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.

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

outdoor exercise with me? I promise the evening breeze of

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

ready to shove both robots

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

laser eyes locking on each

we have no choice," said

to the end,"

couldn't help laughing. But when it became clear they were

1/3

metal arms. "Will, Theq! Get out here! Your robots are about to wreck the

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

one do you think is cooler? Is it

the more animated one on

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

your robots are the total opposite of

his neck. "I

robot, and its personality

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

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

and nudged Maeve toward the stairs. "Let

us these robots just to distract us so he could have more time

add medical functions, a danger alarm, maybe even

never done this before, but we can'try it

""Great! Let's do it!"

was like Byron's personal

Maeve to nail it all in one go. That would be like trying to rush a baby to run overnight. But, she was definitely going to

Maeve had a knack for

teeth and keep going. Somewhere along the way, she even started to enjoy it, relishing the