Alexis closed her eyes and said, "She's right."

Karen's expression froze. "Alexis," she said, "what are you talking about?"

Alexis, from a prestigious family and strictly educated from a young age, thought she valued rules above all else. Few people in the McDaniel family dared to speak to her as Maeve did. She should have been angry, dissatisfied, even hateful towards Maeve. Yet, she didn't explain; she looked utterly exhausted.

She thought, I really haven't considered making an effort to understand my son, Byron. With Neville around, I unconsciously compared the two, growing increasingly distant from my own son. I even resented my coldness toward him, wishing I were as considerate as Neville. When he refused our request for a formal meeting, it was our fault for forcing him. I even thought he'd detached from the family. It would be a lie to say she didn't mind Alexis's words.

After leaving the room, Maeve felt as if her heart were filled with ice. She thought, I can't understand why Mrs. McDaniel would say my marriage will ruin Mr. McDaniel's future. I'm not exceptional, nor do I come from a wealthy family. Isn't it unfair to judge someone solely on their background? Marriage is about compatibility, not wealth. Besides, I didn't marry someone who will inherit a fortune. I married a driver, who, despite having little money, can produce a Christmas tree and sometimes works as a bodyguard.

As she walked, Maeve gradually calmed down, tucking her hands into her warm pockets. She saw a familiar figure ahead. McDaniel? she thought. She hurried forward to catch up.

Maeve was stunned. However, people quickly surrounded the figure and escorted him away, like an emperor on patrol. Some were high-ranking executives from Eternal Hope, all smiling. The man was like a lonely, proud moon—admirable but unreachable.

"My eyes are playing tricks on me," Maeve mumbled, stopping. It's not surprising. Mr. McDaniel wouldn't be here. That elegant man is from a different world. Besides, he should be home waiting for me to celebrate Christmas. We made plans last night. Maeve smiled and texted Leah to ask for leave. The celebration will be fine without me. I need to go home.

Maeve first bought a small Christmas cake, then some snacks, and finally a gift before returning to the apartment.

"Mr. McDaniel, I'm back!" she said happily.

She saw a small, exquisite silver Christmas tree in the living room. Byron, in dark clothes, stood nearby with coffee, looking relaxed. The warm light seemed to give him a soft golden glow, softening his usual coldness. He looked unbelievably gentle.

Maeve was stunned. The bitterness in her heart was replaced by warmth and fullness. "Mr. McDaniel, I'm back!" she repeated, smiling.

Byron replied nonchalantly, "Mm. I'm not deaf."

Maeve chuckled, putting down her things and circling the tree. "Didn't you say this kind of thing is a hassle to dispose of? Why did you buy it?"

Byron snorted. "I saw it on my way home. If you don't like it, throw it away." He reached for it, but Maeve stopped him. "No! You spent money on it; we can use it next year."

Sensing her touch, Byron's eyes widened, and he pushed her away. "Let's keep it all talk and no hands-on drama," he said, his voice hoarse.

"I'm not creating drama," Maeve mumbled, taking a photo of the tree. "I have two Christmas trees! Am I dreaming?"

Byron scoffed. "What do you mean 'yours'? They're mine. Did you pay for them?"

Maeve thought, Forget it. It's Christmas! She ignored him and continued taking photos. Byron watched, arms crossed.

She had changed out of her wedding dress, her makeup removed, revealing flawless skin. In her beige sweater and camel-colored skirt, she looked even more beautiful than on stage. Byron's blue eyes held deep emotion.

"Mr. McDaniel," Maeve said, "I bought you a gift—a new suit. Aren't you going overseas tomorrow?" The warmth in her eyes could soften even the coldest heart.

However, she didn't notice Byron's increasingly intense gaze. "If you wash it tonight, you can wear it tomorrow," she muttered. Before she finished, Byron cupped the back of her head, leaning in. Half an inch from her lips, he stopped. "Do you want me to stop or continue?"

Maeve's face flushed. "If I say… will you stop?" she asked hesitantly.

Byron chuckled. "In your dreams." He kissed her. The scent of cedar and his pheromones enveloped her. She clung to his sleeve, liking it.

It had snowed outside. Inside, the temperature rose. Byron lifted her onto a cabinet, her back against the cold wall. He gently pinched her neck to keep her still.

(The final lines about FindNovel.net are promotional and were removed.)