replied, feeling drained and reluctant to think about revealing the truth to Byron.


    Byron''s gaze lingered on her as if he were probing for something.


    The VIP room usually had dedicated staff, so Maeve didn''t have to worry much about Theo''s care. She was just concerned he might wake up feeling ufortable, so she often got up from the other bed to check on him.


    On her third trip, Byron ced a hand on her shoulder, his eyes serious. "Get some sleep. I''ll keep an eye on him, okay?"


    Reluctantly, Maevey back down under his intense gaze. "I''m just a little restless. Besides, the nurses are here, so he''ll be fine. You should get some rest, too."


    "Why are you restless?" Byron asked, lowering his head slightly, his handsome features shifting in the dim light. "You''re making people misunderstand things." "Misunderstand what?"


    "That this child is yours."


    A moment of silence hung in the air. Maeve instinctively turned and hugged Will, who was sleeping next to her. "You should get some sleep, too," she whispered.


    In the past, Maeve had thought that it wouldn''t matter if Byron didn''t ept Theo. Theo was her son, and she didn''t need Byron''s approval. But after tonight, her perspective had shifted. She realized that even without knowing Theo was his biological son, Byron cared for him deeply, and perhaps she had misjudged Byron all along.


    This newfound understanding stirred a longing in her heart for their family to be whole. Just wait a little longer. Once Theo gets better, I will tell him everything... with those thoughts swirling in her mind, Maeve finally sumbed to sleep, holding Will close.


    Byron gently tucked the nkets around both of them before returning his gaze to Theo''s bed. "Theo is Jaylen''s son. I shouldn''t care this much. But then again, Maeve is fond of this kid,'' he pondered.


    Maeve woke to find Byron gone the next morning. Will, however, was already awake, using a damp washcloth to wipe Theo''s face.


    "Good morning, Mom! Will said sweetly. "The doctor came to check on Theo, and he''s already feeling better. If he''s fine for another half-day, we can take him home. You can go wash up and grab some breakfast; I''ve got this covered." Maeve walked over and ruffled his hair. "You''re such a good little helper. Did you sleep wellst night?"


    Will shook his head. "At first, I didn''t, but I slept great after that." He had beenforted to wake up in his mother''s arms. There was something special about her warm embrace, different from his dad''s solid and strong hold. Maeve checked Theo''s forehead, relieved to find he was no longer burning up. She headed to wash up.


    When she returned, Theo was awake. "Mommy," he croaked, his usual lively voice now hoarse and raspy.


    Maeve rushed over, pulling Theo into her arms and gently patting his back. "Is your throat sore? Does your head hurt? How are you feeling?"


    Theo melted against her, sounding pitiful. "Mommy, I''ve realized something."


    ""What is it?"


    "My singing is poison," Theo replied weakly.


    Maeve and Will nearly burst intoughter.


    "While it''s good you know your limits, that''s not why you got sick. It was because you were running around in the cold after sweating at the yground, not because of your singing," Maeve exined. Will chimed in, "Theo, your singing isn''t bad enough for that!"


    Theo''s eyes sparkled with hope. "Then I''ll sing for you both once I''m better!"


    "I think your singing is better left in memory."


    "Will, you''re not being honest." Theo pouted, retorting.


    Will replied seriously, "Sometimes a white lie is a kindness."


    "Give me a few bucks, and I won''t sing for you."


    "Will I dor work?" Will bargained. ''How can he think of pocket money even when he''s sick?'' he thought.


    As Maeve listened to the yful banter, she couldn''t help but chuckle. In the end, Will had to part with a dor for some peace and quiet, while Theo used that 1 dor to get Will to wipe his face.


    ''That''s my boy. Try and barter with his


    brother, even when he isn''t feeling well,'' Maeve thought.


    Will had clearly let Theo take advantage of him too many times and was learning to negotiate. They were like two best buddies, one ready to fight and the other more than willing to take the punches. Meanwhile, Maeve, being the mom, was happily sitting on the sidelines, enjoying the show.


    As Will took a towel to the bathroom e show.


    more careful next time


    Theo snuggled closer to Maeve. "Mommy, am I making you worry? I promise to be


    so you won''t sad."


    -Maeve''s heart melted. She yfully swatted his bottom. "Just remember, you scared Mommy yesterday. And you''re not getting away without giving up your money."


    As soon as Theo heard about his money, he jolted up in rm and acted cute. "No way! I''ll be good!"


    "Nice tryd dol


    903 98%]Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Mommy!" That cute, hoarse cry reached Byron as he approached the hospital room, causing him to pause mid-step. His gaze darkened as he entered, fixing his eyes on the scene.


    Theo usually called Maeve by her first name but there was one time he called her "Mommy." Though Maeve had exined that it was a cultural difference, Byron hadn''t fully believed it. Now, he couldn''t help but question everything. ''What is the rel

 Chapter 347

    MENT


    07:39 Sat, Nov 9.


    3


    Byron saw something unusual in Maeve''s attitude toward Theo. Their rtionship seemed to go far beyond the boundaries of "godmother" and "godson." Theo''s behavior


    to Maeve. The only exnation was that the sorted this. He did not seem to miss his mother and was more considerate


    were indeed mother and son.


    Byron narrowed his eyes slightly. He did not enter the ward but turned around and left. He felt the baseless suspicions in his heart were meaningless unless he had concrete proof.


    The attending doctor brought Theo to other departments for a thorough examination in the afternoon. "Mrs. Mcdaniel, Mr. Mcdaniel instructed us to do a checkup for you and your son."


    Maeve was surprised. She guessed Byron feared something would happen to her and Will, so he made such arrangements. However, Maeve agreed since he had already given the order. ''It''s not a bad thing to have a physical examination!''


    The examination results came out in the evening. The good thing about First Hospital''s VIP service was it had dedicated personnel to provide services, and the physical examination results came with suggestions from the attending physician. There was nothing wrong with Maeve''s or her children''s body. It was just that their values were not bnced. They all had small problems of gastric deficiency and malnutrition. Maeve, Theo, and WIII were looking at the result when suddenly, the ward door opened.


    Seeing Byrone in, they hurriedly hid the results behind their backs. Byron nced at them and said concisely, "Take it


    out."


    #


    "Hey, you''re off work early today. You used to onlye back at half past six," Maeve said awkwardly, trying to divert his attention. "Don''t make me repeat myself."


    Hearing that, Maeve and her kids reluctantly took out the examination report. Theo, who usually liked to go against Byron, was no exception this time. When he got a high fever, he was unable to sleep. He saw Byron touching his forehead, changing his fever patch, and wiping his sweat with a towel. Theo admitted he was getting better as a person. Seeing Byron was good to Maeve and himself, he gradually acknowledged him as his father.


    Byron took the medical reports from their hands and read them carefully. The more he looked, the deeper his frown became. Maeve felt something was not right.


    "If I didn''t know better, I would have thought you came to the hospital to collect stamps. You guys have gathered all the small ailments." Byron shook the report in his hand and said in a low voice, "Look at this. This report says that you guys are malnourished!" The room became tense. Everyone didn''t know what Byron would do. Maeve and her sons could not help but hug each


    as usually easy to talk to. But every time this happened, even Maeve was afraid of him. other tightly and tremble. Byron


    Being hugged tightly by his mother, Will felt he had to say something. He tried to persuade Byron. "Dad, calm down. The doctor said it''s not a big problem. We can all be nursed back to health."


    this? You''ll never know the severity of a problem until it bes a big problem!" "What do you know ab Immediately, Will shut up. Meanwhile, Theo pouted. "It''s not like we want to get sick ourselves." Byron looked at him. "So, you never nned to grow those cavities in your


    mouth?"


    After Will had cavities in his mouth, Theo followed. Hence, The immediately shut up. Chapter 347-


    ''Shoot. He brings up cavities. This stinks!" :0.98%


    Theo and Will were speechless. Meanwhile, Maeve looked at the disappointed Byron and could only bite the bullet. "We''ll be careful in the future. Even if we don''t, you''ll be watching us, right? we''ll be fine under your care." Byron''s face softened, probably because Maeve acted like a Damsel in Distress. He sighed and said, "Pack your things and go home."


    ''Home. That word made Maeve''s heart skip a beat, and her gaze softened.


    While they were packing, the phone in Byron''s pocket suddenly rang. He took it out and saw it was a message. He smirked before putting his phone back into his pocket. It was from Archer: [Mr. McDaniel, The samples have been sent for identification. The results will be out by tomorrow at thetest.] That night, Maeve and her sons began their new, healthier diet.


    Will and Theo ate their food with ease. On the contrary, Maeve felt this was torture. She grew sick of eating nd, tasteless food for years living with Byron. However, because Byron was beside her, she could notin.


    After washing up, Maevey on the bed and took her phone to look at the messages. That night, Iton''s parents'' group chat was quite lively. It was flooded with messages, and the parents were talking about Maeve.


    "Sleeping Beauty" from Prerie ss won first ce in the Arts and Theatrical Festival and even became a trending topic. It had more than a million likes, making it a pity for the parents of the children who did not participate in the y. Of course, they also knew this y might not be so outstanding without Maeve''s costume.


    As they chatted, a parent asked: [Is it possible for Ms. Reese to design the new school uniform for next year?]


    [It depends on The Principal''s decision, but I think the probability is very likely.]


    [My child didn''t participate in the y. When he watched from below the stage, he cried and demanded a set of that costume. I wonder if Ms. Reese is willing to ept the order.]


    [The costume and the school uniform are not the same thing. She has no experience in that field. Can we trust her with such a responsibility?]


    [Agreed. I still prefer Faye''s design. There''s no need to change it, right?]


    [Like I said, it depends on The Principal''s decision.]


    ''School uniform design?'' Maeve looked at that sentence thoughtfully. She had heard of it before. Iton''s school uniform was changed annually and always designed by a famous designer. The school had the most distinctive school uniform design in all kindergartens. ording to the parents in the group chat, Faye designed the school uniformst year. She might fight for it this year. Hence, Maeve thought briefly before sending a message to The Principal of Iton. She was interested in designing the new school uniform.


    The principal soon replied. She wanted ten parents responsible for the new school uniform design. She nned to hold a designpetition. The winning designs would be the next school uniform. Of course, there would be a prize for the winner. They would receive a bonus of one hundred grand.


    One hundred grand was almost equivalent to Isnton''s annual tuition fee. Thinking of this, Maeve''s eyes lit up, and she immediately signed up. All thoughts of teaching Faye how to be a decent human flooded her mind. Beating her was even more satisfying than winning the prize money.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "What are you smiling at?" A deep and maic voice suddenly sounded from behind.


    Maeve was about to turn around when she felt a pair of strong arms around her waist. The warmth of his palm passed


    through the thin fabric of her pajamas to her skin, making her body go weak.


    "Stop messing around. You know I''m ticklish." Maeve chuckled, and her phone fell beside her pillow.


    Byron grabbed her slender waist and dragged her over. With absolute strength, hey before her. His dark eyes sparkled like the night sky. "Don''t you have anything to say to me?"


    0


    I

 Chapter 348

    Maeve''s heart melted at his sudden domineering actions. Her cheeks blushed under the dim light. It took her a long time to calm down. ''What do I have to say to him?''


    Maeve''s face looked conflicted. However, her heart softened when she thought about how he had just returned from a business trip yesterday but apanied her to watch their son''s performance. He also apanied her until that night because of Theo''s illness. After some thought, Maeve raised her slender arms and hugged Byron''s neck. She raised her head and kissed the corner of his lips. "Mr. McDaniel, I know it''s been hard on you to support your family."


    Byron was slightly stunned. It was probably because Maeve rarely took the initiative to kiss him. With such a sudden kiss, his rationality began to blur.


    Seeing Byron did not speak, Maeve thought a kiss was not enough. So, she endured the embarrassment in her heart and whispered something into his ear.


    As soon as she finished speaking, Byron''s eyes widened in surprise as he gulped. Maeve could feel his arm tightening around her waist, just like every intimate night in the past. Then, he lost control.


    They had done this many times, yet Maeve would always be afraid of him. Not because she feared Byron would hurt her, but because of her feelings for him. But that night, she only wanted to make him happy.


    Just as Maeve was ready, she suddenly felt something loosen around her waist. The tall figure before her was walking past to her left and sat beside her. Maeve looked at Byron puzzledly. His handsome face was against the light, and it was hard to guess what he was thinking. He seemed to be deep in his thought.


    "It''s gettingte. Go to bed early," As Byron spoke, he tucked Maeve in and left the bedroom without looking back.


    Maeve leaned against the pillow and looked at Byron''s back. A huge question mark appeared in her mind. ''What''s his deal? I''m already taking the initiative and he leaves? That''s unusual.


    Regardless, Byron wasn''t feeling it that night. So, in a way, it was Maeve''s victory. She flipped over and closed her eyes to sleep.


    However, after half an hour, she sat up and sent a message to Bonnie: [Bonnie, are you asleep? I can''t sleep.]


    Bonnie, the night owl, was indeed awake. She replied to her almost instantly: [I''m here, Baby. Why can''t you sleep? Isn''t your child''s y quite sessful? I''ve already seen it on the trending searches!]


    [Maeve: It''s not about them, it''s about Byron!]


    [Bonnie: What did Mr. McDaniel do to make you unable to sleep? Oh, let me guess. Do you require some ''bed'' advice?]


    Maeve looked at the vulgar cat emoji Bonnie sent over and sent a voice message to tell her what had just happened, "Yesterday morning, he still looked like he didn''t want me to go out and do anything to me. I tried to take the initiative tonight, but he asked me to sleep early. What is wrong with him


    [Bonnie: That''s odd. Did you guys quarrel today?]


    [Maeve: He was disappointed this afternoon because of our declining health condition. But he doesn''t get carried away by it.]


    [Bonnie: That''s strange. With your temptation, he should''ve fallen for it in no time. You gave him what he always wanted, and he refused?]


    Maeve didn''t reply immediately and sighed. ''Gosh, Bonnie, Are you telling me I''m cheap?


    07:39 Sat, Nov 9 &.


    The next second, a new message from Bonnie popped up:


    [Look, this is a wild guess. Is it possible that when Mr. McDaniel was overseas, he met another woman?]


    Maeve immediately denied it. It was unlikely. He was quite obsessed with cleanliness, especially during intercourse.


    [Bonnie: Don''t you think it''s possible? I mean, other than dating a transvestite, he hasn''t had any scandals. That leaves only one possibility.] [Maeve: And that is?]


    [Bonnie: You guys had sex too much that he got bored]Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    This spection was reasonable, but Maeve''s intuition said otherwise. Bonnie had told her that a man''s love was mostly expressed by physical contact. By that logic, the more Byron liked her, the more obsessed he should be. This was supported by how Byron always pinched her hand or waist on every asion.


    However, Maeve knew something was definitely off that night. ''Is it because he started to lose interest in me?''


    Thinking of this, Maeve was anxious. When he wanted to have sex, he always forced her to have sex, even when she was asleep. But when she wanted it, he left. ''If he doesn''t want me anymore, let me eat something I prefer. Not one of his in, tasteless, and uncultured food.""


    After sending a goodnight message to Bonnie, Maeve pulled the nket over her face and kicked all those messy thoughts out of her head.


    On the other side, the sound of water came from the frosted ss door. A tall figure could be vaguely seen standing inside, but the exact situation was unclear. Only the low panting did not dissipate.


    The next morning. Maeve made breakfast for her sons with recipes from Dr. Foster. Meanwhile, she ate pasta. Byron''s te was left empty.


    Looking at the empty te, Byron knew Maeve did it on purpose. He asked, "My breakfast?" She and their sons had breakfast, but he didn''t.


    "My hand hurts. I can only make it for three. If you want to eat, make it yourself."


    The kids looked at each other. ''Is she mad?''


    Byron raised an eyebrow. "Did I make you angry? What''s wrong?


    Maeve put on a fake smile. "How did you make me angry? I think it''s the other way around. Mr. McDaniel, don''t lower yourself to the level of a weak woman like me."


    "Maeve, speak properly."


    "I''ve always spoken like this. Mr. McDaniel, if you don''t want to listen, I suggest you cover your ears."


    Theo raised his spoon. His voice was quite hoarse. "Do you need my advice?"


    Byron gave him a sidelong nce. "Do not interrupt when adults are talking."


    "Why do you have to be so mean?" Theo said while turning to look at Maeve.


    Maeve chuckled. "See? You even intimidated a child. You''re something."


    "You call that intimidating?" Byron did not think much of it. He took one of the meatballs from Theo''s te and took a bite. Theo''s eyes widened. "You stole my favorite meatball!" 07:39 Sat, Nov 9


    "Then hurry and


    eat the rest, Otherwise, I''ll snatch every single one!"


    Theo was shocked. ''He''s an adult. Why is he beefing with a child?


    Maeve was speechless. ''I didn''t make him breakfast and decided to snatch Theo''s. Does he feel shame?''


    D

 Chapter 349

    In the end, the episode only ended when Will, the most calm andposed in the family, gave two cinnamon rolls to Theo.


    Maeve quietly red at Byron. "You''re not as sensible as your son!"


    Byron held his chin and snorted ambiguously. "I''m hungry."


    "Do it yourself," Maeve said.


    "Then I''ll eat with Will," Byron responded.


    "Wait here!"


    After breakfast, the driver came to pick up the two little ones and send them to kindergarten. Maeve deliberately did not take Byron''s car and drove to the studio herself.


    Unexpectedly, an uninvited guest arrived. Seeing Faye dressed in a striking red dress and looking quite morous, Maeve was a bit surprised. "What does Ms. Nole want to say this time?"


    Faye''s expression did not look good, but her tone was not as harsh as before. "Smart people don''t beat around the bush, so I''ll go straight to the point. I know you''re also participating in Iton Private International Kindergarten''s school uniform designpetition. Name your conditions. What do I have to do for you to withdraw?"


    "Why should I withdraw?" Maeve asked.


    "Thispetition is very important to me; I must win. If you''re here for the prize money, I can give you 200 thousand dors. That should offset your loss, right?"


    Maeve felt likeughing upon hearing this. "Ms. Nole, you sure know how to do the math. A prestigious school''s uniform design versus 200 thousand dors, only a fool doesn''t know which one weighs more. Thispetition is based purely on skill, so why should I withdraw for you? Don''t you think you''re being a bit too full of yourself?"


    Her dominance made Faye grit her teeth. "I''m more experienced than you by a year. This is a bonus. I have at least an 85% chance of defeating you. The reason why I came to look for you is because I don''t want to waste more effort.


    "Moreover, my husband is the only son of the Miller family. If you do me a favor, I will naturally remember your However, if you don''t know how to appreciate the gesture, you will be making an enemy of our Miller family!" kindness.


    She seemed to be very confident in her inw''s family and thought that as long as she mentioned it, Maeve would definitelypromise. However, Maeve had not even heard of the so-called Miller family. "Alright, are you done? If there''s nothing else, you may leave," Maeve said calmly without changing her expression.


    The corners of Faye''s mouth twitched. She waspletely enraged. "I don''t believe that you can beat me in this fairpetition! Just you wait!" Faye said.


    She left angrily in her high heels. When Paige came in to deliver the documents, she identally ran into him and did not even apologize.


    "Ms. Reeve, is this person here to seek revenge?" Paige said worriedly.


    Maeve shook her head. "Ignore her. She''s here to make her presence known."


    In the afternoon, Maeve saw in the parent group chat that a few people had withdrawn from the designpetition. These people''s family backgrounds were all not as prominent as the Miller family. Maeve suspected that Faye did not juste to threaten and entice her; she had probably approached the participating


    parent designers as well.


    Although she did not like this tactic, thepetition rules did not state that it was not allowed. Faye was also capable to be able to make these people withdraw.


    As she was thinking, the phone on the desk suddenly rang. Seeing that it was Daryl who called, Maeve immediately picked it up. "Daryl, what happened? Jaylen again refuses to..."


    "Ms. Reese, something bad has happened! Jaylen''s condition seems to have worsened. He non-stop coughs up blood. He''s been sent to the hospital!" Daryl interrupted Maeve in a panic. Maeve immediately stood up. "Which hospital?"


    "First Hospital!" Daryl said.


    "Don''t panic. I''ll go to the kindergarten to get Theo now." Without dy, Maeve grabbed her coat and bag and ran out of the office.


    Iton Private International Kindergarten had strict rules. Furthermore, Maeve''s identity as Will''s mother was not publicized yet. Therefore, she could only pick up Theo.


    The hospital was helpless against Jaylen''s condition. They could only temporarily stop him from coughing up blood and leave the rest to God.


    Theo went over and checked Jaylen''s pulse. He frowned deeply.


    "Daryl, logically speaking, Jaylen takes medicine timely every day. Even if his condition doesn''t improve, it shouldn''t worsen. What did he do before he coughed up blood?"


    Maeve looked at Daryl. "Did he secretly throw the medicine away again?"


    in Daryl''s eyes. up "No. I''ve been watching him take the medicine every day. He never misses a single dose." Tears welled didn''t do anything before he coughed up blood and fainted. He just stayed in theboratory for more than three hours." "Doing experiments is the most exhausting. Didn''t you stop him?" Maeve asked.


    Daryl felt aggrieved. "Ms. Reese, you know his temper. I couldn''t stop him." Maeve sighed. ''Indeed, it''s not Daryl''s fault.


    "He


    She was aware of the experiment Jaylen was doing, but she did not expect him to continue at this juncture. He did not even care about his life.


    ''Clearly... everything is over. Nothing has happened to me and Theo till now. What exactly is he afraid of?'' Maeve thought. Theo began to administer acupuncture to Jaylen. His hoarse voice sounded a little serious. "Jaylen is coughing up blood because he''s overworked. This situation is nothing to ordinary people but detrimental to him. It will aggravate his condition."


    Maeve clenched her palms. "What should we do now?"


    "Mommy, I''ll help Jaylen with the acupuncture first to protect his heart." Maeve nodded and stood to the side without saying anything to avoid affecting the little guy.


    After the acupuncture, Jaylen''s expression improved a little. However, not long after, the color drained from his face, and he gasped for breath as if something invisible was choking him around the neck. In the end, his hand fell limply to his side.


    "His condition is bad! Mommy, Jaylen seems to have lost the will to survive. He''s trapped!" Theo said anxiously. "We have to wake him up as soon as possible!"


    07:39


    Sat, Nov


    Maeve''s expression changed drastically. "What should we do?"


    "Talk to him, say something that can stimte his nerves!" As he spoke, Theo began to mutter the name of Jaylen''s favorite dishes. Maeve stood there as a thought suddenly shed through her mind.


    ''Probably this can stimte Jaylen''s nerves, she thought.


    "Jaylen, wake up quickly. As long as you wake up, I''m willing to marry you," Maeve said.


    To save Jaylen, Maeve did not care if it was awkward to say so. She kept repeating this sentence beside Jaylen''s ear.


    Jaylen likes me; it''s impossible for him not to react when he hears this, Maeve thought.


    Daryl suddenly shouted in surprise, "It works! Jaylen''s hand moves! Ms. Reese, we count on you now!"Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Maeve persisted, continuing to repeat the sentence, "I''m willing to marry you."


    Finally, Jaylen''s face, which had been distorted in pain, rxed. His eyshes fluttered several times before he opened his eyes. He stared directly at Maeve and, in a dazed manner, said to her, "I heard you." Even if it was a lie, he would dly ept it. Maeve and Theo heaved a sigh of relief at the same time. ''Fortunately, he''s awake.


    A figure stood silently unnoticed at the door of the ward. His gaze fixated on the scene for several seconds, and his expression grew increasingly sardonic.


    0

 Chapter 350

    Suddenly, Maeve felt a chill on her back as if someone was staring at her. However, when she turned around, she saw nothing at the door of the ward. There was no one there.


    She retracted her gaze and watched Theo administer acupuncture to Jaylen again. Jaylen was not idle either. He instructed Theo where and how deep to insert the needles for better effect. It was clearly a life-and-death critical moment but had turned into a medical exchange scene. After the acupuncture, Jaylen asked Daryl to get some medicine Maeve had something to ask him, so she also sent Theo away.


    After they left, Maeve asked, "Jaylen, Daryl said that you''ve been staying in theboratory recently. Have you not given up on that experiment?"


    Jaylen lowered his eyes. "Mm."


    "Why? Or do you have some concerns?" Maeve was puzzled. "The scope of that virus leak was not big; Theo and I only had indirect contact. Moreover, our health check results over the past few years have shown no abnormalities..."


    "The incubation period of that virus is as long as eight or nine years," Jaylen interrupted her. "It might or might not re up. But why should I gamble with you guys'' lives? While I still have the energy, I want to develop the inhibitor to prevent any idents in the future." Maeve pursed her lips. "It''s not that I disagree with your n in advance. It''s just that for now, your health is the most important."


    She already owed Jaylen a lot and did not want him to waste his time and energy on her in thisst


    part


    of his life.


    Hearing her words, Jaylen''s gloomy eyes softened significantly. He smiled faintly. "You don''t have to feel burdened. This is what I want to do the most now."


    Even with Rudolf''s help, he knew that he would not live for long. Therefore, he might as well do onest thing for her. If possible, he also hoped that in the end, he had indeed done something unnecessary.


    "Then promise me that you''ll only do this experiment within your capabilities and not take your health lightly," Maeve said, her expression was serious as she looked at him. "If this situation happens again, even if the virus lying dormant in my body activates in the future, I won''t take the inhibitor you develop.


    "You know I don''t like to owe others favor. If you really die because of me, I''ll pay


    with my life."


    Jaylen was at a loss for words and felt disappointed. ''Does she not like owing others a favor, or owing me a favor? Would everything be so clear between her and Byron?''


    "Alright." Jaylen sighed inpromise. "I''ll agree with you. I''ll prioritize my health." Maeve heaved a sigh of relief.


    If Jaylen acted recklessly like this again, even Rudolf would not be able to save him. Not to mention Rudolf could not return to the country for some reason.


    However, when she thought about how Jaylen''s condition worsened because of her and Theo, she felt very upset.


    I''ll never be able to


    what I owe him in this lifetime,'' Maeve thought.


    Around 9:00 57


    Maeve returned to the apartment with Theo, who had fallen asleep in her arms.


    Will had not gone to bed waiting for them toe home. When he heard the sound, he immediately ran over from the living room.


    00.97%l +5)


    Seeing that his younger brother had fallen asleep in his mother''s arms, he instinctively lowered his voice. "Mom, is Jaylen alright?"


    Maeve nodded. "He''s out of danger for the time being. Don''t worry."


    "That''s good." Will heaved a sigh of relief, and his expression became much more rxed. "Mom, you must be tired now. I''ll turn on the hot water. Take a shower and sleep early." "Wow, as expected of the most mature man in our family. How considerate! Mommy loves you!" Maeve praised him generously.


    Will blushed and said shyly, "Mom, it''s not a big deal..."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ''Mom really likes to praise me,'' Will thought.


    Even if he just casually helped to set up the dining table, Maeve would also praise him. This made him both shy and a little happy, and he wanted to do better.


    Seeing the little guy running toward the bathroom, Maeve''s tense nerves finally rxed.


    She carried Theo back to the room and used a special potion to wash off the disguise on his face. Looking at his fair and cute little face, she could not help but poke it gently. It immediately bounced up like jelly. ''My child is still the cutest in his original appearance. Soon, he no longer needs to disguise himself, Maeve thought.


    Walking out of the room, Maeve went to the apartment opposite to look for Byron, only to find that he was not there.


    "The man who usually gets off work at 6:30 p.m. at thetest is still in the office today?'' Maeve was surprised. She called him but after two rings, he hung up.


    Then, a message popped up. [Working overtime tonight. No need to wait for me.]


    Perhaps it was because of her conversation with Bonniest night, Maeve''s mind was scattered. Now, she somehow felt Byron''s tone in his message... was too cold. ''Maybe he''s just too busy,'' she thought.


    Maeve shook off her wild thoughts. When she returned to the apartment, Will had prepared the hot water for her.


    After taking afortable hot shower, she sat on the carpet in the living room and nned to do some yoga before going to bed. However, she realized that the screen of the phone on the table was blinking. Maeve stopped what she was doing and picked up her phone to take a look. Bonnie: [I saw your Mr. Mcdaniel at Starlight Pub. He doesn''t seem to be in a good mood. Did you two quarrel?]


    Maeve frowned. ''Didn''t he say he would work overtime tonight? Did he lie to me?''


    Maeve: [This big liar!]


    Bonnie: [Huh?]


    Maeve: [He told me that he was working overtime, but in the end, he was drinking!


    Bonnie: [Huh?]


    Bonnie: [I just checked. With your Mr. Mcdaniel as the center, there''s no one of the opposite sex within a three-foot radius but only his friends. He''s safe.]


    Maeve: [I''m not worried about that; I just find it a bit hard to understand.]


    Bonnie: [It''s only right that you can''t understand. Men are creatures. If you can understand, you''ll be the one at a


    disadvantage. It''s better to be muddle-headed.]


    Maeve: [It sounds like you''ve suffered a loss before?]


    NOW


    3


    Bonnie expressed that she did not want to talk about this sad matter. She sent an emoji that said: [I''m open to dating with young and strong male.]


    Maeve fell silent. It was confirmed that Bonnie had suffered quite badly.


    However, afterining to Bonnie, Maeve was not so frustrated anymore. ''I have my personal space, and so does Byron.


    ''Moreover, Bonnie''s just said that he doesn''t seem to be in a good mood... Could it be that something happened to thepany''s project, thus he went for drinking?'' Maeve thought. Other than this, she could not think of any other reason. Maeve sat cross-legged and thought for a long time before she sent a message to Byron.


    [Drink less; you have a gastric problem. Don''t just lecture us for not taking care of our health.]

 Chapter 351

    After sending it, Maeve got up and went to the kitchen. She used a small pot to prepare a remedy for the hangover and keptOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.


    it warm.


    Byron still had not replied to thest message. Perhaps he had not seen it. Feeling a bit sleepy, she sent him another message: [There''s a remedy in the kitchen. Remember to drink before going to bed when you get back. I''m going to sleep.]


    After sending the message, she stared at the screen for a while, but there was no response. Waving away the inexplicable sadness, Maeve stretched, took her phone, and went to her room to rest.


    For the next three days, Byron did not return. Every time Maeve called to talk about Theo, no one answered. After about an hour, a short message came back: [I''m busy.]


    Even Maeve, usually slow to notice, sensed his avoidance.


    ''Wasn''t he busy thest time he was overseas on a business trip?" Maeve thought. But still, the three daily video calls never wavered. As soon as he was done, he would contact her immediately. Maeve could tell the difference between being busy and being perfunctory. She did not understand-What had I done to make him avoid me like this?'' Thinking it over carefully, she realized, ''It seemed to have started that night when I made the first move...


    Maeye pressed her lips tightly. ''Is he really avoiding me?''


    That night, Maeve received a message from Bonnie asking if she wanted to go to the bar to have some fun and check out the handsome men to lift her mood.


    She had been running back and forth between the hospital and the studio these past few days, feelingpletely drained. After a moment of thought, she replied: [Understood. I will be there in twenty minutes.]


    She thought for a moment and replied: Roger that. Be there in twenty minutes.


    Bonnie: [Okay!]


    Half an hourter, at Starlight Pub.


    There was a dress code, so Maeve took off her jacket before entering, revealing a ck dress with exposed shoulders. The back extended in a V shape, seemingly casually tied with a ck gauze bow.


    The dress contrasted with her fair skin, making her stand out under the bar''s dim, blurry lights.


    All eyes on the first floor turned to her-some gazes were stunned, while others were sizing her up.


    Maeve calmly made her way to Bonnie''s booth and ordered a ss of wine from the waiter.


    "Babe, you''re too beautiful tonight," Bonnie said, gazing at her with infatuation. "If I were a man, I''d woo you. How could Mr. Mcdaniel ever have a chance?"


    Maeveughed and replied, "He doesn''t have a chance anymore. Let''s be together."


    "Please," Bonnie teased. I don''t want Mr. McDanieling after me with a 40-meter saber."


    Maeve''s smile faded slightly. "Why bring him up on such a lovely night?" she asked.


    "You still haven''t made up?" Bonnie inquired.


    10.26 Sun, Nov 10


    Kiss


    "We didn''t fight," Maeve responded. "I can''t even see him, so how could we make up?"


    Bonnie subtly nced upstairs from the corner of her eye. Swallowing the doubts in her heart, she said, "Let''s not talk about him. Let me tell you, there are many handsome men in the bar tonight." Before she could finish, a few boys pushed their way toward them.


    "Miss, can we get to know each other?" The man in the middle was clean and handsome, with a bright smile. His eyes were locked on Maeve.


    Bonnie almost wanted to whistle. "Maeve, you really are a straight-man killer. If the Great Demon King hadn''t acted early, who knows how many people would have been charmed to death." Maeve was about to refuse, but Bonnie beat her to it. "Are you guys together? Coincidentally, we''re bored sitting here. If you can entertain us, that would be great."


    "Of course," the man said. "Miss, how do you want to relieve your boredom? I have many talents."


    "Really? Then show us what you''ve got," Bonnie replied.


    The man flirting with Maeve went to his seat, took out his guitar and yed "Romance d''Amour" for them on the spot. His eyes kept ncing at Maeve.


    He yed quite well, and with his good looks, the attention of the other guests was drawn to them.


    Bonnie enthusiastically pped for the man and pushed Maeve to join in.


    Feeling a little helpless, Maeve raised her hand to cooperate with her.


    However, just as she raised it, she suddenly felt a cold, eerie chill creep up her back.


    She had goosebumps all over her body.


    ''What happened?'' Maeve thought.


    Maeve turned around and looked around the room. Most people were staring at them, but the chill did not seem to being from them.


    After a few seconds, the cold sensation slowly faded away.


    The man put down his guitar and approached Maeve, inviting her to dance on the dance floor.


    Before Maeve could respond, a deep, cold voice suddenly came from above the spiral staircase to the left.


    "Why? Didn''t you tell him that you already have a boyfriend?" the man said.


    The familiar voice caused Maeve to abruptly raise her head, only to lock eyes with the man''s dark, prating gaze. Her heart gave a sudden, sharp jolt.


    ''Why is he here?'' Maeve thought.


    Maeve pursed her red lips, ignoring the cold aura radiating from the man. She gave a casual smile and said, "Who cares about boyfriends when you''re out having fun?" With that, she stood up and started heading toward the dance floor.


    Byron had already arrived beside her. His tall figure blocked her path, but his side profile was turned toward the man. His ck eyes narrowed, and an invisible pressure filled the air.  Kis


    "Aren''t you leaving?" Byron said.


    The man''s face turned pale. No matter how naive he was, he could tell that the man in front of him was not on the same level as him. He would not continue to pester someone like that. Seeing him run away, Bonnie clicked her tongue twice.


    "A little boy is just a little boy," Bonnie said. "It''s still fun to look at, but it is far inferiorpared to a real man."


    "Come back with me." Byron grabbed Maeve''s wrist coldly and started walking toward the door.


    Maeve struggled to break free from his hold and frowned. "I have not had enough fun. If you want to go back, go back yourself."


    With that, she sat back down and took a big gulp from the wine ss in front of her as if to bolster her courage.


    Bonnie wanted to stop her but did not have the chance. She could only watch as Maeve finished her drink.


    The alcohol she had ordered was much stronger than what someone like Maeve could handle.


    Looking at Maeve''s bold action of drinking big mouthfuls of wine, Byron recalled the contents of her medical report. His cheeks tightened slightly.


    Then, he took a step forward, picked up Maeve from her seat, and strode out the door.


    Bonnie watched their backs without any intention of stopping them, even smiling.


    Bonnie thought, ''Good luck, my darling.''


    At that moment, faint footsteps came from the stairs.


    Bonnie, in a good mood, looked up and saw Ray''s gaze as he came down.


    Her expression changed. She secretly cursed, ''Enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road,'' and picked up her bag, preparing to leave.


    Ray suddenly called out to her, "Wait."


    Bonnie turned around and looked at him with a hint of mercy. "What is it?"


    ''Weren''t we supposed to be strangers after breaking up? Why is he calling me?'' She thought.


    Ray lowered his eyes and pointed to the floor near her feet. "You dropped your pad."


    Bonnie stood there, utterly dumbfounded, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her mind seemed to have short-circuited as she struggled to process what had just happened. She blinked rapidly, her face a mix of shock and embarrassment. She thought, ''Couldn''t he just pretend that he didn''t see it? Why did he have to say it in public? He was deliberately taking revenge on me!''


    Her face turned green and red. She bent down, picked up the items, stuffed them into her bag, and ran away without looking back.


    The hint of sadness flickering in his eyes quickly reverted to his indifferent expression.

 Chapter 352

    The ck Spyker stopped by the roadside. Byron carried Maeve and walked over, ignoring her kitten-like struggles as he shoved her into the passenger seat.


    Maeve felt a bit dizzy. She tried to get out but was firmly pressed back by Byron, who held her waist.


    "What are you doing?!" She red angrily at him. "I already said I don''t want to go back. Don''t you understand?"


    "Are you so happy you don''t want to go home?" he asked, his voice cold.


    "Aren''t you the same?" Maeve shot back. "I thought it was a tacit understanding between us that we''d y our own games


    outside."


    Byron''s expression darkened as he looked at her coldly. "Is this how you ruin your body when I''m not around?"


    "This is my own body. What does it have to do with you?" Maeve snapped back, unwilling to back down.


    Byron pinched her chin, his dark eyes dangerous as he stared at her. "Repeat it. It has nothing to do with me?"


    "I don''t mind saying it ten times. Besides, who are you to interfere in my matters?" Thinking of how he had deliberately avoided her recently, Maeve''s bright eyes red with anger. Her delicate finger poked his chest, and with a mocking smile, she said, "Don''t forget your identity, ex-husband." The word "ex-husband" instantly made Byron''s face darken.


    Their gazes shed in the air, like a needle facing a sharp edge, each holding onto their own pride, unwilling to lower their heads first.


    In the end, Byron stood up with a cold expression, mmed the door on her side, and walked around the front of the car to the driver''s seat. Maeve''s brain, now increasingly affected by the alcohol, started to betray her. When she tried to get out of the car, the door was already locked.


    She was about to say something, but the car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow. The sudden jolt made her stomach churn.


    Maeve could not utter a word, clutching her burning stomach. Her face turned pale as paper.


    ''Was it her weakened constitution, or had the cocktail hit her harder this time?'' Byron thought. ''Why did she feel so miserable?''


    Byron nced at Maeve in the rearview mirror as she bent over in pain. His expression remained cold and indifferent, but without him realizing, the car''s speed gradually slowed.


    When they reached the apartment building, Maeve was in so much pain she could hardly bear it anymore, leaning against the seat, nearly copsing.


    Byron carried her upstairs without saying a word.


    The two children were already asleep, and the apartment was silent.


    After Byron put Maeve down in the bedroom, he walked out without pausing and closed the door behind him.


    Disappointment, like a thorny vine, quietly wrapped around her heart, tightening with each passing moment. The intermittent pain she felt was far worse than the difort from her stomach. Chapter 352


    NOV TO


    Perhaps it was the pain that kept her so alert-this was the first time Maeve was so sober after drinking, wanting to sleep but


    unable to.


    After an unknown amount of time, the door was quietly pushed open again.


    Almost inaudible footsteps approached.


    Byron first ced a bowl on the table, then gently pulled back the nket covering Maeve, urging her to sit up and drink the hangover remedy,


    Unexpectedly, when Byron lifted the nket, he saw that Maeve had already fallen asleep.


    She was not sleeping peacefully. Her cheeks were flushed, her brows tightly furrowed, and her red lips were pressed firmly together. Even in her sleep, she was clearly battling her physical difort. Byron pursed his thin lips, sitting on the edge of the bed and propping her up against him. "Maeve, wake up," he said softly.


    "Ugh..." Maeve groggily responded, still half-asleep,


    She blinked her eyes open, and in her haze, when she saw Byron, she instinctively blurted out, "Why are you still at my house? Hurry up and leave. It won''t be good if my husband finds you here." Byron narrowed his eyes and asked, "Who''s your husband?"Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I don''t know," Maeve muttered, clearly still disoriented.


    "You don''t?" Byron asked, his voiceced with disbelief.


    "Yeah. My rtionship with him isn''t very stable. Sometimes, I can''t even remember him," Maeve admitted, her words slurred with exhaustion.


    Byron''s lips curled slightly as he leaned in and asked, "Do you still remember who I am?"


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with a watery gleam as she stared at him for several seconds. "Do you think I''m so stupid that I can''t even recognize my lover? I already said you''re leaving soon. What if my husband finds out about our affair and breaks us apart?" Byron stared at her, his temples twitching with every word she said. ''Lover. Adultery. Breaking the lovebirds apart.


    Even in this situation, she dared to say she was not stupid.


    Byron sighed in exasperation. "Next time, if you dare touch alcohol again," he warned her in a harsh tone. He picked up the bowl of liquid from the table. "Open your mouth and drink the hangover remedy."


    Maeve, weakly leaning against his shoulder, opened her mouth like a queen. "Ah."


    Byron looked at her, speechless.


    He resigned himself to fate and fed her the hangover remedy one mouthful at a time. He seemed impatient, but his movements were gentle and slow, making sure not to spill a single drop.


    After she finished the soup, Byron stuffed her back under the nket, his expression cold as he ordered, "Close your eyes and sleep."


    Maeve, however, was not about to obey him. Her eyes were wide open, filled with worry. "You should go. My husband will be back soon."


    Byron sneered. "If he dares toe, I''ll break his legs."


    Sun, Nov


    Kiss


    The hidden ruthlessness in his voice made Maeve tremble involuntarily. Her red lips pursed as she said, "You''re so fierce, just like Byron."


    Byron''s expression darkened, but he said nothing.


    Maeve pouted, looking a little aggrieved. "Why don''t you break Byron''s legs? Anyway, when he has legs, he just avoids me. He won''t even give me time to say a few words." hen him?


    Byron''s gaze instantly becameplicated as he looked at her deeply. "What do you want to tell him?"


    "If I tell you, will you keep it a secret for me?" Maeve asked.


    "Yeah," Byron replied.


    Maeve,pletely out of her senses, smiled foolishly and waved at Byron. When he leaned in, she whispered into his ear, "Actually, I also hid a child. I didn''t let him know." Byron''s eyes suddenly darkened. He knew. And he had known for three days.


    The little one staying at her ce was her and Jaylen''s son.


    Byron clenched his fists, a biting coldness radiating from his handsome face.


    Oblivious to the tension, Maeve continued in his ear, "This child is..."


    "Enough," Byron coldly interrupted. "I have no interest in this matter nor want to know anything rted to that child. My tolerance isn''trge enough to ept him."


    Byron suddenly stood up, his gaze cold and mocking as he stared at Maeve. "Maeve, did you agree to be Jaylen''s nanc¨¦e because you owe him a favor or because you feel guilty?" Maeve''s mind was a mess, and she did not understand what he meant.


    Byron did not expect her to give an answer in her current state. He restrained the emotions swirling inside him and said, "Let''s both calm down and not see each other for a while." Without waiting for Maeve to respond, he left the bedroom with long strides.


    Maeve let out a small burp, confusion shing in her eyes, thinking, ''Why did he leave before I could finish speaking? Was he leaving to report me to Byr

 Chapter 353

    Kiss


    <3 +5


    Byron came out of the master bedroom and bumped into Theo who had woken up and was thirsty.


    The little guy was wearing cow pajamas and a nightcap on his head. He rubbed his eyes and yawned as he walked, like a fat boy who had walked out of aic. Theo was not looking where he was going and identally bumped into Byron''s leg.


    When he looked up and saw his father''s gloomy face, he was instantly awake.


    "Why are you standing here?" Theo still felt ufortable with his throat, and his voice was soft. "Why are you not sleeping at night? Are you trying to scare me?"


    Byron was in a bad mood. His cold brows eased a little as he looked at his son''s well-behaved and sweet manner.


    "Will, can you sleep with your mom tonight?"


    "Oh? Are you that kind?" Theo''s little face was alert. "Don''t you usually throw me out of mommy''s room when I''m asleep?"


    ''He thinks that no one knows, but in fact, I know. I have long seen clearly how he dominates my mommy Theo thought.


    Byron thought that Theo did not know. After all, every time he sent him back to the children''s room, it was after Theo fell asleep.


    Byron coughed lightly and said to Theo in a low voice, "Mommy is not feeling well after drinking tonight. She might throw up in the middle of the night. You''re the little man in the family. You should take care of your mommy, right?" Upon hearing that his mommy had drunk alcohol, Theo immediately became worried and could not be bothered to bicker with his father.


    "I know. Leave it to me. I''ll take good care of mommy," Theo patted his chest and asked, "What about you?"


    "I still have something to do. I have to go out for a while."


    "Go ahead. I''ll tell Mommy tomorrow that you snuck out in the middle of the night to have fun behind her back."


    Byron was speechless. "You''re not allowed to read those messy books in the future."


    ''What did he learn?''


    Theo ced his hands on his hips. "As a parent, you''re not taking the lead to be a good role model. Do you want me and Leo to imitate you and sneak out in the middle of the night?" Byron, who was being lectured by his son, was speechless.


    He could not bear this rebellious son for a single day.


    He pinched the space between his eyebrows andpromised. "Alright, I''ll sleep in the other room, okay?"


    Theo waved his hand in satisfaction. "Okay, you can leave now. I want to eat carne asada tacos and waffles for breakfast


    tomorrow."


    Byron thought the way he ordered was very simr to that little guy.


    Byron''s thin lips twitched slightly as he tugged at the hairball from Theo''s nightcap. "Take good care of Mommy. I''ll give you


    a reward tomorrow. Also, don''t tell Mommy that I asked you to do this. Otherwise, you won''t get the reward."


    Theo groaned. ''Even if Daddy did not say anything, I will take good care of Mommy. But Daddy is so weird. Why does he care about Mommy in secret? An adult''s heart is a deep ocean of secrets'' The next morning.


    Theo ate the breakfast he orderedst night as he wished, but he did not see his father.


    Will heard that his mother was still sleeping after drinkingst night. He tiptoed into the master bedroom to take a look and realized that his mother''s forehead was a little hot.


    He quickly called Theo over. "Theo, quickly take a look at Mommy. Does she have a fever?"


    Theo could not even eat the waffles anymore. He ran over to check on Maeve.


    "Mommy has a high temperature and some heartburn. Wait..." Theo felt that something was wrong, but he did not manage to grab it in time.


    Will frowned worriedly. "How is it?"


    "It might be caused by alcohol not metabolizing yet. Will, go get the fever patch I made yesterday."


    After having a fever a few days ago, Theo thought about using traditional herbs to make a few sets of quick-acting fever patches at home to prevent his mommy from worrying about him the next time he got sick.


    He made them for children and adults. He was worried that his mommy and father would use it one day.


    Will knew where he kept it and quickly brought it over.


    Theo carefully pasted a fever patch on Maeve. "You don''t have to tear this off. It''s fine to keep it on."


    Will looked at him in admiration. "Theo, you are amazing."


    "Of course. I''m Mommy''s child!" Theo rubbed his chin smugly.


    "Even if you''re my child, if you''rete for school, I will beat your little butt."


    Maeve''s voice came faintly.


    Theo immediately jumped into her arms. "You can''t bear to!"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "Mom, you''re awake." A hint of joy appeared in Will''s round eyes. "Do you have a headache? Do you feel ufortable?"


    Maeve shook her head. When she touched the fever patch on her forehead, warmth surged in her heart.


    "You two are going to bete for school. Don''t keep the driver waiting down there. I will take care of myself."


    "Mom, don''t worry. There''s still plenty of time," Will exined, "We''ll go after your fever is gone."


    Theo pouted. "That''s right, that''s right. How can we be an unfilial child who leaves their sick mommy to go to school?"


    Maeve chuckled and poked his little head. "I think you just want to take the opportunity not to go to school. If it weren''t for your brother keeping an eye on you, you will take in a bunch ofckeys in school every day to ept their offerings, right?" The little guy sat on the bed and fell back after being poked by Maeve.


    His round little body fell onto the bed.


    "I don''t want to take them in. They were the ones who were willing to acknowledge me as their boss."


    Will affirmed, "Mom, what-Theo said is true."


    The group


    of brats were so fanatical about Theo that even the teachers could not understand.


    Gut 9/70


    However, in Will''s opinion, his younger brother was cute and powerful. It was only right for him to be liked by so many people.


    Maeve looked at the proud Theo and shook her head helplessly.


    At this moment, Will saw the ne around Maeve''s neck and asked softly, "Mom, is this a gift from Dad?"


    "Do you know it?"


    "Yes, Dad asked me when he was choosing a gift for you at the overseas auctionst time."


    In the end, they discussed for a long time before choosing the set of blue diamond jewelry.


    Maeve was stunned. "The gift he brought me from abroad turns out to have been specially selected at an auction.


    Theo looked at the ne and said reluctantly, "Stinky Dad has good taste. The ne suits you very well." Will was puzzled. "Daddy doesn''t stink."


    Will thought his dad smelled as good as his mom.


    "There''s still a long way to go before he can upgrade to the next title." Theo raised his chin proudly.


    "Alright." Will didn''t quite understand, but he respected his brother''s hobby.


    Maeve touched the ne around her neck. What happenedst night after she got drunk kept appearing in her mind.


    Before she could finish piecing it together, Will asked her again, "Mom, can you lend me your bracelet for a few days? I want to make some changes to it so that you can use it for self-defense." Maeve was shocked. "Do you know how to do this?"

 Chapter 354

    3


    97% +5 0


    "Mommy, Will used to quietly remove and reinstall Stinky Daddy''s Desert Eagle without getting caught," Theo leaned over and muttered to Maeve, "Mommy, don''t worry. Let Will do it. He''s super capable. There will definitely be a surprise."


    Will had never thought that he was good, but when Theo praised him, his face immediately turned red.


    "It''s not as good as Theo says. I just like to do some small crafts."


    Maeve went silent.


    ''Baby, you call removing the Desert Eagle and reassembling it a craft? You and Theo, who took an air cannonball from Loran and used it as a toy, are truly brothers. You''re the same tough.


    However, it was not a bad thing for kids to be inquisitive.


    Maeve took off the blue diamond tinum bracelet that matched the ne and ced it in Will''s hand.


    "I only have one request. Defense should be easy and beautiful."


    Girls always prioritized their looks.


    Will''s heart softened as he felt theplete trust Maeve conveyed to him. "Okay, Mom."


    Theo held his chin and pondered. ''I can not be inferior to Will. I should think about what to give Mommy..."


    After the two little ones went to school, Maeve washed up and went out. The breakfast on the table was still hot.


    From the style, it was obvious that it was made by Byron.


    Maeve stood there in a daze. Some scenes fromst night surfaced in her mind.


    Last night, she had used her drunkenness to tell him that she still had a child hidden. But his reaction at that time...


    It was very repulsive.


    He didn''t even want to hear more from her.


    Maeve curled her fingers and a deep sense of disappointment appeared in her eyes.


    ''Have I taken it for granted? Seeing that he likes Will very much, I thinks that he will definitely like Theo too. Fortunately, I did not tell him that Theo is the child. Otherwise, with Theo''s current eptance of Byron, if Theo knows that Byron did not like him, he would definitely be very sad! Maeve rubbed her temples that were faintly hurting. She recalled Byron''s wordsst night, "Let''s not see each other for the time being." She felt as if she had overlooked something, but she could not figure it out.


    In the afternoon, after her fever was gone, Maeve went to the studio.


    Something came


    up


    and he sent his secretary over to sign the contract with her.


    The terms of the contract were very friendly to Dreamscape.


    They were so friendly that Dreamscape''s new collection, which was expected tounch next month, was even able to be disyed in all of Trazir''s stores.


    The designers of the studio were so excited that it was like they was on steroids. It could be seen how great an honor it was. Maeve was not feeling well. All her strength was gone after she signed the contract, and she didn''t recover for a long time. Besides, she felt like she was running a fever again.


    She took her temperature and it was 101¡ãF.


    Maeve leaned against the small sofa in the office to rest. She had a meetingter. She could not go to the meeting so listlessly.


    After an unknown period of time, Maeve felt something on her body in her sleep and instantly opened her eyes.


    A tall and thin man stood in front of her. He was wearing a mask and his ss-like honey-brown eyes were shining.


    "Tom?" Maeve sat up sleepily. The thin nket on her body slid down to herp. "When did youe? How''s your face recovering?"


    "It''s all thanks to you and your kid. I''m much better than before. I''ll be able to recover in a while," Tom said softly. His eyes were no longer as dead as before.


    It was as if a ray of light that could not be ignored had seeped into the dark and damp cliff.


    However, in Tom''s eyes, Maeve was the light.


    Maeve was hesitating if she should let him take off his mask to take a look. He already understood what she meant and took the initiative to take off his mask.


    Seeing him like this, Maeve was relieved but also a little disappointed.


    There was no need for Theo to perform acupuncture on his face now. He just needed to apply the medicine on time and adjust it internally.


    He would probably return to Estan soon.


    After his sister voluntarily withdrew from the line of session, he became the only sessor.


    She thought he wouldn''t stay in a foreign country for too long.


    ''Where can I find such a suitable bodyguard in the future?''


    At this moment, Maeve heard Tom ask, "I''ll be back to work tomorrow."


    ""What?"


    "It doesn''t matter even if the wound on my face is exposed now, so I cane back to work."


    "Huh?"


    Maeve looked at him in confusion. "You still want to continue working here?"


    "You''re the heir of a country, dude. Is my small studio actually so attractive?''


    Tom nodded without any hesitation.


    "Tom, your family has always wanted you to go back. They are all very worried about you," Maeve thought for a moment and said, "Moreover, your face will recover soon. The things you were worried about in the past are no longer a problem." Tom''s eyes revealed a hint of surprise. "So you know that I didn''t lose my memory."


    "Yes, I figured it out."Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    70


    +6


    "I didn''t mean to lie to you before. It''s just that before I met you and Theo, I had always wanted to die and didn''t care much about anything." Tom said apologetically.


    Maeve waved her hand. "It''s fine. I didn''t take it to heart. Besides, we weren''t very familiar at that time. You were right to be wary."


    If he said that he was the heir of a country right away, she would have to wonder if there was something wrong with his


    brain.


    After saying that, Maeve hesitated. "You really don''t n to go back?"


    "I''m quite happy to be your bodyguard. I''m also very free." Tomughed heartily. "I''m enjoying it very much. I don''t n to go back for the time being." Maeve had mixed feelings.


    Of course, she was happy that such an outstanding bodyguard was staying.


    However, if the Nn couple heard this, they would probably cry.


    After the meeting, Maeve felt her body temperature rise and fall. It was as if she was on a roller coaster, making her mentally and physically exhausted.


    She did not know if it was the effect of her fever from thest time she was drenched in the rain, but her physique was now very fragile.


    After work, she drove to the First Hospital.


    Jaylen had not been discharged yet. In order to prevent him from entering theboratory again, Maeve and Daryl did not approve of his discharge. Jaylen frowned when he saw her.


    "Why do you look so pale? Are you sick?"


    "It''s a little fever. It subsided just now." Maeve''s voice was a little hoarse. "Maybe it''s because I drank winest night and caught a cold. I''ll be fine after resting for two days. It''s fine. How are you today? Are you still coughing blood?" Jaylen did not answer her question and grabbed her wrist.


    "Have you never looked in the mirror today? Your face is so pale that you look like you''re going to faint in the next second. How can you say that you''re fine?"


    Maeve felt a little helpless. ''Is it that serious?''


    After a while, Jaylen''s expression turned solemn inch by inch. He subconsciously tightened his grip on Maeve.


    "Have you been exposed to the X-virus source recently?"


    0

 Chapter 355

    +5.


    "No," Maeve said, puzzled. "Didn''t the source of Xasia wipe out a few years ago? How could I stille into contact with it?" Except for the virus that remained dormant in those who had indirect contact with it, it had already disappeared. However, there was no danger as long as the dormant virus in those individuals did not activate. That was why Maeve and Theo had been safe all these years.


    Jaylen''s expression became even uglier. "Your pulse is too strange. It''s very simr to those infected back then."


    Maeve was stunned. "Is that so?"


    "I hope I''m overthinking. But to be safe, let''s return to my vi now. I have a special device in theboratory to check your blood."


    After saying that, Jaylen asked Daryl to settle the discharge procedure. In less than half an hour, the car arrived at the residence.


    Jaylen took half a tube of Maeve''s blood and left her to wait for the test results in a room by herself. Maeve, sitting cross-legged on the sofa, absentmindedly swiping through her phone, her mind in turmoil.


    ''It shouldn''t be. The Xasia virus only had a small outbreak in Erancia. Theo and I just happened to live nearby and had indirect contact with infected individuals. While there''s a possibility of infection, we''ve been fine since the virus waspletely eradicated. It''s been years; there''s no way we would be so unlucky. No, it can''t be. There''s a way to treat it even if it happens,'' Maeve thought. Maeve''s gaze paused on Byron''s name, and her finger hovering over the dial button hesitated for a long time, but she did not click on it.


    ''He''s made it clear that we shouldn''t meet for the time being, so why bother him? Just like what Bonnie has said, getting involved emotionally hurts. ''Maybe... Byron doesn''t like me as much as I''ve thought. Perhaps I''ve overestimated myself,'' Maeve thought.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Maeve slowly exhaled, and suddenly, she heard the soft click of the door opening behind her. She turned her head to see Daryl pushing Jaylen in. Jaylen''s hands gripped the armrests of the wheelchair tightly, his eyes darker than usual, filled with a brooding intensity and a hint of unspoken pain. When Maeve saw them both wearing masks, she immediately sensed something. "The results aren''t good, are they?"


    Tears soon welled up in Daryl''s eyes as he turned his head away, unable to bring himself to answer. ''How could someone as good as Ms. Reese be harmed by a virus that had long since disappeared? God is unfair!''


    Jaylen looked at Maeve, his throat so dry that he could not utter a sound. After a long pause, he said, "The initial diagnosis is the mutant variant of Xasia, but we''ll need to test further to confirm."


    Any virus carried the word "mutant" immediately signaled trouble. The special medication developed back then for Xasia was ineffective against this mutated strain. Maeve''s heart

 Chapter 356

    ?Chapter 356


    With thatst word, the line went dead.


    Maeve listened to the busy tone on the phone, her gaze nk and distant. A strand of hair fell by her ear, concealing her expression and her pale face.


    ''Has he be so impatient with me that he won''t even spare a moment to hear me say another word?'' Maeve thought.


    It was said that rtionships had an expiration date.


    The time Maeve spent with Byron was actually less than a year.


    But now, it felt like their rtionship had already passed its expiration date.


    "M-Ms. Reese?"


    Just before Maeve lost consciousness, she faintly heard Daryl''s panicked voice calling out to her. She struggled to open her eyes, but her awareness was quickly overtaken by the looming darkness.


    At the same time.


    In the McDaniel Group''s top-floor meeting room, today''s meeting was much different from the usual meetings.


    A dozen world-renowned designers had gathered, but the discussion had escted into a heated argument over the design of an engagement ring.


    The stern and aloof man sitting at the head of the table listened as the debate shifted from reasonable suggestions to personal attacks. His fingers tapped impatiently on the table as he coldly remarked, "How much more of my time are you nning to waste? If you''re not up to the task, I''ll find someone else."


    Byron did not hang up on Maeve just to waste time listening to these designers'' meaningless arguments.


    A few foreign designers, who were on the verge of getting physical, immediately backed down.


    None of them wanted to leave in disgrace, knowing it would damage their reputation.


    The more famous a designer, the more prideful they were. No matter how arrogant they were toward their clients, people would still ce them on a pedestal.


    However, their arrogance meant nothing in front of Byron.


    Only this esteemed man had the power to make a dozen renowned designerspete against one another, without anyone daring to voiceints.


    "Mr. McDaniel, don''t you have a preference for any of our designs?" one designer from Dilitrek asked, feeling a little indignant. "With so many design sketches, surely you must have a favorite?"


    The other designers nodded quietly to themselves.


    They had poured their hearts and souls into these designs, so surely one of them would catch Byron''s eye.


    Byron''s expression remained cold and indifferent. "These designs are utterly boring. I can''t even be bothered to critique them. What I want is a ring that will truly impress my girlfriend, not this trash." The designers felt utterly crushed by his remarks.


    If he were not their client, they would have loved to retort, "If you''re so capable, why don''t you do it?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, if I may ask, when do you n to propose to your girlfriend?" an older designer asked.


    Byron replied, "The proposal date is undecided. The ring is a token ofmitment. I''ll give you a maximum of one month, from design topletion."


    The designers internally wailed in despair.


    They felt like pulling their hair out in frustration.


    ''How are we going to survive this?'' they thought.


    The meeting ended and Byron returned to his office.


    Archer was about to report on his work when Byron interrupted, "Whatever it is, dy it by 15 minutes. I''m busy right now."


    Catching a glimpse of the name "Maeve" on Byron''s phone screen, Archer immediately understood the situation.


    ''Seems like both of them have reconciled, Archer thought to himself.


    He did not linger anymore and left the office.


    Byron dialed Maeve''s number, but it went unanswered until he hung up.


    Byron frowned and redialed her number.


    There was still no answer.


    The third time, the call finally went through.


    "Maeve? You just..."


    "Maeve doesn''t have time to answer the phone now. If you have anything to say, tell it to me. I''ll pass on the message."


    Jaylen''s weak and cold voice came from the phone. When Byron heard that, his face turned cold.


    "They are together at this time?'' he thought.


    "Where''s Maeve?" Byron asked.


    Jaylen looked at the unconscious Maeve and said in a rather nasty tone, "It''s already sote. Of course, she''s sleeping." Byron''s eyes were cold as he said, "Pass the phone to her."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "It seems like you don''t have anything important to say. In that case, I''ll hang up now." Jaylen ignored his order and hung up.


    Bam!


    The sudden loud noise from the CEO''s office shocked Archer, who was waiting outside the door.


    ''What happened?'' Archer wondered.


    He had never seen Byron so angry before.


    In the vi, Jaylen ced Maeve''s phone back down. After that, he measured her temperature before stepping out of the istedb.


    Maevey on the surgical table. She was connected to real-time monitoring devices on her temples, neck, and limbs, which would immediately sound an rm at the first sign of any abnormal readings.


    Maeve''s temperature fluctuated repeatedly, rising and falling but remaining within a rtively safe range.


    However, it felt like walking a tightrope. One misstep could lead to irreversible consequences.


    Jaylen stood in front of the research table in his white coat. He looked at Maeve, who had yet to wake up, with a solemn expression.


    ''Something''s wrong with Maeve,'' he thought. ''The early stage of the infection shouldn''t be this severe. This mutated virus seemed to have intensified.''


    In her slumber, Maeve felt as though she was caught between ice and fire, her body alternating between chills and fever. Her head throbbed painfully as if it had been cleaved in two, each part experiencing an intense pulling sensation. Maeve was in agony.


    She felt exhausted.


    All she wanted to do was fall asleep and forget everything.


    Suddenly, the adorable faces of two children shed through Maeve''s mind, causing her to shiver and open her eyes.


    Although the istion room had no windows, the clock on the wall indicated that it was 12 a.m.


    "You''ve been unconscious for two days and two nights. It''s about time you woke up." Jaylen''s voice came from outside the observation ss.


    Maeve turned her head to see him and blinked in confusion. "I was out for that long?"


    "Yeah, I''ve been monitoring your health during this time." Jaylen gripped the edge of the table tightly, his voice carrying a hint of sadness. "How are you feeling now, Maeve?"


    Maeve did not notice his unusual demeanor. After taking a moment to assess, she replied, "I''m not sure if it''s because I''ve just woken up, but my head doesn''t seem to hurt anymore, and the alternating hot and cold sensations have faded. I just feel really sleepy after being out for so long."


    After saying this, Maeve felt sleepy again and immediately looked at Jaylen uneasily.


    Jaylen gave her a reassuring smile. "That''s normal because I gave you medication five hours ago. Don''t worry, I''lle up with the antidote as soon as possible."


    "Are you feeling okay?" Maeve asked, observing Jaylen''s face. "The royal family of Erancia once established a research team for Xasia. If things get really bad, you should just hand me over to them. I''m worried about your health."


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing. I won''t put my health at risk again," Jaylen replied promptly. "Besides, I''ve been managing well during this time. I''m not as fragile as you think."


    Maeve nodded and turned to grab her phone, only to realize that her hand was connected to monitoring devices.


    "Jaylen, can you call Will and Theo? I haven''t been home for two days. I''m afraid they''ll be worried."

 Chapter 357

    ?


    Jaylen revealed a helpless expression. "They followed the tracker on Daryl the day before yesterday and are still making food for you downstairs."


    If it weren''t for the sudden visit of the two young boys, even Jaylen wouldn''t have known that there was a tracking device on Daryl.


    It''s still a mystery about how they guessed that something had happened to Maeve.


    Perhaps is the innate telepathic connection of a mother-and-son bond.


    When Maeve heard that her two boys were there, her heart tightened. "Then tell them not toe close to this ce. I''m afraid I''ll pass the virus to them." "Don''t worry, as long as they don''t enter the quarantine room, they won''t be infected."


    "But how about you when you drew my blood?"


    "You don''t have to worry about that. I''ll take precautions."


    Hearing Jaylen''s words, Maeve was slightly relieved.


    She was exhausted, but because she had slept throughout the day and night, she wasn''t sleepy. All she could do was stare at the white ceiling in a daze.


    At times like this, she missed home even more.


    She missed Will and Theo, every little thing in the apartment that she had meticulously chosen and ced, and also the vegetables that thrived on the terrace. She also missed him.


    A slender and noble figure shed across Maeve''s mind. When she came back to her senses, she closed her eyes tightly and tried to erase that figure in her head. That was when a knock on theboratory door was heard.


    The two kids pushed the food cart into theboratory together. When they saw that Maeve was awake through the ss window, they immediately pounced over. "Mommy! Mommy!"


    Two cute and identical little faces was pressed on the ss window. They looked at Maeve on the other side of the ss eagerly, and their eyes were turning red. Maeve felt the pain in her body subsided slightly just by looking at their faces.


    She gave them a rxed smile. "Don''t worry, Mommy is fine, thanks to Jaylen''s medicine. It''s just that my sleeping time is going to be longer now."


    "Of course, Mommy is fine! A cold won''t kill Mommy!" Theo''s cute face was full of confidence. "I''m not worried because Mommy will recover soon!"


    Will nodded heavily. "Mommy, don''t be afraid. Eat some cereal and sleep well. Take your medicine on time and be happy. We will stay here with you and not go anywhere."


    Learning that they didn''t know the truth, Maeve was much more relieved.


    "Alright, as you wish," she replied.


    Jaylen pushed the food trolley into the istion room and removed the tube connecting the instrument and Maeve''s body.


    Since she had already woken up, there was no need for persistent monitoring.


    After that, Jaylen walked to the side and continued his experiment. He didn''t disturb the mother-and-sons trio.


    "Mommy, what do you feel like eating tomorrow? Even if it''s a snack hidden in the Queen''s safe, I''ll steal it for you." Theo patted his chest and promised.


    Thoroughly surprised, Will looked at Theo. "How did you know that the Queen had snacks hidden in her safe? What crime will you be charged if you''re caught sneaking into the Queen''s bedroom? Theo licked her lips. "Hey, I saw it by ident. It was delicious."


    "Are you sure it was really by ident? Aren''t you afraid of being arrested?" Will didn''t know whether he was more surprised by Theo''s boldness or that the Queen would secretly eat snacks. Theo snorted. "The Queen was the one who gave it to me. She said that I was cute, so she gave me two pieces. If you were the one whom she had met, you wouldn''t even get one."


    Will, who was deemed not cute enough by Theo chose to stop the argument by keeping quiet.


    He knew jolly well that he and Theo looked exactly the same.


    Maeve ate the cereal and listened to them bicker. "This show sure goes well with my meal,'' she thought.


    It felt as if she had returned to her apartment.


    The two boys apanied Maeve in theboratory and only left her after she had fallen asleep.


    As soon as they stepped out of the door, Theo''s eyes quickly turned red, and tears welled up in his eyes.


    Will pursed his lips and remained silent. His face was extremely pale, but he still gave Theo a hug andforted thetter softly. "Don''t cry. Crying won''t solve any problems. The most important thing is to think of a way to save Mommy." Jaylen looked at Will in surprise.


    ''What enormously good deed had Byron done to have a son like this? I don''t think he has done much, but he is definitely blessed with two such adorable and strong sons, he thought.


    Anyone would be jealous of Byron.


    "I-I, of course, I know." Theo sobbed. He endured the difort and said to Jaylen, "Jaylen, can we get help from the research team from Erancia? They have experience and previous data. With their help, maybe we could-"


    Jaylen sighed. "Of course, I thought of that, too. However, after the virus outbreak was finally under control, they left the research institute and went around the world to do other research. I couldn''t contact any of them, let alone gather the entire team." Previously, Jaylen researched inhibitors because the incubation period of the Xasia virus wouldn''t exceed ten years.


    However, he needed an antidote to save Maeve''s life.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    However, the virus in her body had clearly be more lethal, which was very problematic.


    Will and Theo immediately became very depressed.


    "Yet, don''t you worry. My experiment is about to bear fruit. There are onlyst few steps left to verify. Surely, it''s good to have their help, but even without them, I''m going to save your Mommy," Jaylen promised them.


    Will lowered his eyes and thought for a moment before asking, "Jaylen, may I know the name of the person in charge of the research team?"


    "Eric Sullivan."


    *****


    Back at Retro Apartment, there was a ck Spyker parked downstairs. The doors remained shut after an extended period of time.


    The back window was lowered halfway, and think smoke floated out, blurring the handsome and austere face of the man sitting in the backseat.


    He raised his eyelids and his gazended precisely on the window of Maeve''s unit in pitch-ck night.


    The lights were not on at this hour, indicating there was no one at home.


    Maeve was a night owl and the two kiddos would not sleep before nine o''clock.


    ''So, where did they go?'' Byron opened his thin lips and exhaled a cloud of smoke.


    There was a hint of derision in his eyes.


    ''Did she bring his son to live with Jaylen? Huh. Archer, call Will and tell him toe down immediately if he''s home," Byronmanded.


    "Yes, Mr. Mcdaniel." Archer took out his phone and was about to do as he was told when a call came in. "Hello?"


    No one knew what the other party said, but Archer immediately turned to Byron and passed the message. "Mr. Mcdaniel, the chairman of Kuskait''s pharmaceuticalpany said that Will asked them to find a researcher called Eric Sullivan, and would like to know if it was per your instruction."


    "No." Byron Mcdaniel stubbed out the cigarette between his fingers. He then asked, "Did Will say why?"


    "Will didn''t. He just asked them to investigate as soon as possible. He seems to be in a hurry."


    ''In a hurry?'' Byron narrowed his eyes. ''Why would Will want to look for a specific researcher?''


    At Jaylen''s Vi, Will went to Theo after making the call and told thetter that he had already sent someone to find Eric.


    "You didn''t tell Daddy about Mommy''s illness, did you?" Theo wrinkled his little nose as he spoke. "Although I really wanted to tell him, Mommy doesn''t want him to know about this. We need to keep it a secret." He continued.


    Will''s mind drifted for a moment before he blurted, "No, I didn''t call Daddy."

 Chapter 358

    ?


    Theo didn''t think too much about it. He typed rapidly with his chubby hands on theputer keyboard, making crisp sounds.


    "Out of the billions of people in the world, it''s difficult to find Eric''s location with just one photo." Will looked at theputer in front of him and pondered for a few seconds. Suddenly, his round eyes lit up. "I got it."


    "Got what?" Theo asked.


    "Theo, I want to create a web crawler. First, I want to filter out names that aren''t ''Eric Sullivan. Then, I want to narrow down the search area to find our Eric. Wouldn''t that be faster and less time-consuming?" Will exined.


    Theo''s eyes immediately popped. "I think it''s so going to work! You are a genius, Will! You can start creating the crawler, and I''ll continue to hack into the GPS."


    "Sweet."


    The two kiddos had a clear division ofbor. They were on their own projects in no time, and it was a race against time.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    With the help of Will''s web crawler, they, indeed, saved a lot of time and effort. There were hundreds of people, who went by the name ''Eric Sullivan'' in the world. After filtering out those profiles that didn''t match, there were only a dozen or so left.


    In the end, it was confirmed that the Eric they were looking for was currently volunteering in a backward vige in Creynia!


    Theo was also very helpful. Right when Eric''s identity information was confirmed, Theo located Eric''s exact location and even extracted his phone number.


    Will quickly dialed the number.


    However, Eric treated Will''s request as a prank. He told him not to cause trouble for no reason and warned that he wouldn''t treat Will lightly even if thetter was a child. Eric hung up right after he finished his sentence.


    He had decided to ignore the call if Will were to call again.


    As soon as Will hung up, Theo clenched his fists and said furiously, "Since he didn''t appreciate our polite invitation, don''t me me for giving him a hard time!"


    "What are you going to do?"


    "I want to hire a mercenary team to go to Creynia and kidnap him!" Theo jumped off the sofa aggressively and was about to walk out.


    He was about to engage someone with surreptitious professions.


    When Will heard this, he quickly clutched Theo''s arm. "Wait! Don''t be rash! If we do it too forcefully, it might cause Eric to be hostile. It''s not good for Mommy!"


    Theo pursed his lips unwillingly. Just as he was about to ask Will if he had any good ideas, Will calmly suggested, "If you are thinking of kidnapping, kidnap his family. When we have this leverage, he will have to think twice before going against us." Theo gasped at the idea that things could be done this way!


    Daryl, who happened toe over to deliver fruits to them, overheard the conversation and was speechless. ''What a malign idea they have! Ms. Reese''s boys are viins!'' he thought.


    Looking at the two little boys who were fuming with anger, Daryl discretely changed his path to distance himself from them.


    Right then, Will''s phone rang.


    He thought Eric had changed his mind, but it was Byron on the other end of the line.


    Will picked up the phone calmly and said sweetly, "Good evening, Daddy."


    Theo immediately pricked up his ears.


    "I''m at the door. Come out now." Byron''s deep voice came from the other end.


    Will was a little confused. "Daddy, how did you know that I''m here?"


    Will was very sure that he didn''t reveal anything on the phone just now.


    "I guessed. I''ll give you five minutes." Byron hung up the phone right after and didn''t give Will any chance to reject.


    Will frowned. "Daddy is a little strange. Why did he only say that he wasing to pick me up and didn''t mention Mommy and you? He must''ve guessed that we''re all here."


    Theo rubbed his chin. "It''s hard to say. Maybe they''re fighting again. Adults call that romance."


    Will thought for a few seconds. "Then I''ll go back with Daddy first and see if I can ask Daddy to help me find Eric. If anything happens to Mommy, you must let me know immediately." Will wanted to stay there and be with his mother, but if he did so, he wouldn''t be able to do anything.


    Theo nodded heavily. "Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of Mommy."


    Although Theo usually liked to eat and y pranks, Will knew that he was more reliable than anyone else at critical moments, and thus, Will wasn''t particrly worried.


    The night passed.


    When Will woke up in the morning, he heard that Byron was going on a business trip overseas for an extended period of time, and that Byron was going to bring him along, he immediately snapped out of hisnguor.


    Will ran downstairs in his pajamas and saw Byron having breakfast in the dining room. His quiet little voice was a little whiny. "Daddy, I don''t want to go overseas. Can you not go too?"


    ''Mommy''s condition is so bad now. Who knows if it''s going to worsen? How could I abandon my mother and go abroad?'' Will thought.


    Byron put down the coffee cup in his hand and nced at Will indifferently. "Reason?"


    "I have school."


    "Iton Private International Kindergarten will start their school holiday next week. This is not a valid reason."


    Will pursed his lips. He almost forgot that there was a festivaling up.


    "I don''t like food overseas. I might not be used to the food over there."


    "That shouldn''t be a problem. Mr. Mcdaniel always brings a professional chef with him every time he goes on a business trip. He gets to enjoy Setigal''s cuisine." Serena cut in. She walked over from the door and spoke to Will with a smile, "You''re still so young and should go out and see what''s out there. It''ll help you broaden your horizons."


    When Will saw her, his long eyshes drooped. "Good morning, Dr. Malvis."


    "Good morning to you, too." Serena reached out to touch Will''s head, but he avoided it. She then retracted her hand as if nothing had happened.


    Will thought of something and asked Byron, "Daddy, is Dr. Malvising too?"


    "Yes," Byron replied softly. "The country where we''re going to on this business trip happened to be Dr. Malvis'' hometown. She is going to tag along."


    Serena''s smile stayed wide. "Mr. Mcdaniel, when we''re there, do allow me to show you around and treat you with top-notch hospitality."


    Byron didn''tment on that.


    Will clenched his fists and said to Byron in a serious tone. "Daddy, I''m not going. I can go to Mommy''s. We have Mr. Nelson at home to take care of me. I don''t want to go so far away."


    "No. You have to go this time."


    "Why?"


    Byron was cold and silent. He thought it might not be a good thing for him to get too close to Jaylen''s son.


    He was also trying to make sense of Maeve''s intention of bringing the two children together.


    ''Won''t she worry that Will is going to be sad when he finds out about the truth in the future? I would never do what she did."


    There was no room for negotiation for Will. He ran back to his room and locked the door. He walked to the yoga mat and sat down. One could sense his dissatisfaction easily.


    ''Mommy is sick and in pain, and Daddy wants to go overseas with Dr. Malvis. This is infuriating! I feel so sad and angry for Mommy!''


    Byron knocked on Will''s door several times but to no avail. The former then turned around with a solemn face and was about to leave.


    The butler walked over with a lightweight phone in his hand and stopped Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, Will''s phone was found in front of the elevator. There''s a calling in. Look." Byron stopped in his tracks and nced at the caller ID on the screen.


    [Theo]

 Chapter 359

    ?


    Leo? Theo?


    Byron suddenly recalled that there was once when Maeve called the little guy "Theo" instead of "Leo".


    Later on, she changed and never called him "Theo" again.


    Therefore, Byron thought that he had misheard her.


    From the looks of it, that kiddo''s initial nickname wasn''t the actual one.


    Byron narrowed his eyes in disdain. He took the phone from the butler and answered the call.


    Before he could speak, Theo''s panicked voice sounded. "Will, can youe over now? Mommy fell into aa again just now, and her condition is even worse than yesterday. Jaylen said that her condition might worsen this time-"


    "What did you say happened to Maeve?" Byron suddenly got all tensed up as he interrupted Theo. "Why is she in aa? What do you mean by her condition may worsen?"


    Theo stopped talking abruptly and hung up the phone immediately.


    Byron returned to Will''s room with a cold expression and said in a low voice, "William Mcdaniel, open the door now. Something happened to your mother."


    The next second, the door opened.


    Will saw that his father was holding his phone in his hand. He didn''t think too much and asked anxiously, "What''s wrong with Mommy?"


    Byron looked at him with a deep gaze. "You already knew that your mother was sick. Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Will knew that he was in the wrong. "I''m sorry, Daddy."


    "What happened to her? Is it serious?" Byron''s throat tightened. He still had a strand of hope in his heart.


    However, Will''s reddened eyes shattered thisst sliver of hope.


    He pounced over, hugged Byron, and buried his little face in thetter''s suit jacket.


    "Daddy, Mommy isn''t sick. She''s infected with a virus. Jaylen said that if there''s no antidote, it''s very likely that..." Will sobbed and sobbed.


    No matter how calm and steady Will was, he was still a child.


    He didn''t dare to appear too sad in front of Theo because he was the elder brother. He had to be calm so that his younger brother would be at ease.


    But he was also afraid.


    It wasn''t easy for Will to reunite with his mother, and he hadn''t had the chance to enjoy his time with her. He couldn''t ept the possibility of losing his mother. ''Infected with the virus...'' Will''s statement echoed in Byron''s head.


    Byron asked Will in a hoarse voice, "When did this happen?"


    Will whispered a date.


    Upon hearing this, Byron became furious in less than a millisecond. His blood surged.


    He remembered how he hung up Maeve''s call because of a designer''s meeting that day.


    When he called again, the person who picked up was Jaylen.


    Moreover, because of what Jaylen said, he didn''t take the initiative to contact Maeve after that.


    The ck Spyker sped all the way and arrived at Jaylen''s vi in less than fifteen minutes.


    In theboratory, Jaylen frowned when he saw the gloom-ridden Byron standing beside Will. Byron looked as if he had just crawled out of hell.


    ''What is he doing here?'' Jaylen was confused.


    Theo had long received Will''s message and had painted his face darker by a few tones in advance.


    Byron didn''t look at Theo and walked straight to the ss window and stared at Maeve, who was lying on the bed with multiple tubes attached to her body.


    It had only been a few days since theyst met, but she had lost so much weight that she was almost beyond recognition.


    Her ck hair was piled up by her ears, making her lean face look even paler.


    Byron suddenly clenched his hands, which were hanging by his side. The darkness in his eyes was so grim that it seemed to be able to swallow everything in front of him like a ck hole, spreading a terrifying and vicious aura.


    It was as if an eerie cold gust had blown through the room.


    Jaylen reminded him, "Mr. Mcdaniel, please leave. Don''t disturb my fianc¨¦e''s rest."


    "How can a man who can''t even protect hisdy dare to call himself her fianc¨¦?" Byron nced sideways, belittling Jaylen.


    These words pierced Jaylen''s heart and he fell silent.


    "I want to take Maeve away," Byron said coldly.


    "No!" Jaylen immediately refused. "With her current situation, taking her away from here is practically sending her to her grave."


    "This s not a negotiation. Eric will bring his team to Kleymond tomorrow at thetest. That''s when I''m going to take her." Byron was as firm as a rock.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Jaylen found it unbelievable when he heard that. "You actually got them to say yes?" he asked.


    ''Eric''s wife had lost her life to Xasia. After the virus stopped spreading, he left Erancia''s research center and went on a trip. He would be thest person who woulde back to resume the study of the virus. How did Byron convince him?'' Jaylen found it hard to believe. Byron had no intention of exining to him. His gaze was fixed on Maeve''s face.


    He would not let anything happen to her.


    Will tugged at Byron''s sleeve. "Daddy, it''s all thanks to Jaylen for taking care of Mommy these few days. Moreover, his antidote is only a few steps away frompletion. With the help from Eric and the others, they will definitely be able to develop it faster." "That''s Jaylen''s responsibility," Byron said coldly. "Not everyone can carry the responsibilities of a fianc¨¦."


    Jaylen sneered. "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you envious of me or jealous of me?"


    He was about to call Byron sour grapes.


    Byron could only huff.


    Will and Theo looked at each other and silently distanced themselves from the two men. They could sense a war brewing.


    This time, Maeve''s condition was much worse than thest time.


    She couldn''t even take the medicine and vomited every time she was fed.


    Jaylen came out with an empty medicine tube, took off his protective equipment, and said to Theo, "She can''t drink it. Let''s try to change the medicine to injection."


    "But the effect will be greatly reduced." Theo was worried. "And it will take more time."


    The longer it was going to take, the longer Maeve would suffer.


    This pain had once been nicknamed "the hot stabs" by the infected.


    This was because the pain one had to endure when the virus acted up was much or less the same feeling of being burned and stabbed constantly.


    Just thinking about it made Theo burst into tears again.


    Byron, who had been silent for a long time, turned around and looked at the medicine tube in Jaylen''s hand. "Give it to me," Byron said.


    "What are you trying to do?" Jaylen frowned.


    "All we need to do is to make sure she took it, right?"


    Byron took the medicine tube from Jaylen and walked toward the istion room before anyone could react.


    Jaylen and the two boys were shocked. Before they could even stop him, Byron was already in the istion room.


    "Daddy!"


    "You''ll get infected!"


    The boys were as anxious as a cat on a hot tin roof.


    This virus was gentler to children, but it was merciless to adults.


    Maeve had already reached the middle stage of infection. Byron didn''t take any precautionary measures before entering the room. That was no different from courting death! The next second, what Byron did sent chills down Jayden''s spine.


    ''Is he out of his mind? He''s crazy as hell!''

 Chapter 360

    ?


    On the other side of the ss, Byron lowered his head and fed the medicine into Maeve''s mouth.


    One sip was not enough, so he offered another.


    Only when the syringe was empty did Byron stop, gently brushing his lips against Maeve''s pale ones, a soft murmur escaping him.


    "I''m sorry for beingte."


    But of course, Maeve could not hear him. The medicine that she did not swallow trickled from her lips, and Byron tenderly wiped it away with careful movements.


    It seemed Byron had forgotten that Maeve was currently a walking virus source and that being near her carried a 90% chance of infection.


    But Byron did not care at all.


    He was like a madman who, despite knowing that the precious treasure was coated in poison, could not help but cradle it in his hands to prevent it from dropping. Jaylen ced his hands on the research table. There was a look of astonishment in his eyes.


    He seemed to understand why Maeve still fell in love with this man after four years.


    No matter how irrational Byron''s actions seemed to outsiders at that moment, Jaylen couldn''t help but acknowledge that Byron was a real man.


    Jaylen thought, ''But this will mean that my ns...


    Will and Theo were equally shocked, as air contact posed only a 50% risk of infection, while close contact guaranteed a 100% chance.


    For the two children, their mother was very important, but their father was equally important.


    Losing anyone would be painful and uneptable.


    At that moment, Jaylen said to the children, "You two need to leave for a bit. I need to draw blood for testing."


    Theo wanted to stay and help, but he was pulled away by Will.


    Will could tell that Jaylen had sent them away on purpose. Jaylen probably had something to discuss with Byron.


    Jaylen went in and drew blood from Byron. He said with a mocking tone, "You certainly know how to pile on the work for me, Mr. Mcdaniel. Are your employees aware of how reckless you are?"


    Byron''s expression remained indifferent. "Rather than ce all my hopes in you, it''s better for me to take control."


    "What do you mean by that?" Jaylen asked.


    "Currently, there''s only one confirmed case of the mutant variant of Xasia, which is Maeve. Once the antidote is developed, who do you n to use for testing?" Instead of answering Jaylen''s question, Byron countered with a question. Jaylen frowned and did not answer Byron''s question.


    Byron''s gaze lingered on Jaylen''s gloved hands, and he let out a disdainful snort. "I take it you''re nning to infect yourself and test the antidote on yourself?"


    The densely packed needle marks on the back of Jaylen''s hand were the best proof.


    Developing an antidote was fundamentally tied to human experimentation.


    This meant that Jaylen must have tested it on himself multiple times, resulting in such shocking marks.


    Jaylen instinctively lowered his hands and replied tly, "Maeve is my fianc¨¦e, and it''s my responsibility to handle this. What''s your purpose in meddling, Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    Byron casually looked up, and a sharp glint flickered in his eyes, too intense to gaze upon.


    Byron said, "I''m responsible for my woman. Your only job is to stay alive and produce the antidote.


    "I will remember this debt to the Chatterly family, and once you have passed on, I will repay it in full."


    Jaylen was speechless. ''Fuck him,'' he thought.


    He was seething with anger.


    After he was done drawing blood, Jaylen left the room with a cold expression and walked over to the research table to analyze the blood sample.


    He was shocked to find that Byron''s blood type was the same as Maeve''s.


    Rh-negative blood was rare, to begin with, let alone type AB Rh-negative blood.


    Jaylen pursed his lips. Just this alone made Byron''s advantage in drug testing far superior to his.


    "This is probably why Byron is willing to be infected, Jaylen thought.


    Jaylen''s guess was right. Once Byron learned that Maeve was infected with the mutant variant of Xasia, he had already made up his mind. It was not a decision made on impulse. Since Maeve was the only person infected with this, they would undoubtedly need to look for another infected individual for testing.


    In that case, Byron, who had the same blood type as Maeve, was the most suitable candidate.


    The two children brought over dinner and Jaylen delivered it into the istion room.


    "Daddy... Will stood on tiptoe by the ss window, ncing inside at Byron, struggling to find the right words. "How are you? Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine for now," Byron replied calmly. He nced at Theo, who was eagerly peering in from beside Will, before quickly turning his gaze away after just two seconds.


    Theo was stunned. ''Am I imagining things? Daddy seems to have a bit of aversion toward me, he thought.


    "Where''s Mommy? How is she now?" Will asked again.


    "She''s much better now that she''s taken the medicine. She''s sleeping very soundly now," Byron replied.


    Will heaved a small sigh of relief. He realized that Theo was in a daze beside him and gently touched him. "Theo, what are you daydreaming about?"


    Theo came back to his senses and shook his head. "Nothing..."


    Theo could not help but look at Byron again, who was calmly eating his dinner and did not look over.


    Theo stroked his chin, thinking that he must have misinterpreted things. ''I am adored by everyone. How can I possibly be hated by anyone?'' he thought. ''If someone detests me, it means that they have poor taste!'' Theo was exceptionally confident,pletelycking in sensitivity, and failed to notice Will''s odd behavior.


    Even Will had noticed Byron''s coldness toward Theo.


    ''It wasn''t like this in the past. Even though Daddy always calls Theo fat, there is a hint of affection in his eyes, Will thought. ''But earlier... Daddy was sizing Theo up coldly.


    Will furrowed his brows. ''Am I overthinking this or is Daddy in a bad mood because of Mommy''s matter, resulting in him projecting those feelings onto Theo?'' he thought. ''Hopefully, that is the case.'' The next day, Eric arrived at First Hospital with his team.


    Maeve and Byron were quarantined separately and subjected to various examinations and physical monitoring.


    With Byron''s order and Jaylen being the person with the most research experience on the mutant variant of Xasia, it was only natural for Jaylen to take over the leadership position in Eric''s team.


    In just half a day, Eric went from begrudgingly epting his loss of leadership to being inplete awe of Jaylen.


    Upon learning that Jaylen had only begun researching Xasia six months ago and had only been working with the mutant variant for less than a week, Eric was almost ready to kneel before Jaylen in reverence.


    Jaylen could be considered one of the top geniuses in the research institute. Eric could not believe that he previously felt that Jaylen was not worthy of leading this team. Eric realized that he had been a little too full of himself. The experiment went smoothly on this side. On the other side, Maeve slowly woke up to the smell of disinfectant.


    Maeve felt as if she had just been pulled out of the water. Her clothes clung to her body, and her long hair was half-damp and draped over her shoulders, causing difort around her neck.


    Maeve endured the pain coursing through her and sat up. She looked around, her eyes filled with confusion.


    ''Why am I in the hospital? Did Jaylen send me here?'' she wondered. ''It''s better this way. If I stay at his house, I''m worried that I''ll identally transmit the virus to him or Daryl. Maeve rubbed her aching temples and turned to pick up the phone on the table.


    She had many missed calls and messages.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    But when Maeve checked through her calls and texts, the anticipation she had felt quickly vanished, leaving her heart feeling heavy.

 Chapter 361

    ?


    Maeve had spent most of thest few days drifting in and out of sleep, too exhausted to do anything, not even reach out to anyone.


    Even Alex, who she hadn''t heard from muchtely, could sense something was wrong and shot her a message to check-in.


    But Byron? Not a word.


    He hadn''t said anything since the day he hung up on her--no calls, no texts--justplete radio silence.


    Maybe it was the sickness making her more emotional than usual, but her throat tightened, and a wave of stinging heat hit her eyes. Maeve bit down hard on her lip, refusing to let the tears fall. She wasn''t about to feel sorry for herself.


    When she got better, she''d book ten gorgeous male models and have a st to rub it in Byron''s face.


    She thought, ''Who needed him, anyway?''


    Just then, the door creaked open.


    Maeve nced up and squinted at the figure standing in front of her,pletely suited up in protective gear. She hesitated for a second, then asked, "Jaylen?"


    "Yeah, it''s me." Jaylen moved closer, checking her temperature, then her blood pressure and heart rate. "How are you feeling?" he asked.


    "It''s manageable now. Way better than when I was out cold," she answered.


    That had been its kind of hell--caught in the space between sleep and wakefulness,pletely aware but powerless to break free from it.


    Jaylen''s expression softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Don''t stress, we''re close to having the antidote ready. You won''t have to wait too much longer."


    "Thanks..." Maeve''s voice faltered as her gaze lowered. "Even though you''re not feeling well either, you''re still pushing yourself to help me. I--"


    Jaylen brushed a hand over her hair gently, cutting her off. "No need to say anything. Just treat me to some coffee once you''re better, okay? I''ve been missing that special brew of yours."


    He''d tried plenty of coffee over the years, but nothing had ever hit the spot quite like Maeve''s.


    Her face lit up with a smile. "You can drink as much as you want--bottomless refills!"


    Jaylen chuckled, his eyes softening as he looked at her.


