"I'm an adult. How could I be lost?" Maeve clenched her fists. "Besides, if you can't find me, you can call me. Why did you tell them to make that announcement?" She was sure Byron had done it on purpose because she'd gone shopping without him. How petty of him, she thought. The supermarket staff stared at her, implying she was too old to be lost.

Yet, Byron showed no remorse. He even asked, "Where's your phone?"

"It's in my—" Maeve reached into her pocket and froze. Her face blanked for a moment. "Where's my phone?" She wondered if she'd left it in the car. Her purse was missing, too.

Byron looked at her as if she were an idiot. He clucked his tongue. "Let's pay first."

"I'll pay you back when we get home," Maeve said, listlessly following him to a cash register and unloading the cart.

The cashier looked at them teasingly and said to Byron, "Did you finally find your kid? Remember to hold her tightly next time so she isn't lost again."

Byron nodded lazily and paid. Maeve silently hid behind him, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She vowed never to return to that supermarket.

After paying, Byron easily lifted the large bags. Seeing Maeve staring at a shelf, he raised an eyebrow. "No matter how long you look at it, I won't buy it for you. Let's go." Maeve blinked, confused, realizing the shelves were childproof barriers. Her mind reeled. She hadn't even wanted to buy anything!

Back at the apartment, Maeve was still upset. Ignoring Byron, she carried the groceries to the kitchen, deciding he could go hungry. Byron, however, saw through her. He rolled up his sleeves and began washing vegetables. When he saw Maeve cutting carrots, he frowned. "I don't eat carrots."

Maeve calmly replied, "I'm making baked carrots with chicken, carrot soup, and carrot salad tonight."

Byron asked, "Are you doing this on purpose?"

"Why would I? I just feel like eating carrots tonight."

Byron was speechless.

After dinner, the doorbell rang. Maeve peered through the peephole; several men in work uniforms stood outside.

She opened the door, confused. "What's up?"

"Hello, Mr. McDaniel just ordered several products from our mall. We're delivering them to your door now," one of the staff said, smiling.

"I see. Thanks for the delivery." Maeve watched them carry in boxes containing a dishwasher, a watering device, a mop and vacuum, and even a window wiper. Byron had even bought her a watering device! Maeve was speechless.

She looked at Byron and asked, "Mr. McDaniel, you just bought a new car. How can you still afford these?" She hadn't realized how much he disliked housework.

"I got a discount. They're not expensive," Byron said casually, though the items cost around $20,000.

Maeve frowned. "But they're not cheap! You paid cash for your car. If you buy these things, you might be in trouble if you need money. How much do these things add up to? I'll bear half the cost. After all, I'll use them too."

Byron glanced at her worried expression and smiled. "No need. I'm not so poor that I can't afford them."

Maeve knew men had their pride, especially with the delivery staff present. So, after they left, she retrieved a card from her room and handed it to Byron. "Although there isn't a lot of money in the card, you can use it if you need money urgently. If there isn't enough, ask me for more."

Byron raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze from the card to Maeve's serious face. He chuckled softly. "Many people want money from me. This is the first time someone's giving it to me. What are you to me?" he asked.

Maeve's ears flushed. "When we first met, I said I would work hard to earn enough money to support you. This counts as keeping my promise, right?"

Byron's lips curled up. "Sure." He took the card. "I'll take this card first."

Maeve's eyes curved happily.

"By the way, I'm free this Saturday. I can accompany you back to your family," Byron said.

Maeve hesitated, remembering Jeff's accusations of a fake marriage. Her parents must have told him something. She had to go back. "Alright."

"My ex suspects that we're faking our marriage and has been harassing me recently. My parents might think the same. If you accompany me home, they would believe I'm really married."

"Yeah." Byron pointed at the pile of gifts. "Bring those along on Saturday."

Maeve was stunned. "Your mother bought them for you. We can't do that…"

"They're an eyesore."

Maeve sighed. "Fine."

The next day at work, Maeve noticed the other designers seemed friendlier, no longer scrutinizing her. She was surprised but didn't dwell on it. After the sample clothes passed their initial tests, they needed final modifications. Leah advised Jack, while Alex advised Maeve.

Alex carefully explained the necessary changes. "This gown is a little reserved. I think the collar should have a slit and be embroidered with lace and patterns. That way, it'll look classier…" His experience was invaluable.

"Apart from what I said, your gown is perfect. There's nothing else that needs to be changed." Alex's gaze was gentle. "It has a great deal of potential. Just like you."

Maeve blushed. "Mr. Brown, you flatter me. Your suggestion really helps."

"Are we exchanging flatteries?" Alex teased.

Maeve laughed. Alex smiled. "Do you have time now? If you're free, I'd like to invite you to my studio."

"Yes, of course."

I removed the spammy website advertisement. I also corrected minor spelling and grammatical errors, improved sentence structure, and made the dialogue flow more naturally.