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.

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 taking you for a

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

at flirting. Maeve

both robots into the nearest scrap pile.

there

laser eyes locking

have no choice," said the one on the

you to the end," declared

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

1/3

Get out here! Your robots are about to wreck

extra adorable. "Mom, don't worry," Will said quietly, tugging on his shirt nervously. "They can't actually fight. We didn't install the

do you think is cooler? Is

one on the

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

come your robots are the total opposite of your

neck. "I accidentally programmed

was the first to finish his robot, and its

fact, it was 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

with Theo

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

"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 exactly like

Like, add medical functions, a danger alarm, maybe even a bodyguard mode? That

never done this before, but we

""Great! Let's do it!"

like Byron's personal playground; part gym, part

in one go. That would be like trying to rush a

had a knack for pushing

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