The Heir's Secret Bride

Theo looked at Byron and shrugged, "I can call her whatever I want Why does it matter?"

'Indeed not. Byron thought, something still felt off to him.

Sensing things might get risky, Maeve quickly changed the subject. "What happened earlier? Why did Will cry and come running back to me?"

"The psychologist said something out of line, Byron said, stabbing his fork into his food with a frown. "He got scared your didn't want him anymore."

'He cried over that? Maeve thought as she glanced at Theo, who was happily eating. She couldn't shake the feeling he might've played up the tears just to get back home for dinner.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Theo noticed her looking and flashed an innocent grin. Maeve chuckled, feeling like she had cracked the case.

At least no real harm had been done, and she sighed with relief. It was always tough not having both her kids around.

After dinner. Theo rubbed his full belly and started heading toward the room. Byron watched him and asked, "Where do you think you're going?"

To my room. Theo said casually.

"Your room is across mine."

Tm sleeping with Mom tonight, so you're on your own. Theo quickly scurried off before Byron could stop him, shutting the door behind him with a little extra speed.

Maeve smirked. "You took him without saying anything and scared him. No wonder he doesn't want to go back with you."

Byron's lips twitched, forcing a smile. "You really think I'll just let him stay here and one day call some other guy 'dad? Maeve, I'm not that naive."

Maeve sighed. "As I've told you, my relationship with Jaylen will be done in six months, tops. So, that scenario won't happen."

Byron raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

Maeve stayed quiet. If she could tell him the truth, she wouldn't have kept it from him this long.

The issue was Jaylen didn't want anyone to know about his condition, and that made it tough to explain things to Byron

"You can't say anything?" Byron's eyes had a mocking edge. Thinking about those intimate photos, his expression grew colder. "Maybe I've been too easy on you lately, made you think I'd let anything slide. But you've crossed the line too many times. Don't forget, I don't tolerate any shits," Maeve felt her heart drop at his sharp tone, like he was completely done with her. This time, it wasn't just another argument -it felt like the end.

Her throat tightened, and bitterness rose, but she forced it back down. Watching him walk away, she couldn't find the words to stop him. Even if she did, she couldn't give him the answer he wanted.

Covering her eyes, she blinked back tears, her nose starting to redden. After a while, she took a deep breath and headed to bed Tomorrow was another workday, and she couldn't show up with swollen eyes.

Time flew by, and soon it was the day of Charles's birthday party The Chatterly family held serious influence in Kleymond.

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and their event drew quite the crowd-big names from all over the industry.

The party was on the second floor of their mansion, with stylish decor and guests dressed to impress, sipping wine and chatting. It was exactly what anyone would expect from an upper-class gathering.

Π

Since the McDaniel family did a lot of business with the Chatterly family, Byron was naturally on the guest list. And as soon as he walked in, all eyes were on him.

Wherever Byron McDaniel went, he turned heads. It wasn't just because he was the CEO of the McDaniel Group, but also because this rich, good-looking guy was still single.

Sure, he had a son, but that didn't stop families from thinking he was a great catch for their daughters. Being a stepmom was a small price to pay for that kind of life.

Plenty of people were hoping for a chance, but their excitement took a nosedive when they saw the stunning woman by Byron's side

"Wait, does Mr. McDaniel have a girlfriend?"

Looks like it. This is the first time he's brought someone to

o an event.

"Wow, she's gorgeous. And so classy. He's definitely got high standards."

The room buzzed with whispers. Some were disappointed, thinking they had missed their shot, while others admired how perfect the couple looked together.

Serena, walking beside Byron, smiled confidently, chin slightly raised, enjoying all the envious looks thrown her way.

But then a hush fell over the crowd as Maeve and Jaylen came downstairs.

Jaylen, though noticeably thinner, didn't use a wheelchair tonight. He wore a green vest under a sleek silver-gray suit, hiding his frailty. A mask covered his face, so most people focused on Maeve instead.

Her skin practically glowed, and her features were stunning. Every smile, every tiny gesture looked effortlessly beautiful. Even the few strands of hair framing her face made her seem more charming. She resembled a fully bloomed rose-soft, yet captivating in a way that left a lasting impression Next to her, Serena suddenly seemed like a side dish compared to Maeve's star presence. Hearing people murmur about the comparison, Serena's smile faltered.

Maeve spotted Byron and Serena too. When she saw them standing next to each other, her heart sank. For a moment, froze, her expression dimming. Byron had brought Serena to this formal event, just like Jaylen had brought her.

she

Maeve didn't want to admit it, but she had clearly overestimated her place in Byron's life. She wasn't irreplaceable. If he wanted, there would always be someone else

She had expected this day to come, but when it finally did, the sting was sharper than she imagined.

"Maeve, are you okay?" Jaylen asked sofily, noticing the shift in her mood. "If you're tired, we can head upstairs and rest."

Maeve shook her head lightly. "No, I'm okay."

Jaylen followed her gaze and his expression darkened slightly, but he said nothing. He kept his tone neutral as he suggested, "How about we grab a seat?"

"Sure," she murmured, letting him lead her to a table as they waited for the party to start.

Serena, watching them, turned to Byron with a feigned concern Mr. McDaniel, do you think your girlfriend misunderstood our relationship? Should I clear things up with her later? I wouldn't want her to feel awkward." 2/3 07:14 Thu, Nov 7