Chapter 443

Thanks to Byron's exclusive sleeping service, Maeve could barely get up the next day. A nightmare and a sound sleep proved mutually exclusive.

After washing, Maeve saw Byron packing his suitcase in the cloakroom. She asked, confused, "Where are you going?"

"A business trip," Byron replied tersely. "There was a product-line accident in Creynia during an experiment. I'll go and investigate. If nothing's serious, I'll be back tonight." Creynia wasn't far, but a same-day round trip would be grueling.

Maeve knew she relied on him to avoid nightmares. She placed a folded suit in his suitcase. "No hurry. Work first. I feel much better now; I can sleep without you." Byron glanced at her. "But I can't."

Maeve was stunned. Understanding, she threw a tie at him, embarrassed. "Pack it yourself!"

She started to leave angrily, but Byron grabbed her arm, lifting her from behind. He placed her on the dressing table, squeezing between her legs.

"What are you doing?" Maeve's eyes flickered; her hand on his shoulder clenched. This position terrified her; his dominance left her completely at his mercy.

Byron's large palm gently rubbed her lower back. His dark eyes met hers as he said hoarsely, "While I'm gone, don't get close to other men, especially Tom and Arthur." Maeve weakened under his touch. Her lashes fluttered; she could barely sit still.

He continued to rub and pinch her, as if she were a doll.

Sensing her distraction, Byron narrowed his eyes. "Did you hear me?"

Maeve nodded perfunctorily. "I heard you! I heard you!"

Byron bit her lip and snorted. "You're not serious."

"I am!" Maeve's ears flushed. She pushed his shoulder. "Hurry and pack. It's getting late."

"There's no hurry." Byron held her head, kissing her. His low, hoarse voice lingered. "As for the first of eight conditions... I'll ask for it when I return."

Maeve couldn't speak.

Byron seemed to read her mind. His scorching kiss moved to her ear. He murmured suggestively, "We haven't tried the cloakroom yet."

Maeve's eyes widened in shock and shyness. "What? Here? I'm not changing clothes here anymore!"

After breakfast, Maeve and Byron left. The children finished their milk, gathered their things, and followed. They went next door, ringing Connor's doorbell. Connor greeted them warmly. Theo, disliking the adults' pleasantries, stated he wanted to see the patient immediately.

Only then did Connor realize these weren't the glib adults he usually dealt with. Slightly ashamed, he led them upstairs.

Connor's wife was ready. She didn't question or belittle the children. She answered their questions gently.

After taking her pulse, Theo frowned. "Did you have a miscarriage last year?"

Connor and his wife exchanged surprised glances. "Yes!" This little genius diagnosed a miscarriage from a pulse check! They were amazed by traditional medicine's power. Theo explained in a childlike voice, "You mistakenly ingested harmful substances, causing the miscarriage. But before your body purified itself, you used supplements and rich foods, severely impacting your stomach.

"You hadn't recovered, leaving toxins. The nourishment became a burden." Connor and his wife were shocked. Cold sweat broke out in the warm room. Mrs. Elliott wept. "So it wasn't an accident..." They'd longed for a child for years. They could accept an accident, but not a deliberate tragedy. Connor asked, "Doctor, can my wife be cured?"

"For others, no. But for me," Theo rubbed his chin, "I'd say at least an 80% chance of success." Will rolled his eyes at his brother's smugness.

Connor was overjoyed. "Anything! Just save my wife!"

Theo waved a hand. "No need. You paid yesterday. I'll do my best. First, I need one thing."

Connor asked nervously, "What? I'll get it immediately!"

Theo raised a finger. "A lemon-flavored lollipop."

Connor tilted his head. "What?"

Will rolled his eyes. "God, you're greedy. Mommy will spank you."

Maeve, of course, knew nothing of this. After taking Byron to the airport, she ignored her unease, instructing the driver and bodyguard to take her to Trazir's headquarters.

Arthur waited at the entrance, apologizing on Fiora's behalf. He hadn't expected her to go so far.

Maeve assumed he was interceding for his fiancée. His actual intention surprised and puzzled her. Maintaining distance, she said, "Thank you for your concern. If that's all…" "Wait," Arthur called. "Did I offend you?"

"No, why?" Maeve shrugged.

Arthur smiled wryly. "I thought we were friends, but did I do something to upset you?"

Maeve waved her hands. "No. I was just born this way. I apologize."

Arthur smiled. "I'm glad you don't hate me. May I invite you…"