"What?" Maeve was stunned. "I just think this wedding dress looks good..."

"Marve, are you done?" Alex's gentle voice came from outside the door. "Is anything wrong?" Maeve spun around. "No, I'll be right out."

"Okay," Alex said.

Maeve quickly hung up, saying, "Mr. McDaniel, I still have something on. Let's talk later."

Byron's eyes narrowed, coldness spreading. She secretly tried on wedding dresses with another man? he thought.

In the studio, Alex was slightly stunned as Maeve approached. Surprise flickered in his eyes. Her beauty surpassed his expectations. As she moved, the roses and branches on her veil overlapped, creating a painting-like scene. The wedding dress was beautiful, but her perfect skin and red lips made it even harder to look away.

"Mr. Brown?" Maeve called several times, puzzled by his lack of response.

Alex snapped back to attention. After a moment, he smiled gently. "You look very beautiful in this dress; it's exactly as I imagined."

Maeve, missing the subtext, smiled. "I'm very happy to help."

That evening, leaving work, Maeve saw Karen and thought she was mistaken. Their last encounter at the hospital ended with Karen ignoring her. This time, she assumed Karen wasn't seeking her out. Unfortunately, Karen approached.

"Ms. Reese, I was in a bad mood at the cafe last time. I apologize for my behavior," Karen said gently. "This is a small token of my appreciation. I hope you'll forgive me."

She handed Maeve a bag; the logo revealed it was from a luxury jewelry store.

Maeve wanted to laugh. What do you mean? I still remember you cursing me! she thought. Maeve saw through Karen's feigned gentleness.

"Say what you need to say. Don't beat around the bush; I haven't got time," Maeve said calmly.

Embarrassment flashed across Karen's face. If Maeve weren't the only potential lead on Byron's wife, Karen wouldn't bother with her, let alone appease her.

Karen persevered, smiling. "Ms. Reese, I want to bury the hatchet. We'll see each other often, you being Byron's maid. This jewelry is from Fancy Faith. I chose it for you; I think it suits you."

Fancy Faith was a renowned overseas royal jewelry brand. The price alone was enough to intimidate most people. Karen had spared no effort, resorting to Fancy Faith. Most would be moved, but Maeve, unconcerned even by a Lakeside Estate lake-view villa, was different.

"Ms. Booth, if you intend to beat around the bush, I can't accompany you." Maeve started to leave.

Karen stopped her. "Wait! I want to know about Byron's wife! Tell me, and I'll give you a huge sum of money—no more servitude! Wouldn't that be great?"

Maeve was speechless. If I tell her I'm Mr. McDaniel's wife, will she believe me? Do I look like a servant? she thought.

Taking a deep breath, Maeve said, "Ms. Booth, as you said, I'm a maid. Revealing my boss's private information won't end well for me."

Before Karen could respond, Maeve continued, "But given your insistence, I can reveal some things."

Happiness lit Karen's face. She assumed Maeve couldn't resist expensive jewelry.

"Alright, go ahead," Karen said.

Maeve feigned thought. "Mr. McDaniel's wife is a wonderful cook. He loves her cooking, especially her soup. When she cooks, he washes vegetables and dishes." Karen's face paled. "Impossible! Byron wouldn't do that!"

Who does she think Byron is? The eldest McDaniel son! Who would order him to waste time like that? Karen thought.

Maeve shrugged. "I saw it myself. Believe it or not."

Karen bit her lip. "What else? What does she look like?"

Maeve smiled. "She's very beautiful, even without makeup."

Checking the time, Maeve said, "I should go, Ms. Booth. That's all I can say." Ignoring Karen's expression, she hailed a taxi and left.

Karen's shock left her pale; she forgot the jewelry. She told herself Maeve was lying. Byron wouldn't be so kind to a woman, even a beautiful one. Yet, she also wondered if the woman had used some charm to attract him.

I must find that woman! Karen thought.

Back at the Retro Apartment, Maeve found Byron drying his hair after a shower.

"Mr. McDaniel, why did you leave work early?" Maeve asked.

"Not busy," Byron replied indifferently, settling on the sofa.

"I'll make dinner," Maeve said, heading to the kitchen. She turned on the toaster, realizing the bread hadn't started toasting.

"Mr. McDaniel, a request," she said, raising her voice.

"What?" Byron replied indifferently.

"Next time, if you're home first, could you start the toaster? It would be more efficient," Maeve explained. Byron didn't respond.

"You don't know how? I can teach you," Maeve continued.

Byron remained silent, crushing a water bottle in his hand. She's pushing her luck. Helping with dishes isn't enough; now she wants me to make bread? Does she think I'll tolerate her trying on wedding dresses with other men? he thought, discarding the bottle and entering the kitchen.

Maeve, processing ingredients, was oblivious to the approaching danger. After a long silence from the living room, she turned, sensing an oppressive, masculine aura enveloping her.