The Heir's Secret Bride

Seeing that he still seemed puzzled, Maeve explained further, "For a previous art project, I even worked as a maid for a month to really get a feel for the atmosphere. "Since I recently quit my job and have some free time, I figured I'd apply to be a bartender apprentice."

She spread her hands in resignation. "But they weren't hiring

The person responsible for that, Byron, finally looked away and said calmly, "Bartending? I know how."

"You do?" Maeve's Maeve's eyes widen widened in in surprise.

Byron didn't offer any more details, just motioned for her to follow him as he headed out the door.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a vintage apartment building near the university district.

When the elevator reached the ninth floor, Maeve followed Byron inside, her eyes curious as she took in her surroundings

The apartment was slightly more spa**s than hers, but not by much.

The furniture was minimal, mostly in shades of black and gray, giving the space a simple yet timeless feel

It wasn't exactly cozy-more like a bachelor's retreat than a home

Maeve

walked over to the window and noticed a rose garden below, though most of the blooms had already faded.

Something about the view struck her as oddly familiar.

"Mr. Mcdaniel, if you have a place to stay, then why did you move into my place?" Maeve finally voiced her confusion. "When I gave you the key, I thought it was because we're married and should live together. But clearly, you didn't see it that way

She had assumed all along that he had nowhere else to go, which was why he ended up staying with her.

Byron's expression stiffened for a moment.

This apartment was a place he bought in his first year of college with the money he earned from starting Starlight Pub. Even his family didn't know about it.

Neville's people were keeping tabs on him, but they only watched the estate where he usually stayed-not this place.

If Maeve hadn't suddenly decided she wanted to learn bartending, and if he hadn't remembered that he had some old liquor and bartending tools stored here, he might never have recalled owning this little apartment. "There are people watching my usual place. It's not convenient, Byron replied briefly, pushing aside his thoughts.

"People watching? You mean the ones who were after you before Maeve's eyes widened in shock. "Then isn't it dangerous. for us to be here...?"

"If I brought you here, it's safe."

"What about your parents? Don't they live around here?"

"No" Byron clearly didn't want to dwell on the topic. He walked over to the bar counter in the living room and glanced at her. "Are you here to learn bartending or just to snoop around?" Maeve quickly set her curiosity aside and followed him

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Still, she could guess that his relationship with his parents wasn't great. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to stay at her place instead of going back home.

Since she also had a strained relationship with her parents, she could relate. She made a **al note to avoid bringing it up in the future, not wanting to touch a nerve. The bar area in the apartment resembled a small c**il lounge.

The bottles in the glass cabinet were neatly arranged, and all the tools were there, though covered in a layer of dust. It was clear he didn't use this place often. Resigned, Maeve began washing the tools they'd need and set them out on the counter.

Byron

rolled up his shirt sleeves, revealing strong, well-defined forearms

As he mixed the drinks, his hair brushed lightly against his brow, casting a shadow over his sharp features, adding a touch of

understated allure.

understated allure.

t was the warm lighting, but Maeve found herself spa**g out. jolted back

Maybe She was j

to reality when something cold touched her cheek, snapping her out of her thoughts. Byron looked at her with his usual indifferent expression as he set down a silver c**I glass. "Did you all I the steps?" he asked.

Catch

Maeve hesitated for a moment, then nodded uncertainly.

Byron stepped aside. "Go ahead, give it a shot."

Maeve

eyed the white c***I that looked delicious and obediently walked over to start mixing her drink

Just then, the phone on the table vibrated.

Byron glanced at it, picked it up, and moved away from the bar. "ed to take this call, he said c*y

"Okay" Maeve nodded quickly.

The call was from his company. A newly approved project from yesterday's meeting had run into some issues. After reviewing the process again, the planning department needed his direct input before proceeding. Byron walked into his study and gave calm instructions. "Send the revised plan to my email. I'll check it now. Also, inform the team there's a video meeting in ten minutes." "Understood, Mr. Mcdaniel.

The video conference in the study was in full swing.

As the meeting continued, Byron glanced at the time, feeling like he was forgetting something, but he quickly brushed it off.

Meanwhile, Maeve waited at the bar for a bit, but when Byron didn't come out, she decided to keep practicing

She carefully followed the steps he'd taught her, and the c***I she made looked pretty decent.

She took a sip-not bad at all.

Though she wasn't as smooth as Byron, it was a solid attempt for a beginner.

As she worked, a few interesting design ideas popped into her head, and she quickly sketched them out in her notebook. u GB

There's nothing like actually doing it,' she thought, glancing at the three c***Is lined up on the counter. Her eyes naturally drifted toward the silver c***il that Byron had made.

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The two drinks she made tasted alright, but now she was curious thinking, "What's the difference between mine and his?"

Just one sip won't get me drunk, right? With that thought, Maeve picked up his glass and took a sip.

The difference was clear. Byron's c***il had layers of flavor-crisp, invigorating, with a subtle bitterness that lingered Compared to that, hers tasted plain and one-note.

With a soft clink, the empty glass rolled across the table and came to a stop.

Maeve's face flushed red as she slumped over the counter, completely out.

Back in the study, the video meeting ended, and Byron wrapped up his remaining tasks.

When he checked the time, more than an hour had passed. Suddenly remembering something, he stood up and walked out.

The living room was empty. Byron frowned, thinking Maeve must've gotten tired of waiting and left.

He was about to switch off the bar lights when he noticed her slumped over the counter, cheeks flushed pink.

Three glasses sat beside her, one of them empty.

A quick glance told him it was his silver c**

Though it had a lower alcohol content, it was strong enough to knock out someone with a low tolerance in just a couple of

sips.

He wondered, 'But this woman actually finished the whole thing?

Byron's brows furrowed as he leaned down and gave Maeve a nudge, his voice low and firm. "Maeve, wake up"

Maeve's eyelashes fluttered as she struggled against the dizzy haze. The moment he nudged her again, she couldn't hold it in any longer and threw up. Right onto Byron.

Ugh

His face darkened instantly, a vein twitching at his temple.

""Maeve!"

He thought. "You actually dare to puke on me!

Byron seriously considered tossing her out the door.

Still half-conscious, Maeve squinted at the mess she'd made on him, her muddled brain catching a faint whiff of danger.

"S-Sorry... Is your injury okay?" she slurred.

Even in her drunk state, her first concern was his injury.

For a moment, Byron was caught off guard

But just as the tension eased, Maeve ruined in

Stumbling forward, she wobbled over to him and clumsily reached out to start unbuttoning his shirt.