The Heir's Secret Bride

In the neighboring ward, the doctor had just finished changing Byron's eye dressing, wrapping gauze to protect his eyes from light when Serena entered.

A black room divider stood beside the bed, separating the space and blocking Serena's view. She smiled and asked, "Mr. McDaniel, may I see you? I was so worried when I heard you were in the hospital."

"Thank you for your concern," Byron's cold, deep voice replied from behind the divider. "But you didn't have to come. I could've had my bodyguards pick it up."

"That was my initial thought," Serena replied gently, "but my father put a lot of effort into these medicinal herbs. Since they're so important, I felt it necessary to bring them myself." Her tone was soft, almost affectionate. Unaware, Byron instructed Archer beside him, who walked out from behind the divider, took the box from Serena, and handed her a card.

"Ms. Malvis, this is the payment Mr. McDaniel arranged for your herbs. It's loaded with ten million dollars, and the password is six zeros."

Serena was surprised by his generosity. For any other woman, especially someone like Maeve, who hadn't seen such wealth, this would have been overwhelming. But Serena, the eldest daughter of the wealthy and renowned Malvis family, kept her composure.

She declined the card, looking at Byron with a hint of reproach. Mr. McDaniel, why be so formal with me? If it weren't for you, my father would have forced me into an unwanted marriage. I'm forever grateful to you. These herbs are a gift, no charge." Byron remained unmoved, seemingly missing any suggestion in her tone. "I don't accept gifts, Ms. Malvis. I'll pay for the herbs."

Previously, for the rare posa root, Byron had owed Serena a small favor to help save Maeve. But as long as he could solve something with money, he preferred that over owing any personal debt. That was just his way.

Serena's heart fluttered. 'He is truly oblivious. Is he always this distant, even with Maeve?' Serena thought.

Serena decided she'd take what she could get. She had patience.

After a pause, Serena accepted the card. "Thank you, Mr. McDaniel. If you need any more medicinal herbs in the future, just let me know."

This way, she could stay connected.

There was a pause from behind the divider, then a soft, low chuckle.

Serena's heart skipped, blushing. 'Mr. McDaniel laughed! Is he touched by my words?' Serena wondered.

But Byron's voice soon turned serious again. "Archer, please arrange for a driver to take Ms. Malvis back."

"Yes, Mr. McDaniel."

Serena, captivated by his laugh, barely noticed the shift in his tone. Following Archer out, she felt a swell of mixed emotions.

Behind the divider, Byron was listening to voice messages through a Bluetooth earpiece, his expression softening with amusement at Maeve's angry voice. Maeve shouted, "Byron, are you seriously ignoring me? You're letting other people in, but I can't come near your ward? If this isn't targeting me, what is?

"Open the door if you dare! I know you're in there! Don't pretend to be silent.

3

"It's only because my legs aren't up to full strength yet. Once I'm recovered, I'll come kick the door open myself, believe me!"All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

Her voice painted an image of her fuming on the other side, cheeks puffed like the blue stuffed toy she'd given to Will. Byron stifled a smile, imagining how adorable she looked. 90%

Clicking on the next message, the Bluetooth earpiece beeped, signaling low battery, and then the message played over the phone's speaker.

Maeve said, "I barely tapped you last night, and now you're holding a grudge? Fine, I'll be gentler next time! Don't be such a baby!"

Archer, just returning, and the doctor, about to leave, were both stunned when they heard the message.

Both quickly exited to avoid overhearing more, though they couldn't resist slowing their steps to catch bits of the conversation.

Fortunately, Byron couldn't see them now, or they'd be in trouble.

Byron pursed his lips, a blush creeping up to the tips of his ears. He wasn't one to hold grudges, especially over such small matters. She almost hurt him last night, but he'd let it go.

He was about to open the next message when he noticed the hesitant steps of Archer and the doctor. Frowning, he called out, "Out. Close the door."

"Yes, Mr. McDaniel!" They scrambled out.

Maeve's next message sounded even more forlorn. "If you hate me that much, I'll just transfer to another hospital. I won't stay here to annoy you."

Byron's expression hardened. 'Transfer? This hospital is the best in Kleymond, and the doctors know her condition intimately. They'd designed her treatments carefully, and only here would she receive the best care. "The person responsible for her infection is still unknown, and she could be targeted again, Byron thought.

"I won't allow it," Byron replied firmly. "Stay here and focus on your recovery. Don't waste time on nonsense." Maeve didn't respond.

After Maeve didn't respond after a while, Byron realized she must already be packing. And no one could stop her.

Byron's expression darkened. Ignoring the pang in his chest, he carefully navigated out from behind the divider. His loss of sight made every step slow and cautious.

Byron had never felt so helpless.

After fumbling his way to the door, he finally managed to open it. At that moment, a small, soft hand grabbed his wrist.