The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter

18

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

His gaze moved from her collar 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 glanced 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 nonchalantly.

Maeve's eyes widened. She recognized this was a Maybach-definitely a sign that Byron's boss was someone important. Even the license plate, 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 collar, her attempts doing little to hide the smooth skin underneath.

Without looking directly at her, he shrugged off his coat and draped it over her lap. "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

hand instinctively clenching. She wasn't

about it, that's fine," Byron said. "Tissues are there if

the tissue box, but it wasn't

and, without a word, pressed a hidden latch. The compartment slid

total country bumpkin. This car is really high-tech," she remarked with an awkward laugh, pulling out a tissue

Jeff-if she hadn't acted, she would have remained

Iris control f forever.

of Byron's car, a new fear took hold. 'With the Graves family's influence, if Jeff seeks revenge, could Byron end

in her fingers and frowned, falling silent. The rest of

got home, Marve immediately grabbed some clothes and

and called Archer, instructing him to find out where Maeve

sent over a video-surveillance footage from the private

slowly shifting to a stern, intense focus. As Maeve drove the knife into Jeff's hand, a flash

McDaniel. I'm Mr.

done

go ahead now," Maeve's soft voice came through, with a hint of

still locked on the screen as he rewound the video, replaying the scene over and

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

Securing the

for Jeff to challenge him for control of the company Maeve called out to Byron once, then made her

herself while stabbing Jeff. Since the wound was on her right hand, applying the medicine proved to

surprise to find him.

gaze.

to the floor. As she bent to retrieve it,

eyebrow in silent observation. He didn't offer to help, simply watched her with a faint smirk

clumsy. Frustration mounting, she finally turned

bubbling beneath the surface. It was clear to her now-he

her parents lavishing attention on her younger brother, which instilled in her a strong sense of independence. She was accustomed to managing things on her own, never considering asking for help. Byron knew exactly how to push

both annoyed and amused by his

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