After a meal, for Byron to finish his shower and change his bandages before heading to bed. She’d braced herself Jeff’s retaliation, but two days went by without any sign of trouble. stayed two days, skipping work, and on straight to the company to handle her resignation. As she office, a few colleagues stopped her and her a handbag. “Maeve, you left this at the club the other night. Since you haven’t been in the past couple of we kept it for you. We’re really sorry about that day,” of them said. “We believed Mr. Graves when he said he to make up, never thought things would go far. Another chimed in. “We were just as shocked as you which is we didn’t step in sooner. Maybe we could hang out sometime? Maeve kept cool, despite their smiles. Thanks for returning bag,” she said flatly. “But we were never close, and I don’t see any reason for us to hang out in future. As she stepped of the building, the warm like a breath of air on her skin. more pretending to enjoy job hated-what a relief. of straight back her apartment, Maeve decided to swing by for check-up. Thankfully, doctor, Ray George, her all-clear-nothing serious worry about. advised her stick to a light diet, get some regular exercise, and care her stomach. As for her hand injury, he told her to it dry and lay off any heavy lifting. few days of rest and back on her feet the said, it casual. “My brother’s hurt but can’t come to the hospital. Could you take a look a photo prescribe for him?” “Sure, show me the photo. Maeve quickly over her phone. Ray’s expression as he glanced at the image. Even though it only showed of the injury, his medical instincts kicked in. He recognized that it definitely Byron. adjusted his glasses and Maeve a curious look. This injury looks serious. It’d be best he came “He really can’t make it, Maeve replied, looking a uneasy. Ray nodded. “Alright, I’ll something. I’ll need his personal details. Can give hus information?” Maeve Ray with brother Horace’s details instead, deliberately avoiding any mention of Byron. She know why was staying away from hospital, but she was determined to keep condition under wraps-even a Ray paused, her with hint of a smile playing on his lips. He’d heard Byron rarely had except for Karen. Yet here was this young woman, clearly important enough to keep his secrets. some juicy gossip Ray would to bring with Byron. After leaving the hospital, Maeve by the grocery store for some ingredients before heading back to her apartment. Chapter 19 As soup simmered on the buzzed with a messages. They were Bonnie a patron Maeve had when she first started working as illustrator. Bonnie was a dedicated client who supported work and had a particular for fan art. She claimed to be “allergic real-life men, preferring animated characters instead. also had a special fondness for comics featuring these characters in various roles. Maeve had taken jobs as maid and a gardener to gather material Bonnie’s requests. Bonnie: I’ve got a new This I want to see as bartender, doing of things at the bar. Can you it on?] Maeve chuckled at message. expected, Bonnie out her fictional husbands faster than she changed clothes. thanks Bonnie’s fickle tastes and frequent recommendations, Maeve had managed to save up decent amount of Maeve replied: [I’ve got time. What does your husband look like?] Bonnie with a flood of pictures. Bonnie [Look! Isn’t he incredibly handsome? I’m totally obsessed him right now-my heart races just thinking about him] Maere couldn’t but laugh. If Bonnie even half much passion life as she did into her animated erushes, her parents wouldn’t constantly nagging her about marriage. Maeve: [He’s definitely handsome. Any specific start working on after I do research. Bonnie: [Just do your thing always. I your taste-you never disappoint!] [By the way, thinking working a to material? If so, out Starlight Pub-it’s the best in Kleymond! I’ve the even hotter than a star, though I’ve seen him myself. Maeve for a moment replying. [Sounds good. see if I can get there. I just quit my job, so I’ve got time. Bonnie: [You’re so dedicated! to hear the good news!) Maeve smiled, set her phone aside, and headed to the kitchen to check on the soup. the top-floor office of the McDaniel Group, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the tension in the room was thick and heavy. elderly man a dark green suit sat on the sofa, gripping a black both hands. Despite silver hair and beard. he radiated vitality, eyes sharp and intelligent, and presence commanding. was grandfather, Gilbert. Byron, across from him, calmly poured a cup coffee and handed it to Gilbert What brings here, Got something on your mind?” heard you banged up pretty badly, Gilbert replied, narrowing his and ignoring the coffee. that why you’ve been dodging home? Afraid father I find out?” “Who told you Byron sipped his coffee tone cool. “If I were seriously injured, could I still be here?” “Cut the crap. Lift your shirt. Let see, Gilbert demanded, clearly aware where injury was supposed to be. Byron’s expression darkened, but he seated, not moving an inch. “I have clue where you that nonsense. Chapter 19 got a lot on my plate right now. If there’s nothing to get to work” “Byron Gilbert’s voice was sharp with anger. respect for as your grandfather?” “Of course I do,” Byron his tone indifferent. I go along your decision to keep Neville in the family?” Gilbert’s faltered, leaving momentarily speechless. It was clear Byron a about the Neville and wasn’t ready to let go. Technically, wasn’t a relative of the McDaniels should been sent away when Byron returned to family. But parents had their sentimental reasons for keeping him around, and Gilbert had own agenda. It was always a sore a debt they owed Byron. Gilbert’s tone softened. Just let me see so I know how bad it is. Byron his expression of resignation. Tve told you, not injured. Do you think I’d lie to you?” “You lied to me about married! If you really did, why haven’t you brought her home for me to meet?” “I will, soon. I’ve just been swamped with work. “You’d be telling the truth!” Gilbert tapped his cane in frustration. With nothing more the left. As the clicked shut behind them. Byron’s expression turning cold ice.