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.

top 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, adding

watched Byron, now chatting and laughing effortlessly with Princess Wren, she couldn't help but marvel at how easily

with Her Majesty. Now, he was entertaining the Princess like it was second

inferior in front of them. If anything, it was like he was on the same level as everyone else; calm, confident, and just...

humble, not too proud, just in control. He stood just as

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well as she thought. She'd thought she had figured him out, but clearly, here was more to him

suddenly found herself wondering, 'Was there more

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

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

was

a few companies, both locally and internationally. Small businesses. Maeve almost choked on the prawn. "So modest," she murmured

just a

more time with Wren before heading out

driving, and he casually asked, "So, are we

head. "You've already decided, haven't you? Why

to the

thing, but I still have to ask," he

"Seriously?"

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

work."

She hadn't noticed anything. Wren had seemed totally fine

to miss when you're

the kids. "Wasn't it you who told me to focus eating?"

did you listen to me though?" Byron

you think Princess Wren has a

a bit nervous around my future mother-in-law. Overthinking, you

that you're nervous. You're

seemed fearless, saying whatever came to his mind. But when it