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

Starlight Pub, the sharp clink of billiard balls

Chapter 26

the Yrulsall project over to 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

but something

just can't go a day without gossiping, huh? You'd be better off as a tabloid reporter instead of wasting your talents as a doctor." You don't get it. Being a good doctor requires a spirit of curiosity and investigation-that's how you

Jarrett's got a

you do these days is

knocked

Come in

manager stepped inside, wearing a respectful expression as he addressed Byron. "Mr. Mcdaniel, there's a young lady downstairs asking if we're hiring bartender apprentices. I wanted to check with you first" Byron didn't even bother looking up.

she wants to

when

"Since whe

cold gleam flashed in

Tell her to leave."

a nervous sweat. "Understood,

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

Byron thought, 'Ms. Reese?"

narrowed as something clicked.

"I think it's Maeve"

"So it's

his

clear view of Maeve sitting at

light pink off-shoulder dress, her long hair cascading over

the bar, her

even more severe as he pulled out his phone and called

return. Maeve saw the call and moved to a quieter

Mon

you" His deep voice was icy, laced with

glanced around. Tm at a bar, taking

learn your

Go home. Now" His tone left no room for

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

After

Then she

already asking the boss for me I can't

har before and nervously scanned the area. Not seeing him anywhere, she finally exhaled in relief realized. Why am I

stared at the ended call. He called

Yes, sir. handle it

manager quickly

it right awayowed Byron out, overheard the exchange. Ray