After Valda dismissed the angry Jeff, she worried and wanted to speak with Maeve again. However, upon arriving, she saw them kissing. From her angle, she only saw Byron's broad back, unable to see Maeve pressed against him; yet, it still caused Valda to blush and quickly retreat. "Oh my god! Maeve was really married to that driver?" she thought.

By the time Byron released Maeve, she was weak, leaning her head against his shoulder, panting softly. Seeing the empty corner, Maeve was immediately annoyed.

"Mr. McDaniel, Jeff left long ago. Don't tell me you didn't notice," Maeve said.

Byron, his expression satisfied, replied casually, "What does his departure have to do with me kissing you?"

Maeve looked at him incredulously. "I thought you were helping me just now!" she exclaimed. How could I not even resist and let you bully me? she thought. "Didn't I help you?" Byron asked calmly. "Wasn't he angry because he saw us kissing and then left?"

Maeve clenched her fists. "Then why did you continue kissing me even after he left? You did it on purpose!"

Byron raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery in his gaze. "You want my help but offer no benefit? What kind of sweet dream are you having? I'm a businessman, not a philanthropist," he didn't say this last part aloud, but Maeve understood the implication. "You're too naive."

She realized she'd walked into his trap from the start. After biting his thumb, she'd fled. Extremely angry, she had grabbed his right hand and bitten him. Only Byron remained, looking at the bite mark on his thumb. The last time I accidentally bullied her while drunk, she bit me in the same spot, he thought.

After Jeff's angry departure, the atmosphere shifted. Valda, embarrassed by the intimate scene between Maeve and Byron, didn't throw a tantrum as she had during dinner. Maeve noticed Valda's gaze lingering on her mouth, causing her to purse her lips in discomfort. I just reapplied my lipstick. Valda shouldn't notice, right? she thought.

Feeling guilty, Maeve and Byron decided to leave before two o'clock. Scott disliked Byron and didn't try to detain them. Valda saw them out.

"Maeve, don't tell me you really don't care about your father and me anymore," Valda said thoughtfully. "In the past, you gave me half your salary for family expenses. Horace's studies are expensive. You know our situation."

Maeve was stunned. Before she could reply, Byron said, "Valda, Maeve's account is with me."

Valda was shocked. "Maeve gave you all the money? How can that be...?" Will Maeve still give me money in the future? Horace's expensive courses… she worried.

Byron chuckled. "I'm her husband. No one is more qualified than me. From now on, ask me for money. She can't make that decision."

He took Maeve's hand and led her to the elevator, not giving her a chance to speak. Inside, Maeve asked, "Mr. McDaniel, are you doing this on purpose? So my mother won't take money from me anymore?"

Byron turned to her. "Why? Are you saying I'm nosy?"

"No," Maeve shook her head. "Actually, I almost agreed. I've been soft-hearted many times. I know it's wrong, but I'm used to it." She was used to complying with her parents' requests. She could be strong when apart, but her heart softened upon seeing them. She couldn't be entirely ruthless.

"Now that your mother knows our finances are in my hands, she probably won't ask you again," Byron said calmly. "If she does, tell her to ask me. I'll handle it."

They discussed this serious topic, but Maeve felt like laughing. However, she rejected his suggestion. "It's better not to. It's my family's matter. It's not right to trouble you."

Byron looked at her ambiguously. "I've already done more troublesome things. This is nothing."

Maeve was confused, not understanding his meaning. As they exited the elevator, an idea struck her, causing her to blush. "So he's referring to what we did in the washroom! How shameless!" she thought.

Meanwhile, Valda returned home worried, complaining to Scott, "Marriage has changed her. She gave her bank account to her husband. Is she stupid?"

Scott frowned. "Really?"

"Yes, I think they're married. It can't be fake," Valda said, annoyed. "Her husband seems scheming. He won't let her be close to us anymore, will he?"

Scott sighed. "She wasn't close to us before. She's ungrateful. Better to rely on Horace than her. Forget it. I doubt we can get Jeff back. She can marry whoever she wants."

Mr. Graves is ruthless to Jeff now. He probably won't let Jeff inherit the company. If Jeff can't inherit, he won't be promoted. Why bother? Scott thought, checking his phone and standing. "Business. I have to go. Eat by yourself tonight." He left before Valda could respond, leaving her frustrated. "Why are you working overtime every day? Why are you so busy?" she said angrily.

Byron had to rush back to the company. He dropped Maeve off at her apartment. Maeve was in a good mood, humming as she watered her vegetables—usually a task she preferred to do herself with a small watering can, using a machine only when away. She considered filling the empty half of her balcony. In the living room, her phone lit up. It was Jeff:

Jeff: [Maeve, is your husband a good man? I saw him go to a hotel with a woman.] (accompanied by a photo)

Jeff: [You blamed me for cheating, but your husband did the same! If you'd known, you would have chosen me.]