Byron thought, "Especially my mom. As long as she doesn't appear, I can pretend not to know about her secretly paying Maeve to watch me. But her interference is tolerable only three times." Gilbert sighed repeatedly. "Come on," he said, "they're your parents. It's understandable they want to see your wife. Besides, you can't hide Maeve forever."

Byron's eyes were indifferent. He thought, "Forever? It's uncertain how long this marriage will last. Talking about forever is premature."

He didn't answer Gilbert, instead asking, "Grandpa, do you know where Neville is?"

Gilbert had no idea. "He vanished after leaving the detention center. I sent people to look, but they couldn't find him. He's probably hiding to avoid accountability for setting you up." Neville's decision was clever. Having lost his shares in the McDaniel Group and his position, he seemed no longer a threat. However, he still had assets and connections. By biding his time, he could make a comeback. More importantly, his ruthless methods meant anything was possible while he lurked in the shadows. Gilbert was distressed and sighed repeatedly.

Byron understood his grandfather's worry, but he wasn't afraid. "He's hiding at Lashton Sanatorium," he said.

"What?" Gilbert was stunned. "At your mother's sanatorium? Is this true?" Gilbert knew Byron; he wouldn't say this without evidence. He thought, No wonder my people couldn't find Neville. He's right under my nose. I know how much Alexis favors Neville. It's one thing if he were her son, but her indulgence is like a knife to Byron's heart. Gilbert's expression soured. He thought, Did Alexis do this alone, or was Jason involved? What are Byron and I to them?

Gilbert's tone was serious. "Byron, your parents have failed you, but I'll address this and keep you informed."

Byron remained indifferent. He was used to it. "I'm not blaming you," he said calmly, "but I hope they control themselves and avoid discussing my private life with Neville."

Gilbert understood. "Don't worry, I'll reprimand them."

"Alright. Take care. I'll visit again when I have time."

"Bring Maeve. If it's just you, don't bother."

Byron was about to reply when Maeve's distressed voice came from the bathroom. "Mr. McDaniel, are you outside? I think I left my headband in the living room. Can you help me find it?"

Byron frowned, told Gilbert he'd hang up, and went to the living room.

Gilbert was puzzled. He thought, Maeve calls Byron "Mr. McDaniel"? And he used her full name… He frowned. They're married and still use those formalities? Or…are they really a couple?

Gilbert realized something, stood up, and paced anxiously. He thought, This won't do. I need to find out what's going on.

Maeve was unaware her way of addressing Byron had raised Gilbert's suspicions. When she got no response, she called out again, "Mr. McDaniel? Are you there?"

No response. Maeve assumed he was in the study or bedroom. She wrapped herself in a towel and went to look for her headband. She had just washed her hair; it was long, thick, and glossy. Without a headband, showering was difficult. However, as she entered the living room, she saw Byron heading to the bathroom with her headband. They bumped into each other.

Maeve's eyes widened; Byron stiffened. The atmosphere grew tense. They stared at each other, the shock evident in their eyes. Then Maeve realized she was only in a towel. Her face flushed; she cried out and ran to the bathroom. The shock in Byron's blue eyes hadn't completely faded. He thought about the scene, then felt embarrassment and anger. He thought, Her methods are improving. Knowing I was outside, she still dared to come out in that towel. Where did she learn these tricks? He held the headband. He stood still, exhaled, then went to the bathroom door. "Open the door," he said seriously.

"No!" Maeve's trembling voice came from inside. "Leave! Don't stand there!"

Hearing her embarrassed and angry voice, Byron sneered. "Weren't you bold just now? Why are you reserved now?" He thought, Every time she seduces me, she runs away. Do I look easy to manipulate?

"I didn't know you were outside," Maeve said angrily. "I called several times, but you didn't answer. I thought you weren't there!" She thought, Otherwise, why would I dare to go out in a towel?

Byron didn't believe her. He cut her off. "You don't want your headband anymore, huh?"

Silence. After a while, Maeve mumbled, "Don't do anything rash."

"Do you think I'm like you?"

Maeve was speechless. Byron waited. After a few seconds, the door cracked open. Maeve's water-covered hand reached out, shaking impatiently, urging him to give her the headband.

A faint amusement flashed across Byron's eyes. The gloom caused by Neville vanished. His lips curled up. He grabbed her wrist and pulled it slightly.

Maeve's panicked voice came from behind the door. "What are you doing? You said you wouldn't do anything rash!"

"What's wrong? Weren't you quite bold when you seduced me just now?" Byron teased. "What are you afraid of now?"

Maeve panicked, pressing against the door, her hand still gripped. The gap had to be left open to avoid the door jamming. She felt insecure. Fortunately, Byron only teased her. Maeve struggled but couldn't break free. Her voice softened. "I really didn't know you were outside, and I didn't seduce you. What do you want?"