    "You must be starving after sleeping so long. I brought you lunch--it''s all healthy, but fair warning, it''s pretty nd. You''ll have to put up with it."


    "Thanks, I''ll manage."


    Maeve reached for her fork, about to start eating, when she noticed the thick curtain pulled across one side of the room. Frowning, she pointed to it. "Why''s that curtain there? Is someone else over there?"


    The material was so heavy, she couldn''t see a thing behind it.


    Jaylen''s mouth tightened slightly under his mask, but he kept his voice steady. "Just stay on this side, okay? There''s another patient over there."


    Maeve bit her lip, worry gnawing at her. "Already? Another infected patient? Did I...


    Jaylen shook his head. "No, you weren''t contagious when your symptoms first showed up. It''s not because of you. I just found out--there''ve been dozens of cases in Kleymond in thest two weeks. They''ve kept it quiet to avoid causing a panic. But right now, only two people have the mutated strain."


    Maeve scratched her cheek. "So, what? I''m just unlucky, huh? The virus decides to mutate right when it hits me and this other poor soul."


    The other patients only needed one dose of Antidote X and they were fine.


    But she and this other unlucky person? They''d have to sit tight until Jaylen finished developing the new cure.


    Of course, it had to be them. Just their luck.


    Jaylen looked like he was trying to figure something out, but he didn''t say anything more, just gave her a nod and left the room.


    Once he was gone, Maeve forced herself to eat, even though the nd food only added to the nausea already churning in her stomach.


    Honestly, Maeve could hardly recognize her own hands anymore.


    She had never been this skinny before.


    Looking in the mirror, she barely recognized the person staring back at her.


    If her little ones saw her like this, they''d probably cry enough tears to fill a river.


    That thought alone made Maeve take a few extra spoonfuls, determined to get back the weight she''d lost.


    After she finished eating, feeling a little more energized, Maeve asked the nurse for some paper and a pen.


    The Iton Private International Kindergarten uniform designpetition was only two weeks away, and she still hadn''t finished her sketches. Considering how much time the design and production would take, two weeks felt like it was cutting it close.


    Rubbing her temples, Maeve started to sketch out some rough lines on the paper.


    For the spring and summer uniforms, she was thinking of a fresh, woodsy look with a hint of something exotic--pure and elegant at the same time.


    She nned to use olive branch details on the cors and cuffs, embroidered in gold thread to give the uniforms a subtle but luxurious touch.


    With the idea clear in her mind, tranting it to paper became much easier.


    After tweaking the details over and over, Maeve finally felt satisfied with the final design.


    All that was left now was to send it off for production.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the room''s partition, Byron was in the middle of an important video conference.


    Once the meeting wrapped up, he dove straight into some urgent work emails.


    Archer, the only person in thepany who knew Byron was in the hospital, had hesitated several times before gently suggesting that maybe his boss should take it easy and focus on getting better. Byron casually adjusted his silver-rimmed sses and replied in an indifferent tone, "I''ve got nothing else to do while I''m here. Might as well push the next project forward."


    Archer didn''t know how to respond to that. He''d underestimated the situation.


    Other people in the hospital might spend their downtime browsing the inte, but Byron was working himself to the bone.


    Now, in Archer''s eyes, it was no wonder Byron was a CEO. People like him were on a whole other level.


    Thanks to his strong immune system, the virus hadn''t fully taken hold in Byron''s body yet. Other than feeling a little tired, he didn''t have many symptoms.


    By the time he finished his work, the clock on the wall read ten o''clock.


    Byron rubbed the back of his neck and nced toward the partition, looking thoughtful.


    He took off his sses and set them aside, then stood and walked over to the other side of the room.


    By now, Maeve should be fast asleep.


    Pulling back the curtain, he found her curled up on her side, just as he expected.


    Her right hand was tucked under her cheek, her eyes closed, with longshes casting soft shadows over her skin. She looked peaceful, almost angelic.


    But she was too thin.


    The weight she''d worked so hard to gain was all gone.


    Byron''s brow furrowed as he reached down and gently tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, locking onto his.


    Byron froze, his hand hovering mid-air, unsure whether to pull it back or keep going.


    Still half-asleep, Maeve blinked up at him and muttered, "Ugh, why are you in my dream? Go away, go away."


    Byron didn''t flinch, instead pinching her cheek lightly. "What if I don''t? What are you gonna do about it?"


    "Ugh, you''re so annoying," Maeve grumbled, sounding frustrated. "When I want to see you, you''re nowhere to be found. But when I don''t, you show up in my dream,ing and going like you own the ce. Who permitted you?" Byron''s eyes gleamed with amusement. "You want to see me? When?"


    Even in her dream, Maeve wasn''t about to admit that. She shut her eyes tight, hoping he would disappear if she just ignored him.


    Byron smirked, watching her attempt to escape him.


    "You close your eyes like that--are you hoping I''ll kiss you?" he teased.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Maeve silently cursed him for being so shameless, still confused as to why she couldn''t control her dream. ''Why is his voice still there?'' she wondered.


    Before she could fully process what was happening, she felt the warm, soft press of his lips against hers.

 Chapter 362

    ?


    Maeve jolted awake, her heart racing as Byron''s handsome face loomed just inches from hers. Instinctively, she tried to push him away.


    Even if this was only a dream, she was acutely aware of her condition. Thest thing she wanted was for Byron to catch the virus from her, even while she slept.


    After all, she''d suffered, the idea of him going through that kind of pain made her shudder.


    Byron had meant to steal a quick kiss and retreat, concerned she might be annoyed. But when he felt her body tremble slightly, as if she was scared of something, he paused.


    Instead of backing away, he rested his warm hand on her back and pulled her close.


    "Don''t be scared. You''re going to be okay soon," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Trust me."


    Maeve clutched his shirt, her gaze drifting over his strong jawline, caught between the dream and reality.


    But one thing was crystal clear.


    "I don''t trust you anymore," she said coolly. "When eded you most, you weren''t there. You don''t get to show up now. Take your hot-and-cold games and stay away from me. I''ve had enough."


    Even if he visited her dreams a hundred times, it wouldn''t change the fact that he hadn''t cared enough to reach out.


    If he truly cared, he wouldn''t have let days pass without a single call or text.


    She could ept the time apart he had suggested, but the icy responses she got whenever she reached out were too much to bear.


    To her, it felt like neglect-proof that she didn''t matter.


    Byron''s dark eyes widened slightly, and his lips pressed into a thin line. He didn''t argue, just held her tighter.


    Maeve struggled against him, frustration boiling over as she pounded on his back. "Let go of me!"


    "I can''t," he replied firmly. "I let you go once, and I''ve regretted it ever since. I''m not making that mistake again. Even if you had something with Jaylen in the past, and even if you''re not ready to cut ties with him, I don''t care. "As long as you''re by my side, Maeve, I''ll ept everything else."


    Whether it was her engagement to Jaylen or even the child, none of it mattered to him.


    The only thing that counted was that she was alive and by his side.


    Byron''s embrace tightened, almost suffocating.


    Her cheek brushed against his warm neck, and suddenly, the icy walls around her heart began to thaw.


    "Too bad this is just a dream,'' she thought.


    She believed that only in dreams would Byron say such sweet things.


    Maeve squeezed her eyes shut, but then a sharp pain shot through her chest. Her heart raced, and her limbs felt like lead.


    "It hurts... it really hurts..." she whispered, her lips pale as the words tumbled out between shivers.


    Byron heard her weak voice and nced down, rm flooding his system. Her face was slick with cold sweat, and she seemed to be fading.


    His expression darkened as he gentlyid her back on the bed and pressed the call button for the nurse.


    Meanwhile, in ab down the hall, Will and Theo were glued to the surveince monitor, keeping a watchful eye on Maeve''s room.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The camera had been set up for her safety, in case the virus red up and she couldn''t call for help. It also gave the little ones a way to check on their mom.


    Right now, they were witnessing a scene of their parents kissing and cuddling.


    Both kids blushed, quickly covering their eyes with their hands, but they couldn''t help sneaking peeks through their fingers.


    "Eww. Dad is so shameless," they whispered under their breath.


    As Jaylen walked past, his gaze fell on the monitor, where two figures were locked in a tight embrace. A frown tugged at his brow in frustration.


    He thought, ''Is that why Byron insisted on sharing a hospital room with Maeve? How dare he?"


    Just as Jaylen contemted whether he should intervene and have Byron moved to another room, the ring emergency rm from Maeve''s room shattered the tense atmosphere. "Jaylen!" Theo eximed, his eyes wide with panic. "Mommy''s having another episode!"


    "Stay right here; I''ll go get help," Jaylen said as he dashed out.


    Each re-up of the mutant variant of Xasia made the situation more critical. If it reached a point where Maeve''s body could no longer endure it, the consequences could be dire.


    Right now, Maeve was on a modified antidote derived from the X virus. While it helped to suppress her symptoms, it did nothing to address the underlying issue.


    Once the medication wore off, the mutant virus would strike back with a vengeance.


    During this third episode, the pain racked her body, leaving her trembling uncontrobly. Her hospital gown quickly soaked through with cold sweat, creatingrge patches on the sheets beneath her.


    Even after taking her medication, there was little relief in sight.


    Meanwhile, Byron was beginning to show symptoms of his infection.


    It was clear they needed to speed up the administration of the antidote.


    With a heavy heart, Jaylen returned to theb, where Theo rushed up to him, phone in hand. "Jaylen, Rudolf is looking for you!"


    "Thanks." Jaylen took the phone and pressed it to his ear. "Have you managed to gather all the herbs I requested?"


    "Thest ingredient, the Posa Root, is a rare herb that has be almost legendary, rumored to be worth a small fortune. I''m afraid finding it is nearly impossible," Rudolf replied, his voice tense, punctuated by the sound of popping sores at the corners of his mouth. "A girl has one, but you know how my rtionship with his father has always been; asking her for help is out of the question..."


    "What''s her name? Do you have her contact info?"


    "She''s Serena Malvis. I''ll send you her details shortly."


    Jaylen frowned, the name sparking a flicker of recognition. "Serena Malvis?"


    Will nced up, curiosity lighting his features. "Jaylen, what did Dr. Malvis say?" "Do you know Serena?"


    "She''s my therapist and a friend of my dad''s."


    Jaylen felt a wave of relief wash over him; that made everything a lot easier.


    Not long after, Byron received a message from Jaylen. After considering it for a moment, he decided to call Serena. "It''s me," Byron said.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel?" Serena sounded surprised. "Why are you calling me at this hour? I was just about to go to bed."


    Byron didn''t beat around the bush. "ed the Posa Root you have. Just name your price; I''ll do whatever it takes."


    Serena nced at the potted nt on her windowsill, where the Posa Root was growing. After all these years, she only had a small piece left.


    She had no idea how Byron knew she had it, but she sensed this was her opportunity.


    "What if I asked for the entire Mcdaniel Group?" she teased.


    Byron remained unfazed. "I could arrange that. Do you think you could handle it?"


    Serena was momentarily speechless.


    While otherpanies might use their shares to exert control, the Mcdaniel Group was a different beast altogether.


    Byron had takenmand long before the chairman''s shares dipped, granting him absolute authority within the organization.


    Only he could manage the cunning old foxes in the boardroom and fend off all the people vying for a piece of the Mcdaniel Group''s lucrative assets.


    It was he who had shaped the Mcdaniel Group into what it was today, not the other way around.

 Chapter 363

    ?


    Serena felt a delightful flutter in her chest as sheughed softly. "Oh,e on! I was just joking! Running apany is way beyond me--why would I even want the Mcdaniel Group? No matter how valuable the Posa Root is, it doesn''t hold a candle to our friendship. You think I wouldn''t just give it to you?"


    Her yful banter highlighted the charming side of her personality that she loved to showcase.


    Byron, however, didn''t quite grasp her teasing. "No need for that. I don''t like owing anyone anything."


    "But I haven''t even figured out what I want from you yet! How about this: I''ll keep that option open for now, and when I finally need something, you''ll be the first person Ie to." Serena''s smile brightened, "Don''t worry; it''ll definitely be something you can handle." Byron frowned slightly but didn''t press the issue, simply epting her terms.


    After they hung up, Serena lifted her ss of red wine, swirling it gently as she shed a seductive smile, looking as enchanting as a siren.


    It was almost amusing how Byron showered his girlfriend with affection, even someone with a questionable past, to the point that he felt indebted to her.


    That thought stirred a pang of envy in her. ''How wonderful it would be to have such adoration directed at her,'' she thought.


    *****


    Meanwhile, just as they wrapped up the Posa Root matter, the helicopter headed for Rudolf''s location hit a snag during takeoff, resulting in a possible half-day dy for inspection.


    Jaylen was seething--this wasn''t just a matter of time; it was about Maeve''s life.


    Without hesitation, Theo dialed Loren for help.


    "Good news! Someone already notified the management department, and the helicopter will be cleared for takeoff in ten minutes," Loren said.


    "Who else would be kind enough to help us if not you?" Theo asked, perplexed.


    "I was just as surprised; it''s my long-lost uncle, Hosea." Loren sounded equally astonished. "After he vanished, some folks in the royal family imed he was dead. Funny timing, huh? Just yesterday, they were at the pce talking about reinstating an heir, and now my uncle suddenly appears."


    Though he hadn''t yet returned to Erancia, this news was undoubtedly a glimmer of hope.


    Aside from his uncle, Loren hoped no other would im that position.


    Theo had little understanding of royal matters-if pressed, he couldn''t even recall which vault stored the queen''s snacks.


    Upon hearing this news, he muttered a few "ohs," hisck of interest clear.


    Loren paused. "What''s happening over there? I heard the helicopter was loaded with medicinal herbs; is someone sick?"


    Theo didn''t hold back, exining Maeve''s viral infection.


    "How could this happen!" Loren''s usual calm tone was now tinged with concern. "The X virus disappeared years ago; unless someone has been hiding a part of it and modified it, there''s no way it should suddenly mutate!"


    Frustrated, Theo rubbed his small face. "That''s what we think too, but we can''t figure out how Mom came into contact with the virus."


    Loren thought for a moment. "It must have leaked from the research institute in Erancia. I''ll handle that investigation; you focus on Maeve... No, that''s still not enough for her safety. I''ll send over some backup artillery--any threats will be nothing but paper tigers in front of it."


    "Loren," Theo reminded him, "those things are strictly forbidden at home. Can''t you send us some discreet defensive weapons instead?"


    This time, Loren fell silent for a moment before responding, "The most low-profile weapons I have in my factory are those artillery pieces." Theo was left speechless.


    He and Maeve hadpletely misjudged Loren; it turned out the "toys" he had received were already surprisingly safe.


    Theo hung up the phone, anxiety still coursing through him, and turned to find Will tucked away in a corner, absorbed in a conversation through his headset.


    "Who are you talking to?" Theo asked, inching closer, his curiosity evident.


    "I''m in touch with the bodyguards who are handling the medicine," Will replied, his tone serious. "I''ve got a gut feeling that the helicopter getting intercepted wasn''t just bad luck. There could be another ambush on the way from the helipad to the hospital." Theo''s expression hardened. "So, someone''s behind this?"


    "I can''t say for sure, but those herbs are critical for Mom and Dad. We need to be extra cautious."


    "What''s the n?"


    "I''ve divided them into three teams for this operation."


    Theo''s face lit up with understanding. "So, two teams will act as decoys while only one team carries the actual medicine. That should make it a lot harder for anyone trying to cause trouble."


    Will''s eyes sparkled with resolve. "They won''t get away with this."


    No one was going to interfere, especially with their parents'' lives on the line.


    As Will had predicted, the bodyguards encountered multiple obstacles on their way to the hospital.


    From reckless drivers deliberately crashing into them to barricades blocking their path, the first team hadn''t even reached the hospital before they were forced to pull over.


    Fortunately, with three teams in action, the group transporting the medicine managed to arrive safely at the hospital.


    With the herbs finally secured, Jaylen and his research team sprang into action.


    The antidote for the Xasia was derived from an herbal form that was safe for human use, crafted by the brilliant Rudolf, who had even received des from the queen herself.


    As his apprentice, Jaylen was more than capable of carrying on that legacy.


    Once the antidote was ready, Byron was moved from the hospital room to theb.


    Testing the antidote wasn''t as simple as swallowing a pill and waiting for results.


    It involved multiple blood draws, constant monitoring of vital signs, and any issues that arose meant adjusting the data and starting over-not to mention the unexpectedplications that could arise during testing.


    At the research institute in Erancia, every volunteer for human trials had to sign a waiver, fully aware of the risks involved.


    As Will walked past the istion room, he overheard his father''s strained voice from inside, and tears threatened to spill from his eyes.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    If only he were a little older, maybe he could help shoulder some of the burden for his parents.


    He thought, ''Why am I still so small?''


    Inside the istion room, after recording Byron''stest health data, Jaylen nced at him, not ready to say any mean words.


    "How''s Maeve doing?" Byron asked, his dark eyes barely open, his voice hoarse and rough, as if he had been scraped raw.


    He looked pale and weary, like a lion nursing a wound, still fierce despite his vulnerability.


    Jaylen sighed. "I''ve used silver needles to numb her senses. She''ll stay asleep for now to spare her the pain. There are still a few tweaks needed for the antidote, but it won''t be long."


    Byron seemed to rx a bit, though his exhaustion was evident.


    "Byron, do you care about Maeve?" Jaylen asked suddenly.


    Byron shot him a look, brow furrowing. "What are you getting at?"


    "I just think there''s no future for you two. Don''t re at me; there are plenty of examples in our world where mismatched backgrounds lead to disaster. You may love her now and want to give her everything, but what happens when that changes? Will you just push her away?" Jaylen asked.

 Chapter 364

    Jaylen looked at Byron with a mocking gleam in his eyes. "I wouldn''t trust anyone from the Bet family with Maeve, especially not you. You''re too dangerous for her; she wouldn''t stand a chance."


    Byron couldn''t help but feel a pull toward Maeve. Perhaps it was because he had never met a girl quite like her-she was captivating and brought a freshness he had never experienced. But the excitement of something new oftenes in a rush, only to fade just as quickly.


    Once Byron recognized how vastly different they were how significant the divide was between their worlds and perspectives-he wouldn''t hesitate to walk away without a second thought. After all, not many real soulmates existed in this world. Most rtionships ended up filled with heartbreak.


    No matter how fiery the passion at first, it often crumbles into disappointment and shattered dreams.


    Jaylen didn''t want that kind of future for Maeve.


    She deserved all the beauty this world had to offer.


    Byron remained unfazed by Jaylen''s biting remarks, his calm demeanor unnervingly steady.


    After a moment of silence, he scoffed, "What I feel for Maeve and what maye of us is none of your business."


    "Oh, but I''m her fianc¨¦," Jaylen shot back.


    "Only for six months. I can wait," Byron replied coolly.


    At that moment, Jaylen wished he could live another five hundred years, just to see how long it would take for Byron to finally tire of waiting for Maeve''s engagement to dissolve,


    "Dr. Chatterly, Ms Reese has woken up. Pleasee take a look, a doctor called from just outside the door.


    Byron''s normallyposed expression flickered with concern as he turned to Jaylen. "Don''t mention the trial to her."


    Jaylen raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Didn''t realize you had such a selfless side, Mr. Mcdaniel."


    It was hard to believe that a businessman like Byron wouldn''t prioritize his interests.


    "It''s just unnecessary to bring it up," Byron replied.


    "Fair enough."


    Jaylen decided against ying the nice guy or boosting his rival''s standing in Maeve''s eyes. He tucked his clipboard under his arm and stepped out.


    Byron pressed his palm against his throbbing temple, noticing his phone lighting up on the table. He reached for it, but his vision suddenly blurred. Bright lights swirled before him, and although the phone was right there, it felt impossibly out of reach.


    Beep.


    Suddenly, a sharp rm red from the equipment beside the hospital bed.


    Byron''s hand never made it to the phone; it slid off the table and crashed to the floor.


    Meanwhile, Jaylen had just finished checking on Maeve, smiling as he reassured her, "The antidote is almost ready. Just hang in there a little longer." Maevey in bed, each slight movement sending jolts of pain through her, her face pale and ghostly.


    "Thank you


    for


    your concern," she managed to whisper, her eyes scanning the room as if she were searching for someone.


    Noticing her distracted gaze, Jaylen asked, "Who are you looking for?"


    "Has Byron been here?" she asked, a nagging feeling in her chest making her wonder if the dream she''d had felt too real to be mere fantasy.


    Jaylen hesitated before shaking his head. "No, he hasn''te by


    Maeve lowered her gaze, trying to mask her disappointment. "Oh. I see."


    So those vivid images had just been tricks yed by her fevered mind.


    She believed that Byron was probably off enjoying himself somewhere,pletely oblivious to her at all.


    Jaylen couldn''t help but notice the disappointment in Maeve''s eyes, and it tugged at his heart. "If you want to see him, I can go get him for you right now," he offered softly.


    "No, it''s okay. I don''t want to see him," Maeve replied, forcing a cheerful smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. "Honestly, I''d much rather see my little ones, Will and Theo. Do they know what''s going on yet?" Jaylen nodded reassuringly. "They''re doing fine, I promise. They''re being good and not causing any trouble."


    But the thought of the little ones and their recent escapades filled Jaylen with a bittersweet ache. Byron had it easy.


    His older son was smart and savvy, easily outmaneuvering anyone trying to snatch the batch of medicine from under their


    noses.


    And his younger son had connections, knowing one influential person after another.


    They were still so young, but as they grew, they would undoubtedly be even more impressive.


    Just then, there was a rapid knock at the door.


    "Dr. Chatterly! The gentleman who was testing the medication is having someplications. Pleasee quickly!" a nurse called urgently.


    Jaylen instinctively looked back at Maeve, who seemed puzzled by the suddenmotion. The mention of "testing the medication" made her frown in confusion.


    "Maeve, you just rx. I''ll go check it out," he said, trying tofort her.


    Maeve swallowed her questions, nodding as she felt a sense of helplessness wash over her.


    No sooner had Jaylen stepped out than her phone lit up with a video call from the kids.


    As soon as Maeve answered, a chubby little face filled the screen followed by an enthusiastic "Mommy!"


    Will, who wasn''t in view, chimed in, "Theo, you''re blocking me!"


    "Hey, move your cute little face over so Mommy can see you!" Maeve teased, her heart warming at the sight of her boys. "I want to see if you two have lost any weight." Realizing their mom was changing the subject, the boys silently agreed to steer clear of the virus talk.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Theo backed up from the camera, lifted his shirt, and proudly showed off his soft little belly, eximing. "Look, Mommy! I''ve lost weight because I missed you so much, and now I have abs!" Will reached out to poke Theo''s chubby stomach, bursting intoughter. "Your abs are just one big blob!"


    But honestly, it was so fun to touch. It felt like jelly-squishy and bouncy.


    "That''s not true! You just don''t know how to appreciate the finer things!" Theo huffed, yfully shoving Will aside. He dropped his shirt and aimed to poke Will''s belly instead. "Let me poke yours!" Will quickly dodged. "No way! I''m too little for abs!"


    "I don''t care! You touched me first, so now you have to pay!"


    "Don''t tickle me... haha!" Will reached toward the phone, pleading for Maeve''s help. "Mommy, help me!"


    Maeve propped her chin on her hand,ughing at their antics. "But Mommy wants to see too!"


    Will was left speechless.


    Nothing else he could do but give in.


    Compared to Theo''s round belly, Will''s was much tter. Thanks to the good care he''d receivedtely, he didn''t look as thin as when Maeve had first seen him.


    Maeve looked at the two chubby bellies on the screen and offered her honest opinion. "You, my good boy, should eat a little Jess, and you, sweetie, should eat more."


    "I am your sweetie!" Theo eximed, puffing out his chest proudly. "I''m so handsome and charming that I need to eat more. Otherwise, I''d be wasting all these good looks Mommy gave me! He was truly loving himself.


    "Come on, don''t tter yourself," Will said, pinching Theo''s little arm. "You look great just the way you are. If you keep growing, Mommy won''t be able to carry you anymore."


    Theo blinked, weighing the options of eating more or being carried by his mom. Without hesitation, he chose thetter.


    "I''ll just eat less, then. I''d rather lose a little than lose Mommy''s hugs," he dered dramatically, shaking his head.


    Will nodded in agreement, cherishing those precious moments with their mom.

 Chapter 365

    Maeve sank back against the headboard, a grin spreading across her face. Honestly, convincing Theo to cut back on snacks was turning out to be a far tougher challenge than she''d ever imagined.


    Just as she yfully poked at the screen where her two little ones beamed back at her, her phone buzzed, jolting her with a call from Tom.


    "Hey, Tom! What''s up?" she answered, curiosity dancing in her voice.


    "Maeve, I''m about to head back to Erancia," Tom said, his voice tinged with static and the distant roar ofmotion around him, making it difficult to gauge how he truly felt. "I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you''ve done for me. It means a lot." Maeve blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "Wait, you''re leaving already?"


    "It''s not as sudden as it seems. I''ve been mulling it over for a while. I''m sorry I can''t keep looking out for you," he replied.


    "It''s okay. You''ve got a lot on your te, and honestly, it''s probably better that you don''t stay here too long. We wouldn''t want you to attract any trouble, right?" Maeve quickly reassured him. Your family must be worried sick about you. Going home is probably the right move."


    There was a pause on the line, and she could almost hear the wheels turning in his mind before he asked, "So we''re still friends, right?"


    Maeve hesitated for just a heartbeat, her heart fluttering, before a smile broke through. "Absolutely! Friends stick together, no matter what happens."


    His relief was palpable even through the phone, and it seemed to lighten the mood, if only a little, as he faced whatever awaited him back home. Just then, she heard Hudson Nn and his wife calling for him to board the ne.


    "I have to go now. Until next time," he said.


    "Take care and safe travels," Maeve replied.


    After she hung up, Tom turned to the Nns, a sharp glint shing in his honey-brown eyes. "Are you sure she''ll be safe once I leave?"


    Hudson hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Your Highness, the X virus probably leaked from the research facility in Erancia. Who else could have that kind of ess but royal family members? If they''re looking to hurt you, dragging Maeve into this would certainly be part of their n. If you leave, they won''t have any reason to target her anymore."


    Tom''s expression hardened.


    He''d suspected this all along; otherwise, he wouldn''t have agreed to go back with them so quickly.


    After five long years of silence, Maeve had been the only warmth he''d found in a world that had grown so cold.


    He couldn''t bear the thought of her suffering because of him.


    "Let''s go," Tom said decisively, turning his back as he strode toward the waiting royal jet.


    The sunset cast a golden hue, stretching his shadow long behind him like the regal figure he was, reiming the brilliance that came with being a royal heir.


    Once onboard, Maeve learned from her boys about the trouble Prince Hosea had gone through to help her.


    If he hadn''t sent someone intervene, the helicopter carrying the supplies might have been captured.


    At that moment, it dawned on Maeve why Tom had to return home right now.


    3.89%


    To protect her, he had to expose his whereabouts, and the rest of the royal family already knew he was there. He needed to go back.


    The thought warmed her heart, a strange andforting sensation.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    It felt foreign.


    The familial love she had never truly experienced from her own family suddenly blossomed from Tom, a man she had only known for less than three months.


    He always had her back, like a big brother who took care of everything, ensuring she didn''t have to lift a finger.


    Whenever chaos erupted with clients in the studio, he was always the first to shield her from the storm.


    He had turned every childhood fantasy she had about having a protective brother into a vivid reality.


    Now, the idea that she might never see him again filled Maeve with a profound sense of mncholy, an ache that tugged at her heart. Maeve''s kids suddenly ended their video call.


    Feeling drained, she decided not to press them for details. Instead, she sank back against her pillow, hoping to steal a few moments of rest. But a weight settled in her chest, an unexpected heaviness that wouldn''t let go.


    Sitting up straight, she pressed her fingertips against her heart, an urgent need to check her phone tugging at her.


    Something felt off, an anxious knot tightening within her as if a storm was brewing just beyond her reach.


    And it seemed somehow connected to Byron.


    Unable to shake off the rising tide of worry, Maeve powered her phone back on and dialed Byron''s number. After a few agonizing seconds, the call connected.


    Her heart leaped at the sound of his voice, but her excitement quickly faded when she heard the response.


    "I''m sorry, Ms. Reese, but Mr. Mcdaniel is currently in a meeting Is there something I can pass along?" Archer''s voice was polite but firm.


    "I don''t want to disturb him. It''s nothing urgent, really. Sorry for interrupting," Maeve replied quickly, disappointment pooling in her stomach as she hung up.


    Staring at the nk white ceiling above, her heart ached, and tears threatened to spill over. She buried her face in her arms, soft sobs escaping her lips. Maybe, to Byron, she just didn''t matter enough.


    So many things seemed to take precedence over her-his work, his social life, and perhaps even the first love that lingered in


    his heart.


    In his eyes, she might just be a fleeting thought.


    What Maeve hadn''t expected was that Byron was right next door, fighting for his life.


    213


    f


    The experimental treatment he was undergoing carried immense risks, and even the smallest mistake could lead to disaster.


    Meanwhile Theo and Will were outside the emergency room, gripping each other''s hands fightly, tears streaming down their cheeks.


    "It''s going to be okay. Dad''s going to be just fine," Will kept whispering to his little brother Theo, who was sobbing like a heartbroken child, using his tiny hands to wipe Theo''s tears.


    "If he makes it through this, I swear I''ll ept him as my dad," Theo said through his sniffles, suddenly regretting all the times he hadn''t been nicer to their father. What if he never got the chance to make things right? Even though Byron often teased him about being chubby and sometimes swiped his cartoon backpack, he truly loved him.


    There was so much he wished he could say.


    If their dad pulled through, he would share the backpack with him!


    With a determined glint in his eyes, Theo clenched his tiny fist, making a silent vow.


    As the night wore on, the doors to the emergency room finally swung open, and Jaylen emerged with a few colleagues.


    The kids had anxiously waited by the monitors all night, refusing to sleep despite Daryl''s gentle coaxing. The most they managed was to lean against him for a short nap.


    When they saw Jaylen walk in, they dashed over, eager for news.


    "Your dad is okay now! And believe it or not, this whole ordeal helped us figure out thest step of the antidote," Jaylen said,


    offering them a reassuring smile. "You guys should head off to bed now."


    Slowly, the tension in their little bodies began to ease. Will took a deep breath and bowed his head to Jaylen. "Thank you, Jaylen, for saving my dad and mom. I''ll remember your kindness and repay you someday." Jaylen''s gaze softened as he looked at him. "Just having your dad back is more than enough for me."


    Will tilted his head, confused by his words.


    "Hey, Jaylen, you look pale," Theo said, reaching out to grab Jaylen''s hand, concern filling his eyes. "Is something wrong with you?"


    "I''m fine," Jaylen said quickly, pulling his hand away before Theo could check his pulse. "I haven''t coughed up bloodtely, and I''ve been taking my meds. I promise I''m okay."


    "Alright, you both need to get some rest. We can''t have you getting sick while your mom and dad are still recovering," Jaylen urged gently.

 Chapter 366

    4


    Jaylen asked Daryl to take the kids to another room. He forced himself to brace himself up and watched them go out.


    As soon as the two little ones left, Jaylen dashed to the bathroom and threw up a mouthful of scarlet blood. He held the edge of the sink. His gloomy eyelids drooped, exuding an aura of death. "Dr. Chatterly, Ms. Reese''s temperature changed again," Evan''s voice came from outside the door.


    Jaylen did not reply. The odor of rust remained in his throat. It was sticky, making his head feel heavy. His body felt like it was floating as if he was about to fall down anytime.


    However, he could not copse at this moment.


    Jaylen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and took out a bottle from his pocket. He poured out a pill and swallowed it.


    After all, he was not made of steel. He could only take the unorthodox path to maintain his energy and not dy the development of the antidote.


    After a few minutes, Eric urged him again.


    Jaylen washed his hands and hurried out. "I''ll be right there."


    *****


    Three dayster, in the ward on the top floor of First Hospital.


    Perhaps because she had been lying on the bed for too long, Maeve''s legs were a little weak when she got off. As she was about to fall, Jaylen reached out and supported her body.


    "You haven''t recovered yet. There is no hurry. It''s better to take it slow." Jaylen held her arm and led her walk around.


    Maeve noticed the shadows under his eyes. "You didn''t sleep well these days, right? You didn''t take my words to heart, did you?"Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Jaylen smiled helplessly. "I''ve had a good sleep. If you don''t believe me, ask Daryl. See if I''ve coughed up blood recently."


    Maeve did not doubt his words. She thought that Rudolf''s medicine had worked and made him better.


    She walked around the ward for a few rounds until she was exhausted before sitting back on the bed, with sweat profusely seeping out of her forehead.


    "I''ve only been lying down for two weeks, and I already feel like I''m about to be crippled," she said self-deprecatingly.


    A trace of heartache shed past Jaylen''s eyes. "How can the infection be cured so quickly? You''re quite lucky. You''re just temporarily unable to move. Someone even..." Before he could finish, Jaylen suddenly stopped talking.


    Maeve noticed the second half of his sentence and immediately asked, "What happened to that patient, who was also lying -here?"


    Jaylen pursed his lips. "His condition is worse. He hasn''t woken up yet."


    "Even after taking the antidote?" Maeve asked.


    Jaylen sighed, "The antidote only kills the virus in your body. It can''t reverse the damage done. There''s no shortcut other


    00


    than slowly recuperating"-


    "So that''s how it is." Maeve rubbed her sore knees. Her heart was still fluttering with fear. "This virus is too scary. If it arts up again, perhaps my life will be spared."


    Inparison, Xasia was considered mild.


    Jaylen frowned. "It''s kind of strange that you got infected. It doesn''t make sense that this virus only mutated in your body"


    It was as if someone had maliciously nted the mutated varian on Maeve.


    If he had been a little slower, if his experiment hadn''t happened to be in thest part, if Byron hadn''t tested the drug, who had the same blood type as Maeve, she might have... Thinking of that possibility, Jaylen''s eyes were filled with fear.


    "You mean that it wasn''t an ident that I was infected?" Maeve frowned.


    Jaylen shook his head. "Most likely not. Have you offended anyone? Especially those from Erancia."


    Maeve thought for a moment. "I don''t think so. But probably here."


    For example, the Reese family. But they could not be a threat in prison.


    The closest one was Faye. However, she did not think that Faye Had the ability to obtain that virus.


    Jaylen touched her head. "It doesn''t matter. Stop thinking about t. Your kids are here. Just leave it to them." "To tell you the truth, I''ve had a feeling recently." Maeve closed her eyes.


    ""What?"


    "I think I''ve started living off my children in advance." Maeve was harsh when i came to herself.


    Jaylenughed. "I think they''re very happy to support you. Theyre even afraid that you won''t rely on them."


    His kids were so considerate and almost fed every food to her mouth.


    However, it was also thanks to the two little ones who treated their mother so well that Maeve''s depression was swept away. But they were also kind of uneasy because their mother had never mentioned their father again after the first day she woke up. Every time they unintentionally mentioned their father, Maeve would not respond and switch to another topic. The kids felt that their mother was gradually ignoring their father and that was indeed the case.


    Maeve might still have some expectations for Byron in the beginning, but her patience had been worn out these days. Why should she expect a man who never responded to her? It would only add to her worries.


    Theo grabbed Will away and muttered softly, "It can''t be like this. Mommy will not like Daddy anymore."


    Will''s face revealed a different but mature kind of worry. "But Daddy is still in aa and unable to see Mommy. It''s normal for Mommy to feel sad and not to mention him."


    "Do you have Daddy''s phone?" Theo had an idea.


    "I asked Archer to give it to me. What''s wrong?" Will tilted his head.


    Theo did not answer. He turned around and told Maeve that they were going out for a walk before pulling Will out.


    12:01


    The two of them hid in a corner and used Byron''s phone to send messages to Maeve.


    "What should I say? You know Daddy better. The first is on you." Theo stuffed the phone into Will''s arms.


    Will blinked and said hesitantly, "Is it good?"


    Theo patted his head. "Hey, is there anything worse than a broken rtionship between Mommy and Daddy?"


    Thinking of the consequences, Will''s small body trembled and he hurriedly typed.


    In the ward, Maeve heard her phone vibrate. She picked it up and was stunned for a few seconds. Her bright eyes were shining slightly.


    Byron: [Today''s breakfast is tasteless. Even the coffee is awful.]


    Byron: [I always subconsciously turned around when I was walking. Only then did I remember that you were not around.]


    Byron: [The bedroom is so big and empty, so is the bed.]


    Byron: [I said so much just because I miss you.]


    Maeve pursed her red lips tightly. The defense that she had painstakingly built seemed to show signs of copse. However, when she scrolled up and saw the message she had sent him a few days ago, her heart turned cold again. [Byron, I''m sick. Can you make some time to see me?]


    12.01 Tue, Nov 12 WG


    17,99%

 Chapter 367

    She was so humble that she couldn''t believe that she was indeed the one who had sent this message.


    However, the feedback was silence for days.


    Maeve rubbed the corners of her eyes and replied expressionlessly.


    The two little ones almost burst into tears when they saw the reply.


    Maeve: [get away]


    She was so cold that even the form was so casual.


    The two children had no idea that their mommy''s heart was in aplete mess afterward.


    She kept telling herself that he might be drunk and spouting nonsense, so none of these words could be trusted. At the same time, she wanted to trust him again.


    Atst, she thought of the uniform design and shifted her attention away from it.


    Paige had just sent her a photo of the newly-produced school uniform. Maeve checked it and felt that it still needed to be modified.


    Time passed by as she worked on it.


    "Damn! He missed me, and so what? None of my business!" Maeye threw the pen aside and fell back onto the sofa. "Stop thinking about him."


    Affected by the message from "Byron", she could not calm down


    Seeing the good weather outside the window, she decided to go downstairs to bask in the sun.


    The two little ones went to kindergarten, so it was the nurse who took her out in a wheelchair.


    Maeve quietly closed her eyes, trying to dispel the mess in her mind. Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded in his ear. "Maeve? Howe you''re in the hospital?"


    Alexis was shocked. When she saw Maeve sitting in the wheelchair, she was even more startled. "What''s wrong legs? Are you feeling unwell?"


    with your


    Facing Alexis''s concern, Maeve was a little ufortable as she exined softly, "I was sick a while ago and haven''t recovered yet, so I need to sit in a wheelchair for the time being. Alexis looked quite caring. "What illness? Is it serious? Do you need me to..."


    "It''s just a cold. I''m fine now." Maeve smiled and said, "Thanks for your concern."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Alexis heaved a sigh of relief, but her eyes were filled with sorrow. "Kleymond''s influenza has indeed been very serious recently. Byron was infected. And you also."


    Maeve''s smile froze. "What''s wrong with Byron?"


    "You don''t know? But you guys are together every day. He''s also hospitalized." Alexis looked at her in surprise.


    "I... don''t know." Maeve was stunned. "I haven''t seen him for many days and he didn''t tell me about this."


    Alexis was worried. ''Did you quarrel?''


    00


    1201 Tue, Nov 12 MB. Chapter 367


    Sheforted Maeve. "Byron probably just didn''t want to keep you worried He''s seriously ill this time. He''s been unconscious for a few days and hasn''t woken up. I heard that he hadn''t gone to thepany recently, so I asked Archer. Then I knew it. And he..." Alexis''s voice gradually blurred in Maeve''s ears. Her fingertips gripped the armrest of the wheelchair tightly, and her gaze changed from shock, then to confusion, and, atst to horror.


    When Xasia broke out in Kleymond. Jaylen said that there were already more than a hundred cases when it was controlled Then Byron was really probably infected.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, could you bring me to see Byron?" Maeve asked Alexis anxiously.


    "Just call me Alexis. Considering your rtionship with Byron, you don''t have to be so courteous," Alexis said. "Let me take you there."


    "Thank you." Maeve clenched her fists as her heart raced.


    Xasia was different from the mutant variant and was less dangerous than thetter. Moreover, there was an antidote to it. The infected would be fine as long as they took the medicine within 24 hours. However, Alexis said that Byron had been in aa for a few days. This was not the symptom of being infected with the X-virus. Or he was infected by the mutant variant just like her.


    Maeve''s mind shed back to the istion area in the ward. ''So the patient opposite was Byron?'' Maeve felt her heart twisted in pain. So that dream is true? He might have been infected by me at that time.'' No wonder she felt that the touch was so real. It didn''t feel like a dream at all.


    The elevator went straight to the top floor. When Maeve was pushed before Byron''s ward, she realized that her ward was just next door. They were separated by a wall, but she had never noticed it at all. The bodyguard at the door greeted Alexis respectfully, indicating that he had to go in and ask for instructions.


    "Byron is awake?" Alexis was overjoyed.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel just woke up. The doctor said he needs rest." After the bodyguard answered, he pushed the door open and entered the ward.


    In less than two minutes, the bodyguard came out and said apologetically to Alexis, "I''m sorry, Mrs. Mcdaniel. Mr. Mcdaniel doesn''t want to see anyone for the time being."


    "Why?" Alexis asked in confusion. "Didn''t you tell him Maeve came to see him?"


    It was understandable that Byron did not want to see his mother but it didn''t make any sense he refused to see Maeve.


    The bodyguard looked conflicted. "I did, but this was Mr. Mcdaniel''s order."


    As soon as he said this, Maeve took a deep breath. "Please tell him that we won''t disturb his rest. We''ll just take a look at him and leave, okay?"


    The bodyguard had no choice but to go in and pass the message


    However, the feedback this time was still the same.


    Maeve and Alexis exchanged their looks naturally. Even if they were once ipatible, at this moment, somehow they instantly understood each other''s thoughts. Alexis let go of Maeve''s wheelchair handle and pped the bodyguards.


    1201


    Tue, Nov 12 web


    "Hurry up. I''ll stop them here. They won''t dare to do anything" Alexis urged.


    "Thank you, Alexis," Maeve said gratefully and pushed the door open without dy.


    2


    The bodyguards had scruples about Alexis''s identity and did not dare to resist at all. They could only watch as Maeve entered.


    The ward was so quiet and the rolling sound of the wheelchair was amplified infinitely.


    The man sitting on the bed seemed to have heard something and turned his head. His hair was resting on the top of his eyebrows, making him look a littlezy and casual.


    But further down, his eyes were covered with gauze. The remaining half of his face looked pale and sickly.


    Maeve''s eyes widened as she stared at the gauze on Byron''s eyes in disbelief.


    When he heard someone enter, Byron thought that the doctor had returned. "Did you leave something?"


    But there was no answer for a long time. Only the sound of the wheelchair was getting closer and closer.


    Byron frowned and his expression instantly turned cold. "Maever"


    "What happened to your eyes?" Maeve''s voice trembled slightly.


    "Who let youe in?" Byron did not answer her question. His tone was unprecedentedly cold. "Get out. Don''t make me repeat..."


    Before he could finish his words, he suddenly stopped. He could clearly feel Maeve''s cold and soft hands cupping his face, carefully trying to touch his eyes.  UB

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368 89%1


    Just as Maeve was about to touch Byron, Maeve suddenly realized it might be a mistake since she could transfer bacteria from her hand to his injured eye. She quickly pulled her hand back.


    Byron''s expression grew colder, more menacing. He raised his hand and pushed her away, saying icily, "Get out."


    "No." Maeve held his wrist. "What happened to your eyes? Did you catch the mutant variant of Xasia because of me?"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." Byron frowned impatiently. "Whatever happens to my eyes has nothing to do with you. Don''t meddle."


    "Then tell me, did youe to the hospital to see me a few days ago?"


    Byron tilted his head slightly, facing her voice. A mocking smile yed on his lips. "You''re imagining things. I can barely take care of myself, so why would Ie to see you?" Maeve''s eyes shed with determination. "You''re lying. I saw you that night."


    "Save the nonsense for yourself tonight. It''s probablyforting." Byron''s tone was detached. "If you''re done talking, get out. Stop disturbing my rest."


    Byron''s cold words pierced Maeve, twisting her heart with pain.


    Maeve couldn''t tell if that night was real or just a dream from Byron''s unreadable expression.


    Maeve wanted to ask more, but worried it would truly disturb Byron''s rest. Swallowing the ache in her throat, Maeve managed to say hoarsely, "Alright, I won''t bother you. Rest well."


    As Byron heard Maeve''s wheelchair roll away, the mocking smile faded from Byron''s face. His lips pressed into a hard line. ''It''s better she stayed away,'' Byron thought, ''sparing her the guilt that would only make things worse. She still hasn''t recovered if she''s in a wheelchair. Why isn''t Jaylen keeping an eye on her?''


    After leaving Byron''s room, Maeve told Alexis about Byron''s eye injury. Alexis immediately went to find Byron''s doctor, but soon the bodyguard stepped out and said respectfully to Alexis, Madam, Mr. McDaniel invites you in."


    Alexis nodded, turning to Maeve to say, "Go back and rest. I''ll look into it and contact you soon. Don''t worry."


    Maeve''s gaze softened. "Thank you, Alexis."


    Alexis patted her shoulder, asking a nurse to take Maeve back before Alexis walked into the room.


    Back in her hospital bed, Maeve took her medicine, but thoughts kept spinning in her mind. Suddenly, she remembered something and reached for the phone to call Jaylen.


    A familiar voice, Daryl''s, picked up. "Ms. Reese, Mr. Chatterly is still sleeping. If there''s anything urgent, you can tell me."


    After a pause, Maeve asked, "Daryl, since you''ve been helping Jaylen, do you know why Byron was hospitalized?"


    "I don''t know. Mr. McDaniel is also hospitalized?" Daryl tried to brush it off. "I''m still brewing medicine for the boss, so if there''s nothing else, I''ll hang up."


    The phone clicked as he ended the call, leaving Maeve frowning Daryl knew something. And if he did, Jaylen probably did too. But she wondered why they were keeping it from her.


    Not wanting to push, Maeve decided to wait for Alexis to tell her the full story.


    Later, Alexis sent her a message.


    12 02 Tue, Nov 12


    Alexis texted: [A while ago. Byron had a car ident and hurt his eye. While in the hospital, he got infected with Xasia. It''s not serious, but he can''t see anymore. The doctor said he should recover in time.]


    Maeve calcted the timing of Byron''s ident matched when he got sick. No wonder he hadn''t contacted her. It wasn''t because he wanted to distance himself but because he had no choice. Relief washed over her as she realized his eyes weren''t permanently damaged.


    Then another message arrived.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Alex said: [ Byron''s been in a bad mood because of the illness. Don''t take any harsh words to heart. I''ll have his grandfather set him straight if he''s rude.]


    Maeve answered: [No. He didn''t do anything wrong. I shouldn''t have disturbed him.]


    Alexis replied: [Good. Actually, I need a favor. If you''re avable can you help take care of him?]


    Maeve rejected: [But he doesn''t want to see me. He just chased me out.]


    Alexis insisted: [I don''t know him well, but I do know that he''s stubborn with people he cares about. The more he likes someone, the more he pushes them away. Try not to listen to his words and watch his actions instead. That''s what tells you what he really feels.] Maeve was at a loss. ''Wow, she knows him so well, like any mom would.''


    Maeve answered: [Really? I''m a little worried he''ll just have the bodyguards toss me out. He almost did it just now.)


    Alexis questioned: [But did he actually throw you out?]


    Meave: [Well, no.]


    Alexis: [See?]


    Maeve felt a rush of mixed emotions. Alexis''s description of Byron seemed oddly simr to herself. Maeve wondered if she should take the chance.


    The worst-case scenario was that Byron would get the bodyguards to throw her out. But if it worked, it might be worth it. The only one problem was how to break past the two bodyguards when she was in a wheelchair.


    Maeve pressed her forehead, thinking, until an idea struck her. If she couldn''t manage it herself, she could still count on two other "helpers."


    That night, her two little ones cleverly distracted the bodyguards while Maeve slipped into Byron''s room.


    The room was empty, but Maeve heard running water and a sudden crash from the bathroom. Heart pounding, Maeve maneuvered her wheelchair toward the sound, hoping Byron hadn''t fallen.


    "Byron, are you okay?" Maeve started, but her words faded as she took in the scene.


    Byron was half-lying in the tub, eyes still bandaged, his hair covered in foam, water droplets running down his tanned chest. It was an arresting sight.


    Hearing Maeve''s voice, Byron''s hand froze. He scowled. "What are you doing here again?"

 Chapter 369

    "No." Maeve quickly looked away, exining. "I heard a noise and thought you''d fallen, so I came in."


    "Now that you''re here, why don''t you stay and watch me shower Byron mocked, his toneced with sarcasm.


    This time, Maeve wasn''t deterred. Noticing a few bottles of shampoo on the floor, she leaned down, carefully picking them


    1. up.


    She nced at Byron''s foamy hair and felt sympathy, remembering how much effort he must have spent trying to wash it himself.


    "Why not ask the caregiver for help since moving around is hard?" Maeve asked.


    "Not necessary." Byron''s voice was cold,ced with impatience. "How long are you nning to stay here?"


    Maeve knew he didn''t like people crossing his boundaries, especially in his private space. But seeing him struggle alone, she couldn''t shake the worry he might actually fall.


    Ignoring Byron''s question, Maeve wheeled behind the tub, pumped shampoo into her hands, and pressed gently on his shoulders as he began to rise.


    "Stay still. I''ll wash your hair," Maeve said.


    "There''s no need," Byron said.


    "Either let me help, or I''ll join you in the tub," Maeve interrupted.


    Byron''s ears turned red as he grabbed a towel to cover himself, muttering, "Shameless."


    Maeve chuckled, enjoying the rare moment where he couldn''t quite control the situation. "You just don''t know what''s good for you," she replied, undeterred.


    With his sightpromised, Byron found his other senses heightened. The faint smell of Maeve''s coffee-scented perfume filled the air around him, and her gentle hands worked carefully through his hair, avoiding the gauze on his eyes. To his surprise, it was oddlyforting.


    Gripping the edge of the tub, Byron felt a swirl of emotions. He had been curt with her earlier, hoping it would keep her


    away.


    Yet, there she was, unbothered by his cold words, ready to help him with something as intimate as washing his hair. ''How could she be so fearless?'' Byron thought. Maeve marveled at Byron''s thick, slightly soft hair as she worked ''Not quite the image of an executive one would imagine,'' Maeve thought wryly.


    Her muscles were starting to ache from the awkward angle, but she managed to rinse his hair and gently pat it dry.


    Opening his eyes, Byron''s first instinct was to dismiss her. "You can go now."


    "Who said I was leaving? I haven''t helped you shower yet, right?" Maeve replied innocently. "Since you can''t see, I''ll have to do it for you."


    Byron nearlyughed at her audacity. "Weren''t you just saying you''d leave?"


    Maeve smirked. "You believe everything a woman says?"


    Byron''s face hardened. "Don''t test my patience."


    Maeve''s heart skipped abeat, but she remembered Alexis''s advice and softened her tone. "I came here without taking my medicine, and it''s harder to move around in a wheelchair than is for you. Do you hate me so much that you''d rather I disappear?" The vulnerability in her voice sent a sh of panic through Byron. He hadn''t meant to upset her, just to maintain some distance. Her soft whimpers made him feel like he''d kicked a wounded animal.


    "Why are you crying?" he finally asked, his tone softer, though he tried to sound detached. "Fine. Do whatever you want."


    Behind his back, Maeve smiled, no actual tears in her eyes, pleased her little trick had worked. ''Alexis''s n worked. He could be coaxed, after all, Maeve thought.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    A beatter, Byron added coolly, "Next time, take your medicine first. I don''t want you ming meter."


    "I will, unlike someone who tortures himself," she muttered.


    "What was that?"


    "Nothing!" she replied loudly, eyeing a towel floating nearby. "By the way, can you get the towel?"


    Byron frowned, regretting his decision. ''Why is she so eager? It''s nothing she hasn''t seen before,'' he thought.


    "Oh,e on. It''s not like I haven''t seen it before. Why so shy now?" Maeve teased, enjoying his helplessness. Byron''s expression darkened. "Maeve, keep this up and I''ll make you regret it."


    But Maeve was in her own world, brushing off his warning. ''Future me will deal with the future. What does it have to do with the current me?'' Maeve thought.


    It was a long bath, but thankfully the water stayed warm. Once back in his room, Byron started ushering Maeve out once again.


    Instead, Maeve maneuvered herself onto the edge of his bed.


    Byron''s face fell as her soft fragrance filled the space. "Maeve, don''t you have any shame? Did I invite you here?"


    "I''m too tired to go back. I''ll just stay here tonight," Maeve said.


    "I''ll get a nurse to take you back."


    "Nope, I don''t want to trouble anyone else."


    Finally, Byron chuckled, frustrated. "Do you want me to throw you out?"


    Settling into his pillow, Maeve closed her eyes, barely hiding a smile. "Throw me out if you like. I''ll sleep wherever you put me."


    Byron''s chest heaved slightly. He felt exasperated yet oddly defeated, realizing he wasn''t going to get rid of her. This woman was like sticky candy, refusing to let go.


    ''What can she possibly gain from pestering me? Does she want to be at my beck and call?'' Byron thought.


    Yet, Byron knew there was nothing he could do to stop her.

 Chapter 370

    Byron was silent for too long. Maeve cracked one eye open and snuck a look at him. He was facing her direction, but his face was hidden in shadow, his expression unreadable.


    Maeve grew anxious. She''d onlye to see if Alexis had been right about him. But once she saw that Byron couldn''t even see and still refused help from the caregiver, she couldn''t just leave. His attitude might be cold, but he hadn''t actually pushed her away.


    It was clear he tolerated her presence more than anyone else''s. And with that small allowance, Maeve felt like she could push her luck.


    Seeing him as vulnerable as this, she couldn''t just leave. Maeve inched closer and wrapped her arms around his thin waist. When Byron stiffened, Maeve felt her heart soften.


    "I''m not mad anymore about the cold war you started," Maeve said. "But if you keep being so harsh, I will leave."


    Byron let out a lowugh, as if she''d amused him. "I started this? How can you say that?"


    "What did I do?" Maeve asked.


    "Don''t you know?"


    Maeve blinked, thrown off. She started to ask, but Byron gently moved her hand aside, lying back on his side of the bed. "Stay over there. Or go back to your room and sleep." "Oh." Maeve scooted away, feeling rejected.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    The room fell silent, with only the soft glow of moonlight streaming in, barely illuminating the figures on each side of the bed.


    After a while, Byron sat up suddenly. Though he couldn''t see, he still knew exactly where Maeve was, for he''d memorized her scent.


    "Shouldn''t you be taking your medicine by now?" Byron asked.


    Maeve, lost in thought, took a moment to realize what he''d said. She had mentioned taking her medicine earlier but hadpletely forgotten. "Right. I''ll go take it and be back!"


    With that, Maeve turned her wheelchair and rushed out like she was on a mission.


    Meanwhile, Byron picked up his phone from the table. When Maeve returned, she discovered the door to Byron''s room was locked.


    Maeve thought in disbelief, ''Is he serious? Who does that?''


    Gazing at the closed door, Maeve felt a little let down. It wasn''t just her imagination. He really was pushing her away, but also indulging her at times. She didn''t understand what was going on Back in her room, Maeve was greeted by her two little ones, already snuggled under the nket with space for her in the middle. "Mommy,e on! We warmed it up for you."


    Maeve''s heart lightened as she got out of the wheelchair andy down between her kids, holding one in each arm.


    "Mom, you went to see Dad just now, right? Is he doing okay?" Will asked, his voice soft. "Dad doesn''t want to get me sick so he won''t let me see him."


    1 22.


    Maeve thought of Byron''s bandaged eyes and felt a twinge in her heart, knowing Byron didn''t want Will to see him like that and worry.


    Theo furrowed his brow, thoughtful. Jaylen refused to tell Theo anything about Byron''s recovery so Theo figured it must be serious because Jaylen used to tell Theo everything.


    Sensing her kids'' concern, Maeve patted their heads reassuringly. She said, "The doctor said he just needs time to heal."


    Will and Theo exchanged a nce. They were both aware of Byron testing medicine for Maeve, so they didn''t believe Maeve saying Byron would get better.


    But they knew their father was trying to hide it from their mom, so she wouldn''t worry. They, too, would keep up pretense, not wanting her to feel guilty or sad. They wanted to protect her.


    the


    Maeve had no idea of her children''s thoughts. Thinking about Byron and their recent exchange, she finally drifted off to sleep.


    The next morning, the kids were already off to kindergarten. After breakfast and her medication, Maeve did her usualps around the ward to regain strength in her legs. Even after thirty minutes, her knees were weak, her movements still strained from the viral infection''s impact on her joints.


    Finished with her exercises, Maeve wheeled herself towards Byron''s room. A nurse, seeing her struggle, kindly informed her that the wheelchair was automatic and didn''t need manual turning.


    Having never used a wheelchair before, Maeve was shocked. Remembering how she''d been struggling all day yesterday, Maeye felt a little foolish. Outside Byron''s ward, however, bodyguards stopped her.


    "The doctor is changing Mr. McDaniel''s dressing. No one is allowed in," they informed her.


    Maeve felt a pang of relief. ''At least he''de up with a reasonable excuse this time, Maeve thought.


    But her relief was short-lived.


    Just then, Serena strolled up, looking right past her as she addressed the bodyguards. "Please let Mr. McDaniel know I''m here."


    The bodyguards nodded and soon returned. "Mr. McDaniel will see you, they said, motioning for Serena to enter. Maeve asked, "Didn''t you say no one was allowed in?*


    The guard''s face remained neutral. "These are Mr. McDaniel''s instructions."


    Serena turned, feigning surprise at seeing Maeve. "Oh, Ms. Reese, you''re here too? What happened to your leg? Are you okay?"


    For Will, Maeve forced a polite nod. "Nothing serious. Just a minor injury. What brings you here?"


    "Oh, I have private business with Mr. McDaniel. Sorry, can''t share! Serena replied with a touch of pride. "Would you like to join me?"


    "No thanks, I still need to take my medicine," Maeve replied, seething. The ban on visitors was meant only for her. Frustrated, Maeve returned to her ward, angrily turning circles in her wheelchair until she was almost dizzy.

 Chapter 371

    In the neighboring ward, the doctor had just finished changing Byron''s eye dressing, wrapping gauze to protect his eyes from light when Serena entered.


    A ck room divider stood beside the bed, separating the space and blocking Serena''s view. She smiled and asked, "Mr. McDaniel, may I see you? I was so worried when I heard you were in the hospital."


    "Thank you for your concern," Byron''s cold, deep voice replied from behind the divider. "But you didn''t have toe. I could''ve had my bodyguards pick it up."


    "That was my initial thought," Serena replied gently, "but my father put a lot of effort into these medicinal herbs. Since they''re so important, I felt it necessary to bring them myself." Her tone was soft, almost affectionate. Unaware, Byron instructed Archer beside him, who walked out from behind the divider, took the box from Serena, and handed her a card.


    "Ms. Malvis, this is the payment Mr. McDaniel arranged for your herbs. It''s loaded with ten million dors, and the password is six zeros."


    Serena was surprised by his generosity. For any other woman, especially someone like Maeve, who hadn''t seen such wealth, this would have been overwhelming. But Serena, the eldest daughter of the wealthy and renowned Malvis family, kept herposure.


    She declined the card, looking at Byron with a hint of reproach. Mr. McDaniel, why be so formal with me? If it weren''t for you, my father would have forced me into an unwanted marriage. I''m forever grateful to you. These herbs are a gift, no charge." Byron remained unmoved, seemingly missing any suggestion in her tone. "I don''t ept gifts, Ms. Malvis. I''ll pay for the herbs."


    Previously, for the rare posa root, Byron had owed Serena a small favor to help save Maeve. But as long as he could solve something with money, he preferred that over owing any personal debt. That was just his way.


    Serena''s heart fluttered. ''He is truly oblivious. Is he always this distant, even with Maeve?'' Serena thought.


    Serena decided she''d take what she could get. She had patience.


    After a pause, Serena epted the card. "Thank you, Mr. McDaniel. If you need any more medicinal herbs in the future, just let me know."


    This way, she could stay connected.


    There was a pause from behind the divider, then a soft, low chuckle.


    Serena''s heart skipped, blushing. ''Mr. McDanielughed! Is he touched by my words?'' Serena wondered.


    But Byron''s voice soon turned serious again. "Archer, please arrange for a driver to take Ms. Malvis back."


    "Yes, Mr. McDaniel."


    Serena, captivated by hisugh, barely noticed the shift in his tone. Following Archer out, she felt a swell of mixed emotions.


    Behind the divider, Byron was listening to voice messages through a Bluetooth earpiece, his expression softening with amusement at Maeve''s angry voice. Maeve shouted, "Byron, are you seriously ignoring me? You''re letting other people in, but I can''te near your ward? If this isn''t targeting me, what is?


    "Open the door if you dare! I know you''re in there! Don''t pretend to be silent.


    3


    "It''s only because my legs aren''t up to full strength yet. Once I''m recovered, I''lle kick the door open myself, believe me!"


    Her voice painted an image of her fuming on the other side, cheeks puffed like the blue stuffed toy she''d given to Will. Byron stifled a smile, imagining how adorable she looked. 90%N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Clicking on the next message, the Bluetooth earpiece beeped, signaling low battery, and then the message yed over the phone''s speaker.


    Maeve said, "I barely tapped youst night, and now you''re holding a grudge? Fine, I''ll be gentler next time! Don''t be such a baby!"


    Archer, just returning, and the doctor, about to leave, were both stunned when they heard the message.


    Both quickly exited to avoid overhearing more, though they couldn''t resist slowing their steps to catch bits of the conversation.


    Fortunately, Byron couldn''t see them now, or they''d be in trouble.


    Byron pursed his lips, a blush creeping up to the tips of his ears. He wasn''t one to hold grudges, especially over such small matters. She almost hurt himst night, but he''d let it go.


    He was about to open the next message when he noticed the hesitant steps of Archer and the doctor. Frowning, he called out, "Out. Close the door."


    "Yes, Mr. McDaniel!" They scrambled out.


    Maeve''s next message sounded even more forlorn. "If you hate me that much, I''ll just transfer to another hospital. I won''t stay here to annoy you."


    Byron''s expression hardened. ''Transfer? This hospital is the best in Kleymond, and the doctors know her condition intimately. They''d designed her treatments carefully, and only here would she receive the best care. "The person responsible for her infection is still unknown, and she could be targeted again, Byron thought.


    "I won''t allow it," Byron replied firmly. "Stay here and focus on your recovery. Don''t waste time on nonsense." Maeve didn''t respond.


    After Maeve didn''t respond after a while, Byron realized she must already be packing. And no one could stop her.


    Byron''s expression darkened. Ignoring the pang in his chest, he carefully navigated out from behind the divider. His loss of sight made every step slow and cautious.


    Byron had never felt so helpless.


    After fumbling his way to the door, he finally managed to open it. At that moment, a small, soft hand grabbed his wrist.

 Chapter 372

    "Byron, you don''t really mean what you say," Maeve said in a huff.


    Byron instinctively tightened his hold on her hand, the familiar touch catching him off guard. A momentter, realizing his reaction, his expression darkened, and he tried to pull away, though gently, not wanting to hurt her. For a moment, they stood in tense silence.


    Maeve, however, seemed unfazed by Byron''s cold demeanor. The fact that he''d stepped out of his ward to see her after hearing her voice messages hinted that he didn''t truly want her gone. That was enough for her.


    No matter why he kept pushing her away, Maeve knew if she didn''t back down, he couldn''t force her out. She half-expected him to repeat his harsh words from the previous night, but instead, he turned silently and headed back to his room. Seeing him hesitantly navigate along the wall, she held back from offering help, simply following quietly in her wheelchair. She knew Byron would refuse her assistance. His pride would never allow it.


    Inside the ward, hepletely ignored her. No matter what she said, he acted as though she wasn''t there, even waiting for the staff to bring him water instead of taking it from her. It was as if he''d built a wall of ice around himself.


    "Yet if he truly didn''t care, why make such an effort to ignore me? Maeve thought. The thoughtforted her a little.


    Just then, Archer entered with a bag, nodding to Maeve before respectfully addressing Byron. "Mr. McDaniel, I have the items you requested."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Byron nodded indifferently. "Put them on the table."


    Archer carefully took out the items and ced them beside the bed. Maeve''s eyes drifted over and froze when she recognized a particr object, the portrait that Byron kept in his study, the one of his first love.


    ''He couldn''t even see right now, yet he wanted that portrait by his side?'' Maeve thought.


    Her heart sank, and her hands. trembled slightly as she gripped her water ss. It wasn''t that she didn''t understand he was likely doing this to push her away, but of all ways, he chose the one that hurt her most. He knew how much she resented that lingering attachment to his first love.


    Maeve could no longer convince herself that Byron cared for her. Perhaps, all along, he only tolerated her because she looked like that woman in the painting.


    Maeve paled, her cheeks burned with shame, and she quickly excused herself.


    After she left, Archer nced at Byron, concerned. "Mr. McDaniel, Ms, Reese seemed distressed when she left. It may have upset her."


    It took a while for Archer to find the painting that was discarded casually in storage, so Archer figured Byron didn''t care all that much for the so-called first love.


    Byron''s face remained calm, his fingertips tracing the edge of the gauze. "Good. Let her leave."


    He assumed Jaylen had already told her the full truth. Otherwise, why would she continue trying to care for him despite his coldness? She was kind but strong-willed, not the type to be passive. He didn''t need her pity.


    However, Byron''s assumption was wrong. Jaylen and Alexis had only shared the same limited information, and Maeve''s reaction wasn''t from guilt. Her heart ached for him more than she was angry.


    As someone who suffers from sensory deprivation, Maeve understood it could make someone irritable and emotionally vtile. She saw Byron''s treatment of her as a way to keep her from worrying, not as a personal rejection. But that portrait was a blow. She hadn''t caused his blindness, so she didn''t owe him anything. She didn''t need to put herself through this.


    Exhausted, Maeve copsed onto her pillow, too drained to even open her eyes.


    Just then, her phone rang. She ignored it at first, but the ringing persisted until she gave in, sitting up and answering. "Hello?"


    "Ms. Reese, the uniform has been modified. I''ll send you a photo to review," Paige''s cheerful voice sounded over the line. "Alright, send it over," Maeve replied.


    "How are you feeling? Any idea when you''ll be discharged?"


    Maeve calcted. "Maybe a week, two at the most."


    "Rest up! I''ll keep you updated on anything important," Paige said. "Oh, and there''s something strange I wanted to mention."


    "What is it?


    "While you were in the hospital, a suspicious man has been hanging around outside the studio, taking photos. We couldn''t chase him away since he never actually came inside. It wouldn''t look good in front of clients," Paige said. "Even stranger is that the man didn''t show up yesterday. A package with your name on it, however, was left at the door. We checked the cameras, and it looks like the man dropped it off," Paige said.


    "Can you describe him?" Maeve asked, now on alert.


    "He was wearing a mask and hat, so I couldn''t see his face well. He seemed middle-aged, maybe about 5''7" with a slight hunch. I passed him once, and he had a strong medicinal smell


    Maeve wracked her mind but couldn''t think of anyone who matched that description.


    "Please bring the package to the hospital. I''d like to check it myself," Maeve instructed.


    Paige, always eager to help, responded quickly. "Of course! I''ll be right over!"


    Half an hourter, Maeve received the package. She examined thebel, and her heart sank. The name of the sender was her dad.

 Chapter 373

    Maeve frowned, shaking the delivery box cautiously. It felt light, and even shaking it hard didn''t give any clues about what was inside. Hopefully, it wasn''t some prank like a dead rat. She''d had enough of those.


    Dreamscape was gaining poprity. Its recent coboration with Eternal Hope and the endorsement from a foreignbel, Trazir, had made it a target for enviouspetitors. Maeze had already received her share of malicious packages with cockroaches and rats. Since she couldn''t find a knife, Maeve tore open the box by hand. A few photos slipped out and scattered on the bed.


    Maeve picked them up, her brow furrowing in confusion. The photos were of a baby girl. ''Why would anyone send these to me?'' Maeve thought. Then, a wild thought crossed her mind. ''Could the baby be me?''


    She examined the pictures closely, but the faces of babies tended to look alike. And, as far as she knew, no one from the Reese family had ever taken photos of her as a child.


    What disturbed her more was the thought that the man lurking outside the studio might be her biological father.


    ''But how did he find me?'' Maeve thought. ''If he can track me down so easily, why now? Are my biological parents really internationally wanted jewel thieves?''


    Maeve rubbed her temples, realizing these were only guesses. Maybe the baby in the photo wasn''t her at all.


    Over the next few days, Paige delivered several more packages, all containing baby photos. In the final package, Maeve found a note with an address and a cryptic message saying "Only you cane."


    Maeve held the note, deep in thought. Whether or not the sender was her parent, she wasn''t naive enough to go alone to a ce she knew nothing about. ''Why should I trust them when he won''t reveal his real identity?'' Maeve thought.


    A knock on the door snapped Maeve out of her thoughts.


    "Come in," Maeve called.


    To her surprise, it was Archer. "Ms. Reese, I apologize for disturbing you," he began. "Will hase down with a fever since returning from school. The doctor prescribed medicine, but he''s refusing to take it."


    Maeve''s breath caught. "Is it the virus?''


    Archer quickly reassured her. "No, it''s just amon cold. The doctor confirmed it."


    Maeve exhaled in relief. She didn''t want Will and Theo to catch Xasia even if there was an antidote.


    "I''lle to take a look," Maeve said, stashing the package in the drawer and followed Archer out.


    In the ward next door, the tension was palpable. Will had cocooned himself in his nket, clearly unwilling toe out. Byron, though unable to see, had positioned himself near the bed with a cold expression. He''d pinpointed Will''s exact location by sound alone, yet Byron''s words had no effect.


    "William McDaniel,e out," Byron ordered firmly.


    Will remained silent, unmoved.


    "Are


    you


    refusing to listen to your


    father?"


    No response.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    "Come out and take


    your medicine."


    III


    <


    GT


    Still nothing.


    5


    Theo, noticing the standoff, chimed in softly, "Will, if you''re worried about the bitterness, I can turn the medicine into a pill. That way, it won''t taste so bad," For his brother, Theo would go the extra mile. Byron''s face remained indifferent. For Maeve''s sake, he tolerated Theo, but he kept his distance.


    "That won''t be necessary," Byron said calmly. Will needed to take his medicine, no coddling.


    Theo nced at Byron in confusion when he noticed something was off with Byron''s tone. ''Who could dislike a cute kid like me?'' Theo thought.


    Just then, Maeve entered. She''d left the wheelchair behind but still moved slowly. Ignoring Byron, she took Theo''s hand, walked to the other side of the bed, and gently patted the bundle under the nket. "Will,e on out. You''re going to smother yourself."


    Byron pursed his lips, fists clenched at her soothing tone. Gradually, Will poked his head out, his cheeks flushed and forehead slightly sweaty. With big, misty eyes, he looked up at Maeve and mumbled, "Mommy, I don''t want to take the medicine." Maeve''s heart softened, seeing her usually stoic son looking so small and vulnerable. She almost wanted to agree, but she knew Will needed to drink the medicine.


    Maeve pulled Will into her arms and took the medicine bowl from Theo. "How about I feed it to you, Will?"


    Will hesitated but then nodded. "Okay."


    Byron''s brow twitched, slightly annoyed. ''Rascal,'' Byron thought


    Theo piped up, "Next time, I''ll turn the medicine into a pill and cover it with date paste. It''ll be tasty and still work!"


    Will swallowed the bitter medicine and his eyes sparkled at Theo''s words "Really?" Will ased.


    "Of course! We''re brothers. For you, I''d do anything!"


    Maeve patted Theo''s butt eliciting a protest from Theo.


    "Hey!" Theo protested, rolling his eyes at her. "Why did you do that?


    Maeve just smiled. "You''re too cute not to!"


    Theo offered, "Then go ahead. Spank me all you want!" He turned, proudly presenting his back.


    Will nearly choked on his medicine, stifling augh. ''He''ll definitely need to work on his vocabry!'' Will thought. ''I''ll teach him once I''I well.


    Maeve chuckled, then brought the bowl back to Will''s lips. "Alright, buddy, open wide."


    ''Will winced at the bitter smell but opened his mouth.


    "Good job, Will! Now just hold it in your throat a bit, and it''ll make it feel better," Maeve said.

 Chapter 374

    Will blushed, realizing this was what it felt like to have a mother Will loved having a mother.


    Across the room, Maeve sat close with the children, creating a warm, loving scene. In contrast, Byron stood apart, forming an invisible divide between them.


    Even Archer, just an observer, noticed the stark separation and couldn''t help feeling that his boss looked isted. Despite Byron''sposed expression, the feeling lingered.


    That evening, Maeve worried that Will wasn''t eating much because he was sick, so she borrowed the hospital''s private kitchen to prepare some light, easy-to-digest dishes for him.


    She also made Theo''s favorites, ribeye steak and shrimp scampi. Since Maeve still hadn''t fully recovered, she ate the same simple food as Will. Before the hospital''s dinner arrived, Maeve gathered the children to eat.


    Maeve had always been a good cook, and even her light dishes looked delicious. Byron listened to Archer''s report, but the aroma drifting over distracted him. His brows furrowed, and he swallowed hard. Even Archer could sense the tension and hurried to wrap up.


    "Mommy, Daddy hasn''t eaten yet," Will whispered to Maeve. "His eyes are injured, and he''s still working so hard."


    Theo chimed in reluctantly, "I can share some dessert with him."


    Maeve took a bite of lettuce and shrugged. "The hospital will bring him dinner soon. You two just eat and don''t worry about


    him."


    They''d only eaten a bit earlier than Byron, so it wasn''t as though he''d starve. Plus, even if Maeve offered him food, he likely wouldn''t appreciate it.


    Byron seemed to catch Maeve''s words. His mouth pressed into a thin line, and frustration simmered within him. Finally, he turned to Archer. "You''re dismissed. Come back tomorrow."


    "Thank you, sir. Have a good night," Archer replied respectfully, quickly leaving the tension-filled room.


    The nurse came in shortly with Byron''s dinner. The VIP meal was fine but nd, especiallypared to Maeve''s home-cooked food. After a few bites, Byron set down his fork and reached for a ss of water. Then, a loud crash rang from the ss shattering.


    Maeve turned around and saw Byron still seated, his expression unreadable, though his posture hadn''t changed.


    Maeve looked away, unfazed. "Theo, could you ring the bell and ask for someone to clean this up?" Maeve asked as she cleaned up the table and left.


    "Okay!" Theo ran over, rang the bell, and exined the situation to the nurse.


    Afterward, Theo tiptoed around the ss shards and quietly reached for Byron''s wrist. If no one would tell him what was going on, he''d find out himself! He suspected his dad''s eye injury was more serious than they let on. Just as Theo touched Byron''s hand, Byron, thinking it was the nurse, reflexively brushed him off. Theo lost his bnce and


    stumbled backward, his hand grazing the shards.


    Pain shot through Theo''s palm, and he began to cry. "Ouch!"


    Theo! Are you okay?" Will asked urgently from the bed.


    Hearing Will''s voice, Byron''s frown deepened.


    ???? 68%*


    Maeve entered the room, saw Theo on the floor, and hurried over, scooping him up. "Where does it hurt? Let me see," Maeve said.


    A quick check revealed that Theo''s hand had a small cut with only a little bleeding, fortunately not too serious. Maeve sighed in relief, pulling out a first-aid kit to clean the wound.


    "Why''d you go near the ss?" she chided gently, dabbing his hand. "Good thing it''s just your hand. Imagine if it were your


    butt cheeks!"


    Theo pouted, ncing briefly at Byron, then buried his face against Maeve''s shoulder. ''Am I annoying?'' Theo thought.


    Will hadn''t seen what happened, so he assumed Theo had just fallen.


    Byron, meanwhile, finally rxed. But then he said, in a cool tone, "Stay back from me next time."


    Theo sulked, not even ncing up.


    Maeve looked at Byron, about to respond, but held back when she saw the gauze over his eyes. He couldn''t see right now. He probably hadn''t brushed Theo away on purpose. Still, his temperament was even more unpredictable after his illness, so it was better f?r Theo to keep his distance.


    "I''ll bring them to my ward. We won''t disturb your rest," Maeve said, putting the first-aid kit back in ce and gathering the kids to leave.


    "No," Byron replied instantly, surprising even himself.


    Maeve frowned. "You can''t care for Will in this condition. Why not let him stay with me?"


    "No reason," Byron said coldly. "Take Theo. Will stays here."


    Feeling hurt, Theo averted his gaze, thinking, ''So he doesn''t even like a cute kid like me? I don''t like stinky daddy anymore!''


    "If I insist on taking Will with me, would you really stop me?" Maeve asked, annoyed. "Isn''t that a bit much?"


    "Try, and see if my bodyguards agree," Byron replied.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ''Shameless,'' Maeve thought. She forced herself to stay calm. "Then I''ll stay here to take care of Will. Any objections?" Maeve didn''t feelfortable leaving Will behind, even with a nurse around.


    Byron shrugged dismissively. "Suit yourself."


    Theo, annoyed, muttered, "What a tricky guy."


    Maeve noticed Theo''s grumble but brushed it off. She put him on the bed and headed out to get an extra nket for the night.


    Since Will had a fever and couldn''t bathe, she helped Theo get washed up first. Theo was giggling and ying with bubbles until Maeve stopped him. Willy on his bed, ncing between the clean carpet and his dad''s distant face.


    "Dad, when will your eyes heal?"


    "Soon, Byron replied casually. "Why?"


    "Well, since you were willing to risk your life for Mommy, why are you so distant from her now that she''s better?" Will asked,


    BBQ


    genuinely puzzled. "Is there something deeper I''m missing?"


    D


    Byron''s lips quirked slightly. ''Seeing through me, are you? Think you''re a little philosopher, do you?'' Byron thought.

 Chapter 375

    09:05 FTI,


    "Since you don''t understand, you''ll need to figure it out on your own. If I break everything down and hand it to you, whose life are you really living, yours Will''s flushed face


    "e?" Byron asked.


    ed nk, then shifted to shock and shame. "I''m sorry, Dad."


    Will felt embarrassed to need such a basic reminder from his father. He failed his dad, his mom, and the sacred scriptures. Then it struck Will.


    Will sighed. "Dad, are you avoiding the question on purpose?"


    Byron didn''t flinch. "Would I do that?"


    Will thought for a moment. "I get it. Dad, you''re worried that Mom would feel sad if she knew the truth. That''s why you''re keeping it quiet." "Doesn''t she already know?"


    "Of course not" Will replied, frowning. "If she did, why would she tell us not to talk about the car ident in front of you? She''s afraid-it''ll make you upset."


    Byron''s expression wavered slightly. "You didn''t tell her?"


    "Dad, you said she''d definitely cry if she knew, so of course we didn''t tell her," Will said.


    Byron sat silently, his face unreadable, but his clenched fingers showed his unease. So, Maeve didn''t know the truth about his blindness. He''d misread her intentions. Her care for him wasn''t out of pity or guilt. It had to be something else. Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Maeve''s amused voice drifted into the room.


    "Alright, Theo. If you wash any longer, you''ll turn into SpongeBob SquarePants. Out you go."


    She guided the freshly scrubbed Theo out, helping him with his nightcap.


    Theo squirmed and protested, "Promise you''ll help me wash up again tomorrow!"


    "Fine. I promise. Now hurry to bed, or Will won''t wait for you."


    Theo darted to Will''s bed, climbed up, and threw himself on his brother. "Smell me! I smell amazing!"


    Will, squished under his brother, groaned. "Yes, you smell amazing and heavy! Now, can you get off me?"


    Hearing the two ying around, Byron''s lips curved slightly. ''Maybe having a little brother wasn''t a bad thing for Will, Byron thought.


    Will nced over at the table. "Mom, your phone''s ringing. It says Bonnie is calling."


    "She''s my godmother," Theo piped up proudly. "You haven''t met her, Will. She''s great. She bought me so many treats!"


    Thest part it the important part,'' Will mused.


    Maeve took the phone, patting Will''s head. "Just a bit warm. No fever." Then, she picked up the call.


    "Maeve! You won''t believe this. Something amazing''s happening" Bonnie''s lively voice burst through the phone. "What''s going on?" Maeve asked, stepping into the bathroom for some quiet.


    BB.


    "My rtives are so tired of pushing me to get married, they''re Hosting a banquet tomorrow with all the singles in the circle. Everyone there will be family-approved and gorgeous!" Bonnie practically squealed. "Isn''t this a prime matchmaking event? So many handsome guys!"


    Maeveughed. "Sounds like a blind date to me."


    Hearing "blind date," both kids and Byron looked over sharply.


    ''Mommy is going on a blind date?'' the kids thought.


    Byron''s brow furrowed as irritation began radiating from him. He stood, feeling his way to the bathroom, where Maeve was still listening to Bonnie''s ns.


    "I already know what I''ll wear tomorrow!" Bonnie said with excitement. "This time, I''m going after the most handsome guy there."


    It was hard to believe that the girl speaking so boldly was an introvert not many years ago.


    Maeve hesitated. "Bonnie, I''m not sure I can make it."


    "You have Mr. McDaniel. Of course I won''t set you up with anyone. I just want you as my wingwoman. Please, I need you there with me!" Bonnie pleaded.


    "It''s not because of Byron. I was actually sick recently, and hospitalized for a bit because of a rare variant. I''m just getting better," Maeve said.


    There was silence for a few seconds, then Bonnie''s voice cracked with emotion.


    Bonnie eximed, "Maeve! How could you not tell me you were in the hospital? And here I was, talking about blind dates!"


    Maeveughed gently. "I didn''t want to worry you. I nned to tell you after I was discharged."


    She stopped, reflecting. She hadn''t told Bonnie to avoid making her worry.


    ''Maybe Byron is keeping things from me for the same reason, Maeve thought. Maeve sneered at her naive self in the mirror. ''But if that''s true, then why did push me away so forcefully?''


    "I don''t care!" Bonnie protested. "Next time, tell me right away. I''ming to visit tomorrow, and I''m bringing a rose my gardener cultivated just for you."


    Maeve''s heart warmed. She was grateful to have such a caring friend.


    "Actually, I''ll be discharged in a few days. We can celebrate then, whether it''s a blind date or a night out," Maeve said.


    "You said it! I''m holding you to it!"


    "Deal."N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Maeve smiled, but her phone had barely disconnected when there was a knock on the bathroom door. She opened it and was met with Byron''s towering frame, blocking the way. Startled, she said, "Excuse me. I was just about to leave."


    Byron stepped aside silently.


    As Maeve passed through, Byron grabbed her arm and bent close, his imposing presence filling the small space despite the gauze over his eyes.


    "So, you''re going on a blind date?" Byron''s deep voice was unreadable, masking any trace of emotion.


    0

 Chapter 376

    The two little ones sat on the bed, staring at the bathroom door, then exchanged nces.


    "Why did Dad pull Mommy in there? Is he nning to bully her?" Theo frowned, sounding annoyed.


    Will sighed, feeling the fever patch on his forehead realizing their dad already fell from Theo''s regard. "Maybe he has something private to say to her.


    "But Mommy''s been ignoring him all week," Theo pouted. "Do you think they''ll fight?"


    "Let''s wait and see. If they start arguing, we''ll knock on the door and interrupt them," Will answered.


    "Alright."


    They sighed, feeling the weight of adult troubles, even as kids.


    Meanwhile, in the bathroom, things weren''t quite as the boys expected.


    When Maeve was pulled inside, her shoulder brushed the wall switch, and the room plunged into darkness. She leaned back against the wall, barely able to make out Byron''s outline as he stood close, head slightly bowed. His expression was unreadable. Maeve tried to slip past him, but Byron''s hand darted out, sensing her movement in the dark. He caught her around the waist, pinning her gently against the wall.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Byron''s deep voice was like a soft, steady drumbeat close to her ear, making her shiver.


    Maeve tensed, wanting to push him away, but instead, she folded her arms and gave him a frosty look, remaining silent.


    "You didn''t answer my question," Byron prompted.


    Maeve ignored him, refusing to respond.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Byron''s frown deepened.


    Maeve shut her eyes, treating him like thin air. She wanted him to know what it felt like to be ignored, just as he had done to her.


    Picking up on her defiance, Byron''s lips curved faintly. He let his fingers brush through her hair, and as his touch traced down, he noticed her eyes were still closed, hershes trembling at his fingertips.


    When he gently pressed a fingertip against her lips, his voice softened. Are we really going to keep this up? Maeve, just talk


    to me."


    Maeve felt a pang in her chest but refused to budge.


    "So, you''re not going to say anything?" Byron''s voice dropped as he leaned down, pressing a featherlight kiss to the corner of


    her eye.


    Maeve clenched her fists, resisting the urge to open her eyes, staying perfectly still.


    Byron continued, his touch trailing down her cheek, his fingers brushing her lips andying a kiss there. "If you don''t say anything, I''ll assume you want me to keep going."


    Maeve''s lips tingled under his touch, and even with her eyes closed, she could feel his closeness, his breath cool and minty against her skin. In the darkness, every sensation seemed amplified, even the faint drip from the sink,


    This made Maeve''s heart race but she remained silent, determined not to give in.


    Byron''s finger slipped from her lips, and his mouth pressed gently against hers.


    Maeve''s mind went nk for a moment. She couldn''t believe he dared to kiss her after what he did.


    00 4 3 74%


    She wanted to push him away but resisted, knowing he''d see it as a reaction to get what he wanted. She wanted him to realize she wouldn''t be so easily swayed or controlled by his whis.


    Maeve wondered if her easygoing nature in the past had given him the impression that she was overly casual. As this thought crossed her mind, the flutter in her heart faded, reced by a quiet calm.


    After the kiss, Mr. McDaniel, who had always meticulously weighed the pros and cons of maintaining control, felt for the first time that things were slipping beyond his grasp. It felt like racing downhill without the reins, and Maeve was the broken reins.


    Byron released her, his fingers loosening from her wrist. He drew back, saying softly, "I''m sorry. I lost control."


    Maeve opened her eyes, processing his words. ''Is he trying to exin why he kissed me? But I don''t want an exnation,'' Maeve thought.


    She didn''t respond, reaching for the doorknob and stepping out of the bathroom.


    The boys were mid-knock when she emerged, and they quickly scrambled back into bed, pretending they hadn''t been eavesdropping. But their parents'' expression, and the way they came out of the bathroom, didn''t go unnoticed, making them wonder if those two got into a fight.


    Theo quietly tugged Will''s arm, gesturing him to think of a n


    Will looked at him, as if to say, "Why is it always up to me?"


    Theo gave Will a look that seemed to say, "Because you''re my big brother!"


    "But you''ve never called me that."


    "I will call you when the time is right."


    Will sighed, then, in a small voice, said, "Mom, I still don''t feel so great. I''m coughing again."


    Maeve immediately went to him, feeling it was still warm but they''d already used up their cooling patches.


    "Do you want me to call for a doctor?" Maeve asked.


    Will denied, "Mom, maybe you and Theo should stay a bit farther from me so I don''t get you sick."N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Theo quickly caught on, scooting to the far edge of the bed. "I''ll sleep over here, then."


    Maeve paused, realizing they''d made it so she didn''t have anywhere to sleep.


    "Mom, you should probably share a bed with Dad tonight," Will added, ncing meaningfully at her. "You''ve just recovered, and I don''t want you catching anything from me."


    Byron lifted an eyebrow, turning toward Will with mild surprise!


    Theo, meanwhile, patted his tummy with satisfaction, thinking. This is myst act of generosity towards Stinky Daddy!''


    Maeve realized Will was doing this to ease her strained rtionship with Byron, but thest thing she wanted tonight was to share a bed with him.

 Chapter 377

    She couldn''t bear to be so intimate with a man who still held someone else in his heart.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Maeve nced around the room and let her gaze settle on the sleek, modern sofa, a perk of a private room. It had a setting as luxurious as a five-star hotel.


    "No need, I can manage," she began, ready to refuse Will''s suggestion, when Byron''s quiet voice interrupted from behind.


    "You take the bed. I''ll sleep on the couch," Byron said.


    Startled, Maeve turned to see him already heading toward the couch, moving with calm determination. She opened her mouth to protest, but Byron added, "Bring me a nket." Despite her reluctance, Maeve couldn''t help but reply, "I''ll take the couch. You''re the patient. You should have the bed." She felt awkward taking a bed from someone recovering.


    But Byron was already lying on the couch, his voice steady. "I don''t shift around in my sleep. It doesn''t matter where."


    "Are you saying I do?" Maeve snapped.


    "I never said that," Byron replied.


    Fuming, Maeve stepped over and kicked the edge of the couch. "For your information, I''m a very peaceful sleeper! Now, get up! I''ll sleep on the couch."


    Byron didn''t budge, loungingfortably with one arm behind his head, exuding azy confidence. "I told you to take the bed. What''s there to argue about?"


    Maeve grumbled to herself but finally tossed the nket on him, letting it fall over his head. If he wanted to sleep there, then so be it.


    The two young boys watched in silence. Will leaned toward Theo, whispering, "Are Mom and Dad fighting?"


    Theo tilted his head thoughtfully. "No, they''re just ying around."


    Later that night, Maeve woke several times to check on Will''s temperature. When she felt him burning up again, she called in the night shift doctor, and after a restless stretch, Will''s fever eventually subsided.


    Maeve adjusted his nket, then lifted Theo and carried him to bed. She hesitated, casting a nce at Byron sleeping on the sofa. Despite its size, it could hardly rece thefort of a bed, especially for someone as tall as Byron, who was over six feet three. Though Maeve thought Byron deserved the difort, she still quietly approached intent on pulling his nket up over his chest. But as she reached out, Byron''s hand shot up, grabbing her wrist.


    Maeve froze, startled, looking down at him. He didn''t seem awake, reacting only on reflex.


    Maeve Reese nced at his hand gripping hers tightly and suddenly felt a surge of difort.


    Unable to see, he was more guarded than ever. Even in sleep, his nerves stayed tense. That might have been why he warned Theo not to approach him casually again.


    Maeve waited for Byron to rx his grip before gently adjusting the nket. Just as she turned to leave, her curiosity won out. She leaned in, wondering what''s wrong with his eye injury, which was still covered in gauze after all this time.


    Feeling bold since Byron was asleep, Maeve reached to peel back a corner of it. But Byron''s hand caught hers again.


    20.09 Sat, Nov 16


    "What are you doing?" Byron''s voice was low and gravelly, with a hint of irritation at being disturbed.


    Maeve stammered, flustered. "J-just checking if you''re still breathing!" She blurted out, embarrassed.


    Byron frowned, then calmly pulled her close, his other hand pressing gently on her back. "Do you want to see my eyes?" Byron asked. This made Maeve panic and try to get away from Byron. Byron didn''t seem fazed as he said, "If you want to see my eyes, all you have to do is kiss me."


    "P-pervert!" Maeve muttered, wrenching free. "Forget it!"


    Letting go of her, Byron added, "Come to me if you change your mind."


    Maeve ignored Byron and hurried back to her bed, wrapping herself tightly in her nket.


    She must be crazy for caring about him. He seemed perfectly fine. she didn''t need to worry. Maeve snuggled Theo, who had joined her in bed, offering reassurances to herself.


    Unnoticed, from his spot on the sofa, Byron''s faint smile faded until hey expressionless, his fingers brushing the edge of the gauze covering his eyes. He knew he wouldn''t be able to keep this secret for much longer.


    Will''s illness persisted even after Maeve was discharged. His recovery was slow, made worse by a weak constitution andplications from his birth.


    During the day, Maeve focused on the studio, preparing for a new product exhibition with Trazir. As soon as her work was done, she''d rush back to the hospital. Thankfully, Theo''s help in caring for his brother lightened her load. Though Byron had been ill even longer than Will, Byron''s own recovery seemed to stall, his eyes still concealed by bandages.


    ''Can he really get better?'' Maeve thought.


    Maeve''s worry grew, though she kept her doubts to herself. She''d even tried asking Will about Byron''s condition, but he remained in the dark as well.


    On this particr visit, she found Byron away from the ward for an exam and would return in half an hour. Theo noticed proposal sticking out of Maeve''s bag and asked, "Mommy, are you going to Greenhaven soon? I heard they have the best cheesecakes there!" Clearly, he was hoping she''d bring some back.


    "You got me." Maeve handed Will his medicine. He no longer needed to be spoon-fed and was managing well. Maeve said softly, "I''m not sure if I''m going for the partnership exhibit."


    Sensing her hesitation, Will chimed in gently, "Mom, you don''t have to worry about me. Theo and the doctors are taking great care of me. I''m nearly better. Dad just wants me to stay for observation to avoid a rpse." Maeve felt reassured.


