The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 27

Seeing that he still seemed puzzled, Maeve explained further, "For a previous art project, I even worked as a maid for a month to really get a feel for the atmosphere. "Since I recently quit my job and have some free time, I figured I'd apply to be a bartender apprentice."

She spread her hands in resignation. "But they weren't hiring

The person responsible for that, Byron, finally looked away and said calmly, "Bartending? I know how."

"You do?" Maeve's Maeve's eyes widen widened in in surprise.

Byron didn't offer any more details, just motioned for her to follow him as he headed out the door.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a vintage apartment building near the university district.

When the elevator reached the ninth floor, Maeve followed Byron inside, her eyes curious as she took in her surroundings

The apartment was slightly more spa**s than hers, but not by much.

The furniture was minimal, mostly in shades of black and gray, giving the space a simple yet timeless feel

It wasn't exactly cozy-more like a bachelor's retreat than a home

Maeve

walked over to the window and noticed a rose garden below, though most of the blooms had already faded.

Something about the view struck her as oddly familiar.

"Mr. Mcdaniel, if you have a place to stay, then why did you move into my place?" Maeve finally voiced her confusion. "When I gave you the key, I thought it was because we're married and should live together. But clearly, you didn't see it that way

She had assumed all along that he had nowhere else to go, which was why he ended up staying with her.

Byron's expression stiffened for a moment.

This apartment was a place he bought in his first year of college with the money he earned from starting Starlight Pub. Even his family didn't know about it.

Neville's people were keeping tabs on him, but they only watched the estate where he usually stayed-not this place.

If Maeve hadn't suddenly decided she wanted to learn bartending, and if he hadn't remembered that he had some old liquor and bartending tools stored here, he might never have recalled owning this little apartment. "There are people watching my usual place. It's not convenient, Byron replied briefly, pushing aside his thoughts.

"People watching? You mean the ones who were after you before Maeve's eyes widened in shock. "Then isn't it dangerous. for us to be here...?"

"If I brought you here, it's safe."

"What about your parents? Don't they live around here?"

want to dwell on the topic. He walked over to the bar counter in the living room and glanced at her. "Are you here to learn bartending or just to snoop around?" Maeve quickly set her

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that his relationship with his parents wasn't great. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to stay at

relate. She made a **al note to avoid bringing it up in the future, not wanting to touch a nerve. The bar area in the apartment

layer of dust. It was clear he didn't use this place often. Resigned, Maeve began washing the tools they'd need and set them out

Byron

his shirt sleeves, revealing strong, well-defined

brushed lightly against his brow, casting a shadow over his

understated allure.

understated allure.

lighting, but Maeve found herself spa**g out.

Maybe She was j

cheek, snapping her out of her thoughts. Byron looked at her with his usual

Catch

a moment, then

"Go ahead,

Maeve

delicious and

then, the phone on the

it, picked it up, and moved away from the bar. "I need

"Okay" Maeve nodded quickly.

had run into some issues. After reviewing the process again, the planning department needed his direct input before proceeding. Byron walked into his study and gave calm instructions. "Send the revised plan to my email. I'll check it now. Also, inform the team there's

the study was in

Byron glanced at the time, feeling like he was forgetting something, but he quickly brushed

a bit, but when

carefully followed the steps he'd taught her, and the

sip-not bad at

Byron, it was

few interesting design ideas popped into her head, and she quickly sketched

Chapter 27

actually doing it,' she thought, glancing at the three c***Is lined up on

56

now she was curious

With that thought, Maeve picked up his glass and

flavor-crisp, invigorating, with a subtle bitterness that lingered

empty glass rolled across the table and came to a

flushed red as she slumped

in the study, the video meeting ended, and