Chapter 472

"I heard you went to a second-rate university. What a waste. Your SAT scores were high enough for Kleymond University. I feel sorry for you."

If Julia's smile had lessened, Maeve would have believed she was feeling sorry for her, rather than gloating. Everything Julia said seemed unreal. Maeve had no memory of it. Nothing. Except for one thing: when hospitalized with a high fever and shock, the Reese family filled out her college applications. Everything was set in stone by the time she woke up.

Maeve had been angry and hateful, unable to understand why they pushed her into this, ignoring her desire for Kleymond University. She had a terrible fight with her family, worsening her illness. Later, she packed and moved out before school started. She worked nonstop at various part-time jobs to save for tuition. Occasionally, she felt empty, occasionally she thought of Kleymond University and envied her classmates. Even though it was nearby, she never visited. It would be cruel to revisit something lost. But was that all?

Maeve's eyes were filled with confusion. She thought, 'I can't understand why I'd be upset about something fabricated to slander me.'

She had only taken a few steps when she saw a tall, slender figure under the corridor eaves. He was half-hidden in bushes, watching her. Maeve's heart skipped a beat.

"When did you get here?" she asked.

Byron didn't miss the panic on her face. His deep eyes were unreadable, his tone indifferent. "Just now."

Maeve held her breath. "Then you… heard everything?"

"Yes." He didn't deny it.

Maeve's heart sank. She pursed her lips, not knowing what to say. Byron remained silent, waiting for her to speak. Her thoughts were a mess, even messier than her windblown hair. The more she tried to untangle it, the tighter the knots became. She walked slowly to Byron, lowering her eyes. "Would you believe me if I said I don't remember my high school years?"

Chapter 472

Her unrequited crush. She chased him from Greenhaven to Kleymond, even getting beaten by her adoptive parents. She had no memory of any of it.

Just as frustration mounted, Maeve felt a touch on her head. A familiar warmth rubbed her forehead. Seeing her wide-eyed look, Byron opened his arms and pulled her close. He caressed her neck, saying softly, "Maeve, you suffered." Maeve's cheek rubbed against his chest. She tightened her grip on his shirt, a lump in her throat.

Then his voice turned cold and ruthless. "If I'd met you sooner, I would have torn those people limb from limb."

Maeve shuddered. She didn't doubt his words. The Reese family's harsh prison treatment was his doing.

"But… you probably wouldn't have looked at me then," Maeve mumbled.

"He already had a first love," she thought. "How could he see me?"

Byron heard her and snorted. "How do you know? Maeve, have you forgotten your high school crushes? I'm sure you have plenty of experience." Maeve hated the way he said her name. It felt like burning lava. Yet, hearing it now, she felt a little happy.

"Mr. McDaniel, are you going to hold me accountable for high school?" Maeve mimicked him. "Didn't you have a first love?"

Byron pinched her chin and kissed her. His lips brushed hers, his voice low. "Don't change the subject." Her pronunciation was unclear. "Then what do you want?"

"You're not allowed to think about that little brat. He didn't study, only thought about seducing girls. What good is he?"

"Well, he shouldn't be as bad as you say…" Maeve retorted, then quickly changed her words when Byron's expression darkened. "You're right. I've forgotten him. I can't even remember his name."

Byron smiled, kissing her again. "Let's go back."

Maeve nodded. After a few steps, she stopped. "Byron, you can do whatever you want, but I have limitations."

"Yes?"

Chapter 472

Maeve said fiercely, "If you miss your first love again, I promise to bring our children back to find my crush and let you experience what it's like to have no wife or children."

Maeve felt his hand tighten. She inwardly laughed. Then she heard Byron's teasing voice. "Ms. Reese, when did I get a wife? Why don't I know?"

Maeve was speechless.

"Though our relationship is extraordinary, Ms. Reese, be more reserved before making decisions. Otherwise, I can't guarantee I can resist your temptation."

"So what if you can't?"

"I'll kidnap you to city hall, of course," Byron said coldly. "How can I let myself suffer?"

Maeve thought, 'So you can take advantage of me. I'm scared.'

That night, tragedy struck. The living room ceiling leaked, walls had fallen, covering the wet floor. The scene was unbearable. Maeve was stunned, then reacted. "My vegetables!"

She carefully jumped over the debris and ran to the terrace. The outside water pipes were also leaking.

"This house is decades old, hasn't been renovated. Something like this was bound to happen." Byron checked the house, frowning. Rolling up his sleeves, he moved things out of the water.

Will and Theo ran in. "Mommy! The apartment opposite is flooded!"