that he still puzzled, Maeve explained art project, I even worked a maid for a month to really a feel for atmosphere. “Since quit my job and have some time, I figured I’d apply a bartender apprentice. spread her hands resignation. “But they weren’t hiring The person responsible that, Byron, finally looked away and calmly, “Bartending? how. “You do?” Maeve’s eyes widened in surprise. more details, motioned for her to follow him as out the door. Half an hour they arrived at a vintage apartment building the university district. When elevator reached the ninth floor, Maeve followed Byron inside, her eyes curious as she took her surroundings The apartment was more spa**s than hers, but not by much. The was minimal, mostly in shades black and gray, giving the space a yet timeless feel wasn’t exactly cozy-more like a bachelor’s retreat than a home Maeve walked over to the window rose garden below, though most the blooms had already faded. Something about the view struck her oddly familiar. Mcdaniel, you have a place to stay, then why did you move into my place?” Maeve finally confusion. “When I gave you the I thought it because we’re married and live together. But clearly, didn’t see it that She had assumed all along that he nowhere else to go, which was why he ended up staying with her. Byron’s expression stiffened a moment. This apartment was a place in his first of college with the money he from starting Starlight Pub. Even his didn’t about it. Neville’s were tabs him, but they only watched the estate where he stayed-not this place. If Maeve hadn’t suddenly decided she wanted to learn bartending, and if he hadn’t remembered he had old liquor and bartending tools stored here, he might never have recalled this little apartment. “There are people watching my usual place. not Byron replied briefly, pushing aside his thoughts. “People watching? You mean the ones were after you before Maeve’s eyes widened in shock. “Then isn’t it dangerous. for us to here…?” I you here, it’s safe. “What about your parents? Don’t they around here?” “No” Byron clearly didn’t want to dwell on the topic. He walked over the bar counter in the living room and glanced at her. you to or snoop around?” Maeve quickly her curiosity aside and followed him 14:42 Mon, Oct 14 GB Chapter 27 Still, could guess that his relationship with his parents wasn’t great. Otherwise, he wouldn’t chosen stay her place instead of going back home. Since she also had a strained relationship with her parents, could relate. She a **al to avoid bringing it up in the future, not wanting to touch nerve. The bar area in the apartment resembled a small c**il lounge. The bottles the glass cabinet were neatly and all the tools were there, though covered in a of dust. It was clear he use this place often. Resigned, Maeve began washing tools they’d need and them counter. Byron rolled up his shirt sleeves, revealing strong, well-defined forearms he the drinks, his hair brushed lightly against his brow, casting a shadow over his sharp features, adding a touch of understated allure. it was the warm lighting, but found herself spa**g out. She was jolted to reality when something cold touched her cheek, snapping out of thoughts. Byron looked at his indifferent expression as set a c**l glass. “Did you all the steps?” he asked. Maeve hesitated for a moment, uncertainly. stepped aside. ahead, it shot. Maeve eyed the c***l that looked and obediently walked over to start mixing her drink Just then, phone on table vibrated. Byron it, picked it up, from the bar. “I to take this call, he c*y “*Okay” nodded quickly. The was from his company. A approved project from yesterday’s meeting had run into some issues. After reviewing process again, the planning department needed his direct input before proceeding. Byron walked into his study and calm instructions. “Send the revised plan to my email. Also, inform the team a video meeting in ten minutes. “Understood, Mr. The video conference in study was in full swing. As the meeting continued, Byron glanced at the time, feeling like he was forgetting he quickly brushed it off. Meanwhile, Maeve the bar for a when Byron didn’t come decided to keep practicing She carefully followed the steps he’d taught and c***l she made looked pretty decent. a bad at all. Though she wasn’t as Byron, it was a solid attempt beginner. she few interesting design ideas popped into her head, and she quickly sketched them out in her notebook. 14:42 Mon, Oct 14 GB Chapter 27 There’s nothing actually it,’ she thought, glancing at three lined up on the counter. naturally toward the silver c***il Byron made. The two drinks she tasted alright, was thinking, “What’s difference between mine and his?” Just one sip get me drunk, right? With that thought, Maeve picked up his glass took a sip. The clear. Byron’s c***il layers of invigorating, with a bitterness that lingered Compared hers tasted plain and one-note. With a soft clink, the glass rolled across the table and came to a stop. Maeve’s face flushed as she over counter, completely out. Back in the study, the video meeting and Byron wrapped up remaining tasks. When he checked the an hour passed. Suddenly he stood up and walked out. The room was empty. Byron Maeve tired left. He was about to off the lights when he her over cheeks pink. Three glasses sat beside her, one of them empty. A glance told him it was his silver c**. Though a lower content, it was strong enough out someone with a low tolerance in just a couple of He wondered, ‘But this woman actually finished the whole thing? Byron’s brows furrowed leaned down and Maeve nudge, his voice low firm. Maeve’s fluttered as she against the dizzy haze. The moment he nudged her again, she couldn’t hold any longer threw up. Right onto Byron. His face darkened instantly, a vein twitching at his temple. “Maeve!” He thought. “You actually dare to on me! Byron out door. Still half-conscious, Maeve squinted at the mess she’d made on her muddled brain catching a faint whiff of danger. “S-Sorry… Is your okay?” slurred. her drunk state, her concern was his injury. For a Byron was guard just as the tension eased, ruined in 14:42 Mon, 14 GB. Chapter 27 Stumbling forward, she wobbled over to and clumsily to start unbuttoning his shirt.