Outside the First Hospital intensive care unit, Karen hung up the phone and fell into deep thought. She quickly deleted dozens of Maeve's persistent messages and missed calls; Maeve's lack of boundaries was evident. Suddenly, a cold voice boomed from behind, "Who allowed you to touch my phone?" Karen's hand trembled; she couldn't delete the last missed call. Shortly afterward, Byron retrieved his phone.

Karen looked nervous. "B-Byron, something happened at the company, so Mr. Bax left early. He asked me to hold onto your phone and return it when you came out of the washroom..." Her father had suffered a sudden cerebral infarction the previous night and been hospitalized. She'd asked Byron for help before he left the company. Byron, a sentimental man who had only known Patrick for a few years, had remained vigil outside the ward since then, only recently going to the washroom. Driven by curiosity, Karen had unlocked Byron's unlocked phone and seen Maeve's messages. Byron caught her in the act.

He glanced at the screen, his eyes darkening at the sight of Maeve's name. He'd been preoccupied with Patrick's hospitalization and arranging an overseas neurological medical team since last night, forgetting to tell Maeve to postpone their dinner. Maeve had only called once; perhaps she'd assumed he was still busy. Byron frowned and started to leave.

"Wait, Byron! Where are you going?" Karen stopped him. "Dad hasn't woken up yet. I'm afraid to be alone..." She was shocked he would leave after being there almost a full day. Byron stopped. "There are doctors and nurses here. Patrick will be fine."

"But—"

"Also," Byron interrupted coldly, "remember you're only a secretary. Checking my phone during non-working hours is unauthorized. Only my wife is entitled to do that." Karen's face paled. "I-I didn't mean to. I saw your maid calling, and you weren't around, so..."

"So you told her not to disturb us?" Byron's gaze was sharp. "Karen, I'm here because of your father. I hope this doesn't happen again."

Tears welled in Karen's eyes. "You're warning me because of a maid? Is my relationship with you, after all these years, not as close as hers?"

Byron's eyes didn't waver. "It's not about who it is. You crossed a line." He walked toward the elevator.

Karen leaned against the wall, trembling. Doubt flickered; it seemed odd for a maid to persistently message her boss. Byron's defense of Maeve felt strange. However, she dismissed the thought; she didn't believe Byron would be interested in a mere maid. Beyond her looks, Maeve had nothing to offer. It was more likely Byron simply disliked unauthorized access to his belongings.

When Byron returned to his Retro Apartment, he found the living room lit but empty. The scent of soup drifted from the kitchen. He found Maeve gently stirring soup. His gaze softened. "Maeve."

Hearing his voice, she stiffened. "Mr. McDaniel, you're back." She didn't turn around.

"Yes," Byron said, his Adam's apple bobbing. "About dinner with your parents—"

"It's alright," Maeve interrupted softly. "I didn't know you'd be so busy, so I went alone. It's fine if you don't come." Her tone was even, without complaint.

Byron froze. His eyes, like a deep sea, fixed on her back. "You called. Karen answered, right?" His voice deepened.

"Yes," Maeve said, trying to sound natural. "She said you were busy, so I didn't call again."

Byron narrowed his eyes. "Don't you want to ask about what she said?" He'd only heard Karen's last sentence, which was intriguing enough.

Maeve looked down at the soup. "No. What's there to ask? Ms. Booth is right. I shouldn't disturb you."

Her nonchalant tone shrouded Byron in gloom. His gaze intensified. He thought, If Maeve truly loves me, she'd be jealous. He chuckled inwardly. He felt deceived.

Byron's lips curled coldly. "Is that so? You know you disturbed us. I thought you lacked self-awareness, that you were disgusting me."

Maeve's face was pale. "I'm sorry to disturb you. I won't call again. I'll ask for permission first. I don't want to interfere with your time with her."

Byron's eyes turned ruthless. "That's for the best." He turned and left, slamming the door behind him.

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