Chapter 528

"Wren, what's wrong?"

Wren blinked, still a little dazed. Tom saw her distress but wisely didn't press.

Ryan's Dreamscape campaign exploded. The photos, posted on the photographer's Twitter, sent fans into a frenzy. Alexis's handsome, varied looks were irresistible. Rumors about the campaign's authenticity swirled, though most dismissed the idea of a crown prince modeling.

The Dreamscape press conference ended triumphantly. Backstage, Ryan, meticulously examining his clothes, removed his makeup.

Maeve approached. "Mr. Soar, fantastic performance! You'd never guess you're a novice."

Ryan chuckled. "I thought so too. At least I didn't disrupt your press conference."

"You're too modest," Maeve replied.

Zephyr's voice cut through the air. Maeve and Ryan both turned. Alexis's eyes widened. "Zephyr? You came to see me? Did you bring—" He trailed off as Zephyr handed Maeve a bouquet, warmly congratulating her.

Maeve, stunned, accepted the flowers. "Thank you, Mr. Soar."

Zephyr nodded, glancing at Alexis. "Dinner sometime? I have to go." He departed.

Alexis, puzzled, turned to Maeve. "You said you'd only met him a few times. He doesn't even use social media! He came to the press conference?"

Maeve hesitated. "Maybe… because your nephew almost assassinated him, and I helped?"

Alexis frowned. "Assassinated him?"

Other flowers arrived—from Ella and others. A massive delivery of 999 blue roses, barely fitting in the elevator, came from Clem, with a note wishing her success and a single "9" at the bottom. Maeve pondered its meaning, her eyes searching the crowd for a missing face. He didn't come, she sighed, battling disappointment.

Later, in the lounge, she found Tom, Wren, and the children. Relief washed over her; she rushed to them. Tom hugged her, stroking her head. "You did well." Wren quickly joined the embrace.

"How are you feeling?" Maeve asked Wren, concerned.

Wren's eyes softened. "I'm fine. The doctor said my condition is stable, I wanted to see you."

Loren stamped his feet, playfully demanding attention. Maeve reassured him. Tom noticed Byron's absence.

Maeve avoided mentioning her breakup with Byron, Will stepping in with a plausible explanation and a bouquet—clearly a collaboration from Byron and the children. Tom accepted this. Wren watched Maeve with concern.

Knowing their time was limited, Maeve booked a restaurant. In the elevator downstairs, they encountered Alexis, whom Maeve quickly introduced as a friend. The children charmed him.

Alexis asked, "Weren't you calling me 'brother'? Now I'm 'uncle'?"

Theo quipped, "Uncle, don't try to act young. You'll be painting old grass!"

Will translated: "Pretending to be young."

Maeve laughed. "Mr. Soar, joining us for dinner?"

"Nah, I'm off to see my brother," Ryan said, waving as the elevator reached the ground floor.

Wren asked, "Maeve, what's your friend's name?"