The Heir's Secret Bride
Secret Bride 436

Chapter 436

Once, Byron would encourage Maeve's curiosity, even letting her feel the hard-earned contours of his abs by pulling off his shirt. But today, he was less obliging.

At her complaint, Byron chuckled softly, catching her hands and guiding thein under his shirt. "How's this? Satisfied?"

Maeve, caught off guard by the firm, warm feel of his skin bench her fingers, couldn't help but enjoy the moment. Byron's dedication to training was obvious, each muscle sculpted and toned without being too bulky. It felt almost like a piece of art under her hands.

But for Byron, Maeve's touch was pure torment, her innocent exploration stirring something deep inside him. His breath caught, a low, controlled sound escaping him that sent a shiver down Maeve's spine.

Maeve flushed, quickly pulling her hands back and pinching his arm in mock reproach. "Byron, what are you doing?" she asked, flustered. Making sounds as if they were doing the dirty in broad daylight.

Byron's hands tightened around her waist, pulling her close. His voice was low, almost a growl. "Do you really think I can stay composed when you touch me like that?"

Maeve's face burned. "You didn't have to let me," she said in a mumble, looking away.

'She started this little game, and now she wants to back out?' Byron thought. Not letting Maeve escape, Byron pulled her down beside him, pressing her close as he kissed her deeply and possessively, until they were both breathless. In consideration of the ordeal Maeve went through, Byron let her go.

Meanwhile, Tom had made his way to the top floor, his face tense as he spoke with his sister, Wren. She lay against her pillow, looking tired but still graceful.

After a moment, Wren said, "We've done our best, raising her to adulthood. But she's gone too far, abusing her title to harm others. Don't let this go unpunished. Do what you have to."

Wren had always struggled with her health, and much of her children's upbringing had fallen to Tom. Tom was the one who suffered the most disappointment.

"Thank you," Wren said.

Tom softened, shaking his head.

Tom had been as devoted as he could be, but his affection for Fiora had turned to disappointment after she mocked his appearance years ago following his accident, calling him "repulsive" to her friends.

The insult had cut deep, one of the reasons he'd chosen a quieter life abroad, away from the palace's scrutiny. Now, though, after meeting Maeve, Tom felt a renewed sense of duty and hope.

Wren said, "How's the girl Fiora hurt? Please send her gifts on my behalf and apologize to her. I bear some responsibility as Fiora's mother."

"Don't worry," Tom replied. "Maeve isn't holding a grudge. She's kindhearted and has already forgiven us."

Surprised, Wren watched as a gentle smile appeared on Tom's face, one she hadn't seen in years. Her eyes sparkled. "Is she someone special to you?"

Tom's face flushed, and he shook his head. "No, nothing like that! She's just a friend. Like a sister, really."

Tom wanted nothing more than to protect Maeve.

18:02 Tue, Dec

Chapter 430

Disappointed she was wrong about Tom's feelings, Wren said, "Tom, you're not getting any younger. How long will it be before you replace someone? Up until you take the throne?"

said, exasperated, "Wren, I'm only eight years younger than you!"

"And I had two children by your age,"

Tom excused himself, eager to dodge Wren's well-meaning advice. The time would come soon enough to think about marriage, but for now, his priority was setting things right. Restiming his dignified composure, he ordered Fiora to be brought to the palace immediately. At that moment, Fiora was reveling at a party with her noble friends, completely unaware of her impending reckoning.

The next moment, Tom's guards entered, ending her revelry and escorting her away in front of her stunned companions. The humiliation was clear and her status was now compromised

Fiora was furious. She was scolding them all the way, threatening to throw them out of the palace as soon as she saw her uncle.

But in the end, it wasn't the guards who were going to be punished. It was her.

Tom gave Fiora two options. One was to serve three months in prison, and the other was to give up her title as princess and work as a maid in the palace for three months. Fiora felt as if her whole world was falling apart.

"What? I'm your niece! A princess! You're really punishing me over a commoner?" Fiora said.

To her, Maeve was nothing more than an annoyance, unworthy of her uncle's defense.

Tom's gray eyes were unyielding. "I'm not negotiating. Choose, or I'll choose for you." Fiora's outraged scream echoed down the hall. "Uncle!"

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Tom's voice remained cold. "Or would you prefer to be stripped of your title entirely, to join the 'lowly commoners' you hold in such contempt?"

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