The Queen's Back

By the time the three of them got home, it was already quite late Everyone had gone to bed, so Maxwell carried Mona upstairs, opened the bedroom door, and gently laid her on the bed. He tucked her in, took off her jacket, fetched some water, and lightly wiped her down to make her more comfortable for the night. After finishing all of this. Maxwell hurried to take a shower, making sure not to turn on the lights, afraid he might wake Mona. Quietly, he slid into bed beside her, his arm naturally wrapping around her, pulling her into his embrace. He gently caressed her face, feeling satisfied as he closed his eyes. He used to be sneaky about it, but tonight felt different. Even as he drifted off to sleep, a faint smile lingered on his lips.

As the soft morning light filtered in, Mona's eyelashes fluttered slightly. She had a dream where she was tangled in vines. unable to move no matter how hard she tried. When she started to regain consciousness, she realized she was indeed wrapped up, her breathing feeling a bit constrained. She tried to shift her body, but it was no use. She was truly stuck

Groggily, she opened her eyes and was met with a handsome face. His thick eyebrows, sharp nose, thin lips, and smooth skin drew her in. Without thinking. Mona reached out and lightly traced his nose with her firiger. It was only when she tried to move that she realized the "vines" from her dream were actually Maxwell's arm, holding her tightly- She had often wondered if she'd ever ended up in Maxwell's arms while sleeping since they were always so close. Today, she woke up to find him right there. Thinking back, it must have always been like this, but she had been too deep asleep to notice notice

Maxwell pulled her even closer and said in a deep voice, "It's still early. Sleep a little longer.

The moment she moved, Maxwell woke up too. He wanted to see how she'd react to finding herself in his arms, especially after he felt her gently touch his nose. Knowing his secret touches were accepted filled his heart with a sweet contentment. Mona, her face flushed, tried to move away, saying, "Could you loosen up a bit? I can barely breathe."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Maxwell let out a quiet grunt and loosened his arms slightly, his lips still curved in a smile even as his eyes remained closed.

Her words were as good as acknowledging that he had been holding her all night, and that thought made him incredibly happy continued

Hearing the knock, Mona quickly responded, nudging Maxwell them to get up before they were late for work. Polly hesitantly knocked, afraid of interrupting their sweet moment.

to wake him up too.

Realizing the time the two of them rushed through their morning routines, eager to avoid being late.

Mona was especially anxious since it was her first day after her promotion, and she didn't want to give anyone a reason to gossip. Maxwell, seeing her urgency, felt the same rush, knowing there was something important he needed to do today as well They didn't even have time to drop Albert off at school. After quickly grabbing a few bites of breakfast, Maxwell hurriedly drove Mona to the Clem Group

Since Mona's car had only just been repaired after her accident a few days ago, Maxwell was still uneasy about her driving. worried that something might happen again, so he continued driving her to work.

As they approached the Design Department, Mona hesitated, stealing a glance at Maxwell's sharp profile. Gathering her courage, she did something bold. As soon as the car stopped, she leaned over and kissed Maxwell on the cheek. Thanks for the ride, Maxwell. See you tonight," she said, quickly opening the door and getting out, too shy to look back. Maxwell, watching her slim figure retreat, tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. His heart soared, and it wasn't

until

I'Mona was completely qut of sight that he finally drove off toward The Carter Group,

As soon as Mona arrived at the design department, a group of people surrounded her, all offering their "concern and care. Mona casually responded with a few words before politely dismissing them.

She heard from her coworkers that Barbara had taken a few days off, which didn't surprise Mona at all. It was just like Barbara to avoid facing her after Mona had outshone her.

Mona and Elara found themselves fitting into the Design Department like a duck to water, thriving effortlessly.

As night fell, at the Luxe Club. Teddy sat in the middle of a sofa, lazily sipping his drink.

Ever since his father, Matthew, had hit him and ordered him to get Mona's forgiveness at all costs, Teddy had been fuming. Everyone had always treated him like a prince since his childhood, giving him whatever he wanted. Now, all because of this situation, he'd been slapped. He thought it was all Mona's fault.

"Teddy, let me top you up." Quinn Hart said eagerly, pouring more wine into his glass.

"Yeah, fill

fill it up. You all drink too. It's on me tonight, Teddy declared, generously addressing the group of men and women in

the room. the room.

Cheers to Teddy!"

"Teddy's the man!"

"Teddy, you're the best!"

The party lasted until around three or four in the morning, and once everyone had left, Quinn struggled to support Teddy as they made their way out of the club. Teddy had practically leaned his entire weight on Quinn, who couldn't help but think. 'Why did he have to drink so much? He's so heavy! Because

cause it was so late, finding a driver was difficult, so Quinn waited with Teddy by the car.

As she checked her phone, a group of burly men suddenly appeared, glaring menacingly at them.

Quinn looked up and met the fierce gaze of a masked man. Her heart raced with nervousness. She thought, Are they here to rob us? I don't want to give up my money, and I'M certainly willing to give up anything else. Trembling, she asked, "WH... what do you want?" nless you want to go

We're here to teach Teddy a lesson. This doesn't concern you. Get lost, unless you want

get beaten too," a man said.

Řelieved that they weren't after her, Quinn glanced at the groggy Teddy. Without hesitation, she leaned him against the car and quickly fled, not even considering calling the police.

Once she was gone, Nigel ordered his men to drag Teddy into a nearby alley.

The person understood Nigel's signal and swiftly threw a sack over the drunken Teddy. With two or three others, they quickly lifted him and carried him into the alley.