Mr. McDaniel, sorry to disturb your meal. I have something important to report," Archer said, approaching with a solemn expression. "It's about Kuskait's pharmaceutical company."

Byron nodded slightly and turned to Maeve. "Eat first. I'll go deal with it," he said.

"Okay," Maeve replied.

She watched as Byron and Archer walked away to talk privately. Resting her chin on her hand, she pondered, "Is he always this busy?"

Just then, Serena said, "Mr. McDaniel is so busy every day and has very little free time. He most likely doesn't have much time to accompany you. Does it bother you?"

Maeve considered the question. When she first married Byron, he was so busy she rarely saw him. Over time, he began returning home more frequently, though she couldn't pinpoint when the shift occurred. She wasn't one to crave constant company; they both had demanding jobs and didn't need to be clingy.

"No," she replied with a smile. "He's busy, and so am I. It's fine."

"Mr. McDaniel is so lucky to have such an understanding girlfriend," Serena said. "Previously, I thought he would marry his first love. Oops! I'm sorry. I spoke without thinking. Please don't take it to heart." She pretended to be vexed by her slip.

Maeve wasn't offended, but curious. "His first love? I don't think I've heard him mention her before," she asked.

"Well, Mr. McDaniel was once a young man madly in love," Serena said, elegantly sipping her coffee. "He met his first love in university. She was a high school student. I even saw the sketch he drew of her at his house. I suppose school romances, while often short-lived, are always unforgettable."

Byron had drawn a sketch of the girl. Maeve immediately thought of the sketch in Byron's study. The girl in it resembled Lynn. So that was Byron's first love, she thought.

Having had an ex-boyfriend herself, she didn't mind Byron having a first love before her. However, she was puzzled. He'd told her he'd never been in a relationship. Had he lied?

Serena noticed Maeve's expression change. Her smile deepened as she feigned ignorance. "Did I say too much? Don't mind me. I just returned and don't have many friends. I hit it off with you and subconsciously said more than I should have."

Serena was Will's friend, so Maeve had a good impression of her and didn't realize she was sowing discord.

"Not at all," Maeve said earnestly. "Serena, I have to thank you for chatting with me. Otherwise, I would be bored eating alone." Serena was speechless. Is this woman actually stupid? she thought.

Serena's smile faded, realizing her words had failed. Finishing her coffee, she stood.

"I need to go home and prepare some things," she said. "I have to go to Mr. McDaniel's house tonight to counsel Will, so I'll be heading off."

Maeve nodded and waved. "Goodbye, Serena. Thank you for your hard work."

When Serena turned, her smile vanished. Maeve was unaware she'd unintentionally angered her. She looked at the plate of shrimp Byron had served her and angrily pushed it back to his side of the table. Byron, you big liar, she thought. He clearly had a first love, but lied and said he'd never been in a relationship.

"What's wrong?" Byron returned to the table, noticing Maeve's action. Raising an eyebrow, he said, "You're so nice to me today. You even thought of sharing your food with me." Maeve paused at his interpretation and silently pulled the plate back. Why should I share my food with him? she thought.

Byron casually unbuttoned his jacket. Every movement was elegant. Sitting down, he asked, "Were you and Serena talking about me?"

Maeve looked up sharply. Is he omniscient?

Her thoughts were evident. "What did you talk about?" he asked.

"Nothing," Maeve replied. "We just talked about a man's first love."

"And?" Byron pressed.

Maeve looked at him. "Did you have one too?"

Byron paused. "Not really," he said truthfully.

Who is he trying to fool? Maeve thought. He'd sketched his first love and kept the sketch in his study. How can he deny it? Is he afraid I'll be jealous? She felt a surge of jealousy and angrily took the largest rib from his plate. "Take them all," she said.

Byron gave her the rest. He was secretly smiling.

Maeve protectively held her plate. "No," she said expressionlessly. "I don't eat food given out of pity." Byron was confused by her sudden change in mood.

That afternoon, still angry, Maeve returned to the studio. She glanced at Tom's seat—he was gone. Paige informed her he'd left early and hadn't returned.

"By the way, Ms. Reese, a guest is waiting in the reception room," Paige said. "He's been here a while."

Maeve found Leon Anderson. "Mr. Anderson, why are you here?" she asked, surprised. "Are you feeling better?"

He was wearing a white casual outfit, his short hair neat. His handsome features were striking, yet he looked scholarly, not feminine. He seemed healthier and more cheerful than their last meeting.

"Much better," he smiled. "The doctor said I could go for a walk, and I ended up here. Sorry for worrying you and Byron last time."

Maeve poured him coffee. "It was nothing. I'm glad you're recovering."

Leon looked at her intently. "My old clothes don't fit anymore," he said. "I wanted to ask you to help me make some men's clothes." He'd sent his women's clothes back to Erancia. From now on, Leon would live as himself.

Maeve agreed. "Let me take your measurements first. You seem to have grown more than four inches taller! How did you do it?" She'd wanted to ask about his height before but hadn't had the chance. She'd always wished she were taller, especially next to Byron, who was over six foot three.

Leon scratched his head shyly. "I used to take bone-shrinking pills, so I looked shorter. After taking the antidote, I returned to my original height."

Maeve was slightly disappointed. She knew a person couldn't grow four inches overnight. She sighed internally, patted his shoulder, and gestured for him to follow her to the changing room.

Leon touched the spot where she'd patted him, his face turning slightly red.