Chapter 390

Warren initially mentioned the female housekeeper, subtly suggesting other women were present to reassure Maeve. He then invited her to sample the chef's cooking, a gesture akin to an elder inviting a junior to a meal—easygoing and difficult to refuse. Maeve felt that further refusal would be disrespectful. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Richard," she said.

Warren's home, a white, modern villa with a garden, sits by the lake behind the police station. It shows some age but isn't dilapidated. The police station playground is visible from a diagonal perspective. Maeve mused, The person who dares to live here must be honest; otherwise, he wouldn't be so close to the police station.

Upon arrival, Maeve received a warm welcome from the housekeeper and chef, who presented a tablet menu. Their culinary skills were clearly rarely displayed. Several desserts Maeve ordered were ready by the time Warren descended, having changed clothes.

"Mr. Richard, would you like some?" Maeve politely offered.

Warren, seated at the head of the table, smiled. "I don't really like sweet food, but I think it should be good to eat it once in a while." He then instructed the housekeeper to send a specific dessert from the kitchen.

Watching Maeve savor the desserts, Warren pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, a smile playing on his lips. "You like sweets?"

Maeve smiled. "Sweet food improves one's mood."

"So you're not in a good mood today? Can I ask why?"

Maeve paused. Her fork gently poked the cheesecake; her expression was slightly forlorn. Warren quickly corrected himself. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. I'm not very good with words. My son always mocks me for only having a big mouth."

Maeve smiled. "That must be your son acting cute. In my opinion, you're very good with words."

"I see," Warren replied, understanding her meaning.

They chatted amiably like old friends, easily engaging in frank conversation. The housekeeper smiled. "I'm sorry, I need to go to the washroom," she said. Maeve felt a faint abdominal pain, suspecting her period, and asked the housekeeper for directions.

The housekeeper led her there, mentioning something she needed from a cabinet. Maeve thanked her. While changing her sanitary pad, she discovered a stain on the back of her dress. I hope I haven't dirtied Warren's stool, she worried.

Exiting the washroom, face flushed, Maeve found the housekeeper waiting.

"Ms. Reese, I saw your dress was dirty. Shall I bring you upstairs to change?"

"Would it be too troublesome?"

"Of course not. I've already asked Mr. Richard for instructions," the housekeeper replied kindly. "Since you're a guest, we naturally have to make you comfortable." She led Maeve to a princess-themed room upstairs and produced a change of clothes.

Maeve, noting the pink décor, asked, "Is this Mr. Richard's daughter's room?"

"Yes," the housekeeper confirmed. "Everything here was personally arranged by Mr. Richard. He loves his daughter very much."

"What a good father," Maeve sighed.

"He's also a poor father," the housekeeper sighed, handing Maeve the clothes. "This outfit's been washed but never worn. See if it fits."

Maeve tried on the apricot-pink, retro-style dress. The lace-trimmed hem reached her ankles. It was elegant and unfamiliar.

Straightening her skirt, Maeve paused before a large photograph. It depicted Warren and a beautiful woman, his wife. Wait, she looks familiar? Maeve wondered. I wouldn't forget such a beautiful person, but why can't I recall where I've seen her?

"Ms. Reese, are you done?" the housekeeper's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Maeve nodded. "Alright, I'll go down now."

Downstairs, she thanked Warren. "Mr. Richard, thank you for lending me such beautiful clothes. I'll wash them and return them."

Warren smiled. "No need. This dress suits you very well. It looks beautiful on you."

"But this is what you prepared for your daughter..."

"This dress might prefer going home with you. Please don't refuse."

Maeve considered for a moment. "Thank you."

"You're too kind."

Warren invited Maeve to dinner, but she declined, worried about her children.

After Maeve left, the housekeeper chuckled. "Mr. Richard, this is the first time I've seen a girl who shows no fear around you and has such a cute personality."

Warren smiled. "She's indeed cute. I'm even a little envious of her father."

Maeve, her dress swirling, entered her apartment. The aroma of cooking filled the air. Her children, upon seeing her elegant appearance, were astonished. Theo exclaimed, "Mommy, mommy! Where did you go? You're so beautiful! You look like a princess!"

Will added seriously, "The princess in the book isn't as good-looking as Mommy. Mommy is the most beautiful."

Maeve, flattered, twirled. "Mirror, mirror, who is the most beautiful woman in the world?"

Will blushed. "Of course it's my Mommy!"

Theo clapped in agreement. "It's you, it's you! Our great and beautiful hero mother!"

Maeve laughed. Byron, leaning against the wall, coughed softly. "Two little bootlickers," he muttered, his glasses remaining fixed.