She especially liked Suvin Group's philosophy. It was said that the group printed a special number on the back of each magazine to assist disadvantaged women facing difficulties who lacked access to legal aid. A dedicated team addressed these issues, providing free assistance to anyone who could reach a Suvin Group branch in their country. Despite this social work, the group enjoyed high status in the fashion world.

"Mr. Brown, what do I need to do now?" Maeve's eyes sparkled. "Suvin Group's head office is overseas. When do I start?" Alex's heart stirred at the vibrant light in her eyes. His ears reddened, and his heartbeat quickened. He was accustomed to her calm demeanor; this was a new side of her.

"Well," Alex stammered, trying to hide his embarrassment, "you don't have to go overseas. They'll come to see you personally tomorrow."

Maeve was extremely surprised. "They're quite easygoing, aren't they?" She'd expected more arrogance from a famous foreign magazine.

"Their editor-in-chief appreciates the gowns you designed for Fiora," Alex explained. "He believes your design ideas align perfectly with their philosophy and holds you in high regard." Maeve smiled. "Then I'm relieved!"

Seeing her happiness, Alex hesitated, then asked, "Maeve, are you free the night after tomorrow?"

"Yes, what's up?"

"Forget it, it's nothing." Alex smiled gently. (Actually, his parents' friend had seen them at a banquet, and his parents were eager for him to bring Maeve home for them to meet. While he could ask Maeve for help again, as before, he was more concerned about offending her than about his own difficulties. He decided to let it go.) When Maeve heard him say "forget it," she didn't think much of it and continued working.

That evening, she returned to her apartment to find Byron there. He'd been virtually absent recently, deliberately avoiding her, it seemed. She hadn't contacted him. Their eyes met. Byron, on the sofa, spoke first: "Come here."

Maeve pursed her lips, thinking, Does he think I'm a puppy? She was about to leave when he said, "I brought you a gift."

Maeve stopped, looking at him suspiciously. "A gift? Why?" It wasn't a holiday. As she approached, she saw a black suitcase. "You're going on a business trip?"

"I just got back," Byron replied calmly. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto his lap. Maeve instinctively hugged his neck, dumbfounded. She tried to get up, but his arms held her fast. "Did I give you permission to hug me?"

He'd disappeared after a business trip; why? Just as she was angry, an exquisite sapphire blue gift box appeared.

Byron smiled slightly. "Aren't you going to open it?"

"Don't even think about bribing me," Maeve retorted playfully.

She opened the box. A pair of heart-shaped pink diamond earrings, edged with smaller diamonds, lay inside. They were stunning.

Maeve's eyes widened. "You specially picked this out on a business trip?"

Byron tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, helping her put on the earrings. "I bought them at a roadside stall. Less than forty dollars."

He hadn't bought them specially. Maeve, though not a jewelry enthusiast, knew better. Forty dollars wouldn't buy the smallest diamond on such earrings.

Her worry vanished. "Forty dollars. Great. It won't be a pity if I lose them," Maeve said pointedly.

Byron narrowed his eyes, admiring her in the earrings. His Adam's apple bobbed. He gently bit her earlobe and kissed her.

Maeve trembled. She tried to get away but couldn't. She collapsed in his arms. Byron knew her weaknesses. He didn't need to try hard to win her over.

"Wait, wait..." Maeve avoided his kiss, panicked. "You just got back. You haven't eaten. Aren't you hungry?"

Byron's eyes burned. His voice was hoarse. "I'm enjoying my dinner now."

Maeve was stunned. Before she could react, he lifted her and carried her to the bedroom. His kisses trailed across her face, neck, and collarbone. He held her wrists firmly, preventing her escape. Her head swam, her limbs weak.

The earrings glimmered. Byron was about to undress her.

"Wait, wait," Maeve flushed, grabbing his arm, feeling his bulging veins. A pain flickered in her lower abdomen.

"I can't wait," Byron said, tense, his eyes dark. He was about to succeed, and stopping would mean regret.

Maeve sensed something and stopped him. "I think I'm starting my period!"

Byron's face darkened. "Maeve, you..."

"I didn't do it on purpose," Maeve argued. "Is it under my control?"

Byron's jaw tightened. "You have your period twice a month?"

Maeve blinked. Oh no, I forgot. "I lied last time. This time it's true..." Her voice softened.

Byron almost laughed in anger. He pinched her chin. "How are you going to compensate me?"

Maeve, flustered, closed her eyes. "Let's save it for next time, okay?"

Seeing her flushed face, Byron's mood lightened.

The extraneous text about FindNovel.net was removed as it was not part of the story itself. The bracketed section was incorporated more smoothly into the narrative flow. The overall grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure were improved for clarity and readability.