The Heir's Secret Bride

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338

Theo had made it clear from the start-Tom's burns wouldn't heal just by cleaning up the surface gunk. The real problem was the toxins hiding in his skin's blood vessels, which were holding back his recovery.

So, no matter how much it hurt during the detox, he had to push through. Only by toughing it out and flushing out those toxins could he really heal.

Tom kept Theo's advice in mind. Even when his wounds itched like crazy, he didn't give in to the urge to scratch. He had already made it through so many rough nights; there was no way he was going to give up now. The person who poisoned him was still out there, and he couldn't afford to fall apart before he found them.

Meanwhile, while Tom was at home recovering, Maeve gave him a break from work. Honestly, it felt a bit strange not having him around to run things at the studio.

Then, around noon, she got a call from the police. They had some information about the pacifier that might be tied to her parents.

Her heart raced on the way there-she was excited but also a little nervous. When she finally arrived at the station, though, the officer's words made her blood run cold.

"Ms. Reese," he said seriously, "we've discovered that the gemstone in this pacifier was part of a major international jewelry heist years ago. That case is still open, and the stolen jewelry has never been found."

He continued, "These items have never turned up anywhere. Interpol thinks they're still with the original thieves. We need to know-what do you know about your biological parents?"

Maeve's face turned pale, and she felt her stomach drop. 'Is he implying that her parents were involved in the robbery? Were they the thieves, or connected to the crime in some way?'

That pacifier she thought was a sweet token of love... turned out to be stolen goods.

"Ms. Reese, are you alright?" The police officer noticed her expression and softened his voice a bit. "We can't prove your biological parents are the robbers just yet, but they definitely seem to have a connection to this case. And just to clarify, you're not a suspect. We're just following up on some leads."

Maeve clenched her fists, trying to hold back the confusion swirling in her head. She met the officer's gaze and said, "I've never met my biological parents, so I can't believe they'd be involved in something like that."

"Plus, the Reese couple who took me might know a thing or two about it," she added, hoping for a lifeline.

nodded. "We'll check into that. Thanks for being so

outside. In Kleymond, the rainy season always brought that damp chill, and the wind hit her

she couldn't shake off the officer's words. The pacifier was linked to an international crime and was technically stolen, so there was

because she was taken by the Reese family couple at birth, even if her biological parents were involved, she wouldn't get into any trouble. Still, a heavy feeling settled in her chest as she watched the leaves swirl in the puddles at her feet. She just couldn't believe her biological parents were criminals. Or maybe she

for the rain to ease up before dashing to the parking lot. Of course, things didn't

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07:57 Fri, Nov 80

Chapter 338

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the rain coming down hard, she was stuck waiting for at least an

wheel, trying to catch her breath, but it wasn't really working. So, she hopped out of the car and dashed to the side of the road to get out of the rain. Just then, a

""Mr. Richard?"

are you doing out here? You're all

of her sweater and gave him a sheepish smile. "Yeah, my car's tire is messed up, and the maintenance guys

11

thoughtfully. "Do

that's okay. I don't want to ruin your seats," Maeve said,

more worried about you catching a cold in those wet clothes. The flu is going around, so don't be shy about

her bag and put

said, taking the towel. But as soon as

little. "Is your place far from

drive," Maeve sniffed, feeling a

a clothing store nearby. If you're cool with it, you

surprised. "You

his charm. "Yeah, it's small, nothing

is famous worldwide. I doubt there's a designer out there who hasn't heard of it," Maeve