The Heir's Secret Bride

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 the company to handle her resignation.

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 flatly. "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 the company 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 regular exercise, and take care of her stomach.

As for her hand injury, he told her to keep it dry and lay 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't come 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 glanced 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 glasses and gave Maeve a curious look. This injury looks pretty serious. It'd be best if he came

in

can't make it, Maeve

deliberately avoiding any mention of Byron. She didn't know why Byron was staying away from

at her with a hint of a smile playing on

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

by the grocery store for some ingredients before heading back to her

Mon, Oct 14

Chapter 19

Marve's phone buzzed with

BK56% BK56%

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

taken on jobs as a maid and a gardener just

I want to see him as a bartender, doing all sorts of things at the bar.

As expected, Bonnie switched out

O Bonnie's fickle tastes and frequent recommendations, Maeve had managed

But than

money

time. What does

a flood

incredibly handsome? I'm totally obsessed with him right now-my heart races just thinking

real life as she did into

specific requests? I'll start working on it after I do some

[Just do your thing like always. I trust

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!

and headed to the kitchen to check on the

the top-floor office of the McDaniel Group, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the tension in the

silver hair and beard. he radiated vitality, his eyes sharp and intelligent, and his presence commanding. 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

his eyes and ignoring the coffee. "Is that why you've been dodging home? Afraid your father and I would find