The Queen's Back

"I'll drop you off; it's not far," Maxwell said, taking a sip of his milk. The Clem Group and Carter Group were both downtown, just minutes apart, so it wasn't a big deal. "Sure, thanks," Mona replied. After all, it was her husband's car, so she might as well use it.

Maxwell drove smoothly, and they arrived at Clem Group in no time. Mona thanked him and waved goodbye before heading into the building. Stepping back into Clem Group felt different for her-it had been ages since she was last here. In her past life, she didn't stay long at Clem Group because Teddy had insisted she quit work after their engagement. He wanted her to enjoy a life of shopping and socializing. without any W work stress. Mona saw how naïve she had been. Teddy didn't want her working simply because he thought it was inappropriate for his fiancée to be in the workforce.

Looking t back,

To avoid office gossip, Bernard had Mona start from the bottom, insisting she work her way up. Even though she had a design degree and was hired as a design assistant, everyone treated her like she was just there for show; As the company's heiress, no one dared assign her real tasks or engage with her much. She'd clock in and out every day with nothing to do. This time, Mona was set on taking her job seriously, hone her design skills, and aim for high-end fashion, just like her mother had.

Mona arrived early, and the design department was mostly empty. She sat at her desk and started going through the files. As time passed, people from the design team trickled in. She noticed that almost everyone sneaked a glance at her.

She could guess why. Back in the day, she was always the last to show up, decked out in those over-the-top pink doll dresses that screamed "spoiled princess." No wonder people thought she was a diva. But today was different. She'd come in early, wearing a white blouse and a and a black skirt-looking professional and mature.

Around half past t eight,

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the office was buzzing with activity. Mona watched as Jeremy walked in with Barbara beside him. She knew exactly what was up-Barbara was here to start her internship. "Hey everyone, gather around. We've got a new

member joining us today. This is Barbara Burton. She's a senior in college and already has some really impressive design projects under her belt. She's a rising star in the design world, so you might have heard of her.

Let's "Shh, be careful. If anyone hears you, you'll be out of here in no time," another voice warned, both of them shooting Mona sympathetic glances.

s give her a a warm welcome,' 'Leander Ford, the design manager, announced, leading the applause.

Mona clearly overheard I a young woman nearby whisper, "Oh, so she's the one who slept with Ms. Clem's fiance?"

Mona felt a strange satisfaction. All the drama at the engagement party hadn't been for nothing-everyone's first thought when they heard Barbara's name was that she'd stolen Mona's fiancé. That mark on Barbara's reputation was now permanent. Leander then glanced at Jeremy, who gave a nod of approval and walked over to Mona.

"Mona, you've been here for long, and now Barbara is joining us. If she needs help, make sure to show her the ropes," Jeremy said, his tone dripping with condescension.

Mona's lips twisted into a sarcastic smile. 'So this is how he treats his real daughter,' she thought. Even though Jeremy didn't shower Barbara with extra attention, walking in with the general manager was a big deal. On Mona's first day, though, Jeremy hadn't even walked her to the design department-he'd just left her at the front door. "Dad, you must be kidding. Barbara is so talented-what could she possibly need help with?" Mona shot back with a mocking

grin before taking a sip of water. It was the second day of her marriage to Maxwell, and Jeremy hadn't even asked how she was doing. His lack of responsibility as a father was ridiculous. Uncle, you should get back to work. I'm sure if I have any questions, Mona will help me out, won't you, Mona?" Barbara gave Mona a sweet smile.

Mona smirked. "I'm afraid you might be disappointed. I'm just an assistant with no real skills-probably not much help to you."

Barbara chuckled lightly, clearly sensing Mona's bitterness about her affair with Teddy. "That's okay. I'm new here too," Barbara replied.

Mona didn't bother replying and went back to reviewing the documents in front of her. She was going through various design cases, mostly from Clem Group's past projects. She was set on reclaiming the skills she'd once let go. Even though Barbara's scandal followed her, she had a knack for winning people over. Her emotional intelligence was high, and she immediately began handing out small gifts to the design team, quickly warming up to them. Noticing that the two women who had whispered earlier didn't take Barbara's gifts, Mona grew curious. "Why didn't you grab a gift?" she asked them.

The younger woman looked surprised that Mona spoke to her directly and said, "I just don't feel like it. I'm not into people like her."

"Don't be reckless, Elara. We just don't need what she's giving out," the other woman added coolly.

a fan either. By the way, I don't think I caught your names."

Mona smiled politely. "No woltyesced herself. "I'm Elara Whitlock." She noticed Mona seemed different today, maybe shaken by the whole fiancé affair. Elara felt a twinge of sympathy. 'Being a rich heiress isn't all it's cracked up to be,' she thought.

The younger woman eagerly i

not a fa

"I'm Vespera Stone," the other woman said, though her tone was more reserved. Mona nodded with a friendly smile.

The morning flew by. Barbara quickly fit in at the design department, becoming the center of attention while Mona was left on the sidelines.

"Mona, let's have lunch together! We haven't eaten at the company cafeteria together yet," Barbara said, linking arms with Mona as if they were the closest of sisters.

Mona didn't refuse-she often ate with Barbara anyway.

At lunch, it was clear how popular Barbara was with the team. What was meant to be a meal for two quickly turned into a large group gathering, with Barbara soaking up all the attention and seemingly forgetting Mona was even there. Mona didn't mind, though. After finishing her meal, she made a quick call to arrange for someone to pick up a package from Clem Group's entrance.

It was time to mail the paternity test results showing that Barbara was Jeremy's biological daughter. Mona made sure that every member of the Clem family, including herself, would get a copy.

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