The Queen's Back

shook her head. "Ms. Clem, all your clothes are in your walk-in closet. What's wrong? Don't you like them?"

ha nodded. "Yeah, I'm not really into pink." Especially that dress she chose-completely hideous.

Looking back, she couldn't believe how clueless she was in her past life, letting Barbara talk her into wearing something so tacky just to please Teddy. Now, it seemed so brainless.

Barbara had always gone on about how Teddy loved seeing her in pink, saying it made her look extra cute. Mona bought into it back then, but now, staring at those clothes, she wondered what she was even thinking. They didn't match her style at all.

"If you don't like them, we'll just get new ones. My precious granddaughter can have whatever she wants. Go grab the latest Clem family dresses and let Ms. Clem pick one," Jane Clem said as she walked in. Mona turned and immediately linked arms with her grandmother, smiling brightly.

Mona still vividly remembered how, in her past life, her grandmother fainted from shock after seeing her broken body from the fall. When Jane finally woke up, it was like she'd aged ten years overnight. "Grandma, you're the the best. I love you and Grandpa the most," Mona said as she snuggled up to Jane. But deep down, she worried about how her grandmother would react once the engagement surprise unfolded later. 'Will she be upset?' Mona wondered. But she knew it wasn't the right time to explain anything yet. If she spilled the beans now, they might cancel the engagement altogether. That would ruin her chance to expose Barbara and Teddy's true colors in front of everyone and completely wreck Barbara's reputation. "Oh, come on now, you're about to get engaged, and you're still acting like a little girl," Jane teased, though her gentle hand brushing through Mona's hair and the warm smile on her face gave away just how much she adored her granddaughter. "Grandma, what if I suddenly decide I don't want to go through with the engagement? Would you be upset?" Mona asked.

"Did

wid Teddy do something to you? If you don't want to get engaged, Grandpa and I will back you up, no questions asked. We just wanted to see you settled down while we're still around. But if you're really against it I'll have your grandpa call it off right now." Jane's tone

t

but firm.

She made it clear that the Powers family was fortunate to even have this chance with the Clem family, and if they mistreated Mona, there'd be no engagement.

Mona quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. "No, he's been really nice to me." Nice, indeed-nice enough to cheat on her with her cousin.

Just then, Barbara stepped out of her room with a sweet smile. "Congrats on your engagement today, Mona! Teddy's so good to you; you're going to be so happy together."

Barbara's smile was nauseatingly sweet, the kind that made her seem like a kind and gentle girl. In her past life, Mona had believed that too-until Barbara and Teddy pushed her off the building. Only then did she see the venom behind that fake sweetness.

"Thanks, Barbara," Mona said flatly, before quickly pulling Jane toward her closet. She didn't want to waste any more time chatting with Barbara. Before leaving, she gave Barbara a look filled with loathing. This time, she was set on getting her revenge.

Left behind, Barbara clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. Just wait, Mona. Once I get my hands on the Clem family shares, we'll see how smug you are. I'm here congratulating you out of courtesy, and you can't even acknowledge me. When I control the Clem Group, I'll make you kneel and beg for mercy, Barbara thought, seething with

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212

The engagement ceremony was moving along. Mona was in the dressing room, getting her makeup done and changing into her dress, while the Clem family mingled with the guests outside. A knock on the door interrupted Mona's thoughts, she signaled the makeup artists to pause. When the door opened, Teddy walked in and was struck by how stunning Mona looked. Today, she was different-far more beautiful. Her dress was a classy white that showed off her slender waist perfectly. "Mona, you look look gorgeous today," Teddy said with a smile. If she always dressed like this, maybe marrying her wouldn't be so bad-he could actually be attracted to her. Mona him a cold look and who's prettier-me Barbara?"

Moher, Teddy's looks were nothing compared to Maxwell's. In fact, he wasn't even in the same league. 'How did I ever fall for him?" Mona wondered.

To her,

Teddy reached out to take her hand, but Mona slapped it away with a look of disgust. "Of course, you're the prettiest. To me, you're the most beautiful woman ever," Teddy said, forcing a smile.

In truth, Mona didn't interest him at all. Her usual childish outfits and constant clinginess made him cringe. Barbara, on the other hand, was his ideal-sweet, delicate, and charming. But he had to admit, Mona did look amazing today. Mona chuckled and said, "Glad to hear that. Now, please leave-I'm not done with my makeup yet."

I

As Teddy left, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Mona today. Normally, she'd be all over him, but today she even pulled away when he tried to hold her hand. He recalled her earlier question and quickly concluded she must be jealous of Barbara. The thought made him smirk as he walked out of f the room. eleven

Al

in the morning, the engagement ceremony kicked off. Mona's father, Jeremy, walked her up to the stage, where she took her place next to Teddy. The Clem family's banquet hall was lavishly decorated, with top-notch guests from Nathontown's elite filling the room. As they watched the couple on stage, many nodded in approval. While the Powers family wasn't exactly on par with the Clems their son had managed to win Mona's favor-something not everyone could pull off.

The emcee went on and on about how great the couple was, but Mona kept a cool, tight-lipped smile. This engagement might look just like the last one, but the outcome would be anything but the same.

Mona was starting to get anxious though-Maxwell still hadn't shown up. 'Did he change his mind?' she wondered. If he didn't show, she'd call off the engagement anyway. But honestly, a dramatic scene with a groom cheating on the bride with her cousin and then the bride publicly switching fiancés would be way more thrilling. Barbara, watching from the crowd, noticed Mona wasn't in the pink dress she'd suggested. 'Why isn't she wearing the dress I picked out?' Barbara thought, feeling frustrated. She had hoped Mona would embarrass herself today, but it seemed like that wasn't going to happen.

After the emcee's speech, Teddy got down on one knee, looking up at Mona with what he thought was deep affection. "Mona, I love you. Let me protect you for the rest of my life." He held out a sparkling diamond ring. Mona glanced at it, amused. The ring was one she'd bought herself. Teddy expected applause after his big declaration, but instead, he heard only whispers and murmurs from the crowd. Something was definitely wrong.