The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 26

Maeve couldn't help but stop in her tracks.

Just as she was about to turn around, Byron placed a hand on her shoulder, casting a cold glance at Maura. His voice. dropped, dripping with iciness. Tim her husband. Do you need somethings?

Maura's eyes went wide in disbelief.

She thought, 'No way! This man, who looks even more handsome than a celebrity, is supposed to be Marve's broke

husba

As she w

watched them walk away, Maura nearly ground her teeth frustration, thinking, 'So what if he's good-looking? You can't live on good looks alone! Leaving the store, Maeve recalled Byron's expression when he showerl up and cautiously asked. "Did you hear what we were talking about earlier?" Byron's face remained as unreadable as ever. don't take

what she said to heart. Maeve fiddled with the juice cup in her hand, trying to reassure him. "There's no shame in any honest job. As long as you're earning a living through hard work, there's nothing lowly about it Byron paused mid-step, turning to look at her. "You're really open-minded."

Well,

He thought. It's easy to say things like that, but actually living by those words is a different story."

Back at the apartment, Maeve couldn't bring herself to throw away the juice, so she tossed out the old straw and replaced it with a fresh one.

Just as she was about

What What's wrout to take a sip, she noticed Byron's cold gaze fixed on her.

She asked she asked.

"Maeve" Byron's eyes flicked to the discarded straw in the trash a smirk tugging at his lips. "Are you grossed out by me or something?

He thought. I haven't even looked down on her, but she dares to act like she is above me?"

"What?" Maeve froze, confused, and cautiously asked, "Given our relationship, is there something wrong with me doing this?"

She didn't want to give him another excuse to accuse her of imagining some ridiculous indirect kiss."

Byron was momentarily speechless.

He stared I at her for a few seconds before turning on his heel and heading toward the guest room, tossing a cool remark over his shoulder. "Drinking juice after working out-you just wasted all four laps you ranTM With that, he shut the door behind him.

Maeve stood there, stunned. The juice in her hand suddenly didn't seem so appealing anymore.

She thought, He said that on purpose, didn't he? The next

of billiard balls echoed through the fourth-floor pool

Chapter 26

he leaned against the pool table. "When did you start doing charity work? The Graves family's tiny operation isn't even in the same league as the Medaniel Group Byron lined up his shot with practiced ease, his long arm flexing smoothly as he struck the

but

without gossiping, huh? You'd be better off as a tabloid reporter instead of wasting your talents as a

got a point-you might as well

"All you do these days is focus on digging up gossip

knocked on

Come in

addressed Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, there's a young lady downstairs asking if we're hiring bartender apprentices.

she wants to learn

when

"Since whe

a training school? A cold gleam flashed in Byron's eyes, his

Tell her to leave."

broke into a nervous sweat. "Understood, I'll let Ms.

known he'd react like this, I wouldn't

Byron thought, 'Ms. Reese?"

eyes narrowed as

"I think it's Maeve"

thought. "So it's

he set down his cue

balcony, he had a clear view of Maeve sitting at the bar

light pink off-shoulder dress, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, revealing her delicate collarbone and

sultry vibe of the bar, her outfit was almost demure

severe as he pulled out

the manager to return. Maeve saw the call and moved to a quieter spot before

Mon

you" His deep voice was icy, laced

bar, taking care of

learn your

His tone left no room for argument.

this time. I won't get drunk again, I promise, Marse whispered. 'Don't

After

Then she

the boss

into Byron at this har before and nervously scanned the area. Not seeing him anywhere, she finally exhaled in relief realized.

ended call. He called over the manager.

Yes, sir. handle it

manager quickly rushed

awayowed Byron out, overheard the exchange.