Valda stared disbelief. “What the hell did say? Maeve, you need to explain what’s going on with you guy right now!” Maeve’s shoulders shook slightly, she forced herself to stay composed, Valda’s harshness. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed onto Byron’s arm, eyes a mix of and determination. my husband. We’re legally married-papers all” Byron at her hand gripping his arm. Her slender fingers were trembling, revealing fear she trying to hide. He noticed but didn’t pull away. you completely lost it?” face twisted rage. She lunged forward, trying to slap some sense into Maeve quickly stepped behind using him her firm. There’s way I’m marrying Jeff. Return the Graves family’s gifts. From now on, I’m staying away from Jeff. This is my marriage, my life, and I’ll my own decisions. face flushed with fury, her lips quivering. “Fine, ignore me all you want. You’ll regret this!” With one last furious glare, out. Maeve stood an unexpected wave of relief wash her. Saying “no” to Valda been as as she’d imagined; the hardest part was just summoning courage it. Once they elevator, realized she was still gripping Byron’s arm. Embarrassed, she quickly let go flashed an apologetic smile. “Sorry for dragging you into this mess. Byron casually his his pocket, his cool. “Was that your mother?” nodded, before adding. dad owed the Graves family a favor, expected marry my ex. Byron made a noncommittal sound, but his mind wandered back to their earlier visit to hall. ‘So, pushed her into this, and why she came to me? The timing seems a bit too perfect’ His eyes suspicion. Until he could figure out whether Maeve showing up night was just coincidence or something more calculated, he wasn’t about to her blindly. The elevator dinged at the tenth floor, and once inside apartment, Maeve straight to kitchen with the groceries. Tying an apron around her waist, she glanced over at Byron. “I’m making soup tonight-it’ll help recovery. Good for your injury. Byron’s expression flickered as he remembered breakfast she had made earlier. she even make soup edible? he wondered. “No need,” said flatly. “I’m not a fan of soup. Maeve’s voice was soft but persistent. “Is anything you like?” Byron didn’t bother hiding his irritation. “Even if you not it. Maeve just smiled, undeterred. “So, should I just throw everything and hope the best?” Byron let out a too exhausted to argue with her stubbornness. He made his way to sofa, collapsed into it, his legs, and began rubbing his temples. Right then, phone ring. 14:39 Mon, GB answered it, his voice heavy with fatigue, “What is it?” A sharp cry of pain rang out from the other followed by Archer’s voice. we’ve got involved in attack. sounds of groaning crying filled the background, but Byron’s face cold, his voice calm, as if he were about weather. “Break their hands and then toss them in the sea. them cool off bit. replied with his usual efficiency, “Got it. accounts clean, but we the funds back someone working Neville McDaniel” Neville, the so-called second of the McDaniel family-a parasite living off the name-was nothing than joke to Byron’s eyes flashed with a trace of contempt. “He’s like after the harvest-barely hanging on. Send the company documents I haven’t Pinehurst Apartments, and make sure my meds are delivered too. “Understood. handle it quietly, Archer confirmed. Byron said, the call. leaned back on the sofa, closing his letting the over him, Despite still nursing his injuries, found that taking the step of returning to the office was worth every second. look shock on those shareholders’ faces priceless, and it gave him the chance see senior were backing side. It was a gamble, but paid off big time. As the soup simmered and the rest of dinner came Maeve walked into the living room to call Byron for the meal. She found sprawled on the sofa, asleep, over his and his head slightly to the side. usually pale, now had an flush to them-almost like was running fever. Worried, Maeve closer, out feel his forehead. before fingers could contact, a strong hand shot out, wrist hard enough to her wince. “S**t!” Maeve gasped, frowning in pain. Byron’s eyes flew open, his voice low menacing. “Didn’t I tell you to stay the hell away from me?”