The Heir's Secret Bride

Secret Bride 449

Chapter 449

"No! I'm sorry, I misspoke. I'm Maeve Reese," Maeve blurted, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. She wanted nothing more than to sink into the floor. "I was just joking." The Damon couple smiled warmly, their kindness softening the wkward moment. "You have quite the sense of humor. I believe I've seen you at the palace before?" "Yes," Macve replied, forcing a smile. "I used to be a royal designer

Loren chimed in, "She's also a student of my great-great-grandmother."

That little detail wasn't something Maeve shared often, and it clearly caught the Damon couple's attention. Their smiles widened as they handed her a golden business card. "You absolutely have to visit us sometime," they said enthusiastically. With the Damons' endorsement, Maeve suddenly found herself surrounded by introductions and invitations. Business cards stacked up in her hand faster than she could keep track.

Meanwhile, Tom and Loreh stuck close by, flanking her and the two little ones like sentries. Their presence was enough to make anyone with less-than-friendly intentions think twice about approaching.

Not everyone was so welcoming, though. A few people in the crowd recognized Maeve as the daughter of a wanted criminal who had caused Fiora's punishment. They shot her judgmental glances but didn't dare voice their thoughts with Tom around. Will, standing nearby, leaned toward Loren. "Prince Loren, is Princess Fiora here?"

Loren casually pointed to a server across the room. "She is over there, serving drinks. Why?"

Will didn't answer immediately, shaking his head as if brushing off the question.

Even with Sandy's testimony, the police were hesitant to push the investigation. After all, it involved a royal princess, and cases like this always moved at a crawl. There was a real chance Fiora would walk away without any consequences.

It wasn't that Will didn't trust Tom or Loren-they had done everything they could. But Fiora's status complicated everything. Nobody wanted to cross the line and risk the royal family's reputation.

'Unless .... A spark of something sharp and determined flashed in Will's usually calm eyes.

The party picked up pace, transitioning into the ball. As tradition dictated, the first dance began.

All eyes were on Tom as he stepped forward. Loren, along with most of the guests, fully expected him to invite Maeve. But to everyone's surprise, Tom turned to Theo, the young boy by his side. The room went silent for a beat before the whispers it clicked.

1. ed. Loren raised a brow, momentarily caught off guare a ter

The first dance at an event like this was supposed to be with someone special, often a romantic interest. Plenty of noblewomen had been hoping Tom would pick them.

Instead, he completely threw tradition out the window and danced with Theo. Typical Tom. Always doing things his way.

at the same time, they felt relieved. If Tom wasn't going to pick them, at least he hadn't

ask Maeve to

16:57 Sat, De

Chapter 449-

to Marve with a polite smile and bowed slightly Mom, may I have

adorable that she couldn't possibly say no. Of course, she agreed it was her son,

floor, Loren stood there like a statue, his jaw clenched in frustration. He

glaring after them. 'I wanted to dance with

a noblewoman approached him and asked for a dance he snapped back to his usual cold self. "Sorry, I don't dance,"

speechless, probably thinking, What kind of prince doesn't

the time Loren

need to work on your stamina. Maybe take up

you think I haven't tried? I just... can't stick with

but think back to when she was first married to Byron. She used to go for nightly runs, full of determination to stay in shape. But in the end, the temptation of the food street always won, and her efforts fizzled out. Tom chuckled, about to tease her further, when someone approached and interrupted. "Your Highness, the Queen has requested your presence, along

raised an eyebrow.

the details, but I know Duke Connor

well."

slightly, as if he knew something the others

sensing this wasn't going to be a casual chat.

Queen sat behind her desk, calmly flipping through a document. Her silver-streaked hair and lined face hinted at her age, but

seemed even more commanding now, like a calm

and Loren walked in, the room shifted as the gathered Dukes

what happened?" Tom asked, his

Queen glanced up, her gaze sharp. "Your uncle Connor and the others are questioning Fiora's status. They claim she's not your sister's biological daughter and doesn't have royal blood. That alone makes her position as a princess questionable. "On top of that, her

not here to challenge decisions, but a princess should act the part." Connor stepped

letter on the table, "is an anonymous report detailing Fiora's misdeeds. People are too afraid to speak out because of her title, but keeping someone like her

racing. The accusations were shockingly thorough-more so than the results

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