Alexis acted not only for the sake of the McDaniel family but also to protect Byron. From a practical standpoint, their decision was beyond reproach. But for the innocent Maeve, it felt like the end of the world. Even sitting in the pitch-dark detention cell, she couldn't understand how things had spiraled so far. She hadn't hurt anyone, nor had she stolen anything belonging to Laurel.

Curled up in a corner, Maeve was overwhelmed with self-doubt and confusion. Then, Byron's words suddenly appeared in her mind: "As you're innocent, no one can lay blame on you. Go home and wait for me." She clenched her hands tightly, feeling some of the coldness in her heart begin to fade. Byron told her to wait for him. She would. She would wait for him to return with evidence to clear her name and take her away.

As these thoughts filled her mind, her panic subsided. She rested a hand on her abdomen, trying to draw strength from within. What Maeve hadn't anticipated was that this wait would stretch into a full week. For an entire week, Byron did not show up. Maeve tried to reassure herself; she understood this was a complicated matter and wouldn't be resolved overnight. His absence, however, underscored the gravity of the situation. She comforted herself and continued to wait patiently.

Two days later, a police officer escorted her to a meeting room. "Ms. Reese," a young man in glasses and a suit nodded slightly. Seeing him, the hope that had been building within Maeve crumbled instantly. "Who are you?" she asked.

"I'm Mr. McDaniel's personal lawyer," the man replied. "My name is Jonathan Harris." Jonathan went straight to the point: "I'm here today on Mr. McDaniel's behalf to discuss the divorce arrangements with you."

The words struck Maeve like a bolt of lightning. She felt her head buzz, and her mind went blank. She couldn't believe Byron was divorcing her. It was impossible. He believed in her, so she had no idea what was going on.

Jonathan took out a divorce agreement and handed it to Maeve. "This is the divorce agreement. Please read it thoroughly, and if you have no objections, sign at the bottom." Maeve mechanically lowered her eyes. As her eyes fell on Byron's bold signature, she felt a crushing weight on her chest, making it hard to breathe. It was impossible. She didn't believe it.

"I'm sorry, but I can't sign this document based solely on your word," Maeve said, her eyes filled with resistance.

Jonathan reminded her, "Mr. McDaniel wanted me to tell you that, for the sake of your marriage, he's willing to forgo pressing any criminal charges against you. However, you must sign the divorce papers."

"I don't believe you!" Maeve's face turned ashen. Her voice was hoarse. "Unless Byron tells me himself that he wants a divorce, I won't believe a word you say!"

Jonathan looked troubled. He sighed and left the meeting room. After a few minutes, he returned with his phone and handed it to Maeve. "Mr. McDaniel wants to talk to you."

Maeve's eyelashes trembled as she reached for the phone. Before she could speak, she heard Byron's familiar cold voice. "Jonathan said you wouldn't sign it."

"Yes," Maeve pursed her dry lips. "I don't believe what he said. I need to hear it from you. Do you really want a divorce?"

"Yeah," Byron replied, his tone terrifyingly cold. "Why? Maeve, how can you ask such a question? It's only been a few days, and you've already forgotten what you've done?"

A chill ran down Maeve's spine. "Do you think I hurt Grandpa too? Do you not believe me?"

"Ten days in custody, and you still haven't woken up?" Byron asked. "If there was no conclusive evidence, you wouldn't still be in detention."

Understanding the unspoken accusation, Maeve felt fear creeping into her heart. "I really didn't do it, Byron, believe me—"

"Maeve, that's my grandfather. If you want me to believe you, then prove your innocence," Byron interrupted coldly. "A vicious woman like you has no place to be my wife. Sign the papers. Let's end this on good terms."

Holding back her heartbreak, Maeve choked back, "I won't confess to something I didn't do. Why should I take the blame?" She didn't want to part on good terms with Byron. It wasn't her fault. She didn't understand why they would accuse her. She thought she shouldn't be condemned without cause.

Maeve hung up the phone and tore the divorce agreement in half in front of Jonathan. She then followed the police officer back to her cell. She skipped dinner and simply leaned against the wall, trying to collect herself. Even her sorrow and desire to cry had to be suppressed for the sake of the child inside her. She couldn't let her emotions affect the baby. All her wishes for peace and well-being made under the New Year's fireworks seemed meaningless now.

The next day, Jonathan arrived with a fresh set of divorce papers. Maeve expressionlessly tore them apart. The same thing happened on the third day. On the fourth day, Jonathan did not return. She was then transferred to a shared cell. Surrounded by iron bars, the other inmates looked like a group of beasts in a cage. Those locked up here were most likely people who had been accused of crimes. Being new, she became a target for bullying.

Maeve suffered greatly. Her food was thrown to the floor, she was slapped unprovoked, and splashed with cold water while she slept. Whenever Maeve was in trouble, others laughed and mocked her misfortune. Maeve endured until she finally couldn't take it anymore. She struck back, slapping the woman who'd splashed her with water.

"Ah!" The woman stomped her feet. "What the hell are you doing?"

The ringleader approached, glaring at Maeve. "Do you have a death wish?"

"You people better stop messing with me," Maeve said coldly.

The woman immediately reached out to shove her. "What did you say? Say that again."

"I know someone's put you up to this to make my time here miserable," Maeve's eyes were calm. "Let me make one thing clear. I'm the wife of Byron McDaniel. Are you sure you can bear the consequences for messing with me?"

Upon hearing this, the woman and her sidekicks burst into laughter. "Oh my god, she must be delusional! She's already in this state, yet she still thinks she's some lady of the McDaniel family!"

"If you're really Byron McDaniel's wife, get out of here then!"

Despite the mockery, Maeve's expression did not change. "You don't have to believe me, but you'd better think carefully. Are you sure it's worth it to offend me?"

The people laughing hesitated. The leader gave Maeve a long look but eventually backed off. If Maeve was lying, they'd see it soon enough. But if she was telling the truth, no one wanted to risk angering the McDaniel family.