Chapter 506

Will was deep in thought. Theo’s lips tightened. “What if I go too far?”

Byron rubbed their heads. “I’ve got your backs. Don’t worry about mistakes, or Mom finding out. As long as you don’t cause trouble, she’ll always support you.”

Their eyes welled up. They knew their mother’s unwavering love, but feared disappointing her. They craved her approval, wanting only to show their best selves.

Byron saw their apprehension. “Why do you think your mother and I are together?”

Theo mumbled, “You forced Mom, used her weaknesses… threatened her. Otherwise, you’d attack her friends, imprison her…”

Byron’s temples throbbed. “Watch less TV.” He thought, What kind of monster am I in their imaginations?

Will pondered. “Dad, is Mom aware of your… true side?”

Byron smiled, stroking Will’s hair. “Yes, she knew from the start. Don’t treat her as fragile. Even at your worst, you’re her cutest, kindest babies. Even I come second.”

Silence. Why does that sound jealous? We’re her babies! they thought.

Yet, Byron’s words eased their stubbornness. He seemed far more villainous than them. If Mom doesn’t despise him, why would she despise us?. Comparison brought comfort.

Will tilted his head. “Dad, school’s having a family outing Friday. Will you and Mom go?” It had been rescheduled due to recent rain. Theo, though outwardly unconcerned, showed quiet anticipation; it wasn't about impressing classmates, but a first for him.

“Yes, I’ll be there,” Byron promised.

Chapter 300

Theo nodded stiffly. “Then I’ll grant you this honor. Ouch!”

Byron flicked his head. “Impudent.”

Theo pouted, inwardly despising Byron.

Later, the boys sat cross-legged, meticulously cleaning their sacred books.

“Will, I’m skipping snacks this month, saving for new books. Don’t be sad,” Theo said softly.

Will, lost in thought, finally replied, “What? Oh, it’s fine if the books are damaged, but I won’t tolerate them slandering Maeve. Let’s wait.”

Theo grinned, understanding instantly. “I like that.”

Byron left the room, finding Maeve tending the garden, humming contentedly. The scene struck a familiar chord, a fleeting memory. He texted Archer, instructing him to investigate the source of the rumors. He wouldn’t stoop to their level, but their parents would face consequences.

Archer replied, “[Got it],” forwarding two reports. Byron’s expression hardened, an impenetrable wall.

Maeve’s humming drifted up from below, momentarily thawing the icy facade.

That night, in the master bedroom…

“Henry secretly swapped blood samples. That’s why his paternity test was positive,” Maeve said anxiously. “Unless he knew my biological father, he couldn’t get that sample. Can we find my father through DNA?”

Byron pulled her close. “The hospital didn’t keep his samples. It’s difficult.” Maeve slumped against him. “I see.”

“Not curious about your father?” Byron asked, amused.

“Not really,” Maeve admitted, “But I wonder what he’s like.” To make my mother leave everything for him… he must be extraordinary.

“Want to meet him?”

Maeve hesitated. “No. He abandoned my mother. He wouldn’t care about me.” Her mother’s poor health stemmed partly from that betrayal. Plus, Wren’s warning echoed in her mind: Men are fickle, especially businessmen. Be careful. Maeve suspected her father was a businessman, explaining Wren’s change in attitude towards Byron.

Byron gazed at Maeve’s face, bathed in the soft light. He kissed her. “My earlier promise still stands.”