Byron and Lynn are getting married," Alexis's voice, laced with bitter anger, came from behind Maeve. "Ms. Reese, no matter how skilled you are, Byron won't marry you. If you're willing to be his secret mistress, I commend your courage—though it seems you've sacrificed all pride." The news of the wedding felt like a vise around Maeve's heart. She turned, a faint smile playing on her lips, and looked at Alexis. "Are you telling me this, Mrs. McDaniel, hoping for a wedding gift? Don't worry, I'll bring a generous present to celebrate Mr. McDaniel's... happy second chapter."

Alexis's face darkened; her anger flared. She snapped at the driver, "Let's go!"

"Yes, ma'am," the driver replied.

Maeve's smile faded, her eyes drooping slightly as she watched them leave. She already knew Byron was marrying Lynn; it wasn't surprising, and it no longer mattered. As long as she obtained Gilbert's antidote, she would sever ties with the McDaniel family once he awoke. After driving to the sanatorium, Maeve went straight upstairs.

Meanwhile, at a business banquet, Jason and Alexis publicly announced Byron and Lynn's wedding date—the tenth of the following month—to numerous guests and media. The announcement crashed major social media platforms for half an hour and became a top five trending topic.

The McDaniel Group dominated a significant portion of the domestic industry, with global subsidiaries. As the group's president, Byron was not only wealthy and young, but his striking looks and commanding presence had stolen the spotlight years earlier, eclipsing even the most popular male celebrities. His personal life was always fodder for gossip, and the news of his impending marriage sent the online community into a frenzy, causing the company's stock prices to fluctuate.

Theo was furious. In a frustrated whisper, he called Will, shouting, "He's marrying someone else, and you're still around him? Dump him and come live with us! I'm not trying to scare you, but it's common knowledge: where there's a stepmother, there's a stepfather!"

Will held the phone away from his ear. "Hold on, don't panic. The media exaggerates; they might be wrong. I'll ask Dad when he gets home."

He'd barely finished speaking when he saw Byron entering. He ran over, saying, "Dad, everyone online is saying you're marrying Miss Anderson."

Byron's expression was unreadable. He asked calmly, "What's the matter?"

Will froze. "But I don't want you to marry her."

"This is an adult matter; children shouldn't interfere," Byron said.

Sadness flickered in Will's eyes, but he said nothing, running upstairs. Byron pressed his fingers to his temples, a cold glint in his eyes.

Overhearing their conversation, Theo threw his phone down in frustration and went to find Maeve. A news segment about the wedding played on the television.

Maeve sat cross-legged on the carpet, eating an orange and watching the television. Theo approached cautiously. "Mommy, how are you feeling?"

"Fine," Maeve said, popping an orange segment in her mouth. "Wealthy people make a big splash when they marry, right?" Her tone was detached, as if discussing someone else's life. Theo thought for a moment. "Mommy, if you can't stand that guy, how about asking Loren for some weapons to blow up his wedding venue?"

Maeve nearly choked. "Where does Loren get all this stuff?"

"Mommy, don't you remember? He runs Weapons Factory 011."

"Stop hanging out with him; he's too dangerous," Maeve said.

Theo tugged her sleeve. "Mommy, you still haven't said if we should blow up his wedding venue?" He thought, As long as Mommy wants it, I'll do it! And I'll make sure there are no traces!

Maeve slowly ate her orange. "Let's not, okay? There are so many wealthy people; we can't blow them all up."

Theo felt anxious. Why is Mommy so calm? Is she too sad to show emotion? "Mommy, just let me know if you want to blow something up," he said sternly.

Maeve patted his head. "Alright, it's none of our business. Let's not worry about it." Little did she know this would become far more relevant than she expected.

The next day, Alexis and Lynn arrived at the studio to order a wedding dress, demanding Maeve's services. They were clearly there to show off their engagement and assert dominance.

"I'm sorry," Maeve said calmly, "but Dreamscape's dresses are handmade, and production time is long. We only take one order every two months, and our slots are booked." "I can't help you this time. Perhaps you could come back for your next wedding?"

Alexis and Lynn paled. Alexis thought, Next wedding? What does she mean? "You're the first to turn away customers like us! Do you think we're unworthy of your service?" Alexis retorted angrily.

Maeve smiled gently. "If you don't believe me, Mrs. McDaniel, check our appointment list. It's not that I'm refusing; I'm simply unable to accommodate you."

Lynn glanced at the appointment book held by Paige and whispered to Alexis, "Alexis, she's telling the truth."

Alexis lifted her chin. "Then what about gowns? I want several custom-made dresses for Lynn's wedding day."

"Ms. Reese's gown orders for this month are also fully booked, Mrs. McDaniel. Would you like to consider another designer?" Paige explained.

Alexis fumed. "Both the wedding dress and gowns are booked? What is this studio doing? Are you deliberately sabotaging us?"

Lynn chuckled. "Alexis, you'll have plenty to talk about with those wealthy ladies next time."

Maeve saw the threat in her words and narrowed her eyes, formulating a plan. "If Miss Anderson and Mrs. McDaniel insist, considering Mr. McDaniel's account, I suppose I should extend a courtesy." Alexis snorted. "At least you're sensible. Lynn's wedding dress is your responsibility, and it must meet her satisfaction."

Lynn, realizing Alexis was making things difficult, cleverly began listing numerous requirements. Maeve smiled and nodded, standing up. "Miss Anderson, let's take your measurements."

Lynn paused, glancing at Alexis. "Alexis..."

"Go ahead," Alexis nodded. "With me here, she won't dare bully you."

Lynn bit her lip and reluctantly followed Maeve into the fitting room. Maeve produced a measuring tape. "Take off your jacket, stretch your arms out, and stand up straight. And pull down your collar for your neck measurement."