    "That''s right, Mommy! I''ll keep a close eye on Will. There''s nothing to worry about!" Theo promised, puffing his chest with pride.


    Maeve yfully tapped his forehead. "Or are you just trying to get me to bring back some cheesecakes, hm? Keep that up, and you''ll start ruining your teeth."


    Theo grinned, showing his teeth. "I''m not worried. I''m still young! I''ve got more teething in."


    Maeve shook her head, amused. He was truly obsessed with food.


    F.


    "Fine," she finally relented. "If you two can take care of yourselves, I''ll go for a few days and be back before you know it."

 Chapter 378

    Upon hearing this, Will took out a box from the drawer next to him and handed it to Maeve, "Here, Mom, take this."


    "What''s this?" Maeve asked. Curious, she opened the box and saw the tanzanite bracelet she had given Will. "Oh, you''ve already reworked it?" she added.


    Will nodded and exined each feature to her, "I''ve hidden the sleeping powder Theo made behind each gemstone. Press here if you''re in danger, and the powder will scatter. Also, there are about a dozen needles hidden here, already tipped with poison. Press here, and they''ll pop out, perfect for close-range use."


    He continued, "I also hid a locator and sensor inside the pendant. It can monitor your heart rate and other conditions and send updates to my phone."


    Maeve was amazed. There was no way to tell just by looking that the bracelet was packed with so many hidden features. She could not help but wonder if Will might be a genius.


    "And don''t forget about the antidote I made!" Theo eximed, not wanting to be left out. He wedged his little head between Maeve and Will. He continued, "If you identally get exposed to the powder, the antidote in thergest gemstone."


    With a serious expression, Will said, "I''ll monitor the sensor updates constantly and call you to check on your safety."


    Theo also added, "Make sure to call us regrly, or we''ll worry about you."


    Maeve Reese was moved to tears. Will and Theo were incredibly thoughtful.


    It was strange. Maeve could not shake the feeling that she was like a little kid about to go on a big trip. Will and Theo were like two anxious parents fussing over her safety when she was supposed to be their mother. But Maeve decided to just roll with it and rx. With a little hop off the bed, Theo said, "Mommy, let me help with packing your things."


    Whenever Maeve had to go on a business trip, Theo would always help her pack.


    That was until Maeve found a mini hand cannon tucked at the bottom of her suitcase, along with a note reminding her to stay safe and to use it if things got rough.


    If she had not thought her suitcase felt too heavy and decided to check it in the airport restroom, she might have been detained by security on the spot and Theo would have lost her at just two years old.


    Feeling the weight of Theo''s love, Maeve hugged Theo close and said, "No, it''s alright. I''ve got this."


    Theo pouted, "Mommy, you''ve changed. You used to let me help you pack. Do you not love me anymore?"


    Maeve could never resist his adorable sulking, so she released her grip and replied, "Fine, when we get home, I''ll let you pack everything, alright?"


    If Theo packed anything dangerous again, she could always sneak it out when he was not paying attention.


    Theo finally looked satisfied and happily trotted off to get Maeve a ss of water.


    Noticing the bittersweet look on Maeve''s face, Will quietly asked "Is Theo not very good at packing?"


    "He does a good job," Maeve said, her voice catching, "It''s just every time, he slips some small weapons in my suitcase that can''t make it through security, so I''m always on edge at security. There was no doubt that her little troublemaker Theo was always showing his love in a way that was almost too heavy to


    bear.


    Sal,


    Will was silent for a few seconds. "Are you talking about the ck-and-gold mini cannon with the scope that''s about the length of an arm?" he asked.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Theo showed you?" Maeve rified.


    "Theo sleeps with it under his pillow every night. He says it gives him a sense of security," Will answered as he knitted his brows in a puzzled frown. He had assumed it was just a toy. Now that Will knew it was a real weapon, his sense of security disappeared instantly.


    Maeve was left speechless. She thought, ''How did Loren let Theo astray? I will confiscate all these weapons when I get back!'' Maeve had been in the hospital ward for over an hour, but there was still no sign of Byron. Theo was nowhere to be found either.


    On the other side, the elevator stopped at the top floor. The doctor helped Byron, who had just finished his eye exam, step


    out.


    Byron gestured that he did not need support. With one hand feeling the railing along the hallway, he walked forward at a calm, steady pace.


    "When will the test results be ready? What are the chances of a full recovery?" Byron asked in a low voice.


    The doctor responded respectfully, "By tomorrow morning at thetest, Mr. Mcdaniel. As you know, your eye injury is quiteplex. The test drug still has significant side effects. And your case is the first one like this we''ve seen at our hospital. The treatment will be very challenging."


    Byron''s expression was icy. He said, "I''ve heard that same nonsense at least twenty times. Say something new."


    "Yes, sir. Our conservative estimate is that there''s less than a 30% chance of recovery for your eye. But if Dr. Chatterly is willing to assist, we could raise that to at least 60%," the doctor replied.


    "What, is Jaylen Chatterly the only miracle doctor left in the world?" Byron remarked.


    The doctor said, "No, it''s just that he''s the most suitable."


    ''He is the most suitable? He could hardly take care of himself these days. Byron thought.


    Even the world-ss medical team Byron sent over had no solution for Jaylen''s condition. The most they could do was buy him another year, maybe a little more. Byron was doing it to help Maeve repay Jaylen''s favor.


    A sudden movement caught Byron''s attention. He paused and turned to a certain spot ahead. He said sharply, "Who''s there?"


    The doctors and nurses apanying Byron looked over as well. What greeted them was a little furry head poking out from behind a potted nt, with a face smeared entirely in ck.


    "It''s me," Theo said in a muffled voice.


    Byron did not expect it to be Theo. He frowned slightly and asked, "Did you catch everything we just said?"


    "Yes," Theo admitted and nced at Byron from time to time.


    Byron tightened his grip on the railing and took slow steps forward until he was right in front of Theo. Though he could not see, he still managed to pinpoint Theo''s exact position.


    Bryon did not bend down and was towering over Theo. He instructed, "You''re not to mention anything we talked about to anyone, got it?"


    Theo remained silent. He had a hunch that his Stinky Daddy''s eye injury was serious, but he had not expected the chances


    5).


    of recovery to be so low


    #


    Theo pondered, ''If Jaylen could help, things might be different. But he might not have the capacity to help now.''


    With no answer from Theo, Byron''s lips tightened slightly. "You wouldn''t want Maeve to be hurt, right?"


    It was almost a threat. Theo found himself in a dilemma.


    Byron continued, "Alright then, this is our secret."


    Theo tilted his little head, looking at Byron. He said, "Sure, this might make my sister upset, but how do you know that when she finds out the truthter, she won''t feel even worse? Is what you''re doing really what she would want?" Theo was still too young to understand theplexities behind all this. He just knew Maeve well enough to feel she would not like being kept in the dark.


    Byron paused at Theo''s words. Recalling everything that happened in the bathroomst night, he started to doubt whether what he was doing was right.

 Chapter 379

    Knowing Maeve, Byron was not sure if he should really keep everything from her. But it was just a fleeting thought and did not sway Byron at all.


    "If that''s what you believe, then why are you still helping me keep it from her?" Byron questioned.


    Caught off guard, Theo mumbled softly, "I have my reasons, I don''t want to see my sister upset.


    "Then why are you telling me this?" Byron said, amused.


    "It''s different for us!" Theo huffed, turning his head away.


    Before Byron could ask what he meant. Theo turned away with pout. With his hands sped behind his back. Theo walked


    off.


    Byron could not help butugh at this sight.


    To Maeve''s relief, this time Theo had finally packed her suitcase without slipping in any of his odd little weapons. He probably realized that things are different at home and in Erancia.


    After arriving in Greenhaven, Maeve, Jaylen, and Daryl checked into the hotel that Trazir had arranged for them. Maeve was here for work. As soon as she put down her luggage, she had to make her way to the exhibition venue. To Maeve''s surprise, Jaylen offered to be her temporary assistant and go with her.


    Hearing this, Maeve hesitated, and asked, "Are you sure? Is your body up for it?"


    Jaylen tugged at his sweater cor and said, "You''ve seen it yourself. I''m doing great now, not coughing up blood anymore. Actually, I have to thank Byron for this."


    "Byron'' What''s he got to do with it? Maeve asked.


    "He arranged for a world-ss medical team to treat me. Thanks to him, I''ve been doing welltely, and the disease has been kept in check." Jaylen replied. But his mood grew more conflicted as he spoke.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    After the antidote was created, Jaylen felt as if his life was slipping away bit by bit. He even copsed in theb. When he eventually woke up, he found himself surrounded by a sea of doctors


    When Jaylen learned that the doctors were sent by Byron and had saved his life, he had no idea how to feel.


    Byron''s intention was simply to repay the favor Maeve owed him on her behalf. Because of that, Jaylen not only did not feel grateful but instead felt a heavy sense of frustration.


    Bryon was Maeve''s fianc¨¦, even if it was only in name. Besides repaying a favor, it was also a subtle way of asserting his im over Maeve.


    They were both men. Bryon''s intentions were as clear as water to Jaylen.


    Maeve did not know that Bryon had intervened. Her eyes widened in shock as she listened to Jaylen speak.


    Seeing her reaction, Jaylen asked, "You weren''t aware of this?"


    "I didn''t know about this, Maeve murmured. Byron did not bring it up to her at all.


    NOV


    Jaylen chuckled and said half-jokingly, "I probably shouldn''t have told you. Here I am boosting my rival''s image, what a loss for me."


    Maeve could not bring herself to even smile at Jaylen''s joke..


    The tension between Byron and Jaylen was because of Maeve. Now that Byront put aside their differences to help treat Jaylen''s illness, there was no doubt it was also because of her.


    Compromise was not a difficult thing, but for Byron, it was almost unthinkable, Yet he still decided to help Jaylen, without even letting Maeve know. It was clear that Byron did not expect anything from her in return.


    It did not seem like Maeve had anything to offer that would be worth Byron''s effort anyway.


    Even when Byron treated Maeve so genuinely, she kept it from Him that she was traveling to Greenhaven. At the thought of this, a pang of guilt crept over her.


    Meanwhile, at First Hospital, Byron casually brought it up to Will over lunch to ask why Maeve had not visited even though it was the weekend.


    "Dad, Mom went to Greenhaven for work. She will probably be back in about a week," Will replied after swallowing his mouthful of rice.


    Byron frowned slightly and said, "She''ll be gone for that long?"


    Will responded, "Mom has been under a lot of stresstely, so it''s good for her to get away and clear her mind. Theo...I mean Leo and I believe this will help her health improve."


    "I know it''s Theo, you don''t have to hide it from me," Byron said, hearing that Will corrected himself.


    "Dad, how did you find out? Will asked. His eyes flickered with hint of guilt. He was not sure if he had identally revealed it when he said something in his sleep.


    Byron scoffed lightly, "I may be blind, but I''m not deaf. Haven''t you two been talking in front of me for days?"


    ''Do they really think that I''ve be so insensitive and unaware after losing my sight, Byron thought silently.


    "Just tell me. It''s only a name. What''s the big deal that you have to hide it?" Byron pressed further.


    After a moment of thought, Will said, "Leo is a name Mom made up when our great-grandfather was ill. She mentioned it when she was speaking to my grandparents, and that''s how it stuck." It was the same exnation that Theo gave to Bryon


    Byron''s expression remained unchanged as he asked, "Why did she give him a fake name?"


    "Maybe it''s because Theo is the younger miracle doctor, and it''s for his convenience while traveling around?" Will spected.


    Byron chose not to push the matter and said, "Let''s just eat


    Will agreed.


    Byron''s brows furrowed as he thought to himself. "Theo and Will Is this fate? Even their nicknames were matching"


    Recalling Theo''s tiny stature, Byron suddenly felt that the nickname suited him perfectly.


    This reminded him. Will and Theo had simr physiques as well Byron could not help but wonder if this was simply just a coincidence. 413 Tue, Nov 19


    "By the way, Dad," Will hesitated for a moment but decided to tell the truth, "Mom went to Greenhaven with Jaylen this


    time."


    "What?" Byron asked furiously. The next moment, Will heard a loud snap.


    He watched helplessly as the fork in Byron''s hand broke. He quietly edged away a little.


    On the other side, Maeve had been incredibly busy for the past two days in Greenhaver


    Even though Jaylen offered to be her temporary assistant, she could not actually boss him around. There were some tasks that she needed to handle personally.


    Fortunately, the designer from Dreamscape arrived soon after, alleviating much of the pressure she was under. She could avoid getting involved in every little detail. All she needed to do was ensure the overall direction was on track. Warren was also in attendance for the exhibition this time, which clearly showed how much YOKE valued Dreamscape.


    The evening before the exhibition, Warren invited Maeve and her assistant, who was Jaylen, to join him for dinner at the most iconic restaurant in Greenhaven. Warren was easygoing and humorous. His gentlemanly demeanor made the dinner a very enjoyable experience for Maeve.


    Jaylen remained mostly silent, only offering brief responses whenever Warren addressed him. He was generally not too patient with people he was unfamiliar with Warren brought up his daughter once more, expressing his desire to leverage his connections after the exhibition to pick out a few outfits his daughter might like. "You really love your daughter, even though you''ve never met her. Maeve said to Warren.


    She thought back about the packages she had received not too long ago. She did not go to meet the people who were supposedly her biological parents as indicated on the note that day. After that, there were no more packages. Maeve could not quite pinpoint whether it was disappointment or some other feeling stirring inside her.


    She didn''t have any strong feelings for her biological parents. She just wanted to know who they were and why they had never tried to look for her.


    Warren smiled gently and replied. "These gifts are meaningless, to be frank. They are more for my peace of mind."


    Maeve shook her head and said, "Some people out there won''t even bother with these. You''ve already done better than


    most


    Warren seemed touched. His gaze carried a hint of affection as he said to Maeve, "Thank you for your kind words.

 Chapter 380

    Maeve had a feeling that Warren was finding the feeling of another person through her. Perhaps it was because Maeve was about the same age as his lost daughter and wanted to discover something familiar from her.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    All parents in the world are to be pitied for their love and care for their children.


    *****After dinner, Warren sent them back to the hotel.


    Jaylen had followed Maeve for the entire day and was not in good spirits. Daryl had already brewed the medicine and was waiting for him.


    "Hurry up and go in and rest. The exhibition will start tomorrow, You don''t have to follow me. Just walk out and rx." Maeve waved at him.


    Jaylen smiled warmly. Thaven''t seen one of your exhibitions yes I don''t want to miss it this time."


    Jaylen thought to himself, ''Once I start the formal treatmentter on, I''m afraid there won''t be any time left. It would be better to seize the opportunity now and get all the things I want to do done. That''s the real reason I came to Greenhaven. Maeve understood what he meant and did not insist. She said goodnight and returned to her room.


    Not long after she entered, the video of the two little ones arrived as scheduled.


    For the past few days, they had been afraid that something would happen to Maeve. From time to time, they would send her a message to ensure her safety. Otherwise, they would have to call.


    These two little ones were like the old father who was worried about his child. They were even more nagging than she usually was, Clearly, thebined age of the two of them wasn''t even ten years old.


    However, Maeve knew that it was because she had frightened them when she was infected by the virus previously. They were afraid that something would happen to her again. They had to ensure her safety at all times before they could be at


    ease.


    Maeve picked up the video call and ced her phone on the table. As she tied her hair, she shared with them what she had done today.


    Unlike yesterday, the two little ones'' expressions were a little strange.


    It was as if they were... feeling guilty.


    "What''s wrong with you guys? Is there anything you can''t tell Mommy?" Maeve asked in amusement.


    Theo elbowed Will to make him speak


    Will hesitated for a long time and could not say a word.


    Maeve was even more puzzled. What was it that even Will was so blunt?"


    At that moment,


    the doorbell rang.


    "It should be the supper that I ordered. I''ll go open the door first Maeve stood up and walked out.


    When she opened the door, she saw that it was not the receptionist but Jaylen.


    He was wearing a bathrobe. His hair was still wet, and a snow-white towel hung around his neck.


    Jaylen?" ue, Nov


    "Am I disturbing your The water heater in my room is malfunctioning, I was just washing my hair and didn''t have time to rinse off the shampoo yet. Jaylen was a bit helpless. "I just wanted to ask if I could borrow the one in your room." Maeve found it a bit funny seeing him with a head full of bubbles and couldn''t helpughing. Tm not using the bathroom now. You can go in and use it if you want."


    The room Trazir had arranged for them was a top-ss suite with two-bathrooms, one outside and one in the bedroom.


    Maeve usually used the one in the bedroom.


    Jaylen could tell that she wasughing at him. He covered his heard with the towel and walked in.


    Maeve closed the door and returned to the sofa to continue chatting with the two children.


    Not long after, the doorbell rang again.


    "Supper, supper!" Maeve shuffled in her indoor slippers and rano open the door.


    The door opened and Maeve''s eyes widened in disbelief when she saw the figure that looked like a god had descended outside.


    The man standing outside the door was surprisingly Byron!


    There were many cloudy and rainy days in Greenhaven. He was wearing a well-tailored dark suit, with an ash-colored windbreaker draped over his shoulders. The suit pants wrapped around his two long and powerful legs, and his leather shoes were shiny, He was so noble and elegant that even the corridor seemed to have be a business banquet venue.


    Even the ck sunsses on his nose gave him the oppressive feeling of a big shot.


    Maeve couldn''t figure out why he was here.


    You came here... No, how did you know that I was staying in this hotel and my room number?"


    "This hotel is under Mcdaniel Group, Byron said concisely


    Marve''s mouth twitched. She didn''t even know about this before she moved in.


    "So Mr. Mcdaniel can use your power for personal gain!"


    "Just removing some unnecessary steps" Byron took half a step forward and asked faintly, "Aren''t you going to invite me in?" Although it was a question, his tone did not sound like he was asking for Macve''s opinion at all.


    Other designers from Dreamscape also lived on this floor. Maeve was worried about being seen by others, so she let him in first.


    Byron could move freely in the ward, but he was obviously much more unfamiliar when he was in this unfamiliar ce. He reached out and fumbled for a long time.


    Maeve couldn''t stand it anymore. She reached out and grabbed Byron''s sleeve. "Follow me."


    "Yes," Byron''s lips curled up slightly, but he quickly suppressed it


    "How did you get here? I thought you couldn''t see it Maeve was puzzled


    "Archer."


    Maeve understood. "Then he left you here?"


    "Don''t I still have you?"


    Maeve felt very speechless but could only thought to herself, I had made up my mind to ignore him beforeing to Greenhaven. Why did I let him in just now?"


    Maeve brought Byron to the sofa in the living room and immediately retracted her hand. Her voice was colder than before. "I''ll make you a cup of coffee. You can go back after drinking it."


    "I brought you a present.


    "I don''t want it."


    ""Is that so?"


    Seeing that the atmosphere was getting colder and colder, the two little ones who had not hung up the video call were anxious for Byron


    Theo was a little indignant. "Why can''t he even say a good word? He''s far inferior to you!"


    Will felt the same way.


    Suddenly, the two little ones thought of something and looked at each other.


    Jaylent


    Jaylen!"


    After Maeve finished soaking in coffee, she heard the childrens'' mutterings and remembered that the video had not been hung up. She picked up the phone and walked to the side to hurriedly say goodnight to them. Then, ignoring the two little ones who were frantically mouthing words to remind her of something, she hung up the video call.


    Maeve put down her phone and turned around to see that the ss of coffee in front of Byron was still untouched. She frowned and asked, "Why aren''t you drinking?"


    Byron gave a half-smile. "Didn''t you say that I was going to leave after drinking?"


    Maeve reacted for two seconds and understood what he meant. She was a little angry. "Then stop drinking and leave now!" "I''ve just arrived and you''re already in such a hurry to chase me away?" Byron''s voice was filled with displeasure. "It''s good that you know." Maeve was expressionless. "You came to Greenhaven before your eyes recovered. You''re not here to look for me, are you?"


    Byron didn''t say anything. He picked up the coffee cup that was 70% full and slowly took a sip ofit.


    Then, he slowly answered her question, "I''m here to see someone."


    Upon hearing this answer, Maeve felt a sense of disappointment, but it was within his expectations.


    ''As what I expected, how could he be here for me?''


    She wrinkled the tip of her nose and said angrily, "Then go and see her. Why are you looking for me?" "Yes, I have."


    "What?" Maeve could not react in time and asked subconsciou


    Byron put down the cup of coffee and slightly raised his head At this moment, the seven-tenths of a smile between his eyeb of the light above. "In front of me."


    1

 Chapter 381

    Maeve heard her heart racing uncontrobly.


    In an instant, she felt like it was going to burst out of her throat,


    She clenched her slightly hot palms. Logically speaking. Byron couldn''t see now, and there was still ayer of sunsses between them. Without the invasive gaze that made her spine agle in the past, she should be able to deal with it easily. However, the reality was theplete opposite.


    She was so flustered that she almost wanted to turn around and escape.


    She remembered that this was her room. It was too embarrassing to run away like this, so she forcefully resisted the urge


    "Stop trying to confuse me with your flowery words. Maeve calmed herself down and pretended to be cold. "I won''t fall for your tricks."


    Byron smiled silently. "Maeve, don''t you think it''s very quiet here?"


    He changed the topic so quickly that Maeve could not keep up with his train of thought.


    Then, she heard him say, "Your heart is beating so fast."


    What!! She quickly took a few steps back and covered her thumping heart. Her face was so red that it seemed like it was about to burn on the spot


    At this moment, the bathroom door beside the living room opened and Jaylen walked out in a wet state.


    Byron heard themotion and frowned. "Who''s in your room?


    Maeve just thought to herself that she had forgotten something and it turned out that she had forgotten that Jaylen was still


    here!


    Her throat tightened. Then, she realized that there was nothing between her and Jaylen. He was just borrowing the bathroom. What was there to feel guilty about?" Jaylen originally nned to go back after taking a shower to avoid making Maeve feel ufortable.


    Seeing that Byron was also there, he immediately changed his mind.


    His love rival was still here. If he left, wouldn''t he be creating a chance for Byron to be alone with Maeve!


    "Maeve, I just took a shower and my mouth is a little dry. Can you give me a cup of coffee too?" Jaylen cleared his throat and pretended to be ufortable.


    As soon as he said this, Maeve could clearly feel that the temperature around Byron had dropped by several degrees. Cold arrows were shooting out.


    She had a numb expression. ''Making one cup of coffee was the same as making two cups. Whatever


    "Take a seat. I''ll serve it for you." Maeve resignedly picked up coffee pots.


    Byron said coldly. "Why is he in your room?"


    ''Could it be that they lived in the same room?''


    The murderous intent in his tone made Maeve''s wrist tremble.


    Jaylen crossed his legs and-squiled. "If a busy person like Mr. Mcdaniel can be here, why can''t I?"


    "Looks like Mr. Chatterly has been in good spirits recently. You even has the time to run around. Byron''s thin lips curled up coldly as he mocked, "It can be seen that living for a long time it hot necessarily a good thing" "Not at all. I still have to thank Mr. Medaniel for letting me live little longer so that I can have a chance to interact with my fianc¨¦e, right?"


    "Looks like she doesn''t have good taste. There are so many men in the world, but she just had to find a fianc¨¦ who was struggling at death''s door."


    Jaylen burst out a disdainfulughter. "At least it''s better than finding someone blind who needs to be supported while walking.


    The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder.


    This was what it meant to be jealous of a love rival when they met


    The conversation that sounded emotionless on the surface was actually full of barbs and hidden sharpness, with every stabbing at the other person''s heart.


    In short, no one wanted to be inferior to Maeve.


    The corners of Maeve''s mouth twitched when she heard that. She ced coffee pot on the table forcefully. "Do you still want to drink coffee? If you want to drink, go out and don''t disturb my sleep." don


    Byron''s cold expression eased a little when he heard that.


    It seemed that I had misunderstood. They didn''t live together.


    "I haven''t finished my coffee yet, Byron said calmly..


    Maeve nced at the remaining coffee in his coffee cups. She grabbed it and poured it into the trash can. "It''s gone now."


    Hearing the sound of water being sshed, Byron pursed his thin lips tightly and his face darkened.


    Jaylen gloated and raised his eyebrows. He deserved it.''


    word


    Unexpectedly, in the next second, Maeve took away the ss of coffee in front of him. "Drinking coffee at night will cause insomnia. Stop drinking and go back to your room to drink water. Jaylen had no words to say but kept silent. ''What did I do wrong this time?"


    The two men were chased out by Maeve. The door was almost pped by their heels. It was obvious how much she wanted to get rid of them..


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, are you here to stop me and my fianc¨¦e from spending time alone?" Jaylen said in a strange tone. "You can chase after us from so far away. Your determination to break us apart ismendable."


    Byron sneered. "Sleeping in separate beds with your fianc¨¦e and being chased out of the room by your fianc¨¦e? I''m really a little envious of you, Mr. Chatterly. I''ve never experienced what it''s like to have a fianc¨¦e''s in my arms, so I don''t feel any difference in my heart. Farewell."


    Byron was not in a hurry. ''Maeve would be mine sooner orter!


    After sending off the two childish men, Maeve finally felt that the world was peaceful. She had a good appetite and ate the supper sent by the front desk.


    B G


    After resting for a while she took her clothes and went to the bathroom to take a shower.


    The bathtub in the bathroom was facing a French window that was wide open. It was just enough to take in the bustling night


    scenery outside the window. Due to the material, the outside could not spy on the situation inside.


    Maeve was rtively conservative. The curtains were drawn halfway to block the bathtub, but it did not stop one from admiring the night view,


    After filling the bathtub with hot water, shey down slowly and felt sofortable that all the pores on her body rxed


    She had been extremely upied over the past few days. Forget about traveling; even getting some rest had be an unattainable luxury. Truly, reality is as unyielding as it gets.


    After soaking for a while, Maeve heard the phone on the shelf ring.


    Who would call me at this time? Maeve was puzzled for a few seconds.


    She reached out to take the phone and was stunned for a few seconds when she saw the caller ID.


    "Byron? Didn''t you go back?" Maeve was puzzled and worried at the same time. "Didn''t you get your bodyguards to pick you up?"


    "He can''t see now. He might wander around aimlessly and get lost without knowing where he is going. Maeve thought worriedly.


    "You haven''t opened the gift I brought for you. Byron''s clear voice came from the other end. "If you don''t want it, I can only open it for you."


    Maeve had forgotten about this. Hearing him say this, she was a little curious. "I don''t remember you brought anything with/ you when you arrived, did you? Could it be air?" "You look out the window now.


    Maeve raised her eyebrows. There was only the firework needed to be looked outside.


    However, she was currently in the center of Greenhaven, where setting off fireworks was prohibited.


    ''Could it be that what he mentioned wasn''t firework? Maeve thought about it and felt a little puzzled.


    From this angle, she could not see what was outside the window so she put his head in front of the window.


    In an instant, the twin towers on the opposite side lit up with a dazzling beam of light. It rose from the bottom to the top and burst into mes.


    A line of words shed in the center of the fireworks: [I wish you a smooth first fashion debut in Greenhaven tomorrow at Dreamscape.]N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Itsted for nine minutes.


    Maeve covered her mouth and her eyes widened.


    The twin towers were the most iconic architectural symbol of Greenhaven. Those who could advertise or confess on them either had backing or financial resources. Otherwise, one couldn''t afford the cost of tens of thousands per second, which is calcted based on the number of words.

 Chapter 382

    Trazir had also thought of advertising on it. The publicity effect was definitely top-notch. Everyone in Greenhaven would


    notice it.


    However, due to scheduling and price issues, this n was finally abandoned.


    Maeve did not know how Byron did it, but he actually made that sentence disy on the Twin Towers for a full nine minutes.


    Not to mention all the people of Greenhaven, at least half of them had noticed it. There would probably be other trending topics tomorrow. No, it was already on.


    Several pop-up windows appeared at the top of Maeve''s mobile phone, and the title was the news that Dreamscape spent arge amount of money on promoting tomorrow''s debut show. This was the gift Byron had given her.


    A gift that pushed the brand Dreamscape to the people of Greenhaven with the force of a tidal wave.


    Maeve found it hard not to like this gift.


    It was a career she cherished, and one she loved doing more than anything else in her life.


    ''So he understood everything. Maeve looked at the gorgeous colors and tears welled up in her eyes.


    She didn''t know if it was her imagination, but the Byron voice on the phone was much gentler than usual: "Yesterday, you refused to ept this gift. Today, are you willing to ept it?" It was already past midnight. It was already the next day.


    "No." Maeve sniffed. She deliberately wanted to make him nervous before saying, "I forgot to record the video just now. This gift is not in my hands."


    Byron


    chuckled. "It''s fault. I''ll make it up to you tomorrow and let you take as many photos as you


    my


    want."


    Maeve was just saying it casually. She did not expect him to be serious. She quickly stopped him. "Don''t, don''t, don''t. Once is enough. It won''t be rare if there''s more."


    Just calcting how much these nine minutes would cost was enough to make her heart ache.


    ''How was this spending money? It was clearly burning money!''


    "Also, even if I ept your gift, I won''t forgive you so easily," Maeve said confidently. "This kind of fancy trick is useless. against me."


    "Yes." Byron was not surprised. He did not prepare these things for the forgiveness in the first ce. "I just want to make you happy. Our matters can be considered separately."


    He was a businessman, and he did things in a profitable manner


    Only when it came to Maeve, he didn''t care about these things.


    Of course, that was fake.


    Hunters were certainly not as gentle and harmless as they appeared to be.


    What Byron was doing now was just to weave a huge and quietly seek a greater


    benefit.


    ''He was the most patient hunter and deserved the reward, wasn''t he? Maeve thought.


    The corners of Byron''s lips curled up slightly. With an unfathomable meaning, he whispered, "Goodnight." 041%2


    "Good night..." Maeve hung up the phone and sat in the warm bathtub. She was not hot, but her head was dizzy.


    ''He didn''t do this to make me forgive him. Could it be that he was purely trying to please me? When did Byron be so.... romantic?''


    After a while, Byron sent her a few videos.


    It was a high-definition shot of the twin towers from various angles.


    Maeve whimpered and the tips of her ears turned red. She almost wanted to bury her face in the water to cool down.


    ''Byron was a little too skillful. She was afraid she wouldn''tst long.


    ***


    Time went to the next day. The exhibition officially started in the afternoon and everything had been basically arranged. Dreamscape also had professional managers keeping an eye on it. Maeve had to check the number of costumes and the appearance list. After that, she still had time to go out for lunch with the other designers.


    When she returned to the venue after eating, she happened to pass by Greenhaven High School, which was next to the restaurant. Maeve was stunned and stood there in a daze.


    "I''m sorry, you guys go back first. I still have something to do." Maeve had already said this before she came back to her senses. Then, she turned around and walked towards the school gate.


    The other designers looked at each other and did not probe further.


    It was the weekend, so there weren''t many people in school.


    Now, they were not as strict as before. As long as they registered their names, they could enter the school.


    The entrance was connected to a long camphor path. No one had cleaned it during the holidays. Fallen leaves wereid on a thin carpet, and it creaked when one stepped on it.


    Maeve walked to the teaching building and arrived at her previous ss based on her memory.


    This ce had been renovated and had already changed drastically.


    ''It may be a tradition for every school that the school starts renovation right after one graduates.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Maeve walked to the back of the ssroom and looked at the disy area beside the ckboard. There was a piece of paper with her name on it that had not been cleaned up.


    She reached out to touch it, her eyes filled with nostalgia. ''What was wrong with me?"


    It was only when she reached the school gate that she remembered that she had attended high school here.


    Logically speaking, people would forget many unnecessary things in their lives, but they would definitely not forget where they went to school.


    But she had forgotten.


    ''Perhaps there were no memories worth remembering during that period of time.''


    shithes de huaitde wu Tube uel


    turned sun tan cher wouldn''t take badyang from we cleaning finest she woubt directy duff the bey''s head into h


    "I just that her family rustion went gede parece her alone is dudy in Cavenhoven and didn''t care abone hey usually Thiey Boy came to swingle pierrete verring Feerap afhe alware ranlied at the top intery


    He was Maeve''s former homeroom teacher, Diego Taylor, and deeply impressed by her, partly because of her heartless


    harrie


    "There are quite a few parents like that nowadays. Fortunately, he is striving on her own. The spanying bescher sighed. "Then she must have been admitted to a good universing, right?"


    Taylor smiled and said, "In her senior year of high school, she said she wanted to apply to Jade University With her scores. she could actually get into a better university. Maybe she wanted to escape from her original family. I advised her several times, but it was no use. Later, the school organized students to visit Kleymond University for an experience. When she came back, she told me that she had changed her mind and wasted to apply to Shengda University. She studied than before." "Did she get what she wanted in the end?*


    even harder


    "No." Taylor sighed. "Her parents... s. Iter beard that she was beaten by her parents. She had a fever and was in shock when she was taken into the ambnce. In the end, she didn''t go to Kleymond University. It seems that she went to a second-rate university." The two of them walked away sighing.


    After Marve came out of Greenhaven High School, she put this matter behind her.


    After three and a half hours, the fashion exhibition came to a perfect end.


    Maeve and the representative designer of Trazir went on stage to give speeches and after finishing the interviews with the reporters, the sun was almost setting.

 Chapter 383

    There were still many VIPs who hadn''t left and wanted to get to know Maeve representing Dreamscape.


    Dreamscape had already gained fame in Kleymond and was just taking its first step in Greenhaven.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    However, the feedback from the VIP''S on the spot proved that Dreamscape had taken this step very sessfully.


    It was almost half past eight when Maeve finally got away from those VIPs and returned backstage. She was a little surprised to see Jaylen standing there with a bouquet of flowers.


    Maeve said in a surprising tone, "I thought you were going to rest at the hotel today."


    After all, he looked very ufortable in the morning.


    "I said I''de to see your exhibition. Of course, I won''t go back on my word." Jaylen handed the flowers to her with a smile on his lips. "Congrattions. This fashion exhibition was a sess. I sat down and heard everyone praise you." There was nothing happier than having a career affirmed. Maeve smiled and took the bouquet of flowers. "Thank you. Do you want to go to the celebration banquet with meter?"


    Jaylen nodded happily. "You''ve already invited me. How can I not go?"


    Maeve smiled. She could not help but look around from the corner of her eye. Perhaps she did not see the person she wanted to see, but a hint of disappointment shed across her heart.


    *****The restaurant for the celebration banquet was chosen by Maeve. Together with Trazir''s higher-ups, the entire second floor was booked.


    Mr. Warren was unable toe due to an emergency and expressed his regret to Maeve over the phone.


    Maeve was already hungry. After giving her speech on stage, she sat down and started eating.


    There were more dishes ordered. She was halfway through her meal when more dishes arrived one after another.


    Jaylen picked up a serving of fork pork ribs for her. "Are these dishes that delicious?"


    She had an elegant way of eating. Even when she ate quickly, it didn''t seem rude. Instead, it made people think that the food in front of her was very delicious. He, who had a poor appetite, ate half a bowl more rice just by looking at her. Maeve had something in her mouth that she could not answer, so she nodded.


    ''The chef in this restaurant was superb. Especially the stir-fried octopus. It was so fragrant that she felt dizzy.


    "Uh..." Maeve''s expression suddenly changed. She spat out the food in her mouth at the trash can.


    Jaylen quickly patted her back. "Maeve, what''s wrong? Did you choke?"


    Maeve could not speak. Her face was pale and she was sweating profusely. She used thest bit of strength to take out an antidote from behind the gemstone pendant of the bracelet and bit it. Theo had said that this antidote could not only cure her homemade poison.


    She felt dizzy and nauseous. The symptoms of nausea were simr to poisoning. To be safe, she had to take one first.


    As soon as the antidote worked, Maeve could feel the strength in her limbs slowly returning.


    She grabbed Jaylen, who was about to pour her water, and said word by word, "There''s poison in the food. Stop everyone


    and make them stop eating. Then get the manager toe over


    ''Poison?!'' Jaylen''s expression tightened. Without any exnation, he grabbed Maeve''s wrist and took her pulse. "Why is the poison in your body disappearing?"


    "I took the antidote made by Theo. Don''t worry about me. Stop them first," Maeve exined weakly.


    Jaylen nodded and quickly nced at the dishes Maeve had touched on the table. In the end, his gazended on the te of stir-fried octopus that she had picked up many times.


    He picked up fork and flipped through it. His expression instantly changed. "There''s a blue-ringed octopus mixed in.


    This dish was the restaurant''s signature dish. Many tables were ordered.


    When Jaylen went over to stop them, several people had already fallen and were foaming at the mouth.


    When the restaurant manager was called over and saw this scene he was dumbfounded. "Our ingredients are all transported back from the seaside every morning. How could there be food poisoning..." Jaylen pulled him in front of the te of stir-fried octopuses. "Look for yourself. A poisonous creature like the blue-ringed octopus is also used to stir-fry for customers. Do you run a restaurant or a hell?" The manager was shocked. Trembling, he took out his phone and called an ambnce.


    Maeve immediately vomited when she felt that something was wrong. The poison was rtively mild, and she was still fine after eating the poison. She did not faint like those people. There was no way she could ignore the others who''d been poisoned. She forced herself to stand, her legs feeling weak. "I''ve got some more antidotes. I''ll get them for the weak." Jaylen pressed her back down. "Alright, you can''t even stand properly. Why are you still caring about them? Give me the medicine. I brought the golden needles with me. I''ll go." Maeve could only pass the medicine to him. "Please."


    It was a good celebration banquet, but ended up eating such a poisonous thing. Just thinking about it made Maeve feel aggrieved.


    Poison was mixed into the food, and the restaurant spontaneously sealed the entrance and exit before the police arrived to prevent anyplications.


    The ambnce did not arrive for a long time. The manager called many times to urge them, but he found out that there was a car ident on Central Road. The ambnce would not arrive untilter.


    It was as if everything bad had happened on this day.


    Fortunately, there was a doctor among the guests who were eating, which solved their urgent problem.


    However, this doctor looked pale and ugly. His condition was not any better than the other guests. The manager began to worry again.


    With Jaylen''s current energy, rescuing three people at once was already his limit.


    There were more than ten people who had food poisoning on the entire second floor. When the people downstairs heard that there was a doctor upstairs, they ran up one after another.


    "Can anyone save my uncle? My uncle is about to die. Someone help... A beautiful woman pushed a man in a wheelchair over from the elevator. She cried, "Where''s the doctor? I can give you a lot of money. Please save my uncle first!"


    The man in the wheelchair-was unconscious. From his pale face it could be seen that he was not in a good state.


    Jaylen sealed a person''s heart meridians to prevent the poison from spreading too quickly and causing him to lose his life. When he got up, his body swayed like a withered tree in winter.


    The woman could tell that he was a doctor. She ran over and cried desperately. "Please, please..."


    ''How could a miracle doctor equate human lives with value be a good person?''


    Although he was called miracle doctor, there was actually an evil intent to it.


    If Jaylen was eating alone here, he wouldn''t even bother to look at such a thing.


    ''What did other people''s lives have to do with me?''


    However, Maeve was still here. She had a soft personality and was still ufortable, but she immediately asked him to stop others.


    The person he liked was so beautiful. He didn''t want her to see his evil side.


    Jaylen closed his eyes tiredly and walked to the man in the wheelchair to take his pulse.


    It was also food poisoning, but i I was more serious than the others.


    Maeve took out the antidote that she had nned to keep for herself from the bracelet. She walked over and handed it to Jaylen. "Let him take this first. I think he''s in a bad condition.".


    "Don''te over here. We can''t be sure if the source of the poison is the blue-ringed octopus. Go over and sit here. Leave this matter to me," Jaylen whispered.


    "I''m fine now. I''ll help too."


    Maeve lowered her head and did not notice that the woman was looking at her in shock and suspicion. The woman was sizing Maeve up in disbelief.

 Chapter 384

    After another half an hour, the ambnce finally arrived.


    The customers in the restaurant who had food poisoning were all sent to the hospital for emergency treatment. There were also customers who were worried about going to the hospital for a checkup..


    However, the woman did not bring her uncle to the ambnce. Instead, she got into an expensive-looking luxury car and drove away.


    "Jaylen, let''s go to the hospital to take a look. You''re not in the right state." Maeve looked at Jaylen''s wet back and his pale face. The worry in her eyes intensified.


    Jaylen shook his head gently at her. "I''m fine. I''m just a little tired. I''ll be fine after resting for a while."


    "But..."


    "There''s a table. Help me sit there for a while."


    Maeve could not persuade him, so she could only help him sit down first. She asked worriedly, "Are you really fine? Don''t force yourself with me. If you''re not feeling well, you have to go to the hospital. Although I know you''re a doctor yourself, as the old saying goes, a doctor doesn''t treat himself."


    Jaylen could not help butugh. "When did you be as naggy as Daryl? Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing. I''m a little. thirsty. I want to drink the coffee you made. I didn''t even taste itst night."


    Maeve saw that other than his ugly expression, he seemed to be no different from usual. She calmed down and brewed a pot of coffee for him.


    When she was soaking in coffee, her posture was very upright. She moved like flowing water, like a beautiful painting.


    Jaylen was so engrossed that his vision started to blur.


    He pinched his palm and asked her, "Maeve, I''ve always wanted to ask you a question."


    "Tell me."


    "If I met you


    before Byron, would you fall in love with me?"


    Maeve stopped pouring coffee, not knowing how to answer.


    Jaylen didn''t seem to need her answer either. He smiled faintly. Through the mist rising from the hot coffee, it wasn''t very clear. "If there is a next life, I will run to see you and will never be a step slower than him." When they first met, he could never have known that being a step slower would be an insurmountable gap that he could not cross for the rest of his life.


    He lost to the order of arrival.


    Maeve pursed her red lips slightly. "Jaylen. Sorry."


    She could not answer such a hypothesis.


    Because if she hadn''t met Byron on that rainy night, everything that happened afterwards wouldn''t have happened.


    Perhaps she would be forced to marry her scumbag ex-boyfriend under the Reese family''s coercion and spend the rest of her life under his control and brainwashing."


    From the moment she proposed marriage to Byron the second time they met, the fate between them was destined to be unbreakable.


    No matter what kind of fate this was, at least she did not regret


    Jaylen narrowed his eyes and looked at the cup of coffee in her hand. He swallowed the fishy taste that surged into his throat and said in a lighter tone than before, "Coffee is ready. Give it to me." Maeve handed him the coffee cup. "Be careful not to burn yourself."


    Jaylen took it, but he was not in a hurry to drink it. There was ayer of gray cloud in his eyes. "Maeve, have I never told you something before?"


    "What?"


    "Actually, from the moment I knew that I didn''t have long to live, I''ve been fighting with the heavens and the King of Hell. In order to live a little longer, I became Master''s disciple. I''m not afraid of being looked down on by you. I''ve never studied medicine to save others, only myself."


    "How can other people''s lives be more valuable than mine? Other than my grandfather and mother, everyone else is no different from weeds by the roadside in my eyes. I really can''t give birth to any great idea of helping the world." At this point, Jaylen''s eyes moved slightly.


    He looked at Maeve through the blurry outline of the light and shadow. "You are different. Only you are different from them. Before I met you, I only wanted to redeem myself. After I met you, I wanted to redeem others. It''s not because of my noble character. I just wanted to be more or less worthy of you, even if it''s just a little."


    Maeve was not only the person he liked.


    It was also the only shred of conscience ''Dr. Chatterly'' had left in this boring world.


    Maeve''s eyshes fluttered, and her slender fingers could not help but clench slightly.


    ''What did I do to deserve this close friend''s love?''


    However, she could not respond to his enthusiasm and sincerity. Even if she apologized again, it would seem heartless and hurtful.


    "Jaylen, thank you." Maeve took a deep breath. "But how are you as unbearable as you say? I don''t think there''s anything wrong with a person wanting to live well and loving themselves more than anything else. "Words don''t concern one''s heart. I only saw that many people were saved because of you just now. You saved not only them, but also many families. On the contrary, I feel that you''re asking too much of yourself. Actually, whether it''s to redeem others or yourself, as long as you''re happy."


    She had the same attitude towards Theo, who studied medicine with Rudolf Walker. Just did his best and did not need to give himself too much pressure.


    The gloomy light in Jaylen''s eyes seemed to slowly fade in an instant, gradually revealing the overflowing brilliance. The light above his head was not as bright as his smile at this moment.


    It was as if the Dr. Chatterly who used to be gued by a serious illness and always had a gloomy smile had finally walked out of the shadows into the light.


    He looked at his love, Maeve, and raised the coffee cup in his hand. "Then, aren''t you going to clink sses with the noble miracle doctor in your eyes?"


    He did not seem to notice that his arm was shaking as he raised his ss. The direction he was aiming at was not where


    Maeve Reese was.


    It was as if he could no longer see clearly.


    3


    Maeve''s eyes suddenly turned red. She bit her lip hard to prevent from showing it. She pretended to clink sses with him as if nothing had happened.


    "coffee is getting cold. Drink it quickly."N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    After drinking, she took him to the hospital..


    His current state... was very abnormal.


    Jaylen lowered his eyes slightly and muttered to himself, "Yes, coffee is about to die. Maeve, I''m a little tired of the scenery here. I want to go somewhere else to take a look." Maeve seemed to have sensed something and forced a smile. "After you recover, you can go wherever you want. Finish coffee and go."


    your


    As soon as Maeve finished speaking, Jaylen''s arm lost its strength, and the coffee cup suddenly fell from his hand. It hit the floor with a crisp sound and instantly shattered into pieces. The coffee sshed everywhere.


    Scarlet blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth and bloomed on his snow-white shirt.


    Maeve''s eyes widened in fear. When she got up, she almost lost her bnce. She ran over to help Jaylen up, and half of her body was stained red.


    "Jaylen? Jaylen, don''t scare me!" Maeve''s entire body was trembling, and fierce teardrops kept falling from her eyes.


    Jaylen''s face was as pale as wallpaper, and his eyes were shrouded in a thick aura of death. His consciousness was constantly dissipating, and he forced a smile at her.


    He wanted to apologize for scaring her.


    However, his consciousness became more and more blurry.


    Maeve watched helplessly as Jaylen''s hand slowly dropped and then hung limply at his side, and she could no longer hear a single sound from him.


    1

 Chapter 385

    Maeve held on to a sliver of hope, her fingers trembling as she reached under Jaylen''s nose.


    Jaylen was no longer breathing. He really passed away.


    Jaylen who told her in the morning that he was going to see theke scenery was now in her arms, having lost all his warmth.


    "You''re lying. You didn''t even drink the coffee..." Repressed sobs rang out in the small parlor and gradually turned into heartbroken wailing. The drops of coffee spilled on the corner of the table fell even faster. Only the coffee at Jaylen''s feet seemed to have be still.


    The miracle doctor ultimately failed to drink the cup of coffee brewed by his sweetheart.


    In the Greenhaven Hospital.


    The people of Chatterly family rushed here overnight after receiving the notification. They confirmed from the doctor that Jaylen was dead. Mrs. Chatterly was so sad that she almost fainted.


    Others surrounded Maeve and questioned her about how Jaylen could have died while on a perfectly normal trip.


    "I''m sorry." Maeve bowed to them and in a hoarse voice exined to them everything that had happenedst night and the fact that Jaylen had been ill for a long time.


    The Chatterly family did not believe it at all. The doctor said that Jaylen died of illness, but he was still healthy on Charles''s birthday bash not long ago!


    Betty, who had lost her beloved son and was out of her mind, grabbed Maeve by the shoulders and questioned her if there was something hidden.


    Maeve endured the pain in her shoulder and did not dodge. The corners of her eyes were wet and red as she silently epted the anger and usations of the Chatterly family. "Jaylen''s assistant is here. If you have any questions, feel free to ask him." A deep and cold voice came from behind Maeve.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    She turned around in a daze and saw Byron walking over with Archer and Daryl.


    He was still wearing sunsses and walked a little slower. He did not let anyone help him and walked steadily and urately to Maeve.


    "Maeve,e to me," Byron stopped and said in a deep voice.


    He did not say anything unnecessary, but Maeve understood what he meant-don''t be afraid, leave it to him.


    Maeve''s eyes stung. He quickly walked behind Byron and held his sleeve tightly.


    Daryl sobbed and told Chatterly family about Jaylen''s long illness. The reason why he hid it from his family was because he did not want to see them sad and sympathize with him.


    Also, if it wasn''t for Maeve''s persuasion, he had originally nned to find a random ce to die quietly and not even see his family for thest time.


    He never seemed to have a sense of belonging to Chatterly family.


    It was probably because he had been learning medicine from Rudolf since he was young.


    III


    Betty felt as if a knife was being twisted in her heart. She clutched her chest and could not say a word.


    3


    "I understand." After a long while, Betty seemed to have calmed down. However, she looked at Maeve with anger in her eyes. "Ms. Reese, thank you for informing us toe over. We are going to bury Jaylen in Kleymond. Please... don''t appear for the time being." She knew that her son''s death had nothing to do with Maeve, but she needed an outlet to vent her sadness.


    A trace of hurt appeared in Maeve''s eyes. She did not say anything and tacitly agreed to Mrs. Chatterly''s request.


    After the Chatterly family left, Daryl followed them.


    Only Maeve and Byron were left in the corridor.


    Byron held Maeve''s cold hand and frowned. Just as he was about to ask her why her hands were so cold, he suddenly heard suppressed sobs behind him.


    He paused for a moment and turned his body slightly to pull Maeve into his arms. He ced his palm on the back of her head and rubbed it gently as usual.


    "Jaylen died because of me." Maeve''s throat tightened and her words were halting. "If I hadn''t invited him to the celebration banquet with me, he wouldn''t have encountered food poisoning, and he wouldn''t have worn himself out by saving people. He could have lived for a long time, a year, two years, or even longer. It''s all because of me. He hasn''t even seen theke scenery of Greenhaven, and he will never see it again."


    "Byron, I''m the one who killed him. I''m the murderer..." Maeve buried her face in his chest, her tears leaving trails on it, cold and wet.


    Byron''s throat tightened slightly, and the frustration in his chest reached its peak in an instant.


    If he could see it now, he wouldn''t need to guess what expression she was using to say these words.


    He wouldn''t even feel restrained if he wanted tofort her.


    Byron suppressed the anger in his heart and slowly let go of Maeve. He lowered his head and asked her, "Do you really think SO?"


    Maeve sobbed and did not answer.


    That was what she thought in her heart. ''If I hadn''t invited Jaylen, at least he wouldn''t have died tonight. He was supposed to be resting in his hotel room today. That was why he came over to see my exhibition.''


    "From a rational point of view, even without tonight''s ident, Jaylen will not live for more than a year. This is the conclusion of the medical team. Even if he can live for a year, he has to be apanied by an intubation device every day. He can''t go anywhere while lying on the hospital bed," Byron said. Maeve''s misty eyes were filled with shock. "How did this happen?"


    Maeve couldn''t say any words but thought in her heart, ''With his body intubated, he could only lie on the hospital bed every day... This was a form of torture for anyone. It was a torture worse than death.


    "This is the price to pay for fighting against the heavens." Byron''s voice was calm and rational. "Although he epted my help, he did not really care about it. Otherwise, he would not have followed you to Greenhaven at this juncture. Maeve, I''m not trying tofort you. I just want you to think about it carefully. Would a person like him, who does things


    uninhibitedly, be willing to live like a walking corpse in the ward or die a carefree death?"


    Maeve''s mind was in a mess. "I don''t know. I don''t want to think about this..."


    Byron''s tone became heavier. "Maeve, don''t run away."


    Maeve Reese sped his wrist tightly with her fingertips and closed her eyes.


    She recalled that since returning to the country, Jaylen had coughed up blood, fallen into aa, and been hospitalized many times. Despite his ailing body, he had been researching the antidote for the mutant variant of Xasia for her.


    All kinds of signs had already shown that he didn''t care about his own life and didn''t mind when it would be taken away by fate.


    Also... Sinceing to Greenhaven, he had offered to be her temporary assistant and had followed her everywhere.


    So it turned out that everything had left traces long ago.


    ''He was Dr. Chatterly, the miracle doctor who treated patients and saved lives ording to his mood, a solitary yet unrestrained person who wasn''t bound by anything. How could he possibly be willing to lie there and wait for death?"


    "But he died right in front of me." Maeve still couldn''t bear this fact. She grabbed Byron''spels and cried so hard that she was gasping for breath. "Byron, he died in my arms, do you understand? One moment he was saving so many people, and the next second he was..." Byron was used to experiencing life and death. Apart from Maeve and Will, there really wasn''t anyone else who could tug at his heartstrings.


    Especially since Maeve had some kind of special feelings for Jaylen. It was already good enough that Byron didn''t stab him a few more times to make sure he was really dead. How could one expect him to feel any pity?


    Moreover, if it weren''t for Maeve, he probably wouldn''t even have given the Chatterly family a single nce, let alone bring Daryl here in person to clear up their doubts.


    C

 Chapter 386

    At this moment, when he heard her cry loudly for another man, Byron felt even more depressed.


    He pulled her closer into his embrace and exhaled deeply. In the end, he said softly, "To him, dying in front of you is not a bad thingN?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Maeve sobbed from time to time and did not answer him.


    In the end, she was so tired that she fell asleep in Byron''s arms.


    Byron tapped the invisible button on the sunsses. After the sensor was connected to his brain nerves, it would feed back the images collected by the camera on the outside of the sunsses to his mind. It wasn''t a clear picture, just a rough road map.


    If someone passed by, the sensor would be able to detect them.


    Other than not being able to see the specific scene clearly, he could walk like a normal person and avoid the roadblocks.


    This was thetest product developed by the Greenhaven Science and Technology Headquarters under the Mcdaniel Group. It was only delivered to Byron''s hands this noon.


    Therefore, without needing anyone to show the way, Byron picked up the already sleeping Maeve horizontally and walked smoothly into the elevator, taking her back to his private vi here first.


    At midnight, Byron sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom and telephoned someone in a low voice.


    Maeve was lying on the bed in the back. She was sleeping very soundly and was probably very tired.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, in that restaurant, the poison of the blue-ringed octopus was identally mixed into the dishes of only two tables. The poisoning of the guests at the other tables was due to an employee who harbored a grudge against the boss and wanted to bring down the restaurant by maliciously poisoning the food. After being caught, that person confessed to what he had done without hesitation and even boasted that if he had had enough poison, he would have killed more people. Anyway, he only had one life to lose." The subordinate who was reporting couldn''t help frowning at this point, feeling sick in his heart.


    "Where did his poisone from?" Byron asked coldly.


    (


    "We haven''t found a way to buy it yet, but that neurotoxin is strictly prohibited in the country. Only ces like the ck market can buy it."


    "Then follow this line of investigation." Byron''s expression was cold. "Report to me if there''s any progress."


    ""Yes, I understand."


    Suddenly, there was a slight movement on the bed. Byron keenly caught it. He hung up the phone, got up, and walked to the bed.


    Maeve was awakened by a nightmare. She curled up her body and looked at the darkness in the void. The corners of her eyes were dry and painful, probably because she had cried too much. She felt ufortable rubbing against the soft pillow. "You''re awake?" Byron sat down on the edge of the bed and raised his hand to touch Maeve''s cheek. He touched a patch of moisture.


    Byron frowned. ''Were you that sad for Jaylen''s death? You were someone who didn''t usually cry much. How many times had 16.45 Fri Nov 24 GB


    you cried because of Jaylent


    In fact, Maeve only shed a few tears because of the pain in the corner of her eyes and the difort in her heart.


    Byron did not know. His face was covered by the sunsses, and it was impossible to tell if he was happy or angry. His thin lips were pursed tightly, and it was obvious that he was in a bad mood.


    Suddenly, Maeve turned around and rested her head on hisp, and then she reached out and hugged his strong waist.


    It was the only way she could suppress the terror of the nightmare she''d just experienced.


    Byron''s cold face instantly softened a little. He thought to himself that if she wanted to cry, so be it. Jaylen was already gone.


    "Byron, what were you talking about with others just now?" After a long silence, Maeve suddenly asked.


    Byron did not hide it from her and told her the results of his subordinate''s investigation.


    This may or may not be a coincidence. It was still unknown who they were targeting.


    Maeve hugged his waist tightly and said in a muffled voice, "Sorry to trouble you."


    As soon as she finished speaking, her face was turned around by Byron. "You''re still talking to me about trouble?"


    "Then I won''t say anymore." Maeve pursed her lips. After a moment of silence, she said, "I just thought about what you said to me in the hospital. I think you might be right." "Yes?"


    0 00 00


    "Compared to living in restraint, he wants to die elegantly. We can''t bear to part with him and have always wanted him to live."


    that you can''t bear to part with other men?"


    She had never heard of anyone being so straightforward about being stingy. Maeve choked.


    Byron said coldly, "Maeve, do I look tolerant? You''re saying in front of me


    She grabbed his cor and looked up. "It''s not what you think. I''ve always treated Jaylen as a family."


    "Engaged family?"


    "Didn''t you have such a fianc¨¦e before?" Maeve asked.


    Byron felt speechless.


    "Oh, there''s another one that even if you can''t see it with your eyes, you have to ce her sketches in the Byron fell into silence again.


    room."


    He pressed between his eyebrows and suddenly regretted deliberately using that painting to force her to stay away.


    Now, he was getting even with her.


    Maeve snorted and turned around to get off hisp.


    Unexpectedly, Byron grabbed her waist and pulled her into his arms.


    No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t get out of his grasp.


    "What are you doing?" Maeve red at him.


    16:45 Fri, Nov 22 B BB.


    Chapter 386 24.72%


    "It''s nothing. Byron rested-4ys chin on the top of her head. His deep voice was slightly trembling. "You''ve cried enough for Jaylen today. Today is the only day. There won''t be a next time. Maeve pursed her lips. "Do you still have to care if I cry in the future?"


    "Yes, I can''t even bear to let you cry. What right does he have?"


    Maeve was stunned. She raised her head and looked at Byron''s exceptionally serious and handsome face. The shadow in her heart did not seem so heavy anymore. Three dayster.


    Jaylen''s funeral was held in a low-key manner by the Chatterly family, with only rtives present.


    Even when Jaylen knew that he had very little time left, he would find a ce where no one knew him and wait for death. This was probably the best thing to do. The entire sky above Chatterly family was shrouded in thick dark clouds.


    Unexpectedly, Mrs. Chatterly would be sad to see Maeve. She waited for them to leave before bringing Will and Theo up.


    Byron was waiting for them in the car.


    In front of Jaylen''s tombstone, there was a photo of him wearing traditional clothes. There was no smile on his face, and it Hooked like he was in his prime.


    "Jaylen, we''re here to see you." Maeve put down the bouquet in her hand and looked at Jaylen in the photo. Her eyes could not help but turn red. "I have good news for you. All the guests who suffered from food poisoning survived because you treated them in time. They''re very grateful to you and even made you a silk banner."


    Maeve suppressed her emotions. "And the newsies wanted to cover it, but your family hushed them up because you wouldn''t like to be so high-profile. I donated all the inheritance you asked Daryl to give me in your name to the charity fund. You''ve saved so many people in your life and you''re so lucky. You deserve to be repaid in your next life. Otherwise, I won''t be able to bear it."


    "I hope you''ll be fine in your next life. You''ll be healthy and can go wherever you want. Also... find someone who loves you and who you love." As Maeve spoke, her smile blurred into tears.


    A light breeze blew past. Jaylen on the tombstone was still the same, but he seemed to be smiling.


    When Maeve looked over again, it was still the same.

 Chapter 387

    Will and Jaylen did not spend much time together. Even if Will were sad, he would not be sad for long.


    But for Theo, Jaylen was not only his senior fellow apprentice but also his godfather who had watched him grow up. Jaylen would teach him medical skills when his master was not avable and would also buy him all kinds of strange little gifts. The more Theo liked him, the sadder he felt now.


    He almost burst into tears and his face turned red as he sobbed


    Will also felt bad seeing him like this, but it was useless to say anything now. Hence, he held Theo''s hand and silentlyforted him.


    After leaving this ce, Maeve carried the crying Theo and walked towards the parking lot. He was afraid that Theo would cry and give him a pat on the back.


    "Mommy, why did people die?" Theo hugged Maeve''s neck tightly and sobbed.


    Maeve thought about it and did not use fairy tales to brush him off just because he was young. She said seriously, "Because everyone dies eventually."


    Would my family leave me in the future? At the thought of this, Theo bit his lips and wiped Maeve''s tears with his chubby hand. "Mommy, don''t be sad. I won''t cry anymore. I''ll definitely study medicine well in the future and let you all live a long life."


    His mommy was already feeling terrible, and he did not want to make her feel worse.


    Hearing these words, Maeve suddenly remembered the day of Theo''s one-year-old catching ceremony.


    She had ced many things in front of him, but he had chosen the small medicine chest that Jaylen had identally left at her home at that time.


    Later, because of his remarkable photographic memory, he won the favor of Rudolf, and Jaylenpeted with him to take Theo as hisst disciple.


    Perhaps because his talent was so high and things came too easily to him, Theo wasn''t that enthusiastic about studying medicine. He only kept at it because learning medicine could protect Maeve.


    Maeve thought that perhaps things would be different in the future.


    She gently pressed her cheek against Theo''s chubby little face and softened her voice, saying, "Alright, then Mommy will be waiting."


    "Mom, there''s still me." Will held the corner of Maeve''s shirt and said seriously, "I''ll work hard to study. When I position in the future, I''ll give all the money I earn to Mom."


    That''s right. Even now, Will still hadn''t forgotten about usurping his father''s position.


    Maeve didn''t know whether tough or cry. "If your father hears this, your little butt will be in danger."


    "I won''t. Dad said that as long as I have the ability, I can try at any time."


    It was just that he was still too young and could not defeat his father for the time being.


    usurp -Dad''s


    Theo immediately forgot to cry. He kicked up his short legs and said unhappily, "You can''t even earn 2 dors from Stinky Daddy now, and you actually want to snatch the burden of raising Mommy from me! Will, are you getting arrogant?!" 1/3


    He had already carned card from Stinky Daddy!


    Will snorted sofily. "It''s just 2 dors. Of course I can do it.".


    "Then let''s take a gamble. If you can earn 4 dors from Stinky Daddy, I''ll believe you."


    "Alright, let''s bet then.


    The two little ones made a bet without a word, leaving Maeve no time to be sad.


    After getting into the car, Byron heard Theo burp. His usual soft voice was hoarse from crying. Byron had mixed feelings.


    He thought, "The little guy suddenly lost his biological father at such a young age. It was quite pitiful. I should not bully him so much in the future. No matter what, he was still Maeve''s son. Macve probably did not intend to hand him over to Chatterly family. It was not a big deal. I could afford to raise him


    "Dad, can I discuss something with you?" Will moved to Byron''s side and whispered guiltily.


    Byron grunted. "What''s wrong?"


    "Can you give me 4 dors?" Will, who had never taken the initiative to ask her father for pocket money, blushed and felt very embarrassed. Byron was slightly surprised. ''4 dors?''


    He took the money clip out of his pocket and gave it to Will. "Daddy doesn''t have change. Only a hundred. You can take as much as you want." Will looked at Theo and wanted to say that he had earned it.


    Theo stuck out his tongue at Will and mouthed, "It''s all hundred. It has nothing to do with 4 dors!"


    Will did not understand, but was extremely shocked. ''How could he actually calcte it like this?''


    Maeve understood at a nce. Theo was deliberately digging a hole for Will.


    There was an extremely small amount of cash in Byron''s wallet. It was all cards.


    It was simply impossible to get 4 dors from him.


    This was setting a verbal trap.


    "What''s the matter?" Byron asked in a low voice as Will didn''t take the wallet for a long time.


    Maeve couldn''t help reminding him, "Byron, your son is sad because you can''t evene up with 4 dors."


    Byron was quite puzzled.


    Theo patted Will''s shoulder like a good brother. "Forget it. Your father is the richest man in Kleymond. He doesn''t even have 4 dors." Byron was puzzled again.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Will sighed and turned to Byron. "Forget it, Dad. I didn''t know you didn''t have 4 dors. I shouldn''t have asked you for it." With a tone that seemed to say "I didn''t even know you were this poor."


    Byron was left speechless, choked with emotions.


    0.40 ELL, NOV EG


    Maeve, who had been depressed since she came out of the cemetery, suddenly felt much better and burst outughing.


    Hearing herughter, the two little ones could not help but feel relieved.


    That''s great. Mom''s finally happier, they thought.


    Byron sensed something. He raised his hand and rubbed Will''s Head and snorted. "I''ll let it go this time. If you''re still so ipetent next time, I''ll find you a few more family teachers Will was extremely helpless. "Don''t... Dad."


    After sending the two little ones home, Byron instructed the driver to send Maeve to the studio first.


    A


    The ck Spyker drove forward steadily. Maeve leaned against the seat and was a little sleepy. Her head was nodding bit by


    bit.


    She had not slept well for the past few days and was mentally exhausted..


    "Theo is your son with Jaylen?" Byron''s sudden words were like a stone thrown into a calmke, blowing away Maeve''s sleepiness. She opened her eyes and looked at him in confusion. "... What?"


    Maeve felt very puzzled. ''What did he say??''


    Byron''s face under the sunsses was expressionless, and his tone was indifferent. "I knew about this long ago."


    "What?" Maeve were dumbfounded. "How did you know? No, what do


    you know?"


    Theo was her son, sure, but she couldn''t for the life of her figure out what that had to do with Jaylen.


    "That''s not important," he replied.


    "That''s not important?!" Maeve''s head was almost knotted. "Why do you think Theo is Jaylen''s son?"


    She couldn''t figure out what he was thinking.


    Byron thought that she did not want him to know about this, so she denied it with aplicated expression.


    He said, "On the day of the Arts and Theatrical festival at the Iton Private International Kindergarten, Jaylen himself said that he hoped to hear Theo call him daddy again, didn''t he?"


    The word "again" was very spiritual.


    This meant that Theo had once called Jaylen daddy, butter on, for some reason, Theo refused to call him daddy. Furthermore, with Theo''s personality, he was not someone who would call anyone "daddy" casually.

 Chapter 388

    Another point was that... Maeve had been hiding Theo''s identity Clearly, she did not want Byron to know about this.


    If Theo was not Jaylen''s son, why would she hide it?


    Remembering the words that Jaylen had casually said as a joke on the day of the Arts and Theatrical festival, Maeve''s head suddenly started buzzing.


    No wonder Byron''s expression looked strange after he came back from the call that day.


    Maeve thought twice, "Those words were indeed easily misunderstood...''


    Just as Maeve was thinking about how to exin to him, Byron said emotionlessly, "I''m not interested in what happened between the two of you in the past, and I won''t ask you. Theo is your child, which means he''s mine. From now on, I''ll treat him as my own. Whatever Will has, he will have too."


    Thest sentence carried a lot of weight, especially when it came from Byron


    Maeve''s emotions were soplicated that she was speechless.


    That''s your son, but you said you will treat him as if he were your own. What on earth is all this about?''


    Maeve took a deep breath and asked him, "So when did you realize that Theo was also


    my


    child?"


    The day Theo woke up with a fever." Byron turned his face to her and exined slowly, "I heard him call you Mommy, so I asked the doctor to take a sample of your hair follicles for a paternity test." Maeve immediately remembered.


    At that time, he almost didn''t go back to the apartment to sleep. He lied to her that he was working overtime, but actually at


    bar!


    a


    She identally told him that she had hidden a child when she was drunk.


    As


    a result, he left with a cold face!


    He even said that she had a guilty conscience and that they should calm down


    Huring this period!


    Later on, she thought about it and nned to tell him Theo''s identity. She called him and sent him messages, but she could not contact him no matter what!


    The reason why she was neglected by him for no reason during that period of time was actually here.


    He actually thought that Theo was her and Jaylen''s child!


    Maeve''s memory was too good, so that the helplessness and grievance she felt at that time was still clearly imprinted in her heart until today.


    Back then, he only needed to pick up her call to clear up the misunderstanding, but she only figured out the reason now.


    She was so angry!


    "You''re quite tolerant," Maeve said sarcastically. "If nothing had happened to Jaylen, would you have pretended not to know about this?"


    Byron hummed faintly. "I don''t have the hobby of rushing to be a father."


    Maeve was so angry that her forehead twitched. "I''ll take care of my Theo. I don''t need you to treat him as your biological son. You''d better not treat him as your child for the rest of your life!" 1/4


    10.45 FTI, NOV 2L


    The car had been parked downstairs for a long time, but the driver saw that the atmosphere was not good and did not remind them.


    After saying that, Maeve opened the door and got out of the car She left without looking back.


    Byron frowned slightly, not understanding what she was angry about.


    Did she think that I was not qualified to be Theo''s father? Jaylen, who didn''t even want to take care of the child, was qualified?''


    Byron''s face was covered in ayer of gloom. It was only when the driver reminded him that he ordered in a low voice, "Go to thepany." "Yes."


    At the Dreamscape Studio.


    Maeve bumped into Daryl at the door. He came to bid her farewell.


    "You''re leaving?"


    Daryl nodded. After a few days of torment, he had lost a lot of weight. His smile was no longer as simple and honest as before Instead, it had be more-tenacious.


    Ms. Reese, I''ve been orphaned since I was young. I''ve been earning a living at the edge of the ck market. Who knows when my fate will be gone? It was Mr. Chatterly who kindly took me in as an assistant and gave me the ie so that I could have a chance to be a dignified person. I don''t have anything to repay him. Although Mr. Chatterly doesn''t need me to repay him, I still want to go somewhere else and travel around like he did in the past to treat illnesses and save people. Before I leave, I''ll say goodbye to you. Also, if you need my help in the future, I''ll definitely do my best."


    A sour feeling rose in Maeve''s heart. The people and things rted to Jaylen seemed to have gradually disappeared overnight.


    The Chatterly family, Daryl, and Rudolf, who had lost his beloved disciple and chose to go into seclusion....


    She did not know when they would meet again.


    "I wish you a safe journey," Maeve sighed.


    "Also, Mr. Chatterly instructed me to give this to you before he died." Daryl took out a sandalwood box from his cloth pocket and handed it to Maeve. "There''s a letter he left for you inside." Maeve took the heavy sandalwood box and thanked him.


    Daryl still wanted to say something. His lips moved a few times, but in the end, he did not say anything, and just waved his hand and ran away.


    Maeve might know what he wanted to say.


    It was probably the question of whether she had ever liked Jaylen.


    However, there was no point in asking.


    Maeve carried the sandalwood box into the office and saw several packages on the table.


    She ignored the packages and opened the sandalwood box left behind by Jaylen.


    There was not much content in the letter. It only said that this was a nt seed he had collected from all over the world The did not know what it was.


    He knew that she liked to nt things, so he wanted her to nt the seeds on his birthday every year.


    As if he was still in this world.


    Let these seeds inherit his life and continue to live by her side.


    "I will." Maeve looked at the letterhead and promised softly.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    This was thest thing she could do for him. She would do it well


    After cing the sandalwood box properly, Maeve finally focused her attention on the pile of packages.


    Before she could open it, someone knocked on the office door.


    "Ms. Reese!" Paige looked nervous. "The man who was loitering at the entrance of the workshop is here again!" ''If Tom were still here, they wouldn''t be so worried and scared. But he''s already gone, hasn''t he?'' Maeve stood up. "I''ll go out and take a look. Go to work."


    "Don''t you need me to apany you?"


    "No need. This is an office building. There are a lot of people here. The man probably won''t dare to do anything." Maeve put down the knife, picked up her phone, and walked out


    When that suspicious man saw here out, surprisingly, he didn''t run away. Instead, he stood there, looking her up down as if she were a piece of merchandise.


    His gaze made Maeve very ufortable.


    and


    "I heard that you''ve been loitering in front of my workshop for a long time. What''s the matter? Or do you know me?" Maeve pretended not to know that the delivery was ced by this man.


    The man was wearing a cap and his hands were in his sleeves. His stubble looked like it had not been shaved for a long time. He looked very weathered, but he was not ugly.


    "Are you sure you want me to say this here? Big designer?" The man''s tone sounded ambiguous.


    Maeve frowned. "If you don''t want to talk about it, please leave. You''ve already affected our work." The man pped his hands. "Very good. You''re quite unyielding. As expected of my daughter." ''What?!''


    Even though she was mentally prepared, Maeve was still shocked by his words.


    She quickly calmed down. "Since you insist that I''m your daughter, you have to show me the evidence. Do you have it?"

 Chapter 389

    Henry tugged at his cor and said, "Haven''t you checked the express deliveries I left here these past few days? Your birth certificate and the archival materials about which hospital you were born in are all inside? "This doesn''t prove anything." Maeve said indifferently. "Only a paternity test is the strongest evidence. You don''t mind going for a paternity test with me, right?"


    Henry didn''t expect her to be so calm. She wasn''t excited at all to see her biological father.


    ''She didn''t have a good life at her adoptive parents'' house, so she shouldck love. Didn''t she yearn for love of her biological parents?


    "Alright," Henry agreed readily. "Where should we go?"


    Of course, the first choice for Maeve was First Hospital.


    Afterpleting all the procedures, they only needed to wait for the results.


    When the results came out the next day, it was confirmed that the two of them were father and daughter.


    Henry didn''t take the report seriously. After leaving the hospital he threw it into the trash can and reached out to Maeve.


    ""What?" Maeve looked at him in confusion.


    Give me money," Henry said righteously. "Now that it''s proven that I''m your father, don''t you n to support me in my old age? I haven''t even had a full meal these days." Maeve''s expression did not change. "Sure, I have a few questions for you."


    Henry frowned. "Go ahead."


    "How did you know I was your daughter?"


    "When you fell out with your adoptive parents, I happened to see the news. You and your mother look exactly the same. If you don''t believe me, look at it yourself." Henry took out a photo from his shirt pocket and handed it to her.


    Maeve looked down. The woman in the photo had a gentle appearance, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. Hence, she looked only 70% simr to her.


    ''Was this my biological mother? She looked so gentle.


    However, for some reason, Maeve''s heart could not move at all.


    It was the same when facing this so-called biological father.


    "Is she alright?" Maeve suppressed the frustration in her heart and asked again.


    "She passed away a long time ago. Not long after she gave birth to you, she passed away." When he mentioned his deceased wife, Henry''s tone was casual and even a little impatient. "What other questions do you have? Hurry up and ask. I still have something urgent to do after receiving the money."


    Maeve ignored his impatience and looked around to make sure no one was passing before asking the question that had puzzled her for so long.


    "Did you guys make me a pacifier filled with all kinds of gems before?"


    Upon hearing this, Henry''s eyes lit up. He grabbed Maeve''s shoulder and asked, "Is that pacifier with you? Where did you put


    L


    it? Hurry up and give treme!"


    Maeve pushed him away in pain. "You''re hurting me! Also, how did you get the gem on the pacifier? The police said that it''s an internationally wanted Jewel thief"


    Before she could finish speaking. Henry covered her mouth tightly. "If you say another word. I''ll teach you a lesson! Do you want to kill your biological father?!" Maeve''s heart instantly turned cold. They were actually internationally wanted jewel thieves!


    "Since you know about this, I won''t hide it from you. That''s right your mother and I are the pair of retired jewelry thieves" Henty red at Maeve. "I originally thought that no one would find those treasures on you, but I didn''t expect to lose them with you! If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have be like this today! Where are the gemstones?! Where are they?! Don''t make me p you!"


    Maeve''s face turned red and she almost suffocated. At the critical moment, she remembered the chain on her wrist and pressed it hard.


    "Ah!!" Henry''s arm was suddenly stabbed


    He immediately let go of his hand in pain. He looked at Maeve as if he wanted to


    kill her. "What did you do? You even dare to disrespect your father?!"


    Maeve took a few steps back. Her little face was so red that it was almost purple, and she kept coughing.


    She did not miss the sh of killing intent in Henry''s eyes. Thest trace of hope in her heart instantly dissipated.


    He was only looking for her to get money. He even wanted her life for the stolen goods.


    She didn''t care if her biological parents were beggars or rich people, but she definitely couldn''t ept that they were thieves with no morals!


    Maeve looked at Henry coldly. "Don''t say that you''re my father. You haven''t raised me for more than twenty years. Now that you''ve suddenly appeared, you want to show off father''s might? Just now, I consideri as paying back the life you gave me. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other."


    With that, Maeve turned around and left.


    Henry gritted his teeth and wanted to chase after her, but a sharp pain in cursing.


    arm made him stop in his tracks. He kept


    Back in the car, Maeve leaned her head against the steering wheel, feeling depressed.


    ''Was it because the more people wanted something, the more they couldn''t get it?''


    Or was she too obsessed with getting kinship from her parents?


    She already had Byron, Will, and Theo.


    She already had a real home.


    ''Why did I still have expectations for others?''


    If Henry hadn''t wanted to kill her for the jewelry, she wouldn''t have refused to support him even if they were rted by blood.


    However, she did not expect him to be worse than the Reese family.


    After calming down for a while, Maeve took out the phone and called the police station.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    *****Half an hourter, at the police station.


    Before the police arrived at the hospital. Henry had already slipped away.


    He was able to hide for so long without being caught because he had a certain ability.


    Although Macve was his biological daughter, she had been stolen when she was young. She had not seen her biological parents for so many years. Now that she had called the police to arrest them the moment she saw them, it was impossible for her to be an aplice.


    So after the police routinely asked her some questions, they let her go.


    "Ms. Reese, if Henryes looking for you again, please inform us immediately."


    Maeve nodded and felt ufortable in her abdomen. She sat for a while before getting up and walking out.


    Unexpectedly, Mr. Warren and his assistant walked out of the interrogation room.


    "Mr. Warren?" Maeve was surprised. "Why are you at the police station?"


    "Ms. Reese, why are you here?" Warren''s expression was simr to hers. "I''ve encountered a problem recently, so I came to the police here to ask for help."


    When it came to personal matters, Maeve didn''t ask further.


    "You don''t look too good. Are you feeling unwell?" Warren frowned slightly. "Or did you not recover from the food poisoningst time?"


    He had heard everything that had happened that day from his employees.


    Maeve shook his head. "No, it''s just that my stomach feels a little ufortable. I might have eaten something wrong."


    "Coincidentally, my house is right behind here. Do you want to go over and rest? I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to be rude to you. It''s just that I''m really worried about your expression." "Then how can I trouble you?"


    "You''re my business partner. It''s only right for me to care about you." Warren smiled and said, "I haven''t been home much recently. Damian and the chef are so bored out of their minds. They keep asking me when I''ll go back and try their cooking. It''s best if you''re willing to help."

 Chapter 390

    Warren first mentioned the female housekeeper in his words, which initially indicated that there were other women in the house, so as to put Maeve at ease.


    Furthermore, he invited her to help him taste the chefs'' cooking. It was like an elder inviting a junior home for a meal. It was easy-going and amiable, and it was difficult to refuse.


    Maeve felt that if she continued to refuse, it would be a little disrespectful. "Then I''ll have to trouble you shame Richard."


    Warren''s home is located by theke behind the police station. It is a white modern-style vi with a garden. It looks like it has some history, but it''s not that dpidated. From the diagonal direction, one can also see the yground at the back of the police station. Maeve thought to herself, ''The person who dared to live here must be someone who was honest. Otherwise, he would not dare to be so close to the police station.


    As soon as Maeve arrived, she was warmly weed by the female housekeeper and the chef. They took out the tablet menu and let her order.


    It was obvious that it had really been a long time since they showed their great cooking skills.


    By the time Warren came downstairs after changing his clothes, the several desserts ordered by Maeve had already been prepared.


    "Mr. Richard, would you like some?" Maeve politely asked Warren.


    Warren sat down at the head of the table and said with a smile, "I don''t really like sweet food, but I think it should be good to eat it once in a while."


    After saying that, he told the female housekeeper a name of the dessert and asked her to give instructions to the kitchen.


    Watching Maeve savoring the desserts carefully, Warren pushed up the gold-rimmed sses on the bridge of his nose, unable to conceal the smile on his face. "You like sweets?"


    Maeve revealed a smile. "Sweet food will improve one''s mood."


    "So you''re not in a good mood today? Can I ask why?"


    Maeve was silent for a few seconds. The silver fork in her hand gently poked the cheesecake, and her expression was a little lonely.


    Warren immediately corrected himself. "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have asked. I''m not very good with words. My son always mocks me for only having a big mouth."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Maeve immediately smiled. "That must be your son acting cute with you. In my opinion, you''re very good with words."


    "I see." Warren finally understood.


    1


    The two of them chatted happily like old friends who had not seen each other for many years. No matter what topic they were talking about, they could continue and speak frankly. The female housekeeper could not help but reveal a heartfelt smile. "I''m sorry, I need to go to the washroom." Maeve felt a faint pain in her abdomen. She guessed that it might be her period, so she stood up and asked the housekeeper where the washroom was.


    The housekeeper led her over and told her that there was something she needed in the cab.


    111


    0000,47%!


    Maeve thanked her. When she was changing her sanitary pad, she realized that the back of her dress was dirty. No wonder the housekeeper kept blocking behind her.


    She couldn''t help but wail in her heart, ''I hope I haven''t dirtied Warren''s stool.


    After she was done, Maeve walked out of the washroom with a red face. She saw that housekeeper was still waiting for her outside.


    "Ms. Reese, I saw that your dress was dirty just now. Shall I bring you upstairs to change into clean clothes?"


    "Would it be too troublesome?"


    "Of course not. I''ve already asked Mr. Richard for instructions." The housekeeper smiled considerately. "Since you''re here as a guest, we naturally have to do our best to make you feelfortable." The housekeeper brought Maeve to a princess room on the second floor and took out a set of clothes from the cloakroom.


    Maeve looked at the pink and exquisite decoration in the room and asked, "May I ask if this is the room Mr. Richard prepared for his daughter?"


    "Yes." The housekeeper said, "Everything in here was personally arranged by Mr. Richard. He loves his daughter very much."


    "What a good father he is," Maeve sighed.


    "He''s also a poor father." The housekeeper sighed and handed the clothes to Maeve. "This set of clothes has been washed but has never been worn before. Try and see if it fits."


    Maeve changed the clothes and walked to the full-length mirror. She was stunned for a while.


    This apricot-pink courtly retro long dress is quite unique. The hem of the skirt just reaches the ankles, adorned with delicatece trim, giving the impression of flowers blooming with each step as one walks.


    It was the first time she had worn such an elegant and borate piece of clothing, and she felt rather ufortable.


    Maeve straightened her skirt and was about to go downstairs to thank Mr. Richard when she suddenly saw a huge photo hanging on the wall on the right.


    She turned around and couldn''t help but walk in front of the photo.


    It was a photo of a man and a woman. The man was Mr. Richard and the beautiful woman standing beside him should be


    his wife.


    ''Wait a minute, she looked a little familiar? Had I seen this beautiful woman somewhere before?'' Maeve could not help but fall into deep thought. ''I would not forget such a beautiful person if I had seen her before, but why couldn''t I recall it?" "Ms. Reese, are you done?" The housekeeper''s voice came from behind.


    Maeve immediately came back to her senses and nodded at the housekeeper. "Alright, I''ll go down now."


    Maeve went downstairs and returned to the dining room. She thanked Warren. "Mr. Richard, thank you for lending me such beautiful clothes. I will definitely wash them clean and return them another day."


    Warren smiled and shook his head. "There''s no need to return it This dress suits you very well. It looks very beautiful on


    you."


    "But this is what you prepared for your daughter...


    "This set of clothes might want to go home with you more than keep it in the closet. Please don''t refuse,


    Maeve thought for a moment. "Thank you."


    "You''re too kind."


    47%


    Warren still wanted Maeve to stay for dinner, but Maeve was worried that the two children were still at home, so she rejected his good intentions.


    After she left, the housekeeper couldn''t help butugh. "Mr. Richard, this is the first time I''ve seen a girl who doesn''t show any fear in front of you and has such a cute and funny personality." Warren smiled. "She''s indeed cute. I''m even a little envious of her father."


    Maeve picked up the hem of her dress and entered the Retro Apartment. The moment she entered, she caught a strong and overpowering aroma of the prepared dishes.


    The two little ones heard the sound and ran out. When they saw their beautiful mommy, who looked like she had just sneaked out of the pce banquet, they were stunned and kept circling her. Theo''s round eyes were sparkling as he kept praising, "Mommy, mommy! Where did you go just now? You''re dressed so beautifully! You look like a princess in the book!"


    "The princess in the book is not as good-looking as Mommy," Will said with a serious face. "Mommy is the most beautiful."


    Maeve was inted by their praise. She lifted the dress and spun around. "Mirror, mirror, who is the most beautiful woman in the world?"


    Will blushed and confessed, "Of course it''s my Mommy!"


    The cute Theo next to her pped his hands in a supportive manner. "It''s you, it''s you! Our great and beautiful hero mother!"


    Maeve was left speechless by the cuteness of the two little ones and burst into loudughter. ''As expected of you, the atmosphere was gone in an instant.''


    A low voice of cough interrupted their acting addiction. Byron leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. His sses did not move at all. His thin lips moved slightly. "Two little bootlickers." Just because Maeve would fall for it.

 Chapter 391

    3


    47% +5


    Only then did Theo remember that Stinky Daddy was still here. He quickly hid behind Maeve and whispered, "Mommy, I think he heard what I said just now. We have to think of a way to trick him."


    Will looked at Byron''s expression and thought, ''but why did I feel that it was toote?''


    "How else do you want to trick me?" Byron''s hearing was outstanding, so he did not miss Theo''s nagging.


    Theo immediately hid wholly behind Maeve.


    Maeve pulled him out calmly. "It''s fine. He already knows."


    "...What?" Theo was dumbfounded. ''When?''


    Maeve continued, "Not only does he know that you''re Jaylen''s biological son, but he also said that he will treat you as his biological son in the future."


    As soon as she said this, the two little ones were petrified. ''When did I/my brother be someone else''s child?''


    Perhaps it was a good thing that he could not see sometimes. For example, at this moment, if Byron could see, he would realize that Theo was looking at him with a dissatisfied and aggrieved expression. ''It was one thing for Stinky Daddy not to like me, but he actually recognized me as someone else''s child!''"


    "I don''t want him to be my daddy!" Theo''s cheeks were puffed up like a balloon. His childish voice was filled with dissatisfaction. "I only have Mommy! I don''t want him!"


    Even Will could not say anything to persuade him. He silently expressed his support.


    "It''s up to you. If you don''t want to admit it, then don''t." Byron did not care about this. He was only doing this for Maeve''s sake. Since Theo was so unwilling, it was fine. ''I didn''tck a son.


    Theo turned around angrily.


    Maeve looked at Byron, who knew nothing about this, and chuckled in her heart. ''I wait to see how you coax your son in the future.''


    After dinner, Maeve returned to her room and changed out of her long dress. She was ready to put on the cotton nightdress.


    She had just taken it off when the bedroom door opened.


    Seeing Byron walk in, Maeve panicked and used the clothes to cover herself. Then, when she saw the sses on his face, she remembered that he could not see now. It did not matter if she blocked it or not. "Why didn''t you knock when you came in?" Maeve mumbled.


    "You knock on the door to your


    room?"


    Byron walked straight to the small sofa and reached out to touch the armrest before sitting down. He crossed his long legs elegantly.


    Maeve was mumbling in her heart, ''How did this be your room?"


    When she saw Byron''s overly smooth movements, she was instantly surprised. "Why do you seem to be able to see? Have your eyes recovered?"


    "Not yet."


    "Then how do you know there''s a sofa there?"


    She had only bought that small sofa recently. It had never been there before. It was impossible for him to know and remember the location in advance.


    47%


    Byron tilted his head and tapped the sses on his nose with his knuckles. "It''s a new product of mypany. If you wear it, you can see the general outline of the surrounding scenery."


    "Can you see the details?" Maeve quickly put on the nightdress. It would be awkward if he said Yes!


    Byron sneered. "Do you think you''ve opened your Heavenly Eye?"


    Maeve walked to his side and waved his hand in front of his eyes. "Then can you see what I''m doing?"


    "Yes, you are making a V sign."


    ''Oh my God!'' Maeve''s face immediately flushed. "Didn''t you know that I was changing just now and still walked in?"


    Byron instantlyughed. "Which part of your body haven''t I seen before? What''s there to avoid when you change your clothes?"


    Maeve immediately wanted to take off his sses, but he held her wrist and rubbed it twice. He slowly slid up and pinched her slender fingers to y with them.


    Maeve struggled but could not break free.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "Why are you in a bad mood tonight?" Byron asked in a low voice.


    Maeve was stunned. "How did you


    know?"


    ''I had clearly hidden it very well and neither of the two children had discovered it. Maeve felt very puzzled. "Your voice is too weak. It''s two keys lower than usual. You only perform like this when you''re sick and unhappy." Maeve was impressed by his observational skills. It did not matter to him whether he could see or not.


    She had no intention of hiding the truth about her biological father from him and told him everything.


    The more Byron listened, the more he frowned. "Did he find you just for the jewelry that he stole in the past?"


    "And also for money." Maeve sat on the armrest andined "When he heard that the jewelry might be with me, he wanted to strangle me to death. He didn''t even want to pretend Byron''s expression turned cold. "He wanted to strangle you to death?"


    At this moment, Henry was no different from a dead man in Byron''s heart.


    Maeve''s mood sank. "Byron, actually, I don''t have much expectations for them. I just want to know what kind of people they are to fill the gap in my mind for the image of my parents."


    "I just don''t understand. Why is it that some fathers, when their daughters go missing, will wait and search for them day after day for decades and love their daughters deeply? While there are fathers like Henry." She really couldn''t figure it out. Why was the gap between fathers so huge? Perhaps it was because I was simply not worthy of having such kind of family affection by birth.


    Byron pursed his thin lips slightly and stretched out his long arm to carry her from the armrest to hisp. His other hand wrapped around her soft and slender waist and stroked her long hair casually.


    47%


    Maeve rested her chin on his shoulder and continued, "I even called the police. Although he ran away in the end, I don''t regret it at all. A mistake is a mistake."


    "You did well," Byron said calmly. "But the next time you encounter such a thing, it''s best to discuss it with me first. I don''t know what this lunatic will do if he''s forced into a dead end."


    Maeve answered gloomily.


    "Where''s your bodyguard from before?"


    "Did you say Tom? He went home."


    Byron said firmly, "From tomorrow onwards, I''ll send bodyguards to follow you."


    Maeve didn''t refuse. Henry was like a time bomb. He didn''t know that the jewelry was with the police, and it was very likely that they would find her again. ''Just in case, it would be best if there were bodyguards following me.'' "However," Byron asked again, "are you really sure that Henry is your biological father?"


    Maeve nodded and said, "The result of the paternity test was indeed like that. He also showed me the photo of my biological mother. It was the kind that you could tell at a nce that she looked a lot like me."


    "Is that so?" Byron frowned slightly. A trace of doubt shed across his heart.


    Maeve felt much more rxed after telling him these things. She no longer felt like she was stuck in a dead end in the afternoon.


    "Let''s not talk about this anymore." She reached out and touched his sses. "Can you take them off? I want to see how your eye injury is."


    Byron quietly held her small hand. "It''s still the same as before. You can look at it when it''s done."


    "Didn''t the doctor say that it would be well soon? How long has it been?"


    "I''m not sure. It might take a while."


    Maeve felt that something was wrong, but she could not put her finger on it. ''But since he said so, there shouldn''t be any problems... right?''

 Chapter 392

    D


    *


    47%


    11


    Just as Maeve was lost in wild thoughts, suddenly her body was lifted up into the air, which startled her so much that she immediately wrapped her arms around Byron''s neck. "What are you doing?"


    "Instead of wasting your time thinking about other things, why don''t you care about me?" Byron said calmly. He ced her on the bed and then pounced on her.


    Macve blushed at his sudden action. "Wasn''t I just concerned about your injuries?"


    "It''s not that." Byron grabbed her hand and put it down without stopping. "This is what you need to concerned about."


    Maeve was in great shock.


    She red at him angrily. "You can''t even see and you''re still thinking about such things! Can you do it now?"


    Men are the kind of creatures who are most sensitive about hearing such questions.


    Byron immediately proved to her with his actions whether he could do it or not.


    Only the sense of sight is gone, while all the other senses are still there.


    It was more than enough to make her cry.


    "Wait, I''m on my period!"


    Byron''s voice was hoarse. "Then I''ll suffer a little."


    The next morning, Maeve woke up with a hoarse voice as expected. Her legs were as soft as spaghetti, and she could not even walk She was wrong. Her mistake was that she shouldn''t have changed her clothes and left the door unlocked, giving a wolf an opening.


