A deep chill flashed in Byron's eyes, his expression growing even colder. "Does Jaylen know you have so many men around you?"

Maeve glared fiercely. "What does this have to do with you? Give me my phone back!" She feared Theo, on the other end, might speak up and inadvertently expose her. Fortunately, he was quick-witted and immediately hung up upon hearing her voice. Maeve sighed in relief as she struggled to snatch her phone back. Unexpectedly, her bag slipped from her lap, spilling its contents. The box of birth control pills, bought from the pharmacy, was particularly conspicuous. She reached to pick it up, but Byron moved faster, grabbing the box first.

He glanced at the words on the box. Instantly, the car's heating seemed to malfunction, the temperature plummeting. A chill crept up Maeve's neck, instinctively making her shrink back. She reached for the pills, but before she could react, Byron tossed them into the trash can.

His voice, sharp and chilling, followed. "Maeve Reese, get out."

Maeve was nearly beside herself with rage. "You throw away my pills and then tell me to leave? Is there no justice in this world?" she thought. Picking them up now would only make her look inferior. "Byron McDaniel, I wish you all the luck in the world, and may you be surrounded by happiness!" she said, before angrily exiting the car and striding toward the parking lot. Halfway there, she remembered Byron wanted to give her something, but her anger dismissed the thought.

Byron's expression darkened, seeming icy. He tossed the folder containing the investigation materials into the trash can.

Later, Maeve repurchased the medication. Four years ago, a doctor had told her that conceiving would be very difficult, giving her only a one percent chance of having twins. Despite the odds, she remained worried. She wanted nothing more to do with Byron.

She couldn't forget his mistrust four years ago, leaving her trapped in a dark, lonely detention center until his lawyer forced her divorce. She also remembered him pressuring her into an abortion. Not a single detail escaped her memory. Once she uncovered the truth behind Gilbert's harm and proved her innocence, she would finally sever all ties with him.

In the following days, Maeve didn't see Byron. While studio orders weren't as plentiful as before, they were sufficient. With Gwynn's wedding dress designed, Maeve finalized the design and began production. Amidst her busy schedule, she found an opportunity to enter the McDaniel mansion without suspicion. Disguised as a maid on Saturday night, she quietly slipped inside.

Meanwhile, in the dining room, Byron had little appetite, barely touching his food. Beside him, Will only ate a small bowl of cereal, the silence heavy and unusual.

"Why aren't you eating, Will?" Alexis asked. "You need to eat more to grow taller. Would you like Grandma to get you another bowl?"

Will shook his head. "Thank you, Grandma, but I'm full. Please enjoy your meal."

Alexis looked at him with fondness. They had raised such a thoughtful, obedient child. Other families must be envious.

Silent Jason glanced at Alexis. She nodded and approached Will. "Grandma has a gift for you. Would you like to see it?"

Will glanced at Byron, saw no objection, and nodded. "Okay."

After they left, Jason said, "You've been dragging out your marriage to Lynn for so long. When do you plan to marry her?"

Byron responded casually, "An answer?"

Jason said sternly, "You're not a kid anymore, and with a child of your own, what do you think will happen when Will grows up and you haven't married? People will talk, claiming Will is the illegitimate child of some unknown woman."

"You're overthinking it," Byron said, setting down his wine glass, a smug smile on his lips. "Who would dare talk about my son?"

"There will always be whispers," Jason said. "Lynn's background is more than suitable, and she treats Will well. There's a good date early next month; you should finalize the wedding then." Speaking as if to an employee, Jason continued sternly, "You should consider yourself. Don't tell me you intend to stay single for life!"

Byron's brow furrowed, his voice growing cold. "I've repeatedly made it clear not to interfere in my personal affairs."

"Are you planning to leave Lynn hanging indefinitely?" Jason's expression darkened. "Even if you don't care about Lynn, you should consider yourself!"

"I do have that thought in mind," Byron said.

"You!" Jason slammed the table. "Do you even know what you're saying? Byron McDaniel, your marriage is not just a personal matter; the interests and honor of the entire family rest on your shoulders! How can I feel secure in handing over the McDaniel Group to you like this?"

Byron scoffed. "Unless you can remove me from my position, you'll have to deal with it yourself."

Jason's face turned ashen. Byron caught sight of a familiar figure at the door—Maeve. "How could she be here?" he thought.

"Byron McDaniel, do you think I can't do anything about you just because you have the upper hand at the company now?" Jason warned darkly.

"Feel free to try," Byron replied, adjusting his cuff. "Besides, you asked me to get engaged to Lynn. I've done that, so what else could you possibly be dissatisfied with?" He stood and strode out. Jason, furious, threw a glass against the wall. 'That ungrateful son!' he thought.

Maeve, in her maid's uniform, moved carefully along the upstairs wall. She didn't know which room the girl was in, so she had to check each one. Since the Gilbert incident, McDaniel family surveillance had increased, and she had to be careful to avoid cameras. Reaching the second floor, she pushed open a bedroom door and heard muffled voices.

She peered inside and saw two people on the sofa: Alexis and, to her surprise, a small figure. Her heart tightened inexplicably. "What's wrong with me?" she thought.