Worried Maeve had waited too long, Alex quickly tidied up and went to the living room. He even brought her a cup of hot cocoa.

"Thank you," Maeve said, accepting the cocoa with some restraint.

Alex sensed her discomfort. He sat on the sofa and smiled to ease the tension. "Thank you for delivering the information. I'm bored and needed it," he said. "You're welcome. I had nothing to do today," Maeve replied.

After a moment of silence, Alex gently asked, "Did that man cause you any trouble last night?"

"No," Maeve said, pursing her lips. Guilt flashed in her eyes. "He's very good to me," she added.

Alex's face paled. Maeve felt even guiltier, but continued, "I'm sorry for lying. He's not my uncle, but my husband. I'm also sorry about last night."

How could someone as smart as Alex miss the double meaning in her apology? It was both an apology and a polite rejection.

"Is he good to you?" Alex asked.

Maeve hesitated before nodding. "He's very good to me. I like him very much."

Alex's fingers tightened on the armrest, but his smile remained gentle. "Since he treats you well, I'm relieved. You don't need to apologize. I liked you, but it's okay. You didn't do anything wrong," he said.

Maeve gripped her cup tightly, unsure what to say. It felt like anything she said would be wrong.

"I'm serious," Alex said, looking at her earnestly. "Maeve, I'm happy you were honest with me." He continued, "To be honest, my feelings are fleeting, as volatile as a June day."

He chuckled. "Don't feel burdened. I can't marry someone as lovely as you, but I wouldn't mind having another sister."

Maeve saw his calm, even casual expression, and her guilt eased. If Byron was an iceberg, Alex was a clear mountain spring, quietly nourishing all things—reserved, gentle, and easy to trust.

"Thank you, Alex," Maeve said softly.

Alex reached for her hair, but his hand landed on her shoulder instead. "You and he are fine. If he dares to bully you, come find me. I'll avenge you," he said firmly.

Maeve laughed. "Alright, I understand."

After a while, Maeve left. The smile left Alex's face, replaced by suppressed fatigue and disappointment. His phone rang.

Alex answered. "Yes?"

"Why do you sound like you're dying? Rejected by Maeve?" Leah teased.

Alex smiled. "Yes, she didn't leave me with any illusions," he replied.

Leah paused. "Plenty of fish in the sea. I'll find you someone else. As many as you want," she offered.

"No," Alex politely declined. "I'm going into seclusion. I've had an inspiration."

"Alright, alright. I won't bother you," Leah replied, hanging up relieved. As long as Alex still had the energy to create, it wasn't a major setback. It made sense; he'd only known Maeve a few days. His feelings couldn't have been that deep.

Before the Spring Festival, Maeve finished her work and enjoyed the holiday. Byron was much busier, only joining her on New Year's Eve to visit the McDaniel family.

The McDaniel manor was decorated festively. The villa buzzed with activity preparing for New Year's Eve dinner. Even the prestigious McDaniel family cooked their own dinner; Gilbert was the head chef, Mr. McDaniel his assistant, and Alexis made pancakes.

Maeve was surprised. She quietly asked Byron, "Isn't it too much for Grandpa to cook alone? His body..."

"It's fine," Byron said calmly. "Grandpa's only in charge of the ladle. Others will do the rest." He'd be angry if anyone suggested he was too old to handle a pot.

"Then I'll help," Maeve offered.

Before she could move, Byron's finger hooked her collar. She looked back, confused.

"Grandpa knows how to scold people," Byron said, gently pushing her toward the dining room. "Go help Mom with pancakes. The men will handle the kitchen."

Maeve almost laughed. It was unusual to hear such a down-to-earth sentence from the CEO. Even the McDaniel family seemed friendlier.

In the dining room, Alexis glanced at her indifferently. "We're almost done. Go to the living room. We can't let guests do anything during the holidays." The word "guest" made Maeve feel helpless. Alexis's earlier gift of earrings had been a kindness due to Byron, not genuine affection. She'd been naive. Alexis interrupted her, suggesting she water the garden instead.

Maeve left, feeling unwelcome. Even Byron couldn't make her curry favor with the family. She went to the garden and began watering. A muffled sound made her turn; a young girl had fallen near the flowerbed.

"Are you alright?" Maeve asked, helping her up. The girl cried silently. Maeve offered her a handkerchief. The girl didn't take it, her eyes filled with an indescribable sadness.

The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been removed as requested. Pronoun errors ("his" instead of "her" in several places) have been corrected. The overall narrative has been streamlined for better flow and clarity.