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 a

dramatically. "Or perhaps you'd prefer some outdoor

good at flirting. Maeve

however, looked like he was ready to shove both robots into the nearest scrap pile. His expression darkened,

feigning indecision. "Hmm, but there are

eyes locking on each other. In a split

said the one on the

I'll fight you to the end," declared

help laughing. But when it became clear they

1/3

here! Your robots are about to wreck the

human totem pole, their matching faces extra adorable.

do you

pointed at the more animated one on the right.

his head. "Baymax is the calm one!

your robots are the total opposite

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

robot,

himself and somehow even knew how to scam batteries Maeve leaned against Byron, laughing

funny, Mom. Dealing with Theo is

nudged Maeve toward the stairs. "Let them figure it

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

can upgrade them? Like, add medical functions, a danger alarm, maybe even a bodyguard mode? That way, Mommy will be super safe when she's

before, but

""Great! Let's do it!"

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

go. That would be like trying to rush a baby to run overnight. But, she was definitely

a knack

going. Somewhere along the way, she even started