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

Pub, the sharp clink of billiard balls echoed through the fourth-floor

Chapter 26

Mr. Graves!" Ray drawled lazily as 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 ball with precision. "What's it to you?"

but

stick, laughing as he caught the conversation. "You just can't go a day without gossiping, huh? You'd be better off as a tabloid reporter instead of wasting your talents

Jarrett's got a point-you might

these days is focus on digging up gossip

knocked on the

Come in

Mcdaniel, there's a young lady downstairs asking if we're hiring bartender apprentices. I wanted

she says she

when

"Since whe

Starlight Pub turn into a training school? A cold gleam

Tell her to leave."

manager broke into a nervous sweat. "Understood, I'll let Ms. Reese know right

If I'd known he'd react like this, I

Byron thought, 'Ms. Reese?"

on" Byron's eyes narrowed as something clicked.

"I think it's Maeve"

thought. "So

his cue stick,

had a clear view of Maeve sitting at

hair cascading

vibe of the bar, her outfit was almost demure and

he

the call and moved to a quieter

Mon

are you" His deep voice was icy, laced with unmistakable

at a bar, taking

learn your

last time? Go home. Now" His tone

won't get drunk again, I promise, Marse

After

Then she

boss for me I can't just

area. Not seeing him anywhere, she finally exhaled in relief realized. Why am I so I so fense? It's not like I

ended call. He

Yes, sir. handle it

quickly rushed

awayowed Byron out, overheard the exchange.