Chapter 481

Maeve’s expression darkened. “Is this what Mr. McDaniel wants?”

“Yes,” Molly replied, meeting her gaze unflinchingly. “Please make an appointment before coming.”

Maeve looked past Molly at the closed door of Byron’s office. Her lips curled into a self-deprecating smile. I’ve already sent him a message saying I’m coming, she thought. If he doesn’t want me to come, he can reply.

What does he mean by asking Molly to stop me? she wondered. Doesn’t he know I mind what happened between him and Molly, his first love? No, he knew. It was precisely because he knew and still did it that Maeve couldn’t accept it.

The jealousy and resentment that had abruptly ended yesterday had reached its peak. Maeve didn’t want to stay and see Molly’s reaction. She grabbed her handbag and turned to leave.

She walked angrily toward the elevator, accidentally bumping into a hard, cold body.

“What’s wrong?” Byron’s cold voice came from above. “You’re walking recklessly.”

Maeve looked up, surprised. “You weren’t in your office just now?”

“No,” Byron said indifferently. “What’s the matter?”

He didn’t mention rushing back from the inspection site after receiving her message.

“I need to talk to you. Are you free now?” Maeve was taken aback by his attitude and pursed her lips.

Byron stared at her silently for a few seconds, then nodded calmly and led the way to his office.

Perhaps because he’d recently developed a habit of holding her hand, Maeve subconsciously reached for his, but he’d already walked too far, leaving her feeling hollow. Have I been subconsciously influenced by him? she wondered.

Molly was still standing there. Maeve glanced at her without pausing.

Molly bit her lip, feeling indignant. I almost succeeded. Will Maeve complain to Mr. McDaniel? she thought.

Sitting casually on the sofa, Byron flipped through documents without looking up. His face was as cold as if he were addressing a subordinate. “What’s up?” Maeve didn’t know where to begin.

Perhaps she’d been spoiled by him lately. She couldn’t even tolerate his slight coldness.

Maeve placed a notebook on the table. Byron glanced at it before looking away.

She immediately felt it was a bad idea and braced herself. “You can keep this for me if you want. It doesn’t matter if you burn it. Do whatever you want.”

“What do you mean?” Byron asked faintly.

“You might have misunderstood last night. I wasn’t crying because I still have feelings for my high school crush. I’ve even forgotten what he looks like. How could I still have feelings for him?”

Maeve lowered her voice. “Anyway, it’s not what you think.”

Byron paused, his well-defined fingers pausing on the edge of a page. He looked up expressionlessly. “Prove it to me.”

“What?” Maeve was confused.

“Didn’t you say you no longer have feelings for that person?” Byron’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “I want you to prove it.”

Maeve was speechless, unsure what expression to wear. How am I supposed to prove it? I don’t even remember what he looks like or where he is now. Where am I supposed to go to prove it?

“Isn’t your request a little excessive?” Maeve hesitated. “Such matters… aren’t they a matter of personal belief?”

Byron half-smiled. “So you can’t prove it? Then how do I believe you?” Compared to her words, her tears and sleep talk spoke volumes. There’s no doubt she still cares for that man, Byron thought. He didn’t believe a word she said.

Maeve felt Byron was arrogant. Helplessly, she said, “You don’t believe me?”

“Maeve, to persuade someone in negotiations, you need to show sincerity, offering equivalent value. That facilitates progress,” Byron said indifferently. “I don’t see your sincerity.”

“But I’m not one of your business associates,” Maeve retorted, fighting back tears. “Is it fair to hold me to the same standards?”

The air froze. Byron turned, looking at her coldly. “If I used the same standards on you, you wouldn’t have even entered this door today.”

“You don’t even understand why I’m angry, and you expect me to believe your explanation? Am I that easily fooled in your eyes?”

Maybe I’ve been too nice to her, so nice she thinks I’m a pushover. That’s why she keeps testing my limits, Byron thought.

Maeve choked. “I’m not fooling you. You’re the one who won’t believe me.”

“I said you need to show sincerity,” Byron tapped the table. “Where’s your sincerity? Is it just this notebook?”

The notebook with a cartoon sticker lay quietly on the table. It felt ridiculous, even reminiscent of Maeve herself.

Trying to explain myself to Byron is as ridiculous as this notebook. He doesn’t believe a word I say, so it’s useless. Anything from someone he doesn’t trust is an excuse, Maeve thought.

Maeve’s shoulders slumped. Her heart felt torn open, a cold wind rushing in. She felt powerless, lacking the energy to explain further.

She picked up the notebook and left without another word. Perhaps coming here was a mistake, she thought.

Leaving the office, she saw Molly approaching with coffee. Her helplessness intensified.

“Ms. Reese, I’m sorry. I was just following rules,” Molly said softly. “Please step aside. I need to take this in.”

Maeve’s eyes grew bitter as she stepped aside. Recalling Byron’s coldness, her heart ached. He insists I still have feelings for my high school crush. Is it because I cried last night, or… is he judging me by his own standards? Otherwise, I can’t understand why he cares so much.

Molly quietly straightened her clothes, then nervously entered the office, placing the coffee before Byron.

“Mr. McDaniel, your coffee,” Molly said.

“Get out,” Byron’s gaze fell on the documents, but the words blurred.

Molly mumbled, “I took extra care with the coffee this time.”

“I said, get out!” Byron’s cold glance was like a deadly sword. “Don’t you understand human language? If you don’t want to work here, leave.”