Chapter 523
Molly's heart hammered as she approached the bed. The empty hangover soup bowl sent a jolt of panic through her. The secretary-general’s call felt like a lifetime ago. Now, Maeve was disappearing out the door.
“You actually treat me like… another woman,” Maeve muttered, barely audible.
The drug was done. Byron’s awakening meant suspicion. Even with Maeve’s intervention, Molly had to act. As she moved to dispose of the bowl, Byron’s eyes snapped open. The initial haziness instantly sharpened into a piercing gaze. "You…"
“Mr. McDaniel, don't you remember last night?” Molly stammered, hiding the bowl. Pity laced her voice. Byron’s face darkened, his eyes like ice. "What did you say?"
Molly swallowed, fear battling with opportunity. "I said, after what you did, how will you take responsibility?”
Byron sneered. "The hangover soup… you sent it."
Molly paled. “You think I drugged you? You were drunk! I came to get you a towel, and you pulled me… How could I, a weak woman, resist?” Tears welled. Her voice trembled with simulated outrage.
But he was Byron.
“You better not have,” his voice was calm, deadly. “Or I'll make you regret your existence.”
Terror flashed in Molly’s eyes. This wasn't the moment. “If you want to pretend nothing happened, fine. But don't treat me like this! I'm a good girl from a good family. I wouldn't do something shameful!"
Sobbing, Molly fled. Her unsteady gait hinted at more than just distress. Byron's brow furrowed. He rubbed his temples, his eyes cold and dark. He wouldn't be so easily controlled by desire. And he certainly wasn't interested in anyone but Maeve.
Maeve…
A pause. Last night’s woman… so similar to Maeve.
He dialed the building manager. “Send me yesterday and today’s fifth-floor security footage.” Then, he called Maeve. No answer.
Fearing Will and Theo's reaction to her condition, Maeve took a taxi to the Hancocks. Bonnie instantly noticed the livid marks on her neck. She pulled Maeve inside. Bruises, some fading, others fresh, covered her skin. A horrifying sight.
"Baby, what happened? Which bastard did this?" Bonnie raged.
Maeve couldn't bring herself to recount last night. The thought of being Byron's substitute for Molly sickened her. She showered, then collapsed onto Bonnie's bed, falling asleep. Bonnie’s heart ached as Maeve’s phone buzzed. It was Byron. She silenced it. "Only Byron could break Maeve's heart like this," she muttered. "What a ridiculous man!"
Maeve slept until evening. Paige’s call startled her awake. “What is it?” she rasped.
"Mrs. Reese, Mr. McDaniel was at the studio. I said you were shopping. He left after an hour," Paige reported, awestruck by her encounter with the McDaniel Group CEO.
Maeve nodded. "Thank you."
"No problem. I won't disturb you."
"Bye."
Back in bed, Maeve stared at the ten missed calls from Byron. Her lips tightened. Every time she allowed herself hope, she was crushed. This time was no different. She was exhausted.
“Maeve, I had the chef make abalone oatmeal. Eat something… Maeve? Oh my god! Your forehead’s burning!” Bonnie’s worried voice broke through. Maeve lacked the energy to respond, closing her eyes.
She dreamt. High school. She chased a boy in a white shirt, nagging him to stay home until his fever broke. “If you get brain damage, I can’t raise you!”
He stopped, annoyed. "I don't need you. Those biscuits from your breakfast don't give you the right to interfere!”
She pouted. "I'm interfering with my future boyfriend's life! Don't you know how to chase someone?"
"Then get me water."
"You can't order me around!"
"Didn't you say you have to be attentive when chasing someone?"
"But you haven't agreed to let me chase you!"
He was speechless. They reached a tall building. He went inside; she waited. She watched ants, overheard gossip about the building's owner. “He's the McDaniel heir! Born with a silver spoon!” “The McDaniels have only one son. All their wealth goes to him.” "I just want to be his wife. No more hard work!” “Dream on.”
She glanced towards the entrance, imagining him reappearing.