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?"

room and glanced at her. "Are you here to learn bartending or just to snoop around?" Maeve quickly set her

T

11

Oct 14

his relationship with his parents wasn't great. Otherwise, he

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

the 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

Byron

shirt sleeves,

hair brushed lightly against his brow, casting a shadow

understated allure.

understated allure.

but Maeve found herself

Maybe She was j

her cheek, snapping her out of her thoughts. Byron looked at her with his usual indifferent expression as he set

Catch

hesitated for a moment,

aside. "Go ahead, give it

Maeve

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

then, the phone on the

picked it up, and moved away from the bar.

"Okay" Maeve nodded quickly.

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 and gave calm instructions. "Send the revised plan to my email. I'll check it now. Also, inform the team there's a video meeting in ten minutes."

video conference in the study was in

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

Maeve waited at the bar for a bit, but when

followed the steps he'd taught her, and

sip-not

wasn't as smooth as Byron, it was

popped into her head, and she quickly sketched them out in her notebook. 14:42 Mon, Oct

Chapter 27

lined up on the counter.

56

she was curious thinking, "What's the difference

one sip won't get me drunk, right? With that thought, Maeve picked up his glass

clear. Byron's c***il had layers of flavor-crisp, invigorating, with a subtle bitterness that lingered Compared to that, hers tasted

soft clink, the empty glass rolled across the table and came

as she slumped over the

video meeting ended, and Byron wrapped