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.

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

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

good at flirting. Maeve couldn't help it. She burst out

looked like he was ready to shove both robots into the nearest

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

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

no choice," said the one on

the end,"

when it became clear they

1/3

Theq! Get out here!

a human totem pole, their matching faces extra adorable. "Mom, don't worry," Will said quietly, tugging on his shirt nervously. "They can't actually fight. We didn't install

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

pointed at the more animated one on the right. "Is

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

come your robots are the total

back of his neck. "I accidentally programmed Tucker wrong. Now

robot, and its personality turned

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.

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

and nudged Maeve toward the stairs. "Let them figure

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 exactly like something he'd

functions, a danger alarm, maybe even a bodyguard mode? That way, Mommy will be super safe when she's

this before, but

""Great! Let's do it!"

floor of the villa was like Byron's personal

That would be like trying to

knack for pushing through

hours 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 enjoy it, relishing the sweat pouring down her face. Her determination made