Chapter 501

Maeve sighed. Even after that beating, the man still stood silently. Then Alexis collapsed. Maeve, forgetting her earlier assessment, helped him up with the kids, moving him to a cleaner spot by the door.

"Thank you," Alexis murmured, hand pressed to his bleeding abdomen. His eyes remained closed, yet a strange calm radiated from him. It was as if the blood wasn't horrifying, but beautiful blossoms.

"Mommy, he's so strong," Will whispered.

Maeve nodded, remembering the kidnapper's words: a celebrity. No wonder his composure remained, even amidst the injuries. Theo rushed over with Baymax, now back to normal size, burying his head in Maeve's arms. "I'm hungry!"

Will produced two chocolates. One for Theo, one for Maeve. Maeve broke hers in half, sharing with Will. The three of them squatted beside the nearly lifeless Alexis, slowly eating.

"This chocolate's not good," Theo complained, licking his lips. "Too sweet."

Maeve agreed. "Will, let's get a different kind next time."

"Okay, Mom," Will replied seriously.

Alexis, ignored, felt a bitter twist. Was this it? No one cared? He thought, lips white, eyes dull, a statue.

Then Will broke off a piece of chocolate and offered it. "Sir, help will be here soon. Hold on."

Theo hesitated. Will gave him some, so I don't have to, right? This is barely enough for me.

Alexis' mouth was full of blood, but the sweetness of the chocolate was undeniable. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Oh, right," Maeve said, producing a green pill from her bracelet. "This stops bleeding and heals internal injuries. If you trust me…"

Alexis hesitated, then took the pill. Maeve found herself liking him. "Nice young man, just unlucky."

Fearing he'd slip into unconsciousness, Maeve and the children stayed close, chatting to keep him awake.

"I heard you're a celebrity. What have you been in?" Maeve asked.

"Sir, do you know 'Immortal Cauldron'? Mommy likes it," Theo piped up.

Alexis' eyes flickered. They don't know me. Otherwise they wouldn't mention that drama. "I'm not hugely popular. I've heard of it, but I wasn't in it."

Theo leaned closer, noticing Alexis' fading focus. "Sir, the kidnapper said you killed his sister. What happened?"

Alexis forced himself to answer. "His sister was unwell that day. I asked my assistant to take her home. My assistant was too late. The police found she'd been bullied for two years, suffered depression. Her family ignored it, stopped her medication."

Maeve frowned. "So it's your fault? That's awful."

Alexis remained silent.

"Mommy, Daddy's here!" Will shouted.

Maeve whirled around, seeing Byron striding towards them. Relief washed over her.

An hour later, at the hospital, Maeve and the children were unharmed. Will, however, sported a small bump on his forehead.

Theo applied ointment, glancing at Maeve and Byron, who were talking by the window. Theo thought Byron looked ready to devour Maeve.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Byron demanded, his black eyes intense.

Maeve stared at her skirt. "Everything's fine, isn't it? We had Baymax."

"Why no bodyguards?"

"It's a ten-minute drive. I didn't think it was necessary."

"Risk your life? Really?" Byron countered. "So many people could've delivered those documents. Why you? Maeve, how many times must I tell you?"

Tears welled in Maeve's eyes. The fear and anxiety she'd suppressed threatened to overwhelm her. She'd been calm for the children, but now… Byron wasn't offering comfort, only criticism. She didn't know who she was, only that he didn't care.

A sob escaped Maeve. Byron saw the redness of her nose, her stiff posture. His own anger froze. He realized his harsh words. Frustration flickered in his eyes.

"Maeve, I didn't mean…" Byron began, his voice hoarse. He reached for her, but she slapped his arm away. "Stay away!"