Karen's dignity was nearly shattered by the scolding. She stood pale, muttering, "No way." The socialites were stunned, unable to believe the turn of events.
"The heiress of the Hancock family isn't Mrs. McDaniel?" they thought. "This woman, who can't even afford branded clothes, is actually Mrs. McDaniel? It's not just Karen who doesn't believe it; we don't either. However, the facts, especially Bonnie's confirmation and Karen's tacticsโlike showing the video and turning everyone against Maeveโleave us no choice but to believe. These actions prompt deeper consideration of her motives." Everyone present, except Maeve and Bonnie, knew Karen was the CEO of McDaniel Group's secretary. It was perfectly normal for her to have feelings for Byron. Today's incident was clearly an attempt to eliminate a love rival.
The glass conservatory fell silent. Everyone's eyes, except Maeve and Bonnieโs, were fixed on Karen with subtle disdain. Finally, the heiress who had first scolded Maeve spoke: "Ms. Reeโฆ Mrs. McDaniel, I apologize for the misunderstanding. I hope you won't take it to heart." Following her apology, the other socialites who had scolded Maeve also apologized.
It was common in wealthy families for maids to seduce the master. These socialites, having witnessed such events in their own families, reacted so swiftly. Maeve sensed their sincerity. She shook her head, saying, "It's fine. You weren't aware of the situation."
Initially worried that Maeve, as Mrs. McDaniel, would be unforgiving, they were surprised by her understanding.
"I'm really sorry," the first heiress said apologetically, before turning to Karen. "Ms. Booth, I don't think you're fit to attend our coffee party. Please leave." Even these socialites usually showed Karen respect as Byron's secretary. But with Byron's wife present, her status as a mere secretary meant nothing.
If Mrs. McDaniel holds a grudge and tells Mr. McDaniel, our parents will be furious, they thought. Since becoming Byron's secretary, Karen had been fawned over, fostering a sense of superiority. She had never been treated with such disrespect.
'Opportunistic fence-sitters!' she cursed inwardly. Feigning calm, she raised her chin and walked out, clutching her handbag.
Passing Maeve, she hissed sarcastically, "Don't be smug. I want to see how long you remain Mrs. McDaniel. With Byron's status, you're not worthy of him."
Shock flashed across Maeve's eyes. "Isn't he a driver?" she blurted out.
'A driver?' Karen thought, quickly realizing Maeve was unaware of Byron's true identity. With gloomy eyes, she gave Maeve a sidelong glance, thinking, 'It seems Byron is just toying with her!'
"Who knows?" Karen sneered, leaving in her high heels.
Maeve exhaled slowly, her thoughts in turmoil.
Bonnie asked, with annoyance, "Maeve, what did she say? Did she say anything unpleasant?"
"Nothing," Maeve said, smiling. "Bonnie, I'm tired and want to go home."
"Me too. Let's go."
The socialites had hoped to build relationships with Maeve for business benefits. Unexpectedly, the friends left arm in arm, giving them no opportunity.
After leaving the villa, Maeve and Bonnie returned home.
Bonnie remained angry. "I can't understand her. She thought your husband was my husband! She intentionally got close to me, and I didn't realize."
Maeve comforted her. "She's scheming. She played on your preferences, so it's not surprising you were deceived." 'Plus, I'm glad Bonnie supported me,' she thought.
Bonnie was still furious. "Those who scolded you are also at fault. They jumped to conclusions. I'll block them. I won't interact with them again." 'I'm a homebody; I'm not afraid of offending heiresses,' she thought.
Maeve chuckled. "Why are you angrier than me? Let's just forget it."
"I won't let it slide," Bonnie snorted. "Maeve, Karen definitely has an interest in your husband. Be wary of her."
"Actually, she's the childhood friend I told you about."
"What?" Bonnie was shocked. "Then your husband's attitude toward herโฆ"
Maeve shrugged. "I don't know much. They're very close." Karen even knows what kind of apples he likes, she thought, feeling a pang of sadness.
Bonnie frowned. "Karen said her family runs a company. She's beautiful and has good social status. How are she and your husband childhood friends?" 'Their backgrounds don't match at all,' she thought. Maeve clenched her fists, remembering Karen's words.
"Mr. McDaniel stayed at Karen's house as a child," she explained. "His parents are likely wealthy. It's not strange for the families to know each other."
Bonnie was more puzzled. "Why is he a driver? Don't blame me for being blunt. Karen looks down on driversโฆ" 'But her actions are contradictory!' she thought.
Maeve defended Byron. "There's nothing wrong with being a driver."
"Yeah. I know people see their loved ones as wonderful. But why did Karen think you were a maid?"
Maeve pursed her lips. "When Mr. McDaniel introduced me, he said I'm a maidโฆ She probably heard that."
"What?" Bonnie was furious. "How can he do that? That's why Karen was so unconvinced!" 'So that's the problem,' she thought.
"Maeve, get a divorce. I'll introduce you to someone better."
Maeve found it both amusing and annoying. "Sure, when I get a divorceโฆ"
Bonnie took it seriously, immediately searching for eligible bachelors.
Reaching Maeve's apartment, she reminded Bonnie to drive carefully. After Bonnie left, Maeve walked towards the courtyard.
There, she saw a tall fir tree with brown bricks around its roots. Byron stood beneath it. His tall, straight figure, silhouetted against the light, was strikingly handsome.
Maeve stared, dazed. 'Is he really a driver? His appearance doesn't match. Is Karen telling the truth, or misleading me?'
The final sentence, "Search the FindNovel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," is extraneous and was removed.