    And because she had something on her mind, she looked for him forfort and revealed her fragile neck to him.


    In the end, she was brought back to the nest and eaten until there was nothing left. She thought that her period could protect her. However, she did not expect that even if he did not perform actual actions, he still had hands, legs, and even...


    Marve walked to the dining room and slowly sat down in the seat. She said weakly to Theo, "Baby, give me a bottle of milk.


    It needs to be hot"


    She needed nourishment.


    Theo immediately went to the kitchen to get a bottle. He even thoughtfully opened the bottle cap. "Mommy, drink."


    Thank you Baby Marve took a big gulp and finally felt a little better.


    "Did mommy not skep wellst night? You looks like a schr whose essence was sucked away by a wisen in a television drama The title The leaned against the table and said in a milky voice. Tips description was indescribable.


    Maeve''s face showed a look of vicinu


    the sad in beurt. The vixen is your father, baby


    3


    45%


    Theo said again, "Although Mommy with dark circles under your eyes is also very pretty, but baby likes Mommy best when you have had enough sleep and is full of energy!"


    "Alright, alright, alright. I''ll definitely do it next time!" Maeve''s heart softened when she heard that.


    She thought to herself, ''It was still my baby who cares about me. Unlike some people who only caused me to have dark circles under my eyes!"


    "Mom, breakfast is ready." Will brought out Maeve''s breakfast and tiptoed to ce it in front of Maeve. "I tried to make Western breakfast. Theo said it''s quite delicious. Mom, try it." Maeve was shocked. "Where''s your father? He actually let you into the kitchen with ease?"


    Will tilted his head. "Dad went out very early. He went to the hospital for a checkup. Before he left, he asked me to make breakfast for Mom."


    Maeve had mixed feelings. ''No wonder it''s said that as long as the kids are alive when dads are taking care of them, it''s good enough.''


    She didn''t even dare to let the two little ones touch the things in the kitchen, afraid that they would get hurt. Byron had ordered his young son to make breakfast for the family. This was really speechless.


    "Delicious!" Maeve ate two sandwiches in one go. "As expected of Will. You''ve inherited my teachings!"


    Will pursed his lips and smiled shyly. "I''ll make Mommy''s favorite Chinese breakfast tomorrow."


    He was reading a cooking book after ss and learned very quickly.


    Theo, who was holding a croissant in each hand, blinked. ''I... I would eat with mommy tomorrow!''


    After the two little ones went to school, Maeve also drove to the studio.


    "Ms. Reese, you have an outing today. Due to special circumstances, this customer is unable to be present and needs us toe personally." Paige handed the organized itinerary to Maeve


    Maeve looked at the address. "Mapledeca... Isn''t that manor unupied? Are you sure the customer stays there?"


    "You don''t know this. A rich man from overseas spent a lot of money to buy that manor because he could see the maple red by the river in autumn." Paige sighed. "It''s just a limited view that can only be seen in autumn. Rich people are really perverted." Paige thought to herself, ''Why wasn''t I one more pervert?''


    Maeve chuckled. "Rich and willful, you know."


    "Right!" Paige became cheerful again. "I''ve never seen what a manor looks like in my life. It''s said that among the most expensive manors in Kleymond, besides Nightfall Manor, there''s this Mapledeca!"


    ''Nightfall Manor... Wasn''t that Byron''s house?'' Maeve touched the tip of her nose. "It''s fine. You''ll see it in a while."


    *****


    An hourter, Maeve brought Paige to Mapledeca.


    Diagonally opposite was the Maple River, Maple trees were nted on both sides of the river. It was not the season to get red yet, so it would look even better in autumn.


    111


    r


    C


    However, the pure river scenery was also very moving.


    -


    45%


    Wearing a ck tuxedo and a pocket watch, the British butler led them through the door, upstairs, and into the innermostN?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    room.


    "Sir, the designer of Dreamscape has arrived," the butler said to the man in the wheelchair in front of the window.


    The wheelchair slowly turned to Maeve and the others. Sitting in it was a man in light-colored home clothes. Even sitting down could not hide his dignified aura.


    His appearance was a rarely seen wild type. He had a sharp face like an ancient Greek mythological


    were sharp. He looked at people with a mechanical coldness.


    It was like... an eagle circling in the air but not ready to hunt.


    He exuded an aura that was not to be trifled with.


    This aura made it easy for people to ignore the fact that he could not walk.


    and his eyes


    Maeve identally looked at him and was stunned. ''Had I seen a ghost these past two days? When I saw the beautifuldy, I felt that she looked familiar. When I saw the handsome uncle, I felt that he also looked familiar. Could it be that... good-looking people were more simr?''


    "Hello, Mr. Soar. I am Dreamscape''s chief designer, Maeve Reese. This is my assistant, Paige Sims," Maeve introduced her team politely.


    Gale Soar nodded slightly. "I know. I came to you to thank you."


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. "Thank me?"


    "Last Wednesday, you and yourpanions saved my life at the famous restaurant in Greenhaven," Gale said concisely.


    Maeve suddenly remembered that he was thest guest who was treated by Jaylen that day!


    At that time, he had fainted and his face was very pale, so she did not recognize him immediately.


    "So it''s you." Maeve suddenly understood. "Are you feeling better?"


    "Thanks to you, it''s alright for now," Gale said. "After I woke up, I sent someone to look for you. In the end, I found out that you had returned to Kleymond, so I came over. What reward do you want?"


    ''It turned out that custom-made clothes were fake. Repaying kindness was the real thing, Maeve could not help but mutter in her heart. "These rich people valued favors more than anything else. If I didn''t ept it, they might even think that I was asking for more benefits. Therefore, i had to make a request, but k couldn''t go overboard!


    Maeve thought for a moment. "We''re not saving people for the reward. If you must give it to us, just order a set of clothes from our studio."

 Chapter 393

    Gale had no intention of ordering any clothes at all. He only asked the butler to contact Dreamscape to meet Maeve and settle the previous matter. He had never liked owing people favors. Hearing Maeve''s too simple request, Gale could not help but be surprised. "Are you sure?"


    Maeve nodded. "I''m sure."


    Gale delivered a light hum.


    He did not think highly of Maeve because of this, nor did he think that her request was too lightpared to saving his life.


    He had already given Maeve the freedom to choose what answer to fill in.


    However, for some reason, Gale still added, "Also, add this manor as my thank-you gift."


    As soon as he said this, Maeve heard Paige exim behind her and was filled with shock and envy. ''Gosh, Ms. Reese was going to be rich!''


    Maeve smiled. "Your manor is very beautiful, but cleaning must be very difficult. I can''t bear to hire so many people to take care of it, so I''ll pass."Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    At that time, she had only provided him with an antidote. He had to rely on Jaylen to be saved. Therefore, she was not shameless enough to take all the advantages.


    This time, even the butler looked at her differently. ''Can the value of this manor be covered by the excuse that cleaning is too troublesome? Even if she rents out the manor, she can hire hundreds of servants a year! Thisdy is still too young and impulsive.'' Gale nodded and did not try to persuade her further. Instead, he instructed the butler, "Call Aeolian over."


    The butler nodded and turned to leave.


    After a while, Aeolian walked in behind the butler. When she saw that there was someone else in the room, she clearly felt ufortable when she saw that it was Maeve.


    She quickly lowered her head and quickly walked two steps away from Gale. She asked softly, "Uncle Gale, you called for me?"


    "Mm." Gale then said to Maeve, "This is my niece, Aeolian. Please order a few sets of clothes for her."


    Maeve nodded slightly. "Okay."


    She had also guessed that this would be the oue, because Gale looked like a person who didn''t like to get close to others.


    When Aeolian heard that Gale wanted this girl to make clothes for her, she immediately felt a little relieved.


    Last time, she had taken the initiative to bring Gale out to rx. In the end, she had caused him to have food poisoning in the dining room. She had been frightened for a few days. From the looks of it, the crisis had been resolved.


    "Thank you, Uncle Gale. You''re so good to me," said Aeolian sweetly. Then, she smiled at Maeve in a friendly manner. "Come with me."


    Maeve smiled back. "Alright."


    BB


    55%


    "There''s a beautiful princess in the distance. She''s charming and


    The familiar singing stopped Maeve in her tracks.


    When she turned around, her expression was one of utter shock Huh? Why does Theo''s magical song appear in this ce?!''


    "Is there anything else?" Gale asked calmly when he saw her stop


    "No..." Maeve shook her head in a daze. "It''s just that this music sounds very vibrating. I''m a little attracted."


    She did not notice that the butler''s hands were trembling as he was adjusting the yback equipment. The corners of his mouth twitched when he heard her words. However, Gale revealed his first sincere smile since they met. "Your taste is not bad. This music does have a unique charm. I have to listen to it at least ten times a day." Maeve, Theo''s biological mother, who didn''t even dare to listen for the second time was speechless.


    Gale continued, "This song is called Devil''s Sleep. It''s just like its name. The hypnotic effect is very good. I''ll rmend it to you."


    "Th... Thank you." Maeve seemed to have put on a mask of pain. "Then I won''t disturb you from admiring it. Goodbye."


    Then, in the midst of Theo''s increasingly clear and magically enchanting singing that wasparable to the sound quality in a recording studio, she fled in a hurry.


    It wasn''t that she looked down on her kid''s singing. But even if she forced herself to praise it, she just couldn''t bring herself to say that his singing was pleasant to the ears.


    Maeve could not help but reflect on herself. ''Could it be that I am too harsh on my child, so much so that strangers have discovered the charm in Theo''s voice but I haven''t? No, no, no. I can''t doubt myself!


    Then on reflection, ''But Mr. Soar seems to fall asleep every day while listening to Theo''s terrifying... no, charming voice. If he doesn''t really like it, how can he torture his ears like this?? Of course, there is another possibility. Perhaps this Mr. Soar''s hearing is not good.'' Aeolian noticed that Maeve lingered in the room for a while and could not help but frown.


    She was already used to women taking the initiative to approach Gale when they saw him. She thought that this girl would be a little different, but she didn''t expect there to be no difference.


    Fortunately, Gale''s eyes were not very good, so he could not see her face clearly. Otherwise, she might really have an aunt.


    Maeve was in a daze the entire way. It was not until Paige measured her that she came back to her senses and asked Aeolian about the style, color, and style that she liked.


    She was half a benefactor to Gale. On the surface, Aeolian also had to show her some respect and was fairly cooperative.


    After recording her data, Maeve drew out the design n for Aeolian to see.


    Aeolian saw that she had drawn it casually and did not think much of it.


    -After obtaining the design, she was instantly speechless.


    She had grown up wearing branded clothes and had a high understanding of fashion. She was very picky and very few people''s designs caught her eye. This girl was indeed quite capable.


    "It''s alright. That''s all." Aeolian''s expression was still lukewarm.


    Maeve put away the design and stood up to bid farewell to her.


    "Ms. Reese, Aeolian suddenly called out to her.


    "What is it?" Maeve asked in confusion.


    "Do you have a boyfriend?"


    3


    55%


    Hearing this question, Maeve was stunned for a moment before asking with a smile, "What does this have to do with my job?"


    Aeolian frowned. "No." And she thought, ''But if I asked, you


    should answer!


    Maeve nodded slightly. "Then we''ll take our leave. Goodbye."


    After they left, Aeolian muttered, "What the hell is this?" and got up to leave.


    Seeing that the butler had closed the door to the master bedroom and came out, Aeolian immediately walked over and asked him, "Is Uncle asleep?"


    "Yes, mydy."


    Aeolian looked at the closed door and pulled the butler to the side. "You''ve been by my uncle''s side for more than twenty years. You know my uncle''s matters very well. I want to know how my uncle''s insomnia came about. I also want to do something for him." The butler smiled slightly. "This is Mr. Soar''s personal privacy. Even if you''re his niece, you shouldn''t ask me in private. I still have something on. Forgive me for not being able to apany you."


    With that, the butler took out his pocket watch and went downstairs.


    Aeolian spat. "Isn''t you just a servant? What''s there to be arrogant about?"


    Maeve did not know about this interlude and handed the design to Paige for safekeeping. She suddenly remembered that it was time for the results of Iton Private International Kindergarten''s school uniformpetition.

 Chapter 394

    Previously, she was sick. After the school uniform was made, she asked Paige to send it to Iton Private International Kindergarten for her. After that... she had forgotten about it.


    ''After all, it was 100 thousand dors. It really shouldn''t have happened. Maeve reflected on herself for a second and opened the chat group solemnly. The oue came out yesterday, but she did not notice it. [The first ce was...Faye.]


    Maeve was quite surprised. She did not dare to guarantee that she would be the first ce this time, but she was still very confident in her design. Moreover, she has seen Faye''s previous design works, and the level of them can be described as uneven.


    When she thought about how Faye hade to look for her to withdraw from thepetition... It was hard to say if this first ce was fake.


    Maeve''s fingertips slid down. In the end, she realized that her name was not in the participating school uniform works. ''What''s going on here?'' She immediately went to the principal to ask for the reason.


    The principal replied, "We didn''t receive your school uniform. Actually, I''m very satisfied with your design. I wanted to remind you to hand in your work, but I couldn''t contact you."


    "I''m sorry, I was sick some time ago and was discharged recently." Maeve was full of doubts. "My work was sent to school by my assistant two days before the deadline. I think the security room should have an impression of it. Please verify it."


    "Ms. Reese, even if we find out that you did submit your work, the results of thepetition have already been released. Doing so won''t change anything," the principal reminded.


    Maeve sighed. "I know. I don''t want to change this result. I just want to know where my work went."


    "Alright, wait for my news."


    "Thank you, Principal."


    This matter might not be so easy to investigate. Although Maeve was full of doubts, she knew that it could not be rushed.


    Back at the studio, Maeve noticed that there were people going in and out of the office that had been vacant diagonally opposite. The mannequins that were being moved in clearly indicated that the work being done there was rted to clothing. She couldn''t help but stop to watch. "Who''s so careless to open a clothing studio in front of us?" Paigeined unhappily. ''It was obvious that they did it on purpose.


    Maeve smiled and did not say anything. Just as she was about to enter, a familiar female voice suddenly came from behind.


    "Isn''t this our great designer Maeve? What a coincidence."


    Maeve turned around and saw Faye walking over in a purple sequined dress. The corners of her


    ''Fine, it didn''t seem to be a coincidence. Maeve was speechless.


    eyes


    twitched slightly.


    "Ms. Nole, did you move here because of the good location of this office building?" Maeve asked calmly.


    r


    00 400, 55%


    "From the meaning of Ms. Reese''s words, it sounds like you are saying that I''m learning from you?" Faye held the exaggerated modern-style top hat on her head and smiled disdainfully. "Is there a need for me to learn from a defeated opponent? That would be lowering my status." "Of course. In terms of using money to bribe others, I''m indeed not as good as Ms. Nole."


    Faye rolled her eyes. "A loss is a loss. It''s quite interesting for you to forcefully redeem yourself. Don''t tell me you can''t afford to lose?"


    After saying this, Faye covered her mouth and walked away with a smile. Her back swayed.


    coul


    Paige not help butin, "If she gets any closer, the hat on her head can be used as a weapon to stab people. Does she really think that it''s very fashionable to wear it like this?"


    It''s not an exaggeration to say that it''s a fashion disaster with a sequined dress and a courtly hat.


    ''How dare she mock Ms. Reese!'' Paige thought to herself angrily.


    Maeve was originally a little upset, but when she heard Paige''s ridicule, she immediately smiled. "She might really think that she''s very unique in that dress."


    Maeve patted Paige''s shoulder and got her to go back to work.


    However, Maeve had a premonition that Faye would definitely target Dreamscape when she moved over, but Maeve did not expect Faye to be so obvious.


    Last time, she insinuated online without naming names that Maeve got in through the back door. This time, she stirred up trouble online by insinuating how low-ss the clothing brand on the same floor of the office building as her was, yet there were quite a lot of customers. Her fans were piqued by her remarks and asked directly in what way it was low - ss.


    Faye pretended to implicitly tell fans that the founder of the clothing brand also participated in the Iton Private International Kindergarten school uniform selection. Unfortunately, she was a loser.


    The fans immediately became excited. They all knew that Faye had won the first ce in the school uniform selection. The blog post that reposted the lucky draw and gave 100 thousand dors in cash was still on her homepage.


    [The founder of the brand had lost to her. It was obvious that she did not have much ability. Were those customers blind?] The fans remarked.


    There were also people who raised doubts. [It was just a school uniform designpetition. This didn''t seem to be a valuablepetition, right? Could it also show the standard of the other party''s designer?]


    The doubter was immediately rebuked by Faye''s diehard fans. [Did the designpetition of a famous school like Iton Private International Kindergarten depend on its value? Some designers were even willing to pay for it!]


    The situation was one-sided. It did not take long for people to find out that the design brand on the same floor as Faye was Dreamscape.


    Dreamscape had been in the limelight at Kleymond recently. Especially after the debut of the new product exhibition in Greenha n, trending topics had appeared several times. There were also female celebrities who posted that they liked Dream pe''s creativity and ideas. In the end, this was it?


    Since the founder of Dreamscape had lost to Faye, it could be seen that this brand was not that good.


    Someizens, incited by Faye''s fans, went to the official ount of Dreamscape to make sarcastic remarks. Paige, who was in charge of managing the ount, saw this and ryed the information to Maeve Reese.


    3


    Maeve was extremely busy. Previously, she had to deal with the umtion of hospitalization and business trips. She wished she had eight hands.


    After listening to Paige, she did not even raise her head. "Don''t bother about them. A loss is a loss. If we respond to this matter, it will give others the impression that we can''t afford to lose and are still stubborn. It won''t do us any good." The brand Faye had been established for five to six years, but it was not very popr.


    She probably wanted to use Dreamscape to build momentum for her brand and slowly rece it.


    If Maeve really responded, it would be exactly what she wanted.


    However, the current Dreamscape was no longer the previous Dreamscape. It would not change the opinion of existing customers of Dreamscape just because Faye manipted online. At most, it would affect the input of new customers. Maeve didn''t care, but public rtions department of the Mcdaniel Group wasn''t to be trifled with.


    55%


    However, this time, there were no instructions from the higher-ups, and they did not attack immediately. Instead, they had the intention to ask the minister first.


    "Wait and see if Ms. Reese will do anything on her side. If there''s still no movement tomorrow, we''ll take action then to avoid spoiling her n." The minister gave the order while holding a coffee cup.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    When his subordinates saw how calm he was, they ttered him one after another. "It''s still the Minister who can keep hisposure. We still need to train."


    The minister snorted. "Get back to work."


    After his subordinates left, the minister put down the cup with trembling hands. "The hell with being able to keep myposure! If you young rascals knew that was the president''s girlfriend, let''s see if you could still keep yourposure.''


    0

 Chapter 395

    Maeve naturally did not have any ns. She told Paige not to care and threw this matter to the back of her mind.


    However, this matter still spread to the Principal of Iton Private International Kindergarten.


    What followed was the surveince results.


    The results showed that after Maeve''s assistant sent the school uniform to the security room to request for it to be handed over, it was actually thrown away by the guard that day!


    The guard had done it very covertly, especially avoiding the cameras.


    However, this was a kindergarten, where was nock of surveince cameras. There were many hidden cameras that even the internal staff did not know about to prevent outsiders from infiltrating the school and bringing danger to the children. As a result, an employee who didn''t stick to his duty was actually caught!


    The guard, who was doing things for money, was never reliable with his mouth. When questioned by the principal, his legs went weak and he confessed everything thoroughly.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    On the day Paige helped Maeve send the uniforms to school, Faye happened to be there.


    However, Paige was neither a parent nor a school employee. She could not enter as she pleased and could only ask the guard to pass it.


    Faye was smart enough not to bribe the guard in person. Instead, she called him after leaving and used 100 thousand dors of thepetition prize money as bait to prompt the guard to agree to help her.


    Of course, the guard was tempted. He helped Faye throw away Maeve''s school uniform and did not mention it to anyone.


    Who knew that the matter would still be exposed?


    Maeve''s school uniform was still found. The guard was afraid that Faye would not pay after the incident, so he picked up school uniform and kept it as evidence.


    the


    The principal was troubled by the Maeve school uniform. ''If this matter got out, it would not be good for Iton Private International Kindergarten''s reputation. If Faye''s first-ce ranking is unjust, how will the outside world view Iton Private International Kindergarten?'' "Principal, Mr. Soar is here," the assistant reminded from the side.


    The principal first heard the sound of the wheelchair, then saw the person.


    Even though Gale looked like a cripple who could not even move, no one dared to look down on him.


    The principal immediately stood up and greeted him cautiously "Mr. Soar, your presence brings light to my humble dwelling."


    "I won''t say anything unnecessary. I n to donate a few teaching buildings and a library to Iton Private International Kindergarten," Gale went straight to the point.


    The principal looked happy and ttered. "Mr. Soar values the child''s education so much. You''re really warm-hearted."


    "But I have a condition."


    "... Yes, what do you want?"


    1/3 O


    16:21


    Gale did not take the coffee from the assistant, but waited for the butler to reach out and take it from the assistant before slowly taking it in his hand. He said, "In the Arts and Theatrical festival y you held previously, there was a little boy singing ''Demon Sleep! Do you remember?"


    The principal had also watched Arts and Theatrical festival''s drama program that day and had a deep impression of Theo. When she heard him say that, she immediately felt that it was not good. ''Mr. Soar had power and influence, and this kind of people... generally had some unspeakable fetishes."


    "Mr. Soar, the children in our school are not sold asmodities," the principal immediately said. "Please don''t have any thoughts."


    Gale''s eyebrows twitched. He looked at the principal strangely. "What kind of person do you take me for?"


    The principal realized that she had misunderstood and looked embarrassed. "I''m sorry, Mr. Soar. Of course, you''re not that kind of person. I''m just reminding you just in case."


    There had been a precedent before, but she had beaten that person out with bare hands.


    Gale had a good tolerance and didn''t argue with him. He continued, "That little boy sings well. I hope that if the school has any singing programs in the future, we will prioritize him."


    "Theo''s singing was... not bad?'' The principal''s expression was a littleplicated. ''If not for the fact that I had heard the child sing before, I would have believed it. Moreover, the child''s mother was Maeve, but the father was unknown. Mr. Soar was so generous that he donated a few buildings to the school just to give Theo more opportunities to sing. No matter how one looked at it, their rtionship was not ordinary. However, it seemed too far-fetched to say that Mr. Soar was his father.


    "Mr. Soar, may I ask, what is your rtionship with that child?" The principal asked after some deliberation.


    Gale ced the coffee cup back in the butler''s hand. His tone was still indifferent. "No one. I''m just a fan."


    He did not have the slightest sense of shame as an adult who said that he was a child''s fan.


    The principal was extremely speechless. ''Why didn''t I have such a rich fan?''


    Gale hade here for this matter. He was worried about leaving it to someone else. After all, it concerned whether he could sleep well in the future.


    He could also directly contact the child''s parents and spend money to hire someone to do this. However, he could not be bothered to interact with others. It was even more troublesome to get involved for no reason. It was better to leave it to the principal.


    After this matter was settled, Gale was about to leave when he unintentionally saw the school uniform on the ss table and could not help but take a few more nces. "Is this your school uniform?"


    The principal was about to deny it when he heard Gale say, "Not bad. You have quite the taste and style."


    "... You have good taste! This is actually the new school uniform we''re preparing for the children!" The principal immediat changed her words.


    After Gale left, the assistant thought of something and asked tentatively, "Principal, are you nning to change the design of Ms. Nole?"


    "She was the one who used improper means first. She''s not worthy of the first ce." The principal''s face darkened. "At first, I didn''t think about how to deal with it because I was afraid that this matter would affect the school''s reputation. But as you saw just now, Mr. Soar praised the design of Ms. Reese for having good taste. If I don''t use a good design, wouldn''t I be telling others that I don''t have good taste?"


    The assistant was enlightened and asked in confusion, "I think you seem to be quite afraid of this Mr. Soar."


    "Afraid?" The principal sighed. "This is reverence."


    The heating trend on the Inte even reached the ears of the two little ones.


    It really made the two boys so angry that they refused to eat and were about to teach those foul-mouthed trolls a good lesson. Otherwise, they would really think that their mommy was easy to bully!


    However, before they could make a move, Iton Private International Kindergarten''s official statement canceled Faye''s first ce in thepetition, took back the bonus, and gave them priority to cooperate in the future.


    Tommy,e and look! There are big tree peanuts!!" Theo raised his little head and shouted towards the kitchen.


    Will corrected him once again, "It''s big events happening."


    "Alright, alright!" Theo was so anxious that his short legs were kicking. "Mommy, mommy!"


    "Coming,ing!" Maeve ran out of the kitchen. She did not even have time to untie the apron before she leaned towards them. "What''s the hurry?"


    Maeve was shocked when she saw the statement on theputer.


    She had already given up on thinking about this matter. She did not expect to wait for the oue.


    Faye had bribed the guard to throw away her designs. Other designers had reported to the principal that Faye had also bribed them to withdraw from thepetition. That was how this statement came about.


    "The prize money for thepetition was only 100 thousand dors, but Faye had already spent more than that amount. What was she after?'' Maeve was quite confused.


    0

 Chapter 396

    However, this was not important. At the end, Iton Private International Kindergarten solemnly announced that the selectionpetition would be carried out again. This time, no more injustice would be allowed to happen. "Ah!" Maeve happily hugged the two cute children beside her. "Babes! Did you see that? There''s a newpetition. Mommy has another chance!"


    Seeing that Maeve was so happy, the two little ones were also very happy. They snuggled in her arms.


    "Mommy will definitely win this time! Then, bring us to eat something delicious!" Theo sucked on his little mouth.


    Will''s dream was much simpler. "Mom, I''ve been sitting on my yoga mat for a long time. Can you change it for me?"


    Maeve burst intoughter. "The prize money hasn''t even entered our pockets yet, and you''re already thinking of what to buy with the prize money?" They were even more confident than her.


    Theo shook his little head. "I''m not confident in Mommy. I''m just trusting my intuition. I have a feeling that Mommy will definitely win this time!" With that little look, he was cheering Maeve up while also casuallyplimenting himself.


    Maeve could not help but poke his bulging stomach.


    "Will, did you indulge Theo to secretly eat snacks again? Why does he seem to have be a little rounder?"


    Will felt a little guilty. For some reason, his mother saw through him. "Mom, Theo is still growing."


    Maeve picked up Theo''s short legs. "He''s not growing. He''s nourishing his flesh and waiting to be captured and made into Soup."


    Actually, it was not that serious. The little guy was at most a little chubby now, not to the point of being very


    fat.


    However, if Maeve did not make it sound more serious, this guy would definitely not be able to control his appetite.


    Afternoon tea every three days and an extra meal every two days.


    She did not know how she had given birth to such a greedy cat.


    Theo squirmed and said unhappily, "Other people''s culinary skills are not good. I''m not willing to be made into soup for them. It''s a waste of ingredients! It''s more like making soup by Mommy and Will. It''ll definitely be delicious!" Maeve had no words to say, just in silence.


    Will was also speechless. "This glutton is hopeless.''


    Maeve, feeling exhausted, handed him over to Will for some ideological education. Seeing that the clock on the wall was nearly seven o''clock, she said, "Will, give your dad a call and ask him if he''sing back for dinner." "Mom, Dad''s follow-up results aren''t very good. He''s going to be hospitalized tonight," Will said worriedly. "Dad said that he''ll be discharged tomorrow at thetest. He told us not to go over specially to avoid trouble." Maeve was a little worried. "After dinner, Mom will go over and take a look. You guys still have school tomorrow. You can''t stay upte at night."


    "Alright, Mom. We''re here. Don''t worry," Will replied obediently


    After dinner, Maeve drove to First Hospital.


    3


    When the elevator reached the top floor, Maeve walked towards the ward where Byron was. Unexpectedly, she saw an unexpected figure walking out. ""Dr. Malvis?"


    "Ms. Reese." Serena looked at the thermos box in her hand and mocked in her heart. ''A person of Mr. Mcdaniel''s status would have top-notch food and clothes. Why would he be interested in her food?'' 55%


    Serena did not show it on her face. She smiled amiably and said. "Ms. Reese, are you here to see Mr. Mcdaniel? If I had known that you woulde, I would not have chatted with Mr. Mcdaniel for so long. He just happened to be tired and fell Jeep.


    Instead, Maeve heaved a sigh of relief. "From what you said, he should be in a good state. I''m much more relieved then."


    Serena was speechless and thought, ''Can this woman understand humannguage?"


    Then Serena uttered, "Ms. Reese, are you usually very busy?"


    "I''m busy. What''s wrong?"


    "It''s nothing. I just feel that Mr. Mcdaniel is sick and has no one to take care of him. It''s quite unpleasant." Serena smiled insincerely. "I originally thought that Ms. Reese, as Mr. Mcdaniel''s girlfriend, should be aware of this. I just didn''t expect you to only appear now. You must be very busy."


    Her words were very obvious. She was mocking Maeve for not being considerate and sensible enough to be Byron''s girlfriend.


    If it were someone else, they might have understood what she meant.


    To Maeve, if it was someone else who mocked her like Faye, she would immediately understand the deeper meaning behind her words.


    But the problem was that she had this filter of Will''s doctor and friend towards Serena and didn''t think about what she said in any other way at all.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    In addition, she was so busy today that she was dizzy. It was not easy for her to get off work and rest. How could she have the energy to think about anything else?


    Maeve evenined to her, "Isn''t this because I was too idle a while ago? Now, I have to pay double the price to make up for my previousziness. I wish I could split myself in half to be busy, but it''s still not enough. Dr. Malvis, you are really considerate. You can tell at a nce that I''m very busy. I''ll remember your words. While taking care of my boyfriend, I won''t neglect my own body, so I n to not drive hometer. I can sleep a little longer here."


    Serena was extremely speechless. ''Damn it, is this woman crazy? My veiled sarcasm has already turned into tant sarcasm, yet she still can''t tell the difference between good-natured remarks and mean ones! Why would Mr. Mcdaniel like Her!"


    It was as if a punch hadnded on cotton. Serena was so angry that she left in high heels without paying any attention to Maeve.


    Maeve sighed. ''It was rare to see such a considerate girl.''


    She carried the thermos box and entered the ward quietly. In the end, she realized that Byron was actually awake. He was leaning against the head of the bed, thinking about something.


    "Did I wake you up?" Maeve suddenly felt a little awkward. She thought that she had been very gentle.


    Hearing her voice, Byron unconsciously sat up straight and said in a calm voice, "I wasn''t even asleep, so it''s not like you


    III


    16.22


    Wed, Nov


    woke me up. Why did youe? I told Will to let you know that you didn''t need toe."


    55%


    "I bumped into Dr. Malvis when I came in just now. She told me that you had just fallen asleep. I wanted toe in and put down the soup I made for you before leaving," Maeve walked over and said casually. Byron frowned slightly. "She came here because I bought some rare herbs from her. I told the bodyguards to get them, but she insisted on sending them over herself. She stayed here for less than five minutes." It wasn''t easy for him to coax his girlfriend back. He didn''t want to return to the past because of someone spouting


    nonsense.


    Maeve nodded. "I see. Dr. Malvis are quite good. Not only is she considerate, but she''s also enthusiastic."


    Byron found it a little unbelievable. "Why do you think she''s good?"


    ''With Maeve''s usual quick-wittedness, she should have noticed something strange about Serena, Byron felt very strange and thought.


    "She''s Will''s doctor and also his friend. Would Will be friends with her if she wasn''t nice?" Maeve had unconditional trust in her own children. "And when I came in just now, Dr. Malvis kindly reminded me... Without her strange filter, Byron keenly sensed the hidden meaning behind Serena''s words.

 Chapter 397

    ?


    Chapter 397


    Byron''s expression darkened slightly, and even his voice was a little cold. "Stay away from her in the future and talk less to her. Don''t take anything she says to you to heart." No one had the right to scheme against his girlfriend.


    Initially, seeing that Serena had once saved Will''s life, Byron did not mind that she had psychologically hinted at Will previously to deliberately sow discord between he and Will.


    But it''s absolutely uneptable that she extended her hand to Maeve.


    Nightfall Manor did notck a psychiatrist like her.


    "Why?" Maeve did not quite understand why he would say that. "Don''t you like Dr. Malvis?"


    ''No wonder Dr. Malvis thought that Byron was already asleep. However, he was actually not asleep. He was just making up an excuse to let her leave earlier,'' Maeve thought about the just situation. Byron chuckled. "It would be a problem if I liked her. Maeve, do you have any self-awareness as my girlfriend?"


    Maeve also felt that her words just now were a little ambiguous. She touched her cheek and said, "Then why did you say that? Does Dr. Malvis make you feel bad?"


    He would not ask her to be wary of anyone for no reason unless there was a reason.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "She''s no longer Doctor Will. You don''t have to call her that."


    "When did this happen?"


    "Just now."


    Maeve was too shocked to say a word.


    He could not see Maeve''s current expression, but Byron could imagine that she must be confused.


    "Forget it." Byron sighed. "It''s enough to have two smart people at home."


    If she was stupid, so be it. At most, he would keep an eye on her.


    Maeve was extremely at a loss.


    She felt that she was not one of the two smart people. ''Who are you looking down on?''


    Maeve was a little angry. "Then don''t drink the soup I made. Otherwise, you''ll be assimted by a fool like me. I''ll take it and throw it away now."


    "I haven''t had dinner."


    After two seconds of stalemate, Maeve still surrendered. She resigned himself to fate and poured the soup into a bowl for him. "I''ll get them to send dinner over now."


    "Okay." Byron''s thin lips curled up slightly. He did not say that he had lost his appetite.


    It was no wonder that Will could not move his hands or legs when he was sick. He even needed his mother to feed him food and medicine personally. When he slept, he even relied on the fact that he was a patient to ask for a bedtime story. During that period of time, Byron could only listen to Will enjoying the treatment of a crown prince. Because Maeve ignored him.


    Even if the two hospital beds were close together, she would not even peel an apple for him.


    Under the contrast of his son, Mr. McDaniel became a loner.


    But not anymore.


    After Maeve finished the call, she subconsciously looked at the table on the other side of the bed. "Where''s the photo?"


    Hearing this, Byron''s jawline tightened slightly. "I asked Archer to bring it back."


    Maeve pursed her lips. ''Does that mean he is still keeping it? What kind of feelings does he have for that first love? It doesn''t seem like love, but it also seems like he cares about it.''


    "Maeve, give me some time," Byron said again. ''Give me some more time to think about how to tell you about that unbearable past.''


    Maeve thought that he meant to give him more time to forget that woman.


    She felt relieved. Although she had never taken the initiative to ask him about his first love, it would be a lie to say that she didn''t mind.


    It was not because he had a past with his first love that she minded. It was because he still had this love in his heart. That was why she minded.


    If this thorn remained in her heart and could not be removed, she could not tell if she would be more and more disappointed in Byron. Fortunately, he did not let the thorn continue to grow.


    After having dinner, Byron was thinking about what excuse he could use to make Maeve stayter. Suddenly, he heard her asking the nurse if it was possible to get another quilt and pillow. "Are you staying here tonight?" he asked.


    "Didn''t I say just now?" Maeve took the time to answer him. "It''s too troublesome to go back and forth, and it''s a waste of time. Anyway, there''s a hospital bed here, enough for me to sleep in."


    The corners of Byron''s lips slowly curled up. Then, he pursed his lips tightly. ''She still wants to sleep in separate beds?''


    "The quilt, I''ll get it in a moment..." Before the nurse could finish her words, she was suddenly interrupted by Byron''s deep voice. "There''s been a lot of patients in the hospital recently, and there''s not enough bedding." The nurse''s heart skipped a beat when she was interrupted.


    Then, she thought of the rtionship between Maeve and Byron and immediately understood. ''He doesn''t want to sleep in separate beds from his girlfriend''


    "Yes, that''s exactly the situation recently. Ms. Reese, you see..." The nurse looked embarrassed.


    Of course, Maeve did not want to make things difficult for others. She immediately said that there was no need.


    "Then you can ring the bell anytime if you need anything. I won''t disturb you anymore." The nurse quickly slipped away, afraid that she would be a third wheel if she was slow.


    Maeve was a bit frustrated. "The service in the VIP ward you''re staying in this time has dropped drastically. There aren''t even any extra quilts or such things."


    "Yes, so I''ll allow you to sleep in the same bed with me tonight."


    Maeve was rooted to the spot.


    Although she was depressed, Maeve still took off her shoes and climbed onto his bed. The bed was so warm that it was a little hot, making her cold hands and feet feel warm.


    "Byron, your body is so hot!" Maeve poked his waist. "Compared to you, I''m like an ice cube."


    Byron held her restless little hand andy down on her side to pull her into his arms. He rested his chin on the top of her furry head.


    "Why do your hands and feet feel cold every time you have your period? Haven''t you asked a doctor to treat you?"


    He did not mention Jaylen in case she thought of this person again.


    "Of course, but at most, I won''t feel abdominal pain or sore legs when I''m on my period. My cold hands and feet are rted to my physique. The medicine will only work for a while, and I''ll suffer," Maeve muttered. "This is fine too. If it''s cold, I''ll use you to warm my hands."


    She stuffed her hands into his arms openly and smiled. "Warm me up."


    Byron chuckled. Not only did he warm her hands, but he also pressed her slender legs down and freed one hand to rub her stomach.


    "Maeve, have you been cking off recently? The flesh on your stomach has gone soft."


    "I''m not! I do yoga every night!" Maeve was so angry that she wanted to bite someone. "And this is not even a third of Theo''s belly!" Although her abdomen was t, it was still a little meaty.


    Hence, she could not bear to hear him mention this.


    Byron''s long fingers gently wrapped around the soft flesh. Heughed teasingly. "Don''t lose weight. It doesn''t feel any worse than his."


    ''Bastard!'' Maeve groaned under his massage. It was sofortable that she felt sleepy after a while.


    She forced herself not to sleep and rested her cheek on his chest. In the end, she asked the question she had been wanting to ask since she entered the ward. "Byron, will your eyes still be fine?"


    Before he could answer, she added seriously, "I want to hear the truth. For better or worse, I want to know. And I should know."


    With their rtionship, he should not hide it from her no matter what.

 Chapter 398

    There was a long silence. It was so long that Maeve thought that Byron still did not want to tell her and felt disappointed.


    Byron answered her in a low voice, "I''ll be fine. It''s just that it takes time and is very troublesome."


    The huge rock in Maeve''s heart was removed, but she was still a little doubtful. "Really?"


    "You don''t believe me?"


    "Not really. It''s just that your eye injury has always been bad, and now it seems to have worsened. I''m a little worried." Byron chuckled softly. "What''s there to worry about? If things don''t get better in the future, it''s not toote for you to worry." Hearing his words, Maeve puffed up her cheeks. "If you can''t see, not only am I not worried, but I should also be happy." Byron raised his eyebrows. "Huh?"


    "In the future, if I want to go to a bar, I can go to a bar. If I want to dance with a handsome man, no one can control me. I don''t have to worry about being discovered by you. Just thinking about it makes me feel good." Maeve deliberately angered him. "Anyway, even if I peek at other men behind your back, you won''t be able to see it..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Byron suddenly moved. He lowered his upper body, pinched her cheek, and kissed her aggressively.


    At first, he couldn''t find the right spot, and his hot lipsnded heavily on her cheek.


    But soon her chattering little mouth was silenced, and she only had time to let out a protesting whimper.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Maeve regretted it endlessly. ''Wasn''t the night beforest enough to teach me a lesson? Some perverts, even when they can''t see with their eyes, are not to be provoked!


    She didn''t get the upper hand in words and was even forced to ''cede territory and pay reparations''.


    Byron hugged her from behind, his chin pressed against her slightly fragrant neck. His expression looked very rxed, and the scene could not be more heartwarming... -if one ignored his hand that had reached into Maeve''s clothes. Maeve wriggled backward ufortably. The more she wriggled, the more ufortable she felt. She wanted to cry but couldn''t. "I won''t say it again next time. Could you please take your hand away?"


    "No." Byron''s voice was low and deep. He was doing the most erotic thing with a serious expression. Even his tone did not change. "You can watch or dance with handsome men. Anyway, I won''t know. What are you afraid of?" Maeve immediately shook her head and denied it. "I was just joking with you! Other men are not as handsome, gentle, and considerate as you! It''s enough that I have you. How can I still see those ordinary people!"


    Byron raised his eyebrows slightly and asked with a faint smile, "You''re not going to look at them anymore?"


    "I''m not watching them anymore, never!"


    Maeve was really afraid of him.


    She hadn''t seen it yet. She was just saying it!


    She shouldn''t have been soft-hearted and stayed behind to apany him tonight!


    She was simply jumping into the wolf''s mouth!


    28


    Maeve whimpered. It sounded like she was about to cry.


    Byron sighed softly. "I haven''t done anything yet. Why are you so sensitive?"


    ''And so easy to bully. Fortunately, you''re in my hands. Looking at Maeve, thoughts thronging Byron''s mind.


    Byron spoke in a dignified manner, but he did not have the slightest intention of pulling his hand away. His gentle movements were also the most torturous.


    70%


    Maeve was so ufortable that her face was flushed red. The hair by her cheek was messy on it, and her eyes were misty from the steam. She was softer and more vulnerable than Byron had imagined. The area under his control was like a volcano that had ended its hibernation. It might explode at any moment.


    The breathing in the ward became more rapid and ambiguous, apanied by subtle restrained moans.


    For some reason, the humidifier on the table suddenly stopped working. After a few seconds of silence, fine and long white fog spewed out again.


    Maeve leaned against Byron softly. Her eyes were closed and cheeks were as red as begonia. Her red lips were open and her breathing was a little unstable.


    Her mind was filled with the scene she had unintentionally seen under her cor.


    She closed her eyes and did not want to face this fact, but Byron, the culprit, was obviously unwilling to let her off. As he tidied her shirt, he said slowly, "It feels good. Thank you for your hospitality."


    Maeve was so embarrassed and angry that she wanted to kick him. However, she did not have much strength in her body now, so she bit his arm hard. "Byron, you bastard!" Maeve scolded him indistinctly. "If you do this again, I won''te tomorrow!"


    Byron calmly let her bite him. "I''ll be discharged the day after tomorrow."


    Maeve was rendered speechless.


    "What''s more, you provoked me first. Now that I can''t perform it, what''s wrong with me collecting some interest?"


    Maeve couldn''t help but say, "Do the others know how shameless you are?"


    "They''re not my girlfriends. There''s no need to know."


    Maeve didn''t know what to say. ''OK, you win!


    The next morning.


    Maeve received a call from the principal of Iton Private International Kindergarten asking her to sign the contract. The results of the re-selection were out.


    The parents who had been bribed by Faye had already withdrawn from thepetition. The rest were all reality and justice.


    The others had originally thought that after removing the design of Faye, they could let the second ce take over.


    After the principal took out the school uniform designed by Maeve, the others had nothing


    and agreed to vote again.


    III


    r


    16:58 Thu, Nov 28GB.


    In the end, the design of Maeve won by andslide.


    70%


    After signing the contract, Maeve received the 100 thousand dors prize money that the two little ones had been longing


    for.


    Just as she was about to leave, the principal stopped her again and told her that the schools would jointly hold a children''s Star Singing Competition next week. She suggested that Maeve''s children sign up for it. Maeve thought she had heard wrongly. "Are you sure you''re talking about Theodore?"


    The principal said firmly, "The teacher thinks that Theodore''s singing talent is quite good. He suggests nurturing his interest in this aspect. Perhaps he can even bring back the Champions tide for the school." The principal was well-versed in the art ofnguage.


    Maeve was confused. ''Let little Theo, who can eat two bowls of rice in one meal and even ask for extra food, and sing with wild abandon as if he doesn''t recognize anyone, bring back a trophy from a singingpetition??'' Although she also felt that her son looked very cute when he sang on stage, making her heart tremble. ''But to win an award... Maybe it would work too?''


    "I''llmunicate with him. It still depends on the child''s own wishes." Maeve did not immediately agree to the principal''s request and maintained his attitude.


    "Okay."


    *****When she returned to the studio, Maeve realized that there were a lot more customers today than a few days ago.


    After asking Paige, she found out that it was because they had seen the news online.


    Speaking of which, this was all thanks to Faye. In order to show off her coboration with Iton Private International Kindergarten, she did a lottery draw on the homepage to increase the poprity and made this matter known to everyone. In the end, within a few days, the tables had turned.


    The face-pping came so quickly that Faye''s lucky draw had not even revealed.


    She wanted to use Dreamscape to make her brand famous, but in the end, it was all for nothing. She had suffered a double


    loss.


    Moreover, ording to Faye''s previous hype idea, Maeve''s ability was not enough to lose to her, so even Dreamscape was a low-level brand. Whoever bought it would drop in status.


    On the other hand, Faye couldn''t win against Maeve no matter how hard she tried and even caused such a huge scandal. Didn''t that mean that her brand was even lower?

 Chapter 399

    20 #, 70% #


    Faye had enjoyed a few days of ttery fromizens and the practical benefits of stepping on others to climb up the ranks. How could she be willing to give up just like that?


    If the public opinion was against her, she would buy fake reviewers to turn the situation around!


    However, before she could buy employ the fake reviewers, Dreamscape Studio''swyer''s letter arrived first.


    The Mcdaniel Group followed closely behind.


    Faye sat in front of theputer and her face instantly turned pale.


    *****Dreamscape was very busy. The only shoring was that there were too many people. The three reception rooms could not amodate all of them.


    Of course, Dreamscape could not serve so many customers at once. Other than the first ten guests who had made reservations, the others only left their contact details first and waited for the scheduleter. These guests were not angry or dissatisfied. They cooperated so well that they did not seem like guests.


    Maeve also realized that these guests looked unfamiliar on the surface, but in fact, they seemed to know each other.


    However, it didn''t seem like thepany hade here to customize clothes.


    This was because they all seemed to be of high status, and their conversation and temperament were very different.


    Maeve was a little confused. ''Did someone promote us in the circle of rich people? Whatever, it was a good thing for Dreamscape!


    Maeve touched her earlobe and nned to leave the washroom.


    "Did you alsoe here after hearing the news?" Someone was talking outside.


    "Isn''t everyone who came here today for that reason?" Another person said.


    "Even though the clothes here do appeal to me, I still can''t figure it out. That person is in a special situation and doesn''t care much about these external things. How could they take a small studio to heart?" "There aren''t many things that can catch that person''s eye. There must be something special about it."


    "Maybe this ce is run by that person''s rtives?"


    "Hiss, then I should be more respectful when talking to the bosster. Maybe it''ll be helpful for my husband''s promotion in the future."


    "I have a publicitypany under mymand. It can juste in handy..."


    Maeve stood in the cubicle with a dumbfounded expression as she listened to the guests'' loud conspiracy. Her head was filled with question marks. ''Who was that person?''


    It sounded like he had a very high status among these people. These people were afraid and wanted to please that person, so they patronized her studio.


    However, after talking for a long time, they did not mention his name.


    Maeve couldn''t go out and ask. Otherwise, it would seem like she was eavesdropping behind1 it on purpose, it wouldn''t look good.


    Even if she didn''t do


    <


    16:58 Thu, Nov 28 BB.


    After the guests outside left, Macve came out of the cubicle.


    Since she couldn''t figure it out anyway, she washed her face and went back to work.


    *****At the same time, in the Mapledeca.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    05370%E


    The butler ryed this matter to Gale, "Perhaps the minister saw the Dreamscape album that you left on the table.*


    That minister was the biggest bbermouth, unable to keep anything to himself.


    He was so eager to curry favor with Gale that he came up with such a scheme. Who would have thought that others would also take an interest after hearing about it.


    Gale gave a nonchnt ''um'' in response, without any special reaction.


    When a person has been in a high position for a long time, even if they have no desires or demands, others will go to any lengths to please them.


    "Is the gift ready?" Gale asked.


    "It''s ready," the butler said. "It''s a little bit expensive. I don''t think that Ms. Reese will ept it."


    Gale raised his eyelids, his eyes filled with a coldness that could not be affected by anything. "She''s a smart person. She won''t refuse."


    His life was much more valuable than a few sets of clothes.


    He had only given her this gift so that they would not be involved in the future and save time.


    The butler understood what he meant and did not say much. "Do you have any other instructions?"


    "How are things going with Zephyr?"


    "There''s still no news from young Mr. Soar. I think he might be in trouble."


    Gale didn''t say anything else.


    Maeve received a thank-you gift, the ownership of an office building, from Gale. After being shocked, she rejected it as the butler expected.


    That person told her that Mr. Soar said that she was a smart person and knew how to choose.


    Maeve felt ufortable when she heard that. ''Was it because I didn''t reject him sincerely enough and gave Mr. Soar the illusion that I was asking for more benefits? Or do these rich people just like to spend money to buy peace of mind, regardless of other people''s thoughts and feelings?''


    Maeve admitted that she was not a person who treated money as dirt. Otherwise, she would not have kept an eye on the production progress even when she was hospitalized for 100 thousand dors.


    However, she really did not want to take Gale''s thank-you gift.


    Previously, it was because she didn''t want to take credit for Jaylen. Now, it was because he made her feel unhappy.


    She couldn''t even be bothered to look at the person who made her unhappy.


    "Please take it back and help me tell your boss that as long as he doesn''t appear in ! third party will hear about the incident in Greenhaven, and vice versa."


    me again, I guarantee that no


    That person did not expect Maeve to be so stubborn. He left with the gift with a dark expression.


    16:58 Thu, Nov 28 BB.


    As soon as he left, Warren arrived.


    8K 70%


    "I''m here on business. I passed by your ce on the way. I thought that it''s just in the afternoon, so I sent coffee to you as condolences." A warm smile hung on Warren''s face.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with surprise. Then, she smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Richard. You''re really timely. I was just about to get my assistant to prepare coffee in the afternoon." "That''s good. I was worried I''d disturb you if I suddenly came over."


    "Of course not. Mr. Richard is always wee to guide us," Maeve joked.


    The afternoon coffee sent by Warren was not a simple one. It was specially ordered from a star-rated restaurant. The manager and chef specially sent it over.


    There were a total of five tables. It was so sumptuous that Maeve suspected that the people in the studio could not finish it.


    Recently, because of her period, the two little ones had strictly controlled her sweet intake and did not let her eat too much, so she was quite happy to eat secretly.


    As she ate, she thought that if Mr. Soar had sent her a small cart of desserts, she might have epted them.


    It was as if he was afraid that others would not know that he wanted to shut her up.


    Maeve shook her head secretly.


    After having coffee in the afternoon and sending Warren and the others away, Maeve began to get busy again.


    When it was almost time to get off work, two customers brought over the gowns that they had ordered a while ago. They said that the size was too big to wear and needed to be modified


    It didn''t end until almost seven o''clock. It was already dark outside.


    Maeve left the studio and saw a familiar figure standing there, as if waiting for her.


    "Dr. Malvis?" Maeve called out to her in surprise. "Why are you here?"


    Serena''s smile was elegant and calm. There was no trace of the gloominess from yesterday''s anger. "I''m here to look for you. I have something to do." "What is it?"


    "It''s not convenient to talk here. Let''s talk in the cafe below."


    Maeve felt a little strange. She thought about what Byron had saidst night. She nned to reject her, but she was worried that it was rted to Will. "Fine." When they arrived at the cafe, Maeve casually ordered a drink and asked Serena what the matter was.


    Serena looked a little troubled. "Ms. Reese, actually, Mr. Mcdaniel should have told you about this, but after thinking about it, I still felt that I should tell you." 16:58 Thu, Nov 28

 Chapter 400

    When Maeve saw Serena''s expression, she remembered what Byron had said. She put aside the filter and thought about it. Finally, she understood. ''Wasn''t what she said... a little too deliberate? I''m not sure. Let''s hear more! "What is it?" Maeve asked patiently.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel''s eye injury is very serious. There''s a high rate that it can''t be treated." Serena did not beat around the bush and said directly, "I''m the only person who can treat him now."


    Maeve frowned slightly. "Aren''t you a psychiatrist? Do you know all this?"


    It was not that she did not suspect that Byron''s words yesterday were for her peace of mind. However, when she heard Serena say it, she could not help but feel her heart sink.


    "My father is an apothecary who specializes in cultivating rare medicinal herbs. He also has many ancient books on difficult illnesses. With him treating Mr. Mcdaniel, there''s at least an 80% chance of recovery," Serena said confidently. Maeve detected a hint of something and slowed down the small movement of rubbing the edge of the coffee cup.


    She looked at Serena with a probing gaze. "You didn''t look for Byron to discuss this matter. Instead, you came to look for me. I think I have something you want, right?"


    "Ms. Reese is very smart. You guessed it right. Only you can afford the condition for asking my father to help with the treatment." Serena''s smile deepened.


    "Just go ahead. What is it?"


    "I want you to break up with Mr. Mcdaniel."


    Maeve clenched her fists tightly. At first, she was surprised, but then she seemed to understand something. "You like Byron?!


    Serena admitted generously, "Mr. Mcdaniel is such an outstanding person. It shouldn''t be strange for me to fall in love with him, right? Moreover, in terms of friendship, I knew him earlier than you. If I hadn''t gone on a trip previously, you might not have been able to take advantage of me." If her father hadn''t stopped her, she wouldn''t have fallen so far behind Maeve.


    Fortunately, Maeve was just an ordinary person with unknown parents and an ordinary background. She could notpare to her, the eldest daughter of the Malvis family.


    Maeve almostughed. ''No wonder Serena revealed Byron''s first love to me before. She deliberately pretended to be very intimate with Byron in front of me. It turns out that she has been eyeing Byron for a long time. I actually don''t think too much about it.''


    "Dr. Malvis, it''s good to be confident, but it''s a little stupid to be too free." Maeve''s voice was calm. "Byron and I have known each other since four years ago. The second time we met, we registered our marriage. For some reason, we separated and got together again. No matter what, I can''t afford your word of taking advantage of you."


    When she and Byron got married in a sh, Serena was still unknown.


    How could she say that Maeve had snatched her man away?


    Serena frowned. "Impossible. Mr. Mcdaniel never mentioned it.


    Maeve smiled slightly. "Is there a possibility that it''s because he''s not that close to you?"


    "That''s none of your business." Serena was also calm. Her expression did not change. "If you want Mr. Mcdaniel to recover as


    16:59 Thu, Nov 28BB.


    soon as possible, you have to make a decision quickly."


    "Aren''t you afraid that I''ll tell Byron about this?"


    "Go ahead to tell him. It''s not the first time you''ve secretly made things difficult for me, right?"


    "Made difficult for you?"


    70%


    When Serena saw her feigning innocence, she was furious. She sheered and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel suddenly fired me. Isn''t it because of you?"


    "Thest time I made a mistake at work, Mr. Mcdaniel was not angry enough to fire me. If it wasn''t you instigating him, what else could it be?''


    Otherwise, Serena would not be in such a hurry to chase Maeve away from Byron. Maeve was a scourge.


    The corner of Maeve''s mouth twitched. If she said that she didn''t even know why Byron suddenly fired her, would she believe it?


    "In any case, Dr. Malvis probably won''t believe me even if I exin. I won''t waste my breath." Maeve picked up her bag and stood up. "I have to go back and think about this. I''ll give you an answer then."


    Serena remained silent. She was not worried that Maeve would not agree unless she could find a second Dr. Chatterly.


    Maeve returned to the apartment with a heavy heart. She felt relieved when she smelled the fragrance of food in the air.


    Will, wearing a cute bear apron, came out of the kitchen with a te of scrambled eggs with tomatoes in his small hands. The color looked quite good.


    He was already like a little man capable of supporting the family


    "Mommy, we saw that you''re not back yet, so we made dinner first. We want Mommy to eat hot rice and dishes directly when you get home." Will''s exquisite little face was red from the heat in the kitchen, which was even cuter than apples. Maeve''s heart softened. The gloom that Serena''s words had brought her dissipated a lot..


    "How can little Will be so capable? With you around, Mom can ck off as much as she wants."


    "Mom is tired after a long day. You should have a good rest when you get home," Will said matter-of-factly.


    The little guy, who was not even as tall as her legs, already had the shadow of a gentle man.


    Maeve patted his little head. It felt so good that she did not want to let go.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    She turned around and realized that she did not see Theo, so she asked. "Where is Theo?"


    "Theo is studying medical books in his room."


    "He''s not secretly eating snacks?"


    Will was embarrassed. "Mom, I hid the key to the snack cab. Theo doesn''t know where it is. So he can''t eat it secretly."


    ''Is that so?'' Maeve recalled that she had confiscated Theo''s sweets in the past. Later, she cleaned the room and found a pile of sweets from his pillow, under the nket, in the books on the bookshelf, and in the pillow. This guy was even better at hiding than a hamster.


    Maeve helped Will carry out the dishes and then went to the children''s room tounch a sneak attack.


    She thought that she would catch her youngest son eating food secretly, but she didn''t.


    2¡Á70%


    Theo was standing in front of the desk, clutching a quaint book. In front of him was a pile of ss containers and handheld apparatus that didn''t look far away.


    Seeing that he was doing the extraction of medicinal herbs, Maeve was hesitating whether to disturb him when she was already discovered.


    "Mommy, you''re back!" Theo threw the things in his hands aside and pounced on Maeve like a swallow throwing itself into the forest. "I miss you so much! Do you miss me?!"


    Maeve was so sweetened by him that she picked Theo up casually. He was so heavy that she almost couldn''t hold him steadily. Look at how chubby he had be.


    "Of course. Mommy has been thinking about how you guys are doing in school when I''m free." Maeve hugged this sweet burden and smiled. "Why are you doing this instead of doing homework?"


    "I''ve already finished my homework!" Theo hugged Maeve''s neck and lowered his voice. "I saw a prescription in an ancient book that can treat the eyes. It requires arge amount of medicinal essence." Maeve chuckled. "And you said you hate your father. Don''t you like him a lot?"


    The little guy''s face was like a burning cloud, and he kept snuggling in her arms awkwardly. "No, no! I don''t like him! It''s only because Mommy likes him that I barely helped him!"

 Chapter 401

    ?


    Chapter 401


    Maeve almost couldn''t hold him. She patted his little butt and told him not to move, in case he fellter.


    Theo blushed and said softly, "He hates me, so I won''t like him either."


    ''I, Theo, was a man of integrity. Hmph!''


    Maeve didn''t know whether tough or cry. "How can you tell that your father doesn''t like you? He''s just not good at expressing himself. He''s born with a cold face. He doesn''t dislike you."


    "He does." It was rare for Theo to be so stubborn.


    Maeve did not know what was bothering him. She felt that if this continued, it would not be beneficial to their rtionship.


    However, this was something that Byron should be worried about. She was not worried about it.


    Moreover, she was still angry about what he had done previously.


    After dinner, Theo plunged into his room and continued to extract the essence.


    Maeve did not let them stay upte, and he still had to go to school during the day. Hence, after so long, Theo had only umted half a bottle of medicinal essence.


    There was still a long way to go.


    Maeve came out of the kitchen and wanted to go to the living room to tutor Will in his homework.


    Then, she watched as Will waved his hands and did two assignments at once at an especially fast speed. She was instantly dumbfounded.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Then she picked the homework up and saw that the uracy was very high.


    Maeve was dumbfounded again. ''Will could actually do his homework like this?? Couldn''t his brain and hands be tied together?''


    "Mom, I''m going to help Theo." Will tidied up his homework and put it back in his bag. He endured his shyness and tiptoed to kiss Maeve on the cheek. "Thank you, Mom, for helping me check my homework."


    Maeve''s heart softened. Before she could kiss him, he ran away shyly with a red face.


    Maeveughed.


    Unlike Theo, that little coquettish sweetheart, Will was reserved and quiet. He kept his emotions to himself and was hardly influenced by the outside world. It was already a great progress that he could take the initiative to give her a kiss now. Seeing that it was about time, Maeve put the soup into the thermos box in the kitchen and went to the hospital to apany Byron.


    She came at the wrong time because Byron was talking to the attending doctor inside.


    The attending doctor suggested that he continue to be hospitalized for observation. The measures outside were not asplete as here. If the toxin in his eyes spread again, it could be immediately detected and stopped. Maeve was shocked. ''Poison? Wasn''t Byron injured in a car ident? Why was it rted to poisoning?"


    She lightened her footsteps and leaned her ear against the door to eavesdrop.


    Byron did not ept the attending doctor''s suggestion. He only said that he knew what he was doing and ordered him to leave.


    The attending doctor sighed non-stop and left with the nurses.


    After they left, Maeve came out of the corner and entered the ward after a while.


    Byron''s cold face instantly softened. "You''re so early today?"


    "...I haven''t even said anything yet. How do you know it''s me?" Maeve stared at the gauze on his eyes as if she wanted to find out the truth. "Listen to the footsteps."


    If it were any other time, Maeve would be surprised to be able to tell this apart. However, she had a lot on her mind tonight and was not very focused.


    Sensing her unusual silence, Byron asked in a deep voice, "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m fine. I just feel a little tired."


    "Work, or Will and Theo?"


    Maeve nced at him. "Why aren''t you in the options?"


    Byron raised his eyebrows. "So it''s because of me?"


    Maeve wanted to ask him about the poison, but she felt that he would not tell her the truth. Instead, he would use the excuse of punishing her to deliberately divert her attention likest night.


    Her heart felt stuffy, and she had an indescribable feeling.


    ''Even an outsider like Serena knows about his injuries clearly. Only I am kept in the dark. Not only that, thest time he forbids me from entering his ward, he lets Serena in. Is it because I couldn''t give him any help, so there is no need to tell me?" Maeve knew that it was wrong of her to think this way, but at this moment, she could not control herself.


    While she was distracted, Maeve suddenly felt a warmth on the back of her hand. She looked down and saw that Byron had grabbed her hand and wrapped it around it.


    "Maeve." He sighed softly. "I can''t see it now. Most of the time, I can''t feel your emotional changes in time. I''ll only know why you''re unhappy if you tell me."


    Maeve suddenly felt a lump in her throat and pursed her red lips tightly.


    When the blockage in her throat disappeared, she said calmly, "Then I''ll be frank. I just heard what you and the doctor said. Your eye injury wasn''t caused by a car ident, right?" Byron frowned imperceptibly and did not deny it. "Yes."


    "Who poisoned you?" Maeve''s bright eyes were zing with anger. ''Don''t let me find out which despicable person it was!"


    "No one. I was careless."


    "Are you still going to lie to me?" Maeve looked down at his cold face. "Or are you protecting that person?"


    Other than that, there was nothing else that could exin why he had gone to so much trouble to hide everything from her.


    It was very likely that she knew the person he was covering up for.


    Hearing that she was determined to find out everything today, a thought shed across Byron''s mind. He tly denied her question. "I''m not lying to you. I was indeed careless. It has nothing to do with anyone."


    He was the one who had infected the virus.


    He was the one who suggested testing the medicine.


    He had to protect Maeve.


    All of this was his choice. Even Maeve herself had no reason to be responsible for his choice.


    She didn''t need to know these things. She just needed to stay under his wings and be protected by him.


    Maeve felt helpless. "Do you think I''ll believe you? Or do you think there''s no need for me to know because you think I can''t help?"


    She was not as helpful to him as Serena.


    There was indeed nothing she could do to help him at this time.


    However, at least she knew that when something happened, the two of them should share the burden together and not hide it from the other party.


    He made her feel that... they were onlypatible physically, and their souls were always separated by ayer.


    This was not the type of rtionship she wanted.


    "Don''t look down on yourself. You''re helping me by standing here." Byron''s fingers gently caressed her palm. His deep voice carried a hint offort. "Don''t let your imagination run wild. Nothing will happen. Trust me, okay?" Maeve pursed her lips and remained silent.


    She wanted to believe him too, but she had been tricked by him so many times.


    If she were to believe him again, she would feel like an ignorant young girl.


    But when it came to things he didn''t want to talk about, she had no way to pry his mouth open.


    This gave her a strong sense of disparity.


    Maeve pulled her hand out of his, and the low mood inadvertently seeped into her voice a bit. "Recently, I''ve always had a thought that''s getting harder and harder to suppress."


    "Yes?"


    "I wonder if we''re not really suitable for being together, whether it''s just dating or taking things further." Confusion clouded Maeve''s bright eyes. "I even have a feeling that you and I have never really gotten close. A rtionship where only the bodies are close is called bedfellows, not boyfriend and girlfriend."

 Chapter 402

    Chapter


    402


    As soon as Maeve finished speaking, the atmosphere in the ward visibly froze.


    Byron keenly noticed the abnormality in her emotions. His handsome face gradually darkened, and his frown deepened. "It''s my problem to make you have such an illusion, but I need to correct something. Even though we''re divorced, I''ve always treated you as my wife. I won''t equate such insulting words like bed partner with you."


    Maeve''s eyshes trembled slightly. She was almost convinced by his words, but she still hardened her heart. "I don''t think this has anything to do with what I''m saying. Maybe you''re just used to me being by your side, and that''s not what I want." "So, you n to break up with me?" Byron''s voice turned cold.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Maeve did not answer. She only took half a step back. "I need some time to think about how I should view our rtionship."


    With that, she suppressed the sorrow in her heart and turned to leave.


    Byron followed the footsteps in the direction she left. It was as if there was ayer of ck clouds around him, and even the light in the room seemed to have be gloomy.


    He knew exactly what Maeve wanted. It was just that he couldn''t give it to her now.


    After leaving the hospital, Maeve had yet to calm down from the cold wind when she suddenly received a call from the Mcdaniel family''s.


    The servant told her that Gilbert had been talking about her recently. He wanted to call her over for a meal, but he was afraid of disturbing her work. Recently, he had been in low spirits and had eaten very little dinner. Maeve felt a little guilty. She had been too busy recently to visit Grandpa Gilbert.


    She had originally nned to stay behind to apany Byron tonight, but she did not expect things to turn out like this.


    It couldn''t really be considered a quarrel. From beginning to end, they were both very rational, even when they were having an argument.


    However, whenever she thought that Byron was willing to bepletely honest with Serena, an outsider, but refused to face the problems together with her.


    She just couldn''t be rational. She had even almost blurted out the word ''breakup'' just now.


    Retracting her thoughts, Maeve asked the servant if Gilbert was resting now. If not, she would go over now.


    After getting a negative answer, Maeve went to the shop to buy some gifts and drove to the Mcdaniel family''s old residence.


    The car suddenly stopped halfway up the mountain.


    Maeve


    saw that something


    was blocking the road ahead. She unbuckled the seatbelt and got out of the car to check.


    When she got closer, she realized that the dead tree by the roadside had fallen. Although it was not big, she couldn''t drag it away alone.


    Maeve took out her phone and was about to call the Mcdaniel family when she felt a sudden pain on the back of her neck. Before she could turn around, she copsed to the ground and her phone fell to the ground. After an unknown period of time.


    The salty smell of the sea assaulted Maeve''s face, mixed with a cold wind that pulled her back from the boundless darkness.


    16:20 Fri, Nov 29 B BO


    71%


    She opened her eyes. The back of her neck was still aching. She was swaying as if she were sitting on a rocking cart. She was dizzy and ufortable. ...Roller?'' Maeve felt that something was wrong and turned to look around.


    She was actually at sea!


    What she''d thought of as a roller was actually a small, narrow boat. It was also very run-down. There was even water seeping in, making her legs mmy and cold. She was afraid that it wouldn''t be long before she sank into the sea with this small boat...


    Maeve''s gaze turned cold as she recalled the attack she had received from behind before she fainted. ''Who wants to harm her? Henry?''


    This was the only person she could think of, but Henry''s goal was the jewelry. He might not kill her before he found the jewelry.


    "Then who could it be?''


    There was more and more water in the small boat. Maeve tried to paddle the boat with the slurry. At the very least, she had to reach the shore before sinking.


    But the problem was that she was surrounded by water and could not see where the shore was.


    She lowered her head to touch the blue diamond bracelet on her hand. Due to its size, there was no active distress device on the bracelet. Unless Will happened to be looking at his phone and noticed that there was something abnormal with her physical condition, an rm would not be raised.


    Even so, it would take them at least an hour to find her...


    Maeve looked at the water that was almost past her ankles and paddled even harder.


    Just as she was exhausted and could barely raise her hand, a moving ck dot appeared in front of her.


    Maeve''s heart was in her throat. She used thest bit of strength to approach the ck dot.


    The ck dot was also moving. It was much faster than Maeve''s boat and arrived in front of her in a short while.


    It was actually a private yacht.


    The boat was about to sink, and the water reached Maeve''s waist. She quickly raised her hands and shouted for help.


    The people on board did not notice her, and the yacht showed no signs of stopping.


    Maeve did not know how to swim. If she went into the water now she would only die.


    Moreover, even if she could swim, she could not catch up to the speed of the yacht.


    As she watched the yacht drive away, her heart was gradually devoured by despair. She shivered from the cold.


    On the yacht, the butler pushed Gale to the deck and said respectfully, "The tools for night fishing have been prepared for you. Have a good time."


    Gale nodded. His gaze inadvertently swept over the outside of the fence. His sharp hearing, which had been trained in the army, caught the cry for help. He focused and asked, "Is someone asking for help at sea?" "Please wait a moment." After taking a few steps towards the fence, he took a closer look and reported to Gale in surprise, "Sir, there''s indeed someone calling for help from there!"


    "Tell them to save him."


    "Yes!"


    Not long after, Gale''s security


    Cam brought Maeve onto the yacht.


    When he saw Maeve, who was drenched, pale, and trembling, a trace of surprise shed across Gale''s eyes. However, he was not in a hurry to interrogate her. He asked the butler to bring her to change the clothes first. Maeve was so cold that she could not even thank him. She followed the butler and left.


    There was hot water and heat in the room. Maeve took a hot shower and changed into clean and refreshing clothes. She was finally alive.


    She almost thought she was going to die of cold in the sea.


    Maeve patted her cheeks and used the bedside phone to call home. When she found out that the two little ones and Byron were on their way, she immediately told them not to be anxious. She was fine for the time being. Before she could say anything more to the two little children, the butler knocked on the door.


    "Darling, just wait for me at the shore. It shouldn''t take long. Don''t worry about Mommy." After reminding them, Maeve hung up.


    Coming out of the room, the butler brought her back to the deck.


    Gale sat in a wheelchair with a row of professional fishing tools beside him. He held a fishing rod in hi waited for the fish to take the bait. It felt like the leisure life of a retired big shot.


    nd and leisurely


    "Mr. Soar, thank you very much for saving me just now." Maeve went forward to thank him. At the same time, she felt a little ufortable. Previously, she hadined about this person in her heart...

 Chapter 403

    Gale didn''t even look at her. His voice was t and emotionless. If it were anyone else, I would have saved them too. You don''t have to thank me. I still have to fish here at night. I won''t reach the shore until an hourter." He was not interested in the reason why she was bathing in the sea in the middle of the night. He only reached out to help because she was a citizen of Setigal.


    Maeve understood what he meant and immediately said, "I promise I won''t disturb you for the next hour."


    "Um."


    Maeve looked at the row of fishing gear and could not help but feel her hands itch. "May I use these fishing gear? I can pay the fee."


    Gale made time to nce at her. "Whatever. No need."


    "Thank you." Maeve thanked him politely. She took a small stool and sat one meter away from him. She skillfully adjusted the fishing rod and swung the hook.


    The two of them sat far away from each other and did not disturb each other. They went their separate ways.


    The two figures, one tall and one low, looked strangely harmonious in the butler''s eyes,


    Just like... a father and daughter who were out on a vacation?


    The butlerughed in his heart, ''Mr. Soar is not married Yet, how could he have such a big daughter?


    In less than five minutes, Maeve''s fishing rod moved. She calmly retracted the line and caught a huge sea bass.


    She took one look, tossed the fish back into the sea, and continued swinging the hook.


    Then, she caught another grouper, about the size of an arm.


    It was thrown back into the sea by Maeve and she swung the hook again.


    From the corner of his eye, Gale saw Maeve throw another ck snapper back into the sea. The corners of his mouth twitched uncontrobly. ''Has she taken over this sea area? Why are all the fish heading towards her?" The butler looked at the empty bucket beside Gale and then at Maeve''s extravagant action of throwing out one fish after another. He closed his


    ed his eyes silently. This was too far away..


    Maeve felt that the fishing rod was heavier than before. The guy who was biting the hook was still struggling. She did not know what it was, but it was useless no matter how hard she tried


    "Can... Can you help me?" Maeve turned to the butler for help.


    The butler was stunned for a moment before he immediately went forward to help.


    With a crash, Maeve saw a huge shadow pping towards her.


    She subconsciously retreated, but she was knocked to the deck by that thing.


    and looked over. He only saw Maeve being pressed down by a huge fish. The fish tail swung and Gale narrowed his eyes pped her body. Even if he could not see clearly, he could sense her lost and helpless mood. Gale''s mood suddenly improved after not being able to catch any fish for a long time.


    "Mr. Soar!" The butler was pleasantly surprised. "Mr. Reese caught a giant bluefin tuna! It looks like it weighs more than 50 kilograms!"


    Gale was speechless and his good mood was suddenly gone.


    "Ms. Reese, you''re really amazing," the butler said to Maeve. "This is the first time I''ve seen someone catch such a big fish, and it''s a rare species."


    After all, Gale always got nothing.


    Maeve wiped the seawater off her face and waved her hand when she heard this. "I was just lucky. Mr. Soar, can I trouble your chef to deal with this fish? Let''s eat together?"


    "Borrowing fishing gear and the chef. Am I a hotel assistant?" Gale said indifferently.


    Maeve thought that he had rejected her. Just as she was about to say forget it, she heard Gale instruct the butler, "Send the fish to the kitchen."


    "No problem, sir."


    The kitchen prepared the ingredients as quickly as possible. With the bluefin tuna as the main character, they made a seafood banquet and sent it up.


    Only Gale and Maeve sit beside the table, and the butler and the others stood respectfully at the side. It was silent.


    Maeve was not interested in the bluefin tuna she caught. Instead, she


    ate


    The yacht was slowly returning. It could dock in 15 minutes at thetest.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    a


    lot of seafood soup.


    Maeve finished her meal and nced at Gale. He did not care about any rigid etiquette when he ate. He was very fast, but he did not seem rude. Instead, he was very unrestrained. "What are you looking at?" Gale suddenly asked.


    "Uh... Mr. Soar, I hope you won''t take what I said to heart. I''ve already forgotten everything that happened before. I won''t mention it to anyone else," Maeve said after some deliberation.


    Gale raised his eyebrows. "You think I asked someone to send a thank-you gift just to keep your mouth shut?"


    Maeve blinked. ''Wasn''t that the case?''


    "My life is not something the value of a few sets of clothes canpare to." Gale casually put down his napkin and gestured for the butler to pour wine for him. Then, he continued, "I just didn''t expect Mr. Reese to not only not ept it, but also threaten me." After so many years, this was the first time someone dared to threaten him,


    Maeve immediately felt awkward. ''So I had misunderstood."


    Gale had given her a building so generously. Of course, she would think that it was a hush money.


    Who knew that he only felt that a few sets of clothes were not worthy of beingpared to his life?


    He was rich and willful.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Soar. I misunderstood." Maeve touched her earlobe and felt a little embarrassed. "My friend and I saved you once. You saved me tonight too. Take it as offset."


    With that, she couldn''t help but sneeze twice. Her shoulders shook.


    2479%


    "Ms. Reese, you don''t look too good. You might have caught a cold, the butler said with concern. He then asked Gale, "Sir, what do you think?"


    Gale was expressionless. "Go get the doctor"


    Maeve quickly waved her hand and refused. "There''s no need. We''re almost at the shore. I''ll go back and take my medicine myself. There''s no need to trouble you."


    "I saved you. You''ll do whatever I say. Don''t talk back"


    Maeve was depressed. ''I did not talk back!


    The doctor came over to check Maeve''s temperature. She had a low fever and her throat was inmed, so the doctor prescribed some medicine for her.


    Maeve did not want to take it. She had Theo''s non-bitter fever medicine at home. She wanted to endure it and go back to take Theo''s medicine.


    However, when she looked up and saw Gale''s solemn and dignified face, Maeve somehow wilted.


    She slowly stuffed the medicine into her mouth and swallowed them one by one.


    Gale sneered. "You''re taking your medicine like a child. I wonder how old Ms. Reese is this year?


    "No, I''m at least one round younger than you," Maeve said humbly.


    Was she indirectly calling me old? This little girl was quite eloquent, Gale thought.


    The butler looked on happily. Although Gale did not smile from the beginning to the end, he knew that Gale was in a good mood. Otherwise, he would not have said so much.


    Even in front of Aeolian, he was a man of few words.


    After taking the medicine, she did not know if it was a psychological effect, but the feeling of dizziness in Maeve had reduced a lot.


    What followed was exhaustion and drowsiness.


    She thought that she would not be able to sleep when she was about to reach the shore, but in the next second, shey on the table and quickly fell asleep.


    Wind Gale frowned, a subtle dissatisfaction in his heart. "What did her parents teach her? How is it any different from sending herself into a tiger''s den to be so unguarded in front of strangers?"


    The butler smiled and said, "You just saved her. You''re a good person to her. Of course, she doesn''t have to be wary."


    0

 Chapter 404

    Gale was still expressionless. He nced at the petite shadow lying on the table, and his heart softened for no reason.


    He rubbed the armrest of his seat with his palm and casually instructed the butler, "Get her a nket. Don''t let her illness get worse. It''ll be a waste of my medicine." The butler''s smile widened. "Yes."


    The butler covered the sleeping Maeve with a nket. He identally saw a small crescent birthmark on the exposed half of her neck.


    It was very shallow. It looked like a mark that had been identally pressed out. One could not see it clearly at a nce.


    The butler was stunned.


    He remembered that Gale seemed to have a simr birthmark on the back of his neck, but the color was darker. ''It was probably... a coincidence.


    When the yacht docked, Maeve was still unconscious.


    For some reason, Gale did not ask anyone to wake her up. It was as if he wanted to see how long she could sleep.


    Of course, he couldn''t see it.


    Byron brought his men up. His slender legs took swift and fierce steps, and the corner of his shirt was slightly lifted by the sea breeze. He looked as imposing as an emperor on a tour. The sunsses covered his eyes, but it made his cold face even more


    unfathomable.


    Gale had been in a high position for a long time and was used to seeing all kinds of people. His eyesight was also quite sharp.


    This was the first time he realized that he could not see


    through the young


    man in front of him.


    Just like the sea under the night sky.


    On the surface, the waves were calm, but no one


    knew what turbulent undercurrents


    were


    hidden beneath.


    "Thank you, Mr. Soar, for saving my girlfriend. I''ll definitely thank you another day," Byron said calmly. "I''ll bring Maeve back."


    Gale nodded. "There''s no need to thank me. Hurry up


    and take her away."


    Byron nodded slightly and walked to Maeve, who was still sleeping soundly. He wrapped her body with his windbreaker, picked her up horizontally, and strode out.


    Gale caught his unnatural movements and couldn''t help but look into his eyes.


    His own eyes were not very good, so he was more sensitive in this aspect.


    Therefore, he could tell at a nce that there was something wrong with Byron''s eyes. He did not show it on his face. However, he was thinking that if she was his daughter, he would never let her be with a young man with bad eyesight. After they left, the butler felt that Gale''s mood seemed to have returned to normal. He asked, "Mr. Soar, are we going back?" Gale pressed the corners of his eyes and looked uninterested. "Let''s


    go


    back."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    0


    27%2


    "Yes," the butler looked at the spot where Maeve was originally sitting and suggested carefully, "Mr. Soar, Ms. Reese still has half of the fish left in the kitchen. Do you think we should send back to Ms. Reese?"


    "She didn''t even take a few bites of the sashimi. Isn''t it a waste to send it back to her?" Gale said reluctantly. "Change it to crabs or lobsters and send her a box."


    When the butler heard that they were all seafood that Maeve had picked up the most, he immediately smiled. "Yes."


    After a few seconds, Gale frowned and went back on his word. "Forget it. Why would a girl eat so much cold food?" "What about something like gifts?"


    "Do as you see fit."


    In the First Hospital.


    Maeve was in such a deep sleep that she did not wake up even after the physical examination.


    The doctor repeatedly confirmed that there was nothing wrong with her body, and there were no knockout drugs in her body. She was only unconscious because she was weak during her menstrual period and had suffered a cold.


    The two little ones couldn''t take it anymore, but what happened today frightened them too. They stuck close to Maeve and refused to move away even when they were asleep.


    Byron picked up Maeve and ced a pillow between the two little ones. Then, he ced her on his bed.


    Her forehead was covered in cold sweat, and her cheeks were cold.


    Byrony down and pulled her into his arms. He used his body temperature to expel the coldness from her body and ced his heating palm on her abdomen to warm her up.


    It was not afortable experience to soak in the water during her menstrual period. Maeve did not expect that she would still have the energy to fish when she was just saved out of the water.


    That was why she dared to eat the seafood banquet without worry.


    In the end, just as she finished eating, retribution came.


    After taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor, she did not feel very ufortable, but she was cold, everywhere of her body.


    It wasn''t until she felt a big stove approaching that her hands, feet, and stomach slowly warmed up. The omnipresent cold air was imperceptibly dispelled a lot.


    While Maeve was unconscious, Theo finally extracted the essence of the medicine. He wanted to take advantage of the weekend to treat Byron''s eyes.


    When Maeve woke up,


    she heard the two little ones bargaining with Byron.


    "I usually don''t ask for a fee when treating people. It''s all based on how much the other party thinks they''re worth." The little Theo stroked his chin in an old-fashioned manner. "I''ll contribute a little no matter how much you give me. After all, we''re not rted. Our rtionship isn''t that good that I can work for you for free, right?"


    He was just short of sticking two pieces of beard on himself and saying herself as an old doctor.


    Will naturally helped him. "Dad, Theo went through all the medical books to treat your eyes. He spent a lot of effort. It''s really tough."


    0


    18:48 Sat,


    The implication was that it was not easy to work. Please give me more.


    Byron wanted tough when he heard this. A little sesame glutinous rice ball was tantly making money from him, while the other side was helping him ask for money from his biological father. Could it be that he could bully children? Byron took out his checkbook and wrote a string of numbers on it. Then he pushed it onto the table. "Is this enough?"


    When he saw the number on the check, Theo''s round eyes turned into stars. On the surface, he pretended to be reserved. "That''s all. When my mommy wakes up, I''ll treat you..."


    "Mommy''s awake!" Will saw Maeve''s expression of standing by and ran over in surprise.


    Theo crawled off the sofa and handed the check to Maeve. "Mommy, look! Baby has so much money again! Baby will take care of you in the future!"


    Maeve was overjoyed. "Didn''t you work hard to earn this? You will give it all to Mommy?"


    "Yes! Buy Mommy beautiful dresses! Dress up beautifully and find me a gentle daddy!" Theo emphasized the word ''gentle'' and stuffed the check into his mommy''s hand. "It''s enough for Mommy to find ten!"


    As soon as he said this, Byron''s ambiguous voice came from behind. "Ten stepfathers. I wonder if your little butt is enough for them to hit. Tsk."


    Theo suddenly felt a chill on his buttocks and silently tiptoed.


    Maeve nced at him and smirked.


    When it came to his own professional field, Theo was still very reliable.


    He and Will went home to get their things. Only Maeve and Byron were left in the ward.


    The aftermath of yesterday''s conversation had yet to subside, so the atmosphere at this moment was strange.


    Maeve looked down at the snow-white nket and did not know what to say.


    Byron did not speak either. He leaned his head against the sofa and seemed to be resting.

 Chapter 405

    Chapter


    405


    Endless silence spread in the ward. It was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.


    Maeve felt a little awkward. Yesterday, she said that she needed some time to think about it, but in the blink of an eye, she returned to this ward.


    Coupled with the fact that she had just experienced a life-and-death crisisst night, she felt that it was too pretentious to have the thought of breaking up over such a small matter. She didn''t want to be so pretentious, but... she couldn''t control herself.


    There was a knock on the door and then Archer pushed it open.


    "Ms. Reese," Archer greeted Maeve politely.


    Maeve nodded at him and saw him walking quickly to the sofa. He lowered his voice and said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, we have a lead."


    "Hmm?" Byron said indifferently, "Speak."


    Archer told him the results of his hard-earned investigation.


    Maeve was deliberately lured to the Mcdaniel family''s old residence. On the way, he was knocked unconscious and thrown into the sea. It was Henry''s doing.


    The bodyguard who had been secretly protecting Maeve was also plotted against by his aplices.


    However, this time, they only caught Henry''s aplice and let him escape.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    That aplice had been in cahoots with Henry for many years and knew a lot.


    For example, if Maeve died, her studio and the money under her name would all be taken over by Henry, her only rtive


    It didn''t matter if they couldn''t find the jewelry.


    Henry had done it very secretly. The person who hired the murderer was an aplice. He had not been stained with any danger from the beginning to the end. Even if they investigated, no one could say that he was the murderer. Maeve''s blood almost froze when she heard that. Her lips were as white as snow.


    A sense of powerlessness that she had never felt before swept through her entire body. She slowlyy down and stared nkly at the ceiling.


    She did not pay attention to what Archer said after that.


    "Investigate further. There must be someone behind him." Byron lowered his voice. "With his ability, he can''t bribe the Mcdaniel family''s old servant to work for him."


    In his opinion, Henry''s existence was more like a puppet.


    What really mattered was the mastermind behind everything.


    Archer immediately understood. "Yes, I understand."


    The ward quickly fell silent again.


    Byron did not deliberately pay attention to Maeve''s movements His expression could be said to be calm and indifferent.


    <


    As someone who had just been broken upst night, his pride and rationality prevented him from rushing to coax her.


    He didn''t know what had caused her to misunderstand that he treated her as his bed partner again and again.


    He had already exined this for many times. If she was unwilling to listen, then he had nothing to say.


    His patience with her, or Lino, would run out one day.


    Maeve turned her back to him and gradually fell asleep in confusion and fear.


    When she woke up again, the sky was already bright outside the window.


    She was the only one left in the ward. Byron and the two little ones were not around.


    There was also amotion outside the door.


    Maeve washed up and walked out. Just as she was about to go out to take a look, the ward door was pushed open.


    A group of foreigners in police uniforms barged in and showed her their IDs. "Are you Maeve? We''re from the Serious Crimes Unit of the Erancia Police Department. You''re suspected of participating in a jewelry robbery more than twenty years ago. We want to investigate you personally."


    After saying that, they didn''t give Maeve a chance to ask and directly handcuffed her.


    Maeve was stunned. ''What the hell is this? I has just been born more than twenty years ago!''


    "Wait!" Archer squeezed through the door. When he saw this scene, his expression was quite serious. "Please show your identification and an international arrest warrant."


    The police of Erancia showed their documents, but they could not produce an arrest warrant.


    Archer sneered. "In that case, I''m afraid you have no right to handcuff our citizens and treat her as a prisoner."


    Before Mr. Mcdaniel entered the operating theater, he had instructed Archer to take good care of Ms. Reese. He could not let her be hurt at all.


    If he couldn''t even do such a small thing, he wouldn''t even need Mr. Mcdaniel to tell him to scram.


    The Erancia police officer looked unhappy. "We have the right to detain and interrogate suspects. Are you interfering with our case?"


    "This is Setigal, not Erancia." Archer did not back down. "When you''re on ournd, you have to follow ourws and regtions. Otherwise, I''ll sue you for illegally restricting the personal freedom of our citizens."


    The Erancia policeman''s face was ashen. He took out his phone and called the Kleymond headquarters.


    As the chief special assistant under Byron, Archer was naturally not to be trifled with.


    "Sh*t!" The leader of the Erancia policemen cursed. He undid the handcuffs on Maeve and left angrily with his men. Maeve rubbed her wrist and looked at Archer in confusion. "Archer, what happened? Why are these people arresting me?"


    "Ms. Reese, someone publicized online that your father was a jewelry thief whomitted a crime many years ago. They even posted your DNA test report, attracting the international police who were in charge of this case back then." Archer sighed. "The Inte is in a mess now. It''s best if you don''t look at it."


    The international police would definitely demand that Maeve be brought back to the country for investigation.


    When it came to their territory, even the Mcdaniel Group could not interfere.


    <


    Chapter 403-


    Therefore, Maeve could not be detained.


    Maeve''s thin brows were tightly knitted, and her expression was not very good. "Has Henry been arrested?"


    Archer shook his head. "No, that''s why they want to catch you."


    She was Henry''s biological daughter and was the best bait to lure him out.


    They did not care if their father-daughter rtionship was good or not. Maeve was still a child who knew nothing many years ago.


    These people did things based on results, not process.


    *****However, the worst oue urred.


    The Erancia police received a special arrest warrant and temporarily detained Maeve.


    Byron was still in the operating theater. Archer alone could not stop them.


    After all, Maeve was a citizen of Setigal. Other than locking her up and putting mental and verbal pressure on her to tell her everything she knew, the police of Erancia could not torture her


    At the same time, the inte was about


    to turn upside down.


    The most discussed topic was none other than how to treat the offender''s descendants.


    Extremists believed that the offspring of criminals inherited bad genes and were crooked from the bottom of their hearts. It was fine to be an ordinary person, but if they were famous, it would cause extremely serious negative impact on society and the people. It was best to ban them.


    Moderates, on the other hand, believed that they could not kill a boatload of people in one go. Children did not have the right to choose their parents. Furthermore, Maeve was stolen from a young age and grew up beside his adoptive parents. It could be said that he had nothing to do with his biological parents. They could not pin the me on her.


    The onlookers were much purer. They only wanted to know where the jewelry went. They heard that it was worth tens of billions.


    COMMENT


    18.48 Sat,

 Chapter 406

    This matter had blown up so much that even the Mcdaniel family had received the news.


    Mr. Mcdaniel lost his temper at home and demanded that Byron immediately draw a line with Maeve to avoid affecting the Mcdaniel family.


    Then, he was mercilessly suppressed by Alexis.


    "Your illegitimate son has alreadymitted a crime and is being reformed in prison. I don''t see you cutting ties with him. Instead, you have the cheek to use your connections to open a back door for him! Jason, if you don''t want this face anymore, I''ll tear it off for you now!"


    Mr. Mcdaniel felt speechless but thought, "This shrew!''


    Alexis sneered. "If you''re so capable, go and put on airs in front of Byron. Do you dare to put on airs with him? If you''re not capable, shut up."


    Mr. Mcdaniel''s face turned red. "This is outrageous. I''m the head of this family! Be more polite!"


    Before Alexis could react, a walking stick knocked on Mr. Mcdaniel''s back. "You''re the head of the family, but what am I?"


    Gilbert red at him with a dignified expression.


    Mr. Mcdaniel didn''t dare to say a word.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Alexis looked at him mockingly. He helped Gilbert to sit down and discussed with him how to resolve Maeve''s matter.


    Seeing this, Mr. Mcdaniel could not help but mock her. "When did you get bribed by she?"


    In the past, Alexis didn''t like Maeve anymore.


    Alexis did not want to bother with him at all. Right now, Maeve''s matter was more important.


    Not only the Mcdaniel family, but others were also putting pressure on Kleymond police department.


    In the end, the chief had no choice but to personally make a trip and ask them to quickly release her.


    Unexpectedly, Maeve refused to leave.


    "I hope you can clear me of the charges in the same way you detained me for those charges. I won''t take a single step out of this interrogation room until then." Maeve''s eyes were clear and cold, and her attitude was extremely tough. There was no reason for them to catch and release her whenever they wanted.


    Now, the outside world should know that she was being detained for investigation. If no results were released like this, others would only think that she had relied on her connections to avoid a cmity and not think that she was innocent.


    If she could not resolve this matter in one go, she had a feeling that she would not be able to escape the fate of being pointed at by others in the future.


    She hadmitted no crime and could withstand any investigation.


    The chief persuaded her nicely for a while, but he still couldn''t persuade her back. He took his phone and went out.


    "Yes, she refused to leave. She wanted us to clear her, but the problem is that she''s innocent. It''s all the fault of the Erancia police." The chiefined on the phone, "General Soar, you''re using me wrongly. They went past me to sign the arrest warrant. I didn''t know about it beforehand."


    27%


    "There are quite a few vermin in your system." Gale''s calm voice sounded. "Investigate what needs to be investigated. Don''t let our citizens suffer injustice for nothing. Otherwise, it''s no different from putting our faces in front of them and being beaten up." However, Maeve''s attitude surprised him.


    Unexpectedly, this little girl looked soft and weak, but her bones were quite tough.


    The director quickly agreed. "Yes. You''re right. Don''t worry, I''ll personally keep an eye on this matter. I guarantee that nothing will go wrong again."


