The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 460

Maeve shuffled through the heavy stack of documents, her mind drifting back to the nonsense she'd read online about Francia.

Some people actually thought this country was poor.

'Poor? She glanced at the sheer amount of wealth she was holding in her hands. 'What kind of poor look like this?'

She figured it was because Erancia had always kept things quiet on the global stage. Reserved. Low-key.

If she hadn't been living here for the past four years, maybe she had have fallen for the rumors too. But the reality was worlds apart.

Tom, now the crown prince, rarely had any downtime. Spending half a day with Maeve and the family today was a small miracle. Once she'd finished signing the mountain of paperwork he pulled her aside, ready to leave. Before heading off, he gave her a pointed reminder not to bring up her biological father during dinner with Wren. It was too much for Wren right now, especially with her health.

Maeve nodded quickly. "Got it. Don't worry, I won't mention it. By the way, I'm planning to visit Princess Wren later, with Byron."

Tom's face darkened immediately. "So you're really set on him? That's it? You know, I've got plenty of exceptional young men who'd be thrilled to meet you. All kinds of options.

"You could rotate through them if you wanted. Women need to be bold! Don't just settle for one crooked jerk."

It was clear that, in Tom's eyes, anyone trying to take his niece away was a jerk in some way. He was determined to knock them down first.

Maeve almost burst out laughing but quickly stole a glance at Byron, who was seated nearby, and tried to hold her

composure.

"Uhm, I've liked him for over four years," she said softly.

Tom let out a long, dramatic sigh, looking at her like Byron had somehow stolen the greatest treasure. Then his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Wait a second, what exactly brought you to Erancia four years ago?"

Maeve froze, panic flashing across her face. "Well... aren't you super busy? Shouldn't you get going?" she said, awkwardly trying to change the subject.

Tom frowned but reluctantly checked his watch. He sighed again and dropped the topic-for now.

floor of the Royal Hospital. It looked nothing like a hospital, more like a five-star restaurant. The chandelier above cast colorful reflections across the room,

chatting and laughing effortlessly with Princess Wren, she couldn't help but

he had been having tea with Her Majesty. Now, he

front of them. If anything, it was like he

in control. He stood just as

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thought. She'd thought she had figured him

wondering, 'Was there

your food, it's bad for your stomach if you don't." He placed some peeled prawn

seeing Byron doing it, were quick to follow his lead, peeling prawns with extra determination.

long, Maeve's plate was piled

that he ran a few companies, both locally and internationally. Small businesses. Maeve almost choked on the prawn.

smile faded just

time with Wren before heading out with

"So, are

and shook her head. "You've already decided, haven't you? Why are

her back to the palace, but he was trying to play it

one thing, but I still have to ask," he

"Seriously?"

the backseat, heads pressed against the rearview mirror. He slowed down slightly. After a moment, he said, "Your mom seems to have a problem

work."

Maeve asked, surprised. She hadn't noticed anything.

to miss when you're busy eating,"

to wake the kids. "Wasn't

did you listen to me though?" Byron

Maeve replied, sounding casual. "Why do you think Princess Wren has

shrugged. "Or maybe I'm just a bit

heated up at the thought. She muttered, "It's strange that you're nervous. You're way smoother than me, her actual daughter. You had Wren

saying whatever came to his mind. But when it came