Chapter 381
Maeveโs heart pounded uncontrollably, feeling as though it might burst from her chest. She clenched her warm palms. Logically, Byron couldnโt see her; his sunglasses were still on. Without his usual invasive gaze, she should manage easily. However, she was utterly flustered, almost wanting to flee. Remembering this was her room, she resisted the urge to run away.
โStop confusing me with flowery words,โ Maeve said, feigning coldness. โI wonโt fall for your tricks.โ
Byron smiled subtly. โMaeve, isnโt it quiet here?โ
His swift change of subject left Maeve disoriented. Then, she heard him say, โYour heart is beating so fast.โ
What! She quickly stepped back, covering her thumping heart. Her face burned crimson.
At that moment, the bathroom door opened, and a wet Jaylen emerged.
Byron frowned, hearing the commotion. โWhoโs in your room?โ
Maeve realized sheโd forgotten Jaylen was still there! Her throat tightened. Then, she remembered heโd only been using the bathroom. What was there to feel guilty about? Jaylen had planned to leave after showering to avoid discomforting Maeve, but seeing Byron, he changed his mind. His love rival was present; leaving would give Byron a chance to be alone with Maeve.
โMaeve, I just showered, and my mouth is dry. Could I have some coffee?โ Jaylen cleared his throat, feigning discomfort.
Maeve immediately sensed the temperature drop around Byron. Cold arrows seemed to shoot from him.
She adopted a numb expression. Making one cup of coffee was the same as making two.
โTake a seat. Iโll serve you,โ Maeve said resignedly, picking up the coffee pot.
Byron said coldly, โWhy is he in your room?โ Could they be living together?
The murderous intent in his tone made Maeveโs wrist tremble.
Jaylen crossed his legs and smirked. โIf a busy man like Mr. McDaniel can be here, why canโt I?โ
Byronโs thin lips curled coldly. โLooks like Mr. Chatterlyโs been in good spirits lately. You even have time to run around. Living a long time isnโt necessarily a good thing.โ
Jaylen laughed disdainfully. โAt least itโs better than finding someone blind who needs assistance walking.โ
โLooks like she doesnโt have good taste. She chose a fiancรฉ on deathโs door.โ
The air crackled with tension. This was jealousy incarnate. The seemingly emotionless conversation was barbed, each jab aimed at the otherโs heart. Neither man wanted to be inferior to the other in Maeve's eyes.
Maeveโs mouth twitched. She forcefully placed the coffee pot on the table. โDo you still want coffee? If so, leave and donโt disturb my sleep.โ
Byronโs cold expression softened slightly. He seemed to have misunderstood; they didnโt live together.
โI havenโt finished my coffee yet,โ Byron said calmly.
Maeve glanced at his coffee, grabbed the cup, and poured it into the trash. โItโs gone now.โ
Byronโs thin lips tightened, his face darkening.
Jaylen gloated, raising an eyebrow. He deserved it.
Unexpectedly, Maeve took his coffee. โDrinking coffee at night causes insomnia. Stop drinking it and go to your room.โ Jaylen was speechless. What did I do wrong?
Maeve practically threw the two men out, slamming the door behind them.
โMr. McDaniel, are you here to stop my fiancรฉe and me from spending time alone?โ Jaylen asked, his tone strange. โYour determination is commendable.โ
Byron sneered. โSleeping in separate beds and being chased out of the room by your fiancรฉe? I envy you, Mr. Chatterly. Iโve never experienced a fiancรฉeโs embrace, so I feel no difference. Farewell.โ
Byron wasnโt worried. Maeve would be mine eventually.
After sending them away, Maeve felt peace. She ate supper sent by the front desk. After resting, she showered.
The bathtub faced a large, open French window offering a view of the bustling night scenery. The material prevented outside observation. Maeve, being conservative, drew the curtains halfway, still allowing for a view.
After filling the tub, she relaxed, feeling all her tension melt away. The past few days had been exhausting. Even rest was a luxury.
Soaking, she heard her phone ring. Who would call now? Seeing the caller ID, she was stunned.
โByron? Didnโt you go back? Didnโt you have your bodyguards pick you up?โ Maeve was puzzled and worried. He canโt see; he might get lost.
โYou havenโt opened my gift,โ Byronโs clear voice said. โIf you donโt want it, Iโll open it.โ
Maeve had forgotten. โI donโt remember you bringing anything. Was it air?โ
โLook out the window.โ
Maeve raised an eyebrow. Only fireworks were visible outside, but they were prohibited in Greenhaven's center. Could it not be fireworks? She leaned forward.
The twin towers opposite lit up with a dazzling beam of light, rising and bursting into flames. Words flashed: โ[I wish you a smooth first fashion debut in Greenhaven tomorrow at Dreamscape.]โ It lasted nine minutes.
Maeve covered her mouth, her eyes wide. The twin towers were Greenhavenโs most iconic symbol. Advertising there required significant backing or resources; it cost tens of thousands per second.