    After hanging up, the chief heaved a sigh of relief. Then, the next call came in. His nerve was tensed again. "Mr. Mcdaniel, hello..."


    It was unknown what the other party said, but the chief''s face turned bitter.


    This was simply inviting a great God back...


    The Erancia police were very dissatisfied with the police for not cooperating with them and even letting them go. They were prepared to ask the higher-ups to bring Maeve back to the country for surveince and investigation.


    Then, he was scolded by his superiors. "I asked you to arrest the wanted criminal and recover the missing jewelry, but I didn''t ask you to implicate innocent citizens from other countries! Who gave you the right to make your own decisions! If you don''t want to work anymore, take off your uniforms and go home to eat your own food!"


    After scolding them, their superior hung up the phone and looked at the two noble lords sitting on the sofa opposite them with cold sweat on their foreheads.


    "Your Highness Hosea, Your Highness Loren, this is all a misunderstanding. I''ve already severely criticized these people under me for messing around. I''ll definitely give you a satisfactory answer."


    Tom crossed his legs and said expressionlessly, "Do you want me to believe that they took the initiative to go to Setigal to arrest someone without receiving any orders?"


    "Minister Des, you''ve been in this position for many years. It''s not easy to get promoted, but if you fall..." Loren paused and said with a smile, "I really want to know what it feels like. Can you please tell me after you try it?"


    Minister Des, who was being eyed by the two lions, was speechless. He really wanted to escape.


    One was the Queen''s preferred heir, and the other was the nephew of the future heir.


    Minister Des could not understand why they would support an ordinary woman. If he had known earlier, he would not have agreed to help that person.


    "Your Highnesses, please give me a chance to atone for my crimes."


    "Uh-huh."


    The few parties had contributed to a goal withoutmunicating with each other.


    In less than half a day, the Kleymond police station issued an official statement with the Erancia police.


    The year of the jewel robbery, Maeve had not yet been born.


    After she was born, she was secretly raised by the Reese family people. Her life trajectory waspletely opposite to that of the jewelry thieves. She did not contact them in private and was only recently approached. The jewelry that had been lost back then had been recovered through her. It was now in the custody of the police.


    18:48 Sat, Nov 30 B.


    On the legal level, Macve was not guilty. It was also a meritorious deed to hand over the jewelry.


    However, from the perspective of public opinion, there were still people stirring up trouble with the ck mark that she was the descendant of the perpetrator.


    [When I see her now, I will think that her biological father is an internationally wanted criminal. Then, I will think that she has the genes of a criminal. She will definitelymit crimes in the future.]


    [She''s notpletely innocent. The blood of a wanted criminal flows through her body. This is her original sin.]


    [Can you ban her? I''m really afraid that my child will learn bad things from her.]


    [There are really too many trolls. The addresses are all the same.]


    [I say, are you guys done? The officials think that Maeve is innocent. Are you guys still so awesome or do you know how to predict? You just said that he will definitelymit crimes in the future.]


    [The Mcdaniel Group actually didn''t say anything this time. In the past, as long as something happened to Maeve, the other party would immediately follow. They were even more active than Dreamscape''s official ount.]


    [Isn''t it obvious? Who is the president of the Mcdaniel Group? Is Maeve worthy of a descendant of a criminal? Look, aren''t they broken up?]


    [It''s good that they broke up. I don''t want my idol to be tainted because of her. Otherwise, I''ll cry for a year.]


    Faye, who was waiting at home for the court hearing, saw thesements online and vented her anger. ''So what if Maeve stole her coboration with Iton Private International Kindergarten? So what if she hooked up with the Mcdaniel Group''s president? Isn''t this retribution?''


    0

 Chapter 407

    When Maeve came out of the police station, she thought that the first person she would see would be Byron. She did not expect it to be Mr. Richard.


    "It''s great that you''re fine. I''m d that I still have some energy here. I can be of some help," Warren said with a look of relief.


    "So you''ve helped me too?" Maeve thanked him after recovering from her shock. "Thank you. I don''t know how to thank you."


    The bureau chief had revealed to her that the reason why this matter could be resolved so quickly was partly because of Byron, and partly because there was a benefactor helping her behind the scenes. However, the director didn''t say who it was.


    "Unexpectedly, it was Mr. Richard, Maeve thought.


    Warren patted her shoulder and smiled gently. "It''s good that you''re fine. You don''t have to be so polite with me. Actually, I came to discuss with you about what happened online."


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. "Discuss what?"


    Warren said gently, "Those people are ndering you because you have a wanted father, so I want to adopt you in as my daughter. With my reputation, I think I can still offset the negative impact on you and shift everyone''s attention away from this. So I want to ask you, are you willing to be my daughter?"


    Maeve was stunned on the spot. When she came back to her senses, she quickly shook her head and refused. "Mr. Richard, I''m very grateful for your kindness. You''ve already helped me a lot. There''s no need to ruin your reputation because of me." It was definitely not a wise choice to get involved with her now.


    Warren looked at her firmly. "I didn''t make this decision on a whim. In fact, you suit my taste very well. I''m willing to take you in as my daughter. Please don''t be in a hurry to reject me. Go back and think about it carefully. It won''t be toote to give me an answer." Maeve scratched her cheek. She felt a little ufortable, but she still agreed that she would consider his suggestion.


    When she saw the ck Spyker parked not far away, she immediately said goodbye to Warren and jogged over.


    As soon as she got into the car and saw that there were only two children, a sense of disappointment shed across Maeve''s heart, but she quickly suppressed it.


    "Mommy, are you hurt? Did those people bully you?" Theo''s little face was puffed up with anger. He grabbed his mommy''s hand and checked everywhere. His eyes were like searchlights.


    Will took off his shoes and stood on the seat. He massaged Maeve''s shoulders. "We''rete and made Mom suffer. I''m sorry."


    Maeve hugged them and took a deep breath before saying, "It''s none of your business. The police in Erancia were too reckless, but Uncle Tom and Uncle Loren have already dealt with them."


    This time, it waspletely those people who took matters into their own hands and wanted to use her to fish Henry out, However, the strange thing was that they dared to do something that clearly did not conform to the procedures. Therefore, Tom and Loren suspected that someone was behind all of this.


    Maeve was not prepared to tell the two little ones that she was being secretly targeted, for fear that they would be worried


    and afraid.


    00


    M


    "By the way, how are Byron''s eyes? Can they be cured?" Maeve asked again.


    Before she was detained, she heard from Archer that Theo was treating Byron''s eyes.


    "Of course! With me and Will, there''s nothing that can''t be done Theo raised his head and puffed out his chest. He rubbed his nose smugly. "Stinky Daddy''s eyes will be able to see it in two days at thetest!"


    He had made such thorough preparations that the ancient books were all worn out from flipping through. Every day, for the sake of that bit of medicinal essence, he even sacrificed Will''s and his precious sleeping time. If they couldn''t settle it in one go, how could it be worthy of their hard work!


    Will pursed his lips and smiled. "Mommy, Daddy isn''t awake yet. He didn''t mean to note and pick you up."


    He was worried that his mother would be sad that his father did note, so he exined.


    Compared to the good news that Byron''s eyes had been cured, other things were nothing to Maeve.


    "Why is my baby so amazing? Those doctors said that they couldn''t do, but you guys did it." Maeve hugged the two children and rubbed her cheek against their little faces. "Awesome!"


    The two little ones blushed from their mother''s rubbing and blinked their big eyes shyly.


    "Mommy, you''re the best!" Theo raised his head and kissed Maeve. "Because the two of us are Mommy''s children! Rounding it up, Mommy has two of us!"


    "That''s right," Will agreed.


    Maeve was overjoyed by them. The gloominess from staying in the police station for so long dissipated a lot.


    "Mommy has to reward you. Do you have anything you want?"


    Theo immediately hugged Maeve''s hand and wheedled. "Mommy, mommy, Baby wants to eat MacDonald twice a week!"


    He hadn''t eaten for a long time!


    "I want a new yoga mat." Will raised his little hand.


    These wishes were really simple and unadorned.


    Maeve thought that they would want something more expensive, so she took the 100 thousand dors bonus to satisfy them.


    Who knew that one could not live without food with just a few words, while the other was obsessed with developing and reciting scriptures?


    ''Pretty good. Maeve touched her chest and made a decision. "When your father recovers, how about the four of us go pic?"


    The little eyes of the children lit up and they nodded like chicks pecking at rice.


    Whether it was Theo or Will, none of them had any experience of going out to y.


    They were looking forward to it.


    Maeve was quite happy to see them happy.


    for a


    3


    Then, she remembered that she was in a conflict with Byron. He probably wouldn''t agree to her suggestion so easily.


    When she returned to the hospital, Byron was already awake.


    When she saw the other two people in the ward, Macve was stumped.


    59%


    "Ms. Reese is here." Serena stood up and looked over with a smile. "You came at the right time. I was just about to tell you the good news. Mr. Mcdaniel''s eyes have been cured by my father."


    ''What?'' Not only was Maeve stunned, but the two little ones were also dumbfounded.


    Byron''s eyes were still covered with gauze and medicine. He could not take it off before hepletely recovered.


    He did not turn his head when he heard the footsteps. He said calmly, "Is that so?"


    Mr. Malvis said kindly, "I rarely go out. This time, it''s because Serena has been begging me that I came all the way here. I''m going back tomorrow. Mr. Mcdaniel, I''ll leave my daughter to you in the future. You have to take good care of her for me." Serena smiled shyly.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Maeve frowned. "Did you guys make a mistake? He was the one who cured Byron. What does it have to do with you?"


    Serena looked at her in surprise and then at the child beside her leg. Then, she smiled. "Ms. Reese, are you saying that this child actually cured Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    "That''s me." Theo puffed up his cheeks. "It took us great effort to do this, and you guys stole credit for it with just a few words. Isn''t that too much?"

 Chapter 408

    Serena looked down on this little kid who was like a coal ball. When she heard his words, she asked Maeve, "Ms. Reese, did you teach this? It''s not good to use a child to take credit for yourself, right?" Mr. Malvis also looked displeased.


    "Am I using a child to take credit for myself, or are you shameless enough to take advantage of a child?" Maeve trusted her child unconditionally, not to mention that she knew how hard it had been for them to treat Byron''s eyes recently. With their character, they would not and would not bother to lie


    Instead, it was Serena and her father who suddenly appeared....


    "Are you joking with us?" Mr. Malvis frowned. "Aren''t you too good at distorting right and wrong? Mr. Mcdaniel clearly recovered after taking my antidote. The doctor was also present at that time. If you don''t believe me, you can call them and ask." Will held down the angry Theo and asked him, "When did you give my father the antidote?"


    Hearing him call Byron dad, Mr. Malvis''s expression changed. His expression turned even uglier. "Not long ago, about half an hour ago."


    "That means my father just came out of the operating theater, and it''s only been half an hour, and you''re already so sure that your antidote has taken effect?" Will analyzed calmly. "Or could it be that you saw that my father is fine and deliberately gave him the so-called antidote to steal the credit?" I


    Mr. Malvis had never been questioned like this before, especially by a three or four-year-old child. His face turned green.


    "Will, my father and I came to help out of kindness. It''s not like what you''ve misunderstood." Serena sounded aggrieved.


    As she spoke, she looked at Maeve. "Ms. Reese, no matter how much you have against me, you shouldn''t talk nonsense in front of a child, right?"


    Maeve chuckled. "How much do you have against me again? You''re using me openly and covertly?"


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, what do you think? My father and I spent a lot of effort to heal your eyes. How did we end up being used of deliberately stealing credit?" Serenained to Byron.


    With this favor, she did not believe that Byron would not help her.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Moreover, she knew very well that Byron and Maeve had been in conflict recently. It would be great if they could break up because of this.


    Maeve looked at Byron and realized that his lips were slightly curved, as if he was smiling.


    However, there was a hint of sarcasm in his smile.


    "Serena, could it be that you think my eyes are bad and my heart is blind? I can''t even tell who cured my eyes?" Byron''s headache lessened a little. He finally calmed down and said in an indifferent tone, "For the sake of Posa Root, I won''t argue with you. You''d better not use your tone in front of me to attack my family. Maeve, see the guest out."


    The two Malvis were instantly embarrassed.


    Hearing what Byron called her, Maeve felt a little ufortable. We were about to break up. Was it appropriate for him to call me so intimately? Or did he not take my words to heart at all?''


    However, she did not deny it in front of outsiders. "Please."


    59%


    Serena was only ashamed and resentful, but Mr. Malvis was truly angry. He thought that his kindness had not been repaid, and he had even been bitten back!


    He immediately pulled his daughter and left angrily.


    "Look at who you like! After taking my medicine, you turned around and refused to admit it. You even used the child as an excuse. You''re really too much!" Mr. Malvis let out his anger as soon as he came out. "You''re going back with me tomorrow. Why are you still staying here to suffer?!"


    Of course Serena wouldn''t allow that and quickly exined, "Dal, don''t you see that it''s all that woman''s doing? Mr. Mcdaniel was also deceived by her. When he finds out that it was actually you who cured him, he''ll surely regret it! So please don''t be angry." Mr. Malvis had been aloof and noble for half of his life. How could he possibly not be angry?


    Seeing that his daughter was so stubborn, he did not intend to care anymore. He waved his hand and left.


    Serena stomped her feet and quickly followed.


    In the ward, Theo checked Byron''s pulse, and his furrowed eyebrows finally rxed. "I thought it was some kind of antidote. It''s the basic version of the antidote I made for Mommy. Ordinary poisons can be cured, but how can it be so easy to cause a retina poison barrier caused by multiple drugs?" Moreover, before this, he had already helped Stinky Daddy get rid of the toxins in his eyes. Not to mention the antidote they gave him, even if he took candy, it would be found that his body was not poisonous.


    How embarrassing. They only knew how to follow behind others and take advantage of them. Theo felt helpless.


    Maeve pinched the little thing''s bulging cheeks. Unexpectedly, Byron also raised his hand and identally grabbed her palm.


    A subtle electric current ran from Maeve''s palm to her tailbone, making her panic for no reason. She immediately retracted her hand.


    Byron''s movements paused slightly. Then, he retracted his hand and twisted his fingertips slightly.


    Will noticed his parents'' small actions. He looked around with his round eyes and felt that something was amiss.


    Theo did not notice anything. He just looked at Byron with dissatisfaction. "You clearly know that they''re lying. Why did you let them nder me?"


    During the treatment, Byron even woke up once. After knowing that something had happened to Maeve, he forced himself to send people to help. However, when they ndered Theo just now, he did not speak up for him!


    Theo was very angry. The consequences were very serious!


    "If you''re a girl, I''ll protect you." Byron snorted. "Otherwise, you''ll be like Will. When you encounter something, you''ll have to take care of it yourself. Don''t expect your mommy and I to protect you." How could a boy be pampered?


    Theo was stunned.


    So was Maeve.


    Will did not know how to speak up for his father. He could only hope that his father would be able to hold on after knowing his younger brother''s identity.


    Theo turned around angrily and decided to ignore Stinky Daddy


    3


    After being angered by Byron, the little guy did not want to stay in the hospital anymore. Maeve was still hesitating whether to stay or go back, but Byron had already made a decision for her. "I''ll get Archer to send you back."


    His tone was very calm, so calm that no emotions could be detected.


    It was not like some time ago when he had to rack his brains to keep Maeve in the hospital.


    Maeve could tell that he did not want to see her now.


    There had been an argument a few days ago, and so many things had happened after that, so she did not have time to calm down and think.


    Should she break up with him or continue to be together in a daze?


    She liked Byron. She liked him so much that before she was submerged in the sea, other than the two children, she thought about him the most.


    But... he didn''t seem to like her that much.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have kept everything from her.


    Maeveughed self-deprecatingly. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly thought of something and turned to Byron. "It''s all thanks to your help that I was able to leave the police station sessfully and get my innocence. I''m very grateful However, this is my own matter after all. You don''t have to worry about it in the future. I''ll take care of it myself."


    0

 Chapter 409

    The meaning behind her words was too obvious. Byron''s expression turned slightly cold and he only said one word, "Yes."


    In the end, Maeve rejected Warren''s proposal, even if he was doing it for her sake.


    However, she did not think that it was wrong to have a bad background. She did not have the right to choose her parents and family, nor was she interested in making herself suffer to please the public for the sake of a good reputation. She only needed to be herself. The rest was up to the heavens.


    Warren was very regretful, but he still respected her decision.


    Maeve felt guilty and touched. To be able to sacrifice so much for apletely unrted person like her, it could be seen that Warren really treated her as his junior.


    However, other than feeling touched, she also felt an indescribable strange feeling in her heart.


    Perhaps she was not used to others being so nice to her.


    At night, Maeve was invited to attend Warren''s banquet. It was said that he wanted to introduce his son, who had just returned to the country, to everyone. Many celebrities and influential people came.


    Among the group of wealthy wives, at least half of them are customers of Dreamscape.


    Unlike before when they would greet Maeve with big smiles as soon as they saw her, now, as if they were afraid of being associated with the daughter of a wanted criminal, they would pretend not to see her even when she was right in front of them.


    As a result, the area around Maeve was just like the Arctic Circle, cold and ignored by everyone.


    She didn''t mind and took the cake and drink she had just taken to the garden to enjoy.


    As she was walking, suddenly the hem of her skirt sank. Fortunately, she managed to stop in time and clutched her chest. Otherwise, the dress would have been pulled down.


    Maeve turned around and saw a woman in a golden gown standing there with a provocative gaze.


    "The daughter of a wanted criminal dares toe to such a banquet? How shameless. She''s really lowering the standards of our guests."


    Her twopanions behind her immediatelyughed when they heard this.


    "You already said that she''s the daughter of a wanted criminal. I reckon she doesn''t even have any sense of shame. If I were her, I would knock my head against the wall and kill myself." "Do you want security toe in and guard us? There''s a descendant of a jewelry thief here. I''m really worried about the valuable items on us."


    Before Maeve could speak, a gentle and pleasant male voice suddenly interrupted, "Ms. Reese is an important guest we''ve invited. Are you questioning our Richard family by saying this?" A young man in a dark blue tuxedo walked over. He was handsome and elegant, looking very noble.


    The faces of the women who were stirring up trouble immediately turned red.


    3


    59%


    This was the main character of tonight''s banquet, the only son of Mr. Richard. He was also the only candidate to inherit his billions of assets in the future.


    "Mr. Richard, we''re just having a friendly exchange with this Ms. Reese."


    "Yes, it''s all a misunderstanding."


    Arthur smiled. "It''s good that it''s a misunderstanding. I hope youdies have a good time tonight."


    The few of them looked at him shyly and left reluctantly.


    Arthur looked at Maeve again. "Ms. Reese, I hope what happened just now didn''t affect your mood. Otherwise, it would be our fault for not entertaining you well."


    "Of course not. Mr. Richard, you''re too kind." Maeve smiled. "I have to thank you for helping me out just now."


    Arthur nodded, a smile on his handsome face. "If you need anything, pleasee to me anytime. I won''t disturb you anymore. See youter."


    Maeve nodded slightly. "Okay, see youter."


    After sending Arthur off, Maeve found a quiet corner to eat the cake.


    Coincidentally, she heard some gossips again.


    Perhaps it was because the aftermath of the previous incident had yet to fade, she could hear people talking about her background wherever she went.


    Needless to say, the bathroom was full of gossip.


    Maeve washed her hands and returned to the banquet hall. Not long after, there was amotion in front. Someone shouted that she had lost her diamond ne, which valued at over million dors and had just been bought from


    overseas.


    Almost instantly, Maeve felt the gazes of the people around converge on her.


    Maeve felt a chill down her spine. It was not because she was suspected, but because everyone seemed to be certain that she was the one who did it.


    "I told you that she''s ill-behaved. With a father like that, how can she be anything good?" The woman in the gold gown who had deliberately stepped on the Maeve dress sneered.


    "Mr. Arthur was kind enough to help her just now, but she turned around and ruined his banquet."


    "Search her. I think she''s most likely the one with the ne. Don''t let her get away."


    No matter how much Maeve did not care about the opinions of others, she was still a little suspicious of herself when she saw such a publicly condemned scene.


    Just because she was the daughter of a wanted criminal, she deserved to be treated as a criminal?


    The owner came to Maeve, hoping that she would cooperate with the search.


    "Police work requires evidence. What''s your basis?" Maeve''s face turned cold. "When and where did you lose it?"


    The woman in the gold gown immediately pointed out, "I saw you reaching into someone''s bag in the washroom just now. I didn''t see what you were holding, so I didn''t expose you!"N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    The owner red at Maeve. "Are you going to cooperate with us to search your body, or should I call the police? You look


    like a well-behaved youngdy, but why are your hands and feet dirty? What did your parents teach you!"


    "Her father is on the run from a wanted criminal. How can he teach her?" The person said with a greatughter. Malicious mockery came from the crowd.


    59%


    "Those of you who have parents might not be as well-mannered as me who doesn''t have parents. Otherwise, you have said such rude words in public and affected the atmosphere Maeve retorted. wouldn''t


    The person whoughed immediately blushed and hid in the crowd.


    Maeve then said to the owner, "If you want me to cooperate with you, you have to show me the evidence first. Just by opening your mouth, you can convict someone. Are you a judge or a mage? If you''re so capable, why don''t you pray to the heavens and spit at me?" The people around them couldn''t help butugh.


    The owner''s face alternated between green and purple, and her lips trembled from Maeve''s retort. "You cheap..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, the hanging LCD screen in the banquet hall suddenly lit up.


    A financial interview was being broadcasted in real time.


    Sitting opposite the host was a handsome man in a suit and leather shoes. He was the Mcdaniel Group''s current leader.


    Byron rarely showed his face in public. He never epted any interviews or reports. There were not even many photos of him online. He was quite mysterious to the public.


    Those who did not have a high enough status in the industry did not even have the right to see him with their own eyes. This was the first time he had appeared on television, and everyone''s attention was immediately attracted.


    Maeve was no exception.


    After leaving the hospitalst time, she did not take the initiative to look for him again.


    She only knew that his eye injury hadpletely recovered. Not long ago, he was discharged from the hospital and brought thepany''s higher-ups to discuss a billions of dors business deal. He made it to the financial news and was in the limelight for a while. No matter how much Maeve ignored things rted to him, she could not avoid the people around her constantly mentioning him.


    COMMENT

 Chapter 410

    Maeve looked up at Byron''s cold face on the screen. Ilis long and narrow eyes, which hadpletely recovered, were filled with a sharp cold light, making it impossible to look straight at in.


    As he sat there, the sofa beneath him seemed to have be a hrone filled with


    And he was the only king on the throne.


    Looking at Byron, Maeve felt like a lifetime had passed.


    gems and majesty.


    The interview was alreadying to an end. The host boldly asked a different question. "Mr. Mcdaniel is so good at working. You led the Mcdaniel Group to a steady rise, leaving many people in the dust. This makes me a little curious. What are your requirements for your future wife?"


    Byron folded his hands in front of him in a rxed posture. When he heard this, he raised his eyelids slightly and replied casually, "There are no requests, and it''s not my turn to make requests of her."


    The unexpected answer surprised the host.


    There was amotion in the banquet hall.


    Maeve''s throat tightened. For some reason, her heart suddenly beat a little faster.


    "From your answer, Mr. Mcdaniel seems to have a woman you like? May I take the liberty to ask which lucky girl it is." The host was very careful, not daring to hope that this big shot would really answer. However, Byron really answered.


    "She''s my fianc¨¦e. Her name is Maeve Reese." A faint smile appeared on Byron''s handsome face that had been cold for the entire night. He added, "I''m the lucky one."


    The host was shocked. ''Wasn''t that the most wanted person recently...? Wasn''t he the boss of Dreamscape Studio?''


    Even he, who was in the financial channel, had heard about it.


    ''If she was Mr. Mcdaniel''s fianc¨¦e... who would care whose daughter she was!''


    "It seems that Mr. Mcdaniel and your fianc¨¦e have a very good rtionship. I sincerely wish the two of you a happy and blissful life together." The host stopped while he was ahead and ended the interview as usual. "Lastly, I want to ask Mr. Mcdaniel, why did you ept our interview?"


    Byron''s thin lips twitched slightly. "My fianc¨¦e ran out to attend someone''s banquet and left me at home. I''m bored."


    The host was very shocked. ''However, even if it was true, could you not say it so directly? You, a big shot with a worth of billions of dors,ined on the show that your fianc¨¦e wasn''t at home to apany you. It seemed... quite worthless! After the interview ended, the screen went ck.


    The banquet hall was so quiet that it was a little scary. The others no longer looked at Maeve with suspicion and ridicule. Instead, they became embarrassed and afraid.


    If the title of Byron''s fianc¨¦e was feared by everyone...


    Then, the importance and love he showed for Maeve in the interview was terrifying.


    This meant that Byron was not just ying. He really cared about her.


    <


    18:35 Mon, Dec 2 G.


    This was different fromra fianc¨¦e in name only.


    1039%0


    If they had known that she was Mr. Mcdaniel''s fianc¨¦e, they would not have suspected her of stealing even if they were given eight hundred guts. Well, now they''d already offended Maeve.


    The owner of the ne, who had pointed at Macve and scolded her, looked embarrassed. She wanted to run away without caring about the losses.


    At this moment, the woman in the gold gown standing at the side suddenly tilted her body and fell to the floor.


    The bag in her hand fell to the ground, and the cosmetics inside fell out along with a shiny diamond ne.


    Seeing this scene, the owner and the woman in golden gown''s expressions changed at the same time.


    "You stole my diamond ne! How dare you nder Ms. Reese? Shameless!" The owner was furious. If it weren''t this woman, she wouldn''t have offended Maeve!


    The woman''s face flush red. "It wasn''t me! I didn''t steal anything from you! She must have thrown the ne into my bag when no one was looking!"


    Seeing that she was still ndering Maeve, the others said one after another, "Ms. Reese was standing there just now and didn''t move at all. There has to be a limit to your nder."


    "I really can''t stand it anymore. A thief shouting thief, let''s call the police!"


    "No! You can''t call the police! I didn''t steal it. What right do you have to say that about me?!" The woman in the gold gown was so angry that she stomped her feet. She didn''t understand how things had turned out like this. The person whose reputation was ruined here should be Maeve


    Maeve watched all of this coldly. The scene from the interview just now was still ying in her mind, and her heart was in a mess. ''Didn''t he agree to break up with me? Why did he say in the interview that I was his fianc¨¦e? And hisst sentence, it was as if... as if he knew something had happened to me and was deliberately helping me out.


    Maeve ignored the others'' deliberate ttery and left the banquet hall.


    When she reached the courtyard, she suddenly stopped and turned to look at the empty path behind her. She frowned and said, "Come out. Why are you following me?"


    Ever since she was plotted against and kidnapped, she had been especially cautious. She did not expect to still be targeted.


    The woman who had been hiding in the dark came out. She lowered her head with a respectful expression and said, "Ms. Reese, I''m a personal bodyguard sent by Mr. Mcdaniel to protect you. I mean no harm."


    Maeve did not let down her guard. "I remember that Byron arranged for a male bodyguard to protect me.


    "Yes, but he failed to protect you thest time and caused you to be kidnapped. He has already be punished." This was awkward.


    Maeve touched the tip of her nose. She thought of something and asked her, "Have you been following me tonight?" "Yes, it is."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "That diamond ne..."


    "When you were washing your hands, I saw someone putting the diamond ne in your bag. Lthought that this might


    cause damage to your reputation, so I returned the ne, the female bodyguard said truthfully. "Mr. Medaniel asked me to do this." Macve was stunned. She knew it. How could there be such a coincidence?


    Coincidentally, the television was switched on and Byron''s interview program was ying.


    What happened after that was even more coincidental.


    He was on the show, but he could still divert his energy to help her resolve the matters here.


    Maeve''s emotions gradually becameplicated. She could not understand what he was trying to do. Didn''t they break up by default?


    Hearing the phone ring. Maeve temporarily suppressed these thoughts and took out her phone. "Hello?"


    "Ms. Reese, I''m really sorry. My father''s old illness suddenly acted up and his condition isn''t very good. I was busy taking care of my father and didn''t notice what happened in the banquet hall. I feel extremely ashamed that you were treated unfairly," Arthur said apologetically over the phone.


    "It''s not your problem. Please don''t say that. Is Mr. Richard okay?"


    "He has already taken the medicine and fallen asleep. Thank you for your concern. I''ll pass it on to him."


    "That''s good." Maeve nodded. "Thank you for inviting me to tonight''s banquet. I''ll go back first."


    Arthur immediately said, "I''ll send you back. Take it as an apology for my poor hospitality tonight. Please give me this opportunity."

 Chapter 411

    Maeve rejected his good intentions. "You still have to take care of Mr. Ricard, so I won''t trouble you. Goodbye."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "That''s a pity. I hope we meet again next time." Arthur sounded regretful. "I heard my father praise you before. He said you were a very talented and smart girl. I''ve always wanted to have a good chat with you." Maeve smiled faintly. "Thank you for thepliment. There will be a chance in the future."


    But she probably wouldn''t attend such a banquet again.


    It didn''t suit her.


    After hanging up, Maeve walked out of the vi and immediately saw the ck Spyker parked by the roadside.


    The back window was half lowered, and the light inside was dim. The streetlights shone down, outlining a figure.


    From a distance, Maeve could not see the man''s expression clearly, but he could feel his solid gaze on her.


    Like a beast lying dormant in the shadows, patiently waiting for its prey to approach.


    Maeve''s scalp went numb. Thinking of what the female bodyguard had just said, her heart calmed down a little.


    She got into the car and deliberated for a while before typing out a script. She asked him, "Did you speciallye to pick me up after the show?"


    "It''s on the way," Byron said coldly.


    "Oh." Maeve blinked her bright eyes. Perhaps it was because she had not seen him for too long and did not know how to interact with him for a moment, she was actually a little nervous.


    The first two times had not been pleasant. She had thought that he would draw a line between them.


    What happened today surprised her.


    "So, you said on the show that I''m


    your


    fianc¨¦e?"


    "Yeah."


    "When did I agree to be your fianc¨¦e?"


    Byron raised his eyes slightly and looked at her without any warmth. "That was just a temporary measure."


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. "What measure?"


    "I need a fianc¨¦e. You''re Will''s mother. You''re the most suitable candidate." Byron''s voice was cold and emotionless.


    If Maeve did not know the truth, she would have been deceived by his seemingly reasonable reason.


    If he only needed a fianc¨¦e in name, there was no need for him to praise her so much on the show and let everyone think that he valued her.


    That wouldn''t do him any good.


    1


    However, she had received the benefits of his public announcement.


    At least starting from tonight, no one would be so tactless as to make sarcastic remarks or sneer at her to her face anymore.


    Maeve recalled what Alexis-had said to her previously.


    39%


    When ites to Byron, one shouldn''t focus on what he says but on his actual actions. His mouth is tougher than anything else.


    It''s not like she just found out about this today.


    The fact that he could say those words on the program and then specifically came to pick her up indicates that he still cares about her a little in his heart.


    Maeve rolled her eyes and said deliberately, "This is your own decision, but I haven''t decided whether to agree or not."


    "You can consider it from now on." Byron nced at her indifferently. "I need apetent fianc¨¦e, and you need a strong backer to resist those rumors. We each take what we need."


    "But I''ve already told youst time that I''ll take care of my own matters. You don''t have to worry. Besides, I don''t care about those rumors."


    "You don''t have to care. What about Will and Theo?"


    0000


    Maeve''s red lips parted, and she was instantly at a loss for words.


    He actually used two babies to pressure her.


    Byron retracted his gaze from her face and said casually, "If you don''t care about them, pretend I didn''t say anything. I''ll get someone to rify this matter tomorrow."


    "Who said I don''t care about them?" Maeve knew that he was setting a trap for her, but she still could not help but say, "Anyway, Mr. Mcdaniel doesn''t mind being rted to me, the daughter of a wanted criminal. What do I have to worry about?"


    It was he who came up to her to borrow her influence. So why should she be polite? Anyway, it''s not her who will suffer losses.


    Byron hummed indifferently. "Looks like we''ve reached a consensus. There''s something I have to remind Ms. Reese. Our rtionship now is different from before. To avoid attracting gossip, it''s best for you to keep a distance from the men other than me." Maeve was a little puzzled when she heard this. ''When did I stop keeping a distance from the men?''


    Suddenly, she remembered Arthur, who had helped her out.


    Maeve wasn''t sure if he was referring to this matter, so she asked, "To what extent?"


    "That depends on how much Ms. Reese cares about our rtionship."


    ...Is there a rtionship between us?" Maeve asked innocently. "In the past, we pretended to be a loving couple. Now, we''re pretending to be engaged. Aren''t we just putting on an act?"


    Byron''s eyes turned cold. "Ms. Reese, you might have misunderstood me. I''ve never liked to put on an act, let alone have time to y such a boring game with you."


    Maeve shrugged. "Really? I thought Mr. Mcdaniel was quite experienced in this aspect."


    "Ms. Reese, if you have such thoughts, I advise you to give up as soon as possible. My fianc¨¦e is not for show."


    "That has nothing to do with me. I only want to enjoy myself and not do anything. Mr. Mcdaniel, it''s better not to have too much expectations of me."


    39%


    ''For example, I will not agree to apany you to banquet events. It is already good enough that I agree to be your fianc¨¦e. Warren wanted to take me in as his daughter, but I did not agree


    Byron-nced at her meaningfully. "I don''t have any expectations for you, so you don''t have to tter yourself."


    ...That''s great."


    Maeve chuckled helplessly. She held her chin and turned to look at the scenery outside the car window. She was a little confused.


    She remembered that Mr. Mcdaniel had said before that Laurel''sst wish was that the other half of the Mcdaniel family''s descendant must have a clean background.


    At that time, because of this, even Gilbert, who had always wanted her to marry Byron, was speechless.


    The fact that she was the daughter of a wanted criminal had already been criticized by many. Byron had publicly announced that she was his fianc¨¦e tonight. It would probably be difficult to exin to the Mcdaniel family.


    She didn''t understand what he was thinking. He clearly didn''t like her that much, so why was he treating her so well?


    *****Half an hourter, the car stopped in front of the old residence of the Mcdaniel family.


    Gilbert called Byron to the study to talk. Maeve knew that it was because of what happened on the show. She wanted to exin to Gilbert on his behalf, but she was pulled away by Alexis.


    "I saw that interview too. Byron didn''t do a good job."


    Maeve''s eyes were apologetic. "This is all because of me..."


    "You two have made up for so long. He should have put the engagement on the agenda long ago and let us as elders arrange the engagement banquet. That way, you won''t be wronged." Alexis looked a little worried. "There''s no engagement banquet that hasn''t been held yet. He settled you down with just a few words and didn''t give you anything. It makes us look unruly."


    Maeve was instantly speechless.


    Alexis actually cared about this. She thought...


    0


    COMMENT

 Chapter 412

    Chapter


    412


    It could be seen that Alexis did not look down on her because of her background. Maeve''s eyes felt a little sour for no reason.


    It would be a lie to say that she wasn''t sad at all when she heard those people gossiping about her at the banquet and when she was the first one to be suspected of stealing the lost item.


    She could not show it. Otherwise, those people would seize her weakness and attack her even more.


    However, Maeve never expected that Alexis, who used to have the greatest opinion of her, would actually stand on her side.


    "Thank you," Maeve said softly.


    "Don''t worry too much. Gilbert is sensible and loves you so much. He won''t have any opinions about you just because of your background," Alexisforted her. "However, Jason might bring up Laurel''sst wish. This is something that can''t be changed, so you might have to suffer for a while."


    Alexis meant that engagement was fine, but marriage might be a little difficult.


    Maeve understood what she meant. "We''re not in a hurry to get married. It''s too early to talk about this


    "That''s true. I can''t interfere too much with your discussion," Alexis sighed.


    She only hoped that her son and Maeve would be fine. This way, she could make up for the damage and debt she had caused him in the past. Maeve chatted with Alexis for a while. When he saw that Byron did note downstairs for a long time, she could not help but go up to look for him. ''Don''t get beaten up...


    When she went over, the servant happened toe out after delivering water. Thinking that she was going in, the servant did not close the door tightly. Maeve walked to the door and was hesitating whether to knock and enter when she heard Byron''s low and indifferent voiceing from inside.


    "This is all temporary. It won''t be long before I break off this rtionship with her, so you don''t have to worry."


    "Have you thought about it? Have you discussed it with Maeve?"


    "I''ve made up my mind."


    Gilbert nodded. "Maeve''s situation is different from before. She''s at a disadvantage. I''m relieved that you think that way."


    All the color drained from Maeve''s face, which suddenly turned deathly pale. Her heart seemed to clench tightly, making it almost impossible for her to catch her breath.


    She held on to the wall as she made her way downstairs. Her pace quickened, as if she were trying to escape some reality.


    In the study, Gilbert let out a long sigh. "You''ve never seen your grandmother. It doesn''t matter if you don''t abide by herst -wish. I believe she will understand you."


    A ripple appeared on Byron''s calm andposed face. "Grandpa, I''m sorry."


    "What''s there to be sorry about?" Gilbert waved his hand. "You and Maeve have been separated for so long. It''s not easy for you to be together again. How can I be heartless enough to break you up? On the other hand, you''re not the only one who has the final say in the matter of remarriage. You have to see what Maeve thinks."


    At the mention of this, Byrop hesitated slightly.


    08% 39% ¡ê


    Gilbert''s eyes were sharp. He immediately saw the problem. "Don''t tell me you haven''t gotten Maeve''s approval?"


    "Yes, I n to mention it to her after some time."


    No matter what, he had to wait for the current rtionship to transition smoothly before he could enter the next stage.


    Gilbert smiled. "You''re used to nning everything before you do anything, but have you forgotten that rtionships can''t be nned? The two of you have to do business and measure yourselves. That''s how you live."


    This grandson of his acts with great vigor and determination, having a tough and resolute approach.


    However, when ites to matters of the heart, he ispletely nk. He has no experience and doesn''t know how to get along with girls.


    And Maeve happens to be a delicate and sensitive person. When dealing with this overly rational grandson of his, she is bound to be at a disadvantage.


    It all depends on how they adjust to each other.


    Maeve didn''t know if she was at a disadvantage, but it was true that she was angry.


    After leaving the Mcdaniel family, she was still depressed.


    Byron noticed this and said casually, "What did Alexis tell you?"


    "Nothing much. She''s just trying to enlighten me." Maeve looked out the window and tried to sound as calm as possible. "She told me not to care about what others think."


    "Do


    you


    still care what others think?".


    If the situation at the banquet was disadvantageous to her, she could retaliate without fear of offending anyone.


    Facing outsiders, her bones had never been soft.


    Maeve turned around and looked at him for a few seconds. "Depending on the situation."


    If the people she cares about do care, she will also be affected.


    Byron looked at her thoughtfully and did not say anything.


    They walked all the way to the apartment in silence.


    Before getting out of the car, the struggle in Maeve''s heart finally came to an end.


    She let go of her palm that had been scratched by her fingertips and exhaled. "Byron, I''m very grateful that you helped me out this time and didn''t let me be humiliated in public. This rtionship will do you more harm than good, so after the storm dies down, if you want to break off the engagement, I won''t have any objections. Ljust hope it won''t be long." Strictly speaking, she was the beneficiary of this engagement and had no right to condemn him.


    In fact, she was already very surprised that he could stand up for her at that time.


    She shouldn''t have been greedy and wanted more.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    She did not have the right to ask for more now.


    However, in Byron''s ears, her words were no different from her wanting to annul the engagement even though they had just


    3


    39%


    Chapter 412-


    gotten engaged.


    She was trying to draw a line between them, and her tone sounded very reserved and polite.


    The intimacy of the past seemed to be written off with her.


    Byron''s eyes were filled with coldness as he stared at her face without blinking. "Is this what you really mean?"


    "Yes."


    "Very good." Byron revealed a mocking expression. "Maeve, I''ve never seen anyone more heartless than you."


    He could finally tell.


    She didn''t seem to care much about him.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t be thinking about these things as soon as she got engaged.


    If he looked at her again, he would be so cheap.


    A


    Byron pushed open the car door and got out. His slender legs tookrge strides, and his angry figure quickly disappeared from the apartment building.


    Maeve pursed her lips tightly, her bright eyes filled with confusion and grievance. ''Isn''t this what he wanted? Why is he getting angry?''


    She tactfully offered him an out, suggesting that he get ready to break off the engagement as soon as possible. And yet he had the nerve to say that she was ungrateful?


    Maeve returned to her apartment, physically and mentally exhausted. The crazy, ear-piercing singing that seemed to be dancing on her eardrums came from the living room, making her almost want to turn around and leave immediately.


    She quickly walked to the living room and looked at Theo, who was standing on the sofa with his head held high and a small microphone in his hand. She asked shakily, "Baby, why are you practicing at night?"


    "Mommy, you''re back!" Theo''s childish voice was magnified several times through the microphone. It was theplete opposite of the feeling of singing just now. "Isn''t the singingpetition about to begin? I''m practicing. Otherwise, how can I carry a trophy back for Mommy!" Maeve choked. ''It is a good thing that you are confident, but aren''t you overconfident? However, even the principal and Mr. Soar think that Theo sings well. As his mother, how could I not believe him?''


    COMMENT

 Chapter 413

    Maeve patted Theo''s shoulder. "Good boy, practice hard. Mommy will cheer you on when thepetitiones."


    ""Mommy, hugs and kisses!"


    Maeve rubbed against his soft and bouncy little face and then asked, "Why isn''t Will practicing with you?"


    "He said he''s tone-deaf and not interested in singing. He''s doing his homework in the room!" Theo had an expression of disappointment. "What does being tone-deaf matter.


    It''s precisely because one is tone-deaf that one should go and participate in thepetition to let others listen. It''s only worthwhile to torture others while torturing oneself." Maeve didn''t understand. Maeve was greatly shocked.


    Don''t tell her that it was for this reason that he would participate in the singingpetition.


    "This is like wanting to perish together with everyone!*


    Forced to listen to Theo''s peerless heavenly music all night, Maeve was in a daze when she went back to her room to sleep. She couldn''t help thinking that she could sing quite well. How could she have given birth to two kids who were tone-deaf? The problem must lie with their biological father.


    ''Speaking of which, what was Byron''s singing like?''


    Maeve pictured Byron Mcdaniel singing like Theo and then burst outughing.


    ''It was so hrious. The mighty Mr. McDaniel might be tone-deaf!''


    She felt that the gloominess of the entire night had been swept away.


    Byron''s statement on the interview programst night calmed the growing public opinion online.


    All the online trolls and hiredmenters disappeared as quickly as the tide receding, for fear of being settled ounts withter.


    The real voices emerged and could be heard.


    Other than Maeve''s friends and clients who had worked with her before, even some powerful people overseas spoke up for


    her.


    Especially Prince Hosea, the youngest son of the Queen of Erancia, expressed his admiration and high regard for Maeve in his first public appearance after disappearing for five years, stating bluntly that all her wonderful qualities could not be covered up by the mire. Then came Prince Loren, Duke Hudson and his wife, Princess Vegeta, and the chief designer for the royal family....


    One after another, big shots sprang up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain to support Maeve and invited her to return to Erancia to develop her career, assuring her that she would definitely not be subject to those unnecessary doubts.


    The faces of the group of people who had been waiting to see Maeve''s downfall were swollen and their teeth were sore.


    [She was just a designer. Where on earth did she get such a widework of contacts? Even the future heir to the throne was


    Chapter 413-


    speaking for her. Was the Queen going toe out and say something next?]


    The Queen certainly didn''t have the spare time for that.


    However, the fact that so many members of the royal family spoke up for Maeve one after another without being stopped was a tacit admission.


    After this incident, Dreamscape''s reputation further increased. There were many foreign customers on the appointment list.


    Fortunately, Maeve had recruited a batch of new employees some time ago. Otherwise, she really wouldn''t have been able to handle the workload.


    At noon, Warren called to invite Maeve for lunch. He thanked her for what happened at the banquetst night and also had something very important to tell her.


    When Maeve arrived, she realized that Arthur was also there.


    Seeing her, Arthur stood up like a gentleman and pulled out a chair for her. His smile was hearty and easy to get close to.


    Maeve thanked him and asked, "Mr. Richard, are you feeling better?"


    "I''m much better. Thank you for your concern, Ms. Reese." Warren smiled gently. "I''m really sorry about yesterday. I originally invited Ms. Reese over to have fun with good intentions. I didn''t expect such a terrible thing to happen. It really makes me feel ashamed." Maeve quickly waved her hand. "It''s nothing. It wasn''t caused by you. It''s just that those people didn''t like me in the first ce."


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t have framed her for stealing.


    Arthur poured her a ss of water and smiled. "Ms. Reese is an open-minded girl. You''re the most generous girl I''ve ever met."


    eyes shifted/ "Speaking of which, Ms. Reese and Arthur are about the same age and should have a lot inmon." Warren''s between the two of them. "Arthur is here for the first time and is not very familiar with this ce. It would be nice if there was someone to show him around." Maeve touched the tip of her ear. Listening to Warren''s words, it seemed that he was nning to y matchmaker between her and Arthur.


    This was awkward.


    "Mr. Richard, my studio has been rather busy recently. In addition, I have to apany my fianc¨¦. Otherwise, I would have time to be Arthur''s guide," Maeve said tactfully.


    Hearing that she already had a fianc¨¦, Arthur looked crestfallen. That''s a pity."


    Warren smiled and shook his head. He did not say anything else to matchmake them and changed the topic to the purpose of inviting Maeve here.


    "You want me to study inside Trazir?" Maeve''s eyes were full of surprise. "Won''t that be too much trouble? And I really can''t get away recently..."


    Warren exined, "We have arranged for the heads of various branches to have concentrated study next week. The time is a bit tight. But this is a practical training for the management level which can enable you to manage your own studio better in the future and avoid some detours."


    "I think you should also hope that your studio will be stronger and stronger one day. So as the boss, you must have enough ability and vision to support your ambition. That''s why want you to go." 17:15 Tue, Dec 3.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Maeve was momentarily stunned.


    To be honest, Warren had no kinship with her, but he could consider things for her to this extent, which really surprised her.


    And he was right. Shecked certain management experience.


    Her main job was as a designer. It was normal that she didn''t understand management.


    But she couldn''t afford not to learn. It would be bad for her future development.


    "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Richard." Maeve took a deep breath and calmed down. "I''d like to go back and discuss it with my family. I''ll give you an answer at thetest tomorrow. Is that okay?" Warren smiled gently. "Of course. There''s nothing okay or not okay about it. You cane to me whenever you''ve made up your mind."


    "Thank you."


    After getting off work in the evening, Maeve told the two little ones about her n to study abroad for a month.


    When it came to what Mommy wanted to do, the two little ones always supported her wholeheartedly. This time was no exception.


    The two of them even had already arranged who would cook and who would do the housework in the next month, looking like they wouldn''t let Maeve worry about a thing.


    But as soon as Maeve thought about being separated from them for a month, she felt reluctant.


    She really wanted to pack them up and take them with her.


    "What''s the big deal!" Theo held up the three ne tickets on the table. "Uncle Loren sent the ne tickets over today. He wants us to go and y there for a while. If Mommy is reluctant to leave us, we can all go together!" Will nodded his little head. "I''ll be wherever Mom is."


    As soon as he thought about being separated from Mom for a month, he wanted to stuff himself into Mom''s suitcase and go with her.


    ''Dad can take care of himself. I don''t need to worry about that."


    Maeve didn''t know the n in her eldest son''s mind yet. Seeing the ne tickets, she just felt confused. "Why did your Uncle Loren send the ne tickets over suddenly? He wouldn''t do such a thing without a reason."

 Chapter 414

    Theo also found it strange. He asked several times over the phone, but Uncle Loren was vague. He only said that he wanted to ask Theo to treat a very important person. He did not mention a word about who that person was. Maeve guessed that it was most likely his mother, Princess Wre


    She remembered that the Princess Wren was not in good health and stayed in one ce to recuperate all year round. Moreover, other than the Queen, she was the only person who could make Loren so careful and cautious. He had even sent her the ne tickets. It was obvious that he was really anxious, so he did not have the time to inform her in advance.


    "Do


    you guys want to go?" Maeve asked them.


    The two little ones nodded hurriedly. ''Who wants to be an empty nest baby when they can go out to y with mommy?''


    Maeve''s heart softened. "When the timees, Mommy will be busy studying and might not have much time to apany you. I''ll leave you at Uncle Loren''s house to take care of you. Is that okay?" The two little ones nodded even more happily.


    "As long as I can be with Mommy, I''ll be okay with anything." Will said in a low voice. After saying that, he felt it wasn''t quite right. He was already this old yet still wanted to cling to Mommy,


    Will Mommy think that I am not steady enough?"


    However, there was someone beside him who didn''t even have the slightest idea of what being steady meant. That person hugged Maeve''s arm and kept rubbing against it.


    His chubby little body was just like a cotton ball, clinging softly to Maeve.


    "Mommy, Mommy, I''m really good at taking pictures, and Will is excellent at cooking. If you take us with you, it''s like having a personal chef and a photographer with you. It''s definitely a great deal with no losses!" Maeve burst outughing. "That sounds really good. Alright, I''ll take you guys along."


    The two little ones were immediately overjoyed and were so happy that they didn''t know what to do. Even Will, who usually seldom showed his emotions, had his little face flushed with happiness.


    Seeing how happy they were, Maeve couldn''t help but feel a sense of self-me in her heart. ''It seems that I haven''t apanied them properly for a long time. So even if it is just apanying me to work, they are still this happy! As for Byron...Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Just as Maeve thought of him, Will asked, "Mom, is Dading with us?"


    His round and clear eyes were full of anticipation.


    The little guy probably regarded this as a family trip. Of course, Dad couldn''t be absent.


    Maeve hesitated for a while and said, "I''ll ask your dadter, but he might not go."


    He had been idle for too long during the time when he had an eye injury. And recently, he had been so busy that he was constantly on the and couldn''t even be seen.


    go


    Oh, of course, it was also possible that he was deliberately avoiding her.


    Will was a little disappointed when he heard that. "Okay, it doesnt matter. If Dad doesn''t go, we''ll take good care of Mommy


    for Dad."


    He really was a good son of Byron, always remembering to make his father''s presence felt.


    Maeve ruffled his little head. When she heard the faint clicking sound of the door across being unlocked outside, she stood up and walked out.


    As soon as she left, Will looked at the recording pen in his hand and hesitated about whether to give it to his father.


    "What is this?" Theo stretched out his little hand and took away is recording pen, then pressed the switch button.


    Hearing the voiceing from inside, Theo eximed, "Will, when did you record this? You''re so brave!"


    Will was a bit embarrassed. "I recorded it secretlyst time. I always thought it mighte in handy..."


    "Do you want to y it to Stinky Daddy?"


    "Yes, I''ve thought about it for a long time. I still think I should let Dad listen to it."


    Theo''s little face puffed up. "That might not be the case. Haven''t you seen how cold he has been to Mommy recently? If I weren''t so young, I''d definitely have a go at him!" "That''s why it''s even more necessary to let him listen," Will said firmly.


    In the corridor, Maeve was a step slower, so she had no choice but to enter the password and enter the apartment opposite.


    Byron took out a bottle of water from the fridge, unscrewed the cap and was about to drink when he saw Maeve walking in. His thin eyelids drooped slightly, pretending not to see her. Feeling his neglect, Maeve didn''t feel good either,


    Thinking of finishing the talk quickly and going back, she didn''t beat around the bush. "I''m going abroad for practical study next week. I n to take Will and Theo there to y for a few days." Byron drank half a bottle of water, screwed the cap back on and casually asked, "Where to?"


    "The headquarters of Trazir in Erancia." Maeve looked at the potted nts beside her. "I''ll leave them in the care of a trusted friend."


    When he heard that it was Trazir, Byron frowned slightly. "Thatpany of Warren''s?"


    "Yes."


    "Didn''t I tell you to stay away from him?" His tone suddenly became cold.


    Maeve pursed her lips. "Mr. Richard isn''t a bad person. Besides, I''m not going there to y. I don''t have time to interact with him at all."


    "If you want to ask for trouble, I won''t stop you. But don''t take Will."


    "What do you mean by asking forble?" Maeve got angry all of a sudden. "I''m just here to tell you, not to ask for your opinion. And I won''t change my mind just because of your opinion!"


    Byron pushed the fridge door shut and looked at her mockingly with his dark eyes. "Then why are you still here? Get out." Maeve suddenly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, feeling cold from head to toe. Gradually, a sense of embarrassment filled her eyes, and her heart felt choked. Without saying a word, she turned around


    and left.


    In just a brief second, Byron indifferently withdrew his gaze and walked towards the study.


    3


    79%


    The sight of Maeve locking herself in the room with red eyes frightened the two little ones. They hurriedly went to knock on the door tofort her.


    Maeve suppressed her emotions and told them that she was okay and asked them to go to bed early.


    The two little ones could tell that there was a sob in her voice. How could they leave? They were so anxious that they paced back and forth outside the door.


    "It must be Dad who made Mommy angry!" Theo was so angry that he spun around like a little calf. "Mommy was fine before she went out!"


    Will frowned with a worried look on his face. "I''ll go and ask Dad and then give him the recording pen."


    "Don''t go!" Theo grabbed him. "He bullied Mommy and you still want to let him hear it? Dream on! Unless he takes the initiative to apologize to Mommy, none of us are supposed to talk to him!"


    Thinking of how sad Mommy was just now, Will chose topromise without much principle. "Alright."


    The two little ones squatted outside the door for a long time until their calves were numb before going back to their room to sleep.


    *****The next day was Saturday. Maeve didn''t sleep wellst night, so she got up rtively early in the morning, feeling dizzy and with a headache.


    She had to go to the studio to hand over the work at hand to prepare for her uing overseas study. There was no time for her to adjust her mood.


    The two little ones hadn''t woken up yet. She warmed the breakfast in the kitchen, picked up her bag and went out.


    There were so many things to do in the studio that Maeve had been busy until veryte these two days before finally getting everything arranged properly the night before going abroad.


    The apartment was quiet, making the sound of unlocking the door with the password especially clear.


    A series of steady and light footsteps walked from the entrance into the living room. Looking at the pitch-ck room in front of him, his breath became slightly heavy.


    He didn''t turn on the lights and moved around freely in the darkness. Aftering out of the empty children''s room, he entered the master bedroom.

 Chapter 415

    When the lights were turned on, there was still no one inside.


    Byron walked in with heavy steps. His indifferent gaze swept around andnded on the two extra small pillows on the bed.


    It was evident that during his absence, the two little ones had been clinging to their mother so much.


    The things they used for sleeping had all been moved here.


    On the contrary, not a single item of his could be seen.


    Byron''s brows furrowed slightly and he felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest. ncing sideways, he saw Will''s exercise book on the table, with a recording pen on top of it that he usually used to record his daily life.


    It was a birthday gift he gave to Will when he was two years old. He hardly ever left it behind.


    Perhaps due to the telepathy between father and son, Byron immediately guessed that this was deliberately left for him by Will.


    He picked up the recording pen and casually pressed the switch.


    The default setting of this recording pen was to start ying from thest recording.


    Will''s soft voice came through. "Mom, do you still like Dad?"


    Byron was slightly taken aback. Realizing something, his breathing became uneven, sometimes light and sometimes heavy


    Then, Maeve''s gentle and affirmative answer came from the recording pen. "Yes, I like him. I''ve always liked him. Let me tell you a secret. Mom''s first love was your dad. Perhaps because of this, my feelings for him have never changed. I don''t think they will change in the future either."


    Byrons breathing, which had just calmed down a bit, suddenly became heavier when he heard this sentence, as if his heart had been hit hard by something.


    Maeve said that she liked him.


    She had always liked him.


    And it wouldn''t change in the future.


    Byron sat on the edge of the bed and raised his hand to cover his eyes that were on the verge of showing his emotions. The tips of his ears under his ck hair uncontrobly turned a light red and spread to his neck. Then, he pressed the rey button. Again.


    One more time.


    And again...


    He listened to it over and over again, countless times, as if he didn''t know what it meant to get tired of it. He listened to Maeve''s affectionate words that she had never said to him face to face.


    The sweetness seeped into his heart from her voice, ready to burst out.


    After a long time.


    Tue,


    0


    79%


    Byron stood up. Originally, he wanted to put the recording pen back on the table, but after thinking about it, he put it in his coat pocket. ncing at the textbook homework on the table and Will''s sacred books that he had forgotten to take away.


    He picked up the sacred books and was about to leave. Unexpectedly, the sacred books were pressed together with the textbook. When he took one, it moved the others, and identally knocked down the vase ced at the corner of the table. With a crisp cracking sound, the vase shattered into pieces.


    Byron frowned slightly. Remembering how nervous Maeve was about this vase, several simr antique substitutes quickly shed through his mind.


    At that moment, a stack of origami papers under the fragments caught his attention.


    A glint of darkness shed in Byron''s eyes. He picked up the stack of papers that were stuck together, yellowish and with water stains.


    Opening it up, he saw that on the top of the first one was Pregnancy Test Report of First Hospital.


    ''Was this the real reason why Maeve was so nervous about this vase?''


    Byron raised his eyebrows and looked down. His originally rxed expression gradually became tense.


    He wasn''t a professional doctor, but when he found out that Maeve was pregnant a few years ago, he had read quite a few rted books. These reports didn''t seem right.


    Byron pondered for a few seconds, then took a photo and sent it to Ray, asking him, as a professional, to take a look.


    Ray: [Damn it! Do you have to be this capable? How long has it been since Little Mae got pregnant again??]


    Byron: [No. Help me see what''s wrong with these reports.]


    Ray: [Brother, I''m a surgeon, not a gynecologist! Forget it, forget it. Wait a moment. I''ll get the gynecologist next door to help take a look.]


    Ray: [Byron, I remember that you and Little Mae only have Will as a child?]


    Byron: [Be straightforward.]


    Ray: [These reports show that she was clearly pregnant with twins!]


    There was a detailed date on the report. It was something that happened four years ago.


    Byron''s eyes suddenly darkened. Looking at the description sent by the director next door that Ray forwarded to him, it entered his eyes but didn''t integrate into his thoughts. His mind was firmly upied by the word twins. Maeve was pregnant with twins back then. One of them was Will So what about the other one?''


    Byron''s expression was gloomy. A surge of anger rose from his chest as he let out a low, cold snort. "Maeve, you''re really good."


    She had hidden it from him so thoroughly that not a single trace had been revealed even after such a long time.


    What is she trying to do by hiding my child?''


    Byron clenched the stack of reports tightly with his knuckles turning white, then turned around and strode out.


    Seeing that he hadn''t replied for a long time, Ray was worried that something had gone wrong and called to ask him what he 17:15 Tue, Dec 3.


    nned to do next.


    The fact that Maeve was hiding a child waspletely unexpected.


    If he was Byron, he would probably be furious.


    G


    Byron walked out of the apartment with his phone. The door closed, bringing a gust of cold air that seemed to freeze in his cold reply.


    "What else can I do? Of course, go and catch them."


    *****On the other side of the world, in the capital of Erancia.


    Maeve and the two little ones had a pleasant first night under Laren''s hospitality. The next day, he took them out to go sightseeing.


    It was mainly the two little ones who were ying, while Maeve took pictures of them as souvenirs beside them.


    She was going to start studying at the headquarters of Trazir tomorrow. After that, she was afraid that she wouldn''t have time to apany them so she wanted to take them around to have fun first.


    Loren got along well with them. No matter how much they made a fuss, he would apany them. Sometimes, he was even more childish than them, and there was no sign of the kingly demeanor he usually had when directing things in the weapons factory. Maeve felt as if she had brought three children out to y.


    After ying, they were sweating all over, and she had to wipe their sweat one by one.


    Loren was originally watching Maeve wipe the sweat off the two little ones, but for some reason, his heart suddenly skipped a beat and he obediently lowered his head.


    "Why are you like them?" Maeve smiled and wiped the sweat off his face with a handkerchief. "All done."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Loren''s heart was filled with a tinge of joy. "Sister Maeve, you''re so nice."


    Maeve patted his curly hair and stuffed the balloon she had just bought into his hand. "Each of the little kids has one. You take this one too. It''s gettingte. Let''s go back quickly."


    Loren had been left to his own devices since he was young. His mother was in poor health and didn''t take much care of things. His maternal grandmother was busy with government affairs and rarely saw him. Among the royal family members, he had a better rtionship with his uncle Hosea.


    However, Hosea wouldn''t coax him like a child.


    Only Maeve would dote on him. She would bring him a share of delicious food and drinks, prepare gifts for him carefully on his birthday, and even make oatmeal for him when he was sick.


    It was no different from having a biological sister.


    Looking at the balloon in his hand, Loren kept grinning foolishly on his face.


    Will noticed it quietly and asked Theo quietly, "Why does Uncle Loren look not so smart?"


    "His IQ is all focused on weapons research," Theo whispered back to him. "Don''t look at him like this. He made all the small cannons under my pillow. And he only acts like this in front of people he''s close to."


    Will was helpless. ''Haven''t you cleared out the things under your pillow yet?''

 Chapter 416

    Thinking like this, Will was quite interested in the weapons made by Loren.


    *B


    He liked taking things apart. Whenever he saw something, his hands itched to know its exact structure so that he could then try to put it back together.


    However, Will knew his limits and wouldn''t make such an unreasonable request to Loren.


    In the end, Loren had already heard about his hobbies from Theo. After dinner, he took them to his private collection.


    room.


    "You can y with whatever you want in here. If it''s not enough, there are more next door. Don''t be polite with me." Loren waved his hand as if he was just getting a few toys to amuse them


    Looking around the huge collection room, the ss cabs were neatly arranged, and various small weapons that looked unassuming but were actually highly lethal were ced inside, like sleeping ck beasts of prey.


    The small toys made by t?ren were prepared for members of specific departments in the country and were of a more suitable size for handling.


    Of course, it was impossible to move thoserge weapons out of the factory.


    Will and Theo stared intently, showing a rare childish delight.


    Uncle Loren! Your collection has grown again!" Theo picked up a small infrared short cannon in a very familiar way, his childish voice bubbling with joy.


    "You like it?" Loren rubbed his chin. "It''s just that it''s too big for you to hold easily. Wait for me to improve it, and I''ll give you one."


    Theo immediately put it down. "Then I''d better not. Mommy said that children shouldn''t y with such dangerous things."


    Loren was amused. He pointed at Will, who had already taken apart theser pistol. "What are you afraid of? Look, your brother isn''t even afraid."


    ''This kid''s practical ability was almost on a par with his.


    Maeve''s children were really one smarter than the other.


    "Won''t Mommy spank his butt?" Theo''s little face puffed up. "I have a lot of meat on my butt. Mommy likes to spank me."


    Sometimes she would even pretend to be angry and spank his little butt.


    His little butt had endured too much!


    Will looked up and gave Loren a shy smile. "Uncle Loren, I''ll put it back together properly. Don''t worry."


    "I''m not worried." Loren looked at this little face that was exactly the same as Theo''s. There was no sense of unfamiliarity like the first time they met. He couldn''t help but pat his head. "I told you to y as you like. It doesn''t matter even if you break it. I have plenty more in my factory." Theo sat down with the short cannon in his arms and said in a childish voice, "If you''re a bit sweeter with your words, Uncle Loren will be so happy that he''ll give you a box of these things. He likes giving people gifts." ...Did you give Mommy any?"


    Loren rubbed the tip of his nose ufortably. "On your mother''s birthday the year beforest, I gave her a miniature


    17:31 Wed, Dec 4 GG.


    high-energy cannon. It''s the kind that can set off fireworks. I identally alerted the pce guards and almost got the two of us caught. She almost broke off with me."


    Will immediately fell silent. He was not surprised at all.


    Maeve was indeed not very interested in these weapons, so she didn''t go with them.


    She tidied up the things she needed for tomorrow''s study in her room and then leaned on the table to start drawing design sketches.


    She kept drawing until about 8:30 pm. The two little ones were probably having so much fun that they still hadn''t shown up.


    Taking advantage of their absence, Maeve secretly ordered takeout for herself.


    Drawing took too much out of her brain cells. She needed some drinks to boost her energy.


    It definitely wasn''t because she was greedy.


    Half an hourter, Maeve crept downstairs to get the takeout.


    She never gave


    these things to the two little ones to eat, so she couldn''t let them find out, or else Theo would start drooling.


    Maeve got the takeout. After thanking the delivery rider, she was about to go back when she suddenly felt a deep, intense gaze on her.


    She felt a shiver run down her spine and abruptly turned her head.


    She saw a tall and slender figure standing under a streetmp not far away. The orange light shone down, castingyers of light and shadow that crisscrossed around him.


    Half of his face was hidden in the dim light, and his expression couldn''t be clearly seen.


    Even from a few meters away, Maeve could sense the intimidating aura of danger emanating from him.


    She hadn''t expected him to show up here.


    It was as if... he was chasing after her.


    An rm suddenly went off in Maeve''s mind. For some reason, she subconsciously wanted to flee.


    Just as she ran to the iron gate, a hand suddenly swept past Maeve''s ear, passing through some of her hair, and pressed firmly on the gate that she had just opened a few inches. With a ng, the iron gate closed.


    Maeve''s heart was pounding with this movement. Her uneasy premonition had reached its peak.


    The cold fragrance of cedar that was unique to Byron wafted from behind her, invading her breath inch by inch, making her emotions instantly chaotic.


    His low, cold voice sounded above her head, tinged with a hint of mockery. "Why are you running? What have you done to wrong me?"


    The back of Maeve''s head felt numb. She clenched her fists tightly to drive away the sudden, unfounded panic in her heart. She turned around, feigning calm as she met his dark, fierce eyes. "You came to see me? What do


    you


    want?"


    "Are you sure you want me to say it here?" Byron''s eyes were cold and there was also a hint of weariness and irritability from the long flight,


    Maeve bit her lip. "What else can I do? If you have something to say, just say it. If there''s nothing. I''ll leave first."


    Byron grasped her wrist. There seemed to be a dark storm brewing in his eyes, mixed with an rming anger.


    Maeve was shocked by his imposing manner, and her throat tightened slightly.


    ''Could it be that he came specifically to settle scores with me because I brought Will along? But I am Will''s mother. Do I need to ask for his permission to take Will anywhere?"


    During the standoff, Loren''s voice suddenly came from the inte at the door. "Maeve, are you in trouble? Do you need my help?"


    He had taken a look at the surveince camera at the door when he went to the kitchen to pour drinks and saw that Maeve was with a strange man, so he was a bit worried. Maeve came back to her senses. "No, I''m fine. This is my... my friend. We have something to talk about."


    Byron looked at her coldly. "The trusted friend she was talking about was a man?''


    "I see. It''s cold here at night. Bring your friend inside and have a chat. You can use the room downstairs. I still have to bring them upstairs to y for a while," Loren said again.


    Maeve nodded hastily. "Alright, thank you."


    ""You''re wee."


    The inte beeped and then fell silent.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve took a light breath and said to Byron, "Follow me."


    Byron put his hands in the outer pockets of his windbreaker and followed her expressionlessly inside.


    Maeve led him to the guest room on the first floor. She turned around and looked at him with a nk face. "What on earth do you want with me? Surely you didn''te all this way because you missed me?" "Do you think that''s possible?" Byron asked coldly in return.


    ''Of course, Maeve knew it wasn''t. She was deliberately trying to get on his nerves.


    How could he miss her? He had even said she was an eyesorest time.

 Chapter 417

    ''So the questiones. Why is he here?''Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    The uneasy feeling in Maeve''s heart grew stronger and stronger, making her a little anxious. She asked patiently, "Then what exactly do you want to say to me?"


    "It seems that I should be the one asking you this question." Byron stared at her with a sharp gaze. "Maeve, I''ll give you another chance. Are you hiding anything from me?"


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. "The thing I am hiding from him. seems to be only Theo''s background!


    Previously, because Byron had misunderstood that Theo was her and Jaylen''s child, she was angry that he deliberately ignored her when she wanted to confess. Besides, his misunderstanding made her feel ufortable, so she had not exined it clearly. Later, due to various contradictions, she felt very insecure and didn''t want to say anything.


    ''Can it be that he knows omething? It seems impossible.'' Maeve''s heart was pounding.


    She didn''t even dare to look him in the eyes. "Why do you ask? What do you think I''m hiding from you?"


    "Don''t ask questions. Just answer my questions."


    Maeve straightened her neck and said stubbornly, "I don''t know what you want to hear, and I don''t want to answer such a meaningless question."


    Byron chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in his eyes. He raised his hand and caressed the back of her neck. His dark eyes stared at her coldly without blinking.


    "I found something very interesting in your room. Guess what it is?"


    Maeve''s fingertips were slightly numb as he held the sensitive back of her neck. She was even more puzzled and nervous when she heard his words.


    "Wh... what?"


    Byron leaned forward slightly and whispered into her ear, "The pregnancy test report you left behind."


    It was as if a thunderp had exploded in Maeve''s ears, causing the blood in her entire body to instantly freeze and her pupils to shrink.


    She remembered now.


    She finally remembered why she felt that the vase in the room was strange.


    Four years ago, without Byron''s knowledge, every time she finished the examinations in the hospital, fearing that he would discover those test reports and not wanting to throw them away, she hid them in the vase


    He was not interested in the decorations in the room and would not check the movements, so it was absolutely safe to hide inside.


    It was so safe that... she had already forgotten about it, but now he had discovered it.


    Those reports clearly stated that she was pregnant with twins.


    He must have seen it. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have suddenly appeared here and questioned her about this...


    "You..." Maeve''s voice was extremely dry. "Let me exin first."


    91%


    Byron''s eyes were filled with anger. "I don''t want to hear your exnation for the time being. Where did you hide my other child? Where is he now?"


    Maeve''s head was buzzing. She was conflicted about whether to tell him the truth.


    Her mind seemed to be split in two. On one hand, part of her thought that she might as well just tell him everything and get it over with.


    On the other hand, the other part was telling her to calm down. The two of them were on the verge of breaking up. What was the difference between telling him about Theo''s background now and giving it away for nothing? Moreover, Theo had always been in disguise in front of him. Even if she denied it...


    Before Maeve could make up her mind, Will walked in from the door of the guest room and asked hesitantly, "Mom, Dad, were you arguing just now?"


    The atmosphere felt strange.


    As soon as Will appeared, the anger around Byron immediately subsided, leaving only a few traces in his eyes.


    Maeve secretly heaved a sigh of relief. She almost suffocated just now.


    "Daddy and Mommy have something to say. Go outside and wait" Byron patted his son''s head and tried to speak as calmly as possible.


    Of course, Will refused. Byron was not negotiating with him. He picked him up by the back of his cor and brought him to the door.


    As soon as the door opened, a soft Bonnie ball ran too fast and lost its speed. With a bang, he bumped into Byron and howled. Seeing this scene, Maeve, who had yet to rx, immediately heaved a sigh of relief.


    ''Help! This is the rhythm of wanting me dead!''


    "Ouch!" Theo took a few steps back from the impact. He covered his head with his small hands and pretended to be miserable. "Mommy, you''re hurting me! Hand over drinks and the fried chicken so that I can..." Before he could finish hisst word, the little guy suddenly met Byron''s dark eyes that were suddenly surging with waves. The smile on his face immediately froze. ''Who can tell me why Stinky Daddy is here?!'' Fortunately, the little guy was experienced. After the shock, he naturally imitated Will''s tone and asked, "Daddy, why are you here?"


    Byron looked at the child in front of him who looked exactly like Will. Just as a trace of nervousness rose in his heart, he narrowed his eyes when he heard his words. ''What a familiar tone. "Will?" He deliberately probed.


    "Why are you calling me?" Theo raised his head and puffed out his chest. He spoke like an old man, "I haven''t seen you for two days and you don''t even recognize your son?"


    In any case, as long as he did not appear at the same time as Will he would be able to trick Stinky Daddy every time.


    The little guy did not panic at all.


    Then, he saw Will, who was supposed to be in the toilet, standing behind Byron and mouthing "Run" at him.


    1731


    Wed, Dec 4


    Theo''s grape-like eyes widened. ''What''s going on?! If Will was also here, then I... Ahh!"


    The little Theo reacted and ran away with his short legs.


    Unfortunately, he could not escape. Byron sneered, grabbed his cor, and carried him into the guest room, cing him together with Will.


    Byron looked at them. His expression did not change, but his thoughts were already in turmoil. His hands that hung by his side trembled slightly.


    They were twins. They looked the same and had opposite personalities. When they stood together, they had a strong conflicting feeling, but they inexplicably looked very harmonious.


    In particr, their facial featuresbined the advantages of Maeve and Byron to show their shadows.


    After being distracted by the recording pen, Byron''s heart was hit a few more times.


    They are my and Maeve''s children. And they are twins.''


    Back then, Will was already enough to make Byron feel the satisfaction and joy of being a father. Now, there was one more.


    Byron remained silent for a long time, his eyes fixed intently on them without the slightest deviation.


    The atmosphere was so oppressive that Maeve''s heart trembled. She wanted to exin something to him, but she felt that no matter what she did, it would be useless.


    Byron''s gaze finally stopped on Theo''s face. He asked him, "Are you Theo?""


    Theo still hadn''t recovered from the gloom of identally revealing his true identity, but he didn''t continue to deny it either. "It''s me."


    After receiving his answer, Byron''s tense expression suddenly rxed.


    From the moment he found out that Maeve was carrying twins, he had suspected that the other child was Theo. ''However, it was not as clear and straightforward as seeing it with his own eyes and hearing it with his own ears. "This lively and smart little kid isn''t the child of Maeve and Jaylen. He is the child of Maeve and I''


    When Theo saw that he was silent again, he could not help but tighten his grip on Will.


    He knew that Stinky Daddy did not like him very much.


    But it didn''t matter. It was fine as long as he didn''t like Stinky Daddy.

 Chapter 418

    Just when Theo had made up his mind, Byron suddenly said to him, "I want to give you a hug."


    The little guy stared at him nkly, Before he could even react, he had already been scooped into Byron''s arms.


    A father''s embrace was very different from a mother''s.


    One was gentle, the other was firm.


    One was soft, the other was tough.


    They carried simr yet different kinds of strength.


    It wasn''t the first time Theo had been hugged by Byron, but he had always been hugged while pretending to be Will, so he hadn''t really felt much about it before. But this time...Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Two patches of red blush rose on Theo''s face, and he rarely felt a bit embarrassed.


    Maeve''s nose tingled with a touch of sourness. She had envisioned this scene many times before, but never dared to expect it would actuallye true. Unexpectedly, it had actuallye to pass at this very moment.


    It seemed that... she had always underestimated Byron.


    "Call me daddy?" Byron stroked Theo''s round little head. His tone unconsciously softened a little with a distant gentleness.


    Theo''s ears were hot, but his tone was very arrogant. "I haven''t even admitted that you''re my daddy. Mommy didn''t agree either."


    ''Is that so?''


    Byron nced at Maeve with his dark eyes. He did not say anything, but she instantly understood what he meant.


    He would settle her scorester.


    Maeve''s heart trembled. She heard him ask, "What''s your opinion?"


    Maeveughed dryly under the pressure of his gaze. "I''ll listen to Theo. His thoughts are the most important."


    The little guy was still angry at him. She would not help Byron.


    Byron looked at Will beside his leg.


    Will had a helpless expression on his face. "Daddy, you have to work hard for this."


    Theo had suffered so much. He could not help his father bully Theo.


    Theo proudly put his hands on his hips. "You haven''t even given me the name-changing fee, yet you want me to call you daddy. There''s no such good thing in the world!" Byron heaved a sigh of relief. He had been worried that the coldness and distance he had shown to Theo previously would make him unable to ept this daddy.


    He took out his wallet and pulled out a ck-golden card and handed it to him. "This card has no spending limit. You can


    use it as you


    like."


    5


    Theo''s eyes immediately lit up like stars. He took the card with his little paws and hugged it tightly to his chest, looking so happy that it seemed bubbles were popping out of the top of his head.


    He had seen this type of card before. There were only a few of them in the world, and it was e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y durable when came to spending!


    Will looked at him enviously.


    It wasn''t that he was envious of Theo getting the card. Instead, he was envious that Theo could always manage to make money from dad.


    ''Why can''t I do it?''


    Actually, it was quite simple. Will owned numerous shops and properties under his name. Just the lucky money he received every year could amount to a seven-digit figure. He was already extremely wealthy at such a young age. Unless he asked for it on his own initiative, Byron wouldn''t even think of giving him pocket money.


    On the contrary, Maeve would give him about 1 or 2 dors every day as the daily pocket money for him and Theo.


    Maeve couldn''t help but want to cover her face, because she knew all too well the reason why Theo was so persistent in making money from Byron.


    In order to support her. She didn''t know how she had given them the illusion that it would cost a lot of money to support


    her.


    "How is it? Do you want more?" Byron looked at Theo''s excited face and the smile in his eyes grew wider. "Call me daddy." Sure enough, that split-personality Will before was actually this money-loving little guy. The posture of holding the card was exactly the same.


    Theo''s little face turned serious. "Am I the kind of shallow kid who can be bribed with money? What do you take me for? Young man, don''t think that money can buy everything. There are many things that money can''t buy! Like my noble and selfless qualities!" After saying that, he righteously stuffed the card into Maeve''s hand. "Mommy, please keep it for me. This is solid evidence that he wants to corrupt my precious qualities with sugar-coated bullets. We should take this as a warning and resolutely not bow to money!" Byron waspletely bewildered. ''Why do I feel like I was plotted against by this kid?''


    Maeve did not dare to look at Byron''s overly interesting expression. She held back herughter and helped Theo keep the card. "Okay, Mommy will keep it for you."


    In the exchanges between these two, the big one and the small one, it was usually Theo who came out on the losing end. It was rare to see Byron taking a silent loss from him.


    Just as that was said, the corner of Maeve''s clothes was gently tugged by Will, who whispered, "Mom, I also have money to support the family. I''ll give it all to you when we get back."


    He was the older brother. How could he be outdone by his younger brother?


    He also wanted to support his mom.


    "Alright, alright, alright. Mommy will keep it for you too." Maeve naturally agreed. 17:31 Wed, Dec 4


    If the two kids were willing to offer her their money, of course she would ept it all.


    Byron gazed at Maeve, who was surrounded by the two little ones and whispering with them while holding her hand. His usually cold and stern eyes were like a field after the first thaw of ice and snow, with warmth spreading to the corners of his eyes and the corners of his lips along with the wind.


    However, when Maeve looked at him, these traces instantly dissipated and turned cold.


    When Maeve saw his cold expression, her heart thumped.


    "Take them to pack their things and stay at my ce." Byron met her gaze. His domineering tone did not allow for


    resistance.


    Maeve''s heart trembled under his meaningful gaze. She quickly shook her head. "No need. It''s quite good for us to live here..."


    "Maeve, you are my fianc¨¦e." Byron''s voice was cold. "Who gave you the illusion that I would let you continue to live in another man''s house?"


    It would have been fine if he hadn''t said it, but once he said, Maeve thought about it carefully. ''It was indeed inappropriate.


    Even though she treated Loren as her younger brother and he did not care about this, it was better to pay attention to the differences between men and women.


    Maeve could onlypromise. "Alright..."


    Byron''s thin lips curled up.


    Loren, who knew that they were moving out tonight, was not in such a good mood.


    In particr, he was the one who had let the man who wanted to take them away in. He wished he could go back half an hour ago and put a sack on himself.


    "Maeve,e visit me more often when you have time. Don''t leave me alone." Loren looked at Maeve pitifully as if no one wanted him. "There''s still Will and Theo. If you don''t have time to take care of them, feel free to let me take care of them. I''ve been especially free recently!"


    ''As if. There were piles of things waiting for him to handle at the factory every day.


    However, in front of Maeve and the two little ones, these things had to give way.


    Maeve agreed with a smile and left with the two little ones and Byron.


    After they left, Loren took out his phone and called the pce.


    "How''s my mother? Has she agreed to receive treatment... Not yet? Alright, then I''ll have to trouble you to help me persuade her. I''ll visit her tomorrow. Alright, goodbye."


    After hanging up the phone, Loren sighed at the quiet house.


    To Maeve''s surprise, Byron''s residence was not far from Loren.


    This area was originally a wealthy district. Most of the people who could live here were either rich or noble. There were many low-key big shots living here. It was not strange for Loren to have property here, but Byron actually had it too.


    On second thought, the Mcdaniel Group has subsidiaries all over the world, and its influence on the international stage is nothing inparison. quite substantial. A house in this area seems lik

 Chapter 419

    Maeve asked.casually as he entered


    Byron carried her and the two little ones'' luggage into the elevator. When he heard this, he replied calmly, "I need to go on a business trip, so I bought a few properties in various countries." For example, there were several sets of different sizes in Estan.


    He was quite particr about life and wasn''t ustomed to staying in hotels, so he just went ahead and bought houses all over the ce.


    Maeve Reese was at a loss for words." Buying a house in every country just to go on a business trip?


    Not to mention how much money it would cost, ordinary people did not seem to be able to do this.


    The Mcdaniel Group seemed to be even more impressive than she had pictured.


    But she was only the daughter of a wanted crook...


    Maeve Reese dropped her gaze to hide the sadness in her peepers.


    She wasn''t the type to feel small, buttely, she could feel the gap between her and Byron Mcdaniel getting bigger and bigger


    That was a gaping divide that she couldn''t bridge even if she gave it her all.


    While she was distracted, she arrived at the third floor.


    The two rugrats were all about snuggling with Maeve Reese tonight. But Byron Mcdaniel snatched them up under the pits and told Maeve Reese to chill first before hauling them off to the next room. The two tots were kicking their little legs and reaching out to mommy all whiny.


    Who would want to sleep with their father!


    They wanted their mother!


    Maeve Reese caught sight of their boss''s sourpuss expression and cracked up.


    She was curious about what Byron Mcdaniel was going to do with them.


    Somebody had tidied up the room beforehand. It was spick-and-span, so there was no need to worry.


    Maeve Reese packed her luggage, took her pyjamas, and went to the bathroom to take a bath.


    She was a little overwhelmed by what had happened tonight. When she suddenly rxed, she was a little sleepy. She leaned against the edge of the bathtub and fell asleep.


    All of a sudden, she sensed a stare that she couldn''t shake off in the bathroom. Maeve Reese wearily opened her snapped wide awake the second she saw Byron Mcdaniel leaning against the shower ss.


    eyes


    and


    Crash!


    Maeve Reese hastily covered herself with her hands and shot a red-faced re at the gatecrasher. "Byron Mcdaniel, what the heck is wrong with you?! Why''d you barge in while I was in the shower?!" Byron Mcdaniel was as cool as a cucumber. He leaned there and didn''t budge an inch. When he saw she was struggling to


    70%


    cover up and couldn''t reach her clothes, she just slid her body into the hot water, leaving only her noggin bobbing on the surface.


    He let out a soft chuckle. "What part of you haven''t I seen? What''s the big deal about being shy?"


    "How''s that the same?!" Maeve Reese was fit to be tied. "If I barged in on you in the shower, how would you not freak out?"Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Byron Mcdaniel narrowed his eyes. "Could it be you got all hot and bothered when you helped me shower previously?"


    Maeve Reese''s ears were on fire. At that moment, she went along with his words and remembered the crazy tussle in the bathroom half a month ago. She felt like she was gonnabust


    "... You just barged in to be a creep? Get outta here now, or I''ll..."


    "Or you''ll what?" Byron eyed her with a sly grin. "Maeve Reese, you still owe me an exnation."


    Maeve Reese knew she''d have to give him an exnation if she couldn''t dodge it today, but she didn''t expect it to be like this.


    If she''d known what kind of bath she was gonna take, she''d have hit the sack after a quick shower. She''d have made him hold it in all night.


    Maeve Reese leaned close to the edge of the bathtub. Even though the two of them had done everything a long time ago, she had always been reserved. She couldn''t be upfront with him in this situation.


    Byron Mcdaniel caught her shy move of covering up, but he didn''t tell her it was pointless.


    Just let her think that this was useful.


    Maeve Reese dropped her gaze and thought for a second before asking him, "You remember that time I got wasted at the bar? After you brought me home, you said we shouldn''t see each other for a while. I called and texted you after that, but you didn''t respond once." Of course, Byron Mcdaniel did not forget. Back then, he thought Theo was her and Jaylen Chatterly''s kid. He was jealous and nned to chill for a bit before facing her.


    When she suddenly mentioned this, Byron Mcdaniel suddenly understood something.


    "Were you going to be honest with me then?"


    "I thought that you only liked Will and might not ept Theo. Later, I tested you and you didn''t seem too into him. I psyched myself up for ages before deciding to be straight with you, but you didn''t get it." Maeve Reese''s eyes were full of ire, "Then why didn''t you mention itter?" Byron Mcdaniel''s look wasplex.


    Maeve Reese pressed her red lips together and tightened her grip on the tub''s edge. "Because I''m scared."


    "Your standoffish attitude makes me feel super insecure. At first, I didn''t wanna tell you, thenter, I didn''t dare."


    She didn''t dare to say anything.


    Byron understood her concerns and his heart tightened.


    He dipped his gaze a little and pinned his deep stare on her spaced-out face. Then he strolled over and crouched down in


    front of her.


    Maeve Reese snapped back and saw him suddenly closing in. She should''ve backed off and dodged, but she forgot to move under his gaze.


    16.04 Thu, Dec 5


    His voice was low. "Marve, In very angry


    Maeve was stunned. He should be. If it was her, she would be angry too.


    "But it''s not ''cause you''re hiding it, Byron Mcdaniel said again. It''s ''cause I''m mad at myself."


    ""Wh... what?"


    10


    A


    "I didn''t make you trust me without a hitch. I made you feel all shaky and scared over these not-so-big things. That''s all on me."


    It was easy to see what was going on.


    From Maeve hiding Theo''s identity and being scared of him finding out, it was clear she didn''t feel safe with him.


    She was afraid that he would hurt her, hurt Theo


    This kind of injury wasn''t physical, but something else.


    Byron was ticked that befadn''t noticed her worate and panic after all that time with her


    If it wasn''t for the recording pm and the busted wane, would they have missed each other again like before


    Byron Modaniel''s eyes instantly darkened


    Magie Reese didn''t expect to say that was bey bad for bading Theo''s deal, but for some reason, she felt wronged


    He couldn''t suppress at me many how hard he tried


    "It''s my fault for keeping it from you so long. Thee''s your kid to You got a right to know Maeve Reese''s voice was a bit raspy. "Plus.... I''m drowing a busy in on purpose. I''m and as you blew me off before, so I didn''t tell you." "Anything else Byron Mudar slightly shally ngertips bruded her earlobe and softly cupped her cheek. He asked in a firm yet cajoling way. "What for go get bort with?


    That would be a hot


    Maeve Reese bit her lowesp the candidst t¨¢c is anyesore and is the beans on all the jerky things he''d done to her


    That inchaded but wasn''t amend to when he was in the hospital hem sher kindly took care of him, she got the cold shoulder and a showe instead, and....


    If you don''t wanna get hunched to me dost. I don''t care what people think. You don''t have to make such a huge sacrifice. Anyway, you don''t really wanna marry me fr''s bad for both of us

 Chapter 420

    After spitting out these words, Maeve Reese felt the frustration that had been piling up in her hearttely had eased up a bit.


    She couldn''t just shrug off what he''d said.


    It was even less likely she could fib to her own heart.


    She cared about it a lot.


    Maeve Reese''s words seemed hard to swallow for Byron Mcdaniel.


    He looked at her serious and deste expression and exhaled deeply. His voice was slightly suppressed. "Maeve, what on earth goes through your head usually? When did I say that I don''t want to be engaged to you?"


    If he didn''t have any intention of marrying her, why would he go to all that trouble for a proposal ring? He rounded up all those world-famous designers and busted his butt to scrap and redo it.


    Even with work keeping in swampedtely, he hadn''t let the progress of the wedding ring slide. He made time to keep tabs


    on it.


    But what did Maeve Reese just say?


    He didn''t really want to marry her?


    Since she''d brought it up, Maeve Reese was now throwing in the towel. "I overheard your chat with Gilbert Mcdaniel when I swung by the Mcdaniel family that day. You said you''d be splitting with me real soon, and Gilbert Mcdaniel was on board with your n." He was the one who pped the fianc¨¦ebel on her.


    In the end, he was also the one who despised her so much that he had calcted the time to end their rtionship.


    That made her feel like a measly little ything that could be tossed aside whenever.


    And what''s worse,


    it was the guy she had a thing for.


    How could Maeve Reese not feel all wrong?


    She didn''t notice that after she spilled the beans, the gloom in Byron Mcdaniel''s eyes vanished in a sh and he was left speechless for a second.


    "Maeve Reese, why are you being so pigheaded?" Byron Mcdaniel pinched her damp chin. The look on his handsome mug was a mix of helplessness and amusement. "Even if you eavesdrop, you ain''t gonna catch the whole story."


    Maeve Reese''s cheeks puffed up a smidge from his pinch. She shot him a re with her sparkly eyes. "How am I unreasonable?"


    "Don''t act like a spoiled child." Byron Mcdaniel''s Adam''s apple bobbed. "I told Grandpa I''d end this thing with you down the road, provided we take it to the next level, get it?"


    Who was being all cutesy?


    Maeve Reese was about to jut out her lower lip when she heard what he said next. She was stunned.


    The fiancee went one step further...


    Wasn''t that marriage?!


    "Are you kidding me?" Maeve Reese looked at him suspiciously. Or are you getting a little carried away because you just acknowledged Theo?"


    Byron Mcdaniel was so ticked he almost busted a gutughing. Would I joke about something like this?"


    "But..." Maeve Reese was confused. She wanted to pipe up, but got cut off. "Maeve Reese, I want the truth. Are you chomping at the bit to cut ties with me?" Maeve Reese shot back right away, "Don''t go projecting your thoughts onto me. When did I ever think like that?"


    "Then why did you ask me to consider breaking off the engagement some time ago? You even said that the sooner the better?" Byron Mcdaniel grilled her.


    "I..." Maeve choked. "I overheard what you said to Gilbert. I figured you wanted to call off the engagement pronto, so I took the initiative to make your wishe true!"


    "So you never wanted to cut ties with me?"


    "Never!"


    Without even thinking, Maeve Reese subconsciously said what was on her mind. When she saw the grin that suddenly shed across Byron Mcdaniel''s lips, her ears turned red. Bastard!


    He was trying to wring the truth out of her!


    After getting Maeve Reese''s answer, the pent-up aggravation in Byron Mcdaniel''s chest finally fizzled out.


    He gave her soft cheek a gentle pinch like he couldn''t get enough. His slightly calloused fingers grazed it.


    Maeve Reese felt a tickle and wanted to ask him to knock it off, but she''d just identally spilt her guts. She pressed her lips together and yed it cool to hide the awkwardness in her heart.


    "You haven''t answered my question," Byron Mcdaniel said unhurriedly. "Why do you think I don''t want to marry you?"


    Maeve Reese pursed her red lips. "I already answered just now."


    "You didn''t give me a straight answer. That''s not what you really had in mind."


    Maeve Reese''s heart skipped a beat. His gaze seemed to pierce right through her. Her face flushed. She wanted to sink back into the tub and disappear, but her face was in his grip. If she budged, he''d give it a squeeze like he was warning her. She looked up and tried to think of a way to brush it off.


    "You''d better not lie in front of me." Byron Mcdaniel pressed his fingertips on her side carotid artery and said with a faint smile, "Oh, your heart is starting to beat faster. I want to hear what excuse you n to use to brush me off this time." Maeve Reese:!!!


    This guy was ying dirty!


    How could he have such a sneaky way to tell if someone was lying?


    Was the lie detector possessed?!


    Maeve Reese gritted her teeth. Her elegant, slender shoulders tensed up then slowly rxed.


    "Byron Mcdaniel, let''s set aside the issue between us for now. Let''s just talk about the fact that we''re from different social


    rungs. You seem to have forgotten that I''m the daughter of a fugitive. Even if I was just from an ordinary family like the Reese family, the gap between us ain''t small."


    "It''s not that I''m being a stickler, but reality is staring us in the face. Back then, when you married me, when I was still the daughter of the Reese family, those rumours never let up. Plus, my current status is so iffy. If you''re with me, what will people think of you?" Maeve Reese paused. The rest of his words were stuck in his throat.


    Those folks would say that the big-shot CEO of the Mcdaniel Group actually tied the knot with the spawn of a fugitive. Wasn''t that a p in the face for the family?


