After leaving the hospital, Alex drove Maeve to a high-class private restaurant. Worried she might feel uncomfortable, he chose an elegant window seat on the third floor, partially concealed by a room divider for added privacy. The restaurant, open only three days a week and requiring advance reservations, had few customers.

The owner, the great-grandson of a chef who had served the royal palace and earned his second Michelin star at age 28, was renowned. Alex handed Maeve the menu, saying with a warm smile, "You have to try their bone marrow; it's out of this world!" Maeve smiled and replied, "Well, since you say so, I might as well try it." She scanned the menu, ticking a few favorites.

Suddenly remembering something, she crossed out some items, changing her order. Alex noticed this and asked curiously, "I remember you like these dishes very much. Why did you cross them out?"

"My doctor said I have gastritis, and I don't dare eat anything too spicy," Maeve explained helplessly. "Moreover, my gynecologist also reminded me to eat lighter, more nutritious food."

Shortly after they ordered, the waiter approached. "Dear guests, the soup you ordered contains spices that nourish the body, but it's unsuitable for pregnant women or those with high blood pressure. The head chef asked me to confirm there's no problem before preparing it."

Alex nodded. "It's fine. You can cook it."

"Wait," Maeve Reese interrupted. "Is all the food cooked with medicinal herbs that pregnant women can't eat?"

The waiter nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Our restaurant is known for its use of spices, but some dishes are too strong for certain conditions, such as pregnancy. Some ingredients could threaten fetal development. Most of our clientele are wealthy or noble, so we must be careful."

Maeve forced a pale smile. No wonder her gynecologist had stressed a careful diet; otherwise, it could harm both mother and fetus. The manor had kept her on a strict, bland diet, which she found unappetizing, though her appetite had recently improved. "Maeve, are you alright?" Alex noticed her pale face, frowning slightly. "Is your stomach upset again?"

"No, I'm fine," Maeve reassured him, pulling herself together. "Alex, thank you for bringing me here. The waiter's warning was invaluable; I've never experienced anything like this."

Alex smiled warmly. The dishes arrived quickly. Maeve enjoyed Alex's recommended bone marrow, finding it rich and appetizing. Besides the untouched spiced soup, the other dishes were light yet flavorful.

For dessert, they had apple strudel. Maeve ate ravenously, blushing under Alex's amused gaze. "Am I eating too much?"

"How could that be?" Alex chuckled. "Eating more means you're healthy. Your health is all that matters."

Maeve sensed something in his eyes—a hint of confusion—but before she could ponder it, Alex said, "Maeve, there's something I need to tell you."

"Yes?" Anticipating something serious, Maeve sat up straight.

Alex's anxiety eased at her demeanor. He straightened, saying, "When I first saw you, I was drawn to your designs and talent. But seeing your outstanding performance, I realized you are much more than a talented designer. You've captured my interest, and now you have my attention."

Maeve's eyes widened in shock. Alex smiled. "I wanted to take things slowly, waiting until you felt comfortable before expressing my feelings. But I can't wait any longer. You're beautiful; no one could hate you. I'm afraid someone else might take you if I'm too slow. I like you, Maeve, and I wonder if you're ready to start a relationship with me."

His voice was gentle despite his impatience, calm and steady. His eyes held only Maeve, filled with youthful love and affection. He yearned to give her his whole heart. Maeve understood his sincerity and didn't want to hurt him, but she wasn't ready for a relationship. She took a deep breath to respond when a cold voice interrupted.

"Maeve," Byron Reese's cold, deep voice cut through the air.

Maeve looked up to meet his dark, sinister eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. Byron's imposing presence filled the room.

Alex, surprised, greeted him. "Have you eaten? Would you like to sit down?"

Byron ignored him, placing a hand on Maeve's shoulder. "Come back with me."

Maeve, remembering her hasty departure and subsequent avoidance of him, rebelled. "I don't want to go back."

Byron's eyes darkened. "Get up. Don't make me repeat myself."

Maeve refused to yield. Within seconds, Byron forcefully grabbed her wrist, pulling her from her seat. "I said, I don't want to go back!" she protested, struggling against his grip.

Byron scoffed. "We're not negotiating."

"Stop!" Alex intervened, blocking Byron's path. "Mr. Reese, what are you doing? Maeve has clearly said she doesn't want to go back. Forcing her is wrong. You're her uncle, not her father; you have no right to interfere."

The final sentence and the website promotion have been removed as they were irrelevant to the text cleanup.