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

it, Maeve

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

her with a hint of a smile playing on his

here was this young woman, clearly important enough to keep his secrets. This

the grocery store for some ingredients before heading back to

Mon, Oct 14

Chapter 19

the stove, Marve's phone buzzed

BK56% BK56%

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 particular passion for fan art. She claimed to be "allergic to real-life men, preferring animated characters instead. Bonnie also had a special

had even taken on jobs as a maid and a gardener

got a new husband! This time, I want to see him as a bartender,

Bonnie switched out her fictional husbands faster than she

frequent recommendations, Maeve had managed

But than

money

What

responded with a flood of

totally obsessed with him right now-my

real life as she did into her animated erushes,

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

do your thing like always. I trust your taste-you

[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

phone aside, and headed to the kitchen to check

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

elderly man in a dark green suit sat on the sofa, gripping a black cane with both hands. Despite his 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

narrowing his eyes and ignoring the coffee. "Is that why you've