Chapter 44
Yes, she says she wants to learn bartending”
“Since when did Starlight. Puleturn into a framing school”. A cold gleam flashed in Byron’s eyes, his patience wearing thin. “Tell her to leave”
The manager broke into a nervous sweat. Understood, I let Ms. Reese know right away”
He thought. If I’d known he’d reset like this, I wouldn’t have asked. That is terrifying
Byron thought, “Ms. Reese?”
“Hold
Un’s Eyes BATTowed as something clicked. “What’s her name?” :
think it’s Marve
Byron thought, So it’s hei
His eyes darkened, and he set down his cue stick, heading straight for the door.
From the fourth–floor balcony, he had a clear view of Maeve sitting at the bar downstairs.
She was dressed in a light pink off–shoulder dress, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, revealing her delicate collarbone and smooth, fair
Compared to the sultry vibe of the bar, her outfit was almost demure and refreshing
Byrons expression turned even more severe as he pulled out his phone and called her.
Sull waiting for the manager to return. Maeve saw the call and moved to a quieter spot before answering
Hello”
“Where are you? His deep voice was icy, laced with unmistakable irritation.
Marve glanced around. “I’m at a bar, taking care of something. Why?”
“Didn’t you learn your lesson last time! Go home. Now. His tone left no room for argument.
“I m not drinking this time. I won’t get drunk again, I promise,” Maeve whispered “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing”
she thought, Plus, the manager is already asking the boss for me. I can’t just leave now!
After hanging up. Marve remembered running into Byron at this bar before and nervously scanned the area. Not seeing him anywhere, she finally exuled in rehel
Then she tralized, “Why am I so tense? It’s not like I am doing g anything wrong!
Upstairs, Byron’s gaze turned icy as he stared at the ended call. He called over the munger.
“Go down there and turn her away. Now”
des, sir. 11l handle it right away” The m
manager quickly ruded downstairs.
Kay and Jarrett, who had followed Byron out, overheard the exchange. Hay let out a low whistle.
“Your line lady wants to learn bartending, huh? Why not just let her? It’s your bar anyway. Wouldn’t that make things more convenient for your
Jarrett granted “Byron’s probably worried she’ll run into Fred again. Didn’t you see how protective he got Lat time?
Byron shot them a frosty glair. “If your eyes are that bad, go see a doctor. Who’s being protective of her?”
He thought, “What about her will even make her worth protecting?
1/2
at Pinehurst Apartments, Marve had assumed Byron would be home already. But he wasn’t.
1:02 PM
Chapter 14
She wondered. So why did he insist I come back right away?!”
She switched on the living room lights, sat down on the carpet, and rested her chin in her hands with a sigh.
The manager had told her the bar wasn’t hiring, especially not female staff, so she had to give up. She had really hoped to pick up a new skill
Just as she opened her sketchpad, she heard the front door click open. Byron walked in, his dark trench coat making him look even more distant
and unapproachable.
“You’re back!” Maeve looked up, confused. “Did you call me earlier because you needed something?”
“Nothing important. Byron’s tone was cold as he set down a cup of juice and turned to head back to his room.
Maeve blinked at the juice, thinking. ‘Did he seriously make me come home just to drink juice?”
Maeve gathered her courage. “Do you have a moment right now?”
Byron stopped and looked at her with a ‘get to the point” expression.
Marve hesitated before scratching her cheek. “I was planning to buy some bartending tools, but it’s getting late. If it’s not too much trouble….
Byron frowned, “Why are you learning bartending?”
Maeve pointed to the sketchpad in front of her. “For my designs.”
