Back in Kleymond, Maeve arrived just in time for Theo to finish school. As soon as Theo got into the car, he nuzzled close to Maeve and sniffed her. Maeve was amused by his puppy-like behavior. "What's wrong? Did you find out I secretly ate delicious food again?"

"Mommy, you cried," Theo said seriously. "I can smell the salty, wet smell of your tears."

Maeve was stunned. "No—no way! How could tears have a smell?"

"Mommy, you should say there's no smell of tears because you didn't cry," Theo said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He was slightly angry. "Who made Mommy sad?"

Maeve smiled wryly. Theo had actually learned to trick her.

"No, my eyes were just uncomfortable this afternoon, so I couldn't help but tear up after the wind blew," Maeve explained as she drove into the hotel parking lot.

Theo reluctantly believed her, but as he got out of the car, he noticed mud on the tires. However, the roads in Kleymond were good; there was no place that could have caused such staining. He then remembered the box of Belldol gas station tissues he'd seen in the car. Knowing Maeve had given birth to him and his brother in Belldol, he wondered if she'd cried because she'd gone there to mourn his brother. Theo's heart ached, but he couldn't think of a way to comfort her.

When they entered the hotel, the front desk staff informed Maeve that a woman named Alexis Palmer had been waiting for almost two hours. 'Alexis?' Maeve pondered, unable to place the name.

She took Theo to the lobby. Seeing Alexis looking at her watch, Maeve stopped abruptly, scooped up Theo, and rushed into the elevator.

"Mommy, what's wrong?" Theo asked cautiously.

"I met someone I used to know. I don't want her to see me," Maeve explained softly. "Let's go up and disguise ourselves before coming back down." She had a pretty good idea of Alexis's intentions.

(Note: The following section about Byron and Jaylen is a separate scene and should likely be separated from the Maeve/Theo/Alexis storyline for clarity.)

Meanwhile, Byron refused Jaylen's suggestion. If they wanted to treat Gilbert, it had to be through Alexis. However, Alexis couldn't let Byron know she was behind it.

After a while, Maeve and Theo returned to the lobby, dressed in classic traditional clothing. Although their faces were unremarkable, their demeanor was striking.

"Ms. Palmer, why are you looking for me?" Maeve led Theo to stand before Alexis and asked directly.

Alexis sized her up, a polite smile on her lips. "How should I address you?"

"My name is..." Maeve hesitated, settling on a pseudonym. "My name is Kylie Chatterly, and this is my son, Leo Chatterly." Theo's eyes widened slightly. Mommy, you're being too perfunctory! he thought.

However, Alexis's eyes lit up at the surname. "Pardon me for asking, but what is your relationship with the Chatterly family?"

"My son is Jaylen's junior and the last student of Jaylen's master," Maeve replied calmly.

Alexis's smile widened. "What a coincidence! I interact with Dr. Chatterly's family frequently, and we have a good relationship."

Maeve sipped her coffee, remaining silent.

After some pleasantries, Alexis explained her reason for seeking them out. "I'd like you to treat my father. He's been in a coma for nearly five years. We've consulted many doctors, but nothing has worked. I almost gave up, but seeing you at the hotel... I had to try!"

Her words were sincere, but fearing refusal, she produced a prepared payment.

The familiar gesture of offering money reminded Maeve of their first meeting, when Alexis had humiliated her with it.

"Baby, what do you think?" Maeve asked Theo.

Theo, knowing his mother best, sensed her dislike—even repulsion—towards Alexis. Even though Alexis was his grandmother, he remained unaffected. Only his mother mattered.

He pushed the card back, his expression cool. "Jaylen told me his grandfather still owes Maeve a favor, so he asked me to treat your father. As for the remuneration... I won't accept it." Alexis looked at Theo, surprised. He seemed even more intelligent than she'd initially thought; not inferior to Will.

"I'm being tacky, Dr. Chatterly. Please don't be angry," Alexis said, her voice softening. "Then, what would you like? I'll buy it for you."

Maeve, wanting to minimize interaction, said, "Mrs. McDaniel, my son attends school weekdays. Weekends would be best for treatment." Alexis readily agreed. "Of course, we'll accommodate Dr. Chatterly's schedule."

Maeve was surprised. The Alexis she remembered wasn't so accommodating. However, she wasn't interested in investigating the reason. She left with Theo, returning to their suite.

(Note: The following section about Alexis and Byron is another separate scene.)

Alexis suddenly missed Will. Several days having passed since her last visit, she sent her driver to Nightfall Manor. Byron hadn't told her about Will's illness, only that he was asleep.

Alexis was disappointed. "So early? I brought a car full of toys and new clothes. He'll have to open them tomorrow."

Byron said, "Will doesn't lack anything. You don't need to bring gifts."

"I'm his grandmother. I can't visit empty-handed," Alexis protested. "And you're so busy. If you can't manage, send Will to me and my father. We have the time."

Byron remained indifferent. "Will is well-behaved and doesn't cause trouble."

Alexis was rejected again, her feelings mixed. "Byron, no matter how well-behaved he is, you can't neglect his mental health. Such a young child needs warmth without a mother. He's so quiet; I'm afraid he's bored." Byron thought of a question Will had asked, his eyes darkening.

Alexis continued, "His mother is gone. You've seen how Lynn has cared for him. What else are you worried about?"

Byron, tired of the conversation, interrupted. "I have a meeting. Let Damian entertain you."