The Heir's Secret Bride

21

Jarrett Todd, dressed in a sleek black outfit with short hair and sunglasses, shot Byron a teasing grin. "Oh? Did I miss something?

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Byron frowned slightly as he glanced toward the bar. There was Maeve, laughing and chatting with the bartender. Her off-shoulder dress, which she rarely wore, showcased her flawless skin, and her red lips curved into a bright, captivating smile. Amid the club's noisy, heated atmosphere, she stood out as the most striking sight. Byron shot a quick, cold glance at Maeve before turning away, his voice icy. "She's got nothing to do with me.

Got it?"

Ray smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "A lovers' spat, huh? I've only met her twice, but I could tell she's got a thing for you from the last time at the hospital. "Wait, who's got a thing for Byron?" Jarrett asked, leaning in with curiosity.

Ray, always ready for juicy gossip, couldn't resist. Ignoring Byron's icy stare, he began filling Jarrett in on the details. But just as he got started, a commotion erupted downstairs,

Ray glanced down and frowned. "Uh-oh, Byron, looks like your girl's getting hassled by Fred Curtis"

Byron's

n's expression darkened. "I told you she's got nothing to do with me. Do I need to throw you over the balcony to make that clear?" that clea

Ray

immediately mimed zipping his lips shut.

The commotion downstairs was hard t

I to ignore.

Fred, a familiar face at Starlight Pub, was known for his wealth and his relentless pursuit of beautiful women. He'd shower. them with lavish attention and gifts, making it nearly impossible for them to say no.

But once he'd won them over, he'd ditch them within days, usually with a hefty breakup fee. He was a notorious player, through and through.

With Maeve now in Fred's sights, the other patrons eagerly anticipated the unfolding drama.

*Excuse me, beautiful," Fred said, sliding into the seat next to Maeve with a charming smile. "Care to join me for dinner?"

Despite his reputation, Fred was easy on the eyes-handsome, with a bright, sunny demeanor and a dimpled smile that could melt hearts.

Marve,

feeling a bit fuzzy from the drinks, barely glanced up. Tve already eaten, not hungry"

Fred chuckled. "Well, I'm a bit hungry. How about joining me? I'll make it worth your while-100 thousand dollars for one dinner

The crowd gasped. '100 thousand dollars for a dinner? This guy is pulling out all the stops to win her over! Maeve, however, wasn't impressed. She frowned at Fred. "Needing company for a meal? What are you, a toddler?" She could tell he was hitting on her and wasn't in the mood for it

Fred, unfazed, leaned in claser. "Maybe I wasn't clear-200 thousand dollars for one dinner. What do you say?" He was cunvinced no one could turn down an offer like that

it were 2 million dollars, I wouldn't have dinner with

Marve, now thoroughly fed up, slammed her glass on the bar. "Even if it you. Feeling lonely? Go home and find your mom, okay?"

Π

The crowd erupted in laughter. Fred's face immediately twisted with fury. "What the hell did you just say? Don't push your luck, lady!" "Hey, Fred, came a lazy voice from the balcony.

Fred looked up and saw Ray, his face going several shades paler. Everyone knew that if Ray and Jarrett were at Starlight. Byron was sure to be around.

"Mr. George, how can I help you? Fred straightened up, his tone instantly respectful.

Ray rested his chin on his hand, his gaze cool. Just a heads-up. Starlight's customers aren't your playthings. Got it?"

Fred's face went pale, but it wasn't Ray that unsettled him-it was the message. Everyone knew that Byron was the real force. behind Starlight Pub. No matter how influential the patrons were, they all had to follow his rules. Ray's words were clearly a message from Bytoп. T-I understand. III leave right away." Fred scrambled off, looking like a scalded cat.

Ray smirked and turned to Byron. "He's gone now. And weren't you just saying she had nothing to do with you? So why'd you step in?"

softly. His tone was cool and detached. Tm just enforcing Starlight's rules."

"Who's stepping in for her?" Byron swirled his drink, the ing you if that,

Ray chuckled, not buying it for a second.

Fred had hit on plenty of

of girls s before, and

keep telling

had never bothered to intervene. But this time was different. Something was definitely up

Ray was about to say more when Jarrett im. "Save your breath. He's already gone."

Sure enough, when Ray turned around, Byron's seat was empty. Scanning the room, he saw Byron already downstairs. Maeve was slumped over the bar, clearly out of it. The bartender had nudged her a few times but couldn't rouse her. One guy, pretending to help, reached out with the intention of groping Maeve. But before he could lay a finger on her, a long, strong hand clamped down on his wrist. Byron's eyes were as cold as ice as he looked down. "Back off," he said, his voice low and menacing. The man's face went pale. "Y-Yes, Mr. McDaniel, I'll leave right now!"

Byron's gaze lingered on Maeve's flushed cheeks as she slept peacefully, completely defenseless. A vein throbbed at his temple. 'Stupid woman, he thought.

In the lounge on the third floor, as Byron laid Maeve on the couch, she stirred awake. Her face was a deep crimson, the effects of the alcohol giving her eyes a hazy glow. The tip of her nose was pink, making her look as enticing as a ripe peach Their eyes locked, and the air between them seemed to spark

"You..." Maeve blinked, her gaze fixed on his handsome face inches from hers. Fueled by alcohol, she yanked on his tie. pulling him closer. "Why are you so annoying? I was asleep, and now you're showing up in my dreams!" she shouted right into his ear. Byron was forced to lean down, her alcohol-laced breath brushing against his ear, sending a strange tingle through him. "Who are you calling annoying?" he said, brushing her hand away with a hint of irritation. "Whoever's been yelling at me," Maeve mumbled, leaning into his chest as her head spun. "You're like a dog biting the hand that feeds you....

BA

DA

Mon, Ucl

Byron's face darkened. Did she just compare me to a dog? He thought, his irritation mounting. Striding over to the bed, he unceremoniously tossed her onto it, his movements far from gentle. "Ouch!" Maeve winced, her head spinning from the jolt. That hurts!"

"Good. Hope it hurts a lot, Byron said coldly, standing over her with arms crossed and a frosty gaze. "How desperate are you for attention, coming to a place like this to pick up guys before your divorce is even final?" His words were laced with sharp. cutting sarcasm, Maeve, still groggy from the alcohol, shot back without hesitation. "Yeah, I came here to pick up men. So what's your excuse? Trying to pick up women?" Byron's eyes grew icy. "Don't you dare compare me to you."