    Maeve Reese didn''t care whose daughter she was, nor did she care what people said about her.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Usually, she''d give a smackdown right back if she ran into a loudmouth like that.


    But she cared about Byron Mcdaniel and didn''t want to be a liability for others to rag on him.


    Unexpectedly, after hearing her words, Byron Mcdaniel burst outughing.


    His low and maicughter was exceptionally sexy.


    Maeve Reese looked at him in confusion. What was heughing at? Was she ridiculous?


    "Maeve Reese, I just realized you seem to have the wrong idea about me." Byron Mcdaniel''s brows were arched with a faint smile. "Why do you think I''m some highfalutin goody-two-shoes?"


    "I don''t think you''re a saint, but you are definitely high and mighty," Maeve Reese said earnestly.


    Nobody in the whole of Kleymond was more powerful and respected than the Mcdaniel Group.


    Byron Mcdaniel''s smile widened. "But you seem to have forgotten that before I rejoined the Mcdaniel family, I was just an average Joe like you. Setting aside the glitz from my family background and status, I''m not as out of reach as you seem to think." "Maeve Reese, we''ve always been the same."


    He dipped his head a smidge and inched closer to Maeve Reese''s face, which was all steamy from the bath. The tip of his nose brushed against hers, and there were emotions in his eyes that she couldn''t quite decipher.


    "From the moment you saved me in the rain, you were destined to belong to me."


    "It''s mine."


    His presence enveloped Maeve Reese, like a she couldn''t escape. By the time she snapped back to reality, she was trapped.

 Chapter 421

    70%


    It was unknown if it was because the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub was too high or because Byron Mcdaniel was getting closer and closer.


    Maeve Reese felt her skin heating up. Heat coursed through her body, and the uncontroble tension made her forget to


    move.


    When his kissnded, Maeve Reese''s almost frozen heartbeat suddenly trembled and then jumped heavily.


    It was more intense than ever before.


    Nobody knew when Byron Mcdaniel''s hand had slipped to the back of her neck. He held her tight and pulled her in. A zing kiss started from the corner of her lips and made its way down to her slender neck and corbone one by one, zeroing in on her most ticklish spots.


    Maeve Reese''s skin was as white as snow, especially the bit on her chest. It was so fair it was like a ma, and it was as soft as a babbling brook.


    In just a moment, a whole bunch of hickeys popped up on her chest. They were super tantalizing.


    It was also right then that Maeve Reese remembered she was sitting buck naked in the tub. She was like a fish all cleaned and ready to be fried.


    They were all waiting to be eaten.


    She was a little better because Byron Mcdaniel looked like he would eat her more gently.


    Ssh!


    A good chunk of the water in the tub spilled over the edge, making the water all choppy.


    Maeve Reese opened her hazy eyes and couldn''t fight off Byron Mcdaniel''s ever more intense kisses. She looped her arms around his neck and without thinking, slid her slender fingers into his short ck hair.


    She wanted to push him away, but under his repeated attacks, she involuntarily leaned forward, as if she had taken the initiative to send herself into his mouth.


    She wanted to say something, but her voice got stuck in her throat and turned into a wave of heat that spread through her whole body.


    "What do you want to say?" Byron Mcdaniel could tell what she was holding back. He nted a few smooches on the side of her neck and asked in a raspy voice. Hearing his question, Maeve Reese couldn''t take it no more. She unconsciously leaned in close to his ear and moaned softly, "Can you stop dragging your feet?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    It was so slow that she felt ufortable.


    As soon as he said this, the desire in Byron Mcdaniel''s dark eyes erupted like a volcano.


    At first, he was worried abouting on too strong and scaring her off, making her think he only saw her as a one-night stand. That''s why he was holding back and trying to be as gentle as possible. But she was good.


    With just one sentence, all his restraint copsed.


    16:04 Thu, Dec 5 GU.


    "Gotcha." Byron Medaniel lifted his head and kissed Maeve Reese''s red lips. He chuckled all husky. "Don''te cryingter.


    After they were done in the bathroom, the steam started to clear and the water in the tub went down, trickling down the walls and ss.


    The shower stopped hissing. Byron Mcdaniel scooped up the worn-out and sleepy Maeve Reese. He wrapped her in a clean robe and carried her outta the bathroom.


    Byron Mcdaniel put her on the bed, untied her bathrobe, wiped the water off her body, and helped her change into her own pajamas.


    Maeve Reese was still notpletely asleep. When he felt his movements, he immediately wanted to hide under the nket shyly.


    "Don''t move." Byron Mcdaniel restrained her slender legs. His dark eyes darkened slightly, but he did not do anything else. He only helped her change into her pajamas.


    Maeve Reese''s face was buried in the pillow, and his ears were so red that they looked like they were about to bleed. She didn''t dare peek at his expression.


    Looking back, she thought it was nuts.


    She must''ve been out of her mind to be so into it with him in the bathroom.


    Byron caught sight of the redness on her ears. His thin lips curved up as he tucked her under the nket and climbed in next to her.


    "What''s on your mind now?" He reached out and pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her forehead as he asked. "Nothing." Maeve''s voice was still a bit raspy. Her back was pressed against his warm chest, and her body, which had finally cooled down, started heating up again.


    Byron let out a soft chuckle and said with a wink, "You still think I''m just using you for a hookup?"


    Maeve squeezed her eyes shut. She was so mortified she could die. "Who knows? You could be thinking anything."


    She could only me herself for being such a pushover. She was so easily won over by him and went along with everything even after he''d had his way with her.


    What was the difference between this and serving food and volunteering to do the dishes?


    "Oook."


    yron Mcdaniel clicked his tongue. He narrowed his dark eyes and slid his palm under her shirt. "Oh, really? Why don''t we keep going?"


    Maeve Reese, whose back was killing her, quickly grabbed his hand. "No, no! I''m tired and want to sleep!"


    She didn''t want to embarrass herself tomorrow.


    "What you said hurt my feelings." Byron Mcdaniel casually twirled a strand of her hair and made a serious request. "Give me some payback and I''ll let you sleep." Maeve had never met such a cheeky guy. He was so shameless just for a little something.


    Butpared to staying up all night, she could handle just about anything.


    16:04


    Thu, Dec


    This was how a person''s bottom line was pulled down step by step.


    Maeve Reese wriggled around in his arms and pinned his arm with one hand. She tilted her head up and nted a kiss on his lips.


    "Is this good enough?" Maeve pretended to be tough, like she was ready to take him down with her.


    How could she be so cute?


    Byron Mcdaniel could not help butugh. He lowered his head and kissed her slightly fragrant red lips. He kissed her passionately for a long time before letting go of her. Maeve Reese panted heavily and red at him as if he wanted to eat him up.


    "Go to sleep." Byron stroked the back of her head and pulled her into his arms.


    Maeve Reese opened his mouth. In the end, he just let out a small grunt and closed his eyes.


    After a while, Maeve Reese could not take it anymore. "Can you put that thing away? You nning to off me in my sleep?"


    "You''re too close."


    "Then let go. I''ll sleep on the other side."


    "That''s a no-go."


    Serves you right for holding back.


    The next morning.


    Maeve Reese woke up a tadte. When she came downstairs, Byron Mcdaniel had already fixed breakfast with the two little


    ones.


    She looked around, surprised that he hadn''t hired a maid.


    There were at least twenty servants at Nightfall Manor. Each had their job and kept the ce running like clockwork.


    She was curious, so she asked. Unexpectedly, Byron Mcdaniel said, "Our family of four is reunited. Why do we need those eyesores?" The family of four.


    Maeve Reese''s face could not help but heat up. He muttered softly, "Who''s with your family of four? You don''t even have a


    status."


    Hearing this, Byron Mcdaniel shot her a look. "I made that fried egg in front of you for my future wife. How''s it taste?"


    Maeve Reese, who had just taken a bite of the fried egg, almost choked. She didn''t know whether to spit out the soft egg in her mouth or swallow it.


    "Mommy, Baby''s fried egg is up for grabs. Give it to Mommy!" Theo stood up from his seat and handed his fried egg to Maeve Reese. He said in a baby voice, "Give Mommy''s to me!" Maeve Reese was overjoyed and exchanged the fried egg with him. "Okay, here you go."


    Let''s see what else Byron Mcdaniel could say.


    Byron Mcdaniel snorted and looked at Theo. "You have to call me daddy after eating my fried eggs. Do you want one?"

 Chapter 422

    Will listened and silently reced Theo''s fried egg with his own Dad, you can call me as many times as you want.


    Theo gobbled up Will''s fried egg in one gulp. "Mim, it tastes so good"


    Byron said nothing.


    After breakfast, Maeve grabbed her stuff and got ready to head


    Yoke Headquarters. She was worried about leaving the two


    little ones home alone, so she asked Byron to take them along when he went out.


    Otherwise, he could leave it to Loren to take care of. Anyway, he had a lot of free time during the holidays recently.


    Of course, Byron wasn''t about to let his sons be taken care of by stranger. So, he changed their clothes and was set to bring them to the Division Mcdaniel Group.


    Naturally, Will had no problem with it. And Theo, just so he could go out and have fun, didn''t put up a fuss.


    So that day, the employees at the Mcdaniel Group branch witnessed this scene in thepany. The usually icy and distant Mr McDaniel had a pair of adorable twins in ck suits tagging along behind him everywhere he went. It was like Byron had two pint-sized versions of himself by his side. Even the haughty and chilly air around him seemed to mellow out a lot.


    Theo had a real smooth tongue. Whenever he saw a woman, he''d call her sis. And when he saw a man, he''d call him bro, no matter how old they were. His small mouth made people happy


    Along the way, she had stuffed a lot of snacks and candies into her pocket. As the older brother, Will was more reserved. He didn''t bat an eye when others checked him out. His expression was cool and collected. He already had that Byron swagger.


    "I''ll hold onto the snacks and candies we just got for now. You can ask me for them when you want to munch, but don''t go over the daily limit Mom set." Will negotiated with his brother to keep him from gorging on sweets and getting a toothache. Theo immediately hugged his pocket tightly and shook his head vigorously. "I''ll keep it for myself! I won''t eat too much!"


    Will said softly, "Leave it to me for safekeeping. You can eat one more chocte today. Otherwise, when Mom finds out about thister, your snacks tomorrow might be reduced."


    Theo thought it over. Yup, Mommy definitely wouldn''t believe he could control himself and would use it as an excuse to cu back on his treats at home!


    In order not to reduce the amount of snacks in the future, Theo reluctantly poured everything in his pocket into Will.


    Will patted his head and pulled out the tiniest chocte for him "Be good. This is your reward. Remember to brush your teeth real good after you eat it." Theo happily took the chocte. "Okay."


    A mischievous smile shed across Byron''s eyes when he heard the two little ones plotting loudly


    ''Is that how they usually get along?'' He was a little surprised.


    Suddenly remembering something, Byron asked Will, "Will, wasn''t it you who had a cavity?"


    Will shook his head.


    Byron narrowed his dark eyes and got up from his desk. He walked over to Theo and pried open his little mouth to take a look. Sure enough, it was this guy who had cavities. You''ve still got rotten teeth and you''re scarfing down all these candies. You taking advantage of your mom''s soft spot? Byron


    15:46 FM, Dec


    furrowed his brow a bir"Nonore for you. Hand over all the snacks you got."


    Theo was so sad!


    Seeing the snacks in Will''s pocket being confiscated by Byron, Teo pouted and almost cried.


    If it was with Will, he might still get a taste. But f mean old Dad took them, he could forget about it! How could such a thing happen!


    A twinkle of amusement showed in Will''s bright, round eyes. He leaned in close to his brother''s ear and whispered, "I stashed one away for you. Let''s go outside and have it. Don''t let Dad know."


    Theo''s teary eyes brightened. He was all choked up and hugged Will, nuzzling against him. "Bottle, you''re the greatest to me! I love you!"


    Byron saw their little antics and didn''t step in. He just thought it was kind of cute. This kid didn''t even realize he''d been yed by Will and was actually helping him out.


    After half an hour, Byron had to head to the conference room for a meeting, leaving the two little ones in the office. Of course, the two little one would not wait here for him toe back. They held hands and went out.


    Byron, who''d taken a bit of a hit, had made an impression when he showed them around thepany. So, nobody dared to stop them wherever they went. The secretary, who was trailing behind at a distance to keep an eye on them, thought they were just ying some game.


    The two little troublemakers were just curious about how thepany office worked. And since they didn''t like being tailed, it didn''t take long for them to give the secretary the slip.


    It''s me. I''ve already seeded. Send someone to pick me up as soon as possible... I''ll go down immediately. If needed, I can use some sneaky ways to get... out. Scattered voices drifted from the other end of the corridor. The hushed tone still seemed a bit out of ce on the quiet floor.


    Seeing the figure down the hall about to turn around, Will frowned. He looked around and tugged Theo to duck under the cart next to them.


    "Is that guy up to no good?" Theo asked in a hushed voice, his grape-sized eyes all aglow. "Sounds like a corporate spy." He was so excited!


    2 Stiped


    Will nodded. When he heard footsteps approaching, he held Theo''s hand tightly and held his breath. Luckily, they were small and the cart was full of stuff. The guy who walked by didn''t spot them.


    Will craned his neck and just saw the person pass by the cart. The guy even brushed against Will''s backpack. Will''s expression changed slightly. He mouthed to Theo, "He has a gun on him."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ''Holy shit! All the more reason not to let him go! Who knew what he was going to bring out of here?'' Will thought.


    Too bad neither of them had their phones. Plus, Byron was in a meeting. Even if they had their phones, it wouldn''t have helped.


    Theo pulled Will''s sleeve and took out a round fountain pen from his pocket. Will used his eyes to ask what it was.


    Theo signalled for him to watch. Then, he crouched down, pulled the cap off the pen, aimed it at the person''s foot, and spun the top of the pen. A yellow bead shot out and hit the man''s heel dead-on, turning into a bright yellow splotch. After that guy got in the elevator, the two little ones dashed into the elevator beside it and headed downstairs.


    When they reached the first floor, the two tots only managed to spot the guy with the mark on his heel. Seeing he was a to leave the building, they scurried over on their short legs.


    aut


    15:46 Fri, Dec 6 GG.


    3


    Theo barreled into the guy''s leg and went tumbling with an "ouch". That person''s nerves were tense, and he was shocked by the sudden collision. Seeing that it was just a child, the wariness in her heart rxed.


    He crouched down to help Theo up. There was a sweet smile on Theo''s innocent face. "Little friend, are you alright?"


    Theo sniffled and forced out a couple of tears. "Sir, you''re hurting me. I need to rub it to feel better."


    59%

 Chapter 423

    Realizing that the passersby had noticed them, that guy couldn''t just shove Theo aside and make a run for it. Otherwise, he was scared of getting the attention of the security guards at the entrance, so he grudgingly rubbed Theo''s legs. "Does it still hurt?" the man asked patiently. "I still have something to do. Can you go find Mom and Dad yourself? I''ll bring you candy next time."


    Theo smiled innocently. "Sure."


    The man heaved a sigh of relief and got up to leave. Unexpectedly, a few security guards came over and stopped him. "Sir, we''ve received a report that you''re suspected of stealingpany secrets. Please follow us to the security office for an investigation." The man''s face went white as a sheet. He reached for his back waist, about to pull out his gun and bust out of the trap. In the end, he missed!


    "Sir, you looking for something like this?" Theo shook the gun hed just swiped from him. A wicked grin spread across his cute little face. "How could you bring such a dangerous thing to thepany? You''re a real lousy employee."


    The guy was surprised. ''This little brat! When did he take the gun away from him! He even knew how to open the safety and load it! Who the fuck taught children such things!''


    The spy''s face turned green and he was sweating bullets. Just then, he caught a glimpse of Willing around the corner. A glimmer of nastiness shed in his eyes. Then, he lunged, trying his best to knock away the security guard in front of him. When Will saw the spy charging at him with a switchde, he froze in his tracks. Theo almost cussed. In a panic, he chucked the gun over. "Will, catch it!"


    He and Will were at a diagonal, so the spy couldn''t grab it if he tossed it. The pistol threw a parab in the air andnded steadily in Will''s hand. The spy was less than a yard away from him. That distance could be closed in a split second.


    Will pressed his lips together and spread his legs to steady himself. He aimed the gun at the spy with both hands and pulled the trigger without batting an eye-


    A deafening gunshot rang out through the whole hall, and only a few of the passersby kept shrieking. The bullet pierced the ground at the spy''s feet and kicked up fine dust.


    The spy''s legs went wobbly for a sec. He couldn''t believe he''d been cowed by a little kid''s moxie. For a moment, he didn''t dare to move forward. he security guard who caught up from behind pounced on him and pinned him to the ground. He took away the dangerous gear on him and cuffed him tight.


    "Fuck! What just happened?"


    "Isn''t that Mr. Mcdaniel from the Mcdaniel family? He fired that shot just now?!"


    "Who''d teach such a young kid to shoot? Guess the kids of the big shots are all something special" all the employees whispered to each other.


    Will, on the other hand, was as cool as a cucumber. Other than a frown at the start, his face was almfost expressionless. He strolled over and filled in the security guards, asking them to call the cops to handle it.


    Theo trotted over and remembered the scene of the spy lunging at Will. He was so steamed that he kicked the spy''s pants with his short legs, leaving a little shoeprint. "Who gave you the nerve to go after my brother? You wanna die? I''ll kick you to death!" As he said that, he still wasn''t satisfied. The little fe gave him another angry kick.


    Will''s heart melted. He pulled him back and said, "Okay, don''t kick till your feet hurt."


    15:47 -


    The spy, with his face smashed against the floor and his hands pinned behind his back, couldn''t move a muscle. He had zero dignity left. If word got out and his buddies found out he''d been taken down by two rugrats, where would he put his face? Two Mr. Mcdaniel! The secretary eximed.


    The two little ones turned around at the same time. When they aw Byron standing in front of the secretary with a stormy look, they took a step back and thought, ''crap''.


    Byron dragged the two pesky little rascals back to the office and barked, "Who taught you to go all Rambo and take on a spy head-on?"


    We didn''t just rush in, Theo exined. "We had a n. We tagged his location first and then split up. We stalled him while looking for backup. In the end, we managed to corral the bad guy on his way out!" You''re quite proud of yourself? Byron narrowed his eyes.


    Will stepped in front of Theo and said softly, "Dad, we just wanted to stop the spy. Plus, he was packing heat. We couldn''t find you at the moment, so we had to do something. We didn''t mean to put ourselves in danger."


    That guy was trying to steal something super important from thepany. We didn''t have a choice. Theo peeked out from behind him. "Shouldn''t you praise us?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Byron stared at him for a few seconds before Theo''s grape-sized eyes lit up like Christmas lights.


    Before Will could stop him, he scurried over, chattering away. "Come here. I''ll give you back your snacks." He even stretched out her pink ws. "Give it to me."


    However, Byron''s expression suddenly changed. He scooped up his little body and plopped him on the sofa. Then, he smacked his little butt a few times.


    The little guy was stunned. His mommy''s ps on his butt were light, so it wouldn''t hurt too much. But Stinky Daddy was not polite at all!


    By the time Theo realized what was up, he was about to have a meltdown. His short legs kicked around like a fish out of water. He still could not escape from Byron''s punches.


    Will quickly grabbed Byron''s hand and begged, "Dad, it''s all my fault. I led the way. Dad, if you wanna spank someone, spank me. Don''t spank Theo."


    You think you don''t have to be punished? Byron gave him a sidelong nce. "Lie down properly." Will, who''d never been spanked by his old man before, wasn''t used to this, but he stillid down on the edge of the sofa like a good boy. Theo got even more worked up when he saw that. "Mean old Dad, you can''t spank Will! I''ll own up to my actions! If you have the guts, spank me! I ain''t scared of you hitting me!" As soon as he finished speaking, his butt was pped again. They would share blessings and difficulties together. The two little ones ended up with five swats on their behinds.


    After fighting, they were like two lifeless salted fish, lying there without even moving their tails. Theo was angry, while Will was ashamed.


    You know what you did wrong? Byron didn''t go soft just because of their sad puppy dog eyes. He grilled them in a stern voice, "Will, you go first."


    Will''s butt was on fire. His usually cool voice was tinged with embarrassment. "Dad, we''re too young. We shouldn''t go toe-to-toe with dangerous dudes when we can''t protect ourselves. We were ying with fire." "There''s more," said Byron.


    Will continued, "When you encountered a problem, you didn''t ask your father for help immediately."


    Byron looked at Theo. You can tell me the rest."


    Theo pouted. It wasn''t like he didn''t know why Byron was made also knew why he got spanked. Truth be told, he wasn''t all that mad at him.

 Chapter 424

    This was cuz he still got the shivers when he thought back to the scene of that guy charging at Will. He was just a tad ticked off that mean old Dad had spanked him.


    If we can''t take down the enemy in one shot, we shouldn''t go on the offensive. Otherwise, we''re giving the enemy a chance to strike back. Theo thought for less than two seconds before flopping down and muttering, "We''re still not tough enough. If I was 6.5 feet tall and ripped as hell, how could some measly spy be a match for me?"


    Otherwise, there wouldn''t have been any need to use such a roundabout way to nab the spy. He was just a tad ticked off that mean old Dad had spanked him.


    When Byron heard hisstment, he scoffed. "Looks like you still don''t get what you did wrong. So what if the trade secrets got swiped? It''s just stuff. But have you ever thought about what would happen to your mom if anything happened to you?"


    The two little ones fell silent at the same time. It would be very sad. Her mother was so fragile and needed their protection. How could they make her cry?


    Will turned around and looked at Byron with watery eyes. "Dad, I''m sorry. I know I messed up. I won''t be so reckless next time."


    Theo sniffed. "I know I was wrong."


    Byron''s expression eased up a bit. As he straightened out their rumpled clothes, he said sincerely, "Dad knows you two are pretty sharp, but smart cookies have to know how to y it cool and bide their time till they''re fully grown."


    He continued, "Sometimes, if you wanna get something done, you don''t have to do it all by yourself. That''s the dumbest way. It''s usually way easier to get twice the bang for your buck by leveraging other people''s strength." The two little ones nodded as if they understood. Byron wasn''t worried that they didn''t understand.


    They were just kids, but their thinking and skills were more developed than most kids. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have teamed up so well on this deal. Maybe it was luck, but luck''s part of what makes you strong too. After fixing up their clothes, Byron peeked at Will''s bulging pocket and said to him, "Hand over the gun."


    Will obediently handed it over.


    You know what your biggest mistake was today?Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Will hesitated for a moment. "I shouldn''t be shooting at others?" Back then, things were dicey. He only thought he couldn''t get caught and that the ce was okay for shooting. He didn''t think about anything else. Byron eyed Will''s red palm and said in a calm tone, "Wrong. When someone''s threatening your life, you shouldn''t just fire a shot to spook them. Instead, you should make sure they actually get hurt."


    This time, you got lucky and scared ''em off. But if the guy you run into isn''t scared of you, things''ll go south real quick. Being soft on the enemy is being mean to yourself. Next time something like this goes down, you''re better off making the other guy bleed than going easy on them, got it?


    Will understood, but he was still a little hesitant.


    Theo pouted and shot back, "If Will offed that guy, Mommy''d lose her cute little baby!"


    Byron snorted. "Who said anything about killing? There are plenty of ways to take someone out ofmission right away. We don''t have to take their life. You don''t even get this basic logic. You two need to write a 500-word self-reflection paper and turn it in. Think about it." 15:47 Fn, Dec o


    The two little ones faces immediately fell. Theo wrinkled his nose. His grape-sized eyes were full of spite. "Didn''t we already get our butts spanked?" The self-reflection letter was such a terrifying thing! He definitely did not want to write it!


    COMMENT

 Chapter 425

    Chapter


    425


    "One more word and another 300 words," said Byron.


    While the father and son were chatting, the security department had already dug up the spy''s backstory.


    This guy was an old-timer at thepany, having been there for five years. He''d just gotten promoted to department head a couple of days ago. He usually came across as honest and hardworking. There was no sign he had any sneaky motives against thepany, and he had a pretty good reputation. Who knew that it would be a spy sent by the opponent?


    He found a ton ofpany secrets and the bidding docs for thetest project on the USB drive they took from him. This person was too well-hidden. He usually kept a low profile and secretly gathered a lot of valuable information.


    It wasn''t easy for his whole sneaky scheme toe to fruition, and he was finally about to hit the jackpot. But then his ns got thrown for a loop by those two little rascals. Now all that was waiting for him was a prison cell.


    His boss got dragged into it too. Most of the info had leaked from him, so there was no way he could wriggle out of the me. As soon as thepany''s internal memo went out, everyone in thepany started feeling on edge. It seemed like anyone around them could be a spy.


    Besides that, the hottest topic of conversation was those two Mcdaniel kids who''d nabbed the spy. Things were different overseaspared to back home. Guns were legal over there. However, many people were surprised that such a young could shoot. He wondered what kind of mom Mr. Mcdaniel had to raise two such amazing kids.


    child


    The branch president even went out of his way to bring gifts over to thank the two little ones. He was on the hook for this mess too. If it hadn''t been for his friendship with Byron, he would have been fired. Unexpectedly, when she entered, she saw the two little ones lying by the sofa table writing with bitter expressions.


    "Mr. Mcdaniel, your boys are really something. They didn''t even let having fun stop them from doing their homework. The branch CEO wasted no time in singing their praises. But then again, it''s all thanks to you, Mr. Mcdaniel, for raising them right. Today''s whole deal was sorted out thanks to the smarts and quick thinking of these two young masters. They nipped a huge hidden danger in the bud for thepany. You''ve gotta give them a proper reward."


    Byron shot a nce at the two little ones. "I''ve already taken care of that."


    The two little guys tightened their grip on their pens. ''Does he want the "reward" of not being allowed to go home for dinner if they don''t finish writing?'' Humans'' joys and sorrows were not interlinked.


    Maeve did not know what shocking things her sons had done today. The practical learning arranged by Yoke headquarters was very intensive and full of dry goods, which made her feel that she had benefited greatly.


    The only fly in the ointment was that the other people in charge probably regarded her as a reserve executive who would take over a branch in the future and were very hostile to her. She used to be a top-notch designer. With her creds, she could''ve reced any of them in a heartbeat.


    When someone asked, Maeve just straight-up told them she had her own studio and wasn''t looking to work at Yoke. Only then did the hostility in their eyes dial it back a notch.


    At noon, the two stylish designers who''d been chatting with Maeve invited her out to lunch at a restaurant.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Oh, beautifuldy, may I sit beside you?" A flirty male voice cut through Maeve''s friendly talk with the designers. She looked up


    and saw a guy with curly brown hair, holding a te and trying to give her what he thought was a charming wink.


    She replied politely, "Please sit somewhere else."


    A flirty male voice cut through Maeve''s friendly convo with the designers. She looked up and saw a guy with curly brown hair, holding a te and trying to give her what he thought was a charming wink. 15:47 Fri, Dec 6 G


    Maeve furrowed her brow and said, "I don''t need friends like yo


    space."

 Chapter 426

    The guy felt all kinds of awkward and shot Maeve Reese a mean look. "Who are you looking down on, woman? Do who I am? Do you still want to survive in the fashion industry in the future?" He tapped the table with his hand, looking conceited, and arrogant.


    Maeve was just about to tell him to scram when she


    "Ms. Reese, there you are."


    ed by a familiar booming voice..


    you


    know


    Fran''s eyes lit up the second he saw Maeve. He ditched his secretary and hightailed it over. He grinned and asked her, "How you holding up today? Keeping up with the lessons okay?"


    There weren''t a whole lot of people in the restaurant. When they saw this scene, they started eyeballing Maeve and Fran, trying to figure out what the deal was between them.


    Everybody knew Yoke was just one of the Richard family''s assets! Fran was Warren''s only son and was set to inherit his title and all that good stuff in the future.


    An aristocratic bachelor like him had nock of admirers.


    When Maeve heard Fran''s words, she couldn''t help but think he''de just for her. Remembering Mr. Warren''s whole matchmaking thing before, she couldn''t help but feel a bit squirmy seeing him now. She hoped she was wrong.


    "Thanks for asking. I''m doing just fine," she said, a bit out of sorts


    Fran''s expression shifted a tad when he saw the dude next to her. "Anything else?"


    "N-no, I''ll leave now!" The man smiled awkwardly and fled with his te.


    Fran looked away and beamed at Maeve. "I''m back in town for a bit to handle some business. I''ll be around for a while. If you need a hand, hit me or my secretary up. Don''t be a stranger Maeve nodded and thanked him for his kindness.


    He didn''t stick around long. After chatting with Maeve for a bit, he took off in a rush.


    The second he left, the dead silence in the restaurant red right back up.


    Maeve wasn''t sure if it was just her imagination, but those fancy managers were ring daggers at her.


    As evening approached, Maeve went to the washroom and was about to return, but the door of the cubicle could not be opened.


    Right then, a bucket of gross, dirty water came crashing down from above the stall. Even though she managed to dodge quickly, her clothes still got soaked.


    Acentugh came from next door. He threw down the bucket and quickly fled,


    Maeve had a headache. Fran had really drawn a lot of hatred for him.


    On the first day he came here, he mentioned the toilet prank.


    These people were really boring.


    III


    4


    C


    62%


    She took off her wet jacket and held it in her hand. She hopped up on the toilet and grabbed the top of the stall door. She swung over andnded in the next stall. She smoothed out her skirt and strolled out. When she saw the puddle of water on the floor that could''ve made her take a spill, she tiptoed around it.


    Unexpectedly, the bathroom door wouldn''t open either. Looked like it''d been locked from the outside. No matter how hard she pushed, it was no use. Maeve looked around. She shoved open the only window there and peeked down. From two floors up, she figured she wouldn''t die from the fall. If she hung around here, she''d freeze to death. Without thinking too hard about it, she hopped out the window.


    Plop!


    The moment hended, Maeve had a bad feeling.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    She seemed to have hit someone.


    This scene was familiar, as if the same situation had happened before.


    That thought just zipped through Maeve''s head. She scrambled up and reached out to yank the poor schmuck who happened to be passing by and got caught off guard by her.


    "I''m sorry. Are you okay?"


    The guy used her hand to pull himself up and rubbed his forehead, which was all bruised up from smacking the ground. He looked at Maeve and grumbled, "Lady, you ain''t gonna die from jumping from this height. At most, you''ll get banged up. There''s a whole lotta good stuff in the world. Don''t be such a wuss and let things get to you. Think about friends."


    your family and

 Chapter 427

    Maeve felt like she was back in her school days getting chewed out by the principal.


    The guy in front of her didn''t seem all that old. He looked like he was in his twenties tops. He was rocking a dark blue high-end suit with a matching vest. He was tall andnky, and his face was as chiseled and good-looking as a statue. It was enough to attract people''s attention.


    He looked a little familiar.


    Maeve didn''t give too much thought to why he looked kinda familiar. She quickly exined that she didn''t jump out of the building to off herself. Instead, she hopped out the window to escape cuz she''d been locked up maliciously.


    Hearing she wasn''t trying to kill herself, the guy''s expression eased up a bit. Seeing her all wet and looking pitiful, a glimmer of sympathy shed in his dark brown eyes.


    The man picked up the jacket, brushed it off, and handed it to her. Then he pulled a few bills out of his wallet. "Here, take this. Head home quickly. Don''t do anything this risky again."


    "No, thanks. I''m good." Maeve waved her hand fast and declined Sorry, I crashed into you just now. My family be here to pick me up in a bit. Thanks for being so nice."


    The guy didn''t push it. Heid the jacket in her hand and took off.


    "Man..." Maeve wanted to give it back to him, but before she knew it, he even look back.


    She could only give up.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    was already on the other side of the street and didn''t


    About ten minutester, Byron pulled up to get her. When he saw she was soaked and wearing slowly knitted his brows.


    some strange dude''s coat, he


    "Who did this to you?"


    by your


    Maeve peeked at the two snoozing kids in the backseat and whispered, "I got targeted by a crazy chick and got doused with dirty water. She even locked me in the bathroom. I jumped out the window and made a run for it." "Jumped out the window?" Byron''s dark eyes narrowed as he leaned over to check her out. "You hurt anywhere?"


    There was no way Maeve was gonna let him lift her clothes. She grabbed his hand right away and shook her head, her ears turning red. "I''m okay. I just identally bumped into a passerby. He even lent me his jacket." That guy''s words were super old-school, not li

 Chapter 428

    42


    When they got back to the vi, Byron scooped up a snoozing little rascal with one arm and hauled them upstairs to their


    1. om.


    Maeve had to stifle augh when she saw him lugging his kid around. Was he carrying his son or a sack of potatoes? He was not gentle at all.


    If it weren''t for the fact that she was all wet and ufortable, she''d definitely snap a pic with her phone as a keepsake.


    She headed to her room and took a steamy shower to wash off that stinky sewage smell. She changed into her nightie and stepped out of the bathroom.


    The dressing table, which had been empty during the day, was now filled.


    It was filled with all her usual skincare and makeup stuff. It was like a mini beauty supply store, allid out.


    He didn''t need to guess to know who did it.


    Maeve, who''d just been griping about Byron''sck of tenderness in her head, felt a pang in her heart. Even though she wasn''t really sure what her feelings were for him. But at least... he cared about her.


    Perhaps she was still far from liking him, but she could wait.


    t


    When it came to rtionships, Maeve would never turn back.


    She sat down and applied fragrance on herself before walking downstairs with light footsteps.


    Byron Mcdaniel was already hard at work in the kitchen. After shedding his suit jacket, he was just in a ck shirt and cks, making him look even taller and leaner.


    His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing a fair forearm with bulging veins. His thin muscles were smooth and sexy. Even the way he cut the vegetables was as handsome as a painting. Maeve stared for a sec and then walked over to grab the apron. She sidled up behind him and said, "Lift your arm."


    "Huh?" Byron didn''t even look up. After giving her a quick once-over, he dutifully raised his arm.


    Maeve walked in front of him and helped him put on his apron.


    "What''s with the sudden niceness?" Byron shot her a surprised look.


    She even avoided him when she asked for a morning kiss in the morning, as if she was afraid that he would eat her up.


    Now, he actually, took the initiative to approach her?


    "I''m just putting on an apron," Maeve said, trying to y it cool. Just as she was about to step back, Byron snagged her around the waist, and she nearly crashed into him. "What are you dong?"


    "You still owe me something." Byron grinned, his hand on her slender waist. "I left it this morning.


    Maeve immediately thought of that pesky morning kiss she''d dodged. Her fair cheeks flushed pink.


    Sat,


    61%


    "Why do I have


    Rajab''s Family Wedding Cards Distributed Sessfully Dogar naraz ho gyan


    "It''s indeed unreasonable. For example, why wait until tomorrow night to get back what you owe mest night? It''s the same tonight."


    eve thought for a second and immediately changed his words. "I think what you said today makes sense. I''llpensate you now."


    The twinkle in Byron''s eyes got even brighter, like he was waiting for his payback.


    Even though she knew they were the only two around and no one was gonna see them, Maeve couldn''t help but feel jittery. Her fingers were clenched tight.


    "If you drag this out, they''ll wake up," Byron drawled. "It''s not our first kiss. You need me to show you how?"


    Maeve''s face went beet red. She gave him a flustered re and stood on her tiptoes to peck his thin lips.


    Little did she know Byron was ready for her. His wet hands snaked around her slim waist. He hoisted her up a bit and plopped her on the kitchen counter. He cradled the back of her head and pulled her in close. No matter how gentle a strong person was, it could not change their strong character.


    At first, Byron was still in the mood to tease her. When her breathing became chaotic and she subconsciously opened her mouth, he would slowly taste it.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    However, once he touched her fragrance, his rationality kept slipping away.


    He wanted to take more and deeper, to rub her into his blood and fuse her into one.


    Maeve finally got why he''d hoisted her up there first. It wasn''t cuz she was short and he was tired of bending down.


    It was because he was afraid that she would lose her bnce and affect his performance!


    The faucet in the sink was probably a little loose. Every now and then, it dripped, matching Maeve''s pounding heart. She felt weak, and her head was starting to spin from ack of oxygen.


    She did not even notice when her nightdress was rubbed to her waist.


    "Okay." Byron let her go, panting. The intensity in his narrowed eyes was almost scary. His voice was tight and controlled. "We''ll finish this tonight."


    These words woke up Maeve''s dizzy brain. His face was so hot that it almost exploded.


    Byron could not help but kiss her red cheek. "You still want more?"


    "No!" Maeve retorted angrily. He pushed him away and was about to jump off the counter.


    Byron raised his hand to block her and helped her straighten the belt that had fallen below her shoulders, followed by the hem of her dress that had been ruffled just now.


    Only then did Maeve see the "hot mess" she''d made of him. She was so mortified her heart skipped a beat.


    -She couldn''t help but swat his hand. "Can''t you keep it in check? Stop pawing at me. What kind of morning kiss was that?"


    Byron smoothed out the wrinkles on her skirt and raised an eyebrow. "Don''t say she''s from the Grace Faction. She can''t hold a candle to our Beast Faction." She looked like a beast to him.


    Sat,


    Maeve cursed him in his heart and ran out of the kitchen without looking back.


    After a while, she ran back and deliberately went around to the sink to wash the vegetables.


    Byron looked at her and chuckled, "Maeve, if I wanted me?"


    61%


    make a move on you here, you think a pair of pyjamas would stop She changed into her pyjamas as if that was going to do any good. Maeve ignored him. She felt safer wearing this. What could he do?


    "Go out and wait. I''ll make dinner," Byron said again.


    "Don''t."


    "Aren''t you afraid that I can''t control myself now?"


    Maeve shot him a fiery re. "Will and Theo said yesterday they wanted some of my soup. You don''t know how to make it. Otherwise, she wouldn''t havee back.


    "I won''t." Byron slowly picked up the green pepper again. "Don''t I still have you?"


    Hearing his hidden meaning, Maeve''s face that had finally cooled down heated up again. He turned his head away and continued washing the vegetables.


    In the end, Maeve only made soup. The other dishes were all made by Byron.


    He seemed to know how to cook more and more.


    Previously, there were only those few things. Now, there was a trend ofprehensive development.


    Maeve had a nagging feeling of doom. She couldn''t let him learn to make soup. Otherwise, where would she fit in the


    kitchen?


    The two little ones probably smelled it. The second the food hit the table, they bound down the stairs, their short legs going a mile a minute. "Mommy, mommy! Loren is in trouble!"

 Chapter 429

    Maeve saw them scurrying over all worried. When he heard this, his expression did a flip. "Loren, what''s going on?"


    "Tom called just a bit ago. Loren got sent to the hospital cuz of poisoning!" Theo was still huffing and puffing, and his little kid voice was a bit hoarse. "Tom asked us to head over and check it out pronto. The car he sent is on its way!" Poisoned?!'' Maeve remembered Loren had said before that things in the royal family were a bit iffytely. The undercurrents were surging inside, and it was probably not very peaceful. His heart sank. Half an hourter, at the Royal Hospital.


    This ce was only for the royal family. There were guards all over the ce, and they checked everything. Anyone going in or out had to go through a whole bunch of checks and ID verification. Outside Loren''s ward were pce guards in their military uniforms, with guns on their hips. They stood all straight and tall, giving off a tough guy vibe.


    As soon as Maeve and the crew showed up, Tom got the word and came out to greet them.


    When he saw Byron tagging along with Maeve, a glimmer of shock shed in Tom''s ss-gray eyes.


    He''d always thought Maeve''s boyfriend was just some regr businessman.


    It wasn''t till he got back to the country and started handling some stuff. When he was looking into the Xasia leak, he spotted a sealed doc with the name "S" in the royal family''s top-secret archives. In the photo, it was the man''s face.


    Byron felt Tom''s sizing-up stare and lifted his eyelids like he knew something was up.


    Tom retracted his gaze and quickly walked to Maeve.


    "Tom, Loren, how''s he doing now?" Maeve blurted out. "Why''d he get poisoned?"


    Theo tugged at Tom''s clothes. "How''s Loren?"


    Tom nodded slightly. "Follow me in first."


    In the ward, not long after the doc left, Loren was propped up against the headboard. He looked a bit peaky and was twirling an energy


    bar in his mouth.


    When he saw Maeve and the two little ones enter, he immediately perked up. His originally droopy ck curly hair curled


    1. up.


    Loren patted the bed. "Come quickly!"


    "Are you alright? I heard that you were poisoned?" Maeve walked over and sat down. He reached out to touch Byron''s, forehead, but Byron stopped him halfway. "Men and women should keep their distance," Byron said cool as a cucumber.


    The corner of Loren''s mouth twitched. "Who is he?"


    Why shouldn''t touch his head?


    "Loren, this is my and Theo''s father," Will said softly.


    C


    19:07 Sat,


    Theo whispered, "I haven''t acknowledged him yet."


    Vhen they heard that, Loren and Tom both looked at Byron at the same time. Their looks got all critical, and there was even a hint of snootiness in their hearts.


    However, no one said anything because they didn''t have a position.


    Maeve asked again, "How''d you get poisoned? Found out who did it?"


    When it came to that, Loren scratched his noggin all sheepish. "Sorry, I made you fret. Truth is, I took the poison myself"


    "What?!"


    "I talked it over with Theo before. I was gonna get him toe over and treat one of my rtives. But Uncle and I figured someone was keeping tabs on us. We haven''t found out who yet, and we don''t know what they''re after. Just to be safe, I had to take a risk and get you guys over here again."


    After exining, Loren looked at Maeve all guilty and sorry. "Didn''t mean to fib to you, but it''s the safest bet for now."


    His mother''s condition could not be dyed any longer.


    In any case, he was still young and his body was resistant to diseases. Eating some poison was nothing.


    It was said that most of the children in Setigal grew up eating poison.


    For a prince like him to be so ruthless to himself, it made Byron think highly of him..


    It was clear there were more than just party animals in Erancia''s royal family.


    57


    Maeve couldn''t help but ruffle Loren''s little curls. "You''ve been through it. But next time you''ve got a problem, talk it over with us more before making a move. Don''t go gambling with your health."


    "You hear that?" Tom''s lecture was a bitte, but it came. "I told you I''d find a way to set it up ASAP, but you wouldn''t listen. If anything happened to you, you think we''d feel good?"


    Loren chuckled. "I can''t wait anymore, can I?"


    After Theo took his pulse, he jotted down a prescription for detox and got back on his feet. Told him to follow it and he''d be good as new, with nosting effects.


    After that, Tom brought him to the ward on the top floor.


    Maeve and the others stayed in ward Loren to wait.


    Will was a little sleepy. Bit by bit, she forced herself to stay awake


    Byron reached out and picked him up. He let him sit on his arm and whispered, "Go to sleep. Daddy will carry you."


    "Thank you, Daddy," Will said in a daze and soon fell asleep on his father''s shoulder.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Seeing the natural state of father and son getting along, Loren''s hostility towards Byron lessened a little.


    This man looked pretty good. He could barely be considered worthy of her.


    Maeve tucked a nket around Will. He thought about it and couldn''t help but be curious. "Loren, Tom, was it you who brought Theo to see your mom?" Loren nodded. "It''s my mother, Princess Wren."


    61%


    19:07 Sat, Dec 7 dati


    However, when he left Erancia, he would announce to the public that he was the Queen''s nephew to prevent others from investigating his identity.


    Because his identity... wasn''t that glorious.


    I don''t often hear you mention her. What was she like?''


    The corners of Loren''s mouth twitched. "My mom... she''s a real enigma. She''s drop-dead gorgeous, a total knockout. The people used to call her the most talented and charming Empire Rose. But that was back in the day." Unlike his so-called sister, Princess Fiora, who called herself the "Rose of the Empire", Wren was the shiniest pearl in the eyes of the Erancia people.


    She was once the Queen''s favourite and the heir apparent. Once she came of age, she''d get the title.


    And yet...


    She fled.


    It was said that she had gone far away with the lover she had met in the people.


    No one knew where they had gone. No one could find them.


    It was not until five yearster that the Queen''s people found Wren, who had just given birth to Loren, in a seaside city.


    She was in a car ident and was dying in a pool of blood. After they saved her, not only could she not move, but she couldn''t talk either.


    The Queen was probably let down by her daughter. Even though she got taken care of aftering back to the country, the Queen never looked her way again.


    She abandoned her mother and her people for her lover. In the end, because of her lover''s abandonment, she lost her sweet mom and the folks who adored her. She might not be wrong, but she must be unlucky.


    That was Maeve''s first gut reaction after hearing Loren''s story.


    B

 Chapter 430

    No wonder Maeve had never heard Loren mention his father. The royal family was secretive about Wren''s husband. Now, she understood why. The man who stole "Erancia''s Rose" and abandoned her must have been truly heartless.


    As a woman, Maeve didn''t judge Wren but felt sympathy for her despite the choices Wren had made that went against royal expectations.


    In the top-floor suite, the entire floor was reserved for just one person, filled with every luxury and specialized equipment to aid Wren''s recovery.


    Tom led Theo into the inner room, where the soft sounds of a piano drifted out. A woman with long golden hair braided over one shoulder sat at the piano, dressed in a simple white silk gown. Her slender figure emanated a quiet grace.


    "Wren," Tom said gently, holding Theo''s hand as they approached. "I came to visit, and I brought a little guest." Wren paused her ying looking over at them. Her green eyes, strikingly simr to Loren''s, held a hint of sadness. "Why bring a child here?" she asked softly, her voice almost ethereal.


    Theo looked up at her, noticing how much she resembled Tom. "Hi, Auntie! I''m Theo, Tom''s good friend!" Theo said, his voice sweet and clear. "I''m also a doctor, a really good one! Tom brought me to help you." Wren chuckled. "Do you have a medical license?"


    Theo pulled a stack of certificates from his pocket, dropping papers everywhere. "Hold on. I''ll find the right one!" Theo eximed.


    With Theo''s stack of credentials, he looked like a tiny hustler. Tom stifled augh behind a cough.


    "Aha! Here it is!" Theo held up a certificate proudly.


    Wren smiled, her sadness softening. "So you''re really qualified. How do you n to treat me?"


    "No rush." Theo moved closer, peering up at her. "Wren, was that Moonlight Sonata'' you were ying? My mommy loves


    teach me?" that


    song. I want to learn it so I can y it for her. Will youExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Wren, used to stiff royal courtesies, was charmed by Theo''s open-hearted warmth. Though just a child, he was earnest and engaging. Wren''s heart softened.


    Wren nodded gently. "Of course."


    Theo settled beside her with a grin. "You first."


    Soft, tender music filled the room again.


    An hourter, Theo and Tom left the ward.


    "Tom, Wren''s illness is more in her heart than her body," Theo said, pacing with his hands behind his back like a wise old doctor. "It''s like candle that''s still burning but hollow inside." Tom''s expression grew solemn, but Theo''s serious little walk made him smile.


    "Can she get better?"


    "Physically, yes, but I can''t fix what''s in her heart. I haven''t studied that part yet."


    <


    Tom sighed. "Of all the loctors, you''re the only one who truly has a chance of helping her. My mother and I only wish for her to be healthy again." Curious, Theo looked up. "How did Wren end up like this?"


    As the elevator doors opened, Tom led him in. "Because she trusted the wrong person."


    "What happened?"


    "When my sister was young, she''d sneak out of the pce. Mother tried to stop her, but the more she was punished, the more Wren rebelled.


    Eventually, those who held grudges against the royal family saw her as an easy target. They set up an ''ident'' as a warning. That''s when she disappeared," Tom said.


    Theo''s eyes widened. "Then what?"


    "She was on the run, injured and unable to return. A man saved her, and they fell in love. We found her five yearster, but only after she''d been in a car ident. That triggered her lost memories to return." "What about Wren''s lover?"


    "Him?" Tom scoffed. "He left and never looked back."


    Theo''s little face twisted in anger. "What a jerk! How could he just abandon her?"


    Tom sighed, agreeing silently. His sister had risked everything for Loren, only to be left behind. Tom gently patted Theo''s head. "For the sake of Wren''s reputation, let''s keep this story between us, alright?" Theo nodded seriously. "I won''t


    say a word."


    Theo wasn''t sure why, but something about Wren felt familiar, drawing him in. That''s why he''d asked her to teach him the piano, a perfect reason to return and "help" her.


    Touching his chin, Theo pondered, a little theatrically, ''Is this what people called fate?''


    It was nearly ten by the time Maeve and Byron arrived back at the vi with the kids. Food had been kept warm in the kitchen, ready to be served. The children had filled up on snacks at the hospital, so there was no worry about them going to bed hungry. Maeve sipped her soup, her mind wandering back to something Loren had mentioned, filling her with a strange sadness. Byron ced a piece of steak on her te, his voice calm. "Stop overthinking. Just eat."


    Maeve blinked, surprised. "How did you know I was overthinking?"


    "Your face says it all," Byron scoffed.


    Maeve pouted, nibbling the steak he''d given her. Taking a bite of her vegetables, she sighed. "Byron, if you were a royal heir, would you give up the throne for love?"


    Byron raised a brow. "Where''s thising from?"


    "Never mind. You probably wouldn''t understand love anyway." Maeve shook her head, realizing her question was silly, and went back to her food.


    Byron rolled his eyes, cing a piece of shrimp in her bowl. "It''s going to be a long day. Fill up your stomach."


    Maeve''s heart skipped, a sense of unease creeping in.


    71421 Sun Deca

 Chapter 431

    Maeve had never met anyone pettier than Byron. One teasingment, and he''d punished her the whole night.


    Erancia''s moon at four in the morning was bright and round.


    Later, Byron carried Maeve back to bed, wrapped her in his arms, and rested his chin on her freshly dried hair, closing his eyes in contentment,


    Exhausted, Maevey still, too tired to even move her fingers. Sleepily, she asked, "So, when are you leaving?"


    There was no way he could stay here forever. Her body, especially her waist, couldn''t keep up with him.


    Maeve wasn''t sure where Byron found the energy. He worked long days, yet still managed to keep her up all night.


    "Why? Want me to leave?" Byron''s voice was a low rasp,ced with lingering desire, and it made her heart skip.


    Maeve had already been swept away by his charm far too many times that night. He''d only seemed to grow more intense since they''d cleared the air between themst time, especially in certain ways.


    Maeve shrank back. "No, I was just curious about your sudden visit. What about work back home?"


    Byron pulled her closer, his voice soft. "Thepany won''t fall apart if I take some time off. The Mcdaniel Group is bing more international, so I''ll be traveling more. I came out a bit early this time, just to check in."


    There were still loose ends. Business espionage didn''t end just because one spy was caught. If there was one mole, there were likely more.


    Maeve listened quietly before asking, "So, where do you get all this energy?"


    "Hm?"


    "Aren''t you tired?"


    "Of course." Byron chuckled, leaning into her neck, still fragrant from her shower. He kissed her shoulder slowly. "But even if I''m exhausted, I still have enough in me to make sure some ''petty'' woman doesn''t think I''m only here to keep herpany in bed." M?eve squirmed at his touch, trying to ignore the sting of his words. He''d been especially attentive the past few nights, which only irritated her more.


    If he didn''t care, he should''ve just left her alone instead of acting like he was doing her a favor.


    Maeve fell asleep quickly, drifting into a deep, dreamless rest. Despite thete night, she woke surprisingly r¨¦freshed.


    After Byron dropped Maeve off at Trazir headquarters, he took the kids to his office again, just as he had the day before. Though the kids preferred to stay with her, they had no choice.


    Maeve smiled, picturing her two little ones giving her puppy-dog eyes as she left. It was good for them to spend time with their father. Rtionships needed nurturing, especially between Byron and Theo.


    - As Maeve approached the lecture hall, she heard faintughter from inside and paused at the door, catching snippets of


    conversation.


    "Trazir''s never let outsiders join training before. Sure, she''s talented, but who here isn''t? That smile she gave Mr. Richard yesterday? Please! Just another gold-digger using her looks to get ahead." "Sandy, isn''t that a bit harsh? Maeve was a royal designer, after all. Knowing Mr. Richard doesn''t make her a loose woman,"Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    68%


    14-21 Sun, Dec 8


    one woman said,


    "Sandy, think before you speak," one woman warned.


    "And as women, we''re supposed to support each other. Trashing her without proof just makes you look bad, not her, another woman said.


    Most of the people present were women, who were intelligent and not so quick to believe rumors.


    Some women, tired of Sandy''s gossip, who also admired Maeve walked away. Sandy''s face reddened with anger as she prepared a retort, until the door swung open.


    Heads turned. A figure moved in and without hesitation, raised her hand and pped Sandy across the face. Sandy''s face swelled and her hair was a mess.


    The room fell silent, everyone frozen in shock at Maeve''s sudden move.


    Sandy clutched her swollen cheek. "Fuck!""


    Maeve grabbed Sandy''s arm and twisted it behind Sandy''s back, pushing her down until her face hovered over the table.


    Maeve''d picked up some judo skills, not enough against a pro, but plenty to handle Sandy.


    Holding/Sandy down, Maeve''s voice was cold. "Weren''t you just having fun? Go on. Why so quiet now?"


    Sandy''s face flushed red, her body pinned to the table. She gritted her teeth, helplessly restrained.


    "Well, looks like Sandy finally met her match," someone murmured. Most of the onlookers had little sympathy for Sandy, whose loose tongue had hurt others plenty of times.


    Maeve leaned closer, her gaze icy. "Was it you who locked me in the bathroom yesterday and dumped that dirty water on me? Not much skill, but a lot of nerve. Someone like you shouldn''t be leading anyone here." Sandy struggled. "Let me go!"


    "Apologize, or I''ll break your arm."


    "Dream on! Ahh!"


    Maeve twisted Sandy''s arm slightly, listening to Sandy''s cry with pure indifference. "Onest chance, or I''ll take your other


    arm next."


    Sandy trembled, cold sweat beading on her brow. She''d underestimated Maeve, mistaking her quiet confidence for weakness. But this woman was a thorned rose, beautiful, but dangerous to cross. Shaken, Sandy stammered, "I-I''m sorry! I won''t do it again!"


    Maeve threatened, "If anything likest night happens again, I''ll assume you''re behind it. So if you want both arms intact, remember when you see me."


    0

 Chapter 432

    Maeve pressed down on Sandy''s arm, until Sandy screamed, holding her in ce.


    ''Next time, take a different path." Maeve said coolly.


    Sandy nearly fainted from the pain, sinking to her knees, speechless. Maeve''s words lingered over her like a shadow, crushing any thoughts of revenge.


    Others who''d gossiped like Sandy felt a new wariness around Maeve, wondering if they''d be next. But some admired Maeve''s resolve. A few who already liked her now felt a stronger respect. After all, who wouldn''t be impressed by someone with such talent, elegance, and courage?


    Maeve had expected her assertiveness would make others keep their distance, but to her surprise, more people began approaching her. She sensed a newfound respect from her peers, and the morning passed without incident. During lunch, Arthur called Maeve aside, concerned about the incident.


    Unlike Maeve, department heads like Arthur had to manage both their teams and pass evaluations from upper management. If they didn''t meet expectations, they could be demoted.


    Arthur wanted to fire Sandy. Thepetition within Trazir was intense, and they could afford to lose someone like Sandy. If she got fired, no other fashionpany would take her in. Arthur practically wore his support for Maeve on his sleeve, but Maeve felt a bit ufortable. She appreciated his good intentions but sensed something felt off. "Thanks, Mr. Arthur, but it''s settled. There''s no need for further action," Maeve said.


    Unless Sandy decided to start more trouble, Maeve was ready to move on. But if Arthur intervened, it might look like Sandy''s usations had some merit.


    Arthur nodded, smiling. "If you''re sure, Ms. Reese. I''ll handle any other disciplinary issues to prevent this from happening again."


    A sharp voice interrupted them. "Arthur t''Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    going on?"


    Maeve turned and recognized the voice. It was Fiora, storming over, eyes zing. Maeve hadn''t expected her to be here.


    Fiora''s anger red when she saw Maeve. She stepped between them, creating distance. "You again? Weren''t you already sent back to wherever you came from? Why are you back?" "Princess Fiora," Maeve replied calmly, "this has nothing to do with you."


    Fiora''s expression twisted. "Oh? Couldn''t catch my brother, so now you''re after my fianc¨¦?" Fiora sneered. "Are you that jealous of me?"


    Maeve held her ground. "You''re mistaken. Loren and I are just friends. I''m not interested in your fianc¨¦."


    Fiora scoffed, lifting her chin with contempt. "I know your type! I''ve seen plenty of women wing their way up from nothing. I just haven''t bothered to put you in your ce until now. Stay away from Arthur, or you''ll regret it!" Maeve''s face hardened. She couldn''t understand how someone as polite as Loren could be rted to this woman. They barely seemed like siblings at all.


    Arthur held back Fiora and said, "Fiora, I''ve always thought of you as a sister, nothing more. We aren''t engaged, so stop spreading lies. Ms. Reese and I are strictly professional. Apologize to her. This behavior isn''t fitting for a princess." 1/2 Chapter 432


    Fiora looked hurt. "Arthur, you''re choosing her over me? After everything?"


    "I''m not taking sides. You''re out of line," Arthur replied firmly. "This attitude isn''t you. When did you start acting like this?"


    Fiora flushed, hurt by the words of her crush. She turned her anger on Maeve, ring as if she wanted to strike her.


    "What are you still looking at?" Fiora hissed. "Get out! You lowlymoner, go back where you came.from. Stop reaching for what you''ll never have!"


    Fiora seethed with anger toward Maeve. If Arthur weren''t here, Flora would have torn Maeve apart.


    ''First, this woman steals away Loren, and now she''s after my man too!'' Fiora fumed inwardly. Fiora couldn''t understand why these lowlymoners from the poorest corners were so shameless. They didn''t even know their ce!'' Maeve''s expression turned icy. "It''s incredible you''re a princess. If you''re what royalty is, that''s the world''s biggest joke."


    With that, she turned to leave.


    Fiora shouted after her, voice filled with fury. "You''ll never be more than amoner! Even if you had a lifetime, you couldn''te close to me. You''re fit only to grovel, yet you dare dream of taking what''s mine!"


    Arthur, visibly upset, quickly pulled Fiora away, hoping to end the scene. As he led her out, he banned Fiora from evering to the office again. Fiora, sitting in her car with anger simmering, was determined no one would take her ce in Arthur''s life. Maeve had tried to exin things to Fiora but Fiora refused to see reason. Over the next few days, Maeve kept an eye out for Fiora but was relieved when Fiora didn''t reappear.


    Sandy, on the other hand, seemed different after their confrontation, even offering Maeve a drink as a quiet peace gesture before slipping away.


    Later that day, Maeve waited outside Trazir headquarters for Byron to pick her up as usual. Suddenly, a ck car screeched to a stop beside her. Before she could react, a group of men grabbed her, covering her mouth and dragging her into the car/ Maeve''s heart raced with fear. She struggled, but her cries were muffled, and her phone slipped from her pocket, falling to the pavement as the car door mmed shut and left.

 Chapter 433

    In an abandoned warehouse, the thick smell of paint filled the air, stinging the eyes. Machines buzzed ominously, filling the space with a low, constant hum.


    Maeve was yanked by the hair and thrown to the ground, her knee scraping hard against the rough floor as blood trickled down. She held back a cry, refusing to show weakness.


    "Hard to believe that spineless Henry fathered such a tough daughter," one of the men sneered.


    "Years ago, your father promised to share the jewelry with us, then ran off with it. Since you''re his daughter, you must know where the rest is hidden."


    Maeve clenched her fists, forcing herself to think despite the pain in her knee. She knew she couldn''t overpower them, especially since the self-defense bracelet Will had modified for her had fallen off in the struggle. All she could do now was stall. "Henry abandoned me over twenty years ago," Maeve said, trying to keep her voice steady. "The police already seized some of the jewelry he had. Oply Henry knows where the rest is. I''m not the person you''re looking for."


    The men didn''t buy it, crowding closer. "Don''t waste our time with lies. Either tell us the truth, or things will get very ugly for you," one demanded.


    Maeve bit her lip. "Fine. The truth is, before Henry disappeared, he sent me some packages. The jewelry was hidden in those, and it''s at my house. Don''t hurt me, and I''ll give it all to you."


    The men exchanged looks, seemingly considering it. For a moment, Maeve thought her bluff might work. But then the leader''s expression darkened, and he pped her hard.


    "Think you can fool us? Lying will only make this worse!" he said, snarling.


    Maeve''s mind reeled, unsure what


    gave


    her away.


    "Put her on it," the leader ordered his men gruffly.


    Rough hands lifted her and dragged her over to a wooden table, where they strapped her arms and legs with iron restraints The buzzing sound grew louder as a switch flipped. Looking up, she saw the source, arge chainsaw, its cold de hovering menacingly overhead. Maeve''s heart sank as the hum intensified, the teeth of the saw glinting above her.


    Panicked, Maeve tried to sound cooperative. "Let''s not go overboard. If it''s jewelry you want, I can make sure you get it. Why waste time with this? Besides, what my father stole isn''t even worth it." Maeve knew she had to keep talking to buy time, but the men were unmoved. They onlyughed at her fear.


    "You think this is just about jewelry? Your father''s betrayal put a target on your back. Since we couldn''t find him, you''re here to pay his debt," one of them said.


    "You''ve got no one to me but yourself for being born into that family," another added with a cruel grin. "So, what''s it gonna be, a hand or a foot?"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Maeve''s body turned numb as fear strangled her. She wanted to live. None of this was her fault.


    Maeve''s heart pounded as the chainsaw dropped a few more inches, close enough now that she could feel the cold air from its de. She broke into a sweat, her body going numb with fear "Wait! Please, give me a second to think!" she cried. "I''ll get you more jewelry. Just give me a moment."


    One of them hit the switch flowing the chainsaw. The saw continued to sway above her, Inching closer as dread settled deep in her bones.


    Maeve stared at the chainsaw swinging closer, just inches from her face. Her vision began to fade, and an uncontroble fear took over, making her body go numb until she was barely conscious, No one, no matter how strong, could stay calm facing death like this. The only sound Macve could hear was the relentless buzz of the chainsaw, drawing nearer and nearer. Her forehead. dripping with sweat, burned with pain from the rushing des.


    And then, the chainsaw stopped.


    The burly men who had beenughing at Macve''s terror froze, feeling the cold press of a gun''s ck muzzle against the backs of their heads.


    "Who the hell are you?" one of them n stammered


    Byron stood in the shadows, half-hidden in a ck trench coat. His narrow, dark eyes burned with a terrifying intensity.


    When he saw Maeve unconscious on the bed, his face tightened a red glint shing at the corners of his eyes, and his grip on the gun turned white-knuckled.


    A gunshot shattered the silence.


    One of the burly men copsed, clutching his ear, blood streaming from the fresh wound as he howled in pain. More shots followed, this time targeting their hands, each bullet met with sprays of blood and the thick, metallic scent that filled the


    room.


    The rage in Byron''s chest surged, relentless and consuming. He didn''t want to control it. He needed to see blood spilled to even begin to calm down.


    Tom, who hade with Byron, stood nearby, watching coldly. Leave the rest to me. I''ll make sure these men rot in cktomb Prison. They won''t see daylight again," Tom said icily, disgust in his voice. Tom had always seen Maeve as family and wouldn''t let this go unpunished.


    Byron said nothing, striding forward to unshackle Maeve. He lifted her gently, pressing a rare, tender kiss to her damp forehead as he carried her out of the blood-stained warehouse.


    "Take her to Royal Hospital," Tom called after him. "I''ve already arranged everything."

 Chapter 434

    we have a m


    **Mugs The Burgh hard to


    das y


    te huge to busy t


    me vidi old her to


    thened well to do ang dad wou the ded big head


    by gr


    A when the few to the all tithes Moines day Atable them


    to


    By Papevasion was suits his oly War dif you


    men


    Unsurprised Tom said. Those are from the dune Merry Group Henry Hew them werp They


    elped him with a jewelry heat, but he ended with their at the loot. They''ve been adding a grudge on de


    of


    Byron''s gaze darkened "How did they food Mars


    we


    "They im to have followed her since the arred as emessa dorit add up 17 hey there, wanted her to suffer Even if their story had some truth, something about it felt of muring Maeve for revenge age and widely Byron''s frown deepened. "Track their movements. I want every detail, who they met, whow they trail "Of course," Tom answered.


    Tom stepped inside briefly to check on Marve, dropping off some things before heading out


    Outside the room. Byron called the two little ones waiting for news at home.


    The call connected, and Theo''s worried voice burst out. "Did you find Mommy? is the hurt? Where are


    Will, just as anxious, asked, "What''s going on. Dad? Is Mom okay?


    "Your mom''s a bit injured and still unconscious from the shock, but she''ll be alright with some not," Byron anESTL?


    Byron was honest with his children. They were young, but they were resilient. They deserve in unded the weight of protecting family.


    Theo''s voice grew wobbly. "This is your fault for not letting mee. I could''ve helped treat her! I know how!?


    Will was quieter, gripping the phone in frustration, wishing he were older and stranger.


    Having grown up around Maeve. Theo''s way of posting and pleading was almost an exact match to hers. Byron had never been able to resist Maeve''s soft pleas, even when she was unaware of how endearing she was


    1


    Naturally, he couldn''t resist Theo''s either.


    So, just monients after steeling himself to toughen up the kids'' resilience, Byron''s resolve softened, and he gave in. "Alright, be good and stay there. When Mominy wakes, I''ll bring you both


    Will''s voice brightened. "We''ll be good. Take care of Mom and yourself."


    Theo added, sounding serious, "Yeah, don''t get sick or anything. We''d have to take care of you, and you''re too big for that."


    ''What a little rascal, Byron thought.


    By afternoon, Maeve still hadn''t woken up.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Even in sleep, she kept breaking out in a cold sweat, her brows tightly furrowed as if trapped in a nightmare. Byron didn''t know what she was dreaming about, but seeing her so fearful, he guessed it was the memory of the chainsaw hovering above her on the machine. Remembering Tom''s words about the mercenaries, Byron''s face grew grim with doubt. It felt like a personal grudge against Maeve herself, not just Henry''s debt. ''But who could be after Maeve?'' Byron wondered.


    Lost in thought, Byron noticed Maeve''s cor was damp. Gently, he wiped her body and changed her into a fresh gown.


    Later in the afternoon, Tom returned.


    "Still asleep?" Tom asked, ncing at Maeve.


    Byron shook his head. "What did you find?"


    Tom''s expression grew serious. "It''s unexpected."


    "Go on."


    "I had people look into Henry York''s past," Tom said, his expression darkening. "We questioned the mercenaries and bandits who knew him back then. Turns out, Henry York never married, not even a rtionship with a woman." Byron''s face remained calm as he gently dabbed the sweat on Maeve''s forehead with a handkerchief.


    Tom continued in a lower voice, "If we can confirm he didn''t have any women around him during the years he was abroad, then it''s very possible Maeve isn''t his daughter."


    "We can''t trace his life for thest twenty years?"


    "Exactly. It''s like someone erased it."


    Byron gave a dark chuckle. "Whoever''s behind this is skilled."


    Tom nodded. The deeper they looked, the clearer it became that Henry was just a pawn, one ced to tear Maeve''s life apart. But who was orchestrating it, they still didn''t know. Tom looked at Maeve, his face softening before it darkened with thoughts of the mastermind behind her ordeal.

 Chapter 435

    "That''s all you found out?" Byron asked, his voice calm and unreadable.


    Tom hesitated. "Not quite. But I''d rather wait for Macve to wake up so I can apologize to her directly


    A soft, confused voice broke the silence. "Why are you apologizing to me?" Maeve had woken up, her face pale, her dark hair framing her features, making her look even more delicate. Tom''s face brightened. "You''re awake!"


    Byron''s icy expression softened slightly as he helped Maeve sit up, steadying her by holding her arm. He tucked a pillow behind her to make her morefortable.


    "Are you feeling alright?" Byron asked quietly, gathering Maeve''s loose hair and tying it up with a light apricot hairband from his wrist.


    The hairband belonged to Maeve. Byron had tied it around his wrist after taking it off the night before while helping her brush her hair.


    Tom had noticed it earlier but assumed it was just one of Byron''s quirks, never guessing it would actually be used for this purpose. The prince, famously single, was mildly astonished.


    Maeve still groggy, found herselfpletely distracted by his closeness and the scent of cedar enveloping her. Her eyes followed his movements as he carefully gathered her hair. Though his actions were unpracticed, they were surprisingly gentle.


    It might have been her foggy senses, but for once, Maeve found "gentle" an oddly fitting word for him, something she''d never have thought possible.


    Noticing her shy, darting gaze, Byron acted as if he hadn''t noticed. "This is my first attempt at tying hair," he said with rare humility. "Does it look close to how you''d do it?"


    Maeve''s cheeks flushed. "Yes, just tie it all up," Maeve said in a mumble.


    Byron smirked slightly, smoothing a stray strand behind her ear before pulling back.


    Tom, observing quietly, felt like a bit of an extra.


    Maeve turned to Tom with curiosity. "Tom, why did you say you wanted to apologize to me?"


    Tom''s expression grew serious. "I owe you an apology because those mercenaries who kidnapped you, iming it was revenge on Henry, were actually hired by Fiora. She wanted to scare you enough to keep you from ever returning to Erancia." Regret weighed on Tom''s face as he said, "Maeve, I''m sorry. Fiora is my niece, and I bear some responsibility for her actions. I should have guided her better."


    Maeve looked at Tom thoughtfully, her initial tension easing as she said, "Don''t me yourself entirely. Fiora might be your niece but Loren is your nephew as well and see how well he turned out. Fiora''s an adult and should be ountable for her actions." Tom still looked regretful, prompting Maeve to ask with a raised eyebrow, "You''re not apologizing just to get me to forgive her, are you?"


    "Absolutely not," Tom replied firmly. "Even though she''s a princess and my niece, she has no right to hurt others. And no matter how much my sister tries to shield h¨¦r, Fiora will face the consequences."


    <


    Maeve was touched. As a royal, Tom didn''t have to support her. The gap between her and the royal family was wide, but Tom chose to stand by her


    Byron cleared his throat, drawing Maeve''s attention back. What do you want to do about Fiora?" Byron asked.


    Tom answered steadily, "She''ll get the punishment she deservesAs to the punishment, it was left unsaid.


    After Tom left, Maeve sighed, speaking aloud. "It''s strange how two people from the same family can be so different Loren is polite, focused on his studies, and keeps to himself. He''s nothing like most spoiled heirs." Maeve added, "And Tom is also an honorable man. His sister Princess Wren is also a good person. How did the apple fall so far from the tree?"


    Byron said, squeezing her hand, "Ever consider that this particr apple isn''t part of the same tree?"


    Maeve blinked, puzzled. "You mean?"


    Byron nodded. "Fiora isn''t Wren''s biological daughter. She''s adopted and doesn''t have any royal inheritance rights. So, while she holds the princess title, she has no real power or position." Maeve gaped. "How do you know all this? Even Loren didn''t tell me."


    Byron said, "Secrets like thesee with the title. Marry me, and you''ll know them all."


    "Are you sure you''re not just making this up to keep me entertained?" Maeve said.


    Byron gave a dryugh. "What would I gain from making up stories? To have you flirting with other men in front of me


    Maeve blinked, confused. "Are you talking about Tom? That was just a normal conversation."


    Byron snorted.


    Maeve stifled augh at his obvious jealousy. When the coast was clear, she leaned in and gave him a quick, yful kiss.


    In a sh, Byron wrapped his arms around Maeve''s waist, pulling her closer. "That wasn''t nearly enough," Byron said, his voice low.


    Maeve put her hands on Byron''s chest to keep a little distance, though she couldn''t resist a light touch, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt. Byron raised a brow, his voice rough. "Do that again, and you''ll be in trouble."


    Maeve blinked, feeling a bit unhappy. "Byron, you''ve changed. You used to be so eager for me to touch you."


    .0


    COMMENTProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 436

    Once, Byron would encourage Maeve''s curiosity, even letting her feel the hard-earned contours of his abs by pulling off his shirt. But today, he was less obliging.


    At herint, Byron chuckled softly, catching her hands and guiding thein under his shirt. "How''s this? Satisfied?"


    Maeve, caught off guard by the firm, warm feel of his skin bench her fingers, couldn''t help but enjoy the moment. Byron''s dedication to training was obvious, each muscle sculpted and toned without being too bulky. It felt almost like a piece of art under her hands.


    But for Byron, Maeve''s touch was pure torment, her innocent exploration stirring something deep inside him. His breath caught, a low, controlled sound escaping him that sent a shiver down Maeve''s spine.


    Maeve flushed, quickly pulling her hands back and pinching his arm in mock reproach. "Byron, what are you doing?" she asked, flustered. Making sounds as if they were doing the dirty in broad daylight.


    Byron''s hands tightened around her waist, pulling her close. His voice was low, almost a growl. "Do you really think I can stayposed when you touch me like that?"


    Maeve''s face burned. "You didn''t have to let me," she said in a mumble, looking away.


    ''She started this little game, and now she wants to back out?'' Byron thought. Not letting Maeve escape, Byron pulled her down beside him, pressing her close as he kissed her deeply and possessively, until they were both breathless. In consideration of the ordeal Maeve went through, Byron let her go.


    Meanwhile, Tom had made his way to the top floor, his face tense as he spoke with his sister, Wren. Shey against her pillow, looking tired but still graceful.


    After a moment, Wren said, "We''ve done our best, raising her to adulthood. But she''s gone too far, abusing her title to harm others. Don''t let this go unpunished. Do what you have to."


    Wren had always struggled with her health, and much of her children''s upbringing had fallen to Tom. Tom was the one who suffered the most disappointment.


    "Thank you," Wren said.


    Tom softened, shaking his head.


    Tom had been as devoted as he could be, but his affection for Fiora had turned to disappointment after she mocked his appearance years ago following his ident, calling him "repulsive" to her friends.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    The insult had cut deep, one of the reasons he''d chosen a quieter life abroad, away from the pce''s scrutiny. Now, though, after meeting Maeve, Tom felt a renewed sense of duty and hope.


    Wren said, "How''s the girl Fiora hurt? Please send her gifts on my behalf and apologize to her. I bear some responsibility as Fiora''s mother."


    "Don''t worry," Tom replied. "Maeve isn''t holding a grudge. She''s kindhearted and has already forgiven us."


    Surprised, Wren watched as a gentle smile appeared on Tom''s face, one she hadn''t seen in years. Her eyes sparkled. "Is she someone special to you?"


    Tom''s face flushed, and he shook his head. "No, nothing like that! She''s just a friend. Like a sister, really."


    Tom wanted nothing more than to protect Maeve.


    Disappointed she was wrong about Tom''s feelings, Wren said, "Tom, you''re not getting any younger. How long will it be before you find someone? Up until you take the throne?"


    said, exasperated, "Wren, I''m only eight years younger than you!"


    "And I had two children by your age,"


    Tom excused himself, eager to dodge Wren''s well-meaning advice. The time woulde soon enough to think about marriage, but for now, his priority was setting things right. Restiming his dignifiedposure, he ordered Fiora to be brought to the pce immediately. At that moment, Fiora was reveling at a party with her noble friends,pletely unaware of her impending reckoning.


    The next moment, Tom''s guards entered, ending her revelry and escorting her away in front of her stunnedpanions. The humiliation was clear and her status was nowpromised


    Fiora was furious. She was scolding them all the way, threatening to throw them out of the pce as soon as she saw her uncle.


    But in the end, it wasn''t the guards who were going to be punished. It was her.


    Tom gave Fiora two options. One was to serve three months in prison, and the other was to give up her title as princess and work as a maid in the pce for three months. Fiora felt as if her whole world was falling apart.


    "What? I''m your niece! A princess! You''re really punishing me over amoner?" Fiora said.


    To her, Maeve was nothing more than an annoyance, unworthy of her uncle''s defense.


    Tom''s gray eyes were unyielding. "I''m not negotiating. Choose, or I''ll choose for you." Fiora''s outraged scream echoed down the hall. "Uncle!"


    ww


    Tom''s voice remained cold. "Or would you prefer to be stripped of your title entirely, to join the ''lowlymoners'' you hold in such contempt?"


    1

 Chapter 437

    Fiora''s teeth chattered as panic set in. She knew her uncle wasn''t bluffing. He really would throw her out of the pce if he


    had to.


    Desperate, Fiora tried to y on his sympathy, bringing up her mother. "Uncle, Mother''s health is already fragile. If she hears about this, it could be too much for her."


    Tom''s expression turned frigid. He''d thought Fiora was just spoiled and reckless, but he hadn''t expected her to manipte even her own mother''s condition to avoid punishment. At that moment, he lost anyst hope of redeeming her.


    "From now on," Tom said coldly, "you''re no longer Princess Fior. You''ll work as a maid in the pce for three months. After that, we''ll see if you''ve earned back your title."


    The words hit Fiora like a thunderp, and her face crumpled as tears welled up. ''How can he do this to me? I was born a princess! What right did he have to take that away? Fiora thought


    News of Fiora''s demotion quickly spread throughout the pce. Nurses at Royal Hospital whispered about the fall of the once-proud princess.


    "My uncle''s a viscount, and yesterday, I saw the princess, or maid now, scrubbing floors with a sour face!" one nurseughed. "I remember her sneering, ''I''m a princess. Who do you think you are? Well, look at her now!" another said. "None of the other princes or princesses act as spoiled as her," a nurse said.


    "Isn''t the royal family embarrassed by this?" someone asked.


    "It''s more than punishment. Fiora abused her status to kidnap someone. This is a warning to everyone else," another nurse said.


    Meanwhile, Maeve was in the pce garden, discreetly eavesdropping. She couldn''t help but marvel at Tom''s bold approach. Demoting a princess to a maid was extreme, but if anything could get through to her, this might be it, though Maeve found it unlikely. Beside Maeve, Byron sighed, watching her practically lean into the bushes to catch every word. Gently, he pulled her back. "Is this gossip really worth it?"


    Maeve continued listening in, saying, "It''s like hearing a live broadcast. They''re saying Fiora tried to cry to the help but got turned away."


    queen


    for


    Another bit of gossip caught Maeve''s attention. "Oh! Apparently, there''s a princess who wraps herself in stic wrap at banquets to look thinner!"


    Maeve continued excitedly, "And then there''s the eighteenth prince of Rebon who once got so drunk he thought he was a goldfish and nearly drowned in a fountain!"


    Maeve gasped, her face flushing as she eximed, "And there''s the earl and his wife who were found fooling around in broad daylight. Before Maeve could delve further, Byron scooped her up. Startled, Maeve clutched his neck, her eyes wide. "What are you doing?" "You should go back and rest," Byron reminded.


    "But I need to hear what happened next!"


    Despite Maeve''s protests, Byron carried her back to the ward. Maeve mumbledints the entire way, sulking that he''d Chapter 437


    ruined her love for juicy pce gossip.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Byron ignored her pouting and, picking up a plump peach from the fruit te, asked, "Do you want a bite?"


    With the temptation of the delicious fruit, Maeve''s mood brightened instantly. "Yes, please!"


    When Byron picked up the fruit knife to peel the fruit, Maeve''s expression changed instantly. When she saw the tip of the knife pointing toward her, a wave of dizziness hit her. Her legs went weak, and she sank into a seat. Luckily, the bed was behind her. The sudden movement made a loud sound, and her legs felt numb from the shock.


    al


    Byron noticed her distress and after realizing what was going on he put the knife away. Maeve felt better, but her face remained pale.


    "Are you still feeling unwell?" Byron asked as he walked over and gently lifted her into his arms. He spoke softly, "It''s alright, don''t be afraid."


    Maeve focused on her breathing, trying her best not to dwell on the terrifying images that shed in her mind. A thought suddenly appeared in her mind, making her grab Byron''s arm. "Can you help me find a few things? Needles and scissors." Byron seemed to understand what she wanted. He frowned slightly. "Don''t push yourself."


    "I want to try," Maeve replied, clenching her fists secretly.


    Byron stepped out for a moment and returned with the items she had asked for.


    Maeve''s guess was only half right. The needle was fine, but she still had a strong fear of the scissors. It wasn''t just a simple fear of cutting tools. It was something deeper.


    Her heart sank, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness washed over her. ''How am I going to make clothes anymore?" Maeve thought.


    Late that night, the ward was silent.


    Maeve woke from a nightmare, drenched in cold sweat. Her nightgown clung to her skin. She pressed her hand to her chest, trying to suppress the suffocating feeling rising in her throat, doing her best not to think about the chainsaw that had fallen. But the more she tried, the clearer the images appeared.


    I can''t even touch scissors! What would my future as a designer look like without my skills?'' Maevemented as she stared at her trembling hands, feeling despair settle deep within her.


    Suddenly, Byron''s steady hand covered hers. His voice, low and warm, broke through her thoughts. "Maeve, I''m here. You''re not alone."


    His words brought tears to Maeve''s eyes. Sniffling, Maeve nestled closer, her voice barely a whisper. "Ronny, can you help me fall asleep, just this once? I don''t care how."

 Chapter 438

    In a dazed, half-awake state, Byron froze. No one had ever called him "Ronny" before. His friends simply called him "Byron" and others called him "Mr. Mcdaneil." Byron was unused to the gentleness in Maeve''s voice.


    Before Byron could react, Maeve pressed her lips to his cor, letting them drift over his Adam''s apple, sending a spark through him that felt like fire igniting.


    Byron''s eyes darkened as he turned her beneath him, his kisses intense and insistent. The warmth of his skin made Maeve shiver, and she clutched his arm as he whispered in her ear, "Close your eyes and trust me." His voice was low, maic, almost coaxing. "Say my name."


    Maeve''s cheeks flushed as she whispered, "Ronny." The moment her voice fell, Byron tightened his grip on her ankle, his touch both possessive and gentle. Maeve closed her eyes, letting herself be swept up in the moment.


    Afterward, exhaustion overtook her, and Maeve fell into a deep sleep before Byron even had a chance to carry her back to bed. He tucked her under the covers, adjusted the room''s temperature, and set the humidifier before quietly sitting beside her, watching her peaceful face.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She must have been truly worn out, for she slept very soundly, her cheeks flushed, her breathing steady Byron''s gaze softened, though a hint of cold determination remained as he thought of Fiora, thinking that a simple demotion to a maid was too light a punishment.


    *****


    The next morning, the twins woke early, eager to see Byron when he returned around noon to take them to visit Maeve. They''d been busy the past few days, finishing homework and preparing medicinal recipes to help their mother recover.


    In the kitchen, three pots simmered, filling the air with the rich aroma of herbs and spices,


    Two kids were perched on stools, debating between themselves.


    "Should we add this herb now?" Will wondered aloud.


    "If we add itter, it''ll be more effective but super bitter. And you know Mom hates anything bitter," Theo reasoned. "Let''s add it now."


    "Is the fish soup milky white yet? Else we''ll have to boil it a bit more."


    "Let me have a taste," said Theo, as he moved to the pot of fish soup to taste it, but the doorbell rang.


    Will''s eyes lit up. "Dad must be back!"


    "I''ll get it!" Theo ran to answer the door, but instead of Byron, he found two unfamiliar men standing outside.


    The man in front, John, wore a brown suit with a golden medal on his chest, giving him a noble air. Behind him was a butler.


    "Who are you?" Theo asked politely.


    "Hello, young man," John greeted with a warm smile. "My name is Connor Elliott. I''m your neighbor. We just returned from traveling abroad and wanted to introduce ourselves. Here''s a gift


    The butler extended a beautifully wrapped gift, but Theo, keeping his hands behind his back, quickly assessed the situation. Living in an affluent area, neighbors rarely socialized, and it was the first time they''d seen anyone nearby. Even though it was a safe neighborhood. Theo wasn''t about to open the door for strangers.


    "Nice to meet you, sir. There''s no need for gifts. We''ll be good neighbors," Theo replied politely, not epting the package.


    18:03 Tue, Dec 10 GBG.


    Connor looked slightly disappointed but tried again. "Is either of your parents home? I actually have something I''d like to discuss with them."


    "If you have a message, I can pass it along to them. Theo replied smoothly.


    Connor looked anxious for a moment.


    At that moment, Will joined him, his calm gaze appraising Connor. "If that''s all, we''ll be going back inside now, sir."


    As they began to close the door, Connor hesitated, then spoke up, a look of concern crossing his face. "Actually, I wanted to ask about the incredible smelling from your kitchen.


    My wife has been struggling with severe anorexia. She hasn''t eaten in days, but when she smelled the aroma from your home, she actually asked to try some. It''s the first time in ages she''s shown any interest in food."


    Connor''s expression softened, his eyes filled with hope and love. "I''m sorry for the intrusion, but I''d be so grateful if you could share even a small portion with her."


    Connor was at his wit''s end. Connor clutched at thisst bit of hope. He had to try no matter what


    Hearing this, Theo and Will''s initial hesitation melted, mostly because Connor looked like a well-to-do man and he seemed to love his wife very much. Theo turned to Will. "What do you think? Should we share?" Theo might have provided the recipe and ingredients, but it was Will who made the food.


    Will thought for a moment. If Connor had asked for himself, Will wouldn''t have agreed but since Connor was asking on behalf of his sick wife, it made Will think of their mother resting in the hospital, softening Will''s heart. With a nod, Will took Theo''s hand, leaving Connor with a promise to bring something shortly, and the two of them went back inside.

 Chapter 439

    The twins had prepared three dishes. Though it wasn''t arge amount, they figured they could spare one.


    The two boys carefully packed each portion into separate thermos sks and brought them to the door to meet Connor. "This was actually made for our mom," Will exined, hoping Connor wouldn''t mind the small portion. It was a gesture of kindness. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have given any of it away.


    Hearing it was meant for the boys'' mother, Connor felt touched by their generosity and a little guilty. "Thank you so much. Please send my thanks to your parents," he said, offering them a small gift in return.


    But the twins simply shook their heads and walked back to the vi hand-in-hand.


    Watching them go, Connor felt a pang of regret. They had shown such kindness, and he didn''t want it to seem as though he was treating their good deed as something that can be paid.


    Connor eagerly returned home to his wife, with his butler in tow. Connor''s butler asked, "6ir, should I check if it''s safe?"


    Connor paused, then shook his head. "No, we asked them for this, and they probably don''t even know who we are. There''s no reason they''d do anything to the food." He recalled the twins bright, sincere expressions and didn''t want to doubt their goodwill. The butler nodded, a bit embarrassed. "Apologies, sir. I was being overly cautious."


    Connor waved him off and wasted no time in rushing upstairs to get the thermos to his wife, who had been suffering from severe anorexia for over a year. Once vibrant, she now looked gaunt, with hollow cheeks and a paleplexion.


    This was all due to going overboard with dieting. The only thing keeping his wife alive was the IV injections.


    Connor gently poured food into a bowl and brought it to his wife''s lips, fearing she might still react badly, as she often did to food.


    To his surprise, she finished the bowl of fish soup without any nausea, even enjoying the tender pieces of fish. "How do you feel?" he asked, his voice barely steady with excitement.


    Connor''s wife smiled, looking relieved. "I feel a little full, but it''s the best fish soup I''ve ever had. My stomach feels so much


    better."


    Tears filled Connor''s eyes which he quickly wiped away and continued to feed her.


    7909


    Meanwhile, Byron had taken the twins to the hospital to visit Maeve. The aroma of their home-cooked meal filled the ward, and Maeve was pleased, finishing the entire bowl. "I could tell Will made this as soon as I tasted it," she said, smiling. Will blushed, his little dimple showing, which melted Maeve''s heart. Noticing Theo''s pout, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "And I know you put a lot of love into it, too, didn''t you?"


    Theo grinned, holding his face. "That''s right, Mommy! It''s full of Theo''s love for you!"


    Byron, working on hisptop nearby, couldn''t help but smirk at Theo''s antics.


    "Mom, when can youe home?" Will asked softly.


    Maeve looked at Byron. "Ronny, when can I go home?"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    She had wanted to go back a long time ago, but Byron insisted her body hadn''t fully recovered yet, keeping her here. If she hadn''t recovered, she wouldn''t have been able to keep up with himst night. This morning, Loren came to see her and had even arranged her discharge.


    Chapter 4a9


    Hearing her affectionate nickname for Byron, Theo leaned in to whisper to Will, "Your dad really has no authority, huh.


    "Your dad''s not much better," Will shot back.


    68%


    In the end, it''s always Byron who gets the short end of the stick. Luckily, Byron didn''t hear their conversation from across the room. Eyes on hisputer, Byron said coolly, "Tonight, you have a checkup to doter." Maeve groaned, feeling she''d had enough check-ups for a lifetime. But she knew Byron wouldn''t let her leave until he was satisfied, so she went back to ying with the kids.


    Before long, the twins left the room. Theo had to perform therapeutic treatment on Wren. Maeve hesitated to let Theo go alone and wanted Will to go with him.


    "Mommy, are you worried because I''m not as mature as Will?" Theo asked.


    "Not at all! You''re the most reliable one in our family," Maeve said encouragingly, to which Theo puffed up his chest proudly.


    After the kids left, Byron turned from hisptop to look at Maeve. "Are you still nning to continue your training at Trazir Headquarters?" he asked.


    "Of course. I only took a few days off, so I''ll need to catch up when I''m back," she replied.


    "Can''t you quit?"


    Maeve straightened, sensing something was off. "Why would I quit?"


    Nothing specific," Byron said, looking away. "I just don''t trust those people."


    Maeve sighed, propping her chin in thought. "Warren''s been kind to me. I''m not even part of Trazir, and he went out of his way to let me train there. But his son Arthur gives me a strange feeling." Byron raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"


    She shrugged. "I don''t know. Just a bad vibe."


    "If you''re ufortable, don''t stay," Byron said.


    "Imitted to this for a month," Maeve replied, a bit frustrated "Leaving over something small would look unprofessional."


    Besides, Maeve knew she needed to keep her options open for the future.


    Byron''s fingers tapped rhythmically on his keyboard. "So, as long as you don''t quit on your own, it''s fine?" he asked, an idea clearly forming in his mind.


    I

 Chapter 440

    "What''s the difference?" Maeve felt that his words implied something. As she tried to continue asking, the doctor knocked on the door and entered. So she had no choice but to swallow her doubts and cooperate with the doctor''s examination. Unexpectedly, it was a psychiatrist this time. Maeve''s body slightly trembled as she grabbed the corner of the nket nervously.


    Byron stood


    up and was about to go over when he saw his phone light up. He took it and nced at the message on it. A light shed across his dark eyes.


    [Continue to observe and report at any time.]


    [Yes.]


    In the ward on the top floor, Theo handed the prescription to Wren''s maid and carefully exined the use of the medicine.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Wren''s gentle eyes were filled with curiosity as she looked at the twins who looked simr but frad different personalities. "You''re so smart. I can tell that your parents must be also excellent."


    Even the young princesses and princes in the pce who had received elite education since they were young might not even have such outstanding abilities at this age.


    Theo agreed with her. "My mommy is a super-talented beautiful woman. That''s why she gave birth to smart and cute babies like us." While praising his mommy, he did not forget to brag about himself.


    Will''s blushed slightly. His remark about their mother was indeed authentic. But wouldn''t thest sentence make them seem too narcissistic?


    Wren was amused. She suddenly felt a little curious about their mother, but it was not enough for Wren to want to see her.


    The two little ones could only tell that Wren was dispirited so they did not stay here for long.


    They entered the elevator. Before the door closed, they happened to see a tall man walking out of the elevator next door towards the ward. Just as the door was about to close, that man even nced into theirs. The two little ones looked at each other. ''Why is he here? Does he know Princess Wren?''


    They had inherited the scheming genes from their father and tended to think about everything. This time was no exception.


    Theo and Will returned to the ward downstairs in confusion. They sensitively realized that their mother was in a low mood while their father was not there.


    Seeing her kidsing back, Maeve suppressed the uneasy thoughts in her heart and smiled at them. "How is it? Is Princess Wren alright?"


    Theo smiled widely. "She''s still the same, but as long as she follows my prescription, her physical pain can still be cured."


    "That''s good," Maeve said in a faint tone.


    Seeing that his mother was not in a good mood, Will swallowed the words that were about toe out of his mouth. He -gently hugged her waist with his small hand and rubbed her head affectionately. "Will, you''re so cunning!" Not to be ignored, Theo also hugged one of Maeve''s arms.


    They probably didn''t know their round bodies and upied Maeve''s sides tightly.


    Maeve''s mood lightened up instantly. She hugged them happily and kissed on their chubby cheeks.


    At night, Maeve returned from the hospital to the vi covered pink and yellow roses. Instantly, she felt a peace of mind in rxation. Staying anywhere was better than hospital.


