Divorce Failed! My Wife's Secret Identities Shock the World novel Chapter 47

As the host, Michael came over with a wide grin.

"Mr. Hayes. If you didn't show up soon, I was going to assume you'd bailed on me."

Quinn greeted him like an old friend, bumping fists. "With Mr. Andres here? You'd have to give me ten lives before I'd dare stand him up. I'm late because I had to pick someone up."

Michael's gaze slid to Maeve—and he stopped like he'd run into a wall.

"Where did you find her?" he blurted. "She's stunning."

Those few words, meant as a compliment, set Andres's nerves on edge.

Quinn gave Michael a light punch to the chest. "Easy. She's young and she embarrasses easily. She's my friend—new to Aethelburg. I'm bringing her out to see how things work."

Michael and Quinn weren't close, but they were friendly enough to keep things polite.

And Maeve left an impression—striking beauty, yes, but also an unnervingly steady presence.

Michael held out his hand. "Any friend of Mr. Hayes is a friend of mine. Michael Perez. If you ever run into trouble, drop my name. People will show respect."

Maeve shook his hand briefly. "Maeve Vance. Appreciate it, Mr. Perez."

The second their palms met, Michael's expression shifted.

A face like hers should've come with soft hands.

Instead, her palm had a thin layer of callus—worn in a way he recognized instantly.

Years around soldiers had taught him what hands like that meant. Weapons.

When Michael didn't let go right away, Quinn cleared his throat.

"Mr. Perez," Quinn said lightly, "that's enough."

Michael finally released her. "I'm curious," he said bluntly. "Do you train with anything? A firearm, maybe?"

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