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?"

the living room and glanced at her. "Are you here to learn bartending or just to snoop

T

11

14 GB

could guess that his relationship with his parents wasn't great. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to stay at her place instead of

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

glass cabinet were neatly arranged, and all the tools were there, though covered in a layer of dust. It was clear he didn't use this place often. Resigned, Maeve began washing the tools they'd need and set

Byron

up his shirt sleeves,

brow, casting a shadow

understated allure.

understated allure.

warm lighting, but Maeve

Maybe She was j

at her with his usual indifferent expression as he set down a silver c**I glass. "Did you all I the steps?" he

Catch

hesitated for a moment, then

ahead, give

Maeve

white c***I that looked delicious and obediently walked over

the phone on

and moved away from the bar. "I need to take this

"Okay" Maeve nodded quickly.

newly approved project from yesterday's meeting had run into some issues. After reviewing the process again, the planning department needed his direct input before proceeding. Byron walked into his study

video conference in the study was in

the meeting continued, Byron glanced at the time, feeling like he was forgetting

the bar for a bit, but when Byron didn't come out, she decided

her, and the c***I

took a sip-not

it was a solid

few interesting design ideas popped into her head, and she

Chapter 27

glancing at the three c***Is lined up on the counter. Her eyes naturally drifted toward the silver c***il that Byron had

56

she was curious thinking, "What's

get me drunk, right? With that thought, Maeve picked up his glass

a subtle bitterness that lingered Compared to that, hers

empty glass rolled

as she slumped over the

video meeting ended, and