The Heir's Secret Bride

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 and commanding.

"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 his composure, barely managing to stifle a laugh.

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 the company wouldn't budge an inch. It was a brutal slap 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 playful sarcasm.

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

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

I

a photo of my

woman?" Ray quipped, though he went ahead and described

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

later," Byron snapped, cutting Ray off before storming

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

kitchen, tasting the soup when the

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Chapter 20

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ос

was happening, she froze at the sight of Byron's

as cold as ice. "And then you took it to the

was taken aback but nodded. "Yes, I noticed your wound wasn't healing well. I

expression hardened even further. His voice was sharp he snapped, "Who gave

glared at her, his tone almost frighteningly harsh, "Do I need to remind you? Apart from the marriage license,

grasp what was happening. "I wasn't trying

"don't!

with disdain. "If you're so desperate to play the caring wife, we

took. Don't make me

terrifying. The man who gentle while applying ointment to her injuries the night before

as she deleted the photo. Tears stung her eyes, and it felt like a

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

the tremor in her voice.

He had watched her with the patience of a

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,

she'd spent all afternoon making, now barely touched except

herself out of bed the next morning, her head was

flopped onto the small couch on the balcony, trying to focus on her

webcomic.

Oct 14