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

had a photo of my

me to describe your own woman?" Ray quipped, though he went ahead and

dark. He'd already suspected someone on his team, but he

Ray off before

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

kitchen, tasting the

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Chapter 20

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ос

was happening, she froze at the sight of

my injury?" Byron cut her off, his voice as cold as ice. "And then you took it to the hospital to show at

your wound wasn't healing well.

further. His voice was sharp he snapped, "Who gave you the right to meddle? Do

his tone almost frighteningly harsh, "Do I need to

and unable to grasp what was happening. "I wasn't trying to meddle," she said, her voice

"don't!

brow furrowed with irritation. His voice dripped with disdain. "If you're so desperate to play the caring wife, we can get divorced right

you took. Don't make me

had never seen him like this-cold and terrifying. The man who gentle while applying

Tears stung her eyes,

keep her emotions in check as she held up her phone. "It's deleted. I only took one photo while you were asleep. I

had been in a calmer state, he might have noticed the tremor in her voice. But his anger clouded his judgment, and

her with the patience of

Her actions had nearly derailed his meticulously crafted plans. 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,

at the soup she'd spent all afternoon making, now barely touched except by her own spoon. She couldn't taste

that night. When she dragged herself out of bed the next

her sketchbook and flopped onto the small couch on

webcomic.

Mon, Oct