The Queen’s 166
When Mona left the airport, Maxwell was already waiting for her. Originally, he had said he would go to Horieta to pick her up and bring her back home. However, considering how tiring it must be for him to keep flying back and forth, Mona had dissuaded him from doing
So.
Even with the airport crowded. Maxwell could spot Mona in the sea of people at a glance. It was already spring in Nathontown, and the weather was milder. Mona wore a white sweater and jeans, her high ponytail swaying gently. Her captivating eyes sparkled brightly, and he could not look away.
Maxwell naturally took the suitcase from Mona's hand and greeted Bernard and his wife. After that, he openly held Mona's hand.
As soon as Bernard acknowledged, the group headed straight back to the Clem family home. Meanwhile, Polly had already cleaned the house inside and out and prepared delicious meals for their return.
Upon arriving at the family home, Jane looked at the flowers in the garden and noticed that many had already bloomed.
Although she had been away from the country, the regular caretakers maintained the garden well, watering and fertilizing the plants. The familiar entrance felt comfortable, and she cheerfully said, Tm back. After being away for so long. I'm finally home." "Mm, there's nothing like the feeling of home, Bernard said.
He felt uncomfortable even after spending a few days in the hospital; being at home was much better.
"Grandpa, Grandma, let's go inside. Polly has already cleaned up the room, and it will be just as it was before, Mona said
As Mona spoke, a group of them walked in. Among them, Albert was the most anxious; it had been a long time since he had been back, and he wondered if his gaming rank had dropped significantly.
While thinking about this, Albert noticed Haley behind Mona. He might not be able to beat her in a fight, but he could certainly take her on in a game.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
After all, that lady did not seem very skilled at gaming.
He thought that after dinner, he would have to challenge her to a few rounds and give her a taste of defeat
"Sir, Madam, you're finally back! Just wait, I'll go get you some coffee," Polly said, relieved to see that Bernard was okay.
Having worked for the family her entire life, she had long considered them her own. When she first heard about Bernard being poisoned, she had been terrified. Thankfully, he was fine.
"Okay, Polly, hurry back," Jane said as she helped Bernard settle onto the sofa in the living room.
Then, Mona and the others sat down. As soon as they settled, Maxwell took Mona's hand in his. He wanted to be with her for a while.
"Barbara, go check your room to see if anything is missing. Write a list for Polly and have her care for you. When you're free, you can also come to the family to spend time with us," Bernard said. During his recuperation, he had become increasingly satisfied with Barbara. The more he felt sorry for her, the more he wanted to make it up to her.
Mona subconsciously tightened her grip on Maxwell's hand when she heard Bernard's words. Bernard implied that Barbara would be allowed back into the family
She was deeply reluctant, having invested significant effort to get rid of Barbara. Yet now, just a short time later, Barbara had
06:11 Sat,
MON
returned after helping Bernard test the drug.
"Grandpa, do you mean I can return to the Clem family?" Barbas asked, her face filled with disbelief.
It seemed her decision to take the drug test for Bernard had been the right one. From this day forward, she was once again the family's granddaughter and those who had previously fawnell over her returned. Once again, everyone envied her as the family's second young lady. However, the second young lady could never compare to the first, but things were heading in a positive direction.
"What do you mean by returning to the family? This is your horter. You can come back and stay whenever you want." Bernard said thoughtfully as he looked into Barbara's eyes.
It was all because Barbara had tested the medicine for him that he had been able to wake up so soon.
Bernard only recognized Babara as the one who tested the medicine for him. He did not know that Mona had bid for the hundred-year-old her for him and that she had also been willing to test the medicine for him. "Really? Grandpa, I am so happy! I am going to check my room right now," Barbara exclaimed, rushing upstairs.
She was such a naive young lady.
After Barbara left. Mona was about to suggest that Bernard reconsider his decision when she heard him say, "Mona, Barbara is your cousin. If anyone bullies her at work in the future, you must stand up for her. Mona swallowed the words she was about to speak. "Grandpa, I understand."
"That is wonderful! My sister and cousin have finally made up, Albert said joyfully.
This way, he would not have to choose sides because of the rift between his relatives.
During lunch, Bernard insisted that Barbara cat this and that, as if he were worried she would not know what to choose.
Mona felt a twinge of discomfort at this. It was not that Bernard was closer to others than to her but rather that he seemed particularly fond of Barbara,
She could not help but wonder if Barbara was plotting something. After all, Mona knew from her previous life that someone capable of harming her would surely have a wicked heart.
While Mona was lost in thought, Maxwell placed a generous serving of her favorite dishes into her bowl.
After lunch, Maxwell was called to the study by Bernard to discuss company matters. Mona walked alone into the garden, pondering how she could make Barbara leave the Clem family.
Unknowingly, Mona found herself at the small wooden house that Emily often liked to visit. Peach blossoms lined the entrance, and the trees were beginning to sprout green buds this season, filling the air with a fresh fragrance. Mona came here with Emily when she was young, but no one has visited this place since her mother passed away. It had become a sort of forbidden area for the Clem family, with only the servants occasionally coming by to clean. Initially, seeing the wooden house reminded everyone of Emily every smile and frown. However, as they gradually moved past their grief, no one dared mention this place. It felt as if they could see Emily's shadow here.
This wooden house was designed and built by Emily herself. After its completion, she often spent time here alone, claiming it had the scent of the fields, which she loved. Mona hesitated at the entrance, then decided to open the wooden gate and stepped inside.