The Queen's Back

"Grandpa, Grandma, we'll head out now," Maxwell said naturally, holding onto Mona's hand as they said goodbye to her grandparents. What no one could tell was that the moment he grabbed her hand, his heart started racing like it might jump out of his chest at any second. hands, they walked out together. Mona did her best to keep a graceful pace, hoping to make a good impression on Maxwell. Her heart was racing so fast she could hear it thudding in her chest, and she wondered if Maxwell could hear it too. they got to the car, Maxwell opened the back door for Mona and carefully helped her in, making sure she didn't bump her head. "Thanks," Mona said, a bit shy.

"It's my pleasure to serve a beauty," Maxwell replied with a smile as he walked around to the other side and took his seat next to Mona.

Mona felt like her heart was about to leap out of her chest; it was nothing like how she felt with Teddy. And Maxwell-he was just too smooth with his words! She couldn't help but be swept off her feet; she was totally head over heels.

As soon as Maxwell sat down, he noticed the way Mona was looking at him, with a hint of affection in her eyes. For a moment, he thought she might actually like him, but he quickly brushed it off as wishful thinking. "There are so many people in Nathontown-why'd you pick me to be your fiancé?" Maxwell's deep voice cut through the silence.

Mona frowned a bit; if she just said she liked him, even she wouldn't buy it, let alone him. "Well... you're handsome, rich, and you turned the mess your brother left into the successful Carter Group. You're clearly capable, with plenty of people admiring you. And honestly, you're way better than Teddy. Marrying you isn't a bad deal for me. Oh, and I'll be transferring my shares of Clem Group to you in a few days! Mona's tone was casual. She didn't feel attached to the shares that would otherwise go to Barbara. She'd rather give them to Maxwell, hoping that maybe one day, he could even take control of the Clem family business. After all, Albert was like a kid who never grew up, totally unfit to run a company. "There's no rush. We're getting married anyway, so whether the shares are with you or me, it doesn't really matter," Maxwell said casually, though his eyes never left Mona. Hearing what she said, he felt a wave of relief, thankful he had taken over the Carter Group when he did. When Maxwell brought up marriage, Mona instinctively nodded. She was already set on marrying him. "Sure, whatever works."

The Bentley rolled into the gated community in North Nathontown and stopped in front of the Carter family mansion. When they got out, the driver waited with their gifts. Maxwell naturally took Mona's hand again as they walked up to the mansion together. As they walked in, the butler, Martin Hughes, greeted them respectfully. "Mr. Maxwell Carter, Mr. Gordon Carter is here

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Martin was talking about Maxwell's half-brother, Gordon Carter. Raised in the Carter family, Gordon had taken over the Carter Group a few years ago but almost ruined it. Maxwell had to step in and clean up the mess before eventually taking over as CEO.

As soon as Mona stepped inside, she could hear the buzz of conversation coming from the living room.

"Grandpa, Grandma, how could Maxwell get engaged without even telling us? Doesn't that show he doesn't care about us at all?" Gordon's voice carried through the room.

"Mom, Dad, Gordon's right. And let's not forget Mona was publicly cheated on by her fiancé-how is she even good enough for Maxwell?" Juliet Carter, Maxwell's stepmother, added. With Maxwell in charge of the Carter family now, getting the Clem

family's backing could mess up her own son's chances. "Well, well, what's everyone chatting about so excitedly? If I'm not good enough for Maxwell, then who in Nathontown is?" Mona said with a hint of a smile, her gaze fixed sharply on Juliet. Juliet hadn't expected to be caught talking badly about. Mona, and the cold stare from Monal sent a shiver down her spine. "Oh, you must be my stepmother, the second daughter of the Stamper family. I heard from my grandpa that the Stamper family has been trying to win us over with gifts to get the South Nathontown project. But seeing how things are now, maybe he was overthinking it. I'll make sure he knows not to accept any more gifts from your family.

"What do you think, Grandpa, Grandma?" Mona said with a serious look, letting go of Maxwell's hand as she sat down next to his grandparents. "By the way, Grandpa, Grandina, Dad, let me introduce myself. I'm Mona Clem, the eldest daughter of the Clem family and Maxwell's fiancée. "Oh, yes, yes. Mona's absolutely right. I'm just glad Maxwell finally decided to get married before I pass on. All I want is to see some great-grandchildren!" Richard Carter, Maxwell's grandfather, said enthusiastically.

Unlike Richard's warm response, Maxwell's grandmother, Stephanie Carter, and his father, Donald Carter, remained noticeably indifferent. They just gave slight nods, still annoyed that Maxwell hadn't told them about his engagement to Mona.

"Oh, I was just talking nonsense earlier. Please don't take it to heart, Mona," Juliet said with an apologetic smile, trying to smooth things over.

With Richard not raising any objections, neither Gordon nor the others could say much more. Juliet was still worried about the Stamper family's business; if Mona really told her grandpa, all their recent efforts might be for nothing.

No one noticed that from the moment Mona walked in, Gordon hadn't taken his eyes off her. He'd heard rumors that Ms. Clem was tasteless and dim-witted, always following Teddy around. But seeing her in person, he realized she was stunning- her skin was so smooth it looked like it could be pinched to produce water.

The bright red slip dress she wore made her skin glow even more, and her almond-shaped eyes seemed to have a magnetic pull. He couldn't help but feel an intense attraction, wanting nothing more than to be with her right then and there. During lunch, Gordon deliberately sat across from Mona so he could watch her while eating. He felt he could enjoy the meal a bit more with such a view.

Maxwell, sitting next to Mona, quickly noticed Gordon's lecherous behavior. He wanted to take Mona and leave right away, but seeing Richard's pleased expression, he decided to hold back, though he shot several warning glares at Gordon. Gordon, however, didn't seem bothered at all and shamelessly kept his eyes fixed on Mona's chest with a roguish look.