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

the sharp clink of billiard balls echoed through the

Chapter 26

family's tiny operation isn't even in the same league as

not complaining, but something

of wasting your talents as

a point-you might

these days is focus

someone knocked on

Come in

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

she says she wants

when

"Since whe

school? A cold

Tell her to leave."

"Understood, I'll let Ms. Reese know

known he'd react like this, I wouldn't have asked.

Byron thought, 'Ms. Reese?"

eyes narrowed as something clicked. "What's

"I think it's Maeve"

"So

his cue stick, heading straight

clear

dressed in a light pink off-shoulder dress, her long hair cascading

bar, her

he

the call

Mon

deep voice was icy, laced with

glanced around. Tm at a bar, taking

learn your

home. Now" His tone left no

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

After

Then she

boss for me I can't

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

Byron's gaze turned icy as he stared at the ended call. He called over the manager. "Go down there

Yes, sir. handle it

quickly

Byron out, overheard the exchange. Ray let out a