Maeve denied it too quickly. Lynn knew she didn't mean it. After hesitating, Lynn began, "I have something to tell you. Actually, Byron and I aren't really..." A knock interrupted her.

A sudden knock sounded on the door. The nurse stood there, saying, "Ms. Reese, it's time for your medicine. You also have a physical examination later."

"Alright," Maeve said, looking at Lynn in confusion. "What were you going to say?"

Lynn shook her head. "It's nothing. Go ahead."

Maeve always sensed Lynn had conflicting emotions, but couldn't decipher them. She suspected it involved Byron, but decided not to pry.

"Anyway," Maeve continued, "they're getting married. They already have a child. I wouldn't want my future husband involved with another woman if I were Lynn. This needs to end," she thought. Bitterness curved Maeve's lips, and her eyes darkened.

That afternoon, Theo swaggered over to check Gilbert's pulse. Unfortunately, Byron was also present. Theo checked Gilbert's pulse; the boy had fallen asleep shortly before. Theo felt Byron scrutinizing him.

"Sir," Theo looked up warily, "why are you staring at me? I know I'm adorable, but you're bothering me. Can't you control yourself?"

Byron felt like laughing every time Theo spoke. 'Where did this brat come from?' he thought.

"Kid," Byron asked, "what do your parents do?"

"Why are you asking? Are you checking up on me?"

Byron narrowed his eyes. "I'm curious. It's fine if Jaylen exploits child labor, but why are your parents so generous? Are you their biological child?" 'He's digging a hole for himself,' Theo thought.

Theo's face puffed up. "You have to thank Maeve. If she hadn't begged my mother repeatedly, she'd have been worried about me coming here." Byron chuckled and asked casually, "Does your mother know you call her 'Maeve Mommy' privately?" 'He's tricking me again,' thought Theo. Theo's eyes widened innocently. "Not only does my mother know, she agrees."

'Children rarely lie. But this kid is surprisingly articulate; very little he says is believable,' Byron thought.

Byron smiled at Theo's small frame. He had to stand on a stool to check Gilbert's pulse. He retrieved a handkerchief from the table—out of Theo's reach—and offered it. Theo glared. "Don't fawn over me."

"What?"

"Most guys who fawn over me are after Maeve."

The smile faded from Byron's lips. "Did many men pursue Maeve?"

Theo puffed out his chest. "Isn't Maeve beautiful enough for you to realize that?"

"Jaylen is one of them?" (The online novel reference has been removed.)

"Of course, Jaylen is different," Theo said pointedly. "He's talented, young, and handsome. Isn't he perfect for Maeve? I might even be their ring bearer." Byron felt a wave of depression; his eyes grew colder.

Theo knew when to stop. He put away his needle case, concealing his accomplishments. 'Well, I just pissed off my cheap dad again,' he thought.

Meanwhile, in Maeve's ward, Will arrived with a thermos of "love soup" he'd prepared. The manor's butler and chef were terrified, but Maeve was touched.

"You're so sweet!" she hugged him. "How was kindergarten? Are you tired?"

Will blushed, though he was growing accustomed to intimacy with Maeve. He almost answered in Theo's tone, then asked, "Why must I go to kindergarten? Can't I skip it?"

"Why not?" Maeve stroked his hair. "You're clever. Other kids take years to learn numbers, but you're quick. But the journey is important too. Skip it, and you miss the scenery. That's why I insisted Theo start in kindergarten. No child, however clever, should miss their childhood," she thought.

Will seemed to understand, confusion in his eyes. "Isn't it to learn to be a qualified heir and bring glory to the family?"

Will's grandfather constantly reminded him he was the future McDaniel heir. He needed to be outstanding, strong, and ruthless—even willing to sacrifice family—to replace his father as the family pillar. But he didn't want to replace his father; he didn't want to be cruel.

Maeve chuckled. 'No wonder Islaton Private International Kindergarten is an aristocratic school. Its curriculum is tailored for the wealthy.' She shook her head. "You're young. Your priority is a happy childhood, not being trapped by adult expectations. Be yourself."

'So what if my child doesn't know everything? As long as he's healthy, happy, and safe, that's enough. There's no throne to inherit. Why pressure him?' she thought. Will's nose was red. He ran into Maeve's arms, clutching her clothes. It was like a tired bird finding its nest. No one had ever told him he could be himself, that he had a choice.

"So it's true mothers are the best," he thought, adding, "Dad's alright too," silently.

Maeve hugged him and saw a crescent-shaped birthmark on his neck. She froze. 'A birthmark? Why didn't I notice it? Was it too small before?' she wondered. She suppressed her doubts and hugged him tightly. She was probably overthinking.

"Mommy..."

A familiar, loud voice came from the doorway. Maeve spun around, but no one was there. 'Did I hear wrong? Will's in my arms. Why is the voice at the door?' she thought.

Outside, Theo leaned against the wall, patting his chest. 'Oh my god, Will's my good brother. He didn't even tell me he was coming. I almost got caught!'