The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 465

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"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you overthinking," Byron said smoothly, but his tone carried a sharper edge. "He died suddenly during the transfer. They found traces of a delayed-action poison. It activated seven days after exposure and killed him." Maeve frowned, her lips pressing together tightly. "Pretty convenient timing, don't you think?"

Byron didn't argue. "It was. His death cut off several

Critical leads. This investigation just got a lot harder."

Maeve stayed quiet, her mind racing. First Fiora, now Henry. Whoever was behind this wasn't just ruthless, they were downright terrifying.

Still, she wasn't alone anymore. That thought steadied her, but it also reminded her of the stakes.

She was pulled from her thoughts by the warmth of Byron's hand resting lightly on her head. He tilted her face toward his, his palm brushing her cheek in a calming gesture.

"What are you so worried about?" His voice was calm, confident. "You've got me."

Maeve let out a small sigh. "But you won't always be around." She hesitated before adding, "Maybe I should learn more self-defense... just in case."

The judo she knew wasn't nearly enough anymore.

Byron gave her a once-over, his gaze thoughtful. "You've missed the best age to start martial arts, but you're flexib quick. You could pick up some basic moves."

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I'll teach you when we're back."

Maeve narrowed her eyes, sensing the faintest hint of teasing in his tone. It kind of felt like it.

d

When they got back to the villa, Maeve didn't even make it to the living room before she was stopped-by two towering figures.

She froze for half a second, then blinked. Standing in front of her were two massive robots, each at least 6.5 feet tall, decked out in a sleek cyberpunk style.

rose with fresh dew on the petals. Its voice, mechanical yet weirdly charming, filled the air. "Lovely lady, please give me the honor of taking you for a walk. I'll easily

some outdoor exercise with me? I promise the evening breeze

were actually good at flirting. Maeve couldn't help it. She burst

looked like he was ready to shove both robots into the nearest scrap pile. His expression darkened, his

there are two of you. How

their blue laser eyes locking on

no choice," said the

lady, I'll fight you to the end," declared the one on

help laughing. But when it became clear they were about to throw down, she quickly stepped in,

1/3

Theq! Get out here! Your robots are

heads peeked out from the living room doorway. Will and Theo stacked up like a human totem pole, their matching faces extra adorable. "Mom, don't worry," Will said quietly, tugging on his shirt nervously. "They can't actually fight. We didn't install the force programs

do you think is cooler? Is it

the more animated one on the

shaking his head. "Baymax is the calm one! The

laughed even harder. "How come your robots are the total opposite of

neck. "I accidentally programmed Tucker wrong. Now he's...

the first to finish his robot, and

like a mini version of Theo-practically his robotic kid. Exactly a perfect reflection of all the hard work he put into programming it. The thing was as flirty as Theo himself

not funny, Mom. Dealing with Theo

stairs. "Let them

us these robots just to distract us so he could have more time with Mom?" Theo muttered suspiciously. Will considered it, then

chin. "Hey, Will, do you think we can upgrade them? Like, add medical functions, a danger alarm, maybe even a bodyguard mode? That way, Mommy will be super safe

but we can'try it

""Great! Let's do it!"

floor of the villa was like Byron's personal playground; part gym, part Taekwondo studio, part shooting

be like trying to

knack for

Byron thought she'd call it quits, she'd grit her teeth and keep going. Somewhere along the way, she even started to enjoy