Byron's cold voice, laced with mockery, carried the message: "Tell him the McDaniel family is not Marve's family. If the Chatterly family needs to repay a favor, find the right person."
"Alright, Mr. McDaniel," Archer replied.
After the call, Byron's expression hardened as he headed to his study.
Later, during a video call with Jaylen, Maeve learned something. She was silent for a moment before saying calmly, "He probably still hates me for not getting an abortion. He doesn't want anything to do with me." Jaylen remained silent, simply looking at her before adding, "Still, you're helping him."
Maeve shook her head. "I'm not doing this for him. I'm doing this for Gilbert and myself." She felt indebted to Gilbert for his past kindness, but she was more concerned about the murder charges against her. Only after the video call would she be able to clear her name; as for Byron, she no longer cared.
Exhausted, Maeve tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She sat up, grabbed her phone, and entered a number. After hesitating for five minutes, she called. No one answered. After the ringtone ended, the call disconnected.
Maeve pursed her lips and sent a text message: "Mr. McDaniel, please put aside your grudge and do what's best for your grandfather." Receiving no reply, she texted again: "Do you want your grandfather to lie there for the rest of his life?"
Byron had blocked her. Maeve almost laughed in anger, thinking, 'Fine, he doesn't want to help his grandpa. I don't care.' She tossed her phone aside and went back to sleep.
The next morning, an urgent doorbell woke Maeve. Looking through the peephole, she saw Lynn. Confused, she wondered how Lynn found her and what she wanted.
Just then, Theodore, in cow pajamas and a nightcap, walked over with a pillow. In a sweet voice, he asked, "Mommy, who is it?"
"A stranger, ignore her," Maeve replied, hugging him. "Go back to bed. I'll stay with you."
"Okay," Theodore said. They returned to his room and slept until noon.
The receptionist delivered a gift box, a present from a young lady. Inside was a pearl and diamond jewelry set and a card. Maeve skimmed the card and discarded it. Theodore, after finishing his milk, peered at the card. "Mommy, someone wants you to see a patient? Were they impressed by how heroic we were yesterday?"
"Where did you learn such narcissistic words?" Maeve smiled.
Theodore giggled, a milk mustache adorning his lip.
Maeve found the situation ironic—Byron refused her help, yet his fiancée sent a gift requesting it. "Interesting," she murmured.
Lynn didn't particularly impress her, but she wouldn't let Theodore help Lynn. Maeve tossed the card in the trash.
After breakfast, Maeve took Theodore to look at kindergartens. She had three prestigious private kindergartens in mind, each with strict admission requirements.
The first kindergarten was unremarkable. At the second, the principal, dismissive, commented, "Ms. Reese, with your family and professional background, isn't it unrealistic to want to send your child here?"
Maeve frowned. "Any problems with my professional background?"
Theodore, sitting opposite, stared intently at the principal.
"Yes, you're famous overseas. You almost designed for the royal family," the principal said, crossing his arms. "But you're unemployed."
"Sir, I've just returned," Maeve explained.
"Then we'll talk later," he replied, feigning a smile. "This is one of the best kindergartens in Kleymond. We don't accept children with unqualified parents."
Maeve felt a surge of anger. Before she could retort, her phone rang. Answering, she accidentally activated the speakerphone.
"Hello, Ms. Reese? This is Quinton Mayer, principal of Islaton Private International Kindergarten. I'm wondering if you've chosen another school. You said you'd be here today."
Maeve was stunned.
"I'll welcome you with enthusiasm," Mr. Mayer said. "I admire your independence. Your son must be brilliant." He offered to waive the interview and assessments.
The other principal watched, grimacing. Islaton was the top kindergarten, and Quinton's eagerness surprised him. He wondered if he'd missed something in Maeve's background check.
Theodore, standing on tiptoe, asked into the phone, "Mr. Mayer, which is better, your school or Blue Star Kindergarten?"
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