"Betty, you're exaggerating," Maeve chuckled. "The queen wouldn't teach her a lesson; at most, she'd cut off her company's business in Erancia. That's more her style." She recalled her first national banquet in Francia. A jewelry tycoon's son had been disrespectful, even attempting to besmirch her. Afterward, the royal family terminated their cooperation with the tycoon, effectively ending his jewelry and diamond sales within the territory. Maeve realized the queen and Loren had acted decisively to protect her and prevent further disrespect.

"You... don't think this will scare me? What's so special about being the queen's student? Do you really think I'm so easily intimidated?" The noble lady trembled, then hurried away.

Maeve was amused. "That noble lady bullies the weak and fears the strong!"

"And you," Mrs. Betty Chatterly tapped Maeve's forehead, "Why didn't you come to me for help? Why did you let them bully you?"

Maeve blinked. "Jaylen told you, did he? I didn't want to trouble you."

"Why treat me like an outsider? Jaylen's out of the country; I'm looking out for you for him. He'd worry otherwise."

A nearby noble lady's expression became ambiguous. "Mrs. Chatterly, is your youngest son getting married soon?"

"You're good at keeping secrets. Don't forget to invite us!" She added, "Your future daughter-in-law is lovely. That nouveau riche family is just looking for trouble, trying to show off."

Praise filled the air, the atmosphere harmonious, as if the earlier incident never happened. Maeve suspected Mrs. Chatterly misunderstood, but she'd just received help and didn't want to appear ungrateful. She would explain later.

Meanwhile, on the second-floor viewing platform, a tall, slender figure stood by the railing, one hand in his pocket, a wine glass in the other. His narrow eyes coldly observed the scene below. Archer, behind him, felt a cold sweat forming. How had he bumped into Ms. Reese? Maeve's name had been taboo in the McDaniel family for four years.

"But after four years, no one expected Maeve to be with the Chatterly family's miracle doctor, or to have Mrs. Chatterly's approval," Archer thought. "Mr. McDaniel's indifference to the earlier insults suggests he doesn't care who she marries. The world changes," he concluded. Byron indifferently set down his wine glass. "Tell the driver to bring the car downstairs."

"Yes, Mr. McDaniel," Archer replied, contacting the driver. Then, Byron's voice deepened. "Wait." Archer waited, but Byron gave no further instructions.

After exchanging contact information with the noble ladies, Maeve went to the upstairs changing room to change her soiled gown.

The dress clung uncomfortably. She entered a cubicle, pulling down the back zipper as she closed the door. A hand forcefully opened it. Byron entered.

Maeve recoiled, speechless at the sight of his cold face. "Byron?"

His imposing figure filled the small space. "Mr. McDaniel, it's not gentlemanly to barge into a lady's changing room," Maeve said calmly. "Leave, or I'll call for help."

Byron looked at her mockingly. "Soon, you'll be the Chatterly family's young madam. Confident, aren't you?"

"What do you mean?" Maeve asked.

"Does Jaylen know how ruthless you are?" Byron lifted her chin. "Or were you two together four years ago?"

Maeve's eyes burned with anger. "Stop slandering me!"

Byron sneered, tightening his grip. "You've cultivated a 'I deserve everything' attitude. It's disgusting."

Her chin hurt. "What right do you have? Gilbert will wake up someday. Why are you so sure I'm guilty? Why humiliate me?" Hatred filled her voice. "Disgusting? Let's see who's more disgusting!"

She stood on tiptoe, pulled his head down, and kissed him angrily.

Byron's pupils constricted. He remained stiff for a moment. Maeve bit his lip furiously, then he pushed her against the wall. He wiped his lips, his gaze cold.

"Maeve, are you courting death?" Byron asked.

Unafraid, she smiled arrogantly. "Mr. McDaniel, I kissed and bit you. Aren't you disgusted?" She thought, Since you called me disgusting, let's be disgusting together.

Byron's smile was cold. His gaze deepened.

Maeve tried to leave, but he grabbed her arm, pulling her back against the wall. Before she could speak, he leaned in and kissed her forcefully.

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