    It would be even better if Byron was willing to show her the diagnosis form written by the psychiatrist. However, he used the excuse that knowing too much was not good for her recovery and put it in the safe in front of her. Maeve pecked that there was a pile of raw diamonds inside, some of which were revealing the dazzling light. Her diagnosis was ced at the top, and was treated the same as these priceles gems. But it was just a piece of paper. Seeing Byron close the safe and go downstairs, Maeve followed him step by step. She grabbed the corner of his shirt and asked, "Then tell me, can my fear of sharp objects be cured?"


    Byron pursed his thin lips imperceptibly and hummed. "Yes, it won''t be long."


    Maeve was relieved to hear this answer. She was afraid that this would be an incurable phobia that made her unable to touch things like scissors to design clothes. It would be also a nightmare for her to cook.


    Dinner was prepared by Byron with the two little kids. He even chased Maeve to the living room to prevent her from approaching the curly.


    Although she knew that they were doing this for her good, Maeve still felt kind of hollow that she was not needed as much as before in this family.


    After dinner, Byron went upstairs to the study for an online meeting. Maeve took the kids for a walk around the vi. This was a safe neighborhood, but she had just been kidnapped so she did not dare to go too far. After some time, Maeve saw a man standing at the door, pressing the doorbell.


    "Hello, what''s the matter?" Maeve asked in confusion.


    When this man saw her holding Will''s and Theo''s hands, the elegant smile on his face became even more enthusiastic. "Hello, my name is Connor Elliott. I live next door to you. I''m here to show my gratitude."


    Will reminded his mother that this was the neighbor who had visited them in the afternoon.


    Maeve nodded and chatted with him with a smile.


    Connor was also here for the medical diet for lunch. He originally thought that since his wife could eat those medicinal cuisines, she must be able to take other things. But the moment the food went into her mouth, she still felt nauseous.


    Only then did Connor know that the problem was with the medicinal cuisine. He asked the doctor to take a look at the leftovers of his wife''s lunch and found that it contained the essence of more than ten medicinal materials, which were beneficial and wholesome.


    However, the doctor could not tell the specifics, nor could he figure out how it was made.


    Connor had no choice but to ask for help. He also brought a small box of consultation fees.


    Knowing his intentions, Maeve smiled lightly. "You''re mistaken. My kids made the medicinal cuisine for lunch today. You have to ask for their opinion."


    Connor was shocked. ''What? That''s impossible!'' However, Maeve did not seem to be joking. Even though he found it -unbelievable, he still bent down and humbly asked the two children for their opinions.


    Theo was still hesitating. He still had to take care of his mommy. How could he have the time to do that?


    Will leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Mommy doesn''t have much jewelry. The jade he brought can probably be made


    into a few sets.


    Theo''s eyes lit up. He puffed out his chest and said, "Alright, we in help. But you have to do as we say. Or, I''m afraid it''s not happening"


    This was not just a problem of trust in kids. They had seen quite a lot of cases where self-opinionated patients ignored their treatment n and messed around to get themselves worse and worse. Connor immediately agreed.


    In the pce, after a day of dirty and backbreaking chores, Fiora gritted her teeth and cursed Maeve in her heart. If it weren''t for this lowlymoner, she wouldn''t have been punished by her uncle.

 Chapter 441

    When her punishment was over, she would definitely kill her! At that moment, Flora saw a figure sh before her. "Arthur! Arthur, wait!"


    Arthur stopped in his tracks when he heard her voice. His eyes were filled with surprise. "Fiora? I''ve heard about you. Are you okay now?" Tears fell from Fiora''s eyes. "Not at all! It''s all Maeve''s fault. She bewitched Uncle. Arthur, you have to help me. Only Mother


    can save me now!"


    Her mother was always gentle and soft-hearted and would definitely not leave her alone!


    "I''m afraid that''s going to be hard." Arthur looked troubled. "I went to visit the Princess Wren today and told her about your matters, but she didn''t seem to intend to help you."


    "How is that possible? Arthur, it must be wrong!" Fiora asked agitatedly, "Mother would not treat me like this!"


    Arthur sighed. "Fiora, you''ve really gone too far this time. No matter what happened between you and Maeve, you shouldn''t have done that kind of thing. What you should do now is reflect on yourself. Only then will you have a chance."


    Fiora grabbed Arthur''s arm in exasperation. "Arthur, I''ve already been harmed by her, and now even you''re also speaking up for her? Even you think I''m at fault?"


    "If you didn''t do anything wrong, why do you get punished? Fiora, you''re not a kid anymore. Maeve is the same age as you, but she''s not so unreasonable as you."


    The stabs by one''s sweetheart hurt the most. Fiora''s hatred for Maeve was almost at its peak and even got her uncle implicated.


    "Arthur, please help me. I just need to see my mother once. I can definitely change her mind!" Fiora gritted her teeth and begged. Arthur felt sympathy for her pathetic suffering and finally relented. "Alright, I''ll find an opportunity to help you."


    *****


    There was a pile of raw stones ced on the table and in front of Byron was a small machine to


    Maeve and the two little ones sat opposite him and stared intently


    cut


    them.


    After a while, a gray raw stone turned into an emerald. It was so beautiful that one


    could not take their eyes


    off it.


    Maeve was surprised at his skillful technique. "Byron, how do you know this?"


    "Didn''t I tell you?" Byron raised his eyebrows. "Ourpany also has two private gem mines in Erancia. I''ve visited them a few times before."


    Maeve and the kids were shocked. They really didn''t know it. So it turned out that they were much more wealthy than they imagined.


    -Byron washed the crumbs off the jade and added casually, "After you marry me, those will be yours."


    Maeve gulped. ''Are you tempting me?''


    On the right, Theo hugged Maeve''s arm tightly and said nervously, "Mommy, I can earn more gems for you. The day I get rich, I''ll also buy you two gem mines!" 17:31 Wed, Dec.


    On the left, Will did some calctions. "Mom, I''ll also try my best to save money!" In the worst scenario, he would think of a way to usurp his father''s position.


    Byron mocked the two chubby kids without holding back. "You''d better talk about raising your mother when you''re really. rich. How dare you spout nonsense in front of me now."


    Maeve changed the topic. "Continue. How long these things will take?"


    Byron nced at it and narrowed his dark eyes imperceptibly. "Do you want to y a game?"


    "What game?"


    Byron introduced, "Guess the color of the gem inside the raw stone. The loser promises the winner a condition.


    It was too professional for them to guess the quality or types of these jade materials. But naming the color was much easier.


    As soon as he dropped his words, Maeve and the kids all perked up. They had already started fantasizing about requesting the excessive conditions they would not dare to raise normally if they won. "Come on, let''s do it!" Byron snorted softly and casually picked out a random stone for them to observe.


    "I''m guessing that this is white!" Maeve directly copied the answer to thest stone. Anyway, Connor wouldn''t provide moderate jades.


    Theo immediately echoed. "Then I''m the same as Mommy!"


    Will observed carefully for a few minutes and even scratched it a few times. "I think it''s blue. The surface is very hard, and judging from the cracks and shape, it''s possible to be a type of blue."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Then I guess it''s green," Byron said casually.


    After the processing, it was indeed green inside.


    Not to admit defeat, Maeve and the two little ones puffed up their faces. "Again! There are so many more!"


    They did not believe that they could lose to him. Sometimes, the sloppy yers were the most addicted.


    Maeve faced such a total debacle that she madly scratched her hair atst.


    Atst, they even got a cat''s eye emerald, which was overflowing with light at Byron''s fingertips. It was undoubtedly of the supreme quality.


    Byron casually ced it on the tray so that they could look at it carefully. He chuckled and said, "You guys are quite lucky. The value of this type is much more than thebined values of all the jades before just now."


    "Mommy, this one is so beautiful." This was Theo''s immediate feeling, "Make a full set of jewelry. Mommy, you will- definitely look awesome!"


    Will did some calctions. "There will be leftovers after making a whole set of jewelry. It can also make a pendant or something else. Mom, what do you think?"


    As a woman, she deserved as much jewelry as possible. This cat''s eye emerald, which was regarded as priceless, was only -something that could please Mommy in the eyes of the two little ones. Other than that, it had no other use. Although Maeve was used to relying on her kids and also indeed nned to live off them in the future, she was still impressed by their generous tone.


    She hugged them and rubbed against their chubby faces. In a moment of smugness, she blurted out, "Good boys, it''s enough for Mommy to have you guys! I don''t need anything else." Chapter 441


    All of a sudden, the back of her neck was pinched by a slightly cold hand.


    Feeling an intoxicating sensation spreading over her body, Mac cowered and turned her head around.


    Byron stood behind her with a faint smile. "It''s finished, and you''ve had your fun. It''s my turn now. How do you n to fulfill the eight conditions you owe me just now?"


    Maeve widened her eyes. ''Well, afterughter,e tears! She had almost forgotten that she had lost eight times in a row.

 Chapter 442

    Fortunately, at this moment, Byron''s phone rang. He clicked hicongue and turned around with a frown, leaning against the edge of the table and answering the call. "What''s wrong?"


    The other end said something, and Byron instantly turned freezing cold. He suppressed the faint anger in his voice. ''It happenedst night and you didn''t report it to me until now? You''re just a bunch of idiots. Are you the retards that need me to teach you how to deal with it? "Pack up the relevant information and send it to my email. We''ll have a video conference in half an hour"


    Maeve silently moved further away. She realized thatpared to others, Byron could be considered to be merciful to her Or his vicious tongue had long scolded her to tears.


    Byron hung up the phone. His cold gaze softened slightly when he looked at Maeve. "I''m going upstairs for a meeting. It won''t end soon. I''ll get them to heat up a ss of milk for youter. Drink it and go to bed early. I''ll be back soon." The coldness in his eyes had notpletely faded yet, but the words he said werepletely different from the harsh reprimand of his subordinate.


    Maeve''s heart felt slightly throbbed.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?" Byron frowned at her red cheeks. ''Are you seducing me?"


    Only then did Maeve realize that she was staring at him in a daze. She hurriedly looked away and nodded. "I know. Just go. Byron seemed to sense something and smiled. He turned around and went upstairs with his phone.


    Theo pursed his lips. "He''s always bossing around and making orders. Even if he doesn''t say it, we know how to take care of Mommy." He was supposed to be the backbone of this family. But now this man acted like he was in charge.


    "Are you still not nning to reconcile with Dad?" Will looked at his angry expression and smiled lightly. "He has already promised to y guns with you when he has time." Back then, he had been begging his father for a long time before Byron finally agreed. Although Theo did not ask, Byron had obviously discovered his desire and brought it up.


    Looking at the awkward interaction between his father and brother, Will was anxious, but he knew that he could not rush it. Otherwise, it might backfire.


    "I''m not going to reconcile with him. He hated me first!" Theo was still brooding over that matter. The little me in his eyes was still roaring, and there was a faint sense of disappointment that he did not even notice.


    Even though he epted living with Stinky Daddy and getting along peacefully because of his mommy, it did not mean that the scars on his heart had been healed. Only by making himself hate Byron could he ept the fact that Byron hated him too.


    Just as Will thought, Theo was indeed conflicted.


    Maeve felt that Theo liked Byron too much. That was why he cared so much about him identally hurting him previously. But she just didn''t know why Byron was also making it so awkward.


    Thete night was enveloped in silence. Maevey on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. She looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was already twelve o''clock, but Byron had yet to return. Maybe he just encountered some tricky problems. She sat up and picked up her phone, looking for some white noise to lull herself to sleep, and replied to the message.


    19:15 Thu Dec 12 0 D


    She had been in at fw plmon a week the had hated the is aver to the manager is manage temporarily. There wat nothing for her to were hoist Sering the ignored wowgay dus botim Mas we stu


    Mrs. Mess (Marve, we can''t cover where we were boy hit we can heaver what kind of people we want to be believe that You can walk out of your current predicament a wow Pater te


    Mis Moss (Ales recently, someone came to the who to akafur your past I think it might be rted in your father''s mater I hope you can be cared)


    Marr racked her brains for a long time before the remember that the Mrs Moss was the teacher from her high school


    Then who was the one who went to the whood to find out about her high school teacher.


    wwer? Ales, it was ridiculous that the had even forgoiter


    Thinking of this, Maeve rubbed her temples and tried her best to recall the three years of her high school experience. Other than some fragmented pieces, there were no memorable images in her mind.


    If she couldn''t remember anything, there must be something wrong with her memory. However, she could remember some of it, but not much.


    She did not take such a small matter to heart. She chose her words carefully and sent Mrs. Moss a mess and ask about who was asking about her.


    to say thank you


    Mrs. Moss replied instantly: [He said that he''s your friend. Ordinary-looking, with a mole on his chin. Probably in his twenties.]


    Maeve: (Thank you, Mrs. Moss. Sorry to disturb you sote at night.]


    She stared at the messages in a daze. After pondering for a while, she could not figure out who this man with a mole on his


    chin was.


    At this moment, a scorching body suddenly appeared behind her. The man hugged her waist from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder as hezily leaned over. "Who are you talking to?"


    Maeve showed him her phone. "My high school teacher. Someone came to the school to investigate my background. I''m just wondering what they want to do."


    Byron nced at the screen. "I''ll get Archer to find it out."


    "No need. My high school life is tedious and boring. They won''t be able to find anything." Maeve waved her hands.


    "Greenhaven High School?" Byron raised his eyebrows slightly. You were also at that school?"


    Maeve turned to look at him. "Also? Do you know anyone here?"


    Byron''s Adam''s apple moved slightly. "No one."


    "There is." After saying that, it hit Maeve that he had such a so-called first love. "Don''t tell me that your first love used to be in Greenhaven High School." However, she remembered that the school uniform in the painting was not from her school''s style.


    Byron suddenly tightened his grip on her waist. He turned around and hugged her as they fell into the soft nket. He lowered his head and kissed her red lips passionately to block her questions. There had been a few cold wars because of this before. Byron did not want to quarrel with her in bed at this time


    Sensing his intentions, Maeve immediately lost her temper. She reached out and pped his arm hard to make him let go of


    her.


    "It''s gettingte. Don''t forget that you have to go to ss tomorrow. Do you still want the sleeping service?" Byron grabbed


    Chapter 442-


    her restless and soft hand and asked in her ear with a low gasp.


    Maeve felt a tempting sensation in her ears. She turned her face away and gave him a cold profile. "I want it."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    She revealed a slender and fair neck, which easily aroused his desire.


    Byron''s eyes darkened and he smiled silently. "Be good."

 Chapter 443

    COMMENT


    55%


    Thanks to Byron''s exclusive sleeping service, Maeve almost couldn''t get up the next day. A nightmare and a sound sleep couldn''t happen at the same time.


    After washing up, Maeve saw Byron taking out his suitcase from the cloakroom. She asked in confusion, "Where are you going?"


    "A business trip," Byron said briefly. "There was an ident with the product line in Creynia during the experiment. I''ll go over and take a look. If there is nothing serious, I''ll be back tonight." Creynia was not far from here, but it was also very strenuous to go back and forth in one day.


    Maeve knew that she relied on him to fall asleep or she would wake up from nightmares. She put the folded suit into his suitcase. "No hurry. It''s more important to settle your work first. I feel much better now. I can sleep without you." Byron nced at her. "But I can''t."


    Maeve was stunned. When she realized what he meant, she threw the tie at him in embarrassment. "Pack it up yourself!"


    She was about to leave in a huff when Byron grabbed her arm and carried her from behind. He ced her on the dressing table opposite the window and squeezed between her legs.


    "What are you doing?" Maeve''s eyes flickered, and her hand on his shoulder clenched nervously. She was most afraid that he would use such a posture. He was so dominant and she waspletely at his mercy.


    Byron''s big palm gently rubbed the back of her waist. His dark eyes stared at her beautiful eyes as he reminded her in a hoarse voice, "When I''m not here, don''t get too close to other men, especially Tom and Arthur." Maeve''s body went weak from his caresses. Her eyshes fluttered shyly, and she could barely sit.


    He kept rubbing and pinching her here and there as if she was a doll.


    Sensing that she was distracted, Byron narrowed his eyes. "Did you hear me?"


    Maeve nodded perfunctorily. "I heard it, I heard it!"


    Byron bit her red lips and snorted. "You''re not serious."


    "I am serious!" Maeve''s ears turned red. She reached out and pushed his shoulder. "Hurry up and pack your things. It''s gettingte."


    "There''s no hurry." Byron held the back of her head and kissed her. His low and hoarse voice was lingering in her ears. "As for the first of eight conditions. I''ll ask you for it when Ie back."


    ''What is it?'' Maeve could not make a sound.


    But Byron seemed to have seen through her mind. His scorching kiss moved to the vicinity of her ear and he said suggestively, "We haven''t tried it in the cloakroom yet."


    Maeve widened her eyes in shock and shyness. ''What? Right here? I''m not changing my clothes here anymore!''


    After breakfast, Maeve and Byron went out. The two little ones boozed their milk at the same time, went back to their rooms to get their things, and also went out. They went next door and rang the doorbell, warmly greeted by Connor. Theo did not like the way adults exchanged their meaningless polite words. He directly expressed that he wanted to see the patient''s condition first.


    Chapter 443-


    Only then did Connor remember that the two children in front of him were not the glib-tongued adults he usually interacted with. Feeling a little ashamed, he immediately led them upstairs.


    Connor''s wife was already prepared. She did not question or look down on the two little ones because of their age. No matter what they asked, she answered gently.


    After taking her pulse, Theo frowned tightly. "Did you have a miscarriagest year?"


    Connor exchanged looks with his wife in surprise and replied excitedly, "Yes, that''s right." This little genius could tell that his wife had had a miscarriage a year ago just by taking her pulse. They never knew that traditional medicine would be so magical. Theo exined to them in a childish voice. "You took arge amount of some inappropriate materials by mistake and had a miscarriage. But before your body was purified, you nourished your body with all kinds of supplements and food, so your stomach was severely affected.


    "You had not recovered yet so there were still so many poisons umted in your body. The nourishment became a burden for you and dragged you down." Connor and his wife were shocked. In the warm room, cold sweat broke out on their backs. Mrs. Elliott''s eyes were filled with tears. "So it was not an ident..." They had been looking forward to a child for so many years. They could ept it as an ident, but it turned out that it was an artificial tragedy. Connor asked, "Doctor, is there any possibility of my wife''s body being cured?"


    "If it were someone else, they definitely wouldn''t be able to do it. Theo rubbed his chin. "But since it''s me here, I would have at least an 80% chance of sess." Will could not help but roll his eyes at his brother''s smug expression.


    Connor was overjoyed and begged, "As long as you can save my wife, I can give you my everything!"


    Theo waved his hand. "There''s no need. You''ve already paid me yesterday. Since I''ve epted your money, I''ll do my best to treat your wife. First, I need one thing."


    Connor asked nervously, "What do you need? No matter what it is, I''ll get it for you immediately!"


    Theo raised a finger and said cutely, "A lemon-vored lollipop."


    Connor tilted his head. "What?"


    Will rolled his eyes again. ''God, you''re really a greedy kid. Mommy will spank your butt.''


    Of course, Maeve didn''t know what her kids were doing. After sending Byron to the airport, she ignored the strange feeling in her heart and asked the driver and bodyguard to go to Trazir''s headquarters.


    Arthur had been waiting for her before the entrance, apologizing to her on behalf of Fiora. He had not expected this pampered girl to go so far this time.


    Maeve thought that he was here to intercede on behalf of his fianc¨¦e. When she heard his intention, she was surprised and also kind of puzzled. She consciously kept a distance from Arthur and said, "Thanks for your concern. If there''s nothing else, I''ll go in." "Wait a minute," Arthur called out to her. "May I ask if I''ve done something wrong to make


    "No, why would you say that?" Maeve shrugged her shoulders..


    you


    unsatisfied?"


    Chapter 443-


    Arthur smiled bitterly. "I thought we were already friends, but y offend you?"Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Maeve waved her hands. "No, I was just born to look like this. It''s apologize to you."


    Arthur smiled. "I''m d you don''t hate me. Then can I invite you

 Chapter 444

    "I''m sorry, but I already have a partner." Macve shook his head and declined politely. "Thank you for the invitation."


    Tomorrow night, the pce would host a banquet to mark Tom''s official return. The banquet had been prepared for nearly a month. As soon as Maeve arrived in Erancia, Tom and Loren invited her, along with two little ones.


    Of course, the dance partner Meave was talking about was her children.


    Meave was not lying since Will and Theo wanted to dance with her.


    Arthur looked disappointed but he did not try to push her. He told Meave that he woulde to the banquet only to see Meave and left.


    Maeve returned just in time for the end of the practical course that Trazir had organized for the training. The gowns she had submitted earlier were set to be showcased at the afternoon show. The top three would receive additional points that would be included in the training assessment review


    All the people had prepared for today''s show a month ago.


    Meanwhile, Maeve did not even take the preparation like the others. Her preparation was making two gowns overnight.


    Fortunately, Maeve had handed it before she was kidnapped. Otherwise, she would not be in the show.


    Meave sighed while thinking about that.


    She arrived at the show with the others and began preparations for the show in an hour.


    Just as Meave was arranging the gowns for the model, someone walked past Maeve with scissors and other tools.


    Its sharp end was pointed in her direction, shining with a chill against the bright lights overhead.


    Maeve turned pale. She took a few steps back and hit the corner of the dressing table. It was so painful and her eyes were slightly moist.


    "Meave, what''s wrong?" The model asked her in confusion. "I feel a little rxed here."


    Maeve clenched her fists tightly to prevent herself from thinking about the scene just now. She took a deep breath and walked towards the model. "It''s fine. Let me take a look." The preparations for the show were in full swing, and an hour passed quickly.


    The show was different from the usual. It was an auction model show. Most of the invited VIPs were rich and noble.


    Maeve''s gowns were numbered 9 and 21 respectively. As the gowns were shown, the highest auction price was 20 thousand dors.


    One was in the middle and the other was at the end of the line.


    Unexpectedly, the first gown did not make any attraction.


    No one raised their card.


    When the model walked over the catwalk, she felt invisible. The VIPs did not take a nce at the model,


    55%


    For a moment, Maeve was stunned. She saw the situation from behind the curtain. She did not understand what had gone


    wrong,


    She waspletely confident in her work. Although it might not match the gowns others had spent a month perfecting, she refused to be dismissed or overlooked. What was wrong?"


    "Meave, it''s only the first gown. Don''t be discouraged. Someone will raise the cardter," the beautiful designer who had a good rtionship with herforted her. Maeve smiled at her. "You''re right."


    She calmed down and continued watching the show.


    In the end, her second gown was still quiet. For some reason, the VIPS below the stage gave mocking and disdainful expressions.


    "She offended Princess Fiora and still dares to stay in Erancia. She''s bold."


    "Even if the princess is in trouble, she''s still a princess. A powerlessmoner like her will be dealt with sooner orter. Who would be stupid enough to buy her work?"


    "Of all people, why did she have to offend Princess Fiora? Her uncle is the future crown prince, and her mother is the eldest princess. The other princesses of the royal family don''t dare to challenge her directly. This designer''s path is narrow." "No matter how beautiful the gown is, if you offend someone you shouldn''t offend, you''ll be a pile of trash. Who would offend the princess for a small designer like her?"


    "Just wait. Princess Fiora will settle scores with her after her punishment. Let''s not get involved."


    The arguments in the VIP seats were quiet. It was difficult to hear if one did not pay


    attention.


    After the auction ended, everyone''s works were sold regardless of the price. Only two gowns were not sold. They were Maeve''s.


    Maeve could not help but doubt herself. ''Could it be that I had been toocent recently, causing my ability to decline? Could it be that the gown I made was not as good as I thought?''


    Her ears burned as she reflected on herself.


    At that moment, the auctioneer of the show suddenly said, "VIP number 6 bids for number 9, a million dors, the first time..."


    Everyone was in an uproar. "Was he crazy? The highest price was only 400 thousand dors. Who had a mind that could go straight to a million dors?"


    Another VIPs said, "Wasn''t he afraid of offending the royal family? He was too bold!"


    Maeve was also very surprised. For a moment, she thought that she was misheard..


    No one raised the bid. Work number 9, Maeve Reese, sold for a high price of a million dors. Then, the auctioneer read out her work number 21. "Number 21 bids for a million dors."


    The crowds in the show became louder and louder. Everyone looked around for the rich bidder who was not afraid of death.


    But they could not find out who it was.


    Both gowns were bought by VIP No. 6 at a high price, but the bidder did not show up, causing heated arguments among


    55%


    VIPS.


    After the show ended, the bidder found Maeve and handed her letter left behind by VIP No. 6.


    [The gown is beautiful. Don''t be discouraged.]Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    It was a line of words written by a man.


    Maeve held the letter with tears in her eyes.


    The fact the mysterious person was willing to bid for her gown at such a high price meant that her design was not as bad as she thought.


    The others did not like it, but they did not have good taste!'' Maeve should not doubt herself. She regained her confidence. At that moment, someone came to shout. She then put away the letter and followed. Behind the burgundy curtain facing Maeve stood an elegant and upright figure.


    "Sir, why don''t you spend 2 million dors to do something? You can''t eat or wear two gowns like this. I feel sorry for your money." His assistant covered his chest and felt his heart ache for the money. "That was 2 million dors! It was not a thousand dors!"


    Zephyr frowned. "Why can''t I wear it? Auntie likes Trazir so much. It''s perfect for her. I don''t even feel sorry for myself. Why do you feel sorry for me?"


    "It''s mainly because your price is too high." The assistant bit his handkerchief. "In terms of the auction price of the other


    gowns, you''re more than enough to spend a million dors to buy two sets."


    "Don''t you think it''s worth it?" Zephyr replied.


    The assistant wanted to say that it was not worth it, but on second thought, Zephyr''s auntie usually wore gowns at banquets that were more expensive than Maeves''s. Moreover, they were not as good-looking as that. From an aesthetic point of view, it was worth it.


    The assistant felt that something was wrong. He was usually thrifty, unlike other rich second-generation heirs who were extravagant and lived like veterans. At that time, he was so generous.


    ''Can you imagine how terrifying it would be for a domineering CEO who could use a thermos bottle for two years to suddenly spend money to buy two women''s gowns?'' The assistantined in his heart.


    Zephyr did not think it was a big deal to spend that bit of money. Just now, when he saw Maeve standing behind the curtain with a shocked expression, he always suspected that she would jump off a building likest time. It was impossible for him to be her scapegoat again.


    COMMENT


    0

 Chapter 445

    Theo stomped his feet. "I''m not pinching!"


    "Mom, can you retake a look at Theo? He touched your wrist jus now. He might have found something." Will was worried. Maeve''s heart skipped a beat when he saw their serious expressions. She sat back down and handed her hand to Theo.


    Theo held her arm with one chubby hand and took her pulse with the other.


    After two minutes, Theo''s little face turned green and angry. "Moinmy, you''ve been poisoned. Although it''s a small amount, this poison will damage your vocal cords over time!" It was also because the toxin was too faint that he had not discovered it until now.


    Then, Will stood up with a whoosh. His long and curly eyshes trembled angrily, almost unable to hide the anger in his


    eyes.


    Maeve was also shocked. When did I get poisoned? I did not feel anything at all.


    She turned around and saw that Will, who rarely let his emotions out, seemed about to explode from anger. Theo''s eyes were also red.


    0


    Maeve could not care less about being angry. She hugged the two children and coaxed them. "Mommy is fine. It''s just a small amount of poison. It''s not serious now."


    "Mommy, quickly take the antidote." Theo held the pill and fed it to Maeve. His voice was a few degrees lower than usual. "You have to take another pill tomorrow just in case. The person who poisoned you might harm you again." "Don''t worry, I''ll remember everything. Don''t worry too much. Ill be careful from tomorrow onwards," Maeveforted them.


    Will pursed her lips and buried her head in Maeve''s neck without saying a word.


    Maeve thought about it more.


    &


    Ever since Maeve came to Erancia, she had encountered such dangerous situations more than once.


    The first time was kidnapping, and now it was poisoning.


    Each time, it was not fatal. It seemed that she had deliberately left some leeway.


    The person behind that did not want to kill their mother. The person just wanted her body or mind to suffer irreversible damage.


    Every time, it was so difficult to guard against. There were endless methods.


    It was hard for Will not to suspect that the other party had failed twice. There would be a third time.


    He must have wanted his mother to be at home and not go anywhere in case something dangerous happened.


    But Maeve could not agree.


    Late at night, the two little ones sat cross-legged on the bed, each holding a thin smallputer.


    Those wereputers given by Byron. The top-notch configuration ran smoothly and was very thin and lightpared to ordinaryputers.


    III


    Chapter 440-


    It was the gift they demanded from Byron on his first day of work


    However, Will felt that the original version was too big and heavy. After dismantling and modifying theputer, it became smaller than a tablet and did not affect its performance. They were watching the security footage from Trazir''s headquarters.


    Maeve could not be poisoned at home. She stayed at the headquarters during the day and was most likely poisoned there.


    The two little ones were checking the surveince footage. Maeve and Byron were on the video call. It was not easy for the three of them.


    The problem in Creynia was tooplicated to be resolved quickly. Byron would have to stay in Creynia for another two days.


    Maeve did not want to interfere with his business and pretended to be asleep, only to be woken up by him. Assuring him, she even rubbed her eyes red and her hair messy.


    "You can sleep by yourself now?" Byron raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I thought you wouldn''t be able to sleep without me."


    Meave could not fall asleep.


    Maeve pretended to be sleepy and said softly, "I can sleep even faster without you." She tried to keep her pride.


    The meaning of theint was obvious.


    Byron chuckled. "Alright, time is up. You can sleep."


    "My phone is almost out of battery." Maeve pretended to look at the top right corner of the phone. "Why don''t you call me tomorrow morning? Go to bed early after you''re done today." "Okay, hang up then."


    Maeve looked at Byron, who was still sitting behind his desk and handling documents at such ate hour in the call. The floor-to-ceiling window behind him reflected the night and the light from the building opposite. It made him feel a little lonely workingte at night in a foreign country.


    Even though that was only her opinion, a workaholic like Byron did not forget his work. Even when he was hospitalized, he might enjoy that kind of busyness.


    But her heart still softened.


    She switched the video to a voice call and ced it on the pillow "The power consumption should be slower. I''ll hang up the voice call."


    Byron''s light chuckle could be heard from the other end. "You can''t bear to part with me?"


    Maeve''s ears heated up. He denied it without thinking. "It''s pitiful to see you alone! Just do your thing. I''m going to sleep!"


    "Good night. Don''t dream about me," Byron replied.


    "What?" Maeve turned over and hugged the nket as she stared at the ceiling, preparing to fall asleep. ''How narcissistic!''Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    A long and melodious piano sound suddenly came from the phone.


    "Are you ying the piano now?" Maeve turned over and asked curiously.


    "No," said Byron. "I met Herrera this afternoon and asked him topose a luby. Listen to it and see if it''s useful."


    His ne was in the inorning and he would arrive in Creynia at pm at thetest. Instead of busying himself with work, he found a musician topose a luby for her immediately.


    Maeve''s heart was beating uncontrobly. Through the nket seemed to be transmitted to her hand, face, and ears.


    She moved to the side of the phone and finally could not help but ask softly, "Byron, why are you so good to me?".


    Byron seemed to be treating Maeve too well recently.


    To put it bluntly, Maeve even had the illusion of having a honeymoon recently.


    However, she was worried that it was an illusion from the perspective of liking him, so she did not think that way.


    Byron paused as if he was puzzled by her question. "Isn''t it good to be good to you?"


    "That''s good. But why?" Maeve was waiting for an answer.


    "There''s no reason." Byron''s voice was as low as usual as he exined to her, "This kind of thing is just like a habit. It''s hard to exin."


    Was he only being nice to me because I was used to being by his side?'' After getting the answer, Maeve''s mood instantly sank. She wanted to continue asking. However, she knew she would not get the answer she wanted.


    At that moment, Maeve suddenly thought of a question she had neglected for a long time.


    Byron had never admitted to liking her.


    Her self-satisfaction over the past few days seemed to be a dream that she had woven herself.


    A self-deception dream.


    Without hearing Maeve''s voice, Byron thought Maeve had fallen asleep. He raised his hand to turn up the volume of the phone and ced it on the ear. He listened to Maeave''s soft breathing as he worked.


    He suddenly thought of Maeve''s question. His hand stopped, pausing any wiring on the paper. ''Why did I treat her so well? Byron raised his hand and pressed it against his forehead. His gaze slowly stopped on the photo frame in the upper left corner of the desk, and he was slightly lost in thought. ''Was she a

 Chapter 446

    Theo stomped his feet. "I''m not pinching!"


    "Mom, can you retake a look at Theo? He touched your wrist jus now. He might have found something." Will was worried. Maeve''s heart skipped a beat when he saw their serious expressions. She sat back down and handed her hand to Theo.


    Theo held her arm with one chubby hand and took her pulse with the other.


    After two minutes, Theo''s little face turned green and angry. "Moinmy, you''ve been poisoned. Although it''s a small amount, this poison will damage your vocal cords over time!" It was also because the toxin was too faint that he had not discovered it until now.


    Then, Will stood up with a whoosh. His long and curly eyshes trembled angrily, almost unable to hide the anger in his


    eyes.


    Maeve was also shocked. When did I get poisoned? I did not feel anything at all.


    She turned around and saw that Will, who rarely let his emotions out, seemed about to explode from anger. Theo''s eyes were also red.


    0


    Maeve could not care less about being angry. She hugged the two children and coaxed them. "Mommy is fine. It''s just a small amount of poison. It''s not serious now."


    "Mommy, quickly take the antidote." Theo held the pill and fed it to Maeve. His voice was a few degrees lower than usual. "You have to take another pill tomorrow just in case. The person who poisoned you might harm you again." "Don''t worry, I''ll remember everything. Don''t worry too much. Ill be careful from tomorrow onwards," Maeveforted them.


    Will pursed her lips and buried her head in Maeve''s neck without saying a word.


    Maeve thought about it more.


    &


    Ever since Maeve came to Erancia, she had encountered such dangerous situations more than once.


    The first time was kidnapping, and now it was poisoning.


    Each time, it was not fatal. It seemed that she had deliberately left some leeway.


    The person behind that did not want to kill their mother. The person just wanted her body or mind to suffer irreversible damage.


    Every time, it was so difficult to guard against. There were endless methods.


    It was hard for Will not to suspect that the other party had failed twice. There would be a third time.


    He must have wanted his mother to be at home and not go anywhere in case something dangerous happened.


    But Maeve could not agree.


    Late at night, the two little ones sat cross-legged on the bed, each holding a thin smallputer.


    Those wereputers given by Byron. The top-notch configuration ran smoothly and was very thin and lightpared to ordinaryputers.


    III


    Chapter 440-


    It was the gift they demanded from Byron on his first day of work


    However, Will felt that the original version was too big and heavy. After dismantling and modifying theputer, it became smaller than a tablet and did not affect its performance. They were watching the security footage from Trazir''s headquarters.


    Maeve could not be poisoned at home. She stayed at the headquarters during the day and was most likely poisoned there.


    The two little ones were checking the surveince footage. Maeve and Byron were on the video call. It was not easy for the three of them.


    The problem in Creynia was tooplicated to be resolved quickly. Byron would have to stay in Creynia for another two days.


    Maeve did not want to interfere with his business and pretended to be asleep, only to be woken up by him. Assuring him, she even rubbed her eyes red and her hair messy.


    "You can sleep by yourself now?" Byron raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I thought you wouldn''t be able to sleep without me."


    Meave could not fall asleep.


    Maeve pretended to be sleepy and said softly, "I can sleep even faster without you." She tried to keep her pride.


    The meaning of theint was obvious.


    Byron chuckled. "Alright, time is up. You can sleep."


    "My phone is almost out of battery." Maeve pretended to look at the top right corner of the phone. "Why don''t you call me tomorrow morning? Go to bed early after you''re done today." "Okay, hang up then."


    Maeve looked at Byron, who was still sitting behind his desk and handling documents at such ate hour in the call. The floor-to-ceiling window behind him reflected the night and the light from the building opposite. It made him feel a little lonely workingte at night in a foreign country.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Even though that was only her opinion, a workaholic like Byron did not forget his work. Even when he was hospitalized, he might enjoy that kind of busyness.


    But her heart still softened.


    She switched the video to a voice call and ced it on the pillow "The power consumption should be slower. I''ll hang up the voice call."


    Byron''s light chuckle could be heard from the other end. "You can''t bear to part with me?"


    Maeve''s ears heated up. He denied it without thinking. "It''s pitiful to see you alone! Just do your thing. I''m going to sleep!"


    "Good night. Don''t dream about me," Byron replied.


    "What?" Maeve turned over and hugged the nket as she stared at the ceiling, preparing to fall asleep. ''How narcissistic!''


    A long and melodious piano sound suddenly came from the phone.


    "Are you ying the piano now?" Maeve turned over and asked curiously.


    "No," said Byron. "I met Herrera this afternoon and asked him topose a luby. Listen to it and see if it''s useful."


    56% 0


    His ne was in the inorning and he would arrive in Creynia at pm at thetest. Instead of busying himself with work, he found a musician topose a luby for her immediately.


    Maeve''s heart was beating uncontrobly. Through the nket seemed to be transmitted to her hand, face, and ears.


    She moved to the side of the phone and finally could not help but ask softly, "Byron, why are you so good to me?".


    Byron seemed to be treating Maeve too well recently.


    To put it bluntly, Maeve even had the illusion of having a honeymoon recently.


    However, she was worried that it was an illusion from the perspective of liking him, so she did not think that way.


    Byron paused as if he was puzzled by her question. "Isn''t it good to be good to you?"


    "That''s good. But why?" Maeve was waiting for an answer.


    "There''s no reason." Byron''s voice was as low as usual as he exined to her, "This kind of thing is just like a habit. It''s hard to exin."


    Was he only being nice to me because I was used to being by his side?'' After getting the answer, Maeve''s mood instantly sank. She wanted to continue asking. However, she knew she would not get the answer she wanted.


    At that moment, Maeve suddenly thought of a question she had neglected for a long time.


    Byron had never admitted to liking her.


    Her self-satisfaction over the past few days seemed to be a dream that she had woven herself.


    A self-deception dream.


    Without hearing Maeve''s voice, Byron thought Maeve had fallen asleep. He raised his hand to turn up the volume of the phone and ced it on the ear. He listened to Maeave''s soft breathing as he worked.


    He suddenly thought of Maeve''s question. His hand stopped, pausing any wiring on the paper. ''Why did I treat her so well? Byron raised his hand and pressed it against his forehead. His gaze slowly stopped on the photo frame in the upper left corner of the desk, and he was slightly lost in thought. ''Was she a

 Chapter 447

    Maeve was asleep, but the nightmare of being struck by a chainsaw jolted her awake twice. Each time, she awoke drenched in cold sweat, her heart racing so violently it felt like it might burst from her chest. She remained silent, not making a sound that would alert Byron Lying on the bed, she took a deep breath to steady herself.


    Maeve had improved a little. She did not have nightmares as frequently as before.


    Perhaps when the impact of that matter faded in her heart, she would not have such nightmares again.


    Maeveforted herself in her heart. Shey on her side on the phone and looked at the long call on the screen. The corners of her lips curled up secretly.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    The next morning, Maeve left the house under the two little ones repeated instructions.


    When Maeve arrived at the headquarters, she attended ss and drew on time as usual. She went to visit the internal studio with the other people and did not see anything suspicious.


    The morning passed quickly, and Maeve found a seat with her te of meals in hand, slowly eating one bite at a time.


    "This is for you. I''m truly sorry for what happenedst time." Sandy walked over and offered Maeve a gesture of kindness.


    Maeve took a look and asked in confusion, "Qur rtionship doesn''t seem to be that good, right? You still bring me drinks every day?"


    Sandy was a little embarrassed by her words. "I hated you at first, but you didn''t put in a good word for me in front of the general manager and ask him not to fire me? You''re a good person. I was wrong before." met


    Being kicked out of Trazir was what people feared most, even more than having Maeve break their hand.


    Trazir''s status in the fashion world was extraordinary, and thepany had the backing of the royal family. Stepping into that ce was equivalent to stepping into the sky in a single step. No one wanted to leave. Maeve finally understood why Sandy started to bring her water that day. It turned out that she had overheard her conversation with Arthur.


    It was the second time Sandy had offered her a drink. At that moment, Maeve''s eyes briefly flickered as she nced at the bottle.


    "I''m serious. I want to make peace with you. I don''t mean anything else." Sandy thought Maeve did not believe her, so she quickly promised, "There''s nopetition between us. It won''t do me any good to target you." "Alright." Maeve took the drink from her and opened it. She paused and asked, "Do you want to take a sip first?"


    Sandy thought it was protocol in her country, but refused. "I have another one."


    Maeve nodded. She took two sips from the bottle and thanked her with a smile. "It''s quite delicious-"


    Before Maeve could finish her sentence, the blood drained from Maeve''s face. Her lips turned pale, and a trace of blood seeped out from the corner of her mouth. Then, she fell unconscious on the dining table. "Oh my god!"


    "Hurry up and call an ambnce! Maeve has fainted!"


    "Is it food poisoning? Is there a problem with the food we eat?"


    1


    18.12


    Chapter 447 @K56%2


    An ambnce and a police car arrived in quick session. The back kitchen of the restaurant was sealed off, and the food Maeve had handled was seized by the police as crucial evidence for their investigation. Maeve was sent to the hospital. It was found to contain neurotoxins in her body. Fortunately, the amount was notrge. She could take medicine to help induce vomiting.


    After vomiting, Maeve woke up and saw her beautiful designer friends and Arthur''s worried face.


    "Maeve, you''re awake! Are you alright? You scared me just now!


    "I''ll get the doctor!"


    "How do you feel now? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"


    Maeve shook her head. She sat up and pretended not to know anything. "What''s wrong with me?"


    Arthur did not look too happy. "You''ve been poisoned. Sandy, who had a grudge against you before, added a neurotoxin to the drink she gave you. Fortunately, you didn''t drink much and nothing serious happened." "Sandy? How could she?" Maeve replied.


    "She''s probably still holding a grudge against you for what happenedst time. Plus, you were at the bottom of the auction yesterday. In the end, your gown was sold at a high price, and she became thest. Her review points were even deducted. Perhaps she was angry and thought wrongly," Arthur guessed.


    Maeve kept her eyes down and remained silent. The others assumed she was not feeling well, so they quietly left without disturbing her.


    As soon as they left, Maeve looked at the bracelet on her wrist that had turned into a ck blue diamond. Her honey-brown eyes were covered in a faint cold light.


    Last night, Theo used medicine to soak her bracelet for the entire night. It would immediately change color when it approached the poison.


    When Maeve opened the drink Sandy gave him, the bracelet turned ck.


    Hence, Maeve beat Sandy at her own game and bit her lip to put on that act.


    She had already taken the initiative to bite the bait. Next, it was up to Will and Theo.


    At the police station, thewyer entered the interrogation room. No matter how he tried to persuade Sandy, she kept quiet. asionally, she would confess.


    Her cooperation made thewyer feel that the matter was even more unusual.


    "Sandy, I hope you''ll consider whether you want to hide everything for the person behind this and sacrifice the rest of your life. You deliberately murdered the fiancee of Mr. Mcdaniel. Do you think you can resolve this with just a confession?"


    "Of course. Miss Sandy is willing to sacrifice herself for others. It''s rare. But what will happen to Miss Sandy''s family, friends, and even fianc¨¦ is not something awyer like me can guarantee


    Thewyer stood up, fastening his suit jacket, smiling at Sandy over the top of his gold-rimmed sses. "I''ll be on my way now," he said.


    Thewyer walked out slowly. Just as his hand was about to touch the doorknob, Sandy''s mental defense copsed behind. her. "Wait, wait, I''ll talk, I''ll talk! The prerequisite is that you have to guarantee my safety and my family!" About forty minutester, thewyer returned to the car and respectfully reported the situation to the kids in the back seat.


    <


    "Fiora is still being punished in the pce, isn''t she? How did she contact this person?" Will frowned. He felt that things were not that simple.


    Theo took out the lollipop in his mouth and said in disbelief, "Furthermore, someone like her who kidnaps Mommy and threatens her without a word can make such a meticulous n. D''s strange."


    The fatal point of a small amount of poison was that it would not immediately take effect. Instead, it would umte over time until the person''s body copsed.


    It could also cover up the time when the poison was administered.


    That did not seem like a way that the reckless princess could grow.


    Will saw the saliva at the corner of Theo''s mouth from the lollipop. He took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped it clean. He said, "I''m more inclined to believe that there''s someone else behind her. The other party hid it too well and didn''t leave any traces." Thewyer sitting in front was secretly amazed by their intelligence and sharpness. At the same time, he was curious about how Mr. Mcdaniel usually taught his children.


    Two soft and harmless little buns, Bonnie, spoke more maturely than her wild cards who have been wandering in the realm of human hearts and ghosts for years. "Could this be the power of upbringing?"

 Chapter 448

    Theo looked up obediently. After Will was done, he said, "We''ll investigate thister. I want to see Mommy"


    They had agreed to split up, but since they could catch Sandy and Fiora in one go, Mommy might not have listened to them and put herself in danger,


    In the hospital, Facing the two little guys'' aggrieved gazes, Maeve panicked to the extreme.


    "Baby, listen to Mommy''s exnation."


    Theo looked at her sadly. "Mommy, you don''t love us anymore.


    Maeve quickly stopped. "How can that be? How can Mommy not love you guys?"


    "Mommy, why are you risking your life if you love us? Didn''t we agree to pretend to faint to lure out the mastermind? Why are you taking poison on purpose?" Theo''s little heart was cold as heined to her, "If anything happens to you, Mommy, I and Will will be orphans. No one will love or donate to us in the future. We will be even more miserable than the weeds by the roadside!".


    Will did not say anything. His eyes were red as he pursed his lips and looked at Maeve. His expression made Maeve feel even guiltier than saying anything.


    Maeve immediately cowered and exined weakly, "No, Mommy didn''t take the risk on purpose. It''s just that if I don''t take some poison, the police will not investigate this matter properly. Then wouldn''t I have acted for nothing?"


    "Moreover, when Mommy drank it, she calcted that it was exactly the amount that could be found to be poisoned but not life-threatening."


    Maeve had to take this risk, not only to find out who had poisoned her.


    She even pulled out the person behind her and pulled her under the sun.


    That way, if that person wanted to do something to her in the future, she would have to weigh the


    pros


    and cons.


    "I don''t want to hear it! Unless you promise you won''t do it again, I will cry!" Theo said shamelessly. Will was even more ruthless. "If Mom does this again, I''ll punish myself by not eating for three days."


    Maeve screamed for help in her heart. ''What kind of scoundrel was this? They had her under their control. Did their biological mother still have any dignity?''


    Maeve surrendered in a second. "Alright, alright, alright. I promise I won''t do such a thing again. The old and the young are not allowed to cry, and the boss is not allowed to go on a hunger strike! Let''s talk things out. Everything can be discussed!" The two children immediately revealed rxed expressions. Their identical faces appeared in the same scene, and their cuteness doubled.


    ''But who would have thought that these two fair, fat, soft, and cute little things It was filled with ck sesame seeds. Maeve sighed. "I don''t have any dignity as a mommy at all."


    "Mommy, open your mouth and eat the apple." Theo pricked a piece of apple meat and brought it to Maeve''s mouth. "Or do you want to eat strawberries?"


    "Mommy, do you want honeydew? Crystal honeydew is abundant here. It doesn''t taste much yet." Will turned around and began to cut the honeydew.


    18:19


    ''Forget it. Forget it. If it was gone, so be it! While eating fruits, Maeve suddenly thought of something and quickly reminded them, "Don''t tell your father about this. He''s been very busy recently. Don''t distract him." Whether Byron was distracted or not was secondary. The main thing was that she was afraid of being scolded.


    However, the possibility was very low. Byron had been quite gentle with her recently. He might not scold her for such a small matter.


    Then, Maeve was scolded.


    For a full ten minutes, Byron mocked her coldly without repeating a word. "If you don''t want to live anymore, I can fulfill your wish. If you want to die, you can only die in my bed."


    Maeve''s legs went weak, and her body trembled as he leaned away from the camera.


    He wanted to hear her exnation.


    Maeve had already said that she knew very well that she would not let anything happen to her. All of them could only receive the sentence "taking the initiative to drink poison". Why were her other words blurred?


    Maeve did not dare to refute these words in front of Byron. She could onlyin in his heart. ''When he came back, there would probably be another bloodbath.


    Maeve''s ears burned when Byron recalled what he said to her before he went on a business trip. Her hand trembled and she identally hung up the video. "Oh no."


    Fortunately, Byron did not call again. He was probably busy. Maeve had just heard his assistant tell him the meeting was about to begin.


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief.


    As for waiting for him toe back, Maeve could still survive.


    Maeve rested for the entire afternoon and was discharged when she felt there was nothing else to do. She was preparing for tonight''s banquet.


    Night fell.


    The golden pce in the center of the capital was solemn. The banquet hall in front of the garden in the east was brightly lit. Guests came and went, toasting each other.


    After the day''s inauguration ceremony ended, Crown Prince Tom and Loren appeared together. They were dressed in tinum pce uniforms and the medals on their shoulders shone brightly. They could not hide their noble and elegant


    aura.


    More importantly, these two princes who were outstanding in all aspects were both single.


    There were many single nobledies present who covered their faces with fans, revealing only a pair of loving eyes. Then they saw the two princes walking in the same direction at the same time. "Maeve Reese."


    "Hi!"


    Looking at the voices, the youngdies saw a woman in a light golden tube dress. Her ck hair was beautiful face.


    With one look, more than half of them left.


    tied


    up, revealing


    a


    18:19 ri, Dec


    Maeve was looking for Tom and Loren. When she saw theming over, Maeve raised her hand and shook it. "Tom, Loren."


    The two little ones who were wearing ck and white tuxedos and bow ties beside her also greeted them.


    "Will, Theo, you guys are dressed so cutely today." Loren was extremely adorable by the two little ones. He squatted down and looked at their appearances today. "Cool and handsome!"


    Theo, who was in a white suit, raised his head and puffed out his chest. "Of course! Mommy said that we''re the prettiest children present today!"


    Maeve Slightly embarrassed, "Kid, you''d better be more humble


    "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness Loren." A Duke brought his wife to greet Tom and Loren. When he saw Maeve and the others, he asked curiously, "I wonder if these are Your Highness''s?" "They are my friends." Tom looked at Maeve and the two little ones. "This is Duke of Deman."


    Will nodded slightly. He ced his small hand in front of his chest and bowed elegantly. "Hello, I''m Will."


    Theo had grown up in the pce, so there was no fault in his etiquette. "Hello, I''m Theo."


    "Hello." When Maeve thought of the two little ones'' self-introduction, her brain suddenly twitched. The words ''I am Maeve Reese'' that were about toe out of his mouth suddenly became, "I am seasoning." "Pardon me?"


    "Pfft," Tom and Loren responded.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    The two little ones thought to themselves. ''Mommy is so cute!''


    COMMENT


    0


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 449

    "No! I''m sorry, I misspoke. I''m Maeve Reese," Maeve blurted, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. She wanted nothing more than to sink into the floor. "I was just joking." The Damon couple smiled warmly, their kindness softening the wkward moment. "You have quite the sense of humor. I believe I''ve seen you at the pce before?" "Yes," Macve replied, forcing a smile. "I used to be a royal designer


    Loren chimed in, "She''s also a student of my great-great-grandmother."


    That little detail wasn''t something Maeve shared often, and it clearly caught the Damon couple''s attention. Their smiles widened as they handed her a golden business card. "You absolutely have to visit us sometime," they said enthusiastically. With the Damons'' endorsement, Maeve suddenly found herself surrounded by introductions and invitations. Business cards stacked up in her hand faster than she could keep track.


    Meanwhile, Tom and Loreh stuck close by, nking her and the two little ones like sentries. Their presence was enough to make anyone with less-than-friendly intentions think twice about approaching.


    Not everyone was so weing, though. A few people in the crowd recognized Maeve as the daughter of a wanted criminal who had caused Fiora''s punishment. They shot her judgmental nces but didn''t dare voice their thoughts with Tom around. Will, standing nearby, leaned toward Loren. "Prince Loren, is Princess Fiora here?"


    Loren casually pointed to a server across the room. "She is over there, serving drinks. Why?"


    Will didn''t answer immediately, shaking his head as if brushing off the question.


    Even with Sandy''s testimony, the police were hesitant to push the investigation. After all, it involved a royal princess, and cases like this always moved at a crawl. There was a real chance Fiora would walk away without any consequences.


    It wasn''t that Will didn''t trust Tom or Loren-they had done everything they could. But Fiora''s statusplicated everything. Nobody wanted to cross the line and risk the royal family''s reputation.


    ''Unless .... A spark of something sharp and determined shed in Will''s usually calm eyes.


    The party picked up pace, transitioning into the ball. As tradition dictated, the first dance began.


    All eyes were on Tom as he stepped forward. Loren, along with most of the guests, fully expected him to invite Maeve. But to everyone''s surprise, Tom turned to Theo, the young boy by his side. The room went silent for a beat before the whispers it clicked.


    1. ed. Loren raised a brow, momentarily caught off guare a ter


    The first dance at an event like this was supposed to be with someone special, often a romantic interest. Plenty of noblewomen had been hoping Tom would pick them.


    Instead, hepletely threw tradition out the window and danced with Theo. Typical Tom. Always doing things his way.


    Thedies looked disappointed, but at the same time, they felt relieved. If Tom wasn''t going to pick them, at least he hadn''t picked another woman either.


    After the opening dance, Loren decided to make his move and ask Maeve to dance. Unfortunately for him, someone beat him to it.


    16:57 Sat, De


    Chapter 449-


    Will stepped up to Marve with a polite smile and bowed slightly Mom, may I have this dance?"


    Maeve''s heart melted on the spot, Will looked so charming and adorable that she couldn''t possibly say no. Of course, she agreed it was her son, after all, and she adored him.


    As they moved onto the dance floor, Loren stood there like a statue, his jaw clenched in frustration. He felt so abandoned, watching his favorite person leave without him.


    ''Damn it!'' he thought, ring after them. ''I wanted to dance with Maeve too!


    But when a noblewoman approached him and asked for a dance he snapped back to his usual cold self. "Sorry, I don''t dance," he said tly.


    She blinked at him,pletely speechless, probably thinking, What kind of prince doesn''t know how to dance?"


    As the night went on, Maeve found herself changing dance partners one after another. By the time Loren finally got his chance, she waspletely out of breath, her energy totally spent..


    Tom, leaning casually against a pir, shook his head at the sight "You need to work on your stamina. Maybe take up running. Next time, you might need it to escape something."


    Maeve, catching her breath,ughed. "Do you think I haven''t tried? I just... can''t stick with it."


    She couldn''t help but think back to when she was first married to Byron. She used to go for nightly runs, full of determination to stay in shape. But in the end, the temptation of the food street always won, and her efforts fizzled out. Tom chuckled, about to tease her further, when someone approached and interrupted. "Your Highness, the Queen has requested your presence, along with Prince Loren, in the study


    Tom raised an eyebrow. "What''s going on?"


    "I''m not sure of the details, but I know Duke Connor and some of the other Dukes are there as


    well."


    Will, standing nearby, smirked ever so slightly, as if he knew something the others didn''t.


    Tom sighed, sensing this wasn''t going to be a casual chat. He gave Maeve a quick nod, then headed off with Loren.


    The study was thick with tension. The Queen sat behind her desk, calmly flipping through a document. Her silver-streaked hair and lined face hinted at her age, but the poise and elegance of her younger years still lingered.


    If anything, she seemed even moremanding now, like a calm ocean-gentle on the surface but carrying an unmistakable sense of power.


    When Tom and Loren walked in, the room shifted as the gathered Dukes greeted them.


    "Mother, what happened?" Tom asked, his tone cautious.


    The Queen nced up, her gaze sharp. "Your uncle Connor and the others are questioning Fiora''s status. They im she''s not your sister''s biological daughter and doesn''t have royal blood. That alone makes her position as a princess questionable. "On top of that, her behavior doesn''t meet the standards of the title. What''s your opinion?"


    "Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, I''m not here to challenge decisions, but a princess should act the part." Connor stepped forward, speaking with calm confidence.


    "This," he said, cing a letter on the table, "is an anonymous report detailing Fiora''s misdeeds. People are too afraid to speak out because of her title, but keeping someone like her in the royal family only damages its reputation."


    Tom frowned, his mind racing. The usations were shockingly thorough-more so than the results of his own quiet


    investigation. Someone was clearly feeding Connor information, but he didn''t know who.


    0?? 85%¡ã


    Meanwhile, in another part of the pce, Will and Theo were happily gathering snacks for Maeve. It wasn''t until they turned around that they froze.


    "Where''s Mom?" Theo asked, his tone a mix of confusion and panic.


    Their mother had vanished. In truth, Maeve had wandered off to admire the garden roses. But before she could take in their beauty, someone had grabbed her arm and dragged her into a quiet corner. Startled, she spun around-and found herself face-to-face with Fiora, dressed in


    a maid''s uniform.


    "Bitch! It''s bad enough you seduced my brother, now you''re going after my uncle too? You can''t survive without a man, huh? You''re pathetic!" Fiora screamed, lunging at Maeve and grabbing her by the neck. "If you hadn''t ruined my life, I wouldn''t be in this mess! How dare you even show up here?!"


    Maeve''s response was a beat too slow, exhaustion from the dance earlier catching up with her. Fiora''s nails scraped across her neck, drawing blood, and Maeve winced in pain, pushing Fiora off with whatever strength she had left. "Ah!" Fiora shrieked as she tumbled backward, rolling down the stone steps before hitting thea with a loud thud..This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Maeve stared, shocked. She hadn''t even pushed that hard.


    At the bottom of the steps, Fiora grinned in a way that sent a chill through Maeve. Then, she grabbed her stomach and cried out in pain.


    Maeve froze as she realized what Fiora was doing-framing her. The blood drained from Maeve''s face. If Fiora died, Maeve would be med. Killing a royal family member was punishable by death.


    The noise drew a crowd, and the scene turned intoplete chaos. Fiora was hauled onto a stretcher, still pointing at Maeve with a shaky finger, using her in front of everyone. "It was her... she pushed me... she tried to kill me." "I didn''t!" Maeve snapped, fists clenching. "It was you-"


    4


    Before she could finish, someone in the crowd shouted, "She is the daughter of that wanted criminal! She''s got a vendet against Princess Fiora! She tried to kill her!"

 Chapter 450

    As soon as the words were spoken, a wave of whispers spread through the crowd. People exchanged doubtful and scrutinizing nces, and Maeve felt like she was being pierced by a thousand stares It was hard not to feel the sting of their words.


    But Maeve wasn''t about to back down. She spoke up, her voice steady. "I''ve been standing here the whole time. How could I have pushed her from this angle? I''m open to any investigation, but I won''t stand for baseless usations. "Even in front of the Royal Inspection Team, I''ll say the same thing."


    Her firm words cut through the murmurs in the room. Those who had initially suspected her started to doubt themselves.


    No one in their right mind would try to murder a princess in the pce. Maeve was too smart for that.


    The important figures in the room weren''t fools either. After thinking it over, they began to sense that something wasn''t right.


    Maeve''s position wasn''t strong enough for them to openly oppose the royal family on her behalf.


    Even if Fiora was temporarily stripped of her title, it was clear that the royal family wouldn''t let her go so easily.


    "I believe in Ms. Reese," the Damon couple said, stepping up for Maeve. "Don''t worry. The Royal Inspection Team will check this out."


    Their support caused the murmurs to die down for a moment.


    Fiora ground her teeth in frustration. The Damon couple were hardly loyal, but their words still stung. She couldn''t understand why they were rushing to defend Maeve. ''Is there something between them? Don''t they care about me?'' "Check? There''s no need for that. I can provide the most authentic evidence right now." Just then, a sharp, childish voice cut through the crowd, sending a shiver down everyone''s spine.


    Everyone turned to see the two young boys-one of whom had just danced with the crown prince earlier-standing nearby.


    Will was holding the remote for the LCD screen in the hall, while Theo, facing away from the crowd, was scrolling through something on a tablet.


    With a click, he pressed the enter key, and the LCD screen flickered to life. The camera had caught everything that had just happened.


    Fiora must have thought she''d covered her tracks when she attacked Maeve, but in a ce like the pce, safety was key- there were no truly hidden corners.


    The camera, with its full 365-degree coverage, had captured the whole thing-Fiora ranting and attacking Maeve, trying to strangle her like a madwoman. It was all there, for everyone to see.


    The party hall, usually a symbol of royal elegance, now felt like the stage for a humiliating spectacle.


    Everyone was thinking the same thing, "This is absurd. How can someone like her be a princess? She is making a fool of the royal family.


    Fiora, still lying on the stretcher, looked furious. Her face was pale with anger, and in her rage,


    she forgot her act.


    She stood up and pointed at the two boys, yelling, "Don''t be fooled by these two little bastards! They''re Maeve''s kids. What good coulde from the daughter of a wanted criminal?! Don''t believe-" 16:57 Sat, Dec 14


    Maeve''s eyes narrowed with fury. She swung her hand, and two bud ps rang out,nding hard on Fiora''s face, cutting off her insults mid-sentence.


    Fiora could insult her all she wanted, but Maeve wouldn''t let her speak ill of her children.


    Fiora shrieked, "How dare you hit me?! Bitch, I want you dead!"


    Maeve''s face remained stone-cold as she stared at Fiora, almost like she was looking at a dead woman.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I think the princess is just fine. Doesn''t need a stretcher at all," Maeve said with chilling calm.


    The crowd quickly noticed Fiora, who was sitting up, fully alert and not at all injured. She had been faking it the entire time.


    Maeve had already wondered how Fiora could''ve fallen so dramatically on those steps-turned out, it had all been a lie.


    The room fell silent, but the Damon couple wasn''t shy to speak up. "Your Highness, your behavior tonight is a disgrace to the royal family."


    It was beyond embarrassing.


    "Mr. Damon!" Fiora hissed, clutching her swollen cheek. Her face, once beautiful, now twisted with anger. She opened her mouth to say something, but then her eyesnded on Toming down the spiral staircase.


    "Uncle!" Fiora nearly jumped out of her seat, as if she''d found a knight in shining armor. She wasted no time. "This woman pushed me down the stairs and hurt me! She pped me in front of everyone. She ispletely insulting the royal family!" Tom stepped forward, his expression stone cold. "Fiora, it''s time to face the truth."


    He didn''t hesitate. "Because of your actions, using your power like you did, Her Majesty has decided to strip you of your title and your rights. Your family registration will go back to your original household."


    He let the words sink in, then added, "The official document will be issued tomorrow, so from now on, you are no longer a princess. You''re no longer part of the royal family."


    Tom''s wordsnded like a heavy blow, rippling through the room, sending a shockwave through the already tense atmosphere.


    In thest hundred years, no princess had ever been expelled from the royal family. This wasn''t just a public humiliation; it was a death sentence to Fiora''s status.


    Fiora tried to scramble off the stretcher and staggered toward Tom. "No! Grandma won''t let you do this! What right do you have? I''m a princess! I have royal blood! You''ll regret this, siding with some lowlymoner!"


    Tom listened to her frantic rambling before delivering the cold truth. "You''re not a princess, Fiora. You were adopted by my sister. You never had royal blood-just luckier than the people you looked down on. Without this title, you''re nothing."


    None of the other princesses were as arrogant as Fiora. While the rest of them focused on self-improvement, Fiora was obsessed with pleasure and used her position to bullymon people.


    What she wasted wasn''t just time, money, or power-it was the real value of being a princess.


    And because of that, she didn''t deserve it.


    Tom brushed her hand aside and waved to the guards. "Get her out of here. From now on, she is not wee back."


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    Fiora fought back as the guards tried to drag her away. "You''re lying! Let go of me!"


    16:57 Sat, Dec 14 G G.


    83%


    She screamed, throwing a full-on tantrum, rolling around on the floor without caring about how ridiculous she looked. But no one showed her any sympathy. Not even the Damon couple. All her arrogance and condescension had finally caught up with her.


    Tom didn''t seem fazed. He just raised his hand, signaling the orchestra to keep ying. The party continued like nothing had happened.


    The guests quietly went back to the hall, some whispering to each other about what just went down.


    Maeve stood there, still in a daze. One second, she thought she might be used of trying to kill a royal, and the next, Fiora was kicked out of the royal family. It was hard to wrap her head around the sudden shift.

 Chapter 451

    "Mommy!"


    "Mom!"


    Before anyone else could react, two little boys raced over, throwing their arms around Maeve''s legs like they never wanted to let go.


    "Mommy, you''re okay now. She can''t hurt you anymore!" Theo said, his tiny voice brimming with determination. "Don''t worry, we will protect you."


    Will nodded firmly. "Daddy''s not here, but we are. We won''t let anyone treat you badly."


    And they had. If not for them, Maeve would''ve been dragged off by the royal guards, used of a crime she didn''tmit. Fiora would''ve been in a hospital bed, faking injuries and spinning lies to ruin Maeve''s life.


    Even if the truth came outter, the damage to Maeve''s reputation would''ve been done.


    Being the daughter of a wanted criminal already made life tough. Add usations of attempted murder, and her future would''ve been in shambles.


    That was why the boys hadn''te to her right away. Instead, they found the surveince footage to prove Fiora was lying.


    Maeve felt her throat tighten, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She dropped to her knees and pulled them close, wrapping them in a fierce hug.


    "I''m sorry," she murmured, her voice barely audible.


    She was their mom. She should be the one protecting them, not the other way around. Yet here they were, defending her.


    And tonight, they had even endured Fiora''s venomous words because of her.


    Hearing her apology, both boys looked rmed. Theo''s small face scrunched up as he protested, his voice cracking with urgency. "Mommy, you didn''t do anything wrong! Don''t say sorry! It''s our fault for not keeping you safe. That crooked witch just caught us off guard!"


    Will, ever the mature one, held her gaze seriously. "Mom, do you feel guilty for dragging us into this? Don''t. You''re the most important person to us. Nothing she says matters to us."


    Maeve''s heart melted into a puddle right then and there. She wondered what she had done to deserve kids as incredible as these two. It felt like she must''ve won the universe''s biggest lottery.


    Tom couldn''t help but chuckle as he pulled the two little boys into his arms, yfully nuzzling them like they were tiny kittens.


    But theughter quickly faded when Tom''s eyes caught something-a faint pink crescent mark on the back of Maeve''s neck.


    His smile vanished, reced by curiosity. Without thinking, he reached out to touch it.


    "Tom!" Maeve jolted, turning to him in surprise. "Why are you touching me like that?",


    Tom hesitated, his brow furrowing as if trying to piece together a puzzle. "Maeve... there is a crescent-shaped birthmark on your neck."


    Maeve blinked, raising her hand to touch the spot. "Really? I didn''t even know."


    Well, it wasn''t surprising. The mark was tucked away where she wouldn''t see it.


    Theo and Will immediately leaned in, their curiosity piqued. "Mom, I have the same birthmark!" Will announced triumphantly, pulling down his shirt cor to show it off.


    "What about me? Do I have one too?" Theo eagerly tugged at his shirt, tilting his head for Will to check.


    Will took a quick look and shook his head. "Nope, nothing there


    Theo pouted dramatically. "Why does Will get to match Mommy, but I don''t? Am I not the cuter one here?"


    Will smirked. "Maybe you''re too cute already. They probably figured you didn''t need the extra charm."


    Theo''s pout turned into a wide grin. "Don''t worry, Will. Mommy and I both love you so much. We''ll make sure you''re not left out!"


    Will didn''t say a word, but the look on his face screamed, ''If you love me that much, maybe cut back on snacks and save me some cleanup.''


    Maeve chuckled, her attention pulled away from the whole birthmark discussion by their banter.


    But Tom wasn''tughing. He kept ncing at the mark on Maeve''s neck, his brow furrowing as though a long-forgotten memory was trying to resurface.


    Later that night, after the party ended, Tom made his way to the Royal Hospital.


    "You want to see N''s photo? At this hour?" Wren asked, looking puzzled as he leaned against his desk. "You just came from the party. What''s going on? Why the sudden urgency?"


    N was Wren''s firstborn, her precious baby girl. She barely had time to give her a nickname before losing her forever. It was the kind of pain Wren had buried deep, but it lingered, never fading.


    Tom offered her a soft smile. "I just feel like today''s... important. I wanted to see N, in a way. Maybe talk to her."


    Wren softened at his words. She opened a small box from her desk, pulling out a few photos, edges slightly worn but lovingly kept. "Here," she said, handing them over. "Talk to her properly. I wouldn''t mind hearing it too." "Okay." Tom nodded, flipping through the photos one by one. His gaze lingered on a specific picture.


    "Do you remember her birthmark?" he asked, pointing at the photo.


    Wren''s lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "Of course. She had it from birth. It was a little big, shaped like a crescent moon. Back then, I thought it might''ve been a nail mark I identally left on her."


    Tom''s pulse quickened, his usualposure slipping. He told himself this was ridiculous-it had to be-but a small, nagging "what if" refused to go away.


    Wren tilted her head, watching him closely. "You okay?" she asked, her voice cutting through his racing thoughts.


    "You seem... off tonight. I also heard about Fiora. Kicking her out was the right call. She brought it on herself, and you don''t need to worry about what anyone thinks. You did the right thing" "Thanks for understanding," Tom said, though his heart felt unbearably heavy. He forced a smile. "I just remembered something I still need to handle. It''s giving me a bit of a headache." "You''re not young anymore; your healthes first. Work isn''t going anywhere." Wren sighed, shaking her head.


    "know," he said, nodding. "I''ll be careful."


    As soon as Tom left the top floor, Tom headed straight to the doctor''s office. He instructed the staff to pull up Maeve''s medical records from herst visit. 16:57 Sat, Dec 14 GOG.


    Momentster, he was staring at the data. Her blood type: AB Rh negative. The same as Loren''s.


    1483%


    At the time, he hadn''t thought much of it-it seemed insignificant. But now, with everything stacking up, the coincidences were getting too big to ignore.


    Tom''s fingers shook a little as he held the report. For a moment, he couldn''t bring himself to think too much about it. He just sat there, waiting for the rush of excitement to settle before he could focus again. The blood type and birthmark alone didn''t mean much. He needed something more solid.


    Thankfully, Maeve''s blood samples were still on file. Tom wasted no time, arranging for the doctor topare Maeve''s and Wren''s blood.


    But the results wouldn''t be ready until tomorrow, at the earliest. Though he was eager to stay and wait for the results, Tom found himself driving to Vi 08 without even thinking about itContent (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    He couldn''t quite exin how he felt. Excited, hopeful, but also uneasy.


    Maeve''s age matched up perfectly. She had also been taken by her adoptive parents the same year his sister gave birth to N, and Maeve had been in Setigal, at the same hospital, when she was stolen. The problem was, a paternity test had already been done on Maeve and Henry, showing they were father and daughter.


    Tom''s excitement started to fade, reced by growing unease about the paternity test results.


    The man who had been with his sister back then wasn''t Henry-it was a businessman. He couldn''t help but wonder if the test had been wrong.

 Chapter 452

    Maeve had no idea Tom was outside the vi, waiting anxiously, caught between excitement and nerves.


    Meanwhile, while she was in the bath, Byron''s video call came through.


    She almost ignored it, but in the rush, ended up picking it up by ident. Flustered, she quickly flipped the phone over on the shelf, hurried out of the tub, and started drying off and getting dressed. A few seconds of silence passed before Byron''s voice came through, faint but teasing, "It''s just showering. Can''t I watch?"


    Maeve was caught off guard by his teasing tone, nearly dropping her nightdress in the process. Gritting her teeth, she shot back, "Byron, you''re a pervert. You actually want to watch me shower?" "Haven''t I seen it all already?" Byronughed, bringing up old memories. "Remember when you practically threw yourself at me after your shower, drunk as hell? I didn''t call you perverted then." Maeve''s face went bright red. She was so flustered she couldn''t even zip up her dress properly.


    Byron wasn''t done. "And that time you were sick, couldn''t even stand up, and I had to help you shower?


    Maeve didn''t have aeback for that.


    "We''ve seen each other at our worst. I just wanna see you shower, Why act like I''m some stranger?"


    His tone was light, but it carried that same yful, teasing edge. It felt like he was flirting with someone who was shy, and Maeve was definitely that person.


    Even after all this time, Byron still had the ability to make her flustered.


    "Byron, can you be normal for once?" Maeve muttered, trying to stay calm. After a beat, she finally said, "What''s going on inside your head?"


    "You," Byron said, his voice slow and teasing. "Isn''t it obvious?"


    Maeve''s heart skipped. She didn''t want to let him see he was getting to her, but she could tell he was doing it on purpose, trying to push her buttons. She wasn''t going to give him the satisfaction, though.


    However, Byron didn''t mean it that way. He stared at the bathroom floor on the screen, sighed, and said, "Ms. Reese, your boyfriend is stuck in some foreign country, all alone. I''m struggling to adjust, buried in work, can''t you even give this little thing?"


    Maeve bit her lip. He had gotten way toofortable calling himself her "boyfriend." Honestly, she didn''t even remember when she had agreed to that.


    But hearing him talk about being alone out there, it tugged at her heart, even though she knew exactly what he was doing. He was good at getting under her skin, and she always fell for it.


    "Just this once," she muttered, barely audible. "Don''t make a habit of it." Her earlobes were burning red, and she could barely hear herself over the pounding of her heart.


    Byron, of course heard her just fine. He chuckled. "Wait for me. Let''s do it together."


    Maeve couldn''t handl


    1. it. "Why do you always have so many tricks up your sleeve?"


    "Huh?" Byron replied casually. "Self-taught, I guess."


    Maeve was stunned for a moment. ''What a jerk.


    Sun, Dec


    14:39


    Chapter 452 12701


    The shower ended up taking way longer than she nned. When she finally came out, her skin was flushed and soft from the warmth, her fingers wrinkled from the water. She walked over to the dresser, sat down, and ced her phone here without even looking at it.


    On the screen, Byron was lounging in a white bathrobe, leaning against the bed''s headboard with a foreign document in his hand. He looked satisfied, his face rxed with azy, almost sexy look in his eyes. He nced at the phone and saw Maeve sitting there, carefully applying skincare to her face. She didn''t dare look at him, and for some reason, that made him want tough.


    "Maeve, are you shy again?" he teased, a grin in his voice.


    The way he said ''again'' hit just the right note, making her more embarrassed. She wasn''t in the mood to respond.


    Byron was worried Maeve might end the call if he pushed her too far. He still had a few days left in the country, and if he upset her, he probably wouldn''t be getting anything tonight.


    He quickly switched the topic, bringing up what had happened at the party. Will had already filled him in, but he wanted to hear Maeve''s perspective


    "She is not a princess anymore. That''s the worst punishment for her," Maeve said after a moment. "And now, she can''t hurt


    me."


    That was it. Maeve wasn''t going to waste any more energyPlease check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    on her


    Byron''s expression shifted sharply for a second, but it was gone before Maeve noticed.


    "I almost forgot to tell you something else."


    "What''s that?"


    "I found Henry. I''ve arranged for someone to bring him back to Erancia tomorrow."


    Maeve''s face lit up with surprise. She was already feeling relieved from everything that had happened tonight, but this was even better.


    Henry had been like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment. Now, with him out of the picture, she could finally let out a sigh of relief.


    "Mr. McDaniel, you really have worked hard," she said with a smile. "You really are the backbone of our family."


    Byron straightened up a little, clearly enjoying thepliment, though he tried to y it cool. He shot her a smirk. "That''s it? After all my hard work, that''s all I get?"


    Maeve got what he was hinting at. Without asking what he wanted, she leaned in close to the screen and gave him a quick kiss.


    Her pale face leaned in, and her soft, rosy lips puckered for a kiss. It was a bit over the top, but Byron couldn''t help thinking it was cute.


    Byron barely managed to keep the


    now?"


    "Ki-kiss?" she mumbled.


    "When did I say I wanted a kiss?" he


    grin off his face. When Maeve sat up, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "What was that just


    ood, just stared at him, feeling the sche


    pretending to be surprised.


    Maeve, realizing she''d probably misunderstood, just stared at him, feeling she actually had been hit by lightning. She


    wouldn''t make that mistake again.


    Byron had yed his cards to get her into bed, but now he regreted his action. Not only had he failed to get some, but he had pissed her off, and now he was missing out on any goodnigh messages.


    The next morning, before Tom got the test results, Henry showed up first. Tom decided to meet him right away.


    "My wife died over 20 years ago," Henry said casually, handcuffed in the interrogation room. "All because of that good-for- nothing girl who couldn''t even make a living. My wife just fell apart because of her." He shrugged, as if it was no big deal. "I didn''t even ask that loser for money, and she went and called the cops on me. How can a daughter be this cruel?"


    Anyone who didn''t know Maeve might''ve questioned her after hearing Henry''s words.


    However, Tom just gave him a cold smile. "You never did your job as a father to Maeve, and now you expect her to give you money? Is she even your real daughter?"


    "If she wasn''t, why would I keep bothering her?" Henry retorted.


    "You won''t be bothering her anymore," Tom said curtly.


    At that, Henry smiled darkly. "But my daughter''s got a father like me, stuck in prison. I''m sure her future is not gonna be so great."

 Chapter 453

    Tom''s eyes narrowed. "Is that a threat?"


    72


    "Me? Threatening you? Never," Henry said with a shameless grin his fake humility almostughable. "Aren''t you and my daughter good friends, Your Highness? With your influence, getting me out of here should be a piece of cake. "And hey, I''ll even throw in my blessing for you to marry Maeve just send me a little cash and ship me off somewhere nice


    The sheer audacity of Henry''s wordsid his true nature bare-greedy and vile.


    Tom''s sharp, ss-gray eyes turned icy. Human rights? Basic decency? Henry had clearly missed the memo. Tom couldn''t help but think, ''Who does this man think he is, saying something like that? Before he could respond, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He shot Henry a sharp look before stepping away to answer. When he saw it was from the hospital, his chest tightened. ''Here we go. Keeping his voice low, he asked, "Are the results in?"


    The director''s voice practically crackled with excitement. "Yes, Your Highness. It''s unbelievable-the test confirms Ms. Reese is the biological daughter of Princess Wren. This is astonishing!" Tom froze. ''Maeve... royalty?''


    The words echoed in his mind like a thunderp. Maeve wasn''t just anyone-she was the rightful princess of the royal family, leagues above Fiora, who had already lost her title. Relief surged through him, but his throat felt dry, and a faint ringing in his ears muddled his thoughts. He needed to be absolutely sure. "You''re positive? No chance of a mistake?"


    "I swear on the honor granted to me by Her Majesty the Queen, there''s no error, Your Highness," the director assured him, firm and resolute.


    Tom felt like fireworks were exploding in his chest, lighting up the entire room-even though the ceiling was the only thing in sight. He could barely keep himself from throwing his arms in the air and shouting with joy. Instead, he began pacing, his mind buzzing, his heart hammering. He needed to pull himself together, but the excitement made it nearly impossible.


    Tom exhaled slowly, keeping his voice calm and firm. "Seal the results. Nobody touches them. I''ll pick them up myself."


    "Understood, Your Highness!"


    Ending the call, Tom allowed himself a brief smile. Relief washed over him, but the feeling was short-lived. There was still


    in emotions. too much to handle, and now wasn''t the time to get caught up


    He turned back to Henry, who was still lounging smugly like he had all the power in the world. The sight made Tom''s jaw tighten.


    "Have you thought it over, Your Highness?" Henry drawled, clearly full of himself. "This is a win-win! My daughter is a rare gem-looks, figure, the whole package. You''d be getting a great deal here...."


    The next moment, a deafening crash shattered the air. With one swift kick, Tom sent the table flying, mming Henry into the wall. The man crumpled to the floor, blood spewing from his mouth as his ribs cracked under the impact. He looked more like a discarded rag than a man.


    Tom stood over him, his expression ice-cold. "You dare call yourself Maeve''s father?"


    14:39 Sun, Dec 15 ti Chapter 453


    Without waiting for an answer, Tom turned to his bodyguards, stone clipped and sharp. "Send him to cktomb Prison. Hand him over to the warden in District One. Use whatever means necessary-just don''t let him die." "Yes, Your Highness."


    Henry''s face turned ashen. He knew all too well what cktom Prison was a hellish ce in Erancia, reserved for the


    worst of the worst.


    Fear crawled over him as he stammered internally, ''Didn''t they say Tom was close to my daughter? Then why the hell is he doing this to me?!''


    Tom didn''t spare him another nce. Whatever secrets Henry was hiding, the warden would drag them out soon enough.


    With Henry taken care of, Tom shifted his focus. Suppressing the urge to rush to his niece, he methodically arranged police for a full investigation into Henry''s background.


    If he wanted to clear Maeve''s name, step one was proving-publicly and indisputably-that Henry was not her real father. Tom wanted to be the one to restore her name, to wipe away the stigma she had carried for so long. Maeve no longer had to live under the shadow of others'' judgments. Following Tom''s orders, the police wasted no time. By midnight, they had released a notification video.


    "Henry York, the criminal behind the notorious jewelry heist from over 20 years ago, has been arrested. During the investigation, we uncovered something shocking: Henry had recently faked being the victim''s biological father and tried to extort money from Ms. Reese. Failed, he threatened...."


    The video exploded online. Within hours, shares and likes hit over a million, but it wasn''t just because of Tom''s push-it resonated with people.


    Maeve wasn''t just any designer; she was a royal designer who had created half of the Queen''s public wardrobe. Her work was admired across Erancia, eyen by those who didn''t know her personally.


    She wasn''t born into privilege. Bing a royal designer without connections or a powerful background was unheard of.


    To many, Maeve was a symbol of hope-a white rose blooming in barren soil. She inspired countless people, especially those chasing big dreams from small beginnings.


    Even Mandysha, Erancia''s top fashion designer and a living legend, shared the video. Mandysha understood struggles like Maeve''s better than most.


    Her own story was raw and inspiring. She had grown up in poverty, with a father sentenced to death for murder and a mother who abandoned her and her sister to a harsh welfare home.


    Mandysha wed her way out, collecting scraps and working nonstop to provide for her sister and fund her education.


    In her post, Mandysha wrote, [Where youe from doesn''t define where you''re headed. If all you see in Maeve is her past, you''re missing the point entirely. But don''t worry-people like you usually don''t realize how blind and small-minded you are.] Mandysha''s words hit like a thunderp, as sharp as they were empowering. True to her reputation as fashion''s no-nonsense queen, she didn''t hold back. When she spoke, it was bound to leave a mark.


    Netizens couldn''t get enough of Mandysha''s fieryment. They shared it everywhere, addingughing emojis and joking about how they wished they could borrow her bluntness to roast people in their own lives.


    Her words,ing from such a big


    name, gave the news an even bigger push.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Before long, it became the top trending topic, crossing borders into Setigal and catching the attention of its more excitable


    29/2


    The buzz around Maeve was electric. Designer extraordinaire, founder of Dreamscape Studio, fianc¨¦e to the CEO of McDaniel Group, and-shockingly-the alleged daughter of a wanted criminal. Each title was a headline in itself, and together they created a whirlwind of curiosity and gossip.


    Setigalizens dove headfirst into the drama. Many assumed that with Henry''s arrest, Maeve would forever carry thebel "daughter of a death row inmate." But as the truth unraveled, reactions poured in like wildfire. Comments ranged from disbelief to outright rage.


    [I honestly cared more about this story than I ever did about my first love, and now you''re telling me it was all fake?]


    [Seriously? This man pretended to be her dad, messed with her feelings, and tried to scam her for money? I''m beyond mad.]


    [LOL, I''m dying. Youizens basically say: you can mess with my feelings, but don''t mess with my wallet!]

 Chapter 454

    14:39


    I honestly feel so bad for Ms. Reese, She''s beenbeled as the daughter of a wanted criminal for over a month, and those ruthlessizens attacked her. The more I think about it, the more I feel like someone''s really out to get her.] [Even if she''s not the criminal''s daughter, she''s still not a big deal Who''s even feeling threatened by her? This isn''t the entertainment world.]


    [By the way, the Mcdaniel Group''s official ount is running a giveaway. Share the video, and 50 people could win a share of a million dors!]


    [Wait, WHAT? A million dors? That''s 20 thousand dors each


    [With that kind of money, Mr. Mcdaniel must be totally smitten with her, right?]


    [Honestly, for Mr. Mcdaniel, that money probably means nothing. But Maeve marrying him? She''s way out of his league. If they get married, I''ll eat my keyboard.]Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Once the Mcdaniel Group giveaway went live, even people who didn''t care much about the news got in on it.


    When ites to messing with people''s feelings, sure, people might be mad for a while.


    But swindling money? That was where people really draw the line. Netizens were practically cursing Henry''s entire family


    tree.


    To show support for Maeve, they even rushed over to Dreamscape Studio''s website to buy some clothes.


    The homepage featured Wings of Love, a stunning wedding dress design with two birds perched on branches. The intricate patterns trailed down to the hem, making it look as though they were about to take flight. It was this super romantic design, and they could tell Maeve had put her heart into it.


    But when fans tried to buy it, they realized it wasn''t avable yet. It wasn''t even finished. It was just up there to admire.


    Netizens were pissed. [WTF. Are you serious?!]


    They sted Maeve and Dreamscape Studio, but Maeve didn''t even know about any of it.


    Maeve was sitting in the living room, unwrapping the gift Byron had sent, when she noticed the police video from Erancia ying on the TV. She was totally caught off guard.


    It felt unreal. There was no way the police could''ve faked this. It made her think back to the paternity test she did with Henry.


    She had never questioned it-First Hospital was too reputable to make such a mistake or fake anything. And Henry didn''t have the power to manipte First Hospital into doing anything. Maeve was left confused. Just then, the doorbell rang. She went to open it, and before she could process who it was, the person pulled her into a tight hug.


    "Uh, Tom?" Maeve froze in his arms. As she tried to pull away, she heard him say, "Maeve, Uncle will take you home now."


    ''Uncle...? Uncle?'' Maeve''s eyes were filled with confusion. She could feel the warmth of Tom''s embrace, like someone who had found something they''d lost. She didn''t know what to think She looked over at Loren, who was standing there with a dazed look on his face, his lips pressed tight.


    ''What''s happening? Are they both drunk?'' she thought.


    <


    Of course, neither Tonnor Loren had been drinking, but they didn''t want to drop the full truth on Maeve just yet.


    They held back their excitement and suggested taking Maeve and the kids to the pce.


    Then Maeve finally noticed the convoy behind them-about twenty shiny ck luxury cars lined up in a square, with a white car in the center. It looked like a princess surrounded by knights. It was hard to ignore. There were even fresh flowers on the roof. No matter how you looked at it, the whole scene was a total showstopper.


    Tom awkwardly scratched his nose and said, "I actually wanted to send you a carriage from the pce, they say women like that kind of thing, but the carriages were being repaired today. So, I had to settle for the next best thing." He had decided that his precious niece deserved a grand wee. It wasn''t official, but it was the best he could do with what he had.


    Loren opened his mouth to speak, but the second he did, his eyes started watering, and he let out a small burp.


    Maeve was stunned. She silently thanked the universe that the carriage was under repair. If it weren''t, she had no idea how she would handle the scene in front of her.


    She also couldn''t understand why Loren was staring at her like he was about to burst into tears. It left her feelingpletely flustered.


    Still in a daze, Maeve climbed into the white car with her two little ones, and they began driving toward the pce.


    At first, Maeve thought the convoy was already too much, but it turned out, that was just the start. As soon as they hit the road, all the other cars quickly moved aside, leaving them with a clear path.


    Pedestrians who were too scared to take photos posted about it online instead, specting which royal family member could be traveling with such an extravagant setup.


    Then, one of the posters saw Maeve roll down her window to get some fresh air.


    They quickly added, [Oh, shit! Could it be that Ms. Reese was chosen by a prince to be his princess?!]


    That post went viral in no time. It even made its way onto international social media thanks to curious onlookers.


    Meanwhile, Maeve, who was at the center of the craziness, followed behind Tom with the two little ones, feeling nervous as they made their way toward the Queen''s study.


    Will and Theo exchanged a look, instantly getting why Tom had brought them here. Still, they couldn''t quite believe it was happening.


    Maeve, clueless about everything, had no idea what was going on until Tom pulled out her paternity test report and old photos of her birthmark from when she was little.


    "Mother, I know this is going to be hard to believe, but Maeve is N, the daughter my sister lost over 20 years ago." Tom''s face waspletely serious. "She is my biological niece and your biological granddaughter." Loren quietly added, "She is also my biological sister."


    God knew how much Loren had wished Maeve was his sister.


    She was the only person in his family and circle who could really see him, support him with his career, and take care of him when he was sick, making sure he took his meds and rested.


    Even though they weren''t biologically rted, Loren had always thought of her as his sister. But he never imagined that this dream would actuallye true.


    Maeve was stunned. When she heard Loren''s words, she instinctively nced at him.


    3


    12%


    What she saw next was Loren trying to hide his tears by covering his eyes with his arm, but they still managed to fall, rolling down his sharp chin.


    Maeve''s mind went nk, and a swirl of emotions hit her all at once. She couldn''t shake the feeling that this whole thing wasn''t real.


    "Could it be a mistake?" Maeve asked, her voice uncertain. "DNA tests can be wrong sometimes. I mean, isn''t Henry..."


    Tom, sensing her doubt, quickly shook his head. "This test was done at Royal Hospital, and the director personally supervised it. There''s no mistake. Maeve, you are truly my biological niece. I swear on my life."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 455

    Maeve bit her lip, unsure of what to say. The Queen gently wave hernd. "Come here, dear. Come to Grandma,"


    As soon as the Queen called her "grandma," Maeve knew that meant her identity had been confirmed.


    Maeve''s heart skipped a beat. Before she even realized it, she found herself walking toward the Queen, cing her hand in the one the Queen offered, and sitting down beside her.


    It felt like when the Queen had first taken her in as a student, offering her that same kind,forting gesture. But today, it


    felt even warmer,


    "Tell me, what''s on your mind? Don''t hold back. You can say whatever you need to," the Queen encouraged in her usual gentle way.


    Maeve felt a bit awkward. "So... can I still live like I did before?"


    She grew more serious as she spoke. "I''ve lived as an ordinary person for more than twenty years. I''m used to it. I don''t really want to change."


    After hesitating for a moment, then she added, "When I was younger, my dream was just to buy a small house with a little garden. I''d nt flowers, grow vegetables, and live a quiet, simple life. Being a princess... that was never on my list." If she said that outside, people might think she was crazy for not appreciating what was being offered.


    Every woman had probably dreamed of bing a princess at some point, but for Maeve, it just wasn''t in her vision of the future.


    Tom and Loren both felt a sharp pang when they heard her words, especially the part where she said, "I''ve been an ordinary person for over twenty years."


    If she hadn''t been taken, Maeve would''ve been with Loren in the pce.


    As Wren''s firstborn daughter and the only girl in the direct line, she would''ve had everything: love, protection, the best life.


    Instead, an ident changed everything, and Maeve had to endure so many struggles before finally finding her way back to


    them.


    Loren couldn''t help but feel tears welling up again. He wished so badly that he could''ve been the one who had been taken instead of her.


    The Queen smiled at Maeve, her eyes full of warmth. "Of course, you can choose the life you your family, Maeve, and we will support you no matter what. Don''t worry about a thing." want. That''s your right. We''re


    Maeve''s chest felt a little lighter at those words, the unease she had been carrying easing just


    "Even if I don''t want my identity revealed?" she asked softly, testing the waters.


    a


    bit.


    Tom, who had already been envisioning an borate ceremony to introduce his niece to the world, froze mid-thought. "Why wouldn''t you want to reveal your identity?"


    His shoulders slumped slightly, clearly disappointed. He had been so ready to show everyone just how incredible his niece


    was.


    The Queen held up a hand, her voice gentle but firm. "That''s exactly what I want to talk about. Maeve''s identity can''t be made public-at least not yet."


    Loren frowned, confused. "Why not, Grandma?"


    111


    16.30 Mon,


    He had been counting down, the seconds to tell the world about Maeve and officially im her as his sister. Tom and Loren both seemed so focused on their excitement that they hadn''t considered the bigger picture.


    The Queen''s expression grew serious, though her tone stayed calm. "Tom, have you forgotten what Loren has gone through all these years?"


    Maeve blinked, thrown off. ''Gone through what?''


    Tom''s jaw tightened, and he let out a slow breath. "No, I haven''t forgotten."


