07:39 Sat, Nov 9.
Byron noticed something unusual in Maeve's relationship with Theo. It seemed to extend far beyond that of godmother and godson. Theo's behavior toward Maeve suggested a mother-son bond. Byron narrowed his eyes, but instead of entering the ward, he turned and left. He felt his suspicions were meaningless without concrete proof.
That afternoon, the attending doctor brought Theo to other departments for a thorough examination. "Mrs. McDaniel, Mr. McDaniel instructed us to perform a checkup for you and your son," the doctor explained.
Maeve was surprised, guessing Byron feared something might happen to her and Will. She agreed to the examination. "It's not a bad thing to have a physical examination!" she thought.
The results arrived that evening. First Hospital's VIP service provided prompt results and physician's recommendations. Maeve and her children were healthy, though slightly malnourished and suffering from minor gastric deficiencies. As they reviewed the results, Byron entered.
Seeing him, they quickly hid the reports. Byron glanced at them and said concisely, "Take it out."
"Hey, you're off work early today. You used to only come back at half past six," Maeve said awkwardly, attempting to deflect his attention. "Don't make me repeat myself," Byron replied.
Reluctantly, Maeve and her children produced the reports. Even Theo, usually defiant, was subdued. He'd recently had a high fever, remembering Byron's tender care—touching his forehead, changing his fever patch, and wiping his sweat. He was beginning to accept Byron as his father.
Byron carefully read the reports, his frown deepening. Maeve sensed something was wrong.
"If I didn't know better, I would have thought you came to the hospital to collect stamps. You guys have gathered all the small ailments," Byron said, shaking the report. "Look at this. This report says that you guys are malnourished!" Tension filled the room. Maeve and her sons huddled together, trembling.
Will, feeling compelled to speak, tried to reassure Byron. "Dad, calm down. The doctor said it's not a big problem. We can all be nursed back to health."
"What do you know about this? You'll never know the severity of a problem until it becomes a big problem!" Byron retorted. Will fell silent. Theo pouted. "It's not like we want to get sick ourselves."
"So, you never planned to grow those cavities in your mouth?" Byron asked pointedly, referring to Will's recent dental problems, which Theo had subsequently developed. Theo immediately fell silent.
Theo and Will were speechless. Maeve, facing Byron's disappointment, bit the bullet. "We'll be careful in the future. Even if we don't, you'll be watching us, right? We'll be fine under your care." Byron's expression softened. He sighed and said, "Pack your things and go home."
The word "home" stirred Maeve's heart.
While packing, Byron's phone buzzed. It was a message from Archer: "[Mr. McDaniel, The samples have been sent for identification. The results will be out by tomorrow at the latest.]" That night, a healthier diet commenced.
Will and Theo ate easily, but Maeve found the bland food torturous, a stark reminder of years spent with Byron. However, with him beside her, she couldn't complain.
Later, Maeve checked her phone. Islaton's parents' group chat was buzzing about "Sleeping Beauty," the school play in which Maeve had designed the costumes. The play had gone viral, sparking discussion about Maeve designing the next school uniform.
A parent suggested: "[Is it possible for Ms. Reese to design the new school uniform for next year?]"
The principal soon replied, announcing a design competition with a one hundred thousand grand prize.
One hundred grand, almost Islaton's annual tuition fee. Maeve's eyes lit up. The thought of beating Faye fueled her desire to enter the competition.
"What are you smiling at?" Byron's voice resonated from behind.
Before Maeve could turn, his arms encircled her waist. "Stop messing around. You know I'm ticklish," she chuckled, dropping her phone.
Byron pulled her close. His dark eyes gleamed. "Don't you have anything to say to me?"
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