Chapter 412

Alexis clearly didn't look down on Maeve because of her background. Maeve, however, felt inexplicably bitter.

It would be a lie to say she wasn't saddened by the gossip at the banquet and the immediate suspicion cast upon her. She couldn't show it, though. Otherwise, they would exploit her weakness and attack further.

Maeve never expected Alexis, who had once held her in high regard, to take her side.

"Thank you," Maeve said softly.

"Don't worry too much. Gilbert is sensible and loves you very much. He won't judge you based on your background," Alexis reassured her. "However, Jason might bring up Laurel's last wish. That's unavoidable, so you may have to endure some hardship."

Alexis meant the engagement was fine, but marriage might be difficult.

Maeve understood. "We're not in a hurry to get married. It's too early to discuss that."

"That's true. I can't interfere too much," Alexis sighed, hoping her son and Maeve would be happy. She wanted to atone for past wrongs.

Maeve chatted with Alexis for a while. Noticing Byron hadn't come downstairs, she went to look for him. "Don't get beaten up..." she murmured.

A servant emerged after delivering water, leaving the door ajar. Maeve hesitated at the threshold, then heard Byron's low, indifferent voice.

"This is temporary. I'll break things off with her soon, so don't worry."

"Have you thought this through? Discussed it with Maeve?"

"I've made up my mind."

Gilbert nodded. "Maeve's situation is different now. She's at a disadvantage. I'm relieved you feel this way."

Maeve went deathly pale. Her heart clenched, making it hard to breathe. She clung to the wall as she descended the stairs, her pace quickening, as if fleeing reality.

In the study, Gilbert sighed. "You've never met your grandmother. It doesn't matter if you don't adhere to her last wish. I believe she'll understand."

Byron's calm composure faltered. "Grandpa, I'm sorry."

"What's to be sorry for?" Gilbert waved his hand. "You and Maeve have been apart so long. It's not easy to be together again. How could I be heartless enough to separate you? However, you aren't the only one with a say in remarriage. You have to consider Maeve's feelings."

At this, Byron hesitated.

Gilbert's sharp eyes noticed immediately. "Don't tell me you haven't gotten Maeve's approval?"

"No, I plan to mention it later." He needed a smooth transition before proceeding.

Gilbert smiled. "You're used to planning everything, but have you forgotten relationships can't be planned? You two need to interact and assess each other. That's how life works."

His grandson was decisive and resolute, but clueless about matters of the heart, inexperienced with women. Maeve, being delicate and sensitive, was bound to be at a disadvantage. It all depended on their adjustment to each other.

Maeve didn't know if she was at a disadvantage, but she was angry. Even after leaving the McDaniels, she remained depressed.

Byron noticed. "What did Alexis tell you?"

"Nothing much. She tried to encourage me," Maeve said calmly, looking out the window. "To not worry about others' opinions."

"Do you still care what others think?"

If the banquet situation had been disadvantageous, she could have retaliated without fear of reprisal. She'd never been weak with outsiders.

Maeve turned, meeting his gaze. "It depends." If those she cared about cared, she would be affected.

Byron looked at her thoughtfully, saying nothing. They drove to her apartment in silence.

Before exiting the car, Maeve's struggle ended. She let go of her scratched hand and exhaled. "Byron, I'm grateful you helped me avoid public humiliation. This relationship will harm you more than it benefits you, so after things settle down, if you want to break off the engagement, I won't object. I just hope it won't be long." She was the beneficiary and had no right to judge him. She was already surprised by his support. She shouldn't be greedy.

But to Byron, it sounded like she wanted an annulment immediately after the engagement. She was drawing a line, her tone reserved and polite. Past intimacy seemed erased.

Byron's eyes were cold as he stared at her. "Is that what you really mean?"

"Yes."

"Very good." Byron mocked. "Maeve, I've never seen anyone more heartless." He saw it now. She didn't seem to care much for him. Otherwise, she wouldn't be considering this so soon after the engagement. He felt cheapened.

Byron exited the car, striding away. Maeve's bright eyes filled with confusion and resentment. 'Wasn't this what he wanted? Why is he angry?' She'd offered him an easy way out, suggesting a quick engagement end. And yet he called her ungrateful?

Maeve returned to her apartment, exhausted. Theo's loud singing from the living room almost made her turn back. She found him on the sofa, microphone in hand.

"Baby, why are you practicing at night?" she asked shakily.

"Mommy, you're back!" Theo's voice boomed through the microphone. "Isn't the singing competition soon? I'm practicing! I'll bring home a trophy for Mommy!" Maeve choked. 'He's confident, perhaps overconfident, but even the principal and Mr. Soar think he sings well. How can I not believe him?'