Maeve thought, "I don't want to know why I'm always the one getting the short end of the stick. It's not like I just discovered how domineering he can be. I can only go along with it!" "Nothing much," Byron said casually. "I want a continental breakfast tomorrow." Maeve was speechless.

She thought, "I've just been too busy these past few days, always getting him milk and cereal from downstairs. Does he really have to tease me like this?" "Alright, alright, alright. I'll make it for you for a week," Maeve conceded repeatedly. "Hurry up and let go. My bath water is getting cold."

Byron's dark eyes narrowed. He tightened his grip on her wrist. "You did it on purpose, didn't you?"

He thought, I was ready to let her off, but she still deliberately said suggestive things to tease me. Once the passion is ignited, she doesn't care to cool it down.

"You heartless woman," Byron said in a low voice, shaking off her hand and walking toward the master bedroom. Maeve immediately retracted her hand, closed the bathroom door, and locked it. She then saw the headband wrapped around her wrist, realizing Byron must have put it there. She was too flustered to notice.

Recalling his words, Maeve's eyes showed frustration. "How am I heartless?" she thought. "Had I been heartless, would I have agreed to make him continental breakfast for a week? I should have let him have milk and cereal every day." News of the coffee party incident had spread, though out of guilt and fear of Maeve, the socialites only shared some of Karen's more amusing actions. However, the video Karen secretly recorded ended up on Byron's desk.

After watching it, Byron's expression was cold. The pen in his hand tapped a folder irregularly, the faint sound making Karen tremble.

"Byron, let me explain… There's a reason why I did that. Besides, you were the one who said Maeve was your maid, so I misunderstood that she was seducing you…"

"What Maeve is to me has nothing to do with you," Byron said, his sharp gaze on her. "Ms. Booth, you've crossed the line."

Karen's heart ached. "I was just afraid you'd be deceived by her—"

Byron coldly interrupted. "Also, who allowed you to secretly record my video and show it to others?"

Karen suddenly remembered Byron hated being in the media or having his private life scrutinized. Anger had clouded her judgment.

"I'm sorry, Mr. McDaniel. It's my mistake. I accidentally forgot you hate others prying into your private affairs," Karen said through gritted teeth.

Byron coldly retracted his gaze and opened a document. "Suspended for a month. Go back and reflect. I don't need a secretary blinded by personal emotions." Karen's body trembled. He was like a king, far removed from the mortal world, and she felt increasingly distant from him.

"Byron, do you still remember we grew up together?" Karen's eyes were teary. "I was wrong, but I only wanted to protect you, fearing you'd be deceived by Maeve. How can you treat me like this?" The suspension, while seemingly minor, was embarrassing for Karen, as everyone knew she was Byron's childhood friend.

Without raising his head, Byron said indifferently, "If it weren't for our childhood friendship, you'd be submitting your resignation letter." Karen's face paled. "You may leave now."

Karen, dejected, left. At the door, she asked, "Byron, you married Maeve just to deal with Gilbert, right?"

Byron didn't answer. Karen felt relieved. I knew it, she thought. He punished me for overstepping, not because of Maeve. That's enough. She regained her composure and left.

Archer, passing by, thought, Mr. McDaniel is still tolerant toward his childhood friend. He didn't even hold her accountable for secretly recording a video!

Archer approached Byron's desk. "Mr. McDaniel, I've warned the heiresses' families as instructed. They've assured me they'll remain silent about the coffee party."

"Mm," Byron replied indifferently.

Archer hesitated. "Mr. McDaniel, may I ask what your relationship with Ms. Reese is?" He knew Karen had tried to harm Maeve but failed, and he'd seen the video. If Mr. McDaniel wants to pursue someone's romantic interest, he should at least wait until Ms. Reese is divorced, he thought. He can't be so forward and kiss her.

Byron looked at him coldly. "Are you very free? East Continent Power Plant needs a supervisor. If you're free, you can go there."

"I suddenly remembered I have work. Mr. McDaniel, I'll leave now," Archer said, then returned minutes later. "Mr. McDaniel, Eternal Hope's senior executives have invited you to tonight's annual design exhibition." Byron frowned. He then remembered Maeve worked at Eternal Hope and her recent lack of effort with breakfast. He sneered, wanting to see what she was up to.

That night, at seven, snowflakes gently fell. The cold wind chilled. In the Wrestwood Hotel's banquet hall, Eternal Hope's design exhibition was about to begin. The backstage bustled. Maeve prepared gowns when someone called her. "Maeve, someone is looking for you."

"Alright," Maeve replied, instructing her assistant before leaving. Seeing Karen, she was puzzled. "Karen? Why do you want to see me?" Is she here to cause trouble again? Maeve wondered.

Karen turned, arms crossed. "Alexis is in VIP box 01. Go see her now." Her tone implied it was an honor.