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 carry you for

robot flexed its gleaming arms dramatically. "Or perhaps you'd prefer some outdoor exercise with

Maeve couldn't help

ready to shove both robots

her head, feigning indecision. "Hmm, but there are two of you. How will I ever

up straight, their blue laser eyes locking on each other. In a

choice," said the one on

I'll fight you to the

they were about to throw down, she quickly

1/3

"Will, Theq! Get out here! Your robots are about to wreck the

their matching faces extra

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

the more animated one on

"Baymax is the calm one! The

"How come your robots are the total opposite of your

neck. "I

his robot, and its personality turned

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 breath. "Honestly, I love it. They balance

Mom. Dealing with Theo is bad enough, and now I've got

nudged Maeve toward the stairs. "Let

by their robots, whispering like they were planning a heist. "Do you think Dad gave us these robots just to distract us so he could have more time with Mom?" Theo muttered suspiciously. Will considered it, then nodded. "That sounds

them? Like, add medical functions, a danger alarm, maybe even a bodyguard mode? That way, Mommy will be

never done this before, but

""Great! Let's do it!"

Byron's personal playground; part gym, part Taekwondo studio, part shooting

go. That would be like trying to rush a baby to run overnight. But, she was definitely going to

a knack

keep going. Somewhere along the way, she even started to enjoy it, relishing the