The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 467

"I'll visit you guys when I get the chance," Maeve said with a smile.

Wren's face lit up. "Alright, but be careful on your way. Call me as soon as you arrive, okay? And don't forget to bundle up- it's been so unpredictable lately. Don't go catching a cold. Oh, and also...."

She kept going, rattling off reminders about little things. Maeve, who had never been doted on like this by her own mother, felt a warmth she wasn't used to. Despite not knowing each other for long, Wren's love felt genuine. Maeve couldn't help herself anymore. She leaned in, wrapped her arms around Wren, and whispered, "Thank you, Mom."

Wren froze for a moment, then her eyes turned glassy as they filled with tears.

Later, as Maeve boarded her flight at noon, she had this nagging feeling she'd forgotten something. She couldn't put her finger on it, though.

Probably just her usual nerves-whenever she traveled, it always felt like she was leaving something behind.

>Meanwhile, over at the Trazir headquarters, Zephyr had been standing at the entrance for nearly half an hour, checking his

phone over and over. 'Did I mix up the time? Or worse, did I get stood up again?'

Maeve, blissfully unaware of any of this, landed at Kleymond Airport that evening. She sent a quick text to Byron to let him know she'd arrived, then spotted the car he'd arranged to pick her up. She walked over, handed her suitcase to the driver, and slid into the backseat.

"Who the hell changes the date of a big drill without telling me?" came a sharp, cold voice. "If anyone in my team tried that, I'd have them fired on the spot. Save the excuses. That doesn't fly with me." The icy tone hit Maeve like a bucket of cold water. She stiffened in her seat, glancing toward the source of the voice.

The man turned to look at her, his eyes sharp and unrelenting, like he was sizing her up for a fight. His entire presence screamed danger.

After a beat, his expression shifted slightly. "You?" His voice dropped, laced with confusion. "Why are you in my car?"

"Mr. Soar, are you sure this isn't my car?" Maeve asked, her voice a little shaky. His intense stare wasn't helping her nerves.

next, he seemed like something straight out of

tapped his phone against the leather seat, his frown deepening. "You didn't even check whose car it was before hopping in? Are you always this reckless? Seriously careless." Maeve blinked, stunned by his tone. 'What is his deal?' She had made a mistake, sure, but it wasn't

was also something familiar about his tone, though she couldn't quite place where she'd heard it before. Still, his reaction seemed over the top for a simple mistake. Something was off,

got off the plane and wasn't thinking straight," Maeve stammered, grabbing

with suspicion.

turned back, looking genuinely confused. "I was in there for less than a minute. What

GU

beat, then waved her off.

Maeve muttered, practically running

she realized she'd forgotten her suitcase. Groaning, she

she disappeared into the distance, Gale shook his head

heavy. Jason and Ryan sat

the window when Maeve arrived. Will spotted her first, his face lighting up

back!" he exclaimed,

and glanced around.

excitement dimmed. "He's inside with great-grandfather, trying acupuncture. But-" His voice

the coldness in his expression softened, replaced by the faintest trace of a smile. After

but he looked completely drained. His clothes were the same as yesterday's, with creases on his usually crisp collar-a clear sign that Gilbert's condition had taken a toll on him. Knowing how particular he was about cleanliness, Maeve's heart sank.

hold on Will. "I'm fine.

medical team finalized a treatment plan. As long

knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Gilbert might survive, but the recovery process would be grueling. Still, knowing Theo was in the room with him helped her relax a

grab you some clothes and toiletries," Maeve offered. "Is there anything else you need

his phone before replying. "If it's not too much trouble, swing by the office and

file, got