The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 40

Maeve's heart was racing, but she quickly pulled out her phone. Let me see if there's anything nearby that could help us stop the car." The speed at which she regained her composure caught Byron's attention.

He had assumed she was easily frightened-like when she was nearly in tears after being followed.

But t now, in a life-and-death situation, she was remarkably calm. That was just what he needed; she wouldn't get in the way.

"Mr. Mcdaniel, what about that forest at the base of the mountain?" Maeve zoomed in on the map and showed him the

screen.

Byron took a quick glance. "Got it. Sit tight."

The second-to-last sharp turn was just a hundred yards ahead.

"Hold on." Byron's voice remained steady, so calm it betrayed no hint of panic. "Grip the seat."

Maeve did as he she said, squeezing her eyes shut.

Mae

The next second, the car whipped around the turn with such force that it felt like she might be thrown out by the sheer inertia. It was a stark reminder of how dangerous it was to take a turn without using the brakes. After they cleared the turn, Maeve didn't dare relax-one more still lay ahead.

By the time they reached the straight stretch of road, Maeve was so drained she slumped back in her seat, her voice hoarse. "Mr. Mcdaniel, thank goodness you're such a skilled driver."

If it weren't for his control, they might not have made it through the night.

Byron was left speechless.

"How far to the forest?"

Maeve quickly checked her phone. "Turn left at the next junction. It's five hundred yards from there."

"Alright." "Byron's

hesitated,

Maeve "It doesn't

Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he suddenly asked, "Are you scared?"

then answered honestly, "Yes."

either, Mr. Mcdaniel," Maeve replied, trying to sound light-hearted. "Maybe I've picked up on your confidence-I feel like we'll be okay." Byron let out a low chuckle, his eyes still fixed

afraid, but she was more concerned about affecting his

turned serious. "Mr.

their

of of this safely. They had to make it

you trust

but she nodded. Of course, I trust you."

Chapter 40

eyes, and

hesitate and

toward the trees, Maeve

seat, holding her securely against him. She was small enough to fit

what was happening, a thunderous crash echoed in her

The

car shook

sensation as it spun out of control, leaving her dizzy

saw the passenger window shatter, and a thick tree branch smashed through,

had been sitting there, it likely would have severed her

a warm embrace, someone holding

like

When Maeve woke

Byron,

""Mr. Mcdaniel?"

Mr.

up,

was in a VIP room at the First Hospital, jolted out of

move; you're still receiving an IV." A nurse gently pressed down on her hand. "Mr. Mcdaniel is in another room. His condition is more serious, so

filled

fractured right hand, and his left

luckier-just a sprained shoulder, nothing more serious. The police mentioned that when they rescued you, Byron had you tightly shielded in his arms. It took them quite a while to separate you

wasn't just

'Why do that when the passenger seat has an airbag?' It wasn't until the car window shattered that she realized he had anticipated the danger. Maeve's strembled as she softly

night, and your body hasn't fully recovered.

fine. Just one

hesitated before conceding. "Alright, but you can only look through the

brightened. "Thank

IV was finished, Maeve, despite the sharp pain in her shoulder, followed the nurse to the hallway outside Byron's 08:27