    Loren looked down, his earlier excitement dimming. The memories clearly weighed on him.


    The truth was, despite the family''s protection, the rumors about him being a child born out of wedlock had followed him everywhere in the grand pce.


    And in Erancia, even as progressive as it imed to be, royal family members were still held to strict standards.


    Loren had endured it all quietly, but he knew how damaging it was. He didn''t want his sister to go through that. Not ever.


    Tom exhaled, pulling himself back together. "You''re right. I got carried away." His face darkened slightly as he continued, "But there''s something else. Maeve might already be in danger. What happened with Fiora before-there''s a chance someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes." Of course, that didn''t mean Fiora wasn''t responsible for her actions. She absolutely was. But the person pulling the strings behind her was on a whole different-level-calcted, hidden, and way harder to deal with.


    The scariest part, Tom couldn''t even tell who the real target was. Maybe it was Maeve, or maybe it was Loren, and she just got caught in the crossfire because of how close they were.


    Either way, revealing Maeve''s identity now would only stir up more trouble.


    The two boys, who had been standing quietly on the sidelines, couldn''t keep still any longer. Hearing that someone was after their mom lit a fire in them.


    "Do you have any idea who''s behind this?" Theo asked Tom, his voice steady but sharp.


    Will stepped in, his expression thoughtful but serious. "I don''t think they''re trying to hurt Mommy physically. It''s more about breaking her, ruining her life in a way she can''t recover from. And now that I think about it, they probably already know who she really is." Tom''s expression darkened as he let the thought sink in. It wasn''t something he had considered before, but it made sense. "You might be onto something, Will. If that''s true, it narrows things down. It has to be someone from the royal family."


    "Exactly. Any royal who bes disabled is sent to live in a sanatorium, out of sight, out of mind. They''re stripped of everything-no title, no status, no inheritance, no public life," Theo said.


    Tom nodded grimly. "So, that''s their intention."


    Will frowned. "Makes sense why they would use someone like Fiora. She''s the perfect pawn for something like this."


    Maeve listened quietly, her heart sinking as she thought back to everything that had happened. Henry''s name popped into her mind. If he could tamper with a paternity test, there had to be someone backing him.


    Still, she felt some relief. At least she didn''t have to reveal her identity just yet-it would onlyplicate her life even more. Warm and reassuring. "Maeve, I understand that this isn''t the right time to The Queen reached for Maeve''s hand, her touch announce who you are. But please know this-we''ll make sure you have everything that was meant to be yours. No need to worry anymore.


    He had been counting down the seconds to tell the world about Maeve and officially im her as Iris sister. Tom and Loren both seemed so focused on their excitement that they hadn''t considered the bigger picture.


    The Queen''s expression grew serious, though her tone stayed calm. "Tom, have you forgotten what Loren has gone through all these years?"


    Maeve blinked, thrown off. ''Gone through what?''R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Tom''s jaw tightened, and he let out a slow breath. "No, I haven''t forgotten.


    Loren looked down, his earlier excitement dimming. The memories clearly weighed on him.


    The truth was, despite the family''s protection, the rumor everywhere in the grand pce.


    about him being a child born out of wedlock had followed him


    And in Erancia, even as progressive as it imed to be, royal family members were still held to ''strict standards. Loren had endured it all quietly, but he knew how damaging it was. He didn''t want his sister to go through that. Not ever.


    Tom exhaled, pulling himself back together. "You''re right, I got carried away." His face darkened slightly as he continued, "But there''s something else. Maeve might already be in danger. What happened with Fiora before-there''s a chance someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes."


    Of course, that didn''t mean Fiora wasn''t responsible for her actions. She absolutely was. But the person pulling the strings behind her was on a whole different level-calcted, hidden, and way harder to deal with.


    The scariest part, Tom couldn''t even tell who the real target was. Maybe it was Maeve, or maybe it was Loren, and she just got caught in the crossfire because of how close they were.


    Either way, revealing Maeve''s identity now would only stir up more trouble.


    The two boys, who had been standing quietly on the sidelines, couldn''t keep still any longer. Hearing that someone was after their mom lit a fire in them.


    "Do you have any idea who''s behind this?" Theo asked Tom, his voice steady but sharp.


    Will stepped in, his expression thoughtful but serious. "I don''t think they''re trying to hurt Mommy physically. It''s more about breaking her, ruining her life in a way she can''t recover from. And now that I think about it, they probably already know who she really is." Tom''s expression darkened as he let the thought sink in. It wasn''t something he had considered before, but it made sense. "You might be onto something, Will. If that''s true, it narrows things down. It has to be someone from the royal family."


    "Exactly. Any royal who bes disabled is sent to live in a sanatorium, out of sight, out of mind. They''re stripped of everything-no title, no status, no inheritance, no public life," Theo said.


    Tom nodded grimly. "So, that''s their intention."


    Will frowned. "Makes sense why they would use someone like Fiora. She''s the perfect pawn for something like this." Maeve listened quietly, her heart sinking as she thought back to everything that had happened. Henry''s name popped into her mind. If he could tamper with a paternity test, there had to be someone backing him.


    Still, she felt some relief. At least she didn''t have to reveal her identity just yet-it would onlyplicate her life even more.


    The Queen reached for Maeve''s hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "Maeve, I understand that this isn''t the right time to announce who you are. But please know this-we''ll make sure you have everything that was meant to be yours. No need to worry anymore 16:36 Mon, Dec 16 OG


    Maeve smiled softly, her voice steady but full of gratitude. "Thank you. Honestly, just knowing I wasn''t abandoned and finding my family is more than I ever hoped for. It means the world to me.


    "And... I can tell how much you''ve all been waiting for me toe back. That''s enough"


    Enough?" The Queen had always known Maeve had a good heart, but seeing how epting she was now made her chest ache.


    Her Majesty, who rarely showed such warmth, gently pulled Maeve into a hug, patting her shoulder softly. "This will always be your home. If you ever feel tired or just miss us, you cane back anytime." Maeve''s eyes stung with unshed tears, turning red as she nodded silently.


    Watching them, Tom''s chest tightened. If it hadn''t been for that scoundrel who abandoned his sister-or the snake working behind the scenes-Maeve wouldn''t have had to endure so much pain.

 Chapter 456

    Chapter


    456


    If Tam could, he would track down those responsible and tear them apart. It wouldn''t fix everything, but it might make him feel & Hithe better Meanwhile, the two little ones sniffled, wiping their noses with the backs of their hands, their eyes sparkling with happiness for their inom.


    "Oh!" Maeve suddenly remembered the boys patiently standing By. Guilt tugged at her for forgetting them, even for a


    moment.


    She gave herself a quick mental p before pulling them closer, Your Majesty, there''s someone I''d like you to meet. You already know Theo, but this is his twin brother, Will"


    The boys stepped forward and spoke in unison, their voices sweet and polite. "Greetings, Your Majesty."


    The Queen raised a yful brow. "Why is everyone calling me Your Majesty''? That sounds so stiff and boring."


    Maeve hesitated, looking over at Tom for support. He gave her an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, she finally said, "Um... Grandma."R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    The Queen''s expression softened into a warm smile. Not wanting to be left out, the twins echoed in unison, "Great-grandma."


    "Such lovely children," the Queen said with a chuckle. She slid a ring from her finger and held it up. "Here, a little gift for you. This ring will let youe and go from the pce freely. But...." She paused for dramatic effect. "I only have one. What should we do?"


    Without missing a beat, both boys said, "Give it to Mommy!"


    The Queen''s expression shone with happiness as she reached out to gently tousle their hair. "You two are just the sweetest. But I was only teasing. Of course, there''s one for each of you."


    Theo beamed. "Mommy says we should always ept gifts from elders, so thank you, Great-grandma!" He stood on his tiptoes and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.


    Will froze. He wasn''t sure if this was the right way to respond. He wasn''t confident he could do it, but if he didn''t, he might upset her.


    Blushing furiously, he leaned forward and kissed the other cheek, mumbling, "Thank you, Great-grandma."


    The Queen''sughter was pure delight as she pulled the two boys into her arms. "What wonderful little darlings you are," she said, holding them close.


    As she sat with them snuggled against her, the Queen felt a surge of warmth she hadn''t expected. Maybe it was the magic of having great-grandchildren, but she realized she wanted to savor every moment with these two and soak up this rare joy. Tom led Maeve to the room he had set up for her in the pce.


    Even though he was in a rush as he was about to meet Maeve, he had made sure it was, warm andfortable, with touches that said "home," while still keeping things luxurious.


    Loren followed behind, grumbling, "Uncle, why didn''t you tell me? I wanted to help decorate my sister''s room too."


    ''All this credits, Uncle just took it for himself,'' he thought, annoyed.


    Tomughed. "If I''d told you, I would still be waiting for you to stop crying. Would have been a waste of time."


    <


    Chapter u


    Loren had cried all the way after learning about Marve''s identity Normally, he wasn''t a crier, but today, he just couldn''t hold it in


    This ce wasn''t just a room-it felt more like a pce.


    The ceiling was painted with detailed relief sculptures, the floor was a shiny dark gold that reflected everything, and the angel relief stone pirs made the ce feel like something out or a painting. And there was a fountain bath in the middle.


    When Maeve spotted the naked figure in the fountain, she quickly looked away. Not to mention, there was no cover around the bath, and she felt insecure just thinking about it.


    Even with the door closed, I wouldn''t ever use it,'' she said to herself.


    Just then, Tom got a message from the hospital. Turning to Mace, he said, "Maeve, I''ll take you to see your mom now. She is awake."


    Maeve was frozen in ce. It finally hit her how real this was-reuniting with her family.


    She wanted to say something, but no words came out. In that moment, she realized her heart was racing, especially fast now.


    At the Royal Hospital, Wren''s health wasn''t great, so Tom asked Maeve and the others to wait outside. He went in alone to prepare Wren so she wouldn''t get too upset and make things worse for herself. Less than five minutes after Tom went in, the emergency bell rang, and the doctor and nurse rushed in.


    About half an hourter, a group of people came out with Tom. The doctor, looking a little panicked, was going on about it. "Her Highness can''t take any more of this. She''s not in a state to handle it. Please, be careful." Tom nodded and then turned to Maeve, who was still a bit dazed. "Maeve, go in. She is waiting for you."


    Maeve, maybe feeling the longing, nodded slowly, her body stiff from standing for so long. She slowly pushed the door open, taking her time.


    No one rushed her, though. They just watched quietly as she entered.


    Outside, Theo and Will were talking quietly. "When I first met Princess Wren, I felt like something about her was familiar, like I''d known her forever," Theo said. "Guess there was a reason for that." "Same here," Will agreed, nodding. "Who would have thought?"


    Wren, who had taught them piano and always acted so humble, turned out to be their grandmother.


    Thinking of this, Will pulled out his phone. "Theo, I''m gonna call Dad."


    Theo pouted. "Go ahead."


    Will took a couple steps, but then hesitated and put his phone back in his pocket.


    "Why aren''t you calling him?" Theo asked, curious.


    Byron, aka the Great Demon King, was on a business trip. Will would check in with him every so often to give updates on how his mom was doing, going way overboard like he was writing a report. It was obvious he was the little spy Byron had set up to keep an eye on Maeve.


    Will shrugged. "I think it''s better if Mom tells Dad herself. No need for us to contact him today."


    Theo gave a proud little snort. "At least you''re on Mom''s side!


    "I''ve always been," Will said with a look ofplete innocence,


    Loren had been listening, smiling at first, but the more he heard, the more something about their conversation didn''t see right with him.


    He suddenly realized something he had almost missed-his sister''s heart had already been stolen away,


    Back in the ward, Maeve walked into the room and noticed Wren wasn''t lying, down as she had expected. Instead, the was sitting up at the head of the bed, holding a photo frame.


    She had been watching the door, so the moment Maeve stepped in, their eyes met.


    This was the first time Maeve had seen the legendary Princess Wren in person.


    She looked different from the photos-maybe because of the illness that had drained her, but she still had that elegance, the kind that earned her the title of the empire''s pearl. When Wren saw Maeve, her eyes lit up, the dullness fading away


    Maeve''s feet froze in ce. She felt a strange hesitation, not sure if she should take the next step.


    Then, Wren smiled softly, a warmth in her expression that seemed almost unreal. "So, this is what my daughter looks like all grown up."


    In an instant, Maeve''s eyes filled with tears, and her vision blurred.

 Chapter 457

    COMMENT Chapter


    457


    Maeve didn''t want to stay too long, worried Wren''s body might not be able to handle it. But every time she looked into Wren''s bright brown eyes, she just couldn''t bring herself to leaveContent protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "It''s fine if you have something to do," Wren said with a soft smile "I''m used to waiting, so don''t worry about me. Go ahead and take care of your business."


    Maeve quickly shook her head. "No, I don''t have anything urgent I''ll stay and talk with you."


    "Are you sure I''m not bothering you?"


    "No, not at all. I don''t have anything else to do today."


    Wren''s smile faltered slightly, and a hint of sadness crept in. "What if you''re busy next time I try to find you? I don''t want to be a burden. I''ve been away from everyone for so long, I''m afraid I don''t know where I stand anymore and being a burden." Anyone who saw the delicate sadness in Wren''s eyes would have felt sympathy towards her.


    Maeve quickly reassured her, "You''re not a burden, not at all. You can reach out to me whenever you want!"


    "Maybe we should exchange contact info, then?" Wren suggested, her smileing back.


    "Of course!" Maeve was relieved to see Wren so happy.


    Wren finally smiled fully, her eyes lighting up. If it weren''t for the strain on her body, she would have kept talking to Maeve, wanting to learn more about her life and past.


    Before leaving, Maeve had been on the verge of asking about her biological father, but when she saw how pale Wren looked, she couldn''t bring herself to ask something that might hurt her again. So she quietly left the room.


    That man, whoever he was, was nothing more than a scumbag who abandoned his family. Maeve wasn''t all that interested in knowing who he was.


    After such an emotionally draining day, Maeve was already feeling exhausted.


    Tom suggested they head back to the pce for the night. Since the room had already been prepared, she figured it would be easier to rest there, so she agreed.


    When they got there, Maeve was surprised to find that Tom had also prepared rooms for the two little guys.


    The room was pretty much the same as hers, except for a few extras; a high-end sliding castle, building blocks, unicorn rocking horses, and a bunch of other fun toys for kids.


    The two little ones quickly cornered Tom. "I didn''t know you were this childish, Uncle Tom!"


    Tom rubbed the tip of his nose, a little caught off guard. "Your mom said you needed aplete childhood experience."


    Maeve didn''t exactly remember saying that, but it must''ve been when Tom asked why her kids were so smart but didn''t skip grades and instead stayed in a regr kindergarten. That was how she had exined it back then. Tom figured it made sense now. The kids were already working so hard, and he felt pretty useless as their uncle.


    Just then, Loren''s voice rang out from the door. "Will, Theo! Got something for you!" He grinned, showing them a box.


    These are the newest fireworks from my factory. They''re amazing! Let''s set them off in the open space, we won''t get caught this time!"


    He pulled out fireworks that looked like they could create a mushroom cloud in the sky.


    III


    <


    Tom was left speechless, and so were Will and Theo. They were quietly stepping back, as if saying, "Stay away!"


    56%


    Meanwhile, Maeve wasn''t worried about the kids-Tom had it covered. She shut the door and decided to take a nice bath to unwind.


    The tub wasn''t too deep, but the water was just right, and Macve felt the stress of the day start to fade away.


    Then, her phone rang. She saw that it was Byron calling.


    She didn''t know how he always managed to call just when she was in the bath.


    "Byron, you''re done early today?" Maeve said, setting the phone on speaker and sinking into the water. Her voice was soft. "How long until you''re home?" Byron''s deep voice came through the phone with a hint of amusement. "Yeah, I''m early today. Came back to surprise you, but when I got to the vi ...."


    He paused, a dark chuckle in his voice. "My wife and kids were gone."


    This was awkward.


    So awkward, in fact, that Maeve couldn''t even correct him about saying "wife and kids." She muttered, "Why did you feel the need to make a surprise? If you''d let us know, we could''ve waited for you at home." "So where are you? Want me to pick you up?"


    Maeve quickly said there was no need, then admitted with a slight blush, "Byron, I actually found my family today."


    "Wait, your family?"


    "Yeah, my real family," Maeve teased. "Wanna guess who they are? Bet you won''t figure it out."


    "Tom?"


    Maeve blinked, surprised. "How did you guess him?"


    "Just a random guess. Did I get it right?" Byron''s voice had a yful edge. "So, which rtive is he?"


    "Why do I feel like you''re enjoying this a little too much?" Maeve scratched her cheek, then added, "He is my uncle. Princess Wren is my biological mom. I never even considered that before today." She spoke with a hint of confusion in her voice as she recalled everything.


    "Byron, how can I be a princess?"


    Byron chuckled. "Why not? You absolutely can be."


    "I don''t know, it just doesn''t seem real, and....''


    "Maeve." His voice softened. "What are you scared of?"


    Maeve leaned back, the tiles warm from the hot water. The temperature was just right>


    She held her phone and muttered, "Honestly, I''m really worried I won''t be able to do gardening. Isn''t thispletely against the princess etiquette? You don''t know what it''s like for a princess who''s not directly in line. "I''ll get a crazy schedule-work and all these parties to go to. And if I don''t get everything right, the media will make a huge


    deal out of it.


    7


    25%


    "I''m scared of living without any freedom."


    She was even more afraid that she wouldn''t live up to the princess expectations and make the royal family look bad.


    Byron stayed quiet for a moment, and Maeve frowned. "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "I''m not really good atforting people," Byron said, his voice faintlying through the phone along with some noise from downstairs. "But if you want to leave, I can pick you up right now."


    *5)


    Maeve froze. Her heart felt like it was about to burst, not with panic but with warmth-aforting kind of heat that spread through her.


    Her heart calmed down, and all the worry, fear, and doubts seemed to vanish.


    ''But you can''te in, Maeve''s ears went red as she reminded him, ''How are you gonna get me out of here?''


    "But you can''te in," Maeve''s ears went red as she reminded him, "How are you gonna get me out of here?"


    "I have my ways," Byron''s voice dropped a little, softening. "So, do you want me toe get you?"


    It was like he was telling her that no matter what stood in his way, he would find a way to get to her, if she just said the word.


    Maeve opened her mouth, unsure if it was because she''d been in the bath too long or if his words had made her head spin, but she felt something stir inside her.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 458

    She wondered if it was possible to sneak out and see him now.


    Byron, be honest with me." Maeve snapped out of her thoughts and asked him with a straight face, "Are you saying that because you want to trick me intoing out?"


    Byron was quiet for a moment, then answered, "Haven''t seen you for a few days, and you''ve gotten smarter."


    Maeve couldn''t help butugh a little. She knew it. Good thing she wasn''t easy to fool, or she might''ve fallen for it.


    She shuddered, remembering what he had said the other day, "you want to die, you can only die in my bed."


    He almost got her again. Maeve gritted her teeth. "Keep trying. I won''t fall for it, so what are you going to do then?"


    "There is no rush," Byron replied casually. "You can''t hide forever right?"


    Maeve froze for a second, then quickly hung up, scared that if she waited even a second longer, he would drag her to the other side.


    When Maeve and the kids walked into the dining room the next day, they saw a


    But it seemed like she couldn''t avoid him good-looking man sitting next to the Queen.


    an


    Their eyes met for a brief moment, and he raised eyebrow slightly. He gave her a faint smile and then went back to talking to the Queen.


    Maeve felt goosebumps on her neck. The look he gave her felt too deep, as if he was trying to say something.


    And why the heck was he here so early?'' she wondered.


    The two of them only shared a nce for a couple of seconds, but Tom saw it all.


    He had been eyeing Byron carefully, looking at him with the kind of scrutiny only a man could give to his future son-inw. But Tom had to admit, this guy was impressive. More than enough for his precious niece. Still, he wasn''t happy. His niece had finally found her some outsider before she could even settle in.


    way


    home and now it looked like she was about to be swept away by


    No one would be happy about that. So, during the breakfast, Tom, who was always big on following the rules, kept staring at Byron, silently hoping he would catch the hint and leave soon.


    It wasn''t until Maeve and the two little ones walked in that Tom''s expression immediately changed. He gave them a soft, casual question about how they slept.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Maeve nodded, letting him know she slept fine. Will and Theo, though, had been running around with Loren all night, so they looked a little worn out.


    They noticed Byron was there too, but he was talking to the Queen,


    so Will didn''t make a move to greet his dad.


    The Queen caught Maeve''s eye and smiled. "Maeve, Mr. McDaniel is your guest today. You should make sure to treat him right."


    Maeve could hear the teasing tone in her voice, and it was clear the Queen knew everything. Maeve shot a quick, annoyed look at Byron, who seemed totally unbothered, calmly sipping his coffee.


    Tom didn''t waste any time, saying, "Mother, men and women have their limits. It''s more appropriate for me to entertain Mr. McDaniel."


    He wasn''t about to let Byron have alone moment with his niece they weren''t even married yet.


    The Queen, picking up on his protective vibe, siniled and said, let the young ones handle it. Why are you being so old-


    fashioned, lomt


    Tom thought to himself. Great, haven''t even had my coffee, and how my mother has already been won over?


    He didn''t want to stop Maeve and Byron, but he wasn''t going to make it easy either. After all, the easier something came, the less value it had.


    But in the end, he had to listen to his mother.


    "Alright, I''ll bring Maeve and the kids to entertain Mr. McDaniel We''ll show him how polite we are," Tom said, giving in.


    The Queen just shook her head, amused. "Just don''t forget our gilest


    "Got it."


    The Queen had a packed schedule, so she headed out after breakfast. With Tom watching over things, Maeve didn''t have to worry about Byron causing any trouble. She was able to rx and finish her breakfast without a hitch. Tom led them through the pce, pointing out important rooms andndmarks. Since they would be staying for a while, he thought it was good for them to get familiar with the ce.


    Maeve scratched the tip of her nose, deciding not to burst her uncle''s bubble. Even though she''d be heading back to the country soon, she let him enjoy himself.


    Halfway through the tour, someone came


    up


    and called Tom


    away for


    urgent business.


    With guards and staff everywhere, Tom figured Byron wouldn''t try anything with Maeve. Feeling assured, he left to deal with his matters.


    As soon as her uncle disappeared, Maeve felt the shift. Byron''s gaze was unmistakable, heavy and deliberate, drilling into her back. She didn''t need to turn around to feel the weight of it.


    But she reminded herself they were in the pce, surrounded by people. Whatever Byron wanted to say, or do, would have to wait until they were alone.


    The thought gave her a small, momentary sense of calm.


    "Will, look! Over there!" Theo suddenly pointed toward a corner of the garden. His chubby little face lit up with excitement. "Those roses, I think Mommy nted them before. They''re her favorite!" Will grabbed his hand. "Let''s go check them out!"


    "Yeah."


    The boys took off toward the flowerbed, their matching suits making them look like little waddling penguins.


    Maeve couldn''t help but grin, ready to tease them about their round little figures, when suddenly a strong hand gripped her wrist.


    Before she could say anything, she was pulled into the shadows of the green maze. Her back hit the hedge wall, the rough leaves brushing against her skin.


    "Wait-" Her protest was cut short as Byron''s lips crashed into hers, firm and unyielding. One hand tilted her chin up, his fingers brushing her skin as he deepened the kiss without hesitation.


    His kiss was fierce, almost suffocating, like he was determined to im every part of her. Maeve couldn''t fight back; she


    20:08 Tue. Dec 17


    could barely breathe. Her elst you and fell as her tongs sont to keep up


    It was easy to convince herself he didn''t miss him when they we apart. But being near him was a whole different story.


    He couldn''t help himself, couldn''t even want. It was like the only way to quiet whatever storm was raging inside him was tex leave his mark on her.


    anyone happened to nce toward the maze, they''d see a tall man pressing a petite woman against the leafy wall, his framepletely blocking hers. Only a bit of apricot-colored fabric poked out where their bodies pressed together.


    Every so often, the measured sound of footsteps echoed from the nearby paths. Maeve''s back dug into the hedge, her heart pounding as the steps came closer, then closer still.


    Just on the other side of the wall-mere centimeters away.


    Her mind was a mess, torn between panic and the futile attempt to push him off. Her legs felt weak, her head dizzy from the mix of fear and... something else.


    Then his lips left hers, moving to her neck. She gasped as his teeth grazed her skin, sinking in just enough to sting before he bit down and sucked. The sharp sensation sent a shiver down her spine.


    Byron''s gaze darkened as he studied the hickey, his voice low and raspy. "That''s just the interest."

 Chapter 459

    Macve''s face flushed even redder as she reached up to cover the mark on her neck, shooting Byron a sharp look. Her voice came out softer than she intended. "Stop messing around." Byron''s eyes gleamed with amusement as he brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. His tone was low and teasing. "Messing around? And what exactly do you mean by that?" Maeve stammered, "Just what you did just now."


    "I kissed my girlfriend," he said smoothly. "That''s normal. Perfectly eptable. What''s wrong with that?"


    "Not fianc¨¦e?" she shot back, her eyes narrowing just slightly.


    Byron''s lips twitched, a hint of a smile breaking through. His voice dropped to a yful drawl. "Ah, yes. Fianc¨¦e. My mistake."


    Maeve stared at him, knowing he was doing it on purpose but too flustered to argue. She pressed against his arm, signaling she wanted to leave.


    Instead of letting her go, he held her firmly in ce. His grip wasn''t forceful, but it was enough to make it clear she wasn''t going anywhere. "No need to rush," he said lightly. "Let''s stay a little longer." Maeve tensed, narrowing her eyes. "What are you nning now? We''re outside. If you try anything and someone sees..."


    Byron raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. "Try anything? Maeve, you''re the one jumping to conclusions. Or..." His grin turned wicked. "Are you secretly hoping I''ll do something to you here?"


    Her jaw dropped. He was the one who pulled her into this maze, and now he was acting like she was the one with ideas.


    After not seeing him for a few days, she couldn''t help but wonder if he''d taken a crash course in shamelessness.


    "You''re unbelievable," she hissed. "If that were true, would you still look so unhappy? Mr. McDaniel, holding it in doesn''t seem to suit you."


    Byron blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her boldness.


    Then his grin deepened, and he leaned closer, bracing his hands on either side of her against the hedge. His warm breath tickled her ear as he whispered, "You seem awfully familiar with what it means to hold back. Tell me, Maeve..."


    His words faded into a low murmur, too quiet to hear clearly but enough to make her heart race. His breath brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.


    Her ears turned scarlet, and she looked away, hershes trembling. "I don''t!" she blurted, though her voice wasn''t as steady as she''d hoped.


    Her mind betrayed her, pulling up the first dream she''d had that wasn''t a nightmare, just Byron, And the kind of dream that was way too embarrassing to admit.


    Maeve couldn''t shake the dream from her mind. Now, with Byron''s words bringing it all back, her face turned beet red.


    If Byron ever found out, he would never let her hear the end of it. There was no way she was admitting it.


    "Stop assuming things. I''ve got sses all day. I don''t have time to sit around thinking about you," she shot back quickly, trying to cover her embarrassment. "Besides, it doesn''t matter if youe backter." She was so flustered she didn''t even notice the dark look in Byron''s eyes.


    "You don''t miss me at all he asked, his voice low and serious


    "Didn''t we do a video call every day?" she replied, trying to downy it.


    Byron raised an eyebrow, then grinned, running his tongue over the inside of his mouth as he stepped closer. "You''re heartless, Macve."


    Maeve was about toin when Tom''s voice called out from nearby. "Will. Theo, where is your mom?"


    Her heart jumped. Maeve tugged on Byron''s sleeve, her eyes silently pleading for him to leave before they got caught


    Byron sighed, reluctantly letting it go-for now. With his lips pressed into a thin line, he walked out, Maeve following close behind with a mix of relief and lingering nerves.


    Later that afternoon. Tom appeared with an overwhelming stack of transfer documents for Maeve to sign.


    Real estate, cars, jewelry-she skimmed through, stunned to see even private yachts and inds included in the pile.


    Then came the cherry on top: a piece ofnd to develop and a massive manor.


    Maeve stared at the papers, her hand already cramping. By the time she was done, she was sure her name could easilynd on the world''s richest list.


    "Uncle," she groaned, rubbing her sore wrist. "How much more do you have left?"


    Maeve slumped in her chair, feeling like her hand might fall off. No one told her that too much wealth came with cramps.


    Tom smiled, unfazed. "Almost done, just one more stack."


    Maeve hadn''t officially been added back into the royal family records, if she had, the pile of assets would''ve been ten times worse.


    The reason behind all of this was that Tom felt sorry for Maeve and had secretly given her a lot of private assets.


    Wren actually wanted to leave all the assets under her name to her daughter, but she was worried Maeve wouldn''t want them. So, she split a portion off, just like Tom, and mixed it in with the pile of documents. They knew Maeve trusted them and wouldn''t go through the papers too carefully, so they managed to sneak in a little something extra- even the industries tied to the maritime amusement park.


    "Mommy, hang in there a little longer! Victory is almost here!" Theo massaged Maeve''s back, trying to cheer her on. "Once all this is signed, you''ll be able to pass Daddy and sit at the top!"


    Will heard this and ran over to Byron, who was sitting on the other sofa, sipping his coffee. He whispered, "Dad, if you ever want to marry Mommy, but you can''t give her enough gifts, do you want me to help you out?" Will was considered pretty loaded, too.


    Byron just nced at the pile of papers and smiled casually. "Doesn''t matter even if it''s ten times more."


    Will nodded like he was deep in thought and then patted Byron on the shoulder. "Dad, you need to take care of your health. Don''t overwork yourself."


    "Huh?" Byron raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you so concerned about me?"


    "A healthy body is key to making money. Theo and I haven''t grown up yet. We still need you to help us manage all this stuff,"


    to take over was clear on his innocent-looking face. Will said, his face sincere-though his intentio


    Byron smirked, replying ambiguously, "Let''s see if you''ve got what it takes."


    Yeah, right. Taking my money to spoil my wife? Not a chance, Byron thought,Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    60%


    He started thinking maybe once Will and Theo got older, he would ship them off to boarding school to keep them from sticking around Macve so much. Boys shouldn''t be so clingy.


    If Will had any idea what Byron was plotting, he''d probably start listancing himself fast to avoid getting abandoned.


    After signing what felt like an endless stack of documents, Maeve waspletely drained. Just as she set the pen down, Tom''s cheerful smile sent a chill down her spine. She knew that look. "There''s still a little more, Tom said, handing over another pile of papers. "These are fixed assets, non-transferable."


    With a sigh, Maeve grabbed the documents and started flipping through them. Her eyes widened. "Wait... mineral mines?"


    Erancia was famous for its gemstone reserves, most of which were tightly controlled by the royal family. By tradition, only direct descendants could inherit those resources.


    Besides Wren and Tom, the Queen had another son, but he passed away unexpectedly, so the direct line of descent was running thin.


    In short, the wealth of those mines was tightly held by Wren, Tom, and Loren. And now, Maeve was on that exclusive list,


    too.

 Chapter 460

    Maeve shuffled through the heavy stack of documents, her mind drifting back to the nonsense she''d read online about Francia.


    Some people actually thought this country was poor.


    ''Poor? She nced at the sheer amount of wealth she was holding in her hands. ''What kind of poor look like this?''


    She figured it was because Erancia had always kept things quiet on the global stage. Reserved. Low-key.


    If she hadn''t been living here for the past four years, maybe she had have fallen for the rumors too. But the reality was worlds apart.


    Tom, now the crown prince, rarely had any downtime. Spending half a day with Maeve and the family today was a small miracle. Once she''d finished signing the mountain of paperwork he pulled her aside, ready to leave. Before heading off, he gave her a pointed reminder not to bring up her biological father during dinner with Wren. It was too much for Wren right now, especially with her health.


    Maeve nodded quickly. "Got it. Don''t worry, I won''t mention it. By the way, I''m nning to visit Princess Wrenter, with Byron."


    Tom''s face darkened immediately. "So you''re really set on him? That''s it? You know, I''ve got plenty of exceptional young men who''d be thrilled to meet you. All kinds of options.


    "You could rotate through them if you wanted. Women need to be bold! Don''t just settle for one crooked jerk."


    It was clear that, in Tom''s eyes, anyone trying to take his niece away was a jerk in some way. He was determined to knock them down first.


    Maeve almost burst outughing but quickly stole a nce at Byron, who was seated nearby, and tried to hold her


    "Uhm, I''ve liked him for over four years," she said softly.


    Tom let out a long, dramatic sigh, looking at her like Byron had somehow stolen the greatest treasure. Then his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Wait a second, what exactly brought you to Erancia four years ago?"


    Maeve froze, panic shing across her face. "Well... aren''t you super busy? Shouldn''t you get going?" she said, awkwardly trying to change the subject.


    Tom frowned but reluctantly checked his watch. He sighed again and dropped the topic-for now.


    That evening, Maeve found herself in a private dining room on the top floor of the Royal Hospital. It looked nothing like a hospital, more like a five-star restaurant. The chandelier above cast colorful reflections across the room, adding to itsvish charm.


    As Maeve watched Byron, now chatting andughing effortlessly with Princess Wren, she couldn''t help but marvel at how easily he fit in.


    This morning, he had been having tea with Her Majesty. Now, he was entertaining the Princess like it was second nature.


    He didn''t seem the least bit inferior in front of them. If anything, it was like he was on the same level as everyone else; calm, confident, and just... himself.


    Not too humble, not too proud, just in control. He stood just as tall as any of those titled royals.


    20:08


    Maeve couldn''t help but notice this side of Byron for the first time. It made her realize she didn''t really know him as well as she thought. She''d thought she had figured him out, but clearly, here was more to him than she had assumed. After all, a regr businessman wouldn''t be having a face-to-face chat with the Queen,


    Maeve suddenly found herself wondering, ''Was there more to Byron than she knew?"


    "Why are you zoning out?" Byron''s voice broke through her thoughts. "Focus on your food, it''s bad for your stomach if you don''t." He ced some peeled prawn meat on her te, making sure she had enough.


    The two little ones, seeing Byron doing it, were quick to follow his lead, peeling prawns with extra determination. They definitely didn''t want to fall behind their dad.


    Before long, Maeve''s te was piled high with prawn meat.


    Wren then asked Byron what he did for a living. Byron just casually replied that he ran a fewpanies, both locally and internationally. Small businesses. Maeve almost choked on the prawn. "So modest," she murmured amused.


    Wren''s smile faded just a little. "I see."


    After dinner, Maeve spent a bit more time with Wren before heading out with Byron.


    Byron was driving, and he casually asked, "So, are we heading back to Iredale Pce?"


    Maeve nced at the route and shook her head. "You''ve already decided, haven''t you? Why are you even asking?"


    It was obvious he didn''t want to take her back to the pce, but he was trying to y it cool.


    "What I''m doing is one thing, but I still have to ask," he said with a teasing grin.


    "Seriously?"


    Byron chuckled, then noticed the kids sleeping in the backseat, heads pressed against the rearview mirror. He slowed down slightly. After a moment, he said, "Your mom seems to have a problem with my


    work."


    "Really?" Maeve asked, surprised. She hadn''t noticed anything. Wren had seemed totally fine with Byron.


    "It''s easy to miss when you''re busy eating," Byron teased.


    Maeve lowered her voice so as not to wake the kids. "Wasn''t it you who told me to focus eating?" she shot back, grinning.


    "Why did you listen to me though?" Byron asked.


    "Don''t switch," Maeve replied, sounding casual. "Why do you think Princess Wren has a problem with your work?"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "I just guessed," Byron shrugged. "Or maybe I''m just a bit nervous around my future mother-inw. Overthinking, you know?"


    Future mother-inw?'' Maeve''s ears heated up at the thought. She muttered, "It''s strange that you''re nervous. You''re way smoother than me, her actual daughter. You had Wrenughing non-stop."


    In front of her, he seemed fearless, saying whatever came to his mind. But when it came to the Queen or Wren, he was always a perfect gentleman.


    Suddenly, something clicked in Maeve''s head. She turned to him, curiosity creeping in. "How did you even get into the


    5


    pce today?"


    "Can''t you tell Byron smirked, teasing her.


    "What?"


    "It''s written all over my face. ''Maeve''s fianc¨¦'' in big letters. I walked in like I belonged there."


    Maeve rolled her eyes. He really knows how to mess with me.''


    60%


    Just then, Byron mmed on the brakes, and the car screeched to a halt. The loud noise woke up the two little ones in the backseat.


    Maeve jumped in her seat, heart racing. She had seen a shadow dart out from the side of the road, and if Byron hadn''t reacted fast, they would''ve hit it. "Stay in the car," Byron said, voice cold, as he got out.


    Maeve nced at the figure blocking the road-it looked familiar. She turned to the kids, telling them to stay put, and then followed Byron out of the car.


    "Fiora, are you trying to get yourself killed?!" Maeve yelled, storming over.


    "If you want to die, fine, but don''t drag us down with you!" she snapped, furious.


    After that, Maeve finally got a proper look at her. Under the headlights, Fiora''s hair was all tangled and filthy, and Maeve couldn''t believe how quickly she had fallen apart in just a few days.


    Byron''s bodyguards moved in, ready to take her away.


    "Take her to the police station," Byron said, his voice icy.


    But before they could leave, Fiora struggled and shouted, "If you send me to the cops, I swear Maeve will be dead tomorrow!"


    Byron''s face froze at her words. His eyes narrowed as he shot Fiora a chilling look. "Exin. Clearly."


    Fiora, clearly shaken, shrank back under his re. She gulped before speaking quickly, "Okay, so yeah, I wanted to hurt Maeve before, but I never nned on killing her. Someone else made me do it and set me up." She looked around nervously. "I''ll tell you who it is, but you''ve gotta give me money and protect me. If not, they''lle after me next."


    COMMENT


    0


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 461

    Maeve wasn''t convinced. She looked at Fiora and said tly. "The real question is whether your information is worth anything. Who are you talking about?"


    Fiora hesitated, grinding her teeth for a second. "If I just tell you everything. I''ll be useless, won''t I?"


    "Do we look like we''re negotiating with you?" Byron''s voice was cold, and his whole demeanor made the air feel a lot heavier.


    Maeve shot back. "You could always go to the police station, think it over, and decide if you really want to talk."


    Fiora nearly exploded. "This bitch!"


    If Fiora wasn''tpletely broke and had already burned all her bridges, she wouldn''t be standing here. No one wanted to help her anymore, and she needed money, badly.


    She couldn''t keep living like this. It was all about getting the cash, so she could at least keep some of her dignity. With no other option, Fiora gave in. She needed that money.


    "Fine. I''ll tell you, but don''t break your promise," she said, ring at them. Then, she dropped a bombshell. "It''s Tom Hum!"


    Maeve froze, shocked. "What are you talking about? You used to call him ''Uncle. Are you really going to nder him like this?"


    "I''m not ndering him!" Fiora shot back. "I heard it with my own ears-he sent someone named Sandy to poison your drink and shut you up!"


    "He knows who you really are. If he cripples you, you''ll lose your inheritance, and then you won''t be a threat to him."


    Maeve frowned. Fiora had been kicked out of the pce, there was no way she could know about her true identity.


    Byron could tell they weren''t getting anything useful from Fiora. He gave a signal, and the bodyguards moved in.


    Fiora was losing it, face flushed with anger. "Are you insane? I tell you everything, and you still don''t want to pay me, but you''re sending me to the police? You shameless couple!"


    The curses faded away until there was nothing left.


    Maeve looked at Byron, her thoughts a mess. "What do you think of what she said? I really can''t believe Uncle would do something like that to me."


    Byron stayed calm. "There are two loopholes in her story. First, if Tom was behind the poisoning, why would she be the one who got caught? Second, to disinherit you, he could just hide your identity. No need for all the extra trouble." Maeve agreed, nodding. "Exactly. And if Uncle thought I was a threat, why would he give me all those private assets? It doesn''t add up."


    She wasn''t buying Fiora''s story, but it still left her feeling uneasy. She kept thinking about what mighte out if they sent Fiora to the police.


    But just as they were processing everything, they got word from the police station. Fiora had died from the poison.


    Since they''d spoken to her right before it happened, Maeve and Byron had to cooperate with the investigation.


    By the time they finally got back to the vi, it was already after 2 AM. Maeve''s head was all over the ce, still trying to figure out what had just happened.


    "Byron, Fiora died the moment after she came to us. Don''t you think someone set that up so we''d think Tom was trying to


    cover his tracks by killing her?" she said, voice tight with frustration.


    Byron nodi


    3


    his expression unreadable. "If you didn''t trust Tom, you''d probably end up turning against him."


    60%


    Loren and Wren were likely on Maeve''s side, which meant Tom would face opposition from three rtives. That would definitely shake his position as crown prince.


    It was a smart move-taking out three threats at once.


    "But why would they do this?" Maeve wondered. "Are they trying to get me to turn on Uncle, weaken the crown prince, and strip away my biggest supporter in the royal family?" She couldn''t make sense of it.


    "Maybe they''ve got some bigger n hidden behind all of this," Byron said, his tone leaving it open-ended.


    "We don''t even know who they are yet," Maeve replied, feeling more frustrated than ever.


    Byron nced at her. "Tve got a suspect."


    "Who?" Maeve asked, a bit curious.


    "Arthur Richard"


    Maeve''s eyes went wide. "You think it''s him?"


    Byron led her upstairs as he exined, "Every time Fiora went after you, Arthur was around. A lot of Fiora''s jealousy and anger seemed toe from her obsession with him."


    He paused briefly. "So I did some digging. Turns out, his dad was your mother''s childhood sweetheart and fianc¨¦. The night before their engagement, your mom disappeared, and the Richard family became the butt of the joke." Maeve was stunned. "I''ve never heard Uncle or Loren mention anything like this... So Mr. Warren Richard was actually involved with Princess Wren?"


    She had known about Wren''s disappearance, but the details weren''t very appropriate.


    Byron nodded. "The Richard family is one of the oldest, most respected families in the country, so of course, the story stayed quiet. But if Arthur''s carrying resentment because of his father''s lost love, he might be taking that anger out on you." Marve thought about it for a moment, but she wasn''t fully convinced. "Mr. Warren Richard doesn''t seem like the type to hold grudges over love."


    Byron gave her a sideways nce. "Maybe not, but you still need to be careful around him-and Arthur. You know what they say, the calmest river is the deadliest."


    Maeve trusted Byron more than anyone, so she nodded slowly. "Got it. I''ll be more cautious and avoid being alone with


    them"


    As she agreed, she couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off-like she was missing something important.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Just then. Byron turned her toward the full-length mirror by the cloakroom. He ced his hands on her shoulders and leaned in close, his voice low and steady in her ear. "Do you remember what you promised me before I went on that business trip? Maeve looked up, feeling confused for a moment. Something clicked in her mind. She nced at Byron in the mirror, and sudderdy, her body tensed.


    "It''s getting prettyte. How about we just... do it tomorrow?" she stammered, trying to talk him out of it.


    r


    1.


    60%


    Maybe it was because she''d missed him so much these past few days, she felt like she understood why he always wanted to


    touch her.


    The more unsaid emotions he had, the more he seemed to want to release them physically.


    So instead of turning him downpletely, she hesitated, feeling the same need to be close to him.


    Byron''s hand was already at her chest, his fingers hooking the belt on her clothes as he said slowly, "Once?"

 Chapter 462

    0


    COMMENTCcontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "I still have ss tomorrow."


    "Twice."


    "I''ll do it once. Hurry up!" Maeve shut her eyes, feeling a little embarrassed.


    Then Byron bit down on her neck, his voice suddenly low and dangerous. "I can''t do it fast."


    The next day, Byron got the results of the investigation into Fiora''s death. The cause of her poisoning was pure bad luck.


    Beforeing to see Maeve and Byron, Fiora had bought a coconut drink from a street vendor. The coconut had gone bad, and the toxins in the spoiled water were deadly. Even a small sip could make someone vomit and die almost instantly. Maeve frowned, reading the report. "Buying coconut water from a street vendor doesn''t really sound like something Fiora would do."


    "Probably because she didn''t have much money left," Byron said casually. "After she got kicked out of the pce, she couldn''t shake her expensive habits. She even gambled away everything she had left."


    "How do you know so much? Did you send someone to clean out her pockets?" Maeve blinked.


    "Yeah


    "And the coconut?"


    Byron nced at her, his expression deadpan. "She''s not worth my energy."


    It was just a simple sentence, but it sent a chill down Maeve''s spine. She had noticed it before, but now, more than ever, Byron felt like a storm with manyyers she couldn''t see through. Still, she wasn''t scared. No matter how dark and dangerous he seemed, he was just the guy who whispered sweet things to her when he wanted more.


    Maeve grabbed her ss of milk, trying to push away the images fromst night. Just then, a loud noise came from the living room. "What did you bring them? Why is there so much noise?" The two little ones had been tearing through their gifts for a while now, making a ruckus. If they hadn''t told her they were fine, Maeve would''ve thought they were breaking something. Byron smirked. "Two smart bots... parts."


    "Why isn''t it a finished product?" Maeve asked, a little confused.


    Byron shrugged. "It''s more fun this way. They can put it together however they like. It helps them think. Plus, I''m going out for work today and can''t bring them along. This way, they can y at home." Maeve stayed quiet, wondering if thatst part was really the truth or if Byron was just trying to fool her sons.


    Then something hit her, and she turned to look at him. "So they''re the only ones who get gifts? What about mine?"


    Byron gave her a cold look. I forgot. I''m busy, of.


    I barely have time to think about you, so why would I remember a gift?"


    Maeve raised an eyebrow. "That sounds kind of strange," she invitered under her breath. But she let it go. It wasn''t that big of a deal. She would just hang out with the kids.


    111


    With a deep breath, Maeve walked into the living room. The carpet and couch were covered in ck and gold toy parts, with the two little ones sitting in the middle,paring pieces and messing around.. Then, she spotted a gift box with a ribbon on the ss table next to them.


    "Mom, this is Dad''s gift for you," Will said, looking up with wide eyes. "Are you gonna open it now?"


    Theo, flipping through the manual, smirked. "Great Demon King, don''t think you can bribe my mommy with gifts. Her defense is unbreakable!"


    Maeve smiled. "Yep, not that easy," she said, winking.


    Will sighed and quickly changed the topic. Where is mechanical leg A?"


    Theo was busy digging through the parts, twisting around with his little butt in the air. Maeve snickered and leaned over to Will. "p his butt." Will didn''t hesitate to do her request. He reached out and gave Theo a yful smack.


    "Ah!" Theo fell onto the carpet, spinning around with a pout. "You tricked me, Will! I worked so hard to find those parts for you, and you did this!"


    "I was just trying to help. The leg is in the upper left corner," Will said seriously, giving his little brother a mischievous grin without selling his mom out. "I might''ve hit you a little too hard, but hey, I''m just looking out for you." Thee didn''t usually think of Will as being that childish, so he bought it and went straight for the mechanical leg.


    Meanwhile, Will tilted his head and gave Maeve a sly wink.


    Maeve suppressed augh and winked back. She then picked up her gift and carried it over to open it.


    To her surprise, it wasn''t a branded bag. Instead, it was Creynia''s special nt soil, along with vegetable and nt seeds that could only be found there.


    Most people would''ve thought it was a weird gift, but for Maeve, who loved gardening, it felt like a treasure. That little surprise put her in a great mood the whole morning.


    Later, she met Tom for lunch to talk about Fiora.


    Tom''s face darkened when he heard. "Fiora... I always treated her well, and now she''s saying this nonsense."


    If Maeve hadn''t trusted him, Fiora might''ve gotten what she wanted and caused trouble between them.


    "Uncle, for Fiora to say something like that, someone had to put it in her head," Maeve said, pausing to think. "She hates me so much. If she knew who I really was, she would''ve reacted differently."


    *Someone must''ve told her what to say but kept the truth from her, trying to mess with me and make me question you." A cold glint shed in Tom''s face. "That''s a pretty smart way to kill two birds with one stone."


    "I thought they were just after me, but now I''m thinking they might be targeting you too, Uncle. I just don''t know what they''re really after


    TII handle it, Tom said. "If they know this much about us, they''re probably from the royal family or some aristocratic family. We can narrow it down. Maybe one of our rtives is behind it."


    Not wanting to stare Marve, Tom softened his expression. "I won''t let anyone hurt you. You don''t need to worry." Marve felt her heart warm. I''m not worried. But you need to be careful too, Uncle"


    "Don''t worry, I will,"


    After saying goodbye to Tom, Maeve still had time, so she decided to stop by Royal Hospital.


    The ward door w


    open,


    and as Maeve got closer, she saw someone inside-someone she knew.

 Chapter 463

    Warren, sa by the bed, peeling an apple with a rxed smile on his face. His gentle, refined features and the way he looked at Wren were warm and affectionate, like a calm stream.


    He looked so well-preserved, it was hard to guess his age. With his distinguished, gentlemanly vibe, everything he did felt effortless, like a breeze on a warm day.


    "I know you''re not really up for romance right now, and I''m not trying to pressure you," he said. "At our age, it might seem silly to bring it up, but my answer''s the same as always. If you ever need me, I''ll be here." Wren shook her head. "You''re not getting any younger. I don''t want you waiting around for me. There''s no point."


    "It''s not waiting, though," Warren replied, his voice gentle. "My feelings for you haven''t changed. I''ll be here, no matter how long it takes, waiting for you to look my way."


    "Warren, I''m not getting married again. Right now, I''m focused on protecting my kids. Romance just feels so far away, and I''m not set for it. I''m sorry."


    Warren smiled, unfazed. "You might not be ready for me, anything else. Just being close to you is enough for me."


    but you haven''t let anyone else in either, right? I don''t need


    Wren sighed, not sure how to convince him to stop being so stubborn.


    Just then, Maeve appeared at the door, and Wren''s face lit up. "Maeve, you''re here! Did you have lunch?"


    "I had lunch with my uncle," Maeve exined, stepping inside. "I wanted to swing by before my sster." She nodded at Warren. "Mr. Richard, what a surprise to see you here."


    "Ms. Reese," Warren smiled, his eyes warm. "I didn''t realize you were Princess Wren''s daughter. If I''d known earlier, maybe you two would''ve met sooner."


    Wren squeezed Maeve''s hand, beaming with happiness. "It''s not toote. Finding Maeve was something I never even dared to hope for in the first half of my life."


    They had been separated by a whole country, thousands of miles, and over 20 years. But in the end, fate had brought her daughter back.


    Maeve felt so touched by the love in Wren''s eyes that she couldn''t help but lower her gaze,


    feeling a


    bit awkward.


    She had never really had that kind of pure, unconditional parental love before. It was like being a kid again, unsure how to


    react.


    But Wren wasn''t looking for a response. Just being here, having Maeve with her, was enough to make her happy.


    Maeve didn''t have much time, though. After a little while, she decided it was time to leave, taking with her the gifts-snacks, clothes, bags-that Wren had given her.


    Wren had even gone so far as to make an online shopping ount, even though she hadn''t used modern technology like a phone in years, just to buy Maeve everything she needed.


    Loren had told Wren about how tough things had been for Maeve, so even though she couldn''t change the past, she wanted to give her the best future she could.


    Qnce Maeve left, Wren sighed, clearly not wanting to part with her.


    Warren, who had been quietly watching the whole interaction, smiled. "If you''re going to miss her that much, why not just ask her to stay a bit longer?"


    1


    Wren smiled softly, her voice gentle. "She''s grown up now. She has her own life to live. I''m just happy I get to see her sometimes."


    Warren paused before speaking again. "Is it because of her biological father that you''ve kept her identity a secret?"


    "Yes," Wren replied, looking down. "Loren has been judged for this for years. My mother and I just didn''t want Maeve to have to deal with that kind of gossip.''


    "Well," Warren said, sitting up straighter, "there''s another option. His voice grew serious. "If you want, I could treat your children like my own. That way, I could help protect them from all that talk."


    Wren understood what he meant and shook her head. "I couldn''t ask you to do that."


    "I mean it," Warren said, his tone earnest. "I''ve never let go of our engagement. I haven''t remarried. Arthur is only my nephew. I care about you and your kids more than anything. I''ll treat them like my own, no matter what." Warren gently took Wren''s hand, his voice earnest. "Please, let me take care of you and them. Give me that chance."


    Wren was moved, but she gently pulled her hand away and turned down his offer.


    "Warren, I appreciate it, but I don''t think it''s necessary. You''ve got your life, and I''ve got mine. I think it''s better if we keep things separate."


    Warren''s face lost color, and the smile that had been there quickly faded into something more resigned.


    Meanwhile, at Trazir headquarters, when ss ended that evening, Maeve stepped outside and noticed Zephyr standing not far off, like he was waiting for someone. Then it hit her-she hadn''t returned his suit jacket yet. Maeve had been so caught up in everythingtely that itpletely slipped her mind. She wondered if he thought she was purposely ignoring it.


    She hurried over and said, "Hey, sir."


    Zephyr, who had been talking to his assistant, turned when he heard her and looked a little surprised. "Oh, it''s you."


    Maeve opened her mouth to apologize, but before she could, Zephyr said, "I''m d you''re alright."


    She was confused. "Why wouldn''t I be?"


    "I waited for you the other day at that spot for about an hour. Then I had to leave," Zephyr said, his voice serious. "When you didn''t show up the next two days, I had someone check the cameras. When I saw you weren''t there, I started to get worried something happened to you." ''That''s a relief. He had assumed she might''ve gone off somewhere to hurt herself.


    People''s first impressions really stick, and that was how Maeve came across to Zephyr. Luckily, she never knew.


    "Sorry for making you wait that day," she said, feeling bad. "I had some stuff at the hospital. Didn''t mean to leave you hanging."


    She hadn''t expected him to be so kind, worried about her safety and not angry about being kept waiting.


    Even though it was a small thing, waiting around often made frustration and stress worse, and it was hard to stay calm. But this guy was different.


    Zephyr nodded, epting her apology. "It''s fine. No big deal."


    "I didn''t bring your jacket today. Can I drop it off tomorrow at noon?"


    In


    "Sure, that works."


    @


    "I''m really sorry," she said again.


    *Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    60%


    After Maeve left, Zephyr went back to talking to his assistant about work. But he noticed his assistant was looking at him with a bit of a judgmental expression. "What''s that look for?" Zephyr asked.


    "If a pretty girl talks to you first, you should make more of an effort to keep the conversation going and try to take it further," his assistant said, waving his wrist dramatically. "When are you going to get a girlfriend? Your parents are losing their minds by now."


    It was clear he had been single for a reason.


    1

 Chapter 464

    Zephyr couldn''t help but shrug. "My dad has been avoiding marriage for years. Why would he care if I get married?"


    The assistant looked puzzled. "I get that your dad''s been burned by love, but you? Why don''t you want to get married?"


    Zephyr wasn''t someone who had been hurt by love, but he still had his reasons.


    "I''m just not into the idea of wasting my time and giving away half of everything I''ve worked forter."


    The assistant blinked, processing. He started to wonder if Zephyr''s view on marriage had something to do with his dad''s past. After all, his father''s experience had been pretty rough. The assistant couldn''t help but think, "That poor pretty girl''


    Maeve, meanwhile, had no idea she was being pitied now. She sent a message to Byron, telling him not to pick her up because she had ns with Karina to watch a show and would be homete.


    As she walked down the street, she didn''t notice the low-key silver-white Bugatti cruising by. The breeze from the car ruffled her hair for a moment.


    The man in the car, casually looking out the window, caught a glimpse of her figure. His expression froze instantly. "Stop the car," he barked.


    The driver hit the brakes, clearly confused. "Sir, why-"


    Before he could finish, the man was already out of the car, scanning the area. But the figure he had seen was gone. It disappeared like it had never been there, leaving no trace.


    The man frowned, returning to the car with a frustrated look. His handsome face was a mix of annoyance and determination. He leaned back, one leg casually resting over the other, hands shoved into his pockets.


    He wore a silver suit, simple but ssy-but he didn''t look like a guy heading to a fancy party. More like a mafia boss getting ready to deal with something serious.


    His driver spoke up again, "Boss, do you need help finding them?


    He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "No. It''s fine."


    Once everything here was wrapped up, he would go looking for her. Besides, the person she''d seen earlier might not even have been her.


    "Of course it''s necessary! The person you''re after is someone who''ll go through anything to find them. I''ll track them down, clean them up, and send them your way so you can handle it!" his subordinate quickly said, all eager. The man kicked the seat in front of him, eyes narrowing. "What nonsense are you talking? How dare you touch my people?"


    The subordinate quickly backpedaled. "Right, so you''re looking for the future Madam. I wouldn''t dare."


    The man scoffed and pulled his legs back. He nced at his phone and scrolled through it. The message he''d been waiting for still hadn''te, but there were plenty of others he didn''t care about. "Get me a new phone. This one''s messed up," the man said, frustration clear in his voice.


    The subordinate nervously wiped his forehead. "Boss, you''ve already switched phones eight times this month. They''re all top-tier models. How are they messed up?"


    The man frowned at the nk message screen and muttered, "If it wasn''t broken, why am I not getting a message from her?


    III


    000067%


    Stop talking and just get me a new one."


    2


    The subordinate hesitated. ''Did he ever think maybe she just hasn''t sent it yet?''


    He honestly couldn''t believe someone would ignore their boss''s texts. Seeing the man getting angrier, the subordinate wisely stayed silent.


    The man stared at his phone and mumbled to himself, "Since I''ve got nothing else to do, I might as well take care of those old guys tonight. They''re wasting my time and bothering me every day." In his head, the subordinate thought, ''Stop, those are your seniors!''


    *****


    Later that night at Suvin Group''s summer fashion show, Maeve had to admit, Suvin Group really knew how to put on a show. Every detail was perfect, like a living piece of art.


    There were two gowns she had her eye on and was definitely going to buy. Even if she didn''t wear them, they would be great additions to her collection.


    At the end of the show, she went backstage for a fitting and then just waited for the dresses to be delivered.


    "The person who bought the to silence the room.


    Rose and Miracle gowns is here?" a sharp voice called out from the doorway, loud enough


    The unmistakable ck of high heels followed, each step radiating irritation. Whoever it was clearly came in to cause a


    scene.


    One of the staff tried to intercept her, but she brushed past without so much as a nce. She stopped right in front of Maeve, who was just putting on her jacket after the fitting.


    "I want those two gowns," the woman said with a raised chin. "I''ll pay you


    double."


    Maeve didn''t even blink. She casually tugged her hair loose from her cor. "Not interested. I like them too much to sell."Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The woman''s face tightened. "Do you know who I am?"


    Maeve gave her a once-over, then shrugged. "Nope."


    "I''m Prince Seth''s girlfriend," the woman dered, as if that title alone should make Maeve reconsider. She tilted her head, radiating smugness. "If you''re smart, you won''t try to make this hard. There''s no upside to offending me." The staff stood nearby, looking uneasy. This was a nightmare. On one hand, there was Maeve-connected to Piers. On the other, the girlfriend of a prince. Neither was someone they could afford to offend.


    Maeve, however, remainedpletely unfazed. If she could deal with a temperamental princess in the past, a prince and his stupid girlfriend was hardly worth worrying about.


    "Guess I''m just not that smart," Maeve said with a faint smile, reaching for her handbag. "You''ll have to deal with disappointment."


    She turned to leave, but the woman, clearly enraged, raised her voice. "Who do you think you are? Do you honestly think wearing Suvin''s gowns will make you less pathetic? You''re nothing but a joke."


    Maeve stopped, turned, and shot her a cool look. "Some people can wear all the designer clothes they want, but they''ll never cover up


    the stink of their rotten personality. Why would I be scared of that?"


    Without giving the woman a chance to respond, Maeve walked out before things got worse, leaving her sputtering with rage.


    0


    The stomping of high heels followed as the woman pulled out her phone, no doubt about to unleash a rant to her boyfriend.


    Maeve, meanwhile, was grinning as she stepped out of the building. The memory of hereback made her chuckle. Sometimes, handling arrogant people was more entertaining than frustrating.


    Henry''s presence had left a mark on her life, shaping her behavior in ways she hadn''t even noticed.


    She used to walk on eggshells, terrified that one misstep would give people an excuse tobel her as her father''s daughter-a criminal in the making. It didn''t matter what she did. In their eyes, she was guilty by association. Even her silence, her breathing, her existence-everything felt wrong under their judgmental stares.


    For a long time, she let it get to her, burying her feelings and trying to blend in. Not anymore.


    She wasn''t afraid of their opinions now. She was done letting them dictate her life.


    Something about Henry crossed her mind as they drove back: Unable to shake the thought, she nced over at Byron and asked what happened to Henry.


    At a red light, Byron slowed the car to a stop. He turned toward her, a cold smile flickering across his lips. "He is dead."


    Her eyes widened. "Dead? How? I thought he was locked up in cktomb Prison. What happened?"

 Chapter 465

    67%


    "I didn''t tell you because I didn''t want you overthinking," Byron said smoothly, but his tone carried a sharper edge. "He died suddenly during the transfer. They found traces of a dyed-action poison. It activated seven days after exposure and killed him." Maeve frowned, her lips pressing together tightly. "Pretty convenient timing, don''t you think?"


    Byron didn''t argue. "It was. His death cut off several


    Critical leads. This investigation just got a lot harder."


    Maeve stayed quiet, her mind racing. First Fiora, now Henry. Whoever was behind this wasn''t just ruthless, they were downright terrifying.


    Still, she wasn''t alone anymore. That thought steadied her, but it also reminded her of the stakes.


    She was pulled from her thoughts by the warmth of Byron''s hand resting lightly on her head. He tilted her face toward his, his palm brushing her cheek in a calming gesture.


    "What are you so worried about?" His voice was calm, confident. "You''ve got me."


    Maeve let out a small sigh. "But you won''t always be around." She hesitated before adding, "Maybe I should learn more self-defense... just in case."


    The judo she knew wasn''t nearly enough anymore.


    Byron gave her a once-over, his gaze thoughtful. "You''ve missed the best age to start martial arts, but you''re flexib quick. You could pick up some basic moves."


    A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I''ll teach you when we''re back."


    Maeve narrowed her eyes, sensing the faintest hint of teasing in his tone. It kind of felt like it.


    d


    When they got back to the vi, Maeve didn''t even make it to the living room before she was stopped-by two towering figures.


    She froze for half a second, then blinked. Standing in front of her were two massive robots, each at least 6.5 feet tall, decked out in a sleek cyberpunk style.


    One robot dropped to one knee, holding out a rose with fresh dew on the petals. Its voice, mechanical yet weirdly charming, filled the air. "Lovelydy, please give me the honor of taking you for a walk. I''ll easily carry you for miles."


    The other robot flexed its gleaming arms dramatically. "Or perhaps you''d prefer some outdoor exercise with me? I promise the evening breeze of love will be unforgettable."


    They were actually good at flirting. Maeve couldn''t help it. She burst outughing.


    Byron, however, looked like he was ready to shove both robots into the nearest scrap pile. His expression darkened, his jaw tightening.


    She tilted her head, feigning indecision. "Hmm, but there are two of you. How will I ever choose?"


    The two robots stood up straight, their blueser eyes locking on each other. In a split second, the glow turned red.


    "Guess we have no choice," said the one on the left.


    "For the prettydy, I''ll fight you to the end," dered the one on the right. "Let''s go."


    Maeve couldn''t helpughing. But when it became clear they were about to throw down, she quickly stepped in, shaking


    3


    their metal arms. "Will, Theq! Get out here! Your robots are about to wreck the house."


    Two small heads peeked out from the living room doorway. Will and Theo stacked up like a human totem pole, their matching faces extra adorable. "Mom, don''t worry," Will said quietly, tugging on his shirt nervously. "They can''t actually fight. We didn''t install the force programs yet."


    Theo nodded like a bobblehead. "Mommy, which one do you think is cooler? Is it my Baymax?"


    Maeve pointed at the more animated one on the right. "Is that Baymax?"


    "No, no," Theo corrected quickly, shaking his head. "Baymax is the calm one! The show-off on the right is Tucker-Will''s troublemaker robot."


    Maeveughed even harder. "Howe your robots are the total opposite of your personalities?"


    Will sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "I identally programmed Tucker wrong. Now he''s... like that."


    Theo was the first to finish his robot, and its personality turned out pretty normal.


    In fact, it was like a mini version of Theo-practically his robotic kid. Exactly a perfect reflection of all the hard work he put into programming it. The thing was as flirty as Theo himself and somehow even knew how to scam batteries Maeve leaned against Byron,ughing so hard she had to catch her breath. "Honestly, I love it. They bnce each other out, just like you two."


    Will groaned. "It''s not funny, Mom. Dealing with Theo is bad enough, and now I''ve got Tucker too?"


    Byron smirked and nudged Maeve toward the stairs. "Let them figure it out," he said.


    As the adults left, Will and Theo crouched by their robots, whispering like they were nning a heist. "Do you think Dad gave us these robots just to distract us so he could have more time with Mom?" Theo muttered suspiciously. Will considered it, then nodded. "That sounds exactly like something he''d do."


    Theo touched his chin. "Hey, Will, do you think we can upgrade them? Like, add medical functions, a danger rm, maybe even a bodyguard mode? That way, Mommy will be super safe when she''s out."


    "I''ve never done this before, but we can''try it out together."


    ""Great! Let''s do it!"


    The fifth floor of the vi was like Byron''s personal yground; part gym, part Taekwondo studio, part shooting range.


    He wasn''t expecting Maeve to nail it all in one go. That would be like trying to rush a baby to run overnight. But, she was definitely going to feel it.


    However, Maeve had a knack for pushing through pain.


    After two hours of training, every time Byron thought she''d call it quits, she''d grit her teeth and keep going. Somewhere along the way, she even started to enjoy it, relishing the sweat pouring down her face. Her determination made her glow-sweaty and radiant.


    Byron couldn''t look away. When she finally stopped, he leaned in and kissed her, unable to resist.


    Maeve blinked, caught off guard. "What... What was that? Why are you kissing me again?"


    Byron straightened up, trying to act casual. "You did well today. Consider it your reward."Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    67%


    Maeve rolled her eyes. "I want a drink instead." She licked her lips. "I burned a ton of calories, and now I need something


    sweet."


    Byron shut that down instantly. "No junk drinks. Or have you forgotten what happened thest time? You drank too much and ended up in the hospital with stomach pain."


    Maeve furrowed her brow, trying to remember, but came up nk. But of course, he would remember something like that.


    "Whatever. I still want a drink," she insisted.


    Sighing, Byron rolled up his sleeves and headed to the kitchen. "Fine. Wait here." He rummaged through the ingredients, deciding to make her something himself. With a small milk pot on the stove, he started mixing. He told Maeve to stay out of the kitchen. Didn''t want her sharp-object phobia acting up again.


    In less than half an hour, Maeve finally got the drink she''d been craving. She took the ss and held it up to Byron''s mouth, asking, "I''ll let you have the first sip. Am I being sweet enough?"


    Byron gave a quietugh. "You really know how to work that charm of yours."


    He took a sip but didn''tment on whether it was good or not. His face had a puzzled look, like he was trying to figure out why she liked something so sweet.


    Just then, the phone on the table rang. Maeve motioned for Byron to take the call while she enjoyed her c


    It was nothing like the sugary stuff she usually had; this one had apletely different fragrance, something unique.


    But as she sipped, she noticed Byron''s expression shift. He hung up and looked at her, his face serious.


    "What''s going on?" she asked.


    "Grandpa fell down the stairs," Byron replied. "They''re rushing him to the hospital."


    0

 Chapter 466

    Sometimes, robots had the upper hand over humans. If they broke down, you could just rece the parts. But when a person got hurt, the consequences could be much worse.


    Maeve thought about Gilbert''s condition, and her face drained of color. She stood up quickly and said to Byron, "The royal family''s special route will get us there in five hours. I''ll tell Uncle The ne tickets Loren had sent were for the royal family''s private jet.


    Byron nced up from his phone. His dark eyes were intense. "No need. I''ve got it covered. You stay here. I''ll head back first."


    Maeve understood right away. Byron could leave right away, but she couldn''t just drop everything and leave. She''d need to exin to Trazir, and her uncle, her mother, and Loren would be worried. But she knew she wouldn''t be staying here for long. If anything happened to Gilbert, this could be thest time she saw him


    The thought made Maeve''s throat tighten. She couldn''t bring herself to think of anything worse.


    It was already unbearable, and she could only imagine the pain Byron, who had always respected Gilbert, must be feeling right now.


    "Take Will and Theo back first. I''ll handle things here. You and Uncle have got people you trust around me. I''ll be fine," Maeve said, her voice firm.


    "I''ll sort everything out here and join you as soon as I can. I won''t make you wait too long."


    Byron''s expression softened, the tension in his chest easing slightly as he met her serious gaze. He nodded. "Alright."


    After he left to get ready, Maeve realized she had been more nervous than she thought, mainly because she''d convinced herself she might end up staying in Erancia forever. That was why she asked her children to be with her.


    Now, Maeve couldn''t help butugh at herself. She had her life in Setigal-her career, her home, everything. Even if she had family here, she wouldn''t give up everything she''d built just for this.


    And yet, Byron hadn''t tried to force her into staying or ask her to return with him. Instead, he keeping Will and Theo close by her side.


    This kind gesture made Maeve feel truly cherished by Byron.


    was more concerned about


    He was stubborn, but deep down, he had a soft heart-something that was easy to miss unless you really paid attention.


    About half an hourter, the private jetnded on the helipad at the top of the vi.


    With the clock ticking, Maeve barely had time to remind Will and Theo to spend more time with their great-grandfather before watching them climb into the helicopter.


    The helicopter took off, rising higher and higher. The wind from the des whipped around Maeve, catching the hem of her clothes as she stood there, waving at the two little ones pressed against the window.


    Will and Theo leaned against the ss, their chubby faces squished into odd shapes, but they didn''t seem to notice. They watched helplessly as their mother''s figure on the ground grew smaller and smaller. Despite it all, they understood why this was happening and didn''tin.


    21:27


    3


    67%


    Will nced at his father, sensing his somber mood, and gently said, "Dad, don''t be too sad. Grandpa''s lucky. This time, he''ll definitely turn things around and live a long life."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Even Theo, who usually butted heads with Byron, reached over and patted his shoulder. "Byron, it''s okay. You''ve got the two of us. If you need to cry, we''re here. I''ll lend you my shoulder."


    It was one thing for Theo to be hopeless with idioms, but the fact that he acted like the big brother was something else.


    Byron chuckled softly, grabbing Theo''s small hand and pulling both him and Will into his arms. "It''s still a long way to the airport. If you guys are tired, sleep in Daddy''s arms. I''ll wake you up when we get there." Maybe he wasn''t used to being so close to them, but Byron tried to rx his stiff arm, not wanting them to notice.


    The two little ones weren''t used to it either, but seeing their dad in a bad mood, they didn''t make a fuss.


    However, deep down, they were happy to be in his arms.


    Back at the vi, Maeve was on the phone with the person in charge at Trazir Headquarters, arranging to cut her training short.


    The person on the other end of the line hesitated but finally agreed to let her leave early once they heard about the family emergency


    Just to be safe, Maeve asked the person in charge not to mention anything to Arthur and Warren for now. She''d exin everything when the time was right, and the person in charge agreed.


    The next morning, Maeve went to the pce to say her goodbyes to her grandmother and uncle.


    It was clear they didn''t want her to go. They both wished she could stay forever.


    Tom, especially, couldn''t stand the thought of his niece leaving. But he could tell she had made up her mind, so he didn''t push it, not wanting to upset her even more.


    The distance wasn''t an issue, though. With the royal family''s special flight route, it would be easy for them to visit her in Setigal whenever they wanted.


    "By the way," Tom said, lowering his voice a bit, "we found something in the investigation. After Fiora got kicked out, she


    spent


    lot of time with Seth. And Seth and I? We''repetitors, so he definitely had a reason to frame me."


    a


    He paused for a moment, then added, "Remember when you got infected with that virus? Seth''s mom''s family is in the pharmaceutical business. They have stakes in several research institutes, including the one that had Xasia." Maeve''s mind immediately went to Seth. She couldn''t shake the feeling that the name sounded familiar. Then she remembered-the woman fromst night had said she was Seth''s girlfriend.


    It really was a small world.


    "Wait, are you saying Seth spread the virus to trap me?" Maeve asked, frowning. "Or did he have it out for you and ended up going after me instead? And when I figured it out, his whole n fell apart?"


    Tom nodded slowly. "That''s part of it. It''s also why I left Setigal back then. I didn''t want to put you in danger by staying too close. But I don''t think Seth is working one. He''s definitely got others involved." "So, Maeve, even though I don''t want you to leave, I have to admit that staying here is way too dangerous for you."


    The enemy was hidden, and they were in the open. They could hold their ground for a while, but not forever. Tom didn''t want to risk Maeve''s safety, so it was best for her to leave. giving hi


    "Thanks, Uncle," Maeve said, a


    hug and his shoulder. "I''ll take care of myself, and I''ll call you often. Don''t


    worry."


    Tom''s face softened into a smile, his ss-gray eyes warming up "Alright, just don''t forget about this old man."


    "How are you old? If we went out together, people would think we were siblings!"


    Tom chuckled. "You''re a smooth talker."


    After leaving the pce, Maeve headed to Loren''s researchb. He''d been caught up in an important project recently and hadn''t been out of theb for days.


    She waited outside for about an hour, but eventually, she had to leave when it became clear he wasn''t going toe out anytime soon.


    So, Maeve ended up going to Royal Hospital instead.


    When Wren heard she was leaving, her face immediately clouded over. Her eyes reddened as she looked at Maeve with clear reluctance. "Will youe back?" she asked softly.


    COMMENT

 Chapter 467

    "I''ll visit you guys when I get the chance," Maeve said with a smile.


    Wren''s face lit up. "Alright, but be careful on your way. Call me as soon as you arrive, okay? And don''t forget to bundle up- it''s been so unpredictabletely. Don''t go catching a cold. Oh, and also...."


    She kept going, rattling off reminders about little things. Maeve, who had never been doted on like this by her own mother, felt a warmth she wasn''t used to. Despite not knowing each other for long, Wren''s love felt genuine. Maeve couldn''t help herself anymore. She leaned in, wrapped her arms around Wren, and whispered, "Thank you, Mom."


    Wren froze for a moment, then her eyes turned ssy as they filled with tears.


    Later, as Maeve boarded her flight at noon, she had this nagging feeling she''d forgotten something. She couldn''t put her finger on it, though.


    Probably just her usual nerves-whenever she traveled, it always felt like she was leaving something behind.


    >Meanwhile, over at the Trazir headquarters, Zephyr had been standing at the entrance for nearly half an hour, checking his


    phone over and over. ''Did I mix up the time? Or worse, did I get stood up again?''


    Maeve, blissfully unaware of any of this,nded at Kleymond Airport that evening. She sent a quick text to Byron to let him know she''d arrived, then spotted the car he''d arranged to pick her up. She walked over, handed her suitcase to the driver, and slid into the backseat.


    "Who the hell changes the date of a big drill without telling me?" came a sharp, cold voice. "If anyone in my team tried that, I''d have them fired on the spot. Save the excuses. That doesn''t fly with me." The icy tone hit Maeve like a bucket of cold water. She stiffened in her seat, ncing toward the source of the voice.


    The man turned to look at her, his eyes sharp and unrelenting, like he was sizing her up for a fight. His entire presence screamed danger.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    After a beat, his expression shifted slightly. "You?" His voice dropped,ced with confusion. "Why are you in my car?"


    "Mr. Soar, are you sure this isn''t my car?" Maeve asked, her voice a little shaky. His intense stare wasn''t helping her nerves.


    One second, he looked like a polished businessman. The next, he seemed like something straight out of a nightmare-like a demon who''d survived a battlefield and came looking for blood.


    Gale tapped his phone against the leather seat, his frown deepening. "You didn''t even check whose car it was before hopping in? Are you always this reckless? Seriously careless." Maeve blinked, stunned by his tone. ''What is his deal?'' She had made a mistake, sure, but it wasn''t like she''d crashed his car.


    There was also something familiar about his tone, though she couldn''t quite ce where she''d heard it before. Still, his reaction seemed over the top for a simple mistake. Something was off, and she didn''t want to poke the bear.


    "Sorry! I just got off the ne and wasn''t thinking straight," Maeve stammered, grabbing her handbag. "I didn''t mean to bother you. I''ll leave right now."


    "Wait," Gale said, his voice sharp andced with suspicion. "Did you hear anything you shouldn''t have?"


    Maeve turned back, looking genuinely confused. "I was in there for less than a minute. What could I possibly hear?"


    111


    Chapter 467-


    GU


    Gale stared at her for a beat, then waved her off. "Fine. Go."


    "Okay, thanks," Maeve muttered, practically running away.


    33


    64%


    But halfway across the parking lot, she realized she''d forgotten her suitcase. Groaning, she turned around and hurried back to retrieve it, avoiding Gale''s gaze entirely.


    As she disappeared into the distance, Gale shook his head and muttered, "Unbelievable. So stupid."


    At First Hospital, the atmosphere in the VIP suite was heavy. Jason and Ryan sat in the living room, looking drained and worried.


    Byron was deep in conversation with the doctor by the window when Maeve arrived. Will spotted her first, his face lighting up as he ran to her.


    "Mom, you''re back!" he eximed, throwing his arms around her


    Maeve hugged him tightly and nced around. "Where''s Theo?"


    Will''s excitement dimmed. "He''s inside with great-grandfather, trying acupuncture. But-" His voice dropped, and he fidgeted with his hands. "Great-grandfather''s not doing well. Maybe...."


    Maeve gently patted his back,forting him. When she looked up, her gaze met Byron''s. He turned from the window, and the coldness in his expression softened, reced by the faintest trace of a smile. After the doctor left, Byron walked up to Maeve, his voice low and rough. "Are you tired?"


    It had only been a night, but he lookedpletely drained. His clothes were the same as yesterday''s, with creases on his usually crisp cor-a clear sign that Gilbert''s condition had taken a toll on him. Knowing how particr he was about cleanliness, Maeve''s heart sank. It must be bad.


    She tightened her hold on Will. "I''m fine. How''s Grandpa?"


    Byron sighed softly. "He''s stable for now. The medical team finalized a treatment n. As long as we stay on top of the follow-up care, his life shouldn''t be at risk."


    His words brought a small wave of relief, though Maeve knew the road ahead wouldn''t be easy. Gilbert might survive, but the recovery process would be grueling. Still, knowing Theo was in the room with him helped her rx a bit.


    "I''ll head home and grab you some clothes and toiletries," Maeve offered. "Is there anything else you need me to bring?"


    Byron nced at his phone before replying. "If it''s not too much trouble, swing by the office and grab the red document from my safe."


    "Red file, got it," Maeve nodded.


    Maeve stopped by her apartment first to gather what she needed before heading to Mcdaniel Group.


    With the pass Byron gave her, getting to the top floor was a breeze. After checking in with Archer, she walked into his office.


    The safe''s code was Will''s birthday. Inside was a mountain of stuff, but Maeve focused on finding the red file, ignoring everything else.


    "What are you doing?" The sudden, sharp voice behind her made her jump.


    Spinning around, she saw a young woman standing in the doorway, her ponytail swinging as she stared Maeve down.


    0


    64%


    Dressed in a sleek office outfit, her eyes burned with suspicion, like she''d just caught a spy mid-mission.


    For some reason, Maeve thought of those movie scenes where someone got busted stealing top-secret files.


    "Wait, hold on!" Maeve said, hands up. "I''m not stealing anything Mr. Mcdaniel asked me to grab something for him."


    The secretary froze for a second, then frowned. "And who are you to Mr. Mcdaniel?"


    Maeve raised an eyebrow, feeling a little thrown off but not overthinking it. "I''m his girlfriend," she said, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. ''Seriously? Did I just say that? Way to sell myself short,'' she quickly thought.


    The secretary''s expression turned skeptical, her guard going up. "Prove it. How do I know Mr. Mcdaniel actually sent you?"


    Maeve tried not to roll her eyes. "Okay, but think about it-if he didn''t send me, how would I even get up here, let alone open his safe?"


    Still, she could see where the secretary wasing from, though. Anyone stumbling on this scene would probably think she was up to no good.


    Seeing the doubt still written all over the secretary''s face, Maeve sighed and added, "Alright, let''s just go ask Archer. He knows who I am and can tell you Mr. Mcdaniel asked me toe."

 Chapter 468

    Just as Maeve was starting to feel cornered, a knock on the door broke the tension. Archer walked in, looking calm as always. "Ms. Reese, is everything okay?"


    Maeve practically sighed in relief. "Archer, perfect timing. Could you please exin to her that Mr. Mcdaniel asked me toe here to grab some documents?" Archer immediately understood the situation. "Of course. That''s correct."


    He turned to the secretary, his expression firm but not unkind. "You know no one''s supposed to be in Mr. Mcdaniel''s office without approval. Why are you here instead of handling your duties outside?"


    It wasn''t Archer being harsh to impress Maeve, rules were rules, especially for the secretarial team. New hires were always briefed on these things, yet somehow this one had managed to miss the memo. He hadn''t expected this new hire to be so clueless.


    The secretary flushed, clearly embarrassed. "I-I''m sorry, Mr. Bax. I do know the rule, but I panicked when I saw someone I didn''t recognize in the office. I thought it might be something serious. I won''t do it again." Maeve jumped in before it got awkward. "It''s fine, really. She was just doing her job and being careful. Honestly, it''s a good thing to be alert."


    She couldn''t help but think back to the incident at the airport when she''d been scolded for mixing up cars. ''Yep, can''t really throw stones here!


    Archer gave a small nod of agreement. "As you wish, Ms. Reese." He turned back to the secretary. "You can return to your desk now."


    The girl mumbled a quick apology, nced briefly at Maeve, and hurried out.


    Maeve froze for a second, staring after her. Something about the girl seemed oddly familiar. Her tied-up ponytail, that small mole under her eye-it all clicked.


    she was the girl from Byron''s sketch.


    It wasn''t identical, of course. People change as they grow older. But the resemnce was uncanny, right down to the feeling the drawing gave off.


    "Ms. Reese," Archer interrupted her thoughts, his tone polite, "have you found the documents Mr. Mcdaniel needs?"


    Maeve snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Archer''s voice. She quickly nodded, holding the file. "Got it. I should head back to the hospital now. Thanks for the help."


    "No problem, let me walk you off," Archer said, his tone smooth as usual.


    They walked toward the elevator, but Maeve paused before they got there. "Archer, one quick thing. Do you know which university that new secretary graduated from?"


    Archer didn''t hesitate. "Her name''s Molly. She graduated from Kleymond University. She reced thest personal secretary after they leftst week. Her resume was a perfect fit, so she got the job." "I see."


    ''Kleymond University.... Maeve repeated, her mind racing. It was the same school Byron went to.


    ''Could she be... Byron''s first love? What if seeing her again changes something for him?''


    64%


    Maeve knew Byron had mentioned, ages ago, that he had feelings for that girl. It wasn''t a huge deal, but it stuck with her.


    Even after all these years, that first love always stays special. Time just adds this kind of nostalgic filter to it, and nothing couldpete.


    Maeve leaned against the cold elevator wall, feeling a little drained. The timing was just cruel.


    Just when she thought there was a glimmer of hope in this rtionship, it was like life was already about to take it away.


    By the time she got back to the hospital, she was still in a daze. Jason and Ryan had already gone to rest, leaving just Byron and Theo in the lounge.


    Theo''s voice cut through the quiet as he was bickering with Byron. "I''m still growing! Mommy says I need to eat a lot to get taller. Taking my chicken drumstick is taking away my height. If I end up shorter, it''s your fault!" Will, sitting next to him, nodded like it was the most logical thing he''d ever heard.


    Byron shot Theo a nce, his eyebrow raised. He eyed the little belly poking out from Theo''s cartoon t-shirt. "Look at that stomach. You sure you still need more to eat? No wonder your mommy''s hugging Will instead of you." Will quickly pushed his drumstick toward Theo with a grin. "You can have mine. Eat up and get taller."


    Theo snorted. "Some people are rich but can''t even share a chicken drumstick with their kid. Unlike Will, who''s generous, kind, and loyal!"


    It was a ssic move-one praising while the other took a jab. Theo was definitely pros at throwing shade.


    Byron gave Will a look, like he was thinking about calling him out. But Will, quick as ever, grabbed another drumstick and handed it to Byron. "Daddy, this one''s for you. Don''t steal Theo''s-he loves the crispy ones." Byron just stared at him, speechless. The kid had learned how to y the game.


    The clueless Theo, feeling like the luckiest younger brother ever, couldn''t help but feel proud.


    Maeve was holding back augh as she noticed it. Theo thought he was outsmarting Will, but Will was way ahead of him. And Byron? Straight-up snatching his kid''s drumstick like it was nothing.


    But then, Maeve''s smile slowly faded. As much as she loved the warmth of the moment, she couldn''t shake that feeling in her chest.


    It was like everything was perfect now, but she couldn''t help but wonder how long it wouldst. No one really knew where a rtionship would go, no matter how good things seemed.


    Byron gave Theo his drumstick back, just teasing him since he looked so cute guarding his food.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Maeve, and for a second, he was about to smile. But then he saw the sadness on her face, and his expression froze. He couldn''t help wondering what was going on with her. He set his spoon down and stood up, walking over to her. Gently, he took the things from her hands. "What''s wrong?"


    Maeve blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. For a moment, she was caught off guard, staring at him. Then, she shook her head and forced a small smile. "It''s nothing. I''m just a little tired. I guess I zoned out for a second." "It''s my


    bad for not thinking ahead. I should''ve asked someone else to grab these things," Byron said, his voice low. "The


    nap with youter." room''s empty anyway. Eat your lunch first, and I''ll


    Maeve almost felt her eyes sting.


    She knew she was probably overthinking things, but she couldn''t help it. The thought crossed her mind that maybe hisThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    D


    0,64%


    kindness was just temporary, like Cindere''s magic, ready to vanish the moment something else caught his attention.


    It felt like her heart was being eaten up alive. But she couldn''t question him over something that hadn''t even happened yet, and she definitely couldn''t get petty or jealous. That would just make her look crazy. She pushed the bitter feeling down and tried to sound casual. "Alright, I heard there''s fried crispy chicken drumsticks. I''m definitely down for that."

 Chapter 469

    Byron naturally held her lowered hand and said, "They almost ate all the chicken drumsticks. I''ll give you my share."


    Upon hearing that, Theo, still chewing on the drumstick, was speechless.


    He thought, ''You''re so high and mighty that you stole my chicken drumstick to curry favor with my mommy. You are trying to look good.


    Maeve did not have much appetite but didn''t want to


    Wee food, so she still perked up and ate some.


    After a short break after lunch, Byron led to an empty room for an afternoon nap.


    Theo and Will were locked outside the door, and big question marks appeared on their heads.


    "Will, are we isted by Great Demon King?" Theo expressed his doubts. "What right does he have to take an afternoon nap with Mommy? Can he be as soft and huggable as I am?"


    ''Mommy says hugging me is morefortable than hugging a doll. The Great Demon King has a hard body. Don''t hurt my mommy,'' thought Theo.


    Will rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. "Didn''t you notice Dad and Mom have been very close recently? Dad has been kicked out of the house by Mom many times, so let''s forgive him for his immature little move."


    Theo pursed his lips. He wanted to say something but remembered the hug on the helicopter. He turned his little body and snorted. "I''m only refraining from causing trouble because of my mommy."


    "That''s right. Theo, you are the most generous." Will had learned from Maeve how to coax Theo. He did not even need to think when he opened his mouth.


    As expected, he coaxed Theo until he forgot about being isted. Theo took out his toolkit to grind the herbs with Will. The external medicine had to be ground into powder before being applied to the wound. It could effectively relieve the pain. Gilbert''s leg was badly injured after falling down the stairs, requiring a dressing change every three hours.


    Theo did not like to leave these things to others. Other than Will and Maeve, he would hardly let anyone touch these tools of his.


    The two diligent little kids sat opposite each other on the carpet. Their movements were like rabbits, and their backs were round and charmingly silly.


    Maeve slept straight through to the evening. When she woke, she realized Byron was no longer by her side. The sky outside the window was dark. Fortunately, the light by the bed was on, so she did not panic.


    Maeve left her room after calling her uncle and her mother to report her safety.


    Maeve''s face lit up with joy when she heard Gilbert had woken up. Then, she entered the ward with Byron and the others.


    Gilbert was awake, but his mouth and nose were still connected to the venttor, and he could not speak.


    It was the most painful for him to lie down like that.


    Maeve looked at Will and Theo. "Good boys, go and talk to your great-grandfather."


    Will and Theo nodded obediently and walked to the bed, tiptoeing to look at Gilbert.


    <3


    04%


    The psychological impact on Gilbert caused by the appearance of two identical little faces in front of him was obvious, and his heart rate was elerating,


    "Great-grandfather, I''m Theo, and my full name is Theodore Reese. I''m Will''s twin brother," said Theo softly, holding Gilbert''s hand with his small hand. "Great-grandfather, I heard from Will you are good at fishing. I want to go fishing, too. Great-grandfather, get better quickly and bring me to fish, okay?"


    Gilbert instantly burst into tears.


    He longed to have a great-grandson years ago. Later, he had Will, whom he loved more than anything.


    Now he was told he had another great-grandson who was so cute and sweet-tongued, and how could he not be happy?N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    The pain in Gilbert''s body at the moment was overshadowed by the surprise of Theo, his great-grandson. He moved his head and nodded slightly, which was enough to show how excited he was.


    Will said, "Great-grandfather, you said you would buy me a foal. You can''t go back on your word."


    Gilbert could not wait to get up and bring them out to fish and ride horses. He wanted to give them all the good things in the world.


    Maeve heaved a sigh of relief when she saw the gray determination on Gilbert''s face fade.


    She looked at Byron, who was focused on the three of them. She murmured, "Gilbert just knew Theo is his great-grandson and loves him. Why are you always at odds with him?"


    "Really?" Byron turned his face and raised his eyebrows. "Don''t you think it''s interesting to tease Theo?"


    "No wonder Theo isn''t close to you."


    Byron frowned slightly. "Who said so? How is he not close to me?"


    ''He is my son. How could he not be close to me?'' thought Byron.


    Maeve''s eyes were filled with disbelief. "Or do you think he''s close to you? Haven''t you noticed he hasn''t called you Dad even once?"


    "Isn''t it because he''s shy?"


    "You''re overthinking. Theo hasn''t acknowledged you as his father." Maeve mercilessly shattered his misconception of his son. "You were so cold to him previously and even treated him as someone else''s child. Do you expect him to suddenly make a breakthrough in his rtionship with you and ept you right away?"


    Maeve thought, ''Speaking of which, he has yet to apologize to Theo for misunderstanding him. It is not unreasonable for Theo not to acknowledge him.


    ''No wonder Will is so mature at such a young age. I guessed Byron also raised Will freely like this, which is why Will had to be an independent kid.''


    Her heart ached, and she could not help but re at Byron.


    Byron was speechless.


    He raised his hand and pressed between his eyebrows. He felt a slight headache and said, "Let me think about it."


    Maeve snorted and thought, "Take your time to think about it. In any case, I will not give you any pointers.


    "The grievances Theo suffered have to bepensated by Byron himself so that Byron and Theo, the father and son, can reconcile.


    ''However, based on the frequency of their bickering, the probability of their reconciliation is a little slim.


    C


    64%


    Maybe the presence of his two adorable great-grandchildren lifted Gilbert''s spirits and improved his health. The gloomy atmosphere of the ward gradually dissipated.


    After surviving this ordeal, Gilbert might not immediately recover to be as lively as before, but his life wouldn''t be in danger at least.


    Theo practiced the songs for the singing contest several times during this period. Every time he started singing, Will would break down, but Gilbert was smiling. He loved his great-grandsons..


    However, Theo was not well-behaved with Jason and Ryan. Every time they came, Theo had to wear a hat and sses. He did not want them to see his true appearance. Apparently, he was still holding a grudge for the bad things they had done to Maeve before, so he did not even want to give them the right to know him.


    Soon, it was the final day of the Star of Children Talent Competition, organized by the various schools


    The preliminary round of the Star of Children Talent Competition ended before Maeve took Will and Theo abroad. However, Theo''s votes mysteriously made it to the finals.


    Hence, Theo was inted and has been well-practiced abroad. Will''s ears were tortured.


    It was worth mentioning that during the preliminary round, a child from the Iton Private International Kindergarten was sent to the hospital because of diarrhea. The teacher temporarily asked Will to take over. It turned out that Will also advanced...


    PLA


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!