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    Chapter The moment the car stopped, Albert rushed inside, worried Barbara might have been waiting too long.


    After Maxwell parked, Mona took his hand, walking with him inside. She wasn''t sure if Barbara had really fallen down the stairs or if she was staging the whole thing to gain sympathy.


    By the time they reached the door, Beatrice opened it. She was a bit surprised to see Mona, but after ushering Albert in. Beatrice warmly tried to take Mona''s hand. Mona quickly stepped behind Maxwell, avoiding her touch. This was the person who had killed her mother. Mona didn''t even want to pretend anymore.


    Maxwell, having spent enough time with Mona by now, could tell she didn''t like Beatrice and Barbara. He didn''t like them much either, so he stepped in front of Mona, shielding her. Beatrice''s face faltered for a moment but quickly returned to its usual friendly expression. Awkwardly, she said, "Mona, there you are. Come in, Barbara''s in her room. She refused to go to the hospital after falling down the stairs. It breaks my heart." Mona gave a slight nod, not reacting much. If Barbara had really fallen down the stairs, she would''ve gone to the hospital to ensure her health. Clearly, she was ying it up for sympathy, targeting Albert, Jeremy, and even her grandparents.


    Although they had both been driven out of the Clem family by their grandparents, it would be abnormal to say that they didn''t have any feelings after so many years of growing up together. And there was also herself to consider. After all, her rtionship with them used to be quite good.


    As Mona and Maxwell made their way to Barbara''s room, Beatrice stole nces at Maxwell. A few days ago, when she had suggested Barbara marry into the Powers family, Barbara had outright refused, saying she wouldn''t marry Teddy. If she was going to marry someone, it it would be Maxwell, Mona''s husband. At first,


    Beatrice had been opposed to the idea. After all, Maxwell had a reputation for being an illegitimate child. Someone like that couldn''t be a match for Barbara. But now, knowing Barbara''s intentions, Beatrice began to observe Maxwell closely. Not only was he handsome, but he was also kind to Mona. He might just be suitable for Barbara after all, especially since he was the CEO of the Carter Group,


    When the two entered Barbara''s room, Mona immediately saw Barbara''s swollen ankle, apanied by some redness. Noticing the tearful look in Barbara''s eyes, Mona thought to herself, "Wow, Barbara sure goes hard on herself.


    Now that she was here, Mona had to leave a good impression on Albert, slowly letting him see Barbara''s true colors for himself. She said calmly, "Barbara, your ankle looks pretty bad. Maybe you should go to the hospital to have it checked out?" Mona''s suggestion was exactly what Albert had been thinking. Grateful, he added, "Yeah, Barbara. You should really get it checked. You might hurt the bone."


    But Barbara shook her head, looking pitiful "There''s no driver at home. It''s such a hassle to go to the hospital. I don''t think it''s that serious. I''ll be fine in a few days"


    She spoke so softly and with such vulnerability that anyone listening would feel sympathy for her.


    Ever since she and Beatrice had left the Clem family, their quality of life had significantly declined. Back then, Beatrice hadn''t worked and relied entirely on the allowance from the Clem family: With little savings, they couldn''t afford luxuries like a driver or a maid. Jeremy would sneak them some money asionally, but it was just enough to keep them in nice


    clothes.


    Barbara''s words made Albert''s heart ache. He couldn''t believe that Barbara was enduring this because of ack of resources. It made him want to beg his grandparents to take them back into the Clem family. Without hesitation, he said, "That''s no problem. drove us here. He might be willing to take you to the hospital."  GY. 08:21


    "Maxwell, will this trouble you?" Barbara asked, batting her watery eyes at him, her gaze filled with longing. Her eyes were big, sparkling with tears, reflecting the light like little stars. OKS75%0 ORS!


    Most men wouldn''t be able to resist taking a second look, but Maxwell wasn''t like most men. While Barbara was talking t him, his attention had been entirely on Mona. From the moment they had walked through the door, he hadn''t looked at Barbara once. Casually, he replied, "I''ll follow Mona''s lead."


    That wasn''t the response Barbara had hoped for. She felt a surge of frustration. However, her "ident" had allowed her to see Maxwell, which was a win. Slowly, she would work her charm and win his heart. Mona, on the other hand, shot Albert a look of annoyance. She wished they''d just sent a driver instead. This way, Maxwell wouldn''t have to take Barbara to the hospital. But since Albert had already eagerly carried Barbara outside, there wasn''t much Mona could do. She whispered to Maxwell, Tm sorry, Maxwell. If I had known, we wouldn''t havee." Maxwell gently replied. "It''s fine."


    Outside, Albert had already carried Barbara to the car. Noticing that Maxwell and Mona were still behind, he called out, "Mona. Maxwell, hurry up!"


    On our way." Mona replied reluctantly, walking with Maxwell toward the car.


    Barbara, noticing they were still a little ways behind, whispered in Albert''s ear, "Albert, can I sit in the front seat? There''s more space, and it''ll be easier to rest my leg. I''m just worried Mona won''t be fine with it."


    Her voice was s soft, meant only for Albert''s ears.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Upon


    hearing Barbara''s words, Albert felt that she was overthinking things. He felt it was strange that Barbara would be embarrassed topete with Mona for a spot as the front seat. Of course, it''s fine. It''s just a seat," Albert said.


    With that, Albert, without a second thought, picked Barbara up and carried her to the front passenger door, waiting for Maxwell to open it.


    When they arrived, Albert said, "Mona, let Barbara sit in the front passenger seat. It''s bigger there, and she''ll be morefortable.


    He knew Mona would probably agree to it. He just wanted to make sure neither of his sisters got upset over this. He was caught in the middle, and it was a tough spot.


    Hearing Albert''s words, Mona wanted nothing more than to twist his ear and give him a good lesson. Mona thought, ''Doesn''t he know that the front passenger seat is reserved for me?'' Maxwell''s front seat was Mona''s exclusive spot, and she wouldn''t agree to it. Just as she was about to refuse, Maxwell coldly interjected, "No way. The front passenger seat is only for Mona. If she doesn''t want to sit in the back, I don''t mind paying for her to take a cab.


    even gotten ny people he''d drive to the hospital at thiste bour. If it hadn''t been for Mona, these two wouldn''t have


    There weren''t


    even gotten near his car, especially Barbara. Maxwell thought, ''Sitting in the front? Not a chance