Maeve quickly covered Theo's mouth and laughed awkwardly to compensate. "Just kids' talk," she said. "You know. No offense. Don't take it seriously."

Byron's expression remained unchanged. He glanced at Theo's small frame and said with a faint smile, "It's not too late to say that when you're as tall as my legs."

"Shorty!"

Theo's eyes widened in indignation. "What did you say?"

"So what if I'm short? Were you so tall coming out of your mother's body?" Theo's cute face flushed with anger. "One day, I'll grow taller than you and beat you to the ground!"

"Just you?" Byron's thin lips curled slightly. "It's impossible, even if I give you another thirty years."

Theo's cheeks puffed up in anger. He complained to Maeve, "Look at him! He mocked me for being short. I'm quitting breakfast!" Maeve gently touched his head. "You're not short at all. You're just not that age yet. And I just like short kids like you. So cute!"

Will leaned in. "What about me?"

"You're cute too!" Maeve rubbed his head.

Theo threw a smug look at Byron. "You're tall, but Mommy said she likes short people like me!"

They glared at each other across the dining table. Thus, their feud began.

After breakfast, Maeve reluctantly said goodbye to Will and sent Theo to kindergarten.

Dreamscape had been quiet for a few days due to online news. Maeve's previous kidnapping and hospitalization had prevented her from addressing the situation promptly. The studio's public image was likely already damaged. She entered the studio and found the atmosphere strange.

She called her assistant, Paige, into her office. She wanted to know what had happened during her absence.

"Ms. Reese, may I ask a question?" Paige asked cautiously.

"Go ahead."

"Are you Mr. McDaniel's wife?" Paige asked hesitantly.

Maeve was stunned. "No, we're divorced."

"But the McDaniel Group's legal department sent cease-and-desist letters to those who slandered Mr. McDaniel and you," Paige said excitedly. "They also posted a statement online clarifying the situation. Mr. McDaniel is defending you!"

Maeve couldn't help sweating. "Calm down. When did this happen?"

"On the night the false news about you murdering Gilbert McDaniel surfaced online. You should have checked the news, right?" Paige replied.

Maeve hadn't. She dismissed Paige and checked the news online.

The McDaniel Group's account hadn't been updated in five years. The homepage was stark and cold, reflecting their boss's personality. The top post was the clarification statement. It succinctly summarized the truth and included the police evidence of her innocence. It warned that those continuing to make false accusations and defame Mr. McDaniel and Ms. Reese would face legal action.

In Kleymond, the McDaniel Group's legal department was legendary for its undefeated record.

The gossiping netizens deleted their comments and apologized. They knew the blogger who falsely accused Maeve was in prison. Those who had remained rational celebrated justice.

[Serves them right! Some people think the internet is lawless. Now karma's coming.] [That person was stubborn. He said he'd reveal the truth even if Maeve begged. Now he's the one begging.] [Am I the only one who smells something fishy? Why is the post so protective of the boss's ex-wife? Is this Mr. McDaniel's doing?] [I'm not alone! This is unusual. Mr. McDaniel is really protective of his ex-wife!] [Even if she's an ex-wife... Mr. McDaniel's getting married next month, right? To a princess from Erancia. Guys, stop.] [Maybe the McDaniel Group just sued everyone who slandered Maeve. Nothing to do with Mr. McDaniel. People are fantasizing. Could it be Maeve's alt account?]

Most comments speculated about a relationship between Byron and Maeve. One comment rose to the top: [I admit Maeve is outstanding, but her background is far inferior to Mr. McDaniel's fiancée. It's an unbridgeable gap. They're unsuitable.] Maeve rolled her eyes. "Why this stupid comparison?"

Soon, however, Maeve had more pressing matters. Several prominent guests arrived at the studio—people she'd seen at the police station.

The higher one's status, the more one valued favors. Maeve had saved their children and families; they came to express their gratitude in person.

Several wealthy women booked all the gowns for the next six months, and even ordered dozens of children's clothing sets. It wasn't a custom order; it was a wholesale purchase. Maeve remained calm, her smile polite and professional, not subservient.

She knew this was just the beginning. Once these women wore Dreamscape gowns, the comeback battle would truly begin. She needed to proceed carefully.

Little did she know, these women, accustomed to flattery, were impressed by her. Their expectations for the gowns soared.

Before leaving work, a well-dressed mother arrived with her daughter. Unlike the previous guests, they were there for a custom wedding dress.

Maeve immediately recognized the domineering mother, who barely let her daughter speak and allowed no dissent. The daughter looked reluctant, frowning since entering.

"Don't think I'll solve your problems later if you don't listen now," the mother said sternly. "You know how important marriage is to our family. You're not young. Prioritize accordingly." (The final sentence about a website has been removed as it's irrelevant and appears to be an advertisement.)