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

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

Chapter 26

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 even in the same league as the Medaniel Group

complaining, but something

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

Jarrett's got a point-you might

you do these days is focus on digging up gossip about

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 wanted to check

she

when

"Since whe

school? A cold gleam flashed in Byron's

Tell her to leave."

a nervous sweat. "Understood,

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

Byron thought, 'Ms. Reese?"

as something clicked. "What's

"I think it's Maeve"

"So it's

he set down his cue stick, heading straight for

a clear view of Maeve sitting at the bar

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

the bar, her outfit was almost

severe as he pulled

the call and moved to a quieter spot before

Mon

voice was icy, laced

Tm at a bar,

learn your

last time? Go home. Now" His tone left no room for argument.

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

After

Then she

asking the 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?

at the ended call. He called over the manager. "Go down there and turn her

Yes, sir. handle it

manager quickly rushed

overheard the exchange. Ray