The Heir's Secret Bride

Maeve was briefly taken aback, but she quickly shook her head. "Not at all. I just happened to run into Mr. Brown downstairs when I got here, and since I didn't know my way around, he was kind enough to show me up "But you're incredibly lucky to be assigned to the Morningstar series right off the bat," the short-haired girl remarked. Maeve looked puzzled. "Why do you say that?"

"The Morningstar series is something our company releases annually, targeting high-society socialites. It's been a signature collection for ten years and is hugely popular.

"On top of that, the designers who work on it earn a hefty commission, but only two people get to work on it each year, and you've already secured one of those spots."

The short-haired girl's voice was tinged with envy. Tve been here for over a year, and I haven't even come close to working on the Morningstar series."

Maeve smiled softly. "I think it's just because you all are already busy with other projects, and it wouldn't have looked good for me to be sitting around doing nothing. Mr. Brown probably gave me this task to keep me occupied "Plus, this is part of my job evaluation. If I don't do well, I might be out of a job. Hearing you talk about it makes me realize I need to work even harder."

The short-haired girl was momentarily at a loss for words, then forced a laugh. "I see. Well, good luck with that. By the way. Fm Ava, and you...

She didn't get to finish because the light-brown-haired designer walked over, cutting her off with a sharp tone. "Did you come here just to chat?"

With a loud "thud," she dropped a stack of documents in front of Maeve. "Go through all of this and familiarize yourself with the material as soon as possible. I want it back on my desk by the end of the day, and don't even think about taking it out of the office. the office.

With that, she turned and walked away, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor.

Ava rolled her eyes and leaned in to whisper to a bewildered Maeve, "That's our design director, Leah. She's talented but pretty arrogant, and rumor has it she's got a thing for Mr. Brown. So, tread carefully." Maeve glanced at the thick stack of documents in front of her and smiled, choosing not to comment on Ava's remark.

"I'd better get to work. We can chat later."

"Sure thing. If you need any help, just ask," Ava replied cheerfully

Maeve then

After

focused

on the documents.

going through them, she gained a solid understanding of the various design series that Eternal Hope had produced over the years.

The Morningstar series, in particular, had started to feel a bit stale in recent years, with the designs lacking innovation.

Any ideas Maeve could come up with had likely already been used by the designers before her. Earning that high commission was going to be no easy task

Resting her chin in her hand, she drified into deep thought.

Meanwhile, i in the VIP Toom at the top of First Hospital, the silence was almost suffocating.

Byron sat propped up in bed, his face devoid of emotion.

Alexis sat awkwardly on the sofa across from him, unsure of what to say.

When it it came to Byron, she felt more guilt than affection. After all, she hadn't spent as much time with him as she had with Neville, and the distance between them was inevitable. Alexis had once thought she'd have plenty of time to build a relationship with him, but not long after, he moved out of the Mcdaniel family.

Since then,

"Byron, how are feeling? Is you g? Is your health

except for holidays, she rarely saw him. Now that they were face to face, she didn't even know where to start. health... okay?" Alexis clutched her her pearl handbag nervously. "Your father and I got tied up with some things and couldn't make it back sooner. Do you. resent us for that?" "You're 're overthinking it. I'm not a chil ta child anymore," Byron replied, his voice cool and detached.

Hurt by his distant attitude. Alexis's gaze dropped in disappointment. "You don't even call me Mom anymore...

"Is there something you wanted to discuss?" Byron asked, cutting straight to the point.

As soon as Alexis heard this, her sadness took a back seat. "It's about Neville... I know he wronged you this time, and I'll make sure he gets the punishment he deserves. Could you..."

If

u're here to plead for Neville, I have only one thing to say, Byron interrupted, his gaze lifting slightly. "He has two choices: either serve his full sentence or hand over his shares in Mcdaniel Group. Those are the only options." wasn't naive enough to expect Byron to forgive someone who had tried to kill him.

Maxis

On the contrary, the fact that he was offering any options at all meant he was being lenient only because of his parents. He wasn't intent on completely ruining Neville.

Realizing th this, Alexis was nearly overwhelmed with guilt.

"Byron, I'm so sorry....

"There's no need for apologies," Byron said coolly, looking away. Just deliver the message to Neville."

Don't worry,

I'll make sure he agrees. Alexis's eyes were misting with emotion. "Byron, thank you."

"I need to rest now."

Theed

Alexis, who had

"Alright,

I wanted to say more, felt a wave of disappointment. Forcing a smile, she stood up.

I won't disturb you any longer. Please take care of yourself, and I'll come see you again soon." The door to the hospital room closed behind her.

of fatigue crossed Byron's face as he closed his eyes for a moment, then glanced toward the windowsill.

A hint of

There sat a pot of orchids that Maeve had brought over from their apartment the day before.

She had casually placed it there, saying that since he was stuck in the hospital room all day, having something alive and vibrant to look at might improve his mood. He h had I to admit, the dark, oppressive feeling he'd been carrying had lightened a bit.

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But then, remembering the guilty, evasive look in Maeve's eyes yesterday, the slight smile that had formed on his lips faded, replaced by a cold, hard expression.. By evening. Maeve had managed to finish reviewing the documents and returned them to Leah just before the end of the workday.

Leah still didn't give her a warm reception, but Maeve didn't mind. She gathered her things and left the office.

Not eager to go back and face Byron's cold demeanor, she decided to have dinner out. Afterward, she grabbed a drink and slowly made her way back to the hospital. t as she entered the hospital room.

She finished her drink just the trash, she heard Byron's icy voice cut through the air. "Don't you get off work at six? What took you so long?"

Tossing the empty cup into

The dinner on the table in front of f him was still I untouched.

Maeve Byron's

responded calmly, "I ate out before coming back. From now on, I'll do the same, so you don't need to wait for me." instantly turned icy. He thought, 'So, she's feeling confident now that she has a new backert

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"Wait t for you?" Byron sneered. "Don't flatter yourself."

Maeve/pressed her lips together. It was a good thing she hadn't brought him any soup today; otherwise, she really would have been fooling herself.

She moved to the sofa with her back to the bed, took out her sketchbook, find started working on her designs, trying to push aside her frustration.

Byron's dark eyes remained fixed on her back, his handsome face clouded with a stormy expression.

Having lost his appetite, he pressed the call button for the nurse to come in and take away the untouched dinner.

Shortly after, Archer entered the room, bowing slightly. "Mr-

He stopped mid-sentence, silenced by the icy look in Byron's eyes.

"Uh, the doctor said your knee is healing well, and you should be able to move around normally soon," Archer said, trying to keep his tone natural. "But your right hand is still pretty badly injured, so it'll need more time to recover." "Okay." Byron thought for a moment. "Arrange for me to be discharged the day after tomorrow." Archer was surprised. "Isn't that a bit soon?"

"Just do it," Byron replied, his tone leaving no room for argument

"Understood." Archer sighed as he left the room.