Alex thought she was joking. His eyes softened. “Then I’ll have to rely on Maeve for the rest of my life.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Maeve said, unaware of the hidden meaning in his words. She was simply delighted to help him.

The next night, at the Crystal Jade Club, rows of luxurious cars lined the main entrance. A red carpet stretched from the parking lot to the banquet hall. The club was brightly lit, filled with people toasting.

Maeve, holding Alex’s hand, entered with him. She greeted the host with an appropriate smile—neither servile nor overbearing. Alex, initially worried she’d be uncomfortable, was surprised by her composure and lack of fear. She answered every question with ease, appearing not like a girl from an ordinary family, but a well-bred young lady from a wealthy one.

A flicker of admiration crossed Alex’s eyes. His heart quickened as he looked at her.

After the formalities, Alex led Maeve to a rest area. “Maeve, you haven’t fully recovered from your cold. I brought you coffee to warm you up.”

“Thank you,” Maeve smiled, accepting the coffee. The warmth spread through her abdomen.

Narrowing her eyes in pleasure, she placed the cup on the table. Turning, she accidentally bumped a waitress carrying a tray. Red wine spilled. Though Alex pulled Maeve back, some splashed onto her apricot-colored skirt. The waitress apologized profusely. “I’m so sorry, Miss! I’m really sorry!”

Seeing the waitress’s distress, Maeve waved her hand. “It’s okay. I’ll go to the washroom.”

“There are clothes for guests in the changing room upstairs. Shall I take you up?” the waitress offered, still apologetic. “I’m so sorry!”

“Maeve, shall I come with you?” Alex frowned, worried. “Wet clothes aren’t comfortable. You’ll catch another cold.”

Maeve shook her head. “It’s fine. It’s not a big deal. She can accompany me. I’ll be back soon.”

“If you need anything, let me know immediately,” Alex said.

“Sure,” Maeve replied.

At that moment, a commotion erupted at the banquet hall entrance. Gasps of surprise arose as a tall, distinguished figure appeared. Some guests even trembled. His features were perfect, his eyes dark, his movements calm and regal. No one dared to meet his gaze directly. He commanded the attention of the entire hall. He was Byron McDaniel, and in Kleymond, he was virtually a king—not just for his powerful background, but also for his remarkable achievement as CEO of the McDaniel Group at such a young age.

Maeve stared, dazed. She watched as those who’d been unfriendly to Alex now fawned over Byron. She’d always felt a vast gulf between herself and Byron, an insurmountable difference in status. This feeling intensified when she saw Karen standing beside Byron, smiling serenely.

“Maeve, what’s wrong?” Alex, oblivious to the commotion, noticed Maeve’s distress. “Are you feeling unwell? Go change quickly. Don’t get sick.”

Maeve blinked back tears and nodded. “I’ll go now. Please wait for me.”

“Okay, I’m going to make a call,” Alex said.

Maeve followed the waitress upstairs. Karen, noticing Maeve, said softly to Byron, “Byron, I’m going to the washroom.”

“Sure,” Byron replied, his expression unreadable.

Karen bit her lip. “Mother asked you to bring me to avoid boredom. Why didn’t you remind me of that? If I get lost, won’t you be accountable to her?” She expected more concern; she was still unwell.

Byron looked at her oddly. “Your mother wanted you to relax, not be tethered to me. If you can get lost here, I’ll have a doctor scan your brain upon our return.”

Insulted, Karen stalked off, not to the washroom, but upstairs.

Half an hour later, in the changing room, Maeve changed into the clothes the waitress provided. Emerging from the cubicle, she discovered her gown was gone. Did the waitress wash it? she wondered. At least she could have told me…

Puzzled, she looked in the mirror and saw she was wearing a cleaning uniform. No wonder there was only one set of clothes, she realized. The waitress took my gown! Wearing that downstairs would likely get her ejected by security; the Crystal Jade Club had strict dress codes.

Just as she was about to call Alex, she realized her bag was also gone. This was getting out of hand. She could either go down in the uniform or wait for Alex. Sighing, she sat on the sofa. A click. The door opened. Expecting Alex, she turned to see a disheveled middle-aged man, John Fett.

Surprise flickered in his narrowed eyes. He rubbed his hands and approached with a leering smile. “A wealthy family’s banquet is different. Even the cleaner is beautiful.”

“Sir, this is the ladies’ changing room. Leave,” Maeve said coldly.

“Spirited beauty. I like them hot,” John said, grabbing her hand and leaning in to kiss her.

The taste of alcohol repulsed her. She kicked him in the knee. “Get lost! Stay away from me!”

“Ouch!” he screamed, glaring. “Know your place. You’re just a cleaner. Accompany me, or I’ll have you fired.”