Neville’s sickly face twisted into a smile. “Then you must know my brother, Byron, right?”

Maeve’s eyes darted to him, a memory surfacing. Bonnie had mentioned the McDaniels had two sons. The older one, disappeared for years, had recently resurfaced. He’d been through hell, overshadowed by his younger brother, receiving little family affection. Yet, he’d inherited the McDaniel Group. That older son was Byron. And the younger son…Neville? she wondered.

Perhaps Maeve’s wariness stemmed from gossip about Byron and Neville’s bitter rivalry. “If you’re looking for your brother, he’s not here,” she said plainly.

Neville chuckled. “I know. He’s gone to meet his childhood sweetheart, leaving such a beautiful lady alone. Heartless, wouldn’t you say?”

“This is between him and me,” Maeve replied coldly, rising and grabbing her bag. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.” Neville didn’t stop her. Instead, he said, “If you ever need my help, feel free to reach out.”

Maeve ignored him, quickening her pace. Once she’d gone, the smile vanished from Neville’s face, replaced by a sneer. “No surprise, she’s just as stubborn as that guy.”

Back in her room, Maeve wasn’t in the mood for the jacuzzi. She sketched designs, escaping troubling thoughts. This place is perfect for creativity, she thought. The initial sketches for Fiora’s gown and Loren’s suit are nearly complete, needing only deeper conceptualization.

Since her company didn’t require daily attendance, her location didn’t matter. Maeve decided to stay and finish her designs. She turned off her phone, focusing solely on her work. Whenever tired, she’d use the jacuzzi or stroll outside before returning to her drawing by the window, gazing at the snowy landscape. After three days, she was so immersed she nearly forgot everything else.

Meanwhile, things were far from peaceful for the Booth family. Byron had sent Karen and her mother, Lydia, home. Days of crying had left them physically and emotionally drained, slumped on the sofa.

After helping her mother upstairs, Karen returned to the living room. Her eyes were red. “Thank you for these past few days,” she told Byron. “Without you, my mother and I would have collapsed long ago.”

“I’ll take care of you and your mother, just as your father did for me,” Byron replied solemnly. “My condolences.”

Karen’s eyes welled up as she reached for him. Byron sidestepped, pulling out his phone. A message from Archer appeared:

Archer: [Mr. McDaniel, according to the hotel staff, Ms. Reese has been staying in her room for the past few days, only coming out for meals. It’s unclear what she’s been up to.]

Byron’s eyes flickered, his face reflecting complex emotions. Is she still waiting for me to return? he wondered.

After a few taps, he pocketed his phone. “I have some things to take care of. Please rest well.”

“Aren’t you going to stay with me?” Karen’s voice was fragile. “If you’re not here, I’m afraid I’ll do something rash…”

Byron looked at her coolly. “Are you threatening me?”

“I’m not… I just thought you could stay with me for a few days.” Karen’s tears fell as she clung to his arm. “Every time I close my eyes, I see my father…”

Byron pursed his lips. “I’m sorry, Karen. Contact me if you need anything.” He removed her hand and left.

Karen gritted her teeth. He’s going to see that bitch Maeve, isn’t he? She knew Byron’s tolerance stemmed from her father having taken him in as a child. Now that her father was gone, his gratitude lingered, but that obligation wouldn’t last. Karen couldn’t wait passively. She had to eliminate Maeve.

On a snow-free day, the sky was clear. Maeve, having completed her designs, was ready to leave. Aside from the unsigned contract with Byron, the trip had been fruitful. After checking out, she took a cab back to the city. However, she lost consciousness shortly after entering the car.

When Maeve awoke, she was in an abandoned warehouse—old cement walls, a damp floor, the air thick with rust. Her hands were bound.

Am I being kidnapped? she thought, panic surging as she heard footsteps.

“These two girls are close to Byron McDaniel. We should get a lot of money,” a chilling voice said.

“Exchanging them for money is boring. I want to mess with Mr. McDaniel’s woman,” another said with a sinister edge.

“Let’s do it, then?” Another voice snickered.

Their lewd laughter drew closer. Maeve’s breath caught.

“If you touch me, Byron will never let you off,” a hoarse, familiar voice warned.

Maeve saw Karen, bound like her. Karen’s face was twisted with scorn. “You’d better let me go.”

Maeve wanted to warn her, but before she could speak, the men burst into laughter.

“This girl doesn’t know what she’s in for. We can’t let her go without having some fun, right?” Two men grabbed Karen and began dragging her away.

“What are you doing? Let me go! Do you have a death wish?” Karen screamed.

Maeve’s mind went blank. She struggled to her feet, desperate to stop them. But a blow to the head knocked her out. As consciousness faded, she heard Karen’s cries.

When Maeve awoke, drenched in cold sweat, she didn’t know how much time had passed. The smell of antiseptic was disorienting. Recalling the events, she threw off the blanket and checked for injuries. Finding none, she sighed in relief. Confusion set in. Wasn’t I kidnapped? How did I end up in a hospital?

The door opened, and Byron entered, his expression icy. Before she could speak, he asked, “Maeve, you and Karen were kidnapped together. Why did the kidnappers let you go?”

The final sentence, "Search the FindNovel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," appears to be an advertisement and has been removed.