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?"

to dwell on the topic. He walked over to the bar counter in the living room and glanced

T

11

Oct 14

parents wasn't great. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to stay at her place instead of

she also had a strained relationship with her parents, she could relate. She made a **al note to avoid bringing it up in the future, not wanting to touch a nerve. The bar area

covered in a layer of dust. It was clear he didn't use this place often. Resigned,

Byron

up his shirt sleeves,

brushed lightly against his brow, casting a shadow over his

understated allure.

understated allure.

the warm lighting, but Maeve found herself

Maybe She was j

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

Catch

hesitated for a moment, then

aside. "Go ahead, give it a

Maeve

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

phone on

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

"Okay" Maeve nodded quickly.

before proceeding. Byron walked into his study and gave calm instructions. "Send the revised plan to my email. I'll

conference in the study was

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

waited at the bar for a bit, but when Byron didn't come

followed the steps he'd taught her, and the c***I she

took a sip-not bad

she wasn't as smooth as Byron, it was

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

Chapter 27

doing it,' she thought, glancing at the three c***Is lined up on the counter. Her eyes naturally drifted toward the silver c***il that

56

she

right? With that thought, Maeve picked up his

invigorating, with a subtle bitterness that lingered Compared

empty glass rolled

red as she slumped over the

in the study, the video meeting ended, and Byron wrapped up