Maeve noticed Gwynn's uncertainty; Gwynn kept glancing at her phone's camera, possibly reacting to livestream comments, causing her to hesitate. After a moment's consideration, Maeve suggested they visit the sample room, stipulating that no filming was permitted.

The fans were displeased that Gwynn had left them, eagerly awaiting her return. Half an hour later, Maeve and Gwynn returned to the reception room and immediately signed the contract.

After Gwynn paid the deposit and saw her fans' comments, she pointedly told Maeve, "Ms. Reese, if the finished wedding dress doesn't meet my expectations, I'll expose your studio online."

"Don't worry, Miss Olson," Maeve said with a smile. "Dreamscape always strives for perfection. In a week, you and your fiancé are welcome to see the production process. It's more meaningful when both partners are involved."

Gwynn felt touched. Her fiancé had been very busy lately, but because she loved him, she never complained, even when hurt. She was pleased Maeve had given her a perfect excuse to involve him.

"Alright, thank you," Gwynn replied.

After seeing Gwynn off, Maeve noticed a tall man in a silver-gray double-breasted trench coat approaching from the elevator. He wore sunglasses, and his naturally upturned lips hinted at a faint, ambiguous smile, giving him an enigmatic air. Maeve detected a medicinal scent emanating from him, oddly familiar.

"Ms. Reese, long time no see," the man said in a familiar, teasing tone. "The last time we met was four years ago?"

Maeve's eyes showed confusion. "And you are?" she asked.

The man raised an eyebrow. "I'm Neville McDaniel. You haven't forgotten me, have you, Ms. Reese?"

"Neville McDaniel?" Maeve recalled some information but remained puzzled. "It seems we aren't acquainted. Why would I remember you?"

"You're still as guarded as before," Neville chuckled. "Considering you've divorced Byron, it seems unnecessary, doesn't it? After all, I'm here to help you today."

"Help me? What do you mean?" she asked.

"Your studio has been under pressure lately, with designers leaving and basic operations struggling. This is thanks to the McDaniel Group, isn't it?" Neville replied. Maeve grew wary. How does he know about all this? she thought.

"So what if it's true? What are you trying to say?" she asked.

Neville stepped closer, positioned himself sideways, and smiled. "Since we have a common enemy, why not join forces?"

"Are you kidding? Why would I want to partner with you?" Maeve asked.

"Well... what if I told you that at the time of Mr. McDaniel's harm, besides you, another suspect was present?"

Maeve was stunned. How do you know this? Who is that person?

Neville chuckled, dispensing with suspense. "She's a fool, someone even the McDaniel family's servants could push around. On the day Mr. McDaniel was harmed, she was hiding under the bed, fast asleep."

Maeve immediately thought of a foolish girl. Four years ago, when Alexis had confined her, the girl was starving, and Maeve had secretly given her chocolate. But if she was there, why wasn't she discovered? she thought. "How do I know if what you're saying is true?" Maeve asked thoughtfully. He seems to know everything about the McDaniel family.

Neville shrugged. "I've shown my sincerity, Ms. Reese. Whether you believe me is no longer my concern. However..." He handed her a business card. "If you decide to consider partnering with me, I'm always open to it."

Maeve held the card, feeling unsettled. Neville's presence always gave her a jarring feeling—a feeling she still had from four years ago. She couldn't shake the impression that he was strange. Even though he smelled of medicine and seemed harmless, she felt an instinctive fear. He was skilled at psychological games, and his leverage struck a soft spot, making it impossible to ignore him. If that foolish girl had witnessed something, she would be a vital witness in clearing Maeve's name. The problem was that Maeve could no longer access the McDaniel family estate.

Around four o'clock, Maeve left the studio early to pick up Theo from the sanatorium. Exiting the building, she spotted a black Spyker parked by the roadside, seemingly waiting. The license plate was flashy, ending in a 9, easily identifying the owner. It was Byron, the last person she wanted to see. She intended to walk away, but the car window rolled down, revealing Byron's handsome face.

"Maeve, get in the car," he said.

Maeve pretended not to hear.

"Or do you want to discuss this morning's matter out here?" Byron's low, threatening voice made her stop. Gritting her teeth, she returned to the car, opened the door, and sat down with a thud. "I'm in a hurry for a date and don't have time to waste on you, so just say what you need to say," Maeve said, crossing her arms.

Byron glanced at her defensive posture and scoffed. "No need to lie; Jaylen was abroad."

Maeve lifted her chin. "You underestimate me. Just because he's not here doesn't mean I don't have other options for a date."

"It seems your value has gone up since the divorce, and you have quite a few men around you," Byron said, narrowing his eyes.

"Just average," Maeve replied. "The main thing is that I've opened my eyes and won't make the same mistake."

"If your eyesight is poor, you might still make the same mistake," he remarked.

Maeve's lips twitched. "Do you think I'm complimenting you?"

Byron raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it?"

"Did you call me here just to argue with me?" Maeve asked.

"Don't underestimate me," Byron said, picking up a file folder. "You can't even figure out who's been undermining you, yet you dare to provoke me at the company?"

Just as Maeve was about to retort, her phone rang. It was Theo. Glancing cautiously at Byron, she answered, "Sweetie, I'm on my way, wait for me!" Her phone slipped from her hand into Byron's grasp. "What are you doing!" Maeve exclaimed, lunging forward.

Byron held the phone high, pressing down on her shoulder to stop her. He glanced at the contact name: [Sweet...]

The extraneous website promotion has been removed. The punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure have been improved for clarity and flow. The narrative is now more concise and engaging.