Chapter 381

Maeve’s heart pounded uncontrollably, feeling as though it might burst from her chest. She clenched her warm palms. Logically, Byron couldn’t see her; his sunglasses were still on. Without his usual invasive gaze, she should manage easily. However, she was utterly flustered, almost wanting to flee. Remembering this was her room, she resisted the urge to run away.

“Stop confusing me with flowery words,” Maeve said, feigning coldness. “I won’t fall for your tricks.”

Byron smiled subtly. “Maeve, isn’t it quiet here?”

His swift change of subject left Maeve disoriented. Then, she heard him say, “Your heart is beating so fast.”

What! She quickly stepped back, covering her thumping heart. Her face burned crimson.

At that moment, the bathroom door opened, and a wet Jaylen emerged.

Byron frowned, hearing the commotion. “Who’s in your room?”

Maeve realized she’d forgotten Jaylen was still there! Her throat tightened. Then, she remembered he’d only been using the bathroom. What was there to feel guilty about? Jaylen had planned to leave after showering to avoid discomforting Maeve, but seeing Byron, he changed his mind. His love rival was present; leaving would give Byron a chance to be alone with Maeve.

“Maeve, I just showered, and my mouth is dry. Could I have some coffee?” Jaylen cleared his throat, feigning discomfort.

Maeve immediately sensed the temperature drop around Byron. Cold arrows seemed to shoot from him.

She adopted a numb expression. Making one cup of coffee was the same as making two.

“Take a seat. I’ll serve you,” Maeve said resignedly, picking up the coffee pot.

Byron said coldly, “Why is he in your room?” Could they be living together?

The murderous intent in his tone made Maeve’s wrist tremble.

Jaylen crossed his legs and smirked. “If a busy man like Mr. McDaniel can be here, why can’t I?”

Byron’s thin lips curled coldly. “Looks like Mr. Chatterly’s been in good spirits lately. You even have time to run around. Living a long time isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

Jaylen laughed disdainfully. “At least it’s better than finding someone blind who needs assistance walking.”

“Looks like she doesn’t have good taste. She chose a fiancé on death’s door.”

The air crackled with tension. This was jealousy incarnate. The seemingly emotionless conversation was barbed, each jab aimed at the other’s heart. Neither man wanted to be inferior to the other in Maeve's eyes.

Maeve’s mouth twitched. She forcefully placed the coffee pot on the table. “Do you still want coffee? If so, leave and don’t disturb my sleep.”

Byron’s cold expression softened slightly. He seemed to have misunderstood; they didn’t live together.

“I haven’t finished my coffee yet,” Byron said calmly.

Maeve glanced at his coffee, grabbed the cup, and poured it into the trash. “It’s gone now.”

Byron’s thin lips tightened, his face darkening.

Jaylen gloated, raising an eyebrow. He deserved it.

Unexpectedly, Maeve took his coffee. “Drinking coffee at night causes insomnia. Stop drinking it and go to your room.” Jaylen was speechless. What did I do wrong?

Maeve practically threw the two men out, slamming the door behind them.

“Mr. McDaniel, are you here to stop my fiancée and me from spending time alone?” Jaylen asked, his tone strange. “Your determination is commendable.”

Byron sneered. “Sleeping in separate beds and being chased out of the room by your fiancée? I envy you, Mr. Chatterly. I’ve never experienced a fiancée’s embrace, so I feel no difference. Farewell.”

Byron wasn’t worried. Maeve would be mine eventually.

After sending them away, Maeve felt peace. She ate supper sent by the front desk. After resting, she showered.

The bathtub faced a large, open French window offering a view of the bustling night scenery. The material prevented outside observation. Maeve, being conservative, drew the curtains halfway, still allowing for a view.

After filling the tub, she relaxed, feeling all her tension melt away. The past few days had been exhausting. Even rest was a luxury.

Soaking, she heard her phone ring. Who would call now? Seeing the caller ID, she was stunned.

“Byron? Didn’t you go back? Didn’t you have your bodyguards pick you up?” Maeve was puzzled and worried. He can’t see; he might get lost.

“You haven’t opened my gift,” Byron’s clear voice said. “If you don’t want it, I’ll open it.”

Maeve had forgotten. “I don’t remember you bringing anything. Was it air?”

“Look out the window.”

Maeve raised an eyebrow. Only fireworks were visible outside, but they were prohibited in Greenhaven's center. Could it not be fireworks? She leaned forward.

The twin towers opposite lit up with a dazzling beam of light, rising and bursting into flames. Words flashed: “[I wish you a smooth first fashion debut in Greenhaven tomorrow at Dreamscape.]” It lasted nine minutes.

Maeve covered her mouth, her eyes wide. The twin towers were Greenhaven’s most iconic symbol. Advertising there required significant backing or resources; it cost tens of thousands per second.