Half an hour later, at First Hospital, the ground floor was filled with reporters wielding cameras. They desperately sought firsthand information about the CEO of the McDaniel Group, wishing they could magically fly to the upper floors for secret photos. Unfortunately, bodyguards protected the ward on the top floor, preventing anyone from approaching, including Maeve.
"Maeve, I'll distract them," Bonnie whispered. "You go in and see if your husband is there."
Maeve nodded. "I'll be as quick as possible. If it's not him, I'll come right out."
"Okay."
They exchanged a knowing glance. Bonnie then dramatically threw herself against the bodyguards, grabbing their arms. "Oh, I'm dizzy," she gasped. "I think I'm fainting."
The bodyguards, their clothes clutched in her grasp, had no choice but to push her away. Maeve seized the opportunity, pushing open the door and rushing into the ward.
The commotion caused everyone around the bed to turn. Maeve's eyes fell on a man tending to his wounds.
His face was paler than usual; his thin lips were slightly pursed. His handsome features possessed a piercing, yet cold, beauty. His aura was sterner than ever, oppressively tense, making people reluctant to meet his gaze. He was like a born emperor, commanding fear and respect. This was Byron.
Maeve's heart skipped a beat. Byron saw her instantly, his usually indifferent blue eyes widening slightly in surprise. He thought, Anyone could appear here, but not Maeve.
Karen, at the side, looked grim. She thought, Who told Maeve? If she knows Byron's true identity, she'll never divorce him!
"Miss, please leave immediately!" The bodyguards burst in, grabbing Maeve's arm. "We apologize, Mr. McDaniel. This person barged in; we don't know her intentions—"
"Let her go," Byron ordered coldly. "Get out."
The bodyguards, surprised, left respectfully. Maeve lowered her gaze but kept her eyes on Byron. "Mr. McDaniel," she said, "I heard you're the CEO of the McDaniel Group. Is that true?"
Karen rolled her eyes. "You came all this way and still pretend to be clueless? Isn't that hypocritical?"
Clenching her fists, Maeve ignored Karen and continued to stare at Byron. He looked into her eyes indifferently. "Yes, so what?"
Maeve's last trace of hope vanished. "Did you lie to me and say you were a driver?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Byron's Adam's apple bobbed. "I don't believe I ever said I was a driver."
Maeve shuddered. He's right. He said he 'drove.' I assumed he was a taxi driver. I should have known the difference between driving a taxi and a Maybach! She'd had doubts, but trusted him too much. Byron watched her face pale. After a moment of silence, he said gravely, "Maeve, this matter…"
Before he could finish, Maeve, snapping out of her thoughts, left the ward without hesitation. Byron frowned, his expression hardening.
"Byron, how could she think you're a driver?" Karen said pointedly. "She's close to the Hancock Group heiress. She must have heard your name! And she's acting like…"
Byron's cold gaze swept over her. "Enough. Everyone, leave."
Karen, speechless, stomped out. The hospital director, doctors, and nurses followed.
Archer entered. [The sentence about finding novels online is removed as it's irrelevant to the story.] "Mr. McDaniel, some media outlets reported your plane crash and hospitalization without verification. The company's stock price has been affected. I've contacted them for a correction…" He turned on the ward television. The corrected news report was airing. Byron's face was cold. "Where's the erroneous report?"
Archer handed him a tablet with a screen recording. After watching it, Byron's demeanor turned icy. No wonder Maeve asked if I'm the CEO! "Contact the legal team and sue them."
"Yes, sir."
When Maeve emerged, Bonnie rushed to her. "Maeve, did you see him? Was he there?"
Maeve nodded weakly, her eyes despondent.
"Maeve, are you alright?" Bonnie asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," Maeve said, her face deathly pale. She thought, The man I discussed utilities with, Christmas decorations, and who promised me a gift… how could he be the CEO of McDaniel Group? I can be affectionate with Mr. McDaniel by the Christmas tree, but I can't have a relationship with the CEO. We're from different worlds.
She remembered a figure surrounded by people at the exhibition. It must have been him.
After leaving the hospital, Maeve asked Bonnie to take her home. "Bonnie, sit for a while. I'll pack."
Bonnie saw the crystal star on the Christmas tree. "Maeve! That topaz on your tree… the one auctioned for $10 million at Pressie Auction?" She went into the bedroom. "Was it bought by… Mr. McDaniel?"
Maeve's eyelashes fluttered. Last night, I thought it was fake. I even told Byron it was so heavy it bent the branches. She laughed, moisture welling in her eyes. Wiping them away, she said, "I'm not sure. It's not mine."
"I see. But this place is small! Mr. McDaniel is stingy. He can't even afford a bigger house for you!" Bonnie exclaimed. Then, realizing something, she added, "Oh, right, he pretended to be a driver. What a scumbag!" Clearly rich, yet pretending to be a driver to sleep with her or win her love. Bah!