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

sprang from his chair. "She had a photo of my injury? What did she

me to describe your own woman?" Ray

expression instantly turned dark. He'd already suspected someone on his team, but he never

cutting Ray

to tell

kitchen, tasting the soup when the

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Chapter 20

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sight of Byron's stormy

a photo of my injury?" Byron cut her off, his voice as cold as ice. "And

but nodded. "Yes, I noticed your wound wasn't healing well. I thought the medication might

finish, Byron's expression hardened even further. His voice was sharp he snapped, "Who

tone almost frighteningly harsh, "Do I need to remind

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

"don't!

interrupted, his brow furrowed with irritation. His voice dripped with disdain. "If you're so desperate to play the caring

those photos you took.

The man who gentle while applying ointment to her

trembling as she deleted the photo. Tears stung her eyes,

up her phone. "It's deleted. I only took one photo while you were asleep. I didn't mean any harm. If it caused trouble, I'm really sorry."

calmer state, he might have noticed the tremor in her voice. But his anger clouded his

Maeve had hidden motives for getting close to him. He had watched her with the

her hand so soon. 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

all afternoon making, now barely touched except by her own spoon. She couldn't taste a thing. Her mind was blank, swallowed up

she dragged herself out of bed the next

she ate, she grabbed her sketchbook and flopped onto the small

webcomic.

Oct