Chapter 426

The man felt awkward and shot Maeve Reese a hostile look. "Who do you think you are, woman? Do you even want to survive in this industry?" He tapped the table, looking conceited and arrogant.

Maeve was about to tell him to leave when a familiar booming voice interrupted.

"Ms. Reese, there you are!"

Fran's eyes lit up upon seeing Maeve. He dismissed his secretary and rushed over. Grinning, he asked, "How are you doing today? Keeping up with the lessons?"

The restaurant wasn't crowded, but several patrons watched Maeve and Fran, curious about their interaction. Everyone knew Yoke was merely one of the Richard family's assets. Fran, Warren's only son, was heir to his title and fortune. An aristocratic bachelor like him had no shortage of admirers.

Hearing Fran's words, Maeve suspected he'd come just for her. Remembering Mr. Warren's matchmaking attempts, she felt uneasy. She hoped she was wrong.

"Thanks for asking. I'm fine," she replied, slightly flustered.

Fran's expression changed when he saw the man with her. "Anything else?"

"N-no, I'll leave now!" The man stammered, smiling awkwardly and fleeing with his plate.

Fran turned to Maeve, beaming. "I'm back in town for a while to handle some business. If you need anything, contact me or my secretary. Don't be a stranger." Maeve nodded her thanks.

He didn't stay long. After a brief conversation, he left in a hurry. The restaurant fell silent again. Maeve thought the managers were glaring at her.

As evening approached, Maeve went to the restroom. She was about to leave when she found the cubicle door jammed. A bucket of dirty water crashed down from above. Although she dodged it, her clothes were soaked.

A smug laugh came from the next stall. Someone threw down the bucket and ran off.

Maeve had a headache. Fran had clearly made enemies. He'd even mentioned a toilet prank on his first day. These people were unbelievably petty.

She removed her wet jacket and, standing on the toilet, reached the top of the stall door. Swinging over, she landed in the next stall, smoothed her skirt, and walked out. Noticing a puddle of water that could have caused a fall, she carefully tiptoed around it.

Unexpectedly, the bathroom door was locked from the outside. No amount of pushing worked. Maeve found a window and looked down. Two floors wasn't a fatal drop, but she'd freeze if she stayed. Without hesitation, she climbed out.

Plop!

Landing, Maeve felt a sickening thud. She'd hit someone. The situation felt familiar. That thought fleetingly crossed her mind as she scrambled up and helped the man she'd landed on.

"I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

He used her hand to stand, rubbing his bruised forehead. He grumbled, "Lady, you won't die from that fall. You'll just be banged up. There are better things in life. Don't let this get to you. Think about your family and friends."

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