Chapter 30
Maeve chuckled at the message. As expected, Bonnie switched out her fictional husbands faster than she changed clothes.
But thanks to Bonnie’s fickle tastes and frequent recommendations, Maeve had managed to save up a decent amount of
money.
Maeve replied: I’ve got time. What does your new husband look like?]
Bonnie responded with a flood of pictures.
Bonnie: [Look! Isn’t he incredibly handsome? I’m totally obsessed with hirn right now–my heart races just thinking about him]
Maeve couldn’t help but laugh. If Bonnie channeled even half as much passion into real life as she did into her animated crushes, her parents wouldn’t be constantly nagging her about marriage.
Maeve: [He’s definitely handsome. Any specific requests? Ill start working on it after I do some research.
Bonnie: [Just do your thing like always. I trust your taste–you never disappoint!]
Bonnie: [By the way, are you thinking of working as a bartender to gather material? If so, check out Starlight Pub–it’s the best in Kleymond! I’ve heard the owner’s even hotter than a movie star, though I’ve never seen him myself.]
Maeve thought for a moment before replying [Sounds good. I see if I can get hired there. I just quit my job, so I’ve got the time]
Bonnie: [You’re so dedicated! Can’t wait to hear the good news!
Maeve smiled, set her phone aside, and headed to the kitchen to check on the soup.
In 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,
An elderly man in a dark green suit sat on the sofa, gripping a black cane with both hands. Despite his silver hair and beard. he radiated vitality, his eyes sharp and intelligent, and his presence commanding This was Byron’s grandfather, Gilbert.
nofo
Byron, seated across from him, calmly poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Gilbert. “What brings you here, Grandpa Got something on your mind?”
“I heard you were banged up pretty badly,” Gilbert replied, narrowing his eyes and ignoring the coffee. “Is that why you’ve been dodging home? Afraid your father and I would find out?”
“Who told you that?” Byron sipped his coffee casually, his tone cool. “If I were seriously injured, how could I still be here!” “Cut the crap. Lift your shirt. Let me see, Gilbert demanded, clearly aware of where the injury was supposed to be. Byron’s expression darkened, but he remained seated, not moving an inch. “I have no clue where you got that nonsense. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. If there’s nothing else, I need to get back to work.”
“Byron!” Gilbert’s voice was sharp with anger. “Do you have any respect for me as your grandfather?”
“Of course I do,” Byron replied, his tone indifferent. “Didn’t I go along with your decision to keep Neville in the family?”
Gilbert’s anger faltered, leaving him momentarily speechless. It was clear Byron still held a grudge about the Neville situation and wasn’t ready to let it go.
Technically, Neville wasn’t a blood relative of the McDaniels and should have been sent away when Byron returned to the
15:05 Fri, Dec
Chapter 30
family. But Byron’s parents–Jad their sentimental reasons for keeping him around, and Gilbert had his own agenda. It was. always a sore point, a debt they owed Byron.
Gilbert’s tone softened. Just let me see the injury so 1 know how bad it is”
Byron sighed, his expression one of resignation. “I’ve told you, in not injured. Do you really think I’d lie to you?”
Gilbert snorted. “You already lied to me about getting married! 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 better be telling the truth!”
Gilbert tapped his cane in frustration. With nothing more to say he and the private doctor left.
As the door clicked shut behind them, Byron’s expression hardened, turning cold as ice.
