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.

weirdly charming, filled the air. "Lovely lady, please give me the honor of taking you for a walk. I'll easily

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

were actually good at flirting. Maeve couldn't

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

there are two of you.

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

we have no choice," said

you to the end,"

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

1/3

out here! Your robots are about to wreck

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

like a bobblehead. "Mommy, which one do you think is cooler? Is it

at the more animated one on the right. "Is

Theo corrected quickly, shaking his head. "Baymax is the calm one! The show-off

harder. "How come your robots are the total

the back of his neck. "I

the first to finish his robot, and its

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

groaned. "It's not funny, Mom. Dealing with Theo

the stairs. "Let

left, Will and Theo crouched 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

think we can upgrade them? Like, add medical functions, a danger alarm, maybe

before, but we can'try it out

""Great! Let's do it!"

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

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

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