Chapter 477

Maeve had witnessed Byron summarily dismissing employees for work-related errors. Compared to that, Molly's treatment was unprecedented. "He is indeed good to Molly," Maeve mused. "Is it because of past feelings, or...?"

Maeve lowered her eyes and walked toward Byron's office.

Upon returning from the meeting, Byron found Maeve sitting dazed on the sofa, clutching a pillow. The coldness and fatigue in his eyes instantly vanished. However, gloom settled over him as he recalled the contents of her notebook. He thought, If I hadn't read her notebook, I wouldn't know a little girl could have so many tricks up her sleeve when she has a crush on a boy. She could barely afford to eat but still saved her allowance each month to take a three-hour high-speed rail to see him. Huh, why doesn't she treat me like that?

Lost in thought, Maeve felt arms wrap around her shoulders. Startled, she relaxed upon recognizing the familiar warmth. Turning, she saw Byron. "You're done… Mmph!"

Byron's lips cut her off before she could finish. Unlike last night's lingering kiss, this was a fierce, possessive claim. He domineeringly imprinted his presence on her. Maeve couldn't withstand his intensity. Her lips and tongue tingled, adrenaline surged, and she whimpered, her fingers unconsciously clutching his shirt. Usually, such pleas for mercy would stop him. But today was different. The more she moaned, the deeper his kiss became, evolving from a back hug to a full embrace. Her consciousness blurred, tears welling, as last night's encounter flashed in her mind—the fear of him getting carried away in the office.

Molly entered to deliver documents, catching sight of the scene on the sofa. Her face paled, and she quickly retreated, her mind reeling from what she'd witnessed, her fingers gripping the folder.

Molly had joined the company less than a week ago. Byron, her superior, instilled fear. Even a few words with him sent shivers down her spine, yet the attraction was undeniable. The handsome, wealthy superior was hard to resist.

However, she never expected to see the unreachable man kissing a girl in his office.

Returning to the secretary's office, Molly casually mentioned the encounter. "I just delivered documents to Mr. McDaniel and saw a girl inside. I think it's Ms. Reese, the one who collected documents last time, right?" Her colleague responded, "It must be. Only Ms. Reese can enter and leave Mr. McDaniel's office freely without permission."

"Ms. Reese is so lucky. A handsome, wealthy boyfriend who's a famous designer. She's a winner!"

"I thought Ms. Reese was pursuing Mr. McDaniel, but he seems to have declared his claim. He even complained she went out and left him home... Was that really Mr. McDaniel?"

"I bet we'll hear wedding bells soon."

"Ms. Reese's family isn't well-off, right? Will his family accept her? They're so mismatched..."

Molly's bitterness eased. They aren't married yet, she thought, I still have a chance. And more chances than others.

Back in the office, before the intense moment faded, Maeve was forced onto Byron's lap while he worked on urgent documents. Why forced? Because after the kiss, she tried to flee, but Byron "kidnapped" her. She sensed something different about him today. He never involved her in his work before; it was as if she'd disappear the moment he released her. Maeve attributed it to a more possessive, touchy Byron post-kiss. Expressionless, she watched her hand in his. He's kind to Molly, yet he kissed me. Don't all men have the capacity for two women?

Byron sipped his coffee, noting her intense gaze. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Want some? Shall I feed you?"

"I bought it," Maeve emphasized.

"Thoughtful of you," Byron said slowly, pinching her fingers. "Weren't you avoiding me this morning?"

Her ears flushed. "Who's avoiding you? I had studio business. I wasn't hiding!" Oh? I thought you were shy again.

"I wasn't! Are you finished? How can you be so slow as president?"

Her outburst was inexplicable.

Byron smiled. "Isn't it obvious? My good looks."

Maeve was speechless.

Ten minutes later, Byron returned the documents and held Maeve's hand, leaving with a half-finished cup of coffee.

"Mr. McDaniel," Archer called. "The driver's downstairs."

Byron nodded, about to leave when Molly clumsily bumped into him, nearly splashing him with coffee.

"What's wrong with you?!" Archer exclaimed. "Watch where you're going! Mr. McDaniel's here!"

Molly recoiled, eyes red. "I'm sorry, Mr. McDaniel. I… I didn't see…"

Byron glanced at the stain, a flicker of anger in his eyes, but the warmth of Maeve's hand in his reminded him of her presence. "It's fine. Let's go," he said coldly, gripping Maeve's hand tightly and heading for the elevator.

Maeve stared at him in surprise. No matter what others say, seeing is believing. He tolerated the spilled coffee. His tolerance for Molly... is beyond high.

Maeve glanced back at Molly, who stood dazed, red-faced. Molly bit her lip, staring at Byron's back. That look made Maeve suspect a prior connection between them. Otherwise, she wouldn't display such longing.

Chapter 478