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.

voice, mechanical yet weirdly charming, filled

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

actually good at flirting. Maeve couldn't help

however, looked like he was ready to shove both robots

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

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

choice," said the one on

the end,"

it became clear they were about to throw

1/3

"Will, Theq! Get out here! Your

matching faces extra adorable. "Mom, don't worry," Will said quietly, tugging on

bobblehead. "Mommy, which one do

the more animated one on the right. "Is that

corrected quickly, shaking his head. "Baymax is the calm one! The show-off on the right is Tucker-Will's troublemaker

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

neck. "I accidentally

robot, and its personality turned out

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 each

"It's not funny, Mom. Dealing with Theo is bad enough, and now

the stairs.

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

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

never done this before, but we can'try it

""Great! Let's do it!"

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

in one go. That would be like trying

had a knack

teeth and keep going. Somewhere along the way, she