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.

dropped to one knee, holding out a rose with fresh dew on the petals. Its voice, mechanical yet weirdly charming, filled the air. "Lovely lady, please give me the honor of

flexed its gleaming arms dramatically. "Or perhaps you'd prefer some outdoor exercise with me? I promise the evening breeze of love will

were actually good at flirting. Maeve couldn't help

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

there are

eyes locking on each other. In a split second, the glow

choice," said the

to the end," declared the one on the right.

couldn't help laughing. But when it became clear they were about to throw down, she quickly stepped in,

1/3

Get out here! Your robots

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

nodded like a bobblehead. "Mommy, which one do you think

animated one on the right. "Is

head. "Baymax is the calm one! The show-off on the right

even harder. "How come your robots are the total

sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "I accidentally programmed Tucker wrong. Now he's...

finish his robot, and its personality turned

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 and somehow even knew how to scam batteries Maeve leaned against Byron, laughing so hard she had to catch her

not funny, Mom. Dealing with Theo is bad

smirked and nudged Maeve toward the stairs. "Let them figure it

these robots just

think we can upgrade them? Like, add medical functions, a danger alarm, maybe even a bodyguard mode? That

this before, but we can'try

""Great! Let's do it!"

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

go. That would be like trying to rush a baby to run

a knack for pushing through

two hours of training, every time Byron thought she'd call it quits, she'd grit her teeth and keep going. Somewhere along the way,