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.

petals. Its voice, mechanical yet weirdly charming, filled the air. "Lovely lady, please give me the honor of taking

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

flirting. Maeve couldn't help

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

indecision. "Hmm, but there are two of you. How

robots stood up straight, their blue laser eyes locking on each other. In a split second, the glow turned

said the one on the

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

became clear they were about to throw down, she quickly stepped

1/3

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

stacked up like a human totem pole, their matching faces extra adorable. "Mom, don't worry," Will said quietly, tugging on his shirt

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

more animated one on the

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

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

"I accidentally programmed

was the first to finish his robot, and its

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 each other

funny, Mom. Dealing with Theo is bad enough, and

Maeve toward the stairs. "Let them figure

"Do you think Dad gave us these robots just to distract

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

never done this before, but we can'try

""Great! Let's do it!"

villa was like Byron's personal playground; part

wasn't expecting Maeve to nail it all in one go. That would be like trying to

knack for

she'd grit her teeth and keep going. Somewhere along the way, she even started to enjoy it, relishing the sweat pouring down